A non-profit, 501(c)3 charitable organization VOLUME 23 • Summer 2020

By Deb Blakeney

North Texas Giving Day – Sept. 17, 2020Your Generosity = Success for ARFhouse North Texas Giving Day (NTGD) is a big day and a particularly important one for us. That is why we are sending out a special newsletter to tell you about it and to give you some other exciting news about what has been happening at ARF during the past months of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Work goes on here despite circumstances that have changed so many lives and businesses. We need your support more than ever. Last year was our first year of participation in NTGD and it was wildly successful given our late entry and inexperience. As a matter of fact, we won the “Fabulous Freshmen” award presented by the Communities Foundation for the most donations received by a first-time participant in the small to medium non-profit category. That brought with it a nice monetary prize that was added to our donations and matching fund total. We want to do better on every level this year: more matching funds; more individual donations; more dollars raised – you get the idea. Help us meet our goal of $30,000 this year. We need to raise major funds to keep ARFhouse doing what it has always done: saving lives. You might ask why? We have told you our adoptions have taken off in a big way this year. (See the article about adoptions in this newsletter.) Even amid the pandemic, we are seeing more adoptions per month than ever. We need more funding to continue our work. Along with increased adoptions, we have seen more stray and abandoned dogs and even more surrenders due to financial hardship. That has created higher food and higher veterinary costs. In addition, we help those in our community care for their companion animals when they need help with food and veterinary care. This includes spay and neuter surgery and annual vaccines, allowing people to keep animals in the home where they belong. We have also added staff this year to meet the growing need. All of this and more costs money.

These are just some of the reasons we need your support. We want to elevate our profile and expand our support base. Here are some of the ways you can help on this important charitable giving day: You can donate directly on NTGD, or you can schedule your gift beginning on September 1. That is the first day of early giving. The information that will direct you to Communities Foundation of Dallas North Texas Giving Day will be given at the bottom of this

article. Consider setting up your own fundraiser on your personal Facebook page that will direct your social media crowd to the NTGD site to donate to ARF. This will allow us to reach more people than we do on our own social

media. Consider it. We will help. We will send you graphics and links that you can add to your personal Facebook or Instagram account. All you have to do is send a message to martha@arfhouse.org and we will send you everything you need. We did not have any individual fundraisers last year. It would be great to do this in 2020. Each individual effort expands our reach and increases our possibilities for awards or prizes from Communities Foundation. We need matching funds – funds from individuals, groups of people or businesses. These funds are sent by direct donation to ARFhouse when the match is met. We must know the amount you are pledging so we can note it in our profile. We love to recognize our matching fund donors, but you can make it publicly anonymous if you wish. We can take multiple matches and add them together to make one big match, and we can continue to add matches up to the day of the event. Remember those pledges are sent directly to ARFhouse instead of going through the NTGD portal. We post them to show donors how their gifts are multiplied. It works! It never hurts to ask, so if you have a relationship with a corporation, a small business, a vendor, a group or individual that might participate in this way, it never hurts to ask. We began our campaign formally early in July by announcing NTGD on our website and on Facebook and Instagram with a

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ADOPTIONS

Adopters: Jorge & Lucy Zavala fell in love with our “Dovie”, and the feeling was mutual.

Our sweet “Molly” with Carmen Gray

“Freckles” (“Molly’s” sister) going home with Jean Cates and her son, Dave

“Zoey”, going home with Bill Goin

“Callie” with Julia Wilson

Bella was adopted from Dallas Animal Services; the kind woman that adopted her realized, after having her home for a few weeks that she was just too much for her and that Bella needed a younger family. We took Bella and she was adopted last month by a sweet family with two kids to run and play with!

Pictured: Our “Andy”, with Steve and Stacy Campbell and son, Dylan

Save the Date announcement. Look for interesting facts about ARFhouse on Facebook and Instagram weekly starting in early August, daily Starting on September 1 (the first day of early giving), and then hourly on September 17. Please participate by giving what you can, and by helping us spread the word. We need you more than ever before. The dogs of ARFhouse depend on you, our loyal supporters, for their health and well-being – for their very survival. Be as generous as you can be. They are depending on YOU!Donate at: https://www.NorthTexasGivingday.org.Search nonprofit - ARFhouse. Early giving begins on Sept 1, 2020. Giving day is Sept. 17,2020 closing at 11:59 PM

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WISH LISTPostage Stamps

Canned “chopped” PedigreePurina ONE lamb or chicken dry dog food

SheetsPuppy Pads

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Our “Charlotte”, with her new buddy, Tom Lester.

Our “Bunny” with Kathy Taggs

“Burt” with Hailey & Drew McComas

Chum” with his new friend, Jayne Mattetel

Our sweet “Zeke” found a wonderful home with Venkatesh, Veena, and their daughters, Vindahya and Vibha. The whole family loves Zeke. He is a very good boy - no problems in the house at all; good manners, very sweet and Venkatesh runs every morning so Zeke gets a run before work. Still needs work on walking on leash but as long as Ven moves along, he keeps pace perfectly.

JD & Tesia with “Barkley”

ADOPTIONS

EVERYONE THINKS THEY HAVE THE BEST DOG AND

NONE OF THEM ARE WRONG.

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NewcOmerS

BUNNY

This perfect angel was part of the group of Labs we rescued in Denison. Bunny came to us heartworm positive and after several months of treatment, she is ready for a home! There is something special about this dog, and we are looking for that special person to give her the home she deserves.

CHUM

This sweet boy was found, skinny and starving, eating out of a chum bucket. So we took him in and named him Chum! Chum is the sweetest boy; he’s looking for a laid back family that will love him forever, maybe a family that likes to fish!?

Callie found us. One morning, on our way to do chores, we noticed something sweet, waiting for us in the bushes. It took us several days to gain her trust, but once we did, she stole our hearts. Callie has so much love to give and we are so thankful to know her. She is now looking for a home; a family she can love forever.

CALLIE

KESSLER

This sweet guy was found on Kessler Road in Sherman; so we named him Kessler! Original, huh?! After weeks of searching for his family, Kessler became ours and we love this guy! Kessler is super sweet, playful and loving. He will make someone a wonderful family member.

HANK

Hank, a.k.a. “Fat Head” was found roaming around on some property with another dog. Don’t let his big, muscular body and fat head fool you; Hank is the sweetest, happiest, silliest guy in the world! Hank is fully-vetted and waiting on his forever home.

PATCH

Patch-This goofy guy was living in a 5th-wheel camper... with 3 other dogs and a litter of puppies! The person who contacted us realized she had bitten off more than she could chew so she surrender the dogs (and puppies) to us. We have gotten all dogs spayed and neutered, transported the puppies to Colorado, and are currently looking for a home for this awesome guy!

GRACE

Grace was abandoned on some property near Lake Texoma; fortunately, a family found her and immediately called us. Grace is missing one of her hind legs but she doesn’t seem to notice and certainly doesn’t let it get her down! We can’t believe someone would abandon this sweet, gentle girl.

HOPE

Hope-This little sweetie came from the shelter in Henderson, TX. We take dogs (when we can) from them; dogs they’ve fallen for or who have special needs when they don’t have the means to care for them. Hope came to us with a severe case of mange. As you can see, she has healed nicely and is currently waiting on her forever family!

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What I’ve Been Up ToBy: Jenna Glover

Life as we know it has changed drastically over the last 4 months; with this, many of us find ourselves without jobs, income and stability. In this dark and confusing time, there has been one positive change...ADOPTIONS! With so many Americans spending more time at home, people are starting to realize what we’ve always known to be true: life is better with a dog! With our busy lives being put on hold, people are finding they now have the time to welcome a new family member.

When our Petsmart adoption events were cancelled with no date of return, I’ll admit, we were worried! A few thoughts went through our minds: how will we place our dogs into homes? If we don’t have adoptions, that’s fewer dogs we are able to help. What does the future hold?

In the last few months, we have been seeing an incredible increase in the number of applications we receive in a week; leading to record-setting monthly adoption numbers. Since Covid-19, we have placed 32 dogs into loving, forever homes. We are placing more dogs now than when we were holding two adoption events every month!

While we do not make light of our current social climate; I must say, we are enjoying this spike in our adoptions. This is, after all, why we do what we do.

DONATED PET FOODThose of you who read our facebook page are aware that we have a dog food crisis. We have only one source, which is Merrick Pet Care in Hereford, TX. When they have food available for donation, we enlist a semi driver/owner to drive to West Texas to pick up the load. It’s like Christmas when he arrives two days later. We love Merrick dog food. But, we recognize that one source cannot always supply all our needs since we consume 150-200 cans per day, plus almost 400 lbs of dry food daily. We’ve worked diligently in the pursuit of a manufacturer or distributor that would agree to provide their “spoils” (i.e., resets, slightly out of date, torn bags, etc.) to us. We’ve sent out appeals all over the U.S., with no response from anyone. Several years ago we were able to pick up large loads from Chewy (as were other rescues). But corporate changed policy and now take their overage to a “food bank”, which requires that a participant drive long distances for one pallet and still have to pay a fee for it. This isn’t cost-effective for us. The financial help you give us must be used to operate this business. We need an additional food source. Please give us any suggestions, or if you know someone in the distribution business, ask them about their policy of donating. Last, but not least, thanks go out to those of you who have sent bags of food to supplement our supply. We’re so fortunate to have you, our friends, who care about these animals that will live out their lives in our care.

ARFHOUSE dogs loveMerrick Dog Food!!

ESTATE SALEOur friend, Shedera Farmer, has generously offered to host our annual estate sale again. But this year it will be in October (to beat the heat). It will be an inside sale and we expect to have lots of great items (as always)! If you have nice items to donate, please e-mail martha@arfhouse.org or Shedera at shederaf@gmail.com. Someone will be ready and willing to pick up your donations if you’re unable to bring to us. (No clothing, please.)

CONDITIONS AT ARFHOUSEI know most of you worry that our dogs suffer in the Texas heat. They do, as do we humans. But I want to assure you that everyone has fresh water and shade. Some of the special needs dogs and seniors have indoor/outdoor accommodations (heated and air conditioned). Texas summers are harsh, but the nights cool, and the dogs have relief. We are vigilant in watching for overheating in dogs. If one seems to be struggling, he’s brought inside one of the buildings to cool off. Our little “Hope House” is cool and can provide a respite for any older dog that needs extra care.

Appeal from Martha Hovers

We’ve told you that our adoption rate has increased considerably since the virus has kept most of us working, studying, eating and playing at home. Of course, we are delighted that many of our animals are finding their forever homes. Initially many donations arrived, but unfortunately, our monetary gifts have almost ceased. Some of you have brought food now that we’re experiencing a shortfall in donated kibble. But funding to operate is at an all-time low. Our monthly budget is $30,000. We’ve been a great distance behind this number this month (and in recent months). We did receive a PPP “loan” in April for $39,000, and are grateful to Simmons Bank and Josh Gurski who worked diligently to guide me on the application process. These funds are used for 8 weeks of payroll. But our maintenance costs for equipment and property are exorbitant. Additionally, our veterinary care for an aging population, as well as newcomers who require spay/neuter, vaccines, etc.., is a necessary but VERY IMPORTANT part of the business that’s costly since we visit the clinic almost daily. Remember this: We do not have our senior dogs euthanized simply because they’re old. We only euthanize when an animal is suffering and there’s no option to relieve nor cure that suffering.

THANKS TO RETAILERS IN SHERMAN

Tractor Supply Lowe’s Home Improvement

Hampton Inn

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Brakebill Veterinary Hospital Made The Following“In Memory” Donations

To Honor Animal Lovers & Beloved

PetsPeg Bourke

by: Kelley & Robbie Renfro

Kay Greenway-Williams(for her birthday)

by: Gerda & Jerry Huffman

“Lelo”Sylvia Garcia Martin

“”Brownie”, “Whitey”, “Sandy”David McBurnett

“Ellie”Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Kerr

“Cat”Willie Queen

“Tipsy”Hannah Land

“Chakira”The Malone’s

“Max”Mr. & Mrs. Michael Haston

“Lizzie”The Davis Family

“Merry Grace Noel”Gail Ringness

“Bitsy”Rose Ditzler

“Smokey”Laura Marquez & Steve Ramsey

“Jink”The Hamilton’s

“Roxy”Tammy Shoemaker

“Miko”Jamie Vandagriff

“Tiger”Dr. Bryan & Marsha Kahl

“Missy”Lisa Palevo

“Andi”Chance & Jenna Glover

“Friskie”Elena Armstrong

“Marty McFly”Jennifer Mathews

“Baxter”Bob & Lori Fair

“Fierce”The Muniz family

“Kip”Mary Kay Parchman

“Luci”The Lyons family

“Bodie”Shanda Palmer

“Cosmo Miller”Mercedes Jarabek

“Izzy”Dawn Hickey

“Misty Blue”Mr. & Mrs. Al Morris

“Pippin”The Washburn’s

“Rocky”Mr. & Mrs. Charles Haley

“Mecy”Beverly Garcia

“Wilma”Mr. & Mrs. Ken Swick

“Tag”Eve Neidhardt

“Pumpkin”Sean Ripley

“Rusty”Terry Dowden

“Annie”Michele Smith

“Sophia”Darius Phea

“Drae Drae”Sharon Gardner

“CiCi”Linda McCaleb & family

“Ollie”Charlene Lyons

“Grace”Monica Rawlens & Chris

Buntenbaum

“Lucy”The Hance family

“Arwyn”Rick Padilla

“Carly”Mary Nix

“Linus”William Morrison

“Bevo”James Milam & Dani Westdyke

“Blueberry”Neely family

“Boomer”The Brock family

“Kodiak”Matt & Dori Poe

“Chloe”The Shepherd family

“Whitney”Ann Shirley

“Stedman”James & Darla Thompson

“Jessie”The Mitchusson’s

“Dixie”The Wilkerson family

“Tucker”Brandi Chambless & family

“Miss Blue”Charlotte Wierck

“Miss Gray”David McBurnett

“Freckles”Mary Murphy

“Kona”Britton Brooks

“Sophie”Barbara & Bobby Floyd

“Heidi”Jackie Sisson

“Copper”Chani Bergen

“Yogi”Edwin Vasquez

“Ariel”Mr. & Mrs. Chris Graves

“Peanut”Gary Chambers

“Brother”LeAnn Parker

“Rusty”Niehus family

“Zander”The Drewry family

“Scout”Mary Nix

“Duchess”Garold Richardson

“Kita”Jeannie Dopson

“Sasha”Jeremy Patzer

“Tater”Amanda White

“Scout”Mary Nix

“Jake”The Martin family

“GraciePatricia Cook

“Kado”Kent Larson

“Princess”Timothy & Sierra Henry

“Hercules”Carin Purdom

“Sadie”Mel & Kathy Camp

“Stella”Dennis & Jan Goble

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In Memory of Animal Lovers

Canyon Creek Animal Hospital Made The Following

“In Memory” Donations

Waymon McMackinby: Sharon McMackin

The following made donations in memory of Eric Matthews

Robert WilliamsTrey & Susannah Crosthwaite

Steve & Susan Pedigo

Joe Kislinby: Kathy, Stacy & Abby

Caudell

Barbara Darlingby: Barbara McMullen

Edith Buchananby: Karen Bounds

Butch Williamsby: Sheryl & Roger Harlow

Sherry Harveyby: Frances Otto

Richard Neasbittby: Robert & Kita Hempkins

Wayne Chisumby: Roger Platizky

The following made donations in memory of John McCain

Florence ShirleyRalph BurnsLynne Karp

Cindy O’DarePatty Peak

Tom & Susan StokesNancy BrightJanet ClarkPaul Bruns

“Buster”Verzi family

“K.O.Tingle family

“Jasper”Calhoun family

“Emma”Thorne family

“Tucker”Watkins family

“Gi Gi”Lopez family

“Boadaboo”The Henderson’s

“Lollie”The Kellogg’s

“Duke”The Manuel’s

“Annie”The Berkgren family

“Bella”The Qualls family

“Maggie”The Gudgel family

“Duke”The Eaton’s

“Wiggles”The Neathery’s

“Sadie”The Lea family

In Memory of Beloved Pets

“Millie” Blankenship“Our sweet yellow lab”

by: Mark & Joan Blankenship

“Feliz”Jo Tucker’s kittyby: Wally Black

“Nairobi”beloved horse belonging to

Kim Shortby: Wally Black

“Tux”17 yr old kitty

by: Kathleen Butler & Sandra Fly

“Dixie Belle Doodle Bug”beloved 14 yr old chi of Ashley

Wilkersonby: Gram & Pop Pop

“Riley”a Maine Coon cat belonging to

Donna Pearsonby: Katy Yates Redwine

“Woodrow”beloved dog of Todd Tuggle &

Ashley Duncanby: Kathy & Lynn Surls

“Sissy”(former ARFhouse resident)beloved pet of Ellie Langden

by: Kathy & Lynn Surls

“Mister”He was a scraggly matted dog

adopted byTerry & Retha Beals

“Milo”“the biggest lab with the

biggest heart”belonging to ARF’s friend, Sam

Douglasby: Sarah & Sam Claussen

“Milo”“A loyal & loving companion”

by: Meredith Bond

“Pearl”beloved pet of R.T. & Lu Harris

by: Wally Black

“Guiness”beloved pet of Carlos & Diana

Montoyaby: Suzanne Rackley

“Deagon” & “Sophie”“They took a piece of my

heart.”by: Robert & Deb Kaiser

Stacey & Dr. Clay MorrisDr. Jennifer Schwind

Danny BrakebillBrakebill Vet Clinic Staff

Canyon Creek Vet HospitalNiemann Publications

Deb BlakeneyShedera & Clarence Farmer

Thanks To the peoplewho help our dogs

NONPROFITU.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT #10SADLER, TX 76264

Animal Refuge Foundation3377 Spalding Rd.

Sherman, TX 75092

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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.

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Mission Statement

ARFhouse is dedicated to improving the lives of ani-mals through rescue and rehabilitation, spay/neuter and placing into homes with loving guardians.

3377 Spalding Rd. Sherman, TX 75092

Phone (903) 564-7056Website address:

www.arfhouse.orgEmail: martha@arfhouse.org

ARFhouse’s newsletter 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 HoversStacie Stuart Jenna Glover

SecretaryRoxanne South

ARFhouseNon-Profit

Organizationon Facebook