PawsPress Official Magazine of the Animal Rescue Foundation • Summer 2023 Pets and Vets Class of 2023 Plus: Passing the Torch
1 "We loved our experience so much that we'd love to give back or volunteer!" - KALI, ARF ADOPTER HAPPY TAILS ADOPTION UPDATES We know the smartphone in your pocket is full of photos of your ARF-adopted pet. From the new trick your dog learned to the adorable pose your cat sleeps in on your lap, we never tire of receiving those supercute updates. Submit yours at arflife.org/story. c Alexstrasza (now Percy) Peppermint (now Coco) Chicu (now Sushi) 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 9-10 11-12 13-14 Join the Pet Hug Pack® Happy Tails Adoption Updates A Message from the CEO From Gunshot Victim to Service-Dog-inTraining Foster Future Service Dogs Meet the Pets and Vets Class of 2023 ARF Spotlight: Candace Conrad Ensuring Mammoth's Future Looks Bright Big Bravery Can Come in Small Packages Training Classes Return WHAT'S IN THIS ISSUE? Passing the Torch: A Dialogue Between Susan Lee Vick and Elena Bicker Elena Bicker Forever for the Animals Fund Passing the Torch (Continued) Out of the Fire and Into Our Hearts Bark at the Park Tribute Gifts ARF Spotlight: Nanci Viera Faces of Foster All Eyes on Cheddar JOIN THE PET HUG PACK® Is your pet the "goodest" around? Why not share their love with people in need? Since 2002, our Pet Hug Pack® therapy animal teams have warmed the hearts of hundreds of thousands of students, seniors, Veterans, hospital patients, and others. Aside from regular visits to hospitals, schools, and care facilities, our Pet Hug Pack® also serves as ARF's animal ambassadors in the community. Apply to join or request a Pet Hug Pack® visit to your school or facility at arflife.org/pet-hug-pack. c
c 2 c Has it really been half a year since I joined ARF as CEO? These six months have flown by — as time will, it’s said, when you’re having fun. More than fun, these months have been among the most rewarding of my life. I bet every one of ARF’s devoted volunteers, supporters, friends, and staff, understands that. You know firsthand how saving and enriching the lives of animals and people makes every day uniquely joyful. I’m often asked what’s struck me most since joining ARF. First place goes to making a rescue run to a municipal partner shelter in Fresno, CA. Tied for second, though, are dozens of small moments in which the meaning of the work we do is suddenly cast in brilliant spotlight. Moments like crossing paths with a beaming family c escorting a furry new best friend to the car. Running across our amazing Pet Hug Pack® therapy animals delighting everyone they pass. Admiring Pets and Vets Veterans and dogs working together to earn their service dog vest. Marveling as a once shy kitten returns from foster care playful, confident, and ready for adoption. Or simply strolling through the laundry room where the big machines turn and tumble, and volunteers fold fresh, clean linens for our shelter guests’ daily needs. So much love and care goes into that humble chore! In many ways it’s a symbol of everything ARF does and means. These small moments and scores more like them are core to ARF’s identity. At the same time, ARF is in a chrysalis of sorts, as we enter an exciting period of growth and new opportunities to serve people and pets. We will emerge with wings lifting all we are and A MESSAGE FROM ARF'S CEO Susan Lee Vick, ARF Chief Executive Officer everything we do. We’re a treasured local resource with the capacity to share ARF joy with communities in California and beyond. We’re “People Rescuing Animals … Animals Rescuing People®,” who every day experience and amplify the life-changing power of the human-animal bond. Here's to the magic of this and every ARF moment! c “ARF is in a chrysalis of sorts, as we enter an exciting period of growth and new opportunities to serve people and pets.” - SUSAN, ARF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Agua & Poco (now Rosie & Max) Rollye (now Abilene) Timpani (now Frannie)
3 For the past five years, Candace "Candy" Conrad has been an irreplaceable member of ARF's dedicated volunteer corps. An all-around expert, from the clinic, to the adoption floor, to the ARF Thrift Store in Concord, CA, Candy's done it all. Over the past few years, you could find Candy walking shelter dogs on the trails surrounding ARF's headquarters, reading behavior notes to potential adopters on the adoption floor, helping groggy cats wake up from anesthesia in the clinic, supervising puppies in ARF's public training classes, repairing stuffed toys, or even organizing books on the shelves at the ARF Thrift Store! "I love the variety of volunteer opportunities," she told ARF. "No matter what you do at ARF, there is a direct relationship of your actions as a volunteer to a cat or dog getting adopted." After retiring from a 25-year career in finance, Candy was at a loss for what to do with all her free time. She knew she wanted to volunteer, but didn't know where to begin. During a tour of ARF's facility, it dawned on her. "I saw volunteers socializing with cats and reading to dogs and I knew this was what I wanted to do with my free time." If you're interested in joining the hundreds of volunteers who make ARF's lifesaving work possible, submit an application at arflife.org/volunteer. As Candy puts it, "there is a sense of purpose and camaraderie among ARF volunteers that creates a warm and welcoming environment." c “No matter what you do at ARF, there is a direct relationship of your actions as a volunteer to a cat or dog getting adopted." - CANDACE, ARF VOLUNTEER ARF SPOTLIGHT: Candace "Candy" Conrad ENSURING MAMMOTH'S FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT When Mammoth was found as a stray, the local municipal shelter didn't hesitate to contact our rescue team to give him the best chance at a happy life. It was immediately clear the 6-month-old French Bulldog mix had a big personality. His playfulness was contagious, but as you can tell from his photos, Mammoth needed help. Those red bags in the corner of his eyes are prolapsed eyelid glands, often known as "cherry eye," a common medical issue with the squishy-faced dogs like Mammoth. Without treatment, there could be more swelling over time, plus irritation to the eye since he isn’t producing enough tears. Within 24 hours of his arrival, we were able to provide Mammoth with surgery to repair his swollen glands, plus antibiotic ophthalmic ointment to help his recovery. This surgery will prevent Mammoth's eyes from potential infections and corneal ulcers — giving his future an extremely bright outlook. With a face that cute, after his surgery it took almost no time at all for Mammoth to find his new family. c Walking dogs is just one of Candy's volunteer duties.
4 BIG BRAVERY CAN COME IN SMALL PACKAGES When sweet Pear arrived at ARF with his mother and siblings, he weighed less than one pound. Over the course of the next few weeks, he grew, gained weight, and was soon ready for adoption. But then Pear began to have seizures — sometimes more than five in a day. For five straight days, our medical and animal care teams watched Pear closely and worked to keep his seizures under control. He was placed on IV fluids and given emergency seizure medications. By the fifth day, Pear was having minimal, mild, and short episodes less than once a day. We were able to stop his grand mal seizures, but he was still not neurologically normal. He kept having twitches and small focal seizures, had lost some vision, and had poor muscle coordination. Pear underwent a series of tests. He was checked for several possible viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases that can affect the brain. Skull and full-body X-rays were taken to see if his seizures were inherited or caused by trauma. An abdominal ultrasound and bile acid tests were done to search for congenital shunts. But still, the cause for his seizures remained a mystery. The next step was a visit to an MRI specialist. Results from the MRI showed nothing structurally wrong with Pear's brain. A final consult with a veterinary neurologist revealed he most likely had early-onset, idiopathic epilepsy, possibly from an unknown trauma early in his young life. Today, after careful monitoring and adjustments of his medications, Pear's condition has stabilized. Now he is living comfortably with a loving family who understands his needs and can spoil him every day. Pear’s care was among the most costly cases ARF has ever undertaken. Thanks to your support, immediate medical resources can be made available to dogs and cats like Pear and our team is able to welcome new animals into our care. c The Animal Rescue Foundation is a proud recipient of funding from Maddie’s Fund®, a foundation established in 1994 by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the well-being of companion animals nationwide. A neurologust diagnosed Pear's early-onset, idiopathic epilepsy. TRAINING CLASSES RETURN Don't miss our award-winning dog training classes! Offerings include: Sign up online at arflife.org/training. As we like to say, a well-trained dog is a happy dog! c • Basic Obedience • Puppy Kindergarten • Trick Training • Reactive Rover • Canine Good Citizen™ • Private consultations • Advanced Obedience • Puppy Social • Basic Scent Work • Wallflowers Class • Rally Competition • And more!
Sugar Pie, a bouncy, wiggly Pit Bull Terrier mix from California's Central Valley, doesn't show any outward signs of trauma. She greets everyone she meets with the same happy face and perpetually wagging tail. But when our clinic team prepped her for her spay surgery, they discovered something horrifying —this sweet dog had a bullet lodged in her shoulder. Our clinic successfully removed the bullet while performing her spay surgery. Shortly after, Sugar Pie began service dog training alongside a grateful military Veteran looking for an extra-special dog who would be a good fit for special-needs children. And as a reminder of the endless (and perhaps undeserved) love and forgiveness dogs have for humans, Sugar Pie's new guardian kept the bullet as a keepsake. Every animal who enters ARF's doors has their own story. Like detectives, we're often able to piece together clues as to what life was like for our animals before their time with us began. It warms our hearts to know ARF is where their happy, new start begins. c FROM GUNSHOT VICTIM TO SERVICE-DOG-IN-TRAINING “We'll never know exactly what her last life looked like, but dogs like Sugar Pie remind us how important our work is." - AMANDA, PETS AND VETS MANAGER 5 Interested in hands-on volunteering with the dogs of Pets and Vets? Please help meet our overwhelming need for foster families! The week or two that Pets and Vets pups spend under your roof helps put them on the path towards becoming a service animal — and your in-home experience gives us crucial information for pairing them with the perfect Veteran. Unlike many programs, we provide food, treats, toys, supplies, and more — everything you’ll need to be a successful foster. To borrow a line from Uncle Sam, "Our Pets and Vets dogs need YOU!" Learn more at arflife.org/foster. c FOSTER FUTURE SERVICE DOGS Purina trademarks are owned by Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. Any other marks are property of their respective owners. Printed in USA. From food to litter, we’re proud to support the pets of the Animal Rescue Foundation ®
Pets and Vets photos by Sue Andrews | 6 MEET THE PETS AND VETS CLASS OF 2023 We're thrilled to introduce our newest graduating class of Pets and Vets psychiatric service dog teams! These dogs and their Veteran handlers worked tirelessly under the tutelage of our expert trainers, making their way through our gauntlet of classes: Basic Obedience, Advanced Obedience, Canine Good Citizen, and Service Skills. Unlike programs that deliver pre-trained dogs to clients (often at great financial cost), Pets and Vets' unique — and free — process allows Veterans to bond on a deep level with their dogs throughout their course of training. This bonding is clear just by looking at our graduation photos. Proven benefits of psychiatric service dogs include reducing anxiety, panic, depression, and other symptoms of PTSD; improving sleep patterns; relieving feelings of isolation; and lowering blood pressure. Plus, by also providing a brand-new future for a once at-risk shelter dog, Pets and Vets is truly Saving Both Ends of the Leash®. Do you know a Veteran who would benefit from a psychiatric service dog or emotional support animal? Just have them contact our Pets and Vets team at arflife.org/apply and they could be matched with their own canine battle buddy. c The Pets and Vets class of 2023 celebrates their hard work. Diego & Astra John & Bloke Lavonte & Baki Ruth & Lucy Steve & Coco Jeff & Maddie Clayton & Mia Donald & Richie Deanna & Loki Jayden & Enchi
ELENA BICKER: Time flies. It feels like just yesterday I was attending an ARF event and somebody said, “Hey, we need volunteers — especially fosters.” And I decided that I would throw my hat in the ring as a foster volunteer. And then I was asked to be part of fundraising. And then, in a blink of an eye, 30 years have gone by. SUSAN LEE VICK: My journey to animal welfare was by way of the human-animal bond. Before joining ARF, I asked myself, “What professional role have I loved above all others?” The answer was my years with Canine Companions, an organization dedicated to matching service dogs with children and adults with disabilities, including wounded Veterans. So when I learned about ARF’s CEO search and did some research on the organization, it quickly became clear that ARF would offer me that same incredible sense of fulfillment. It definitely has! As we say at ARF, we’re People Rescuing Animals ... Animals Rescuing People®. EB: I created that tagline! SLV: I love it! It’s truly magical to witness what happens to the pets and people when they’re united. We talk about our work as “animal welfare” but it’s every bit as much “human welfare.” EB: Every animal makes an impact. My childhood dog was a black lab / poodle mix from a neighbor — back then we didn’t call them “labradoodles,” they were just called “mutts.” But she was epileptic. Throughout her life she had seizures and that instituted in me the need to care for her, if only to pay her back for everything she did for me. It’s a two-way relationship! SLV: I've always had pets, too — dogs, cats, rats, birds, snakes. I'm sure I'm forgetting a few species, because my house was a zoo when my kids were little. Dogs and cats are the pets I loved most, though, and every one of them was uniquely special. I once had the privilege of raising a service dog named Ethan. As we see in ARF’s Pets and Vets program, a service dog’s soulfulness and gentleness and intelligence, control and spontaneity— and especially their intuition—is almost uncanny . So often they sense what is needed even before their person does. EB: Animal welfare has traditionally been focused on the animals. But it has evolved to the human-animal bond, where it's not only important to rescue the animals that you are pulling from the shelters, but it's important to implement programs that keep those animals in their homes. SLV: Like ARF’s many Community Solutions. EB: Exactly. Back when I started there were very few pet assistance options; some spay neuter assistance, but no impound fee compensation, no veterinary care support, not even repairing somebody's fence to keep their dog in the yard — that wasn't really a thing. And now we’re doing all that and more to actually save lives PASSING THE TORCH A CONVERSATION BETWEEN ARF'S NEW CEO SUSAN LEE VICK AND FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ELENA BICKER "It's never been a job to me. It's always been a lifestyle." - ELENA, ARF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (2006-2022) 7
8 THE ELENA BICKER FOREVER FOR THE ANIMALS FUND Please join us in celebrating Elena Bicker's 30 years at ARF! When she joined ARF as a volunteer in 1992, we were operating out of a small, donated storefront and had just one employee. Under Elena’s leadership and expertise, ARF became a trailblazer in animal welfare, rehoming nearly 48,000 animals and earning recognition as an educator and sought-after national collaborator. She designed innovative programs to address emerging needs, like Pets and Vets, and positioned us as a key partner in nationwide disaster response. Today, ARF is recognized as one of the most innovative and forwardthinking organizations in animal welfare, with the dedicated backing of supporters in all 50 states and around the globe. As Elena retires as ARF’s executive director, and we reflect upon her lifesaving legacy, we're proud to honor her lifelong passion and tireless dedication by establishing The Elena Bicker Forever for the Animals Fund. This tribute endowment will continue her lifetime of work for the next 30 years … and well beyond. Learn more at arflife.org/ebff. c Continued on next page and keep the animals out of shelters to begin with. SLV: Even while we focus on the animals in the shelters — our own and our partner shelters around the state. EB: Oh, of course! SLV: I was able to join one of ARF’s all day rescue runs down to Fresno. You hear about what these shelters are going through. You see the data, read the reports, see the pictures. But until you experience it in person, until you see hundreds of dogs — litters and litters of puppies and small dogs, multiples in cages, all of them at risk of euthanasia — you just can’t really get your head around it. EB: And Fresno is by no means a poorly-run facility. SLV: By no means! It’s is an excellent facility, run by huge-hearted people doing yeoman's work. They just can’t possibly keep ahead of the tsunami of surrendered dogs and cats. So it’s quite sobering to stand alongside our rescue team as they make the heartbreaking choices: who goes home with us and who has to stay and face an uncertain future. I get teary just remembering that experience. 7
9 PASSING THE TORCH (CONT.) SLV (continued): Just imagine that 14-hour day. It’s well into night by the time the team gets back to ARF. Everyone is exhausted, physically and emotionally. But the windows glow with welcoming light and we’re greeted by volunteers with huge smiles and clean scrubs. They weigh each and every one of our new shelter guests, record their vital data, carry or escort the guest to an immaculate kennel, serve a first welcome meal and plenty of fresh, clean water. The love and care and attention from everyone involved is palpable and absolutely unforgettable. EB: I feel that same way. When the vehicles would pull in, my first thought was always, “Now these animals get a chance to live out their natural life.” Being blessed to do this lifesaving work has been a game changer. SLV: Absolutely. And every animal we rescue is also rescuing the human who takes it home. The happy resonance of that is huge. EB: That’s why it's never been a job to me. It's always been a lifestyle. SLV: The first time I stepped foot on ARF’s campus, I was wowed by the energy. The pictures online are gorgeous, but being here is magical. It’s all those happy feelings floating between ARF’s dogs, cats, volunteers, adopters, and staff. I was blown away the first time I felt that shared love. Now every time I give a tour to a friend or new donor or even a longtime supporter who hasn't been here for a while, I get to enjoy seeing the feeling illuminate their faces. EB: You know, initially when we were building this, what we thought we were building was an animal shelter. But really what we built was a community center. The laughter of children in the halls, the expressions of people seeing a dog or a cat for the first time and falling in love. If we could bottle that, we would never have to fundraise again. SLV: Totally true! EB: ARF can do anything we want, but ARF can’t do everything we want. SLV: That’s a famous and true Elena-ism. EB: Yeah, that and, “watch where we step.” Literally. SLV: Too true! We have been very successful in living into our slogan of People Rescuing Animals … Animals Rescuing People®. But I see even more flowing of the second part of that tagline in our future. We can more fully realize our potential as an animal-centric community center. And we'll be getting out in the community more, too, serving in all the ways ARF can. EB: The brand new mobile adoption vehicle is going to be really exciting for taking ARF off-campus and out into the community like you’re talking about. SLV: It will! And ARF is at an exciting inflection point as we emerge as an independent organization. A new chapter with so much potential is beginning. EB: It’s going to be exciting to watch! SLV: We’ll begin to bring Pets and Vets to other cities around the country, with other programs potentially following in its footsteps. We envision a pet grooming academy offering vocational training. We dream of building a full-service community veterinary clinic. These are services our community needs, and we want to answer the call. All in all, ARF’s future is bright! EB: So bright that I’m going to have to wear shades! In the meantime, I’m looking forward to a little bit of relaxation, a little golf, and maybe a little fostering. I know that the Pets and Vets department is looking for foster volunteers for future psychiatric service dogs. Although, come to think of it, it’s been about 30 years since my first ARF foster dog. I might be a little out of practice. SLV: I doubt that! You're incredible, Elena. Once an animal-saver, always an animal-saver. c "ARF is at an exciting inflection point." - SUSAN, ARF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Susan with ARF's rescue team at Fresno Humane Society. 9
10 OUT OF THE FLAMES AND INTO OUR HEARTS BARK AT THE PARK: TAKE YOUR DOG OUT TO A BALLGAME We're thrilled to once again team up with our friends at Central Garden & Pet to combine "America's pastime" with "man's best friend." That's right, Bark at the Park — your chance to bring your dog to a ballgame — is back! This year's schedule of dog-friendly games will visit: For more information about Bark at the Park, including where to purchase tickets, visit arflife.org/batp. c Evans Diamond Berkeley, CA Chase Field Phoenix, AZ Globe Life Field Arlington, TX Great American Ballpark Cincinnati, OH Coors Field Denver, CO A Reds fan and her dog enjoy a baseball game together. Much like his winter namesake, Frosty’s energy is absolutely magical. Weighing in at more than 80 pounds, this large lad isn’t afraid to climb right into your lap for some affection, and really shows off his goofball side while chasing toys around the yard. But despite his upbeat demeanor and gorgeous smile, Frosty’s path has not been an easy one. This past fall, Frosty was found tied up in the remnants of a tragic house fire. Frosty was so covered in soot that responding animal control officers didn’t know he was a white dog until after his first bath. The large American Bulldog mix was taken to the local shelter, where he was cleaned up and treated for potential smoke inhalation. He spent two months there before ARF’s rescue team discovered him and brought him back to our headquarters. Throughout all this, he has kept his spirits high and quickly became a favorite of our staff and volunteers. At this magazine’s time of publication, Frosty is still looking for a loving home. But we know there’s a big dog lover out there with room in their heart (and on their lap) for 80 pounds of love and cuddles. He’s a whole lot of fun! Plus, Frosty’s adoption fee has been generously sponsored by an admirer. Learn more about Frosty at arflife.org/frosty. Or, if you’re interested in sponsoring an adoption fee for one of our long-term shelter guests to help them find a home, please visit arflife.org/adoptionsponsor. c
TRIBUTE GIFTS We are pleased to recognize tribute gifts of $250+, which offer a special opportunity to remember a loved one, recognize an accomplishment, celebrate a special occasion, or thank a friend or colleague. This edition includes tribute gifts received between October 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023. Beginning in the magazine's next issue, we will be listing tribute gifts of $500+. For more information, please contact [email protected]. c In Memory Of... Abby, Janelle and Barry Clark AC, Kristin Paul Stockbridge Capital Group Alyosha Karamazov, Edward Leiter Anne Sharkey, Leslie Markham Art and Bob Maionchi, Donna Maionchi Bailey, Clifton J. and April G. Crawford Bandit, James and Randi Bauer Bella Brown, Kevin Brown Ben Scheafer-Henley, Joe Henley and Sue Bonfeld Benjie, Shannon, Heather, Peeper, Momma, Petruchio, Einstein, Mags, Sydney, Eli, Chloe, Hamilton, and Houdini, Steven and Karin Chase Bob McEvoy, Kathleen Edmonds Boomer Rohm, Gerry Rohm Boomer Toland, Dustin Toland Bowie, Kate Sherman Bree Kissinger, L & E Kissinger Buster Blue, Jacqueline Rock Buster Brown, Thora Harshman Buster Harshman, Holly Langford Calhoun (Caterpillar), Linda Slaughter Carol Cerney, Anne Lynch and Robert Hall Charlie Keefhaver, Saundra McMillan Cowboy, Jack and Jeanne Roman Dou Dou and Cotton, Landmark Realty Elijah, Mary Jensen and Edward Andrews Erica Schuppert, Benjamin Chuba Friends of St. John the Evangelist Hingham, MA Erica Schuppert (cont.), Karen Zurita-Prout Kenneth and Carol Ann Soult Rotary Club of Alamo Susan Magarity Figaro a.k.a. Figgy, Joann Biondi Finnegan, Dean V. Baim Gary Mattila, Ila Mattila Hanabi, Jack, and Maggie, Katsuhiko and Beverly Momoi Jackson, Kate Sherman Jasmine, Steven and Karin Chase Jason Michael Lee, Tawnya Lee Joseph and Joan Almeida, Linda DeLong Kalee, Chere Kelley and Damien Gossett Leonard Grassini, Rocky, JR, and Mace, Anthony Grassini Max, George and Susan Hansen Michelle Kuiper, Marsha and Richard Servetnick Mimi, Prabavathi Rajaram Mitya, Edward Leiter Mia, Julie Young Mike Soria, Porsche Club of America/Diablo Region Monique Siegel, Diana Dobrowsky Natasha, Steven and Bethany Fields Nola, Steven and Diane Parrish Norman Appel, Adriane Appel Ollie, Sharon and David Rubens Oscar, Joanna Cassese Pedee and Mactavish, William D. Hardie PIBHKJBR, Vicki and Douglas Hogendorn Prudence and Baylee Rudy, Amie Rudy Punkin and Ally, David Abel and Cynthia Baron In Honor Of... ARF's Clinic and Cabbage, Janelle and Barry Clark Betty Bilger, Rob and Roxann Bilger Beverly Dozier-Jones, Shari Santos Bobbe Bartlett, Mike Teskey, and Teddy, Steven and Wendy Hengst Brenda de la Ossa, Marsha and Richard Servetnick Bruce and Janine Rodda, Caro Lou Rodda Cathy and Robert Lagorio, Missy and Tim Doran Charlie and Lola, Kelly Becker Coast, The Rapa Family Coco, Darren and Camille Chinen Elaine Gor, Lucky, Rocky, and Wrinkles Lee, Lily Lee Elena Bicker and the Elena Bicker Forever for the Animals Fund, Alice Tillett Amy and Tony Sfreddo Gary Blackwell Greg and Michele McCoy Janelle and Barry Clark Jennifer and Kevin Hall John and Dayna Sayres Kathie and Roger Stein Mandi Pike Maud and Burton Goldfield Rebecca Katz and Darian Heyman Robert and Catherine Lagorio Robert and Colette Sfreddo Roger and Judy Haughton Steve Degnan Susan Lee Vick Worldwise, Inc. Fairway Ford Teammates, Dale and Eva Walter Greg Marcisz, Jen Howell Greg McCoy, Nancy M. and Kevin Truitt Janelle and Barry Clark, Caro Lou Rodda Jenny, Robert and Catherine Lagorio Jim Boucher, City of Walnut Creek Kasey Rodda, Caro Lou Rodda Kathleen and Kevin Isbell, Billie Isbell Katie Barretta, Gina Barretta Lisa, Ryan, and Pearl, Donna Ervin Lisa Spiegler, Ginger Dusek Liz McCarthy, Jane Burgin Lucie Belle Manolius, Lisa-Anne and Kimo Manolius Maggie, The Dunham Schalet Family Marc Joslyn, Elizabeth Newsom Marcia Cho, Greg Hansen and Marsha Roberts Max aka: Landry, John J. Nenni Max and Sofia, David Martin McGhie Family, Brett McLarne Michelle Kovler Judy and Peter Blum Kovler Foundation Minor Family Grandchildren, William X. Minor Mollie and Joe Marshall, Mary Marshall Paul and Maureen Zeidler, Varley L. Wrick Pearl, Leo, and George "Georgie" Clooney, Margaret McCloskey Rachel L. Fisher, Molly Sullivan and Mike Fisher Ralph and Stephanie Rodda, Caro Lou Rodda Steve Degnan, Brian and Barbara Degnan Suma Landscaping clients and friends, Suma Landscaping Vesper, Joycelyn Maguire Zack and Alex McFadden, Catherine and David Kendall 11
There are many ways to make an impact on this world. As lifelong animal-lover Nanci Viera put it, “I have always wanted to do great things, but since I can’t sing, act, dance, or be a lawyer, I have had to make small contributions in a big and consistent way for the past 30 or 40 years.” And contribute she has. As a member of ARF’s Circle of Compassion, Nanci will be leaving a portion of her estate to ARF to ensure that her legacy of compassion continues. Nanci's dedication to animal welfare goes far beyond financial support. “Since 1992, I have taken care of a colony of feral cats daily,” she informed our team. That’s right, for more than 30 years, Nanci has been the sole caretaker of a colony of community cats, facilitating humane trapping, organizing spay/neuter surgeries, and further care — including fostering kittens when needed! With the number of free-roaming cats in the country estimated to be upwards of 50 million, Nanci's work is incredibly important. ARF works directly with many Bay Area TNR (trap/neuter/ return) organizations and individuals like Nanci to help manage community cat populations, provide free Purina cat food, and even adopt out kittens! “My dedication to animals is a big part of my life and the legacy I want to leave,” Nanci told us. “The work that ARF does is critical to the animals that come into the shelter, to the people who have pets, and to the community at large. I am proud to know that this gift will make a difference.” True to her wishes, Nanci's lifesaving work for local animals in need will live on thanks to her planned gift to ARF. If you’d like to ensure your legacy makes a difference as well, visit arflegacy.org or contact Andrea Bell, ARF's Director of Philanthropy, at [email protected]. c If you have included ARF in your estate plan, please let us know at [email protected]. We would love to honor you with membership in our Circle of Compassion, and invite you to join us at ARF's Walnut Creek headquarters on Tuesday, August 22 for a special event for Circle of Compassion members. “My dedication to animals is a big part of my life and the legacy I want to leave." - NANCI, ARF DONOR ARF SPOTLIGHT: Nanci Viera Randall McIntyre, Sylvia Spengler Richard "Dick" Kruszewski, 1919 Investment Counsel, LLC Alistair Fyfe Allen Brautigam Carol Denatale Christopher Moore David Peacock Edward Costigan Guy Richardson Jack Williams James M. and Mary Beth Havel John Allen Kaivan Shakib Kevin Reich Lisa May Mark Stevenson Matthew Gaasenbeek Michael Brown Richard "Dick" Kruszewski (cont.) Nick Sansone Paul Rogers Robert Codignotto Rachel Hall Salim Hawatmeh Scott Zelnick SIFMA St. Louis Guns N' Hoses Boxing Association Steven Sweetwood Timothy McCann Tom Michaud Victor Nesi Roxy, Denise and Roger Lindsay Rusty, Joseph and Rosemary Campos Sadie, Jim and Brenda Herrington Sally of Satis House, Edward Leiter Sammy, Lorian Jones Sandi Pinio, Nancy Pinio Sharon Marin Fassio, Janine and Luis Marin Siena, Norman and Louise Jung Sophie, KSB, Inc. Sparkle and Trouble, Elaine and Joseph Daubert Stephen Marcus, Lucretia Marcus Suki and Scarlett, Jo-Anne Lyons and Dean Hill Susan Calender, Mark and Gladys Calender Sweet Pea, Sharon Goldau Teddy Bear, Heather M. Rock Teddy of Villa Caos, Edward Leiter Therapy Dog Julie Brady Smith Joann Biondi Thomas Lindsay Yodowitz, Shannon and Joel Yodowitz Toby, Robert and Karla Droste Zap and Brava, Adriane Appel Nanci with one of her bottle-fed foster kittens. 12
“Fostering has taught my kids to be responsible, but mostly it has made their love for animals grow so much." - KAITLYN, ARF FOSTER SINCE 2020 "I just love having that kitten energy in the house!" - MURIEL, ARF FOSTER SINCE 2015 "After 75 ARF foster animals, I'm already looking forward to the next 75!" - MEGAN, ARF FOSTER SINCE 2017 FACES OF FOSTERING Make a difference from the comfort of your own home! Our foster volunteers save lives every time they welcome an adorable dog, cat, puppy, or kitten through their front door. Last year, a whopping 60% of our shelter animals spent time with foster families, for a total of 21,500 hours of foster care. Can you believe it? Fostering is a great way to get the whole family involved in volunteering, or a chance to have a furry friend in your home without the long-term commitment of a pet. ARF provides everything, including food, treats, supplies, toys, and ongoing support from our training and veterinary teams — all you need is love! So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for foster orientation today at arflife.org/foster! c Carolynn (with Mufasa) Heather (with Drea) Sasha (with Woodwork) Megan (with Maisie) Erin (with Furrdinand) Shamrock (with Ember) 13
“I know ‘goodbye’ is the goal with fostering – this one just stung more than usual." - KELLY, ARF FOSTER SINCE 2021 ALL EYES ON CHEDDAR Cheddar, a playful, affectionate Chihuahua mix, was found as a stray with his siblings at only two months old. He arrived as a perfectly happy puppy. But one characteristic made him stand out from the litter: his shrunken and shriveled right eye. Our veterinary team took Cheddar into surgery to carefully remove the malformed and non-functional eye. While the brave puppy recovered in a foster home, it didn't take long for his charms to shine through. In fact, Cheddar's volunteer foster mom, Kelly, very quickly noticed something special in him! Kelly gushed to us, “Cheddar stole my heart immediately when we fostered him and his siblings. I couldn’t get enough of him, and we were best buds the entire time. He was either my shadow, my snuggle bug, or attached at the hip while I worked. It was the saddest goodbye when he left.” Thankfully, that goodbye didn’t last long. On the day that Cheddar and his three, equallyadorable siblings were ready for their adoption debut, Kelly dropped them off at our campus. But she quickly realized she had made a mistake letting go of Cheddar. “I know ‘goodbye’ is the goal with fostering — this one just stung more than usual,” explains Kelly, whose family has fostered more than 20 dogs for ARF since 2021. “[When] I realized that I could never go another day without him … I headed straight to ARF and brought him back to his now forever home.” While stays in foster homes are usually short-term endeavors, we can't fault our volunteers for the occasional "foster fail," where they decide to hang on to their foster pet for good. c Daniel (with Stormy) Muriel (with Chagall) Tia (with Skipper & Maryann) 14
NONPROFIT ORG. U. S. POSTAGE PAID OAKLAND, CA PERMIT NO. 2030 2890 Mitchell Drive Walnut Creek, CA 94598 People Rescuing Animals ... Animals Rescuing People® Do you have the cutest pet on the block? Prove it by joining our fourth annual Sit, Stay, Smile Pet Photo Contest! Entries and votes are accepted from 7/1-8/27. The pets with the most votes will be featured in our 2024 calendar, which will be for sale at ARF next year! Visit arflife.org/contest (or scan the QR code to the left) for more information and to enter your pet's best photo. We can't wait to see this year's adorable submissions! Pet Photo Contest Sit, Stay, Smile Animal Rescue Foundation