A non-profit, 501(c)3 charitable organizationFALL 2012VOLUME 15, ISSUE 4

Dr. Erin Shults is a long-time friend of ARFhouse. Her rescue organization, Mazie’s Mission, has helped us find homes for many dogs over the past few years. Mazie’s Mission held their 48 hour Marathon event at the Villages of Allen on October 26th. Because our available staff must be here to care for the dogs of ARFhouse, I told Erin we could not man the booth. She generously offered volunteers to do this for our dogs, so in the days leading up to this event, we transported 23 of our dogs south to Mazie’s Mission where they went into foster homes, awaiting their chance at forever homes.

“C.J.” (a.k.a. “Chance”) has a new name in his McKinney home with Jaime and Anthony Anderson. Since he is a Scottish Deerhound, the Anthony’s thought he needed a Scottish name. He is now named Seamus. Jaime and Anthony volunteer with Mazie’s Mission and they fell in love with his gentle spirit at his first adoption event. They have two little dogs and a cat and there is always another foster dog in the house. Jaime says he is not like a “big dog” - which he most certainly is - but more like having another person in the house. He was totally afraid of the stairs when he first went to live with the Anderson’s, and Anthony had to carry him up and down. He learned quickly as he learns everything quickly and he is finally in a forever home where there is so much love! As you can see from his expression, he is one happy and contented guy!

“Buster” found his forever home with the Nathan Brown family at the huge adoption event in Allen, TX. They’re renaming him “Bonzo”.

Mazie’s Mission Marathon Adoption Event

Over that weekend, 12 of our dogs found homes. The remaining 11 (minus one stinker blue heeler who returned to ARFhouse) went into foster homes and as of the printing of this newsletter, 8 more had been adopted. We are deeply grateful to Erin, Deb Blakeney and all the volunteers at Mazie’s Mission for helping so many of our great dogs find their place. This was a “yippee” weekend for everyone at ARFhouse. (That blue heeler, “Billy Ray”, didn’t seem to mind coming back to us.) Here are some of the dogs who were adopted, along with their new guardians.....

Continued on page 2Pancho with his new guardian.

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Mazie’s Mission Adoption Event, Cont.

“Little Man” is going home with Darlene Emerson.

“Tuck” found his home w/David Clark and his beautiful little girls.

NewcomersDaniel Davis and Cleo

Our young male German Shepherd was adopted by a wonderful family in Carrollton – the Withers, Steve, Liz, Joanne and Sara, with brother Andrew just a few miles away being the best “uncle” ever! He is pictured here with Liz. The family says: “Remi has one doggie ‘sister’, Ginger who is an 8 year old Golden Retriever/Border Collie mix. He is adjusting well to life in the suburbs. He sleeps all night in his crate and

loves to play with Ginger. He loves his walks with Ginger and his new mom and dad and always looks over his shoulder to make sure everyone is still together if anyone falls behind. He is a very happy dog and he has learned to fetch a tennis ball. He does prefer to bring it back to Ginger, but we don’t mind. They are great friends already and we are so happy to have Remi in our home.”

We’ve had 2 cats abandoned here in the past couple of weeks. One was up in a tree in a dog pen!!! We were able to get her down w/ladder, gloves, towel, etc. An employee’s mother took the first cat, and will take this one (once she’s spayed).

Christine was a stray. She loves people and is looking for a family.

When we received a call from a lady asking for help with 29 dogs, we promptly went to her home and picked up 10 of them. This mother cocker spaniel, her 3 week old puppies (shown

here), plus her first generation of five 7-month old puppies came to ARFhouse. The first generation found homes through Mazie’s Mis-

sion, and the infant puppies and their mother will be ready for adoption in another 6 weeks.

We are pursuing helping with the other 19 dogs that the lady has; getting them spayed and neu-tered as soon as they’re old enough. It’s a pro-cess that takes time, but we must ensure that no

more puppies are born to the females and that the young dogs are placed in adoptive homes.

“Kim” is another stray who found her way to ARFhouse. She’s had a lot of puppies, but that’s in her past. She’s ready for a fresh start.

“Wintry” is a young, deaf, and partially blind Aussie that came to ARFhouse. It’s not always possible, but we try to make a place for the handicapped dogs we receive calls about.

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Thank You!! These cupcakes represent one of the two dozen that Blanca brought for the auction. As you can see, a great deal of work, time and love went into making these. Everyone wanted one of them.

Fibre Faire

On September 27 the Blackland Prairie Artisan & Fibre Faire held their annual fiber fair at the Apple Leef Farm east of Van Alstyne. All proceeds, including their silent auction and the “sheep to shawl raffle” were given to ARFhouse. Our adoption coordinator, LeAnn Parker, manned a table, met the generous attendees, and told everyone about ARFhouse. The event raised over $500 for our dogs. The Board of the Fibre Faire have voted to sponsor us again next year. They’ve selected September 27 as the date, with the venue to be announced later. We’ll be sure to publish the information about this event in our 2013 summer newsletter.

Our first annual barbeque and silent and live auction was held on September 15 at Fat Daddy’s in Denison, Texas. I apologize that our local friends and supporters may have not received their newsletter in time. This was a combination of delay at the printer, as well as our postmaster being absent the week it needed to mail. It’s a small post office and he’s the only person who does the bulk mailings. In spite of these events, we were very pleased with the outcome. Businesses and friends donated auction items, Karen Salyer (auctioneer in Denison), held the live event, the bidding was lively, and over $7,000 was raised. Gary Dutton brought his huge smoker, and donated the barbeque, which was delicious. Stacie Stuart owns the Humidor and Fat Daddy’s, and she generously gave her time, efforts, the venue, and support in order to make this a success. There are many people we owe our thanks to for contributing auction items. This list (and I hope we’ve omitted no one) is on this page. We’re grateful to all our friends and attendees who bid on the wonderful items.

First Annual Barbecue and Auction!

Thanks to the following people for donating auction items for the Annual Barbeque and Silent/Live Auction for ARFhouse

Denison, Texas BusinessesStay & Style

Morton Street LubeTony’s Cafe

Cotton Patch CafeNorth Rig Grill

Jerry’s ShellRegency Car Bath

Express CutsJohn @ Imperial Barbers

Courtney @ Imperial BarbersFossil Creek Liquor

Sherman, Texas Businesses

Lacie’s Bar & GrillApplebee’s

Ultimate Family FitnessChili’s

El ChicoNAPA

Flamingo BingoCellarman’sCatfish KingJimmy John’sTaco Cabana

Buffalo Wild WingsChuck E. Cheese

Red LobsterChick-Fil-A

Marty Zamora - Striper GuideStayley Adventures - Fishing trip

Habitate for HumanityBaskins Western StoreYahoo Cake Factory

Moss Tire

Whitesboro, Texas BusinessesGolden Clipper

Axtell’s PharmacyPetal Shop

IndividualsBarbara Floyd for beautiful hand made jewelry and more.Barbara Smith for the wonderful antique banks.Clay McAdoo for the gorgeous custom painted mailboxes. Blanca Serrano for the most amazing cupcakes any of us had ever seen; each decorated with a different breed of dog (formed out of fondant). Someone bid on all of them and they brought a hefty price!Our dear sweet friend, Sue Miklos, who donated one of her beautiful quilts. Sue passed away in October. She is missed by “Cowboy”, and all her friends and family. “Cowboy” was a frightened golden retriever who had lived his life chained to a dog house when ARFhouse rescued him. He would have remained here for life, but Sue saw his picture in the newsletter and was determined to give him a place in her home and heart. He had a wonderful life with her and now resides with Sue’s husband, where he receives love and care. If I have omitted anyone, please forgive the oversight. Contact me by e-mail:martha@arfhouse.org and I’ll make sure you’re not forgotten in our spring newsletter. All gifts were appreciated and brought funds to help the animals.

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Martha,Here is a picture of our kids with the donations. Max(6), Jack(4), Ali(2) and our new rescue dog Belle. We collected donations for the kids’ birthday party on Labor Day. Lots of thanks to our family and friends. Hope it helps!Michael and Rachel Hinsley

HarlieJo wanted to share with the animals on her birthday instead of having friends give gifts to her. She had a pool party, and all her friends brought dog food for ARFhouse. HarlieJo is only 9 years old, but already interested in serving her community.

The Covenant Presbyterian Church in Sherman has a mid-week program for kids. Here are some of them baking peanut butter treats for our dogs. The dogs loved them!

Children helping the dogs

Here is a photo of Minnie in her new home. She is fitting in wonderfully. She is terrific, and she and Matthew are making fast friends.

Matthew & Minnie

“Lexie” finds a home with Bobbie Pollaro.

Our “Winnie” wanted to swim with the other dogs. One of our employees had the idea to put pool noodles on the legs of her cart so the cart would have buoyancy and she could use her front legs to navigate across the pond. It worked, and she LOVES it!

An Early Christmas GiftFor Winnie!

Blessing the Animals Each year, Trinity United Methodist Church in Denison, Texas, invites us to their “Blessing of the Animals”. They support us with monetary gifts as well as gathering food for the dogs. This year LeAnn Parker, our Adoption Coordinator, took “Chaos”, a Siberian Husky she adopted from ARFhouse. She reports that he was the perfect guest; even being polite to a sheep that received blessings. We’re grateful to these great friends for their support.

~5~

In Memory of Animal Lovers

To Honor Beloved Pets and Those Humans Who Love Them

Nancy Pease’s Brotherby: Nancy

Dottie Lyellby: Joan Potter Bud Wallace

by: Suzanne Buchanan Jody Chisum

by: Martha, Wayne & Cindy Chisum Becky Morrison

by: Ronnie (Buggs) & Sandra Brown Becky Morrison

by: Margie Jackson Danny Rose & his beloved dog “Sailor”

by: Jane Gowans Jackie (Jack) Jackson

by: Karen & Gary White

Anthony Reevesby: Bob Ranando & Roy Harker

Mr. & Mrs. E.R. Uphouseby: Lynda Uphouse

Sue Miklos“our sweet and loving daughter-in-law”

by: Grover & Edna Champion

Mike O’Brien made a donation in memory of his beloved wife, Liz, who passed away on December 21, 2010. This generous gift was in observance of Liz’s birthday, September 21st, when she would have been 72 years old. She is sorely missed.

Robin Rose Smithby: Shedera Farmer

“Sadie”, “Trouble”, “Mr. Gray”, “Miss Kitty”, “Talley”, & “Buddy”

by: Geraldine Kinsey “Sadie” and “Buddy”

“my border collie/lab mix, and border collie/Aussie mix”by: Pam Huffman

Ellie Langdonby: Lynn & Kathy Surls

Ann Baertsch“my daughter”

by: Nancy ElkinsRoger Platizky

for his birthday on 11/12/12by: Martha, Wayne & Cindy Chisum &

Katherine Samples

Martha Chisumfor her birthday

by: Roger Platizky Merry Christmas to the Chisum’s

by: Roger Platizky Terry Fitzgeraldfor her Birthday

by: Sharon & Bobby Ehasz

“Special Thanks”Remembering Jack Carney

We received a generous donation from Norma Carney in memory of her late husband, Jack, on their anniversary. Jack was a life-long dog lover and a good friend of Arf House.

You, our readers, may remember the memorial for “Lily”, beloved dog of Cindy & Mark Boling. She was needlessly shot by a Ft. Worth police officer. Cindy & Mark made a donation this fall “to recognize Chief Jeff Halstead and Major Paul Henderson of the Ft. Worth Police Dept. for making Lily’s “reason for change” a reality in Ft. Worth. Training started on Oct. 23 for all FW police officers.”

Donations In Memory of Beloved Pets“Lacee-Leanne”

“Our little gift from God - 2/14/92 - 10/07/12”

by: James & Donna-Lee Pennell“Fae” & “Allie”

by: Jane Crout“Jake”, “Sadie” & “Suzy Q”

by: B.A. & Linda Mitchell“Clovise”

Judy Lewis’ beloved petby: Scott Goddard

“Gracy”by: Carl & Helen Nehrbass

“Ratzie”“My cat”

by: Esther Goodson

“Missy”the Australian Shepherd of professors Peggy

Redshaw & Jerry Lincecumby: Roger Platizky

“Hopper”“sweet lab of David & Margie Norman”

by: Bev Nelson“Ziggy”

beloved companion of Colin Meltonby: Steve & LaTressa Melton

“Frannie Jo Brakebill”by: Mary, Jami, Anita & Aaron

“Trouble” & “Roxy”by: Cheryl Crays

“The Duke”beloved pet of Stan Rose

by: Len & Willene Sweeney

 “Sofie”beloved pet of Bob & Cindy Couch

by: Jane Gowans “Maxx”

The Stephens family petby: Michael & Cathaleen Nelson

“Our Dear Homerby: Martin & Deborah Farrell

“In memory of my sweet ‘Frannie Jo’.She was my best friend, and I miss her

terribly.”by: Danny Brakebill

“Frannie Jo”“beloved dog of Danny & John

Brakebill”by: Wally & Ann Black

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Brakebill Veterinary Hospital Made The Following “In Memory” Donations

**WISH LIST**• Mediumsizebaby

diapers,usedaspadsonWinnie’scart(topreventpressuresores)

• Golfcart(Ourcartsaresufferingfromage&constantuse.)

• Officesupplies;i.e.,folders,labels,envelopes

• Purina Puppy Chow &PurinaONE

“Ginger”June Leake “Spanky”

Mr. & Mrs. Keith Hutson “Candy”

Audrey & Larue Wallace “Tobi”

Brandy Cheshier “Missy”

Peggy Redshaw & Jerry Lincecum “Joven”

LuRuth Taylor “Sweetie”

Mr. & Mrs. Benny Myers “Bones”

Mr. & Mrs. John Polonchak “Little Bit”

Mr. & Mrs. Von Sutton “Johnnie”

Linda Robertson “Justus”

Mr. Jerry & Dr. Lisa Stokes & family “Annie”

Shirley Thompson “Basil”

Karen Tooley “Gordo”

John Kinser “Kona”

Mr. & Mrs. Joe Morris “Speedy”Billy Jones “Jazmyn”

Mr. & Mrs. William Windlow

“Monkee”Maureen Lahti & Joe Bunyard

“Mozart”Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Renshaw

“Buddy”Margaret Gower

“Kala”Mr. & Mrs. Ricky Phillips

“Cooney”Mr. & Mrs. Dave Luymes

“Roxy”Brad & Keri Bryan

“Girl”Wanda Bartlett

“Teddy”John & Cathy LeBlanc

“Jake”Benjamin & Nancy Cole

“Sandy”Jeff & Laurie Watson

“Max”Nikki & Toney Stephens

“Mustang”Mr. & Mrs. Bill Clark

“Spike”Darla Krapf

“Butterscotch”David & Carol Griffith

“Trapper”Brent & Cindy Mahana

“Glory”Thomas Lohr “Charlie”

Beverly Hoard “Fancy”

Rebekah Hartman “Roger”

Linda Chambers & Donna West “Sandy”

Eugene Carey & family “Gus”

The Carpenter family

ANY IDEAS?? We have friends who own classic cars and attend several local (and not so local) car shows during the year. They’ve offered to help us promote an event that would benefit us next October. However, we need to find a location; some place that would have plenty of parking, restrooms available, and food for purchase. If any of you, our friends and supporters, might be inclined to offer a place, or know of a spot where we could have an event, please e-mail me:martha@arfhouse.org or give me a call: 903/564-7056.

AppealThe newsletter wouldn’t be complete without an appeal for the dogs. December is the month that you, our friends, are very generous, so naturally it’s an exciting month for us. Please remember that January-April are the months when our donations are at their lowest, and we have to curb spending, which means resources are depleted during the first quarter of the year. You should know that we always try to give an abandoned/abused dog a safe place. Thank you for caring about them and making this work possible all year long.

Thanks

go to The Virginia and Robert

Hobbs Charitable Trust for making a grant of $3,300 to provide for the animals of ARF-

house.

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Canyon Creek Pet Hospital Made The Following“In Memory” Donations

ThanksTo the people who help our dogs

Sherman WalMart

Danny & Dr. John Brakebill

Stacey & Dr. Clay Morris

Dr. Jennifer Schwind

Brakebill Veterinary Clinic Staff

Canyon Creek Pet Hospital

Niemann Publications

Mazie’s Mission

Moka’s Dog rescue

Walmart

Dr. Erin Shults

ARFhouse’s newslet ter is published by the Animal Refuge Foundation, 3377 Spalding Rd., Sherman, TX 75092. Phone (903) 564-7056. Martha Hovers, Editor.

ARFhouseDIRECTORS

Danny BrakebillSally O’Brien

Martha Hovers

SecretaryRoxanne South

www.arfhouse.orgVisit us on the web ....

“Bosch”The Cason’s

“Missy”The Hughely’s

“Princess”The Alexander’s

“Pal”The Powell’s

“Tauper”The Scott family

“Lorcan”The Villarreal’s

“Cleo”The Schaefer’s “Brayleigh”

The Ivey family“Bubba”

The Stark family

ARFhouseNon-Profit Organization

on Facebook

“Arizona Duke”The Cross family

“Smokey”The Hendrickson’s

“Rascal”The Mooney family

“Sadie”The Wright’s “Precious”

The Huff family “Lacee-Leanne”

The Pennell’s “Cyrus”

The Thompson’s “Thomas”

The Bridwell’s “Polly”

The Holmes family

Antler Chewz

are great ways to keep your dog(s) busy while they are inside keeping warm. They also make great stocking stuffers for your

dogs and perhaps “grand” dogs. We have partnered with Antlerz 4 Dogz who has generously offered 10% of your purchase to be donated to us.

It’s a Win Win for everyone. Go to their website:

www.antlerz4dogz.com/rescue and enter our rescue organization’s name

in the text box above the “Add to Cart” button.

Visit www.antlerz4dogz.com/rescue for more information about these wonderful

dog chewz and to order online.

A VERY SPECIAL THANKS goes out to MERRICK PET CARE in Hereford, Texas. In the past 6 months they have generously donated a total of 12 pallets of their high quality canned products (no grains) to the dogs of ARFhouse. That’s approximately 20,000 lbs. It’s a long distance to drive (370 miles west), but well worth it. We pull our flat bed trailer to Hereford where we spend the night and arrive at their plant the next morning, ready to load up. Their employees are friendly and helpful and we usually get some extra hands to help us load. We have a large population of senior dogs and many require soft food. Of course, employees like to treat their favorites too, so most dogs get a healthy portion daily. We shouldn’t have to make another trip before next spring.

NONPROFITU.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT #10SADLER, TX 76264

Animal Refuge Foundation3377 Spalding Rd.

Sherman, TX 75092

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

We appreciate your continuedsupport of ARFhouse.

Be an ARFhouse Supporter!

ARFhouse needs and welcomes your donation in any denomination. Every dollar counts and is used for day-to-day operations, care of our animals, and assistance to animals in the community. Your donation is tax deductible. Please send your gift in the enclosed envelope to ARFhouse, 3377 Spalding Rd., Sherman, TX 75092.

Name: ____________________________________

Address: ____________________________________

____________________________________

Phone: ____________________________________

Amount: $ ___________________________________

Mission StatementAnimal Refuge Foundation (ARFhouse) is a care-for-life, no-kill sanctuary in a rural setting and is home to 276 dogs. Dedicated to improving the lives of animals through rescue and rehabilitation, spay/neuter and placing animals into homes with loving guardians, ARFhouse also assists animals whose owners are unable to pay for the sterilization of their animals, particularly elderly people who are on fixed incomes. The Foundation will also provide financial assistance for any stray animal found who requires emergency medical attention. The major goal is to relieve suffering and to provide contentment and happiness to any dog who crosses our threshold.

3377 Spalding Rd. Sherman, TX 75092Phone (903) 564-7056

Website address: www.arfhouse.org