Winter 2018

the Scoop

The Road to

40kLooking Back as

We Pass AnotherAdoption Milestone

Tony La Russa’s

Meet the Newest Pets and Vets Graduatesthe Class of 2018

c“No one is nicer than dogs. They don’t let you down like people - or your grades.”Jackie, UC Berkeley freshman / Pet Hug Pack® enthusiast

There’s no better way to spend winter break than having fun at ARF! Fill your child’s school break with a snowstorm of excitement, including winter games, pet-themed education, and, of course, daily visits with ARF’s famous Pet Hug Pack® therapy animals. Our two sessions run Wednesday to Friday, December 26-28 and January 2-4. Register online at arflife.org/camp-arf!

ARF’s therapy animals – Pet Hug Pack® – kicked off their fall stress-reducing visits at The University of California, Berkeley to an overwhelming response. “I just failed a quiz, so it’s great to pet the dogs,” one student remarked. “They won’t judge me!” An estimated 350 students visit the animals during monthly, hour-long sessions.

A Winter Fun-derland at Camp ARF

Dogs in the Quad

Adoption Hours Tues:

Wed - Thu: Fri:

Sat - Sun:

Noon - 6 pm (Dec. Only)Noon - 6 pmNoon - 7 pmNoon - 6 pm

Wendy Taylor-Tanielian, Scoop EditorCole Kuiper, Scoop Art and Production

2890 Mitchell DriveWalnut Creek, CA 94598(925) 256-1273www.arflife.org

Board of DirectorsTony La Russa, Co-Founder & ChairmanGregory L. McCoy, Esq., PresidentJennifer Hall, Vice PresidentKara Carter, SecretarySteve DegnanMorgan ForseyJames V. HeimBianca LaRussaDayna SayresJohn Steiner

ARF Executive StaffElena Bicker, Executive DirectorStephanie Chew, Development DirectorElaine Durkin, Finance DirectorStephanie Erickson, Operations DirectorTracy Gimbel, Animal Programs Director

youtube.com/tlrarf

facebook.com/tlrarf

@tlrarf • #arfadoptions

@ARFtweets • @ARFadoptions

On the Cover: HarleyHarley is one of the 19 ARF dogs who graduated from our Pets and Vets program this year.

His guardian, Thomas, told us that Harley is ”the smartest dog” he’s ever had, and that she knows when he’s feeling down, even before he does.

ccc

A Message from the Executive Director

Within one week, ARF reached its 40,000th adoption milestone, celebrated 19 shelter dogs graduating to service dog status for our veterans, responded to a distress rescue call from Texas, and welcomed Maria Menounos to learn more about ARF for an upcoming national broadcast (see back cover). This whirlwind activity is in addition to our weekly commitments of dispatching our mobile clinic to the Veterans Affairs Centers, community spay and neuter clinics, feral cat programs, humane education lessons, and outstanding daily care provided to each and every animal. Each week’s life-saving work turns into a month and each month adds to the year. We couldn’t be prouder of this past year’s achievements, knowing it is a team comprised of supporters, staff, and volunteers pulling in the same direction for People Rescuing Animals…Animals Rescuing People®.

In this holiday issue, please take a moment to celebrate the lives of just a few of our 40,000 adoptions (page 8) as we do! Although their time with us may be brief, we know because of your help, we have changed their lives tremendously. The magic of adoption number 40,000 proved even more exciting as Paxton was adopted by the

family of one of our Pets and Vets veterans! While attending their son’s service dog training graduation (page 5), they spotted an eight-week-old puppy – the last of his litter – and decided an ARF rescue would be a great addition to their own home. That’s some pretty adorable multitasking, and we’re delighted ARF remains a “family tradition.”

Saying we couldn’t reach these accomplishments without our dedicated supporters, volunteers, and staff is an understatement. Our 600+ volunteers help ARF stay this productive while keeping our budget on target. We’re pleased to once again share our annual progress in efficient resource management (page 15) and show how your support makes an impact to shelter animals and families week after week.

As we close another incredible year, we wish you and yours the very best reflections on 2018 and offer our humblest appreciation for the privilege of saving and enriching lives every day. Your generosity changes outcomes.

Here’s to an incredible 2019 ahead and reaching new milestones!

The holiday season is famous for everything happening all at once. With so many wonderful developments constantly taking place at ARF, we’re used to that feeling year-round. And we love it.

Executive Director

3

Keeping Pets Where They Belong - in the HomeRelinquishing a pet is a heartbreaking decision that nobody wants to face. But sometimes situations arise – financial or even personal – which can force a pet guardian’s hand. ARF Pet Safety Net is here to help. This program provides critical resources and even financial stipends to qualifying pet owners in need, to help prevent pets from being surrendered to public shelters.

Just recently, ARF was contacted by the guardian of Jewel, a five-year-old cat. She told us that her cat’s behavior suddenly changed. Jewel refused to be handled, she was no longer using the litter box, and she was feuding with her longtime kitty sister. Her family tried their hardest to get Jewel to a veterinarian, but couldn’t even touch her without being scratched, let

alone load her into a carrier. Additionally, the cost of veterinary services could potentially be too high. At the end of her rope, Jewel’s guardian was ready to return her cat to the shelter in hope she would get treatment there.

ARF’s Safety Net program saw an opportunity to dive into action; their first step being to assist the family in catching Jewel for medical treatment. Using the type of cat trap that TNR (trap, neuter, release) programs utilize, ARF helped Jewel’s family contain her and then got Jewel to a veterinarian for an examination. The vet found a large and dangerous bladder stone, which had to be removed immediately. It turned out Jewel’s behavior change was the result of the immense pain she was feeling and the confusion it caused her. ARF teamed up with another organization to help cover the cost of the surgery and before long, Jewel was back at home recovering.

If you or someone you know is struggling to keep a pet, please call ARF’s Resource Center at (925) 256-1273.

“ARF’s Pet Safety Net program strives to empower pet owners and keep dogs and cats in their homes.”Laura Jean, ARF Programs Coordinator

4

In October, after almost a year of hard work, 19 military veterans and their ARF-rescued dogs received diplomas and congressional commendations for completion of ARF’s Pets and Vets service dog training. This second graduating class more than doubled last year’s graduates in the rapidly expanding, high-demand program.

Graduation requires a mastery of at least three skills to help address a veteran’s personal needs. These service-related challenges may include PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, anxiety, and depression, all of which can be improved with the help of a trained psychiatric service dog. As one veteran put it, her dog was the “best medication I ever received.”

From a variety backgrounds – stray, injured or abandoned – these dogs rarely fit the stereotypical look of a service animal. Once facing unsure futures at public shelters, each of these dogs was given a second chance by ARF and has risen to the top echelon of canine achievement.

The cost of a trained, specifically bred service animal often requires tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket from a veteran, as well as an extended period on long waiting lists. However, ARF’s Pets and Vets program offers these specially selected dogs and hands-on training guidance at no personal cost, with most receiving their match within weeks instead of months. ARF is extremely proud of these veterans and rescued service dogs.

If you are or know of a veteran interested in service dog pairing and training, contact ARF’s Pets and Vets at (925) 296-3108 or petsandvets@arflife.org.

Finnegan

Riley

Lucy

Toyama

Layla

Thor

Pepper

Copper

Zoe

Harley

Rocky

Mackenzie

Blue

Xena

Harvey

Skylar

Morty

Cookie

Zeus

Pets and Vets Class of

2018

“He’s changed my life, and brought me back to me.”Ethan, Pets and Vets graduate

Our canine and handler teams were awarded an ARF Pets and Vets diploma, as well as a certificate of Congressional recognition.

The Class of 2018

5

Another Successful Wine & Whiskers in Walnut CreekThis fall we celebrated fifteen years of Wine & Whiskers at our national headquarters in Walnut Creek, CA. Fantastic Bay Area weather offered the perfect backdrop for an evening of sipping fabulous wines, tasting local craft beers, sampling delicious vegetarian hors d’oeuvres, and visiting adorable puppies and kittens.

We’d like to give a special thank you to our attendees, volunteers, vendors, and sponsors, including Gold Medal Sponsors: AT&T, Central Garden & Pet, Gagen McCoy, Nurtured Wealth, Solar Technologies, and Vitucci & Associates.

We’re already counting down to next year’s festivities!

Adoptable kittens and puppies are always a highlight. (Photos courtesy of Pets with a Story Photography)

“Between the food, the drinks, and the animals, Wine and Whiskers is my favorite event of the year. Every year.”Olivia, ARF supporter

#GivingTuesday Winter Camp ARF

ARF HeadquartersWalnut Creek, CA

UpcomingARF EventsJoin us at these events to support ARF’s life-saving programs for animals and people.

For more information, as well as a full list of upcoming ARF events, classes, youth programs, mobile adoptions, mobile clinics, and more, visit arflife.org/calendar.

Check out ARF’s social media and learn ways to help animals.

Give your young animal-lover an unforgettable winter break with a week at Camp ARF!

27Nov.

26 - 4Dec. Jan.

6

Celebrate MLB Opening Day in style at Wine & Whiskers St. Louis.

Wine & Whiskers - STL

Busch Stadium St. Louis, MO

The Business of SavingLives Conference

Animal welfare professionals nationwide join us for this affordable one-day conference.

ARF HeadquartersWalnut Creek, CA3

Apr.4

May

Stars to the Rescue

Lesher Center for the ArtsWalnut Creek, CA

Sound check! The stars are out to save lives at this star-studded night of entertainment.

26Jan.

Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek

Past musical acts include:

Stars to the Rescue XXVIIISaturday, January 26 7 pm

Tickets available in early December

Check arflife.org for details

and performer announcements

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Since its founding in 1991, ARF has had the privilege to pair thousands of animals with loving new families. Watching them walk out the door with tails wagging or purrs humming alongside a smiling family will always be one of the best parts of our jobs. As the years go by, happy success stories just keep piling up. On the evening of Saturday, October 27, ARF’s 40,000th animal found his home. Paxton, an adorable eight-week-old puppy, immediately caught the eye of his new family attending ARF Pets and Vets graduation. They weren’t planning on adopting that day, but with one look their plans (and life) were changed.

Join us as we take a quick visual trip down memory lane to see how we reached this incredible number.

The Road to 40k

Barney, #25441Cara Mia, #15338

Sasha, #10496When ARF opened the doors to their Walnut Creek facility in August of 2003, Sasha was the first adoption!

Cara Mia was one of the first non-canine members of ARF’s Pet Hug Pack®, helping pave the way for all types of pets to join ARF’s team of therapy animals.

Evie, #00001Lost and afraid on the field during an Oakland A’s game, Evie made her way into the heart of A’s manager Tony La Russa. Her story was the catalyst for the founding of ARF.

8

Max, #37664

Skywalker, #32432Luigi, #27901

Paxton, #40000

Django, #33752Django is an alumnus

of ARF’s first graduating

class of Pets and Vets

service dogs. What a

good boy!

Nefertiti, #38060

Mambo, #35724

Paxton was our milestone 40,000th adoption! His family was attending Pets and Vets graduation and couldn’t resist his sleepy little face!

Forty-thousand adoptions is certainly a milestone we’re proud to celebrate. But there will always be more dogs and cats who need our help. Every animal deserves a happy life. With your support, ARF will always be here to save them!

9

“DROP IT!” - Keeping Your Pets Safe Over the HolidaysThe holiday season tempts human self-control, but also introduces a lot of tantalizing elements for pets with worse complications than a growing waistline. Keep these precautions in mind before you prepare your feasts and deck the halls.

Food: Warnings of pets and chocolate quickly come to mind, but there are many less obvious items enticing pets. Dogs might be the only family members interested

in a fruitcake, but fruitcakes are a no-go for the four-legged crowd. Common ingredients grapes, raisins and currants are all hazardous. And while your pets may go wild for the aromas of your seasonal favorites, the risks of additional fats, oils, and small hidden bones pose problems. Want to offer a special treat? Dogs love the crunch of both air-popped popcorn and baby carrots, while cats may feel festive with the addition of a live catnip plant or cat grass.

Alcohol: No eggnog for the dog! From tempting licks of unattended cocktails to desserts containing alcohol and dough with unbaked yeast, these are unwelcome

conveyors of vomiting, disorientation, and stomach bloat. Keep your pet the life of the party and completely sober.

Decorations: While we’ve known many mischievous dogs and cats who survived comical tales of decoration misadventures, it’s best to avoid YouTube fame

and limit access. Thin decorative lighting wires, glass ornaments, tinsel, and candles can quickly turn a funny moment into a serious health risk. Need a distraction for a persistent pet? This is the perfect time to introduce a new, exciting toy and a room barrier.

Live Plants: Poinsettias usually win the bah humbug prize for pets, but they are actually less toxic than many other common plants brought in for winter

celebration. Hollies, mistletoe, and lilies pose greater risks. Even a quick munch of a lily can cause kidney failure in cats, while festive holly berries can lead to serious gastrointestinal issues in many animals.

Household Products: As you frantically make your home spotless for company or parties, remember some chemical cleaners can cause issues from mild stomach

discomfort, excess drooling, mouth ulcers, paw burns, and, on occasion, more serious complications. Keep animals clear when cleaning and always dilute cleaners according to guideline. Hidden culprits this time of year include those wonderful smelling essential oils. Cats are extremely sensitive to many of these oils, so use sparingly and always out of reach of curious paws.

If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance when your veterinarian is not available, a 24-hours, 365 days a year hotline is available at (888) 426-4435. Please note this is not an ARF service, but a reputable fee-based service. And, as a good practice for any pet owner, it’s always good to have your nearest 24-hour emergency vet number on hand to give you peace of mind.

Celebrate health and happiness for all creatures, great and small this year!

Emergency Resources

“Most people don’t realize how many aspects of their holiday celebration can be dangerous for pets.”Jen, RVT, ARF Patient Care Manager

10

Fifteen years ago, St. Louis resident and proud rescue dog mom, Michele Rausch, volunteered at her first ARF event. She was hooked. “My life has been enhanced by my dogs, and I like being a part of an organization that offers that opportunity to others,” she said. “Helping others make a connection to the organization or to each other is the best part of volunteering with ARF.”

Rausch’s contributions to the annual St. Louis Wine & Whiskers event has proven invaluable, as she’s built strong connections with local supporters, as well as staff and volunteers from ARF’s California headquarters. And while she can reflect on great stories from each and every event, she feels her role is part of a greater responsibility of shaping and molding her community. As a teacher, she knows how important it is to enrich the lives of others. But that’s not to say that it’s only altruistic motives that keeps Michele volunteering with ARF.

“There is a lot of laughter and joy and great relationships that come with the kitten snuggles and the puppy dog kisses when you volunteer with ARF,” she said.

Interested in supporting ARF in your area? Contact volunteer@arflife.org.

Volunteer Spotlight:Michele Rausch

Michele and Tony La Russa at Wine & Whiskers St. Louis.

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Adam KellermeyerColleen Stephens

Alvin and Jeanne SolidayScott A. Soliday

AnnaMarsha A. and Richard

ServetnickAntonia de Sousa Malta

Raynor VoorhiesWalton Luke

Art MaionchiDonna Maionchi

BarneyStephen Hester

BaxGriff Abbott

BellaRenee D. and Christopher J.

GallagherBig Nate

Sylvia L. Reynolds and James R. Whittington

Bob HunterDeborah Hunter

Bob O’SullivanJiun Chyi YewThe Perez Family

BogeyBarry W. Hart and Carol

SturmanBuster Cullen

Marsha A. and Richard Servetnick

Buster PorterStephanie Masoni

Carol LindG. Cory Warren

Carolyn W. GoldwaterGerald and Karen Carlson

CherylKathleen and Paul

FehrenbachColleen McCune Deutscher

Lisa Eitzel

Constance Helene Wyne Mitchell

David and Leigh Ann PincusEdwin and Berta Minnick

DaisyJudith French

David B. PeddicordCynthia Gleasman

David DrinkerMr. & Mrs. Michael E. Fox, Sr.

Dean, Kai, and KittyMitch Singerman

Dick and Julie EastwoodAlison Martin

DillonSolvik Family Charitable

FoundationEleanor Pearson Northrup

Jane and Jim SevernsErin Elizabeth Fry

Cynthia FryGayle Bench

John BradshawKimarie CunninghamMichaline Youngblood

Georgette ChardonLindsay Newton

GigiMimi Tam

Gigi and NanetteGina Bowerman

GingerElaine and Richard DurkinElena and Bill Bicker

GracePaul HammerMark and Lois Gill

HomerLisa Brill-Nadler and Eran

NadlerHowie Souza

Lauri MossJames Allen DeWitt

Annette Hooper and Diane Wengreen

Sandra De WittJames Ellison

The Ellison Family

Jeffrey Baus and LinusYvonne and Jay Smith

Joan AielloRex Johnston and Barbara

BentleySharon LaheyStacy O’Hara

Joseph Francis McCarthyRobert VetereYvonne and Edward Gulla

JulioRichard K. Faszholz

June ThomasSharon Lampel

Kazumi YoshiiEugene Yoshii

Larry John GarciaJani and Dan Mulholland

Leo BallerBillie JonesRona and Michael Pehrson

Leona RoumphJanice deLeon

LuskyRobert C. and Terry L. Damico

Matthew SchroederEX-Ls Retirees Association

Maureen AngeloCarol B. and Rolf D. Theisen

Meow MeowDavid Geiger

MiloMargaret Lindenstein

Minnie, the perfect catDonna and Frederick Locher

Mischa (Meets)Stephanie Morgado

MyekaSteven L. and Maria Valente

Nathan OwenConnie Bales

PerryBruce N. LamoreauxKimberlea M. and John Gray

Pete DixonRalph and Teresa Bastian

RedMarsha A. and Richard

ServetnickRichard Dale and Freddy

Nancy C. GoodmanRiley Murphy

Antonette and Donald MurphyRockstar

Steve LederRoscoe

Helen L. and Robert H. BeyerRosemary Lee

Sylvia SpearsRoxie

Phyllis L. MaganaRoy

Julianna FawcettRusty Hamill

Dennis and Diane FlickerMichael and Lauralyn R.

TarasowPeter and Esther GarciaRusty Meisel-MaharMichelle Pepitone

Sandra KendallKathleen J. Carrai

SierraRaechael Kaufman

Smudge BennPam Overstreet

TajKathryn G. Sherman

TigerLinda J. Fromich-Smith and

David KerrTigger

Renee D. and Christopher J. Gallagher

TobyJudith French

TonkaKatherine Portoni

TuckerAbigail Breedlove and Family

Vincent FoonSteven Foon

Wendy MunsonMike Munson

In Memory

Tribute GiftsWe are pleased to recognize tribute gifts of $100 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. We also remain truly grateful to our generous supporters who pre-pay adoption fees for Very Important Pets (VIP’s).

This listing recognizes gifts received 7/1/18 - 9/30/18. Dates may occasionally vary due to data entry and press lead time. To sponsor an animal adoption or if you have any questions about our tribute listings please email Lynn at ltakahashi@arflife.org. To make a tribute gift, please visit arflife.org/honor.

12

ARF Volunteer Appreciation Evening

Kathleen Huls and David Pickering

Barbara PerrySandra Bendorf

Carriage House Real EstateSara Born

CharlieDayla Kerwin

Clara StrausThe Straus Family

Debbie PetersenRoberta and Don Koss

DottieAmey Mathews and Matthew

Mustapick

Dr. Kris BruskiewiczJoan Balzarini-Robbins

Elena Bicker and all of ARF’s dedicated staff

Dolores B. McCoskeyEliza

Tony and Sandra JuarezGlenn Colacurci

Steven E. and Wanda WongJack Kitty

The Dutkiewicz FamilyJanna Fawcett-Harris

Julianna FawcettJohn Berg’s Birthday

Janice BergKerry Clark and Keiron McCammon

Kerry Clark and Keiron McCammon

Laurin and SophiaJosephine Shuman

Linda TeskeKevin Teske

LucyMark and Lois Gill

Mariah MountanosTerry Gianatasio

Mary Gail Snyder’s new home

Sara BornMichele McCoy

Amanda MurrayMurph (aka Peanut)

Thomas Hamrick and Lorraine Vegas

OliverJoan Balzarini-Robbins

Paisley and GriffinSheridan E. Stanton

Patricia Coyle helping find her lost dog

Laura Lee LacursiaStealthy

Maryann BlouinTobey and Jonathan

Amy J. and Robert C. TraskTony and Elaine La Russa

Penny L. and Peter RammerBill Bartholomay FoundationCharles W. Brennan

Winnie Jasper and Jerry Chamberlain

Holly ChapinXaviour Beckham

Trudy A. and Larry C. Robinson

In Honor

AppleEveEmersonEugeneSavannahSherbet

William J. Coaker Jr.Baby

in memory of Dusty Meredith Hensley Tate and

Taron HensleyBetty Cooper

Carole and Vincent O’HareBleu

Ali and Cori MesrourDavid WickershamKarel M. Baloun

BuenaLemaMcKinney

Donna HoppenhauerCelebration

Maria GuzmanCheer

Gary and Carol Ann NordineClover

Violet and Ellin, Sherry and Kenneth Hill

ColdstoneFoster Freeze

Amy J. and Robert C. TraskCopper

Keith Kosakura

DiamondDogs 4 Diabetics

DuchessMichael and Deborah Bangoli

Flash Gordon / BananaStephen and Nancy Johnson

FetaHarris

in memory of BowieHolly and Darrin Belknap

HansonLinda and Ken Mandel

JewelJeff Rogness

MarinaThe Weintraub Family

NickelSue Branagan

Pandora MatsonJoyceSemienWatsonWinslow

Victor Gee and Malanie YanRussell

Aimee and William AbbettSarge

Kevin Dankwardt and Veronica Tarango

SunnyMirinda / Princess / Xena

Lisa A. and Howard J. Wenger

VioletRob Fazekas

YenTempe Young

ZanderKandi M. Gravenmier

Very Important Pets

Susan has loved animals for as long as she can remember. She cannot imagine life today without her two furry friends, Butterscotch and Tango. “They follow me around the house,” she said. “There’s something remarkable about our bond. No matter how bad of a day I’ve had, once they start purring, it all just melts away.”

Susan’s passion for pets led her to leave a legacy gift to ARF as part of her estate planning to ensure more animals find loving, forever homes. She wants to make sure all animals in need are rescued with the compassion and care ARF provides.

Legacy planning may include bequests, life insurance, appreciated securities, IRA distributions, and more. We invite you to join our Circle of Compassion, ARF’s legacy society, which recognizes visionary supporters who have included ARF in their estate plans. To learn how you can

support animals in need for generations to come, please contact us at (925) 296-3149 or legacygiving@arflife.org.

What Will Your Legacy Be?

13

3 consecutive years awarded “Best Dog Training”

by Diablo Magazine

How Your Donation Saves Lives

“I would like to say thank you so much... You are amazing with everything you do to help out low-income families in our community. Keep up the great work.”Kristina, Facebook reviewer (BBBBB))

WHY CHOOSE

ARF?

19Pets and Vets

program graduates

833 charitable veterinary care exams provided

(ARF Emergency Medical Fund® + VA clinics)

1,197cats and dogs

fostered

10,652children reached by

educational programs

4,246Pet Hug Pack®

therapy animal visits

101,224hours

volunteered

168,840 lbs PURINA pet food for low-

income families and veterans delivered

2,665cats and dogs

adopted

3,900spay/neuter

surgeries performed

2017-2018 fiscalyear statistics

$1,000 Covers the cost of one rescue run, saving the lives of cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens in a public shelter OR allows ten veteran companion animals to receive free ARF Mobile Clinic wellness exams.

$500 Provides complete medical care for three animals from rescue to adoption.

$250 Rescues a litter of “bottle babies” (underage puppies/kittens) OR provides two weeks of supplies for newly rescued animals in foster care.

$100 Covers the cost of one dog spay/neuter surgery.

$50 Provides spay/neuter and vaccines for one rescued cat.

$25 Pays for the microchipping of a shelter animal.

14

32%

13%

26%

8%

5%3%

Expenses

6%7%

46%

16%

5%11%7%

14%

1%Income

$8,378,343Total Total

$3,856,691

$1,380,567

$438,500

$933,451

$566,848

$1,159,414

$42,872

Individual Donations

Bequests

Corporations & Foundations

Fees

Sales

Special Events (net)

Other

Animal Care & Adoptions

Training

Clinic

Humane Education

Community Outreach

Antioch Animal Services

Fundraising

Administration

Program Development

$2,562,629

$275,737

$2,076,357

$432,705

$995,690

$615,988

$522,089

$495,620

$401,528

$8,378,343

Prog

ram

s

11 consecutive years of Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating

#1 ranked celebrity-related charity on Charity Navigator

2017 - 2018 Fiscal Year Financial Breakdown

87¢of every dollar goes directly to programs

NONPROFIT ORG. U. S. POSTAGE

PAIDOAKLAND, CA

PERMIT NO. 20302890 Mitchell DriveWalnut Creek, CA 94598

People Rescuing Animals . ...Animals Rescuing People®

Keep an eye out for ARF at

Thanksgiving DayNoon (All Time Zones) on NBC

This year’s National Dog Show presented by Purina® will recognize accomplishments of ARF’s Pets and Vets program. Emmy Award-Winning Journalist and Host Maria Menounos recently visited ARF, learning more about our pairing of shelter dogs and veterans for service dog training. Her report airs within the show, which also honored Tony La Russa and a program graduate team as special guests.

You can keep the support going by showing gratitude for your own pet! Until November 25, Purina will donate $1 (up to $25,000) to ARF’s Pets and Vets program for every unique Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram post including @Purina and #DogThanking that describes how you’re thankful for your pet! Thank you, Purina and NBC!