A non-profit, 501(c)3 charitable organization

Summer 2016 VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2

Our First

Annual Estate Sale for the Dogs On June 24, 25 and 26, 2016, we held our first annual estate/ rummage sale at the Liz O’Brien Adoption Center. There was something for everybody and we had a fantastic turnout! We were able to raise $6,100.00 with the help of all those who donated, as well as those who volunteered their time for many hours organizing the items and working the sale. We cannot thank our volunteers, Shedera Farmer, Sylvia Hix and Mary Johnson, (pictured at left) enough for their hard work and effort for the dogs. We intend to make this an annual event in the fall so please keep us in mind if you have items you would like to donate. Thanks again to those who donated items for sale and to the ladies who helped make this sale a huge success! These ladies arrived after the estate sale and packed much of the items left over. Our summer staff person, Zach Eakerns, had been packing for the 3 days prior; but there was a lot of stuff, and the gals were able to wrap up the remaining items. The items were then taken to our air conditioned storage space, which Stacey Stuart generously provides to ARFhouse. Her storage facility is behind The Humidor, on Loy Lake Rd in Sherman. We’ll be having another sale in a few months....maybe when it’s cooler. Angela and Margie came prior to the sale, sorting the items and displaying them. We’re very grateful to all three ladies for their hard work, getting ready for the sale, and preparing for storing the remaining items.

From L to R: Angela Ray, Deborah Blakeney, and Margie McCain.

APPEAL Our Mission and How You Can Help What does ARFhouse do? How many dogs live here? I never heard of you before – how long have you been here? During our recent estate sale, we heard these questions several times from those who came out to shop and support ARFhouse. With this newsletter, we are reaching several of those who came to our estate sale and are new to ARFhouse as well as our regular supporters who may not be aware of our mission and what we do on a daily basis. There are approximately 3 million dogs euthanized in this country every year and what we do on a daily basis to help those dogs in North Texas who are most in need can only be accomplished through the support of the general public. ARFhouse received its 501(c)3 status in the early 90s with a handful of dogs and over the years has grown to our current population of nearly 350 residents. We are a no-kill for-life sanctuary which is not funded by the city. We rely solely on donations from the public. ARFhouse is dedicated to improving the lives of animals through rescue and rehabilitation, spay/ neuter and placing animals into homes. While many of our residents will remain with us for life, we hope to find permanent homes for the majority of our dogs. We are community oriented and work to make a positive difference in those animals most in need in our area. We seek to educate the public on the importance of neutering pets and we provide financial assistance to low income families for this service. Additionally, we donate dog food to those in need and assist a cat rescue group in Dallas with supplies. While our objective has always been to help the stray dog population of North Texas, the truth is that each week dogs are left tied at our gate, thrown over our fence or found running down our road after being let out of somebody’s car. Additionally, even though our voicemail and website indicate we only accept stray and abandoned animals, we receive 20 – 30 calls each day from individuals asking us to take their dog they no longer want due to reasons such as having a baby or moving. 2016 has been a particularly expensive year for us. Following is information with regard to the costs associated with some of our routine care, as well as the extra costs we have incurred this year and will continue to face in the future: $250.00 – the cost to fully vet each dog. As of June 30, 2016, in addition to our regular intake of 10 – 15 dogs each month, we have taken in approximately 30 puppies. Puppies not only require longer stays, we incur additional costs for vetting. $300.00 – the cost of a dental/monthly medications. Approximately one-third of our population is made up of

seniors. The senior dogs not only require more controlled housing to keep them comfortable, they require medical attention that typically exceeds that required for other dogs. We currently have one climate controlled building which houses 18 dogs and are planning on adding another as soon as it is fully funded. $300.00 – the cost of heartworm treatment. Our location in North Texas means that we have mosquitos for the majority of the year. Mosquitos transmit heartworm disease, which is potentially fatal if not treated. Every year we treat several dogs for heartworm disease. $15.00 – the monthly cost for flea/tick and heartworm prevention for each dog. In addition to the costs mentioned above, we also have the expenses of daily living, including routine vet care, food and supplies, as well as medical expenses for more involved procedures that require urgent attention and surgeries. We work to get donations for as much as we can but even with the generous support of the companies and individuals who supply us with various items, our expenses run between $18,000$23,000 per month. We want to continue to do our work for many years. The need in our community for the work we do is of great importance. We also want to provide ARFhouse the best care possible DIRECTORS for our residents. In   order to be able to do Danny Brakebill this, we are reaching Sally O’Brien Martha Hovers out to our supporters   to help us care for Secretary Roxanne South our dogs. This year, with our increased We will be voting in at least two intake and additional new directors this month, and medical expenses, we their names will be listed in our are more in need than Fall newsletter. ever before. Please consider making a tax deductible donation to help the dogs of ARFhouse and ensure ARFhouse no stray or abandoned Non-Profit Organization dog will ever be on Facebook turned away due to ARFhouse’s newsletter is published financial constraints. by the Animal Refuge Foundation, We can only do what 3377 Spalding Rd., Sherman, TX 75092. Phone (903) 564-7056. Martha we do through your Hovers, Editor. help and support.

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Newcomers Journey

Victoria

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“Victoria” was apparently abandoned near the Victorian Inn in Whitesboro, Texas. Some construction people were residing there while completing work on a project in the area, and began feeding Victoria. When their work was completed, and they were moving on to another job, they knew they couldn’t take her with them. Through the internet, they discovered ARFhouse and called to plead “Victoria’s” case. A local stray; and we couldn’t deny her. She’s a very nice dog; but has heartworms. We naturally had her spayed and all vaccines. As soon as she’s treated, she’ll be ready for a forever home.

As happens occasionally, a couple recently pulled up to our gate and asked if we could take a dog who had been hanging around their apartment for a week. They said they had “tried to get her to go away but she wouldn’t leave.” We saw her smiling face looking up at us and couldn’t say no to her. She is a pit bull mix, approximately 6 months old, and we named her Journey. She is a sweet, happy, very well socialized little dog who absolutely adores people and all dogs she meets. We have a male pit bull mix who is very similar to her in looks and behavior and we paired them up. They became instant friends. If you are looking for a buddy for another dog or a friend for yourself, please consider giving this beautiful girl a home.

DONATION JARS

WISH LIST

These places display our jars, and if you patronize them, we hope you’ll leave us a tip:

• Cleaning Supplies (bleach, mops, buckets, all purpose cleaner) • Office Supplies (copy paper, forever stamps, tape, binders, two pocket folders) • Metal Water Buckets • Commercial water hoses (any length) • Canned dog food (Purina or other high quality food; no Alpo or Ol’ Roy) • Hand tools (any) • Plug-in charger for batteries (ours vanished) • Postage stamps • Comfortis • Seresto Collars • Capstar

Sherman Mr. Jim’s Pizza MG’s Mom’s Bakery The Boiler Room Denison Huck’s Pop’s Place Nick’s Café We are very grateful to these businesses who host donation boxes for us. Every penny truly helps! If anyone knows of any businesses (even if they are not local!) who may be interested in hosting a donation box, for us, please have them e-mail us at: [email protected].

We have additional needed items on our Amazon wish list (www.amazon.com). You can mail items on this list directly to us.

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ADOPTIONS

Fran & Ed with “Fred” Georgette and daughters, Chloe & Bella with their furry friends.

“Mooney” was adopted by Jay and Allison Mitchell (center) and their sons, Brenna and Logan. They renamed him “Rocky” which they say fits him perfectly.

“Cora” with her new family, the Roses.

Thuy & Giap Dang with their 2 beautiful children and “Marta” (“Lolli”)

“Evan” found a wonderful home with Judy and Joe Wollfolk. They renamed him “Charlie” and Joe reports the only problem they have with him is that he takes up a lot of space on the bed. That’s what we like to hear!

Sharon & Paul Nanson With “Rags”

Rich & Kristy Caldwell with “Macie” and “Maggie”

Hello, Martha! Just saw the newsletter and the wonderful write-up about Hank!  We loved the piece, but you’re giving us way too much credit! I want to let you know that Hank is doing great - in fact, with the prednisone and heartworms in his rearview mirror, he’s doing a little TOO WELL! His weight has jumped up from 61# to 68# and the doc is on our case to get him back down to that original 61#! Now that he’s in the clear from his treatments, we’ve also started twice daily walks, which is good for me and Kim, too! His niece and nephew (Pipi & Toby) have been coming over to play lately and Hank and Toby are becoming fast friends (see attached photo) - not bad for a pair who formerly didn’t like other dogs! We think Hank and Pipi may be “in love” - maybe it’s the pitbull part of their mixes, but they are constantly rough-housing, chasing, etc. We still have a little work to do determining which things are toys and which things are shoes and we’re researching some training, but Hank has been such a positive addition to Our “Rodi” found a wonderful our family! place with Lacey and Mark We hope all is well with you and the pack! Hines. --Greg Calhoun ~4~

Special Thanks! to the following for their generous contributions May 24th, Neblett Elementary School held their arts night celebration and silent art auction.  For the silent art auction, each student in the school and several staff members created works of art to be sold.  The student council also had a dog food drive and collected monetary donations from students to help the animals.  The students also drew dog themed artworks to be displayed at our Adoption Center.  As a result of this school-wide effort, they raised $750 for ARFhouse!  We are very grateful for all the work that goes into the creation of these artworks to benefit the animals.   We are proud to hang these beautiful works of art in the Liz O’Brien Adoption Center at ARFhouse.

THANKS go out to the Student Council, Beta Club, Book Club, of Anna Middle School for $225 they raised for the dogs, plus lots of great canned dog food for our senior citizens!

Caring Kids In The Community

Trinity United Methodist Church is a faithful supporter of the dogs. They recently held their annual spring yard sale and sent $165 from the proceeds. DEVON ARMSTRONG passed away on December 3, 2015. We didn’t know Devon, but she had visited our facility once with a friend, and apparently liked what she saw because she left a gift of $1,000 in her will for the animals.

Old Iron Post in Sherman is hosting their Dog Days of Summer

benefiting ARFhouse. Friday, July 22 beginning at 5 pm they will host a Pint Night by 903 Brewers. They will be giving away a limited number of “I just want to hang with my dog...903” pint glasses with the purchase of a 903 beer and donating $1 for each 903 sold to ARFhouse. On both Friday, July 22 and on Saturday, July 23 - 11 am to close - Old Iron Post will donate $1 from specific menu items to ARFhouse. Be sure to check with your server about those items. Thanks go out to Old Iron Post and 903 Brewers for supporting the dogs!

Great Results From “The Lemonade War!” The fourth grade Title 1 tutoring students from St. Mary’s Catholic School were inspired to create and run their own lemonade stand while reading the fun book, The Lemonade War. The students, along with their teacher, Sheila Mayberry, discussed various charities to be the recipient of the proceeds from the lemonade stand. It was unanimously agreed upon to give all profits to some type of animal shelter. After researching various local shelters, the amazing ARFhouse was chosen. The students worked hard and raised $190. ~5~

Photo of three brothers left to right Landon, Weston and Hudson. We are always impressed with children who have a commitment to service and support the cause of helping animals. Weston Cain is one of those kids in our community.  For his 9th birthday, he chose to help the dogs of ARFhouse.  Rather than presents, guests to Weston's poolside party were asked to bring dog food for the dogs of ARFhouse (although he did tell us that his grandparents were "allowed" to bring him a present). Weston, his parents and his brothers, Hudson and Landon, delivered a Jeep load of dog food to us recently and got to meet some of the dogs.  We're grateful to Weston for his generosity and to his parents and brothers for helping out.  Thank you, Weston!

Thanks

To the people who help our dogs Sherman WalMart Danny Brakebill Stacey & Dr. Clay Morris Dr. Jennifer Schwind Brakebill Veterinary Clinic Staff Canyon Creek Pet Hospital Niemann Publications Walmart Deb Blakeney Dr. Allen Cloutier

Brakebill Veterinary Hospital Made The Following “In Memory” Donations “Mary” The Wood family

“Chasis” Kelly Collins

“Rebel” Eliandra Arevado-Alfaro

“Reeses” Jeannie Dopson

“Angel” Billie Howard

“Ella” Maria Boren

“Mr. Peanut” Kelli Williams

“Lily” Mr. & Mrs. Bob Wentworth

“Tooty Boots” Rebecca Brooke & family

“Lucky” Mr. & Mrs. Tony Swindell

“Sammie” Misty Gilmore & family

“Roxy” Mr. & Mrs. John Hunter Smith

“Baby” Carol Kehrer & family

“Brown Sugar” Francis Harrington

“Liz” Tom & Becky Rains

“Dolly” Mr. & Mrs. Jimmie Gibson

“Gobi” Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hornsey

“Elvis” John Collins

“Skippy” Kim Ring

“Maggie May” Gaylen & Clara Hammer

“Kassee” Nancy Miller

“Kris” Maureen Lahti & Joe Bunyard

“Junior” Chance & Jenna Glover

“Daphne” Mr. & Mrs. Michael Brand

“Freckles” Mr. & Mrs. Claude Barton

“Gandolph” & “Priscilla” Robert Richardson

“Hank” Mr. & Mrs. Jeff McEwen

“Sonny” Kathy Sprayberry

“Raider” Mr. & Mrs. Tony Aleman

“Johnny” Jessica Cooper

“Kahlua” Stephens family

“Shaggy” William Fesperman

“Kenya” Mandy Douglas

“Psycho” Shepherd family

“Zander” Robbie Clifton

“Oliver” Johnston family

“Boots” & “Angel” David McBurnett

“Wrigley” Justin & Amy McGrath

“Mason” Mr. & Mrs. Cory Kreil

“Cicil” Mercedes & Thomas Jarabek

“Scooter” Mr. & Mrs. Ken Swick

“Sadie” Mr. & Mrs. Dale Baker

“Snowy” Vicki Birmes & family

“Nixi” Debbie Stephens

“Kobe” Keith & Christy Hutson

“Bubba” Mr. & Mrs. Hood

“Sassy” Martha Sullivan

“Maile” Janette Davis

“Penny” Krause family

“Carlie Jane” Paula Youree

In Memory of Beloved Pets “Festus” “Beloved labrador of Frieda Phillips” Clive & Jo Hughes

“Andy” Frieda Phillips’ beloved kitty by: Marilyn Hart

“Sadie” (Mae) Beloved chocolate lab of Pamela Pyle by: Roger Platizky

“Mocha” by: Bill & Pamela LaRoche

“Our precious ‘Missy’, whom we had for 14 yrs” by: David & Rosa Massey “B.K.” O’Hanlon “Pal of Ross O’Hanlon for many years” by: Betty O’Hanlon

“Pistol” “Heavy hearts for our beloved chihuahua” by: Sam & Sonia Vernon “Snowflake” Tom & Robin Miller’s family pet by: Priscilla Bowers

“Kassie” “Beloved cat of 16 yrs to Amy & R.J. “Sassy” O’Hanlon” White” “Beloved baby of Betty O’Hanlon by: Mr. & Mrs. Lonnie Hinzmann for 13 yrs” “DeDe” by: Betty O’Hanlon Beloved pet of Ronnie & Mary Cole “Teddy Bear” by:  Bruce & Sharon Melton “Loved companion of “Cowboy” Cleta & Lanny Jaresh” “Beloved cat of: Juston & Amber by: Betty O’Hanlon Dobbs, Ryan, Creed & Halle” “Marlow” by: The Shirley Family Nancy & Roy Cook “Festus” “Our sweet ‘Annabel’, the biggest Mrs. James Collins little dog in Texas” by: Chris Adair “Carson” J.W. Bain

“Buddy” The Niemann Family

“Butterscotch” The Shoemaker Family

“Sage” Cliff Nickerson

“Sammy” Angelia Hurst

“Rex” The Harris Family

“Piddles Rosemary Calhoun

“Chloe” Allen & Peggy West

“Nathaniels” Maureen Lahti & Joe Bunyard

“Adam” The Fogarty Family

“Toodles” Mr. & Mrs. Ron Mitchell

“Mercy” The Wakes’

“Chance” Mr. & Mrs. James Nicholas

“Sable” Jeanne Cummings & April

“Tokyo” & “Levi” Karen Tierney

“Rowdy” Linda Roberts

“Susie” The Phillips Family

“Sebastian” Jessica Healy

“Spot” LuRuth Taylor

“Kitty” Mona Foster

“Tinker” Terry Dowden

“Noel” Greta Gardner

“Elke” Jacki Sanoja

“Missy” Martha LaFoy

“Abby” Glynna Smith

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

In Memory of Animal Lovers Waymon McMackin “my loving husband” by: Sharon McMackin Lillian Judy Beloved Mother of Paul & Pat Judy by: K-Dock Lake Family Dave Kessock by: Danny Luedecke & Taylor Walcik Mrs. Trixie Butler by: Jann G. Knotts Joyce Heatley by: Chris Adair Memorials for DAN WITT: Norma Hunt Jim & Weezie Fitzhugh Janis & Don Collum J.L. Dorey Rebecca H. Farris & John L. Hall Joseph & Ann Henkin The Willingham family Trey & Susannah Crosthwaite

Uldine Hynds by: Robert Hynds Doug Raasch by: Trey & Susannah Crosthwaite James R. DeLoach by: Bill, Cindy, Crissy, Gloria & Tommie (your CCS Medical family) James R. DeLoach by: William Martin J. T. Thompson by: Marilynn, Richard, & Alicia Barren Memorials for JULIE THOMPSON: Kathy Hairston Glen & Linda Burton Ken & Tracy Sowers Deborah Atterberry Tracy & Carolyn Holmes Jeannie & Jerry Forrest Twain Bonath Retha Beals

Memorials for ROBERT BAKER: Lisa Miller Eddie Thompson Margie Morris Anne Miller Judy, John & Jill Svoboda Janice McCall Lou Ashmore Charlotte Richardson

New York in April Girls Cal Barker - Bar K Ranch Ginny Mapp The Davidson Family Suzanne Curran Ginger Nye Eddie & Susan Brown

“Roxy” The Birchall family

“Sam” Ted Sanderson

“Mollie” The Bryan family

“Garth” Alan Curry

“Lowkey” & “Bud” The Stark’s

“Gracie” Linda Perkins

“Blaze” The Grigg family

“Greta” Rhonda Stone

“Sachse” The Brandon family

“Baylor” Dr. Alan McBride

“Poah Bear” The Noel’s

“Grizzly” Jerry Thomas

“Lady” The Parker’s

“Molly Brown” Linda S. Hallmark

“Lily” The Myers family

“Dusty” Sheila Sammons

“Angel” The Hundley’s

“Gracie” Marvin Schiavone

“Missy” The Massey’s

“Queenie” Taylor McGaffy

“Willie” The Stoyer’s

“Kitta” Sarah Walls

“Tosh” The Grotheer’s

“Murphy” Cynthia McGuire

“George” The White’s

“Wendy” Reid Wightman

“Jet” Nancy Bluerock

HHHHHHH To Honor SGT. MIKE SMITH, of the Dallas Police Department “We became friends while working at Love Field together. He was a kind, gentle person and a consummate police officer.” by: Diana & Larry Pryor

To Honor Animal Lovers

HHHHHHH

TO HONOR BELOVED PETS “Snowflake” Tom & Robin Miller’s dog by: Bryan & Marsha Kahl

James E. Melton “Best brother in the world” by: John & Barbara March

Gerda Huffman for her Birthday by: Andy Williams

Jan Chapman Honor of her birthday by: Mike & Linda Erwin

Our friend/volunteer, Margie McCain, asked friends and family to donate to ARFhouse instead of giving her Birthday presents! Angela Ray Linda Sanders Debra Beskus Susan Stokes Alexandra McCain

JoAnn Loduca by: Josephine Loduca Louise Speaker “beloved Mother of the best friend anyone ever had” by: Marilynn Barren

“Tippy” Jim & Leigh Walker’s dog by: Bryan & Marsha Kahl ~7~

Animal Refuge Foundation 3377 Spalding Rd. Sherman, TX 75092

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We appreciate your continued support 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 for 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 or visit our website at: www.arfhouse.org and make a donation via Paypal. Name: _____________________________________ Address: _____________________________________

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Phone: _____________________________________ Amount: $____________________________________

Mission Statement Animal 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 75092 Phone (903) 564-7056 Website address: www.arfhouse.org