Fall 2018

the Scoop

Wildfire Season: ARF to the RescueARF Spearheads Rescue Efforts During Carr Fire

Shelter toServiceARF Alumni Land Exciting Jobs!

Tony La Russa’s

Award-WinningTraining ProgramHonored Again

Sit.Stay.Smile.

c

Within weeks of launch, a Purina® Dog Chow® sponsored BuzzFeed video highlighting ARF’s Pets and Vets program logged millions of social media views. The video features veterans speaking about how ARF-rescued psychiatric service dogs changed their lives as they cope with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. “ARF has placed more than 600 animals with military families, including 45 potential service dogs this year,” said Elena Bicker, ARF’s executive director. “This generous support and exposure from Dog Chow® helps us grow and expand our training model nationally.” Through Veterans Day, Dog Chow® will donate $1 to ARF for each unique video share on Facebook. A second video launches mid-September.

With affordable spay/neuter services being one of the most important offerings in the world of animal welfare, ARF is proud to announce expansion of our Stephen Ball Mobile Clinic. In addition to providing services every Thursday outside local Pet Food Express locations, we will now be visiting the city of Antioch every other Monday, directly across the street from Antioch Animal Services, to offer our clinic’s services to the public. Prices range from $50-$90, including special discounts for Chihuahuas and Pit Bulls. The schedule addition is part of our initiative to reduce the number of unwanted litters in the community, which in turn reduces the number of at-risk animals in public shelters.

Pets and Vets Goes Viral

Expanding ARF’s Mobile Footprint

Adoption Hours Wed - Thu:

Fri:Sat - Sun:

Noon - 6 pmNoon - 7 pmNoon - 6 pm

Wendy Taylor-Tanielian, Scoop EditorCole Kuiper, Scoop Art and Production

2890 Mitchell DriveWalnut Creek, CA 94598(925) 256-1273www.arflife.org

Board of DirectorsTony La Russa, Co-Founder & ChairmanGregory L. McCoy, Esq., PresidentJennifer Hall, Vice PresidentKara Carter, SecretaryNeal Mitchell, TreasurerSteve DegnanMorgan ForseyJim HeimTimothy KrischBianca LaRussaSteven C. ParrishDayna SayresJohn Steiner

ARF Executive StaffElena Bicker, Executive DirectorStephanie Chew, Development DirectorElaine Durkin, Finance DirectorStephanie Erickson, Operations DirectorTracy Gimbel, Animal Programs Director

youtube.com/tlrarf

youtube.com/tlrarf

@tlrarf • #arfadoptions

facebook.com/tlrarf

@tlrarf • #arfadoptions

@ARFtweets • @ARFadoptions

On the Cover: MollyMolly is a unique Black Merle Pomeranian rescued from an animal hoarding situation.

Her ARF adopter wasn’t expecting to adopt, but was instantly smitten. She told us Molly is, “the sweetest dog” and that she just, “wants to be everybody’s friend.”

c dogchow.com/servicec arflife.org/petsandvetsc facebook.com/tlrarf

Watch and share at

ccc

A Message from the Executive Director

This annual celebration offers us the opportunity to appreciate not only the physical space we have to carry out our mission, but the lives – animal and human – who’ve passed through the doors as the embodiment of People Rescuing Animals…Animals Rescuing People®.

Saving animals with uncertain futures and placing them in safe, loving homes remains the core of our operation. ARF has placed nearly 40,000 animals in homes since our founding, and we consistently exceed our annual adoption goals. From expansion of our mobile spay and neuter clinics, award-winning dog training programs (page 11) to our Pet Safety Net, we constantly work to break down barriers to adoption and keep animals in caring homes and out of shelters.

Through the years, as we’ve discovered new ways to promote the human-animal bond and improve animal welfare, we’ve been fortunate to enhance ARF’s core mission with additional programming. This month, you’ll read about our shelter-to-service animals (page 8), who not only find adoring homes but also a mission through work and service skills. The success of our rescued animals in service reduces breeding programs by toppling the stereotype that only pure bred dogs excel in service. We’re thrilled to work with several partners in areas from health to public safety to identify service animals. Of course, we’re beyond proud of own Pets and Vets service dog training program, which will graduate our second class with more than 15 veteran and dog teams in October.

And while our service rescues may find their families through non-traditional adoptions, we’re also proud to take in animals whenever and wherever they need us most, including national disasters and cruelty cases. Our latest wildfire rescue (page 6) found ARF once again acting as first responders and coordinating Bay Area evacuation efforts. Our team evacuated adoptable animals from a partner shelter

as the unpredictable Carr Fire burned within two miles of the site and ash rained down. This effort not only allowed these animals to find homes sooner, but allowed our partners to concentrate on reuniting displaced animals.

I’ve never been prouder of our amazing staff, volunteers, and foster families, who didn’t waver as we took in an additional 90 adoptable animals that included many seniors and special-needs cases. And, thanks to the remarkable adoption response, these animals quickly found homes, and we returned to our scheduled public shelter rescues the next week.

They say, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” Your continuing support allows us to constantly move the goal lines, innovate, and expand opportunities to save more lives. We’re grateful for our co-founders, board, staff, and volunteers, who constantly push to not only do more, but also do it better.

We’ve come a long way. Yet with each passing year, we feel we’re only getting started. Thank you for taking this journey with us. We are excited for the future.

ARF recently celebrated the 15th anniversary of our Walnut Creek, CA headquarters. Time flies when you’re saving lives!

Executive Director

3

Leaders & Legends

ARIA Resort & CasinoLas Vegas, NV

Wine & Whiskers

ARF HeadquartersWalnut Creek, CA

UpcomingARF EventsJoin us at these upcoming events to support ARF’s life-saving programs for animals and people.

For more information, as well as a full list of upcoming ARF events, classes, youth programs, mobile adoptions, mobile clinics, and more, visit arflife.org/calendar.

Join Tony La Russa and icons of sports, business, and military for an amazing Las Vegas weekend.

Treat yourself to an evening of wine, food, silent auction, and adorable ARF animals.

8-11Nov.

8Sept.

An A’s fan holds up his pooch at the Oakland Coliseum.

ARF staff and Co-founder Elaine LaRussa kick off the Pet Walk.

With the 2018 baseball season almost in the books, ARF is grateful for another season of teaming up with our friends at AvoDerm® and Nylabone® for Bark at the Park. Animal-lovers in eight cities across the country, including New York, Los Angeles, and Oakland, were able to watch their favorite baseball teams play ball, with their furry friends sitting right next to them at the game. With proceeds benefiting ARF, these games are a great way to promote adoption across the nation, while enjoying a great time out alongside your dog.

Pets and Baseball Join Forces at Bark at the Park

Downtown Walnut Creek once again hosted thousands of animal-lovers (and their furry friends) this spring for another successful Animals on Broadway. The event surpassed its fundraising goal, raising $106,000 for ARF’s life-saving programs. We are grateful to the outpouring of support from volunteers, generous sponsors, and the amazing involvement of so many in the community. Thank you for helping to save lives.

Another Great Year atAnimals on Broadway

4

Paint your pet at this artsy fundraiser. Our expert instructor guides you the whole way!

Camp ARF returns for a day of fun and learning on the Monday after Veterans Day.

ARF HeadquartersWalnut Creek, CA

Paws & Relax

Nov.

Veterans Day Camp

ARF HeadquartersWalnut Creek, CA

Stars to the Rescue

Sound check! The stars are out to save lives at this star-studded night of entertainment.

Lesher Center for the ArtsWalnut Creek, CA3 12

Nov.26Jan.

Sportscaster Bob Costas

Adm. William H. McRaven Capt. Christopher Cassidy

Best-selling novelist John Grisham

Don’t miss out on a fabulous evening of specialty beer and wine, delicious hors d’oeuvres, amazing silent auction items, ARF’s famous Pet Hug Pack® and some of the cutest adoptable animals you’ll ever see! Wine & Whiskers 2018 is here and make sure YOU are too! Tickets to this year’s Walnut Creek event available now at arf.ejoinme.org/wineandwhiskers.

Wine & WhiskersSaturday, September 8

Brush shoulders with Hall of Famers and Olympic gold medalists. Climb inside the minds of business titans. Personally thank America’s heroes (including Medal of Honor recipients). You never know who you’ll meet or what wisdom you’ll encounter at ARF’s Leaders & Legends. This exclusive event at the Aria Resort and Casino offers once-in-a-lifetime views of what inspires some of the most accomplished individuals. Early confirmed speakers include Emmy-winning sportscaster Bob Costas, best-selling novelist John Grisham, astronaut Christopher Cassidy, and more!

To register, please contact Steve Webster at stevewebster@cmpr.net or (310) 426-9900.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Weekend at

Leaders and Legends

Thursday, Nov. 8 - Sunday, Nov. 11Aria Resort & Casino

Las Vegas, NV

5

As an experienced disaster-relief partner, ARF recently spearheaded Bay Area animal evacuation efforts during Northern California’s devastating Carr Fire. Over the course of multiple rescues, 140 adoptable animals were removed from Haven Humane Society in Redding, which found itself just two miles from the fire. Ninety of these animals were relocated to ARF’s headquarters for care and adoption, with the others being diverted to partner shelters around Northern California. This created desperately needed local space for fire-displaced pets and provided a better opportunity for adoption outside the disaster zone, as the local community rebuilds. It also left ARF caring for a near-capacity shelter population that included many senior, special-needs, and stressed animals.

The Nestlé Purina Training Center, which usually hosts public dog training classes or Pets and Vets service dog training, was quickly converted into extra dog holding space, as well as a medical triage location. Each animal evacuee received complete medical and behavioral assessment, as well as some extra TLC to reduce anxiety and better prepare them for adoption to a forever home. Soft music played in holding areas, while broken legs were examined, teeth were cleaned, ear infections were treated, and treats were distributed. Our spay/neuter clinic booked a full schedule to have these animals ready to find their

new families. The following week, hearing about the rescue efforts on the news, animal-lovers flocked to the shelter to adopt.

It takes a village to pull off a spur-of-the-moment operation like this, and without our hard-working volunteers, our expert staff, and our generous supporters, ARF might not be able to step up when precious animal lives are on the line. We’d like to give a special thanks to our friends at VCA Animal Hospitals for their support during this crisis and securing much-needed medical equipment to help ARF’s clinic facilitate the intake of these animals.

ARF to the Rescue During NorthernCalifornia Wildfires

ARF staff member Bob and volunteer Janelle load Crawford, a senior German Shepherd mix, into the intake vehicle at Haven Humane Society.

The first step in the intake proccess is a trip to ARF’s clinic.6

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that it never hurts to have a plan for when disaster strikes. One of the most important things you can do to help ensure the safety of your pets during times of crisis is keeping a pet “go-bag” in your home, just in case you are forced to leave at a moment’s notice. Here are a few of the things ARF recommends you keep in your bag:

Be Prepared - Keep a “Go-Bag”

• 3 days worth of dry or wet (canned) food

• Extra leash, harness, and collar

• Any pet medication

• First-aid kit Self-cling bandages

Gauze & medical tape

Antiseptic wipes/powder/spray

Hydrogen peroxide

Scissors & tweezers

• 2 collapsible bowls for food and water

• Important paperwork

Proof of vaccination

Health history

Proof of ownership

Photo of pet (in case you get separated)

• Comfort items

Toys

Blanket

Favorite treats

Bed/bedding

• Flashlight with charged batteries

7

Shelter ServiceTwo years ago, Flash, a Pointer-mix roamed the streets of Antioch, CA as a stray. Today, she strides confidently from Sacramento Fire Department vehicles into suspected arson sites. Bandit was a stray Terrier in Tehama County, sniffing around for his next meal. Now, he’s using those olfactory skills while training to assist diabetic patients.

They look different. They have different backstories. However, they share a love for challenges and a job well done. These are some of the dogs who ARF rescued from uncertain shelter fates, only to find they have an opportunity for a home and vocation through service dog training.

“When you’re talking about service animals, what’s on the outside actually matters very little,” said ARF Animal Programs Director Tracy Gimbel. “For service, you need a dog that’s highly motivated, eager to learn, engaged, but not reactive. That obviously can align with certain breeds, but we’ve seen these traits in a number of animals, including mixed breeds, who make incredible service dogs.”

Benefits of using shelter dogs for service range from finding stable, consistent families for a homeless animal to a reduction of breeding practices specifically to achieve a certain genetic mix.

to

Before being rescued into ARF’s Pets and Vets program, 3-year-old Pit Bull mix Katie had a tumultuous background. She was a stray who had been hit by a car and left abandoned and injured, at a public shelter. ARF’s Pets and Vets team recognized her potential and paired her with David, a US Marine Corps veteran, who had been suffering from the effect of post-traumatic stress disorder since returning to civilian life.

“Before having Katie, I wouldn’t leave the house,” David explained, “I have two little girls and they get to have their dad back. She’s not just helping me, she’s helping my family.”

Katie is one of many amazing rescue-dogs-turned-service-dogs who has graduated from Pets and Vets alongside their veteran handlers. The program continues to grow, maximizing our mission of saving lives at both ends of the leash.

Katie: ARF Pets and Vets

8

Yet while many recognize inclusion of specially selected shelter dogs for service as a positive step for both service and animal welfare, it will require some evolution in thinking and breaking of stereotypes. This summer, Delta Air Lines announced a policy restricting any Pit Bull mix service dogs, a decision that can affect veterans in ARF’s own service training program, Pets and Vets. ARF responded to multiple media requests regarding integration of service animals, while prioritizing safety of the public and animals.

“The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) currently contains language indicating service animals must be trained to behave appropriately in public and can be removed or restricted if they pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others or cause significant disruption,” said ARF Executive Director Elena Bicker in response to the controversy. “We believe decisions to restrict a service animal should be based on their individual behavior as the law states, and not a blanket policy based on how a dog looks.”

As more shelter animals receive the opportunity for service training, ARF will remain active, providing information, dispelling myths and making certain every animal qualified to serve is treated fairly with the opportunity to truly be an, “animal rescuing people.”

Catch up on recent ARF stories, including a five-part series on Pets and Vets at arflife.org.

ARF in the News

The first shelter dog to join the life-saving efforts of Dogs4Diabetics, Bandit is currently hard at work training to become a medical-alert assistance dog or “Diabetes Buddy Dog.” He has been practicing his scent work skills at the Nylabone® Training Center in Concord, CA and spent some time traveling the country with Dogs 4 Diabetics founder Mark Ruefenacht to get used to loud trips on trains, meet-and-greets with strange animals, and even airplane flights.

Flash spends her afternoons in the husks of burnt homes, sniffing out clues for fire investigators. Part of a pilot program in California’s capitol city, she is trained to search for trace accelerants, like diesel fuel, which could point to arson as the fire’s origin. Her handler and guardian, Sharon McIntyre of the Sacramento Fire Department, is proud of Flash’s shelter dog background, telling KCRA News “We took what was the dog that nobody wanted and turned her into a tool that actually saves lives.”

Flash: Sacramento FDBandit: Dogs4Diabetics

9

It’s common to see the face and hear the voice of Gary Parkhurst around ARF’s Walnut Creek headquarters. Parkhurst works in multiple areas, but is best known for his gifted communication skills, from greeting visitors to adoption counselling to community outreach, spreading the word about ARF’s work. However, it’s hard not to recognize that smile on his face when he’s walking our canine guests.

“I enjoy literally everything I do at ARF,” Parkhurst said. “I suspect it’s because I get so much joy being around the dogs and cats. And quite frankly the volunteers and staff I work with are amazing and a joy to be around.”

The feeling is mutual. Parkhurst was honored with the 2018 Community Leader designation at August’s Volunteer Appreciation Event.

“At ARF, I’m contributing to the effort of saving lives, and I am grateful that I have an opportunity to do so,” Parkhurst said.

Is there anything cuter than waking up to the precious purring of kittens every morning? Welcome to the lives of our amazing foster network! From kittens, to puppies, to adult animals needing a little TLC, these generous families open their heart and home to the most vulnerable shelter animals and help prepare them for their forever homes. Does the foster life sound right up your alley? Sign up for a Foster Orientation session (online or in-person) at arflife.org/foster.

Volunteer Spotlight:

Gary Parkhurst

The Kitten Comforts of Fostering with ARF

Gary at home with his Labradoodle, Charley.

10

The Magazine

of the East Bay

BestOF THE

EastBay

➸Superstar, style icon, and hometown hero Zendaya

tops our annual list of local favorites

100winners,

including:

RECORD-BREAKING BASKETBALL COACH

FIERCE FEMME FITNESS

TRI-VALLEY STRIPTEASE

NAUTICAL EATS

BARBER TO THE STARS

PAMPERED PET GETAWAY

KID-FRIENDLY NIGHTCLUB

PARTY-PLANNINGPROS

SUMMER STYLE EXPERTS

INSTAGRAM-WORTHY ICE CREAM

HIPSTER-APPROVED COCKTAILS

For the fourth consecutive year, ARF is pleased to accept the crown of “Best Dog Training in the East Bay” from Diablo Magazine. Winners of the annual awards are voted on by the magazine’s readers honoring a wide variety of people and locales.

Diablo Magazine’s annual feature also included an interview with one of ARF’s star dog trainers, Kylie Reed. Kylie explained that the important part of ARF’s program isn’t for our trainers to personally shape the behavior of dogs in our classes, but to give the dogs’ guardians the ability to be working within the training lifestyle in-and-out of the classes. In her words, “The goal is to help people learn how to train their dogs. I do a lot of human coaching and a lot of cheerleading. Helping others understand [how] they can work and bond with their dog more is one of my favorite things.”

ARF’s dynamic dog training classes are a fantastic way to spend quality time alongside your pooch, both bonding and learning side-by-side. Brush up on Basic Manners or take it to the next level with

Basic Manners II. Try your paw at unique specialty classes like Tricks, Agility, or Canine Good Citizen. ARF’s trainers even host biweekly Puppy Socials for the youngest canine members of your family to get much-needed supervised socialization.

For more information, a complete schedule of classes, or to sign up, please visit arflife.org/dog-training.

Award-Winning Dog Training Program Honored Again

ARF dog trainers hold classes both inside of our Nestlé Purina Pavilion and our outdoor agility field.11

AchillesDonna Oldag

Amy ArimotoBingham Osborn & Scarborough LLC

Arlene TerrisGary Hymel

Barbara, Betty, Bosco, Buddy, Molly, Patches, Suzie, Sammie, Tabby

Barbara L. FioricaBenny Smith

Glenn and Diane ColacurciBilly Martin

Bay Cities Refuse Service, Inc.Brad Carmel

The Foundation of Athletes Relying on TelevisionBud Rice

Susan PlumbBuddy Gallagher

Terrance P. and Sibylle M. O’MalleyBuddy Kat

Dolores B. McCoskeyBuddy

John and Ellen WallaceButch

Nick CostaCarlene Scheidtmann

Barbara MorrisseyCarlene

Margaret SchlobohmCarol Lind

Hedwig Van Den BroeckCash Gallagher

Renee D. and Christopher J. GallagherCelesta Gambina

Dana GuptaChip

Jo Ellen FrancisClark Peters

Richard CoulterCooper

Cheryl A. Foss-MeynDaisy

Hazel and Robert BillingsDaniel Straface

Becky and Keith A. MarrDarlene L. Barnett

Carousel Industries of North AmericaDawn Tamaribuchi

Shireen EckhardtDelilah

Alice CarrDonald Gepson

Matt Easton

Dorothea WilliamsBonnie Shumaker

Edith MorreyPatricia Berrey and Diane Wolf

Eleanor Ann ThomsenRuss Hall

Ellie KabrichDebra A. Kabrich and Denise M. Nelson

Fabyn HansonAnna R. and Rocky Howington

FriendlyDavid Geiger

Furby RammellJudith M. and David Gavin

Grushenka of Villa CaosEdward J. Leiter

Heather DarlingSusan J. Cole

HunterElena and Bill Bicker

IndyDonna Maionchi

Iva SegalmanJudy DunnePearl LinTiziana HaugTzejou Yeh

IzzieErica Garas

Jack Brady-SmithJoann M. Biondi

Jane LairdBarbara Jeanne Glenn and Charlie

Jeffrey BausAlan WoodberryBuzz and Mary Claire HoeverDonna WhiteEric and Edith JulineErnest MortensenJ. Thomas MacyRobert SciuttoTheresa HoeverWard and Polly WolffWinifred Smith

Jo Ellyn TaylorJudith A. Taylor

Joan RuedaThe Staff at Lafayette Elementary

Joe NavarroAlan L. and Johnni J. RossConnie PeakDiane BuickKaren WoodLauren JonesRona K. and Michael J. PehrsonStarr D. FennStephen L. and Karen S. Kinsey

Joey ChaknovaIsabel I. Sears

John Harvey JohnsonWilliam Prather

JohnSally L. and Kit Woolsey

Joseph Francis McCarthyAngela and Brian StembridgeAnthony SerpaBlake & Kelli NuckolsBrian & Angela Stembridge &

Jacob, Justin & JohnCarolyn and Danny StewartCatharine GrayDawn SanchezEdith MartignettiElena and Bill BickerJeff KarlJulie ArnautouJulie CullivanKevin FickMary Lou and Peter SorensenRobert MerarRodolfo SpielmannSteve CochranTFH/Nylabone/Four Paws/IMSTravis and Jan Stembridge

Joseph LoboMaria Ennor

KittonSamuel and Rebecca Murphy

Kristin T. GallowayFrederick Paine

KuffsJim and Jackie Boucher

Larry WolfordJoann M. Biondi

Lillian MacLeanThe MacLean Family

Linda WesleyPatricia Dunton and Nancy Johnson

Loma J. HallissyElaine and Wayne Freidman

Lorraine Scharf PierceMichelle N. Pagni

LucyKarl Lebrane

MackieMaggie MacKool

Madison HodgesRodd and Jennifer Schlenker

Marilyn WrightMarlene M. and William Rebello

Mike ConleyMaria and Larry Dondero

MiloRonald I. and Shirley A. Lee

Minako MillerZora Weston

Ming and NoahArmand F. Gordon and Deborah

S. Katz-GordonMiss Mumphit

David GeigerMojito

Glenn and Diane Colacurci

MoochAnne E. Hollingsworth

Mrs. Millie MooreEileen and Robert DesMeules

Mrs. Mimi CerrutiEileen and Robert DesMeules

MuffinNancy E. Caruso

MyekaSteven L. and Maria Valente

Nanette BattagliaJanice St Amant

NellieJodi Roisman

OssaThe Buzzell Family

Paul S. PeratisTanya and Joseph PembertonTina and Mark Fletcher

Piotr IlychEdward J. Leiter

Rev. Donald FuselierCatherine Crowell

RileyBarbara Jeanne Glenn and Charlie

RoxieCarole J. Lucas

RoxySharon Rubens

RubyJane Miceli

Sandra KendallKathleen J. Carrai

ShadowCarla and Mark Aquino

Shelia ThoeleThe Thoele and Maher Families

Shirley NelsonJulie A. Nelson-Terry and Paul Terry

SleddieNancy E. Caruso

Sparkle and TroubleElaine G. and Joseph G. Daubert

SpookJudith D. French

Spot O’MalleyRocio and Shaun Gallagher

StinkerbelPatsy and Douglas Koeppe

Tina MannCheryl and Kenneth Mosby

Tony TalakJohn and Patricia B. Pomidor

TylerPhyllis L. Magana

VinoCheryl A. Foss-Meyn

Waldo, Molly and ShepKaren Van Voorhis

In Memory

Tribute GiftsWe are pleased to recognize tribute gifts of $100 or more which offer a special opportunity to remember a loved one, recognize an accomplishment, celebrate a special occasion, or thank a friend or colleague. We also remain truly grateful to our generous supporters who pre-pay adoption fees for ARF’s Very Important Pets (VIP’s).

This listing recognizes gifts received 3/1/18 - 6/30/18, and we make every effort to accurately reflect support but sometimes errors or omissions may occur. To sponsor an animal adoption or if you have questions about this tribute listing please email Lynn at ltakahashi@arflife.org. To make a tribute gift, please visit arflife.org/honor.

12

Aidan SingerJason Singer

Anne WondolowskiAllison and Greg McAdam

BodhiHarkirat and Mandy Bawa

Carol Cerney and Bill MahoneyCookie and Don Orescanin

Carole SharpLaura Dommes

Charlene TrautnerBarbara, Charlie and Dave

Christina SalasStefaney and Brad Holland

CodyJoan Balzarini-Robbins

Diego and Samantha TellianNancy Mae Tellian

DOJOGerry E. Manning

Dr. Lee, Avra, Lichlyter and StaffBonnie Boccignone

Dr. Rob ArrickHoward Block

Elaine Gor and Wrinkles LeeLily Lee

Gwendolyn Giblin’s birthdayKarin Giblin

Haruka Ishihara HughesSusan and Frank Hughes

Haylie Debusto and Lance Mattoon

Joyce C. McCafferyHolly Belknap

Green Evolution GardensJanine Williams

Patrick O’BrienKaito

Renee D. and Christopher J. GallagherKellianne

Patricia A. GearyKevin Pena

One Toyota of OaklandKristine Soorian

Mary K. Vaskas

LiebchenTerry D. and Karen D. McGill

Lizzie, Sammi and BanditBarbara L. Whitcraft and David C.

HeinslerMary Mac Gonzalez

Robin W. SiefkinMary Wuestenberg

Watt Global MediaMelania’s Five Babies

Donald and Sharon CorbinMichael A. Smith

Andrew M. SmithMike and Tiffany Browning’s new home

Sara BornMiles Mura’s Birthday

Priscilla WittMs. Sharon Warnke

David A. FreemanNancy Truitt

Gregory L. and Michele M. McCoy

Nemo2John Ferlin

Noah SingerJason Singer

OpalNona A. and William W. Thomas

Owen Reyes’ 6th grade graduation

Edward and Linda DocksRex

Ann SidenbladRose and David Glover

Stephanie M. MyersShayna Greenwall - the pick of the litter

Donna and Ephraim Greenwall Family Philanthropic FundShelley Bever

Scott J. BeverShiloh

Kimberly AdamsTanner and Cleo

Charles E. HarrisZiva and Thaddeus

Kathleen M. Edmonds

In Honor

AlaskaLinda Oliver

AliceEmersonGeorgeHoneyIsabellaPattyRink / PatchSherbetTulipZyo

William J. Coaker Jr.Amethyst

Attalah Hadad and Casey TierneyArsenioMarcia

Brittni Elsberry and William BrannanAvaEsme

Sherry and Kenneth Hill

AzureScott S. and Tamara M. Ylitalo

BarcelonaBebeLavenderLeoPixiePretzelSiena

Nancy J. and Charles A. PetersonBedee

Shadi RasheedBert

Lenee ShortFinch

Kyle SeamonFlicker / Prince Harry

Chris SartinGottfried

Amy Nguyen

BrieCanaryCarmelJunoLeilaMaggiePeachesSadieTallulahYasmine

Trupanion Pet InsuranceCain / JeevesPokemon / Poké

Rob FazekasLarry David

Robert and Melodee DunlapLouiseMalcolm

Phyllis SeidMisoMochi

made in memory of VelcroGryphon Channing

Phoebe / NalaStacy Roach and Lori Peterson

RobinJanelle and Barry Clark

SerafinaSpirit

Katherine FriedmanShortieSkater

Mary Jensen and Edward AndrewsSonny

Strandwood Girls on the Run TeamSparky

Ilah Yoo and Julien JaquemontTheoDenimMarylandTaffy

made in memory of LexieElaine Vitucci

Very Important Pets

We are truly grateful for the enduring commitment and support many of our friends offer ARF throughout the year to bring animals and people together.

Your vision and legacy in remembering ARF in your will or trust transforms the lives of countless animals and people for years to come. Legacy gifts provide meaningful support, ensuring ARF can continue our life-saving work in the future, while fulfilling your wishes and financial goals. Legacy support may include bequests, gifts of life insurance, retirement plans, IRA’s, or other support. Your legacy to ARF will one day provide a lasting promise of hope for so many animals and people in need.

We invite you to join our Legacy Society, ARF’s Circle of

Compassion, by letting us know if you have included ARF in your estate planning so that we may express our appreciation. We would be happy to speak to you personally about how you can provide a lifeline to animals in need for generations to come.

What Will Your Legacy Be?

13

Children are the future, and the future of animal welfare is in good hands. Over the past few months, we’ve been flooded with examples of the next generation stepping up to help at-risk animals. There was five-year-old Gianna, who asked for donatable items for ARF in lieu of birthday gifts. Thirteen-year-old Sophie went door-to-door in her neighborhood raising thousands of dollars in donations and raising awareness for ARF’s programs. Young entrepreneurs Hannah and Ellie raised funds by opening a lemonade stand in the scorching summer heat, which were then matched twice over by our generous friends at Maddie’s Fund. And let’s not

forget the generous students of King’s Valley Christian Elementary School, who collected hundreds of dog chews, cat wands, treats, food dishes, puppy pads, and more over the course of several months and dropped them off at ARF’s headquarters as a huge surprise donation.

Selfless acts like these not only warm our hearts, but directly contribute to ARF’s life-saving efforts in the world of animal welfare. If your child is feeling the urge to get involved, ARF would be overjoyed to welcome them. From school or Scout projects to our on-site Junior Volunteer Club, there are so many ways for young people to get involved here at ARF! For more information, visit arflife.org/youth-volunteer.

The Next Generation of Generosity

Sophie recieving an “ARF Junior Ambassador” certificate from Executive Director Elena Bicker.

Hannah and Ellie raise funds at their lemonade stand.

14

Odin was adopted from ARF in June and already has his new family smitten – including his big sister, Bonanza. It took the duo a few days to start getting along, but now they are inseparable, taking afternoon catnaps side-by-side. His new family says he’s social with everyone who meets him, but noted that sometimes he gets a little mischievous with the houseplants. It’s Odin’s kingdom, we’re just living in it.

With three ARF animals and a daughter who is a Youth Program participant, this family is no stranger. When they dropped by during the Clear the Shelters adoption event, they immediately fell in love with Zoey, a four-month-old Doberman mix. After getting some face time on NBC’s coverage of the day’s event, they were thrilled to bring her home. Zoey’s new family praises her “sweet and gentle” disposition and says their ARF pooches have really helped bring them together as a family. What an adorable bunch!

Media Darling Finds Her Biggest Fans

Odin’s New Kingdom Zoey Joins the Family

When 6-year-old Border Collie mix Manaea, appeared with ARF Executive Director Elena Bicker for an interview with San Francisco’s ABC 7, a special audience – her new family – was watching. Musician Rikk Casavecchia and his wife photographer Di Starr adored the Carr Fire shelter evacuee from the moment they saw her. “I thought, we’d be crazy to add a third,” said Casavecchia, referring to their Border Collie mixes, Sparky, 11, and Rudy, 5. But they couldn’t get Manaea off their mind. The couple arrived at ARF at 7:30 a.m. on adoption day, armed

with books and folding chairs, prepared to be the first to meet their love-at-first-sight dog at noon. The introduction confirmed their instinct, and they knew she would love their semi-rural home. After rebuilding her confidence, they slowly introduced the now renamed Mia to her new brothers. “Sweet Mia is such a great addition to our family,” Starr said, noting she quickly became a beloved member of the pack.Photo credit: Di Starr

NONPROFIT ORG. U. S. POSTAGE

PAIDOAKLAND, CA

PERMIT NO. 20302890 Mitchell DriveWalnut Creek, CA 94598

People Rescuing Animals . ...Animals Rescuing People®

Eleven Years ofFour-Star PerfectionCharity Navigator just awarded ARF a four-star rating – the highest attainable – for the eleventh year in a row. This relays to donors around the world that ARF “exceeds industry standards” at the top of its class in the animal welfare community. We know there are countless organizations to support, and we are prouder than ever that Charity Navigator has placed ARF in the upper echelon once again. We work every day to guarantee we always remain there.