People rescuing animals...Animals rescuing people® ◆ 925.256.1ARF ◆ www.arf.net ◆ Winter 2012 HELP BUSTER SAVE HIS FRIENDS There are countless animals with will care for him for the rest of his life. remarkable, inspiring stories of triumph Tragically, there are thousands and hope. But just as often, they are of dogs like Buster still waiting to be like Buster. rescued. Through no fault of their own, We don’t know Buster’s story, healthy, friendly dogs and cats who where he came from, or how he ended would make ideal family members are up homeless in a public animal shelter. facing death in overwhelmed public The paperwork hanging on his kennel shelters. All they want is a warm bed, a was stamped “STRAY,” and although he full bowl, and someone to love them. had undoubtedly belonged to someone, Can you help Buster save his they never came to claim him. How friends? Donate today at www.arf.net. could such a sweet and lovable dog go missing and not be looked for? Sadly, he lanky white pup with fluffy in tough economic times, desperate ears grinned from ear-to-ear, his families with few options are faced Tlong pink tongue dangling from with the heartbreaking decision to give ON WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN HIS LAST DAY, ARF WAS THERE TO RESCUE HIM AND GIVE HIM A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE. the side of his mouth. His tail wagged up their pets. Many of these animals excitedly against the concrete kennel will end up at already-crowded public wall as he waited on the other side of shelters that have no choice but to the gate. As ARF’s rescue team slowly euthanize when they run out of room. creaked the door open, careful to avoid The full shelter and the overwhelming escape of the other dogs in the crowded stream of new dogs filling the kennels kennel, the pup could no longer contain slowly dimmed Buster’s chance of his enthusiasm. Wiggling through the survival. On what would have been his narrow opening, he bounded forward last day, ARF was there to rescue him and greeted his rescuers with a series and give him another chance at life. of wet, slobbery kisses. Once at ARF, it took no time at all ARF rescues many animals who for a family to fall in love with Buster’s arrive with injuries, illnesses, or signs sweet, goofy personality. The pup, of neglect. We treat sickness, tend to whose young life nearly ended before wounds, fill hungry bellies, provide it began, is now surrounded by love as Buster is just one of thousands who warmth and comfort, and teach trust. a permanent member of a family who needed to be rescued COMMUNITY INTEREST MADDIE’S LEGACY SAVES COUNTLESS LIVES Visitors to ARF enter through the Maddie’s Animal Care Center doors. Maddie’s Fund®, The Pet Rescue Foundation, (www.maddiesfund.org) is a family foundation funded by Workday and PeopleSoft Founder Dave Duffield and his wife, Cheryl. Maddie’s Fund® is 2890 Mitchell Drive helping to create a no-kill nation where Walnut Creek, CA 94598 all healthy and treatable shelter dogs and 925.256.1ARF cats are guaranteed a loving home. ARF strives to create a world To achieve this goal, Maddie’s where every loving dog or cat has ® a home, where every lonely person Fund is investing its resources in build- has a companion animal, and ing community collaborations where mentation of a national strategy to pro- where children learn to care. animal welfare organizations come to- mote accountability and transparency BOARD OF DIRECTORS gether to develop successful models of in animal shelter operations. Maddie’s Tony La Russa, Chairman lifesaving; in veterinary colleges to help Fund® is named after the family’s be- Gregory L. McCoy, Esq., President Brenda de la Ossa, Secretary shelter medicine become part of the loved Miniature Schnauzer who passed Bradley N. Blake veterinary curriculum; and in the imple- away in 1997. William A. Blase, Jr. Sandy Block, DVM Maria Brunner Glenn Colacurci W. Roger Haughton Timothy Krisch Neal Mitchell 25,000 PETS Steven C. Parrish John Schiavo Marsha Servetnick Amy Trask ARF EXECUTIVE STAFF Elena Bicker, Executive Director Mary Jo Bernardo, Chief Operating Officer Bobbe Bartlett, Development Director Juliet Blake, Clinic Director Jill Cooney, Animal Programs Director Elaine Durkin, Finance Director Gaye McDuff, Volunteer Services Director www.arf.net Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency, which receives no local, state or federal funding. Life-saving services and programs are made possible through the generosity of caring people. Sara Kersey, Scoop Editor April Weeks, Art and Production Your input is appreciated! If you have an idea about how ARF can improve The Scoop, please contact [email protected]. HAVE FOUND NEW HOMES SINCE 1991 arf.net/facebook twitter.com/ARFtweets youtube.com/tlrarf BECAUSE OF yoU Page 2 www.arf.net Winter 2012 LETTER FROM ARF’s EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR rom the outside, it’s hard to imagine what military life is like. FI am very proud of my father, Lieutenant Robert L. Sfreddo, for his dedicated years of sacrifice to honor and defend our country. “Bobby” flew F-4 Phantom jets during most of his 23-year Marine Corps career, and his medals and decorations include seven Air Medals, the Navy Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He is a hero. Due to my father’s career and constant relocation, adapting to new schools, new friends, and new homes was our family’s way of life. I attended eight different grade schools as we migrated all over the country between ARF salutes our heroes with the Military & Veteran Pet Adoption Program California, Virginia, North Carolina, and Hawaii. One year my brothers Sam moved with us four times, even mental and physical health. and I would wait by the radio to hear undergoing a 120-day-long quarantine Only with your support can we if school would be closed due to snow; in Hawaii, and helped fill the void continue to combat the loneliness the next year, we’d drop our books in our family while my father was and isolation of our country’s finest. on the sand before swimming off the overseas, providing unconditional love Please underwrite the adoption fee of shores of Oahu. My father missed during the ongoing transitions. a shelter pet and permit ARF to rescue the births of his two sons while my After bravely defending our two souls: an animal and a soldier who mother coped with three small children country and freedom, soldiers can find it needs them. during his deployments to Vietnam and challenging to transition back to civilian Japan - and throughout change and life. Some estimates state as many isolation, we had the constant support as 20% of returning veterans suffer of our beloved Labrador/Poodle, Sam. from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The quiet, unconditional love of a pet can help returning heroes cope and adjust back to civilian life. Pets provide military families with stability and companionship throughout many adjustments, just as Sam gave to my mother, brothers, and me. ARF is committed to supporting our military and veterans while providing a second chance for shelter pets. The Military and Veteran Pet Adoption Elena Bicker Program (MVP) waives adoption fees Executive Director for pet adoptions, making it easy for military and veterans to add a pet to their family. Interacting with dogs and cats reduces stress, depression, and anxiety, and we hope that by rescuing and pairing pets with America’s Elena in the cockpit of her father’s F-4 veterans we can help improve their Phantom jet in Hawaii Page 3 www.arf.net Winter 2012 HOLIDAY IDEAS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Give the gift of life: SPONSOR AN ARF ANIMAL Play “Santa Claws” for one of ARF’s adorable adoptables by sponsoring them for the holidays. Pick one of our selected precious pooches or cute kitties and make their (and ARF’s) holiday dreams come true! Your tax-deductible gift not only helps us rescue and rehabilitate homeless dogs and cats, but also provides food, shelter, essential care, spay/ neuter, medical treatment, and, most importantly, the opportunity to find a home for the holidays. Give ARF’s animals what they really want this year- the gift of a new life. Your gift of $25 or more includes: D An email acknowledging your gift D A personalized e-card sent to the gift recipient, featuring your customized message D The satisfaction of knowing your gift helps dogs and cats find loving homes for life Visit www.arf.net to sponsor today The perfect gift for friends, family, and even you! HOLIDAY PET FOOD DRIVE November 23 - December 30 Help ARF fill bellies, warm hearts, and make spirits bright this holiday season. ARF is proud to partner with Safeway and the Salvation Army for our 2012 Holiday Food Drive. All col- lected donations will be delivered to local pet guardians to help them provide for their furry families. Any unopened wet or dry cat and dog food not past its ex- piration date is accepted. Donations can be dropped off at ARF or any of the six listed Safeway locations. Pet food donations are distributed through the Salvation Army’s Concord facility. To volunteer to help collect food during the drive, please contact [email protected]. If you need food, please contact the Salvation Army at (925) 676-6180. DROP-OFF LOCATIONS For more details, visit www.arf.net ARF or any of the below Safeway locations ALAMO • BLACKHAWK • CLAYTON • SAN RAMON (San Ramon Valley Boulevard) • WALNUT CREEK (South Broadway & Countrywood) Page 4 www.arf.net Winter 2012 HOLIDAY IDEAS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE ADOPT A GIVING TREE TOP 10 ARF’s Giving Tree stands proudly in the lobby of our Walnut Creek headquarters every holiday season, adorned with WISH LIST ITEMS ornaments highlighting much-needed items for ARF’s animals 1.