by Wendy Hunter

There’s no place like home.
~Judy Garland, Wizard of Oz

Many years ago, when I lived in the Bay Area, I used to get amazingly homesick. Not during the week, but always on Sundays. I remembered when my cousin from Redding was in town attending Fresno State. She would come to our house just about every Sunday, when my mom would make something delicious like lasagna. We would lie on the carpet, sipping Harvey Wallbangers, and watch musicals on TV. Usually something like Mame, Hello Dolly, or The Sound of Music. Living in the Bay Area, I had the worst time when Sundays rolled around, no matter if I was single, or had a significant other. Because even if I had company, it wasn’t the same as being at home. Sundays were always a time for gatherings, whether it be with my grandparents, my cousin, or good friends. If it wasn’t lasagna, it was a big pot of chili beans, a vat of chicken-fried steak, or maybe a pan of yummy enchiladas. And Mondays were another favorite, because I’d always watch Monday Night Football with dad. My parents would tease each other over which team was the best, and neither one of them would concede. This went on for years and years, and even though the competition was tough, it was all in good fun. If home is where the heart is, then mine is right here…

I really don’t think I need buns of steel. I’d be happy with buns of cinnamon.
~Ellen DeGeneres

Well, we definitely had the smell of baking during the Fresno Home and Garden Show because of our close proximity to the Cinnamon Roll stand. Whether you want it naked (no toppings), or everything (frosting and nuts), this place has it all. I heard a show visitor say to the stand attendee, “What do you put in these things … crack?” They are pretty darn addicting. And just like those tasty treats, puppies are also an obsession. Which is why we adopted out a couple of lovely siblings named Cinnamon and Nutmeg. Silly and sassy, and adorable beyond belief, they each found a home of their own. I was so in love with Nutmeg from the moment I met her, I just wanted to tuck her into my bag and take her home with me. Unfortunately, I already have an ARF dog at home, and my Cocoa Puff would not be happy with another critter sharing the couch with her. Nope. Not happening. Mom, are you nuts? And so I happily watched both these little spice girls go home with their new owners. Good luck sweet sisters!

Her hair was white as snow, and the tears of ninety years seemed to have made deep furrows in her cheeks. ~Charles Lanman

I have always had a soft spot for the senior dogs. Ever since I started at ARF, I loved to spend time with them. As a matter of fact, I think that was my first yard to hang out in. We had so many wonderful critters there, with such great personalities. I recall Grover, who liked to be held, and would tunnel his head and paws into my shirt. We also had Red, a long-legged, autumn-colored Chihuahua mix with big soulful eyes. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my beloved Pico, a tiny black Pomeranian with a tongue that permanently stuck out to the world. I absolutely adored her, especially when she’d dance around in circles like a tiny ballerina. At the Home Show, we took Cornelia, a 7-year-old Shih Tzu with those marble-size eyes you can always find in that breed. The first time I saw her, I knew she was going to get adopted, and I was right. Not too long after we got the dogs all settled in for Sunday’s crowd, she caught the eye of a young girl and her grandmother. About five minutes later, literally, they decided our senior was the one for them. As they filled out their paperwork, I placed Cornelia on the grandmother’s lap, and I genuinely teared up a bit. It was a huge home run for us and for a deserving older dog. Cornelia scores!

From the Italian word “rava” meaning turnip. Ravioli = “little turnip.”
~Pasta Evangelists

And since I mentioned my mom’s lasagna earlier, I must talk about Ravioli, our cute terrier mix. She’s one of those dogs who can easily be overlooked, because she’s your basic brown dog. We have so many versions of these critters at ARF, it can be hard to tell them apart sometimes. Ravioli got some attention at the Home Show, but not as much as others. She didn’t bounce around in her kennel much, and wasn’t very interested in coming out and meeting people. Instead, she preferred to stay snuggled in her blankets, her inquisitive eyes watching all the show visitors milling about. Ravioli has a wonderfully calm demeanor and quiet disposition, which potential adopters either love or hate. Depending on their own personalities, home, and work life, they must choose a new pet that will work with their lifestyle. For the longest time, I didn’t think this pup would find herself a home. But eventually, a lovely couple came along and fell in love with her. She found the family she always wanted, and they found an adorable dog to call their own. I think the heart printed neckerchief may have played a part. I’m sure Ravioli is enjoying snoozing on the couch, walking to the park, and eating up the good life. And occasionally, a tasty piece of pasta…

If you don’t know what a Pug is, they advertise it as a dog. It is not. It has a fat hairy turkey-like body, with four spindly legs that don’t look like it could support that fat body. Dogs have paws, Pugs have long lady fingers with fancy press-on nails. ~Tom Papa

If you don’t know who Tom Papa is, you can Google his name and look under “Frank the Pug,” which is the story of how his teenage daughter adopted a dog and brought him home, without any warning. It’s hilarious stuff, and I’ve watched it a million times. I actually have a co-worker who has a black Pug named Frank, and he is the epitome of what one is: clever, mischievous, and stubborn. He’s also affectionate, playful, and sociable. Pugs have a squishy face, snorty nose, and big ol’ bug eyes that appear about to pop out of their head at any given moment. They are funny, for sure. For the Home Show, we took Wrigley, who is a tan pug with tons of energy. He was definitely a favorite with the public, all squirrely and silly, with his pink curly tongue hanging out. Because of his energetic spirit, he acquired lots of attention, but no really interested parties. But it didn’t take long before just the right couple came along and decided to make Wrigley a part of their home. He would be joining some sibling brothers to play with all day, and bring an endless amount of joy to their family. Hey Wrigley, don’t forget those press-on nails!

A cowboy doesn’t have to say much… Everything he needs to know is found in a handshake and how they treat horses, dogs, and the opposite sex. ~Unknown

Every so often, you see somebody interested in one of the ARF dogs, and you say to yourself … oh, yeah. This happened on Saturday when I was in the midst of a huge crowd of people, trying to answer questions and hand out fliers. I saw a gentleman in a cowboy hat, boots, and blue jeans, along with his beautiful partner. I didn’t see which dog they were interested in, and didn’t think much of it, until later when the crowd had cleared. And then I saw them in the adoption area with little Austin in the arms of the lady. What? Our dog named Austin was going home with a cowboy? Amazing! Austin is a vanilla-colored scruffy mix of terrier and who knows what. I will say that I didn’t use to be the biggest fan of scruffy dogs, but over the years, I have learned to love them. Their wiry hair, silly moustaches, and curious eyebrows are adorable. In any event, I was excited to see Austin find his home, and I hear he’s going to have a scruffy black brother. We are looking forward to seeing some photos of this chocolate and vanilla duo; they’re as sweet as an ice cream sundae, with a cherry on top. Giddy up, Austin!

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Fresno Home and Garden Show to meet our ARF dogs. We adopted out a total of 12 dogs for the weekend, and we appreciate all of you adopters. We’re glad the dogs have found a home of their own.

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.