ARF Paws Press Mag - Spring 2021

PawsPress

Spring 2021 • Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation

PLUS: 30
Puppy and Kitten Season
AND years
Ensuring a Legacy of Love
of arf

30 YEARS OF SAVING LIVES

In 1990, a stray cat took a wrong turn and found herself
on the field at the Oakland Coliseum. Amidst cheers
from spectators, she darted across the infield, to the
outfield, and all the way to the home team’s dugout,
where A’s manager Tony La Russa gently coaxed her to
safety. After the game, Tony and his wife, Elaine, took
the cat under their wing to find her a home. Inspired
by their experience and new knowledge of the trials of
homeless animals, the La Russas officially co-founded
ARF in 1991.

In donated office space with a small team of driven
volunteers, ARF worked tirelessly to save the lives of
11 dogs and 146 cats in its first year. 30 years later,
that single-year rescue number tallied 1,886. From a
small, foster-based adoption program has grown a
massive, 50,000 square-foot center with an array of
outreach and education programs bringing people and
animals together to enrich each other’s lives. Thanks
to donors in all 50 states, as well as internationally, ARF
has established itself as a lifesaving, local leader and
national model in the animal welfare community. c

HAPPY TAILS

We love hearing about our former shelter guests! From your
favorite quirks about your cat’s personality,
to the results of your dog’s DNA test,
to those super-cute pet pictures, we
want to hear it from you! Tell your ARF
alum’s tale by submitting photos and
videos at arflife.org/help/story.

“I am so grateful to Toffi (arf’s Santucci)
ARF for helping me
find my best friend.”

Rachel, ARF Adopter

“I spent a lot of time looking at ARF’s Rodger (arf’s Rootbeer) “Toffi has been a great addition to the
animals, and I remember seeing family! She loves to play with her ball
‘Rootbeer.’ He was so friendly and and has been the best weekend hiking
buddy. She enjoys hanging out with her
had these big thumbs. I couldn’t doggy friends and loves to show them
how fast she can run! We look forward
believe he was available! How could such to continue building our relationship
with and giving Toffi the loving home she
a handsome guy not have a home!? I re-named him Rodger, after deserves! Thank you so much ARF for our
fur baby!” - Christabel
Roger Ebert, since he was always giving two thumbs up! For the last 10

years Rodger has gotten me through so many life events. And I assume

he is a big reason my now husband came back for a second date! I am so

grateful to ARF for helping me find my best friend.” - Rachel

2

A MESSAGE FROM ELENA BICKER

cYour compassion is keeping
families together and saving lives.Thanks to you, ARF rapidly adapted this past year to help
family’s income took a significant hit due to COVID-19,
the animals and people who need it most. Inquiries for resources suddenly tightened. It was the worst possible
assistance programs have grown significantly during time for the kittens to get sick, but Minnie started
the pandemic. When guardians are unable to pay a pet vomiting and having diarrhea. ARF’s Pet Safety Net was
rental deposit, provide food, or afford medical treatment, able to get both kittens parasitic treatment, appropriate
they often face the impossible decision of shelter vaccines, and even arrange for spaying and neutering.
surrender to ensure their pet gets necessary care.

Take Lizzie, an adorable terrier mix, for example. Lizzie
has been with her guardian since she was a puppy.

cUnexpected circumstances necessitated the pair

relocate under duress. This left Lizzie’s guardian facing
multiple fees, including a substantial pet deposit for
new housing. She worried that her inability to pay the Mickey and Minnie are now safe, happy, and healthy,

unforeseen expenses would force her to give up her and things are looking up for the entire family.

beloved dog. ARF’s Pet Safety Net program bridged the As we celebrate 30 years of changing lives together, we
financial gap and also performed Lizzie’s spay surgery
free of charge. Thanks to your support, Lizzie and her are forever grateful for your partnership. c
guardian started 2021 together in a new home. Elena Bicker, Executive Director
“Our friends were fostering Fila
Your support also assisted Mickey and Minnie, a playfuland we couldn’t resist her! Her love
pair of kittens living with a family of four. When the and playfulness have made every

cday during COVID much better.
Whenever we’re stressed or

having a bad day we can play or

even just give her a hug!” - Heidi

George (arf’s Thor) Cazzi (arf’s Benny)

“We love George! He loves nothing Pixie (arf’s Fila) “The day we came to take Cazzi home
more than chasing his orange ball is one we will never forget. He is such
in the park or at the beach! And he’s an intelligent boy with a whole lot of
tolerant of the cats, even when they personality and character. We cannot
invade his space. George has brought wait to have a lifetime of adventures
so much joy to our family. Thank you with him.” - Charlie and Liz c
for saving him.” - Margaret

3

PUPPY AND KITTEN SEASON IS AROUND THE CORNER

“No matter how much cats fight, there Every year without fail, springtime arrives and brings
always seem to be plenty of kittens.” with it a boom of infant cats to animal shelters. While
that may sound downright adorable, young kittens
Abraham Lincoln, Cat Enthusiast place a strain on public shelters as they rally to provide
space, time, and resources for some of the most
vulnerable lives in animal welfare. With a number of
spay/neuter programs across the country operating at
a limited capacity this past year due to the COVID-19
pandemic, the animal rescue community will be facing
a larger-than-usual surge of kittens.

Thankfully, ARF’s network of passionate and
experienced foster volunteers is up to the challenge.
In 2020 alone, ARF had more than 800 dogs and cats in
foster homes, adding up to more than 20,000 days of
care. And as we continue taking in more animals with
advanced medical needs (including many dogs with
parasitic heartworms), 2021’s foster numbers could
shape up to be even greater.

Every spring, ARF collects donations and in-kind gifts to
help carry the foster program through puppy and kitten

INFANT, ORPHAN PUPPIES THRIVE IN ARF FOSTER HOMES

“Foster homes are the backbone of our life-
saving efforts. Your donations make sure
every dog and cat gets the care they need.”

Alex, ARF Foster Supervisor

One foggy morning, a railway employee was greeted Turmeric was the pup in charge; she led the way when
with an unexpected sight. In a gutter, next to the it was time to eat. Mustard preferred to be carried
track, was a litter of six infant puppies, mewling for around the house in her foster’s arms. Fennel was the
assistance. ARF’s rescue team brought them to our most independent of the litter; wandering off to have
headquarters and the litter was immediately checked her own little adventures. Coriander was the smarty-
out by our veterinary staff. After receiving a clean bill pants, eager to learn new commands and tricks. Cacao
of health, the adorable puppies were sent to volunteer could spend all day playing with toys. And Mace was
foster homes along with a special task: bottle feeding. such a charmer that his foster decided to keep him in
the family for good. Mace wasn’t the only one to find a
Puppies this young require around-the-clock care, great home; all the puppies were adopted quickly. c
especially with no momma to help out. But thanks to
the experience and love of their foster families, these
pups thrived. Over the course of several weeks, they
were weaned off of milk supplement and onto wet and
dry puppy food. Special care was taken to ensure their
socialization. Soon, the litter was playfully romping
around the house and their individual personalities
began to shine through.

4

WHAT OUR FOSTER
ANIMALS NEED:

• Puppy pads • Kong® dog toys
• Processed squeeze • Squeaky dog toys
• Interactive cat toys
cheese • Puppy snuggle toys
• Training treats • Fleece blankets
• High value treats • Unscented baby
• Nylabones®
• Pill pockets wipes
• Metal exercise pens
(for cats and dogs)
• Interactive feeders (four-foot tall preferred)
• All-meat baby food
(for cats and dogs) • Cat food purée tubes
• “Adopt Me” leashes

season — and beyond! From treats to toys, please Express, you can use the link arflife.org/help/pfe to
visit arflife.org/wish-list to view a list of supplies our redirect 4% of your purchase total directly to ARF’s
fosters need. As a bonus, if you shop online at Pet Food programs. Every little bit helps when saving lives! c

DRUMSTICK: A TINY KITTEN IN A BIG WORLD

It’s a big world out there for a kitten — especially one
as tiny as Drumstick. Found at just 5 weeks old, she was
dirty, smelly, and completely alone. But most notably,
Drumstick weighed in at only 0.56 pounds — less
than half of what a kitten her age should be. Kittens
this small and frail are especially vulnerable to illness.
Additionally, Drumstick was discovered to have more
health issues that would need addressing.

ARF’s veterinarians found that she has a condition
called pectus excavatum, caused by a developmental
defect in the cartilage that holds her ribs to her
sternum; meaning Drumstick’s chest appears sunken.
In some cases, these changes in the breastbone can
compress the heart and lungs.

Luckily, Drumstick didn’t show any signs of trouble
breathing or exercise intolerance when she was
frolicking about in her foster home. She meowed
for attention, always wanting to be carried around
the house or snuggled up on a lap. Her diet was
supplemented with milk replacement formula to help
her gain weight. Soon, her weight was up to a more
normal size, albeit still small. Despite her special needs,
Drumstick quickly found a loving home. c

5

ENSURING A LIFETIME OF LOVE CONTINUES

When Susan Barton began volunteering for ARF years “We want to continue to save lives and
ago, she finally felt like she was making a difference. support ARF’s ongoing evolution for
“ARF has a robust training program,” she says. “I’ve the long-term.”
done everything from laundry to dog walking, greeting,
and working in the Thrift Store.” Susan & Gary Barton, ARF Donors & Volunteers

Gary, a native New Yorker and lifelong sports fan, feels
ARF is a perfect fit for their philanthropy, blending their
love of animals with a love of sports. Over the past 20
years, they’ve adopted and raised five golden retrievers,
naming them after some of their favorite people — Joe
(DiMaggio), Mickey (Mantle), Sammie (Davis, Jr.), and
Frankie (Sinatra), among others.

As ARF Sustainers, Susan and Gary provide monthly
support of ARF’s everyday operations and want to ensure
these keep going even after they’re gone. As members of
ARF’s Circle of Compassion, they’re leaving a legacy of love
for animals in their estate plans. “We want to continue
to save lives and support ARF’s ongoing evolution for
the long-term. The mission of People Rescuing Animals
… Animals Rescuing People® really resonates with us.”

To learn more about how you can leave a legacy to save
lives, please visit arflegacy.org. c

Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation is a
proud recipient of funding from Maddie’s Fund®,
a national family foundation established by Dave
and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status
and well-being of companion animals.

#ThanksToMaddie

6

TRIBUTE GIFTS

We are pleased to recognize tribute gifts of $250 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.

This edition recognizes gifts received 9/16/20 to
1/31/20. We very much appreciate your thoughtful
support to save lives.

Questions? Please email [email protected]. c

IN MEMORY Cowboy Ginger Roberts Leila Natasha Brenner Sienna Rettig
Jack and Jeanne Roman Dan Roberts Jameela Ahmed Jared Brenner Diana Godfrey
Aisha Horley
Steven Rogers Daisy and Brandy Gus Leo Langford Nico Donati Skedaddle
(formerly Judith & Johanna Kwasniewski Holly Langford Glenn and Diane Christopher and
All my angel babies Agate) Colacurci Allan Jaksa
Leslie M. Takenaka Hanabi Lina and Lizzy
Laurie and David Silva Beverly and Katsuhiko Joanna Cassese Norman Appel Sparkle and Trouble
Art and Bob Maionchi Dana Melnichek Momoi Adriane Appel Elaine H. and Joseph
Donna Maionchi Louie (Lou Russa) G. Daubert
Al and Pat Johnson Hercules Colacurci Pedee and
Benjie, Shannon, and David and Olivia Robert and Lori Frank Mactavish Star
Heather, Peeper, Kamlin-Haywood Glenn and Diane Janette and Steve
Momma, Petruchio, Ian Colacurci William D. Hardie Farrand
Einstein, Mags, Dixie, Bailey, and Bob Madelon Palma
Sydney, Eli, Chloe, Madeline Wallace Joanne and Andrew Pele Steve Shulak
Hamilton, Houdini Jake Botka Jennifer Miles Virginia Jacobs
Edith J. Price, Roland, Cookie Ensley
Steven and Karin and Hudson Lawrence and Janice Perry Dr. Steven Porter
Chase James Thomas Adams Wong Kimberlea M. and John Rita Porter
Lindsay McCrea Stu and Judi McKee Gray
Blanca Edna Marie Filizetti Marsha and Richard Suki and Scarlett
Robert Parker Jeannie Robinson Servetnick Phil Perkins Jo-Anne Lyons and
Julie Filizetti Debra Kabrich and Christine and Philip Lee Dean Hill
Boomer Toland Elijah Denise Nelson Steven and Diane
Dustin Toland Parrish Posm Jr Sullivan
Mary Jensen and Jensen, Tyson, Emily, Martin Keegan Karen Aluise
Brava Edward Andrews and Ruby Marley Truex
Adriane Appel Audra E. and Paul Puff, Inky, Bunns, Susan Calender
Ellie Belle Pearl Diane Zeoli Truex Hershe, Kitté, Jr, and Mark and Gladys
Bruce Johnson Deborah Collins Jesse Sank Wendy Zamarripa Bitsy Calender
Joanna Santoro and Mitch Bathke
Eric LaPat Sherry Sank Vicki and Douglas Susan Mandl
Carmen, Ming Lee, Susan and William Joanne Anderson Maverick Hogendorn Jenna Reid
Suki, Ashley, Cassie, LaPat Michael Chinn
and Misty Wayne and Kim Raider Thomas Lindsay
Fairway Ford Senior Anderson Maverick “Lazy Ace” John and Ashley Ranelli Yodowitz
David and Sharon Softball Teammates Vanderlip
Wedoski Joe Audette Rhoades Scholar Shannon and Joel
Dale J. Walter Raleigh M. and Melissa Vanderlip Wagtail Yodowitz
Carole Hendrickson Febbo Lynne L. Audette Michael J. Biondi
Steven Hendrickson Adelyn Hodson Tigger
Patricia K. Johnson Joe Castello Joann Biondi Robert and Lori Frank
Cattacheeno, Cuddles, Flopsie and MinnieMe Angelica Ayon Minou, Mochi, and Titi Rita Mae
Anastacia, and Natasha Tom and Carolyn Tobey and Abbey
Kathleen Edmonds Joe Puliafico Elizabeth Mathews MacKenzie Jennifer Bowen
Claire Stames Fred and Doris Johnson Argonaut Management Missy
Services, Inc. Robert P. Morgan Tony Servetnick
Charles William ‘Chuck’ Ted and Janet Moore Victoria Chergoski Robin and Karen Hall Glenn and Diane
Deutschman Fred, Sam, and Simba Johnny Missy, Porsche, Bob Colacurci
Anne Maczulak Roscoe Quintel Marsha and Richard
Erin Gallagher and Lynn and David Chazin James and Sandra Nancy and William Servetnick
Kevin Batchelor Gary Mattila Kalua Stockholm Quintel
Vonette Niemi Torre, Bambi, and
Charlie Ila Mattila Misty Wedoski Roxie Glasser Daisy
Alexandra Balmaseda Gary Rodgers Kelly, Telly and Adora David and Sharon Gail and Harvey Glasser
Karen E. Baker Wedoski Sara Soltan
Coach and AC Judy Allen-Rodgers Sam (Kenya) and
Kristin Paul George Asbra Kevin Grimes Mocha Emma (Kiana) Yogi
Jennifer Skrel and Mary Ann Lloyd Lauri Moss
Cody Charm James Asbra Steve Grimes Patricia Coffey
Katie Pruski and Kevin Thomas Cruz Muggsy McFall
Crosby Ginger Liebtag Kim Stutzman and Lily Tracy McFall Serra
Holly Langford Roy Stutzman Denise Parish and
Nancy Shurtleff Miller Eric Sias
Sherry Dumke

IN HONOR Beverly Dozier-Jones Erik, Tesse, Makena Jeff Mullins Missy Shelby Drayton
Shari Santos and Sierra Struve Carole Salerno Tricia Lansaw Lara Paskins
Kathy Gleason
Anonymous Bobbe Bartlett, Mike Clark and Toshia Struve Jesse Evans Monty the Kitty Steve and Chris Burd
Teskey, Eden, and Goddess Jeannette Dorothy Evans Janet G. Welter Penny and Peter
Alexandra Roybal Teddy Rammer
KC Maxwell Michael Berlinger Leigh Shimamoto Morphy - Lum Family
Steven and Wendy Grace Lehue Wealth Architechs Jennifer Morphy Theresa and Jim Heim
Barry and Janelle Clark Hengst John and Ashley Ranelli
Caro Lou Rodda M. Danny Levin Liz McCarthy Nate and Bear
Christina Kinsella Greg and Michele Jane Burgin Kristin Paul Tony La Russa
Baxter Kenneth Wigginton McCoy William S and Nancy E
Janet G. Welter LJ Feinholz Paul Pemberton and Thompson Foundation
Christopher LaBasco Nancy M. and Kevin Mark Feinholz Lando
Bet Leona and Tom Truitt Willow
Barb and Bob, Joan LaBasco Margaret Porpora Lois Chou Helen and Peter Meyer
Balzarini-Robbins Holly Belknap Leslie Siegel Ralph and Stephanie
Denise Allen Beats & Breakfast crew Rodda Wylie
Betty Bilger Mark Hayes & Cool Dads Rock Maxim and Sofia Patricia Wheeler
Rob Bilger David Martin Caro Lou Rodda
Elaine and Tony La Holly Rob Walters Family Zeus
Beverly Ann Johnson Russa Melodee Dunlap Mike Menasco Elaine Pico
Darryl Johnson Frederick Schleich Julie Mork
Penny and Peter Jeannine Venzon Ruth Kitchin 7
Rammer Marthony Venzon
David Lenrow

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People Rescuing Animals .
... Animals Rescuing People®

UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENTS arflife.org/events
PAWS & RELAX
ANIMALS ON BROADWAY SIT, STAY, SMILE PHOTO CONTEST

Sunday, May 23 July 1 - August 31 June 26 • August 14 • November 6

For more than two decades, ARF has Think you have the world’s cutest Our popular paint-your-pet class has
celebrated the bond between pets dog or cat? Prove it by entering ARF’s gone virtual! No talent? No problem!
and people at Animals on Broadway. second annual Sit, Stay, Smile Photo An expert artist will guide you
Do you have what it takes to bring Contest! Your photos and votes raise through the process with step-by-
home the top fundraising prizes? funds for animals in need. step instructions via Zoom.