ARF Paws Press Mag - Fall 2021 - PDF Flipbook

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PawsPress

Fall 2021 • Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation

Orphan
Kittens
Experience
a Miracle PLUS:
Adoption Updates
AND
Beautiful Husky’s Long Road to Recovery

Wine & Whiskers RETURNS

“Wine and Whiskers is one of my
favorite events. My wife loves the wine,
and I love all the dogs!”

Bobby, Wine & Whiskers Attendee

Go ahead and circle Saturday, September 25 on your
calendar! After going virtual last year amidst the
COVID-19 pandemic, ARF’s popular fundraising gala is
returning to an in-person format. Join us for an evening
of fantastic wine, delicious vegetarian and vegan
appetizers, adorable adoptable animals, and a special
first look at the brand new Engelstad Pets and Vets
Center.

Tickets to this year’s event are available for purchase
today at arflife.org/help/wineandwhiskers. Space is
limited, and Wine & Whiskers is once again expected to
sell out, so don’t miss your chance to attend everyone’s
favorite autumn event. All proceeds benefit ARF’s
lifesaving programs for pets and people. c

HAPPY TAILS ADOPTION UPDATES

We love hearing about our shelter guest alumni! From your favorite
quirks about your dog, to the moment you fell in love with your new kitty,
plus all those super-cute pet pictures, we want to see it all! Tell your ARF
alum’s tale by submitting photos or videos at arflife.org/help/story.

“It took us about 45 minutes to get home after picking up Robert at ARF,
and in that time he became the — very hilarious and loving — center of our
lives. We’ve loved every day with him since, and we’ll forever be grateful to
ARF for rescuing him and taking such good care of him until he could join
our family!” - Alex c

Truff (now Robert)

Kamaji (now Muffin) Zeppelin (now Granite Chief) Miss Muffet (now Kāla)

2

A MESSAGE FROM ELENA BICKER

cWhen California reopened on June 15, our

team was thrilled to welcome the public
back to our Walnut Creek headquarters.

There are few things better than hearing children
laugh at kittens’ antics or witnessing the joy of a couple
as they swoon over their newly-adopted dog. We even
held our first in-person meeting in over 18 months with
our incredible volunteers!

As we went to print, COVID-19 cases were drastically
rising again, and it reminds us that change is the
only constant in life. When I reflect on the past year

cand a half, it’s the adaptability of our team and the

compassion of our community which shines the
brightest. ARF wouldn’t be able to keep families
together and save lives without supporters like you.
Thanks to you, ARF connected more than 1,600 dogs We hope you enjoy the incredible stories of hope and
and cats with loving families during the first 15 months happiness in this edition. They represent just a small
of the pandemic. The majority of those animals were
adopted through a virtual process, meeting their new chandful of the dogs and cats saved during this pandemic:
families for the first time during socially-distanced,
pick-up appointments. Sparkler, the husky who needed emergency surgery
on a holiday; Empanada, the momma cat who adopted
One adopter explained their decision to adopt, “My four orphan kittens; and Dusty, the dog whose guardian
partner and I were hesitant doing an adoption without was assisted with an unexpected veterinary bill.
interacting with the animal first, but ARF was wonderful And as always, thank you for your continued support
in providing us with as much information as possible and compassion. Together, we are changing lives – four
before we officially adopted our pet. We are so happy paws at a time.
to have adopted. Our lab/pittie keeps us entertained
with his goofy personality and living on a ranch keeps Elena Bicker, Executive Director
him entertained and always exploring.”

Tegu (now Koda) O&rioAnst(rnoow(noMwerMinagxu)e) Kirk (forever Kirk!)

3

ORPHAN KITTENS EXPERIENCE A MIRACLE

ARF rescued Chorizo and his siblings when they were “Mama Empanada and her kittens filled
barely 2 weeks old. At this young age, kittens need a hole in each others’ hearts. They loved
round-the-clock care to help them eat, eliminate, and each other from the moment they met.”
stay clean and warm. Unfortunately, they were without
a mother and dependent entirely on their foster family Megan, ARF Foster Volunteer
for care. They mewled and cried for their meals, but
bottle feeding doesn’t come easy for all kittens.

Chorizo was the smallest in the litter and he had trouble
latching onto the bottle to eat. Thankfully, help came
from an unexpected place. During exams of some new
rescues, ARF’s veterinary clinic discovered a 2-year-old
torbie cat named Empanada was still producing milk,
having recently raised kittens before being rescued by
ARF. But was Empanada ready to be a mother again?

When Empanada was introduced to Chorizo, her
instincts kicked in immediately. She chirped in delight
and welcomed the young kitten into her heart with
open paws. It was a match made in heaven! The rest of
Chorizo’s siblings were then introduced and Empanada
again had no hesitation in becoming their new mother.
In foster care, Empanada took the reins on raising the
litter, who were growing bigger, stronger, and more
confident by the day.

After just a few weeks under Empanada’s wing, the
whole family was healthy and strong enough to find
forever homes — including Empanada herself! c

RICHIE’S JOURNEY FROM HOMELESS TO SERVICE

Richie is an excellent example of the transformation
shelter animals can go through when given a second
chance. Found on a busy street, Richie was scared and
shaking. He was brought to a local shelter with a bad
limp and covered in bloody gashes. It was hypothesized
that he was attacked by another dog or hit by a vehicle
... or both.

Yet ARF’s Pets and Vets team saw something special in
Richie. From the moment they first laid eyes on him,
his tail started wagging and he greeted them with a
slobbery kiss on the cheek. The next thing he knew,
Richie was on his way back to ARF to start his new
life chapter: becoming a psychiatric service dog for a
military veteran.

Today, Richie is a confident, cuddly, gentle service-
animal-in-training — a complete turnaround from
being lost and injured on the streets. Learn more about
Pets and Vets at arflife.org/pets-and-vets. c

4

BEAUTIFUL HUSKY’S LONG ROAD TO RECOVERY

Sparkler, a young Siberian Husky, was found in “Sparkler is a special boy, his new family
Northern California with a severe limp. When he arrived is so lucky. The ARF clinic team was
at the municipal shelter, their team expected to find a elated to see how much he blossomed.”
leg fracture, but the x-rays revealed that poor Sparkler
had also been shot. That shelter didn’t have the Jennifer, ARF Patient Care Manager
resources to treat him, so ARF stepped in and rushed
Sparkler to a specialist for surgery on New Year’s Eve. had a genetic condition that caused his eyelashes to
The total cost of his surgery exceeded $5,500 and his rub and scratch his corneas. Left untreated, it could
medical journey was far from over. have caused permanent damage. As soon as he healed
from his orthopedic surgery, ARF’s veterinary team
We can’t imagine what horrors led to Sparkler’s injuries, proceeded with a surgical correction on his eyelids —
but we’re thankful supporters like you made it possible the final step toward’s Sparkler’s healthy, happy future.
for ARF to provide medical treatment as quickly as During the pandemic, ARF’s weekly complex medical
possible. Sparkler recuperated from his surgery with a cases increased by 25-50% compared to the previous
volunteer foster family who described him as a goofy, two years. Thank you for giving animals like Sparkler,
talkative, and all-around-happy boy. He was once again and all the animals needing extensive medical care, a
able to go on walks, play fetch, and lead the active, second chance when they need it the most. c
Husky life he deserved.

However, he wasn’t out of the woods yet. Sparkler also

5

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.

#BecauseOfMaddie

IN MEMORY Jan Gelling Nancy Shurtleff TRIBUTE GIFTS
Jennifer Balbier Miller
Alyosha We are pleased to recognize tribute gifts of $250 or
Edward Leiter Janice Marilyn Brush Family more, which offer a special opportunity to remember
Marengo Foundation a loved one, recognize an accomplishment, celebrate a
Anne-Lise Steen special occasion, or thank a friend or colleague.
Peachee and Bill Sharon and Robert Nanette Skelton
Peachee Lambert Tina Groux This edition includes gifts received 1/1/21 to 6/1/21.
Questions? Please email [email protected]. c
Ted Treat and Paul Steven Lotspeich Nicholas A. Biondi
McWilliams Jelly Joann Biondi IN HONOR Camryn Ishimaru Dr. Kris Bruskiewicz
Kendra Nitta and Joan Balzarini-Robbins
Anorea Janelle and Barry Clark Oliver Aladdin Stephenson Gordon Squires
Joanne Cirocco Jocko Wiley David Geiger Martine Stephenson Maxim and Sofia
Cathy Minshall David Martin
Blanca Michele Wiley Oliver All the furry loves David Singer
Robert Parker Karl Gerlach Joan Balzarini- Amy and Robert Trask Parth and Mollie
Robbins Cheri Smith Quoc Ma
Charlie Krueger Michelle Bates Barbara Goodman Susan Drommond
Panagiota Taylor Ken Hilgendorf Oliver Myers Bruce Goodman Ruby
Michael and Sara Elaine and Tony La Michael Sapuppo
Christine M. Biondi Edward Jones Dailey Beta Max Russa
Joann Biondi Lazlo Paulsey Gregory L. and Michele Sarah Slaughter
Paul Peratis M. McCoy Rae Kaufman Capital Group
COVID victims and the Bradley Paulsey Tina and Mark
pets they left behind Lily Storer Fletcher Betty Bilger Elaine Gor, Lucky, and Sarge
Rob and Roxann Bilger Wrinkles Lee Diane Peacock
Debra Kabrich and Mark Storer Penny Brown
Denise Nelson Lucy Marsha and Lily Lee Velma Clark’s Birthday
Richard Servetnick Janelle and Barry Clark
Friendly Christina Hamilton
David Geiger Marley Pepi, Bandi, Candi, Richard Kefer Snicker Atkinson Suzanne Schneider
and Indy Debbie and Dave Marsha and Richard David and Shellie
Greta, Katie, and Lilly Marilyn Howell and Servetnick Martyn
Bilger Donald Huff Donna Maionchi McEuen
Sergei Vasilyevich Sparky Teddy
Rob and Roxann Bilger Mattie Perry Ellen and Harry Lewin Edward Leiter
Halo Kris Byrne and Dave Kimberlea M. and Edward Leiter
Zirkle John Gray Sherrill Mendonca Susan Calender Toby
Albert and Joyce Mark and Gladys Karla and Robert E.
Bjorgum Max Rammer Pete Deguara Diana Atkins Calender Droste
Rae Kaufman Jon Borneman Sissie
Ira Shana Cohn-Kinzer MGT Martinez Trooper
Sheri Elliott Melissa, Stephanie, Theresa McCarthy Rae Kaufman
Flopsie, and Buster Phyllis Valentine
Isabella Christine Valentine
Joanna Bell Kathleen Edmonds
Meow Meow Piotr Ilych
Italo Maratta Edward Leiter
Roberta and John Baron David Geiger
Mia Ordonez Rascal
Ivan Karamazov Susan Stephan
Edward Leiter Tiffani Ordonez
Misha Richard DelFosse
Jace John and Rose
Joan Balzarini-Robbins Kate Sherman Lineweaver
Misty Nelson
Jamie L. Delgado
Eric Jones Shirley Nelson
Molly Gordon
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Bill and Shannon Cook

DUSTY AVOIDS SURRENDER THANKS TO ARF’S ASSISTANCE

“Dusty’s experience is just one example A few months ago, Dusty’s guardian noticed his beloved
of how ARF goes above and beyond to pet was acting strange: urinating in the house, not
preserve the human-animal bond.” eating her dinner, and moping around lethargically.
The news from the vet was dire — Dusty had developed
Jess, ARF Community Programs Coordinator bladder stones and would need surgery to remove
them. Unfortunately the price tag on a surgery like this
was well beyond her guardian’s means. It seemed like
the only option would be to surrender Dusty to a shelter
where she could get the care she needed. ARF was able
to step in thanks in part to an ARF Pet Safety Net grant
from Maddie’s Fund. Dusty received her surgery, and is
now free of bladder stones, fully recovered, and happily
living life with the only guardian she’s ever known.

Sometimes heartbreaking circumstances force a family
to say goodbye to their beloved pet. ARF’s assistance
programs help qualifying pet guardians who need extra
help — keeping pets out of overburdened shelters. From
free pet food, to fence repairs and pet rental deposits,
to medical assistance like Dusty’s, your support of ARF
not only rescues animals from public shelters, but keeps
them in the arms of the people who love them most. c

DON’T BE A KIT-NAPPER ROLLOVER YOUR IRA

While spring is generally considered prime kitten
season, it’s not uncommon to find litters of kittens
all year round — especially in warmer climates. Your
good-hearted instincts may tell you to rush to their aid,
but human intervention is usually not needed! Their
mom will likely be back soon, and their best chance for
survival is at her side. However, if she’s not back within
eight hours, it may be up to you to step in and help.

Visit arflife.org/help/kitnap for more information and
details on how to care for stray kittens if their mother is
nowhere to be found. c

Did you know that you can reduce your taxes by making
a gift from your individual retirement account (IRA) to
ARF? An IRA rollover is a simple and easy way for you to
use your IRA to help save lives.

If you are 70½ or older, you can make a charitable gift
of up to $100,000, and your gift will qualify for your
required minimum distribution. You will not pay federal
income tax on the amount given from your IRA.

On the Cover: Ursa Major (Adopted 7/10/21) To learn more about how you can save more lives by
redirecting IRA income, visit arflegacy.org or email us
at [email protected]. c

7

NONPROFIT ORG.
U. S. POSTAGE
PAID
OAKLAND, CA

PERMIT NO. 2030

2890 Mitchell Drive
Walnut Creek, CA 94598

People Rescuing Animals .
... Animals Rescuing People®

CONGRATULATIONS, TONY!

We’d like to give a huge congratulations to our co-
founder and fearless leader, Tony La Russa, for reaching
2nd on MLB’s all-time winningest manager list! “I didn’t
even think this was attainable,” La Russa said to MLB
media on June 6, after managerial victory #2,764, “I
didn’t think this was ever going to happen.”
Fun fact: Tony La Russa also has the MLB record for most
cats and dogs saved. Now that’s a stat worth wagging
your tail about. c