by Wendy Hunter
Of all the animals, man is the only one that is cruel. He is the only one that inflicts pain for the pleasure of doing it. It is a trait that is not known to the higher animals. ~Mark Twain
October is crisp days and cool nights, a time to curl up around the dancing flames and sink into a good book. ~John Sinor
BOO! It’s that time of year again, peeps, when ghosts and goblins creep out of hiding, and lurk in dark corners just waiting to pop out. Having said that, it’s my very favorite time of year. Not only because the weather starts cooling down, but because the sky changes colors, and you can feel the mood shift overnight. There’s something about the feel of Fall, of the gold and rust leaves falling, the chill in the air, and the comforting smell of smoke curling up from chimneys. Kitchens smell of baked goods like pumpkin pie, apple crumble, and gingerbread cookies. Homes are warmed by fireplaces, fragrant stovetop potpourri, and mulled cider simmering with cinnamon sticks.
I always get sentimental during Fall. It reminds me of days gone by, and woolen sweaters, shiny rainboots, and coming home to a fire my dad built. I grew up in the 70s, when fashion hit its crazy peak of questionable clothing. Many housewives, like my Aunt Mary, made homemade clothes from Butterick patterns. Oh, my poor cousin Lori. Also, my grandma Melba knitted and crocheted, making each of us cousins a colorful poncho. I tell you, I was hot stuff in my green and orange creation, with two big dangly balls hanging from the tie strings. Oh yeah, a look straight out of the Sears catalogue…
If you didn’t have so much stuff, you wouldn’t need a house. You could just walk around all the time. A house is just a pile of stuff with a cover on it. ~George Carlin, “A Place for My Stuff”
For Animal Rescue of Fresno, the Fall welcomes many favorite events and fundraisers. First of all, we have the ever-popular yard sale on October 3 and 4, where treasures abound. If you are looking for something old, new, varnished, tarnished, plastic, fantastic, book worthy, cook worthy, colorful, wonderful, golden, olden, shiny, tiny, sweet, small, doggie, kitty, or other critter stuff––we have it! Dog and cat beds, toys, and all kinds of other goodies for your adorable baby.
Yard sale
And let’s not forget about electronics, big items like appliances and couches, and who knows what. Whatever you buy, all the proceeds go to the ARF dogs, who always need assistance. Whether it be for dog food, cleaning supplies, or help maintaining the ARF grounds, every single penny counts. Even for the ARF felines, who roam the property and earn their keep by cat-testing the dogs for potential adopters. Good job kitties!
“To attract men, I wear a perfume called ‘New Car Interior'” ~Rita Rudner
Past Subaru event
If you’ve never been to a Subaru Adoption event, you are really missing out. The people there are the greatest, the most amazing crew of animal lovers. They welcome ARF with open arms every year, and show our critters such great love and affection. We have had a few Subaru folks adopt from ARF, and we are always thrilled. And the event draws the nicest people who are looking for a car and maybe get caught up adopting one of our sweet dogs. Our dogs receive so much attention, pets, treats, and tons of kisses. One of the good things about our Subaru events is that we just take a few dogs, and it’s a nice quiet environment, so you can spend some time with a dog you might be interested in. So even if you’re not looking for a new car, you can come check out a few deserving dogs up for adoption. The Subaru facility is fantastic, and not only because of the employees, but also because of their welcoming coffee machine where you can get Starbucks-quality concoctions. I know from experience because I have a Crosstrek, and whenever I have to get it serviced, I’m happy to wait in the lounge for my baby to be done. Caffeine and snacks are always a welcome sight. This year’s event takes place on October 18.
Gnome and elf and fairy,
Witch and ghost make merry
On this last of dear October’s days.
~Lettie C. Van Derveer
If you and your furry friend are looking for some spooky fun, check out the Tesoro Viejo Farmers Market, where Elaine’s Pet Resort is hosting their annual Halloween fest. Animal Rescue of Fresno will be participating with some adorable adoptable dogs, all dressed up for this awesome occasion. There will be treats, yummy food trucks, crafts for kids, and photo ops. If your pet is the friendly sort, then throw on a leash and a costume for the ever-popular costume contest. This event is in Madera, on Thursday, October 23, from 6-8 p.m. Check out the info for this evening of frights and delights at tesoroviejo.com/event/halloween-bark-bash-at-tesoro-viejo-farmers-market. Be sure and register for the Pooch Parade. See you there!
If you own a home with wheels on it and several cars without, you just might be a redneck. ~Jeff Foxworthy
For all car and pet enthusiasts, you won’t want to miss the 5th Annual Trunk or Treat Benefit Car Show hosted by Fresno Mopars and Animal Rescue of Fresno. Fresno Mopars and its umbrella organization, San Joaquin Valley Mopars, Inc., benefit various local charities and community groups through car shows and other events. Ghosts and goblins, young and old, will enjoy swanky decked out cars and a costume contest for pets and parents alike. Maybe you and your pup can score a handsome trophy for the bookshelf. Stroll through a scary haunted house, play games, and eat your way through a host of food vendors. Delish! If you’re looking for some family-friendly fun and an excuse to wear your glow-in-the-dark Dracula fangs, then come out to Fresno Distributing for this night of tricks and treats.
It was Christmas, all right. It was the beginning of a beautiful day of nonsense and teasing and love and fun… The living room was littered with bright paper and ribbon and stickers and tags and string. ~Frances Frost
I know, I know, it’s too soon to think about Christmas, but is it really? As of today, there are only 88 days until that most glorious of holidays. It sounds like a long time, but it always seems to catch us off guard. One minute it’s Labor Day, and before you know it, the scent of pine cones and sounds of Bing Crosby fill the stores. Your shopping list is way too long, and you’re scrambling to find time to finish up.
I have the perfect idea for you, which would help your gift needs and your wallet. On Saturday, December 6, ARF will be hosting its annual and deeply anticipated Holiday Open House from 11-3. This is our biggest event, and we usually attract a great crowd and lots of amazing vendors. From homemade jams and jellies to jewelry makers, sellers of dog treats, and clothing. Delicious food will be available, along with pictures taken with the one and only Santa Claus. It’s possible the Grinch might make an appearance, but his schedule is very full this time of year, so we’ll see. Dress your critter in their loveliest Christmas finery, and/or bring the kids in their red and plaid ensemble for photos to cherish. There will be cookies, cakes, pies, candies, and all manner of sugary goodies for sale. Pick up a couple extra ornaments for your tree or little stocking stuffers for all the little ones in your life. Come and join us. You’ll have a jolly good time.
Would that Christmas lasted the whole year through (as it ought)… ~Charles Dickens
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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