by Wendy Hunter

I stayed on here in sun and rain. I have watched the cherries ripen and the apples fall…
~Barbara Ring

I don’t know about you, but I think Mother Nature is having an identity crisis. She doesn’t seem to know what time of year it is, and she’s blurring the lines between two seasons. The early mornings have been in the forties and freezing, while the afternoons and early evenings have been warm and balmy. One day it’s foggy, the next it’s pouring rain, and most of us don’t know whether to wear a turtleneck or put on our galoshes. Gosh golly! Not only that, but it’s also the end of February, and spring is just around the corner. Which explains why all the trees are currently in bloom, with tiny little buds of pink and white. This year is starting to fly by already, but this is the time to, literally, stop and smell the roses. We shouldn’t worry about how fast the days pass, when there is such beauty to enjoy. The delicate paper petals whisper our names in the breeze and beckon us to breathe in their perfume. Well, unless you suffer from horrible allergies, and aren’t looking forward to spending the next few months in utter agony. Oh, the sneezing, itchy eyes, and sucking on cough drops all day. Peeps, I feel for you. But chin up, the season won’t last forever. Remember, time flies when you’re passing the Kleenex…

A house without a garden or orchard is unfurnished and incomplete.
~A. Bronson Alcott

The arrival of warmer weather also means more outdoor fun, and the annual Spring Home and Garden Show is the perfect venue for strolling in the sunshine. If you’ve never been before, it’s a fantastic place to find just about anything you need for your home. The Fresno Fairgrounds plays host to this event the second weekend of March, and the many vendors offer something for everyone. You can find cabinets, closets, and crafts, plus fencing, flooring, and flowers. There will be landscape, lawn ideas, pets, plants, and pools. For the foodie in your life, check out the sauces, spices, and sweets. And of course, the ever-popular collection of tiny houses will be on display. Better get there early, because the line will be snaking out the door in a big hurry. For Animal Rescue of Fresno, the show is great exposure for our dogs, and the pet arena is one of the busiest. It’s an exhausting three days, with thousands of visitors milling about, and asking questions. But it’s also one of our more successful events, and we usually adopt out quite a few dogs. Having worked this show many times, I know you need to dress in layers, wear comfy shoes, and scope out the Starbucks truck ASAP. Caffeine is key. Due to space, we can only bring so many dogs, but we would bring them all if we could. Don’t worry, the ARF dogs who stay behind enjoy extra time with the volunteers, and maybe an extra treat or two…

I seemed to have lived a long time since that day.
~Richard Hengist Horne

At Animal Rescue of Fresno, our dogs have everything they need to lead a comfortable life. They have playmates, a warm bed to sleep in, and plenty of chow to keep their bellies full. Our volunteers provide love and affection, and lots of belly rubs. And because we are a no-kill shelter, the other thing they all have is plenty of time. From the day they arrive at our facility, they are safe and cared for until they find their forever home. Unfortunately, due to medical issues, age, or general quirkiness, some of them just take a bit longer to reach that goal. Which are the same reasons these particular dogs are not taken to the Home and Garden Show. But other dogs get overlooked just by the nature of their breed and/or color. If you’re a small brown Chihuahua, you’re probably going to get a quick look, and that’s about it. Humans incorrectly assume you’re a yappy, shivering animal. If you’re a black dog, your chances of being adopted are slim. Black = superstition. If you shed too much, lick too much, or don’t wag that tail enough, you’ll be with ARF a bit longer. Unfortunately, it’s a lot like buying a car; sometimes, folks just want a shiny new one. A thousand years ago, I drove a tiny blue Honda hatchback. I was the third owner in my family of that little beater, and my mother cringed whenever I drove it from the Bay Area down to Fresno. I always said that one day it would stop, right smack in the middle of the road, and all the doors and tires would fall off. But just like the Energizer Bunny, that car just kept going. Hmm, maybe I should have painted it pink…

…for time is the longest distance between two places.
~Tennessee Williams

And speaking of something that never stops, let me introduce you to Dakota. This young puppy loves to run around and will play all day if you let him. He is curious, friendly, athletic, and affectionate. He seems to love everyone he meets, although he is a bit dog selective; he picks and chooses his pals carefully. In addition, Dakota cannot be in a yard with chain link fence, as he loves to climb them. Dakota is very energetic and will definitely keep you on your toes. Dakota is a Doberman mix, with those hot fudge sundae markings of chocolate, caramel, and butterscotch. He is a bundle of fun that will keep you entertained for hours. After a long, exhausting day of playtime, Dakota would love to cuddle on the couch with you, watching your favorite doggie comedy. “Best in Show,” anyone? Estimated to be about 8 months old, Dakota will need a patient owner who is willing to spend some time training him and teaching him how to maneuver through the world. Dakota is a very fast learner, and is bound to pick up some good manners quickly. Because he has such a spirited personality, Dakota will not be attending the Home Show. But if you’re looking for a fun and silly addition to the family, Dakota is your guy. Just one look into those gorgeous hazel eyes, and you’ll be hooked … line and sinker!

I reckon the hours
by the journey of sunlight
across the room’s floor.
~Cave Outlaw

Another ARF dog that won’t be attending the Home and Garden Show is Teddy. Oh, my gersh, those bushy eyebrows and fuzzy slipper feet! Teddy is a true sweetie, a friendly little terrier mix with a gentle nature. He is one of those boys who’s very selective about his doggie pals. Teddy prefers them to be a bit more submissive than he is, because he likes to be the alpha dog. However, he does like to hang out with his feline friends, so he would do well in a home with cats. Meow! This little prize package is the perfect size for taking on leisurely walks, without the worry of tripping over him. Teddy came to ARF from another shelter, and it appeared he had an old injury, perhaps from being hit by a car. After a vet visit, it was decided that Teddy would benefit from an FHO, which stands for femoral head ostectomy. FHO is a surgical procedure that removes the head and neck of the femur bone, and is used to treat painful hip conditions. Teddy walks with a limp now, but ARF has done everything possible to provide him with the best medical care. A terrier mix, Teddy’s estimated to be about five years old. We’re not exactly sure what he’s mixed with, but if you want to have a good laugh, you might want to run a DNA test. Pomeranian? Chihuahua? Gremlin? I’ll put $20 down on the Gremlin…

…days become the turning years…
~Hal Borland

And now for an update on Missy, our lovely terrier with the diaphragmatic hernia, that I wrote about last month. She did have a successful surgery and spent a few nights recovering in between a couple of volunteers’ houses. Missy has been to the vet almost every single day, and we are following doctor’s orders. She did have a few hiccups, but she’s exactly where she should be in the healing process. There are always a few obstacles in a case like Missy’s, but she is slowly making progress. She did have to have some blood and oxygen recently, but has now been cleared from the vet for a bit, if everything goes smoothly. The Valentine fundraiser we had for Missy’s surgery was a great success, with all proceeds going toward the $2500+ goal. Thank you to all who came out and joined us for fabulous food and donated to a very worthy cause. We appreciate everything you do for the ARF dogs. Please come out and join us at the Home and Garden Show, March 7, 8, and 9! You can learn more here.

A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.
~William Arthur Ward

Animal Rescue of Fresno
4545 E Dakota Ave.
Fresno, CA 93726
Website: arf-fresno.com

Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section and check back every month for another animal rescue adventure from ARF. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to a local animal rescue. We also have a pet Facebook group for KRL and we would love to have you join!

Wendy Hunter has been volunteering with ARF since 2014. She grew up in Fresno and has been an Office Assistant with Fresno County for 7 years. She has been writing all of her life, though never professionally, and currently writes personalized poetry for birthdays, weddings, pet remembrances, etc.