by Wendy Hunter
It rained wildly, desperately, as though the sky had something to prove.—Abby Geni
Hello again, peeps, I hope this New Year is treating you well. I apologize for not submitting my usual rant last month, but life sort of got in the way, and I had to recharge my feeble brain. I’m not sure if I grew a few more cells up there in the old noggin’, so you be the judge. As I sit here jotting down my thoughts, it’s 47 degrees and pouring like the bejeezus outside. I’m not saying it’s raining cats and dogs, but I swear a large Labrador chasing a Calico just flew by the window.
It has been freezing and windy the past couple of days, and it’s times like these when mom and I are thrilled to have our gas fireplace. We huddle around it every night, along with the Cocoa dog, like a family of Eskimos bundled up in their icy igloo. And when mom is wearing the thick fleece pajama set I gave her for Christmas, you’d think she was Nanook of the North. Brrr, it’s a might bit chilly out there!
I thought for sure that Spring’s delightful flowers were ready to pop up soon, especially after the amazing weather we had last weekend. And just earlier this week, driving home from work, I was admiring the beautiful fruit trees in bloom already. The breeze was balmy, and the cotton ball clouds floated above, sailing across the sun’s streaks of amber and purple. Whenever I see such a glorious sight in the evening, I always think it must be my dad saying hello, and sending down all those lovely colors. Well, howdy, Frank!
The sound of the rain needs no translation. —Morimoto-Roshi
When the heavens really open up, and Mother Earth starts collecting gallons of much needed water, we ARF volunteers get a lot of questions from concerned members of the public wondering what happens to our dogs when the weather gets nasty. Unlike other shelters, our residents spend most of their time outdoors in fenced yards, playing, chasing balls, and soaking up the sun. But when the skies begin to darken, sending shivers down furry spines, it’s time to call it a day. Let’s go kids, single file!
Crystal the abandoned dog
Rainy days also mean triple the amount of dirty blankets since the dogs will be in bed for several hours. Which is why our wish list always includes laundry soap, bleach, and dryer sheets. This winter scenario pretty much holds true for warmer weather, when the heat makes all creatures miserable, and every dog searches for his own piece of shade. Not to worry folks, all sheds have heaters, air conditioners, and radios. Now if only the dogs could agree on the same channel.
Common sense is a flower that does not grow in everyone’s garden. —Author unknown
And now, for something completely different. I want you to sit back, close your eyes, and think of soft green meadows, lazy afternoons, and homemade ice cream. Nope, scratch that. Instead, please lean back, shut your eyes, and try to think of the dumbest thing you’ve ever done. Seriously. Something incredibly stupid, like wrecking your old man’s Chevy in high school. Something you may regret, like getting that “Mr. T” tattoo back in the day. Something your mom won’t let you forget, like ruining that fifty-year-old linen tablecloth from her grandmother. Seriously, who knew a nice Merlot with notes of raspberry and plum would leave a permanent stain? These mindless incidents could easily garner you a Darwin Award, just like the numskulls who recently came into ARF. 
They arrived on the Friday before our Annual Sweetheart Pancake Breakfast with a small dog they wanted to surrender. Because there was so much activity going on for the Saturday event, we asked them to come back on Sunday, which they did. They discovered the gate had been inadvertently unlocked; it was only fake locked. They walked up the driveway, took a look around, and then left an incredibly frightened little dog in our Memorial Garden completely ignoring the warning sign that reads: “ABANDONING A PET IS CRUEL AND ILLEGAL”, and that the area is monitored by security cameras. DUH. And so with no apparent remorse or empathy, they cowardly jumped back into their car and skittered away as fast as they could. The event was all caught on camera, but the license plate was not visible. One of our volunteers was walking out of the office, and just happened to see movement from the corner of her eye, and found the shaking dog. I imagine the poor thing was very confused and scared, wondering where she was. I hope she left her owners with a nice sharp love bite when they threw her into that yard. You know, something to remember her by.
Forgive. It doesn’t erase their crime, but why should you do the time? Let go of resentment. —Dodinsky
I try to be a good and fair person. Who am I to judge? I’m not any better than that gal at the grocery store in her pajama bottoms and Crocs with unwashed hair and a six-pack of White Claw. Mornings are rough sometimes. However, I will say that I have no problem judging animal abusers, I just don’t get it. The most confusing thing about this offense is that the owners had made an appointment for surrender, and ARF had already agreed to take the dog. I don’t know, maybe they thought we’d start asking some unwanted questions.
Our ARF volunteers named the abandoned dog Crystal, as she has no ID and isn’t microchipped. I’ve said it a thousand times and I’ll say it a thousand more; folks, please microchip your dog. It doesn’t cost much, it can save your pet’s life, and also save yourself some anguish. Crystal appears to be about a year old, with a beautiful silky coat and almost Papillon ears. I think she can get Xfinity and AT&T on them, but I’m not sure about Direct TV. Right now she’s looking pretty sad because of her cherry eyes, but they are a fairly easy fix. She certainly has made some improvement since she was discovered. Not wanting to have much human interaction at first, she was very shy and quiet. She has definitely found her voice now! Soon, she will be ready for a new and much deserved home of her own. And whomever left Crystal, do us all a favor and NEVER get another pet, and find yourselves a different hobby. How about Dodgeball? I’d like to get in on THAT game for a well-aimed shot.
The lawns were bright with the green silk of fresh grass, yellow borders of daffodils, and dotted with the blue and purple and pink of crocuses. —Gerald Raftery
And since we’re speaking of Spring and all her glory, let’s discuss the Fresno Home and Garden Show. Everything you need or might need can be found at this event, which will be going on the weekend you’re reading this post. You’re interested in a new sauna? They have that. Need some gardening tips? Got that. Does your kitchen need a makeover? This is the place. Even if you just want to come and enjoy a buttery cinnamon roll and maybe get your pooch a new collar, it’s all here. Animal Rescue of Fresno will be there with all kinds of dogs, and adorable puppies. OMG, there is no end to the puppies now. So, come on out, visit our booth, and check out all the adorable fuzzy babies. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and let you hold any critter you fall in love with. And lastly, is your spouse asking for a tiny house? Maybe something for the in-laws? Hmm, maybe you should check out the wine garden first; yup, they have that too. See you there!
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!
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