by Wendy Hunter

Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. ~J. M. Barrie

It’s finally fall, folks, and that’s always a time for reflection. So pull up a chair and warm your chilly fingers with a hot pumpkin spice beverage, butter a slice of pumpkin spice bread, and light up a pumpkin spice candle for that whole freaking fall effect. Breathe it in. Suck up the aroma. Remember, you only get this one time of the year. I see pumpkin spice flavors of coffee, candies, cookies, and yes, even jelly beans. Bleah. Fall is my favorite time of year to reminisce about school days, Sunday lasagna dinners, Monday Night Football, and the fireplace burning until the coals turned a bright orange shade of tangerine. When it was pitch black at bedtime, I recall my dad’s footsteps at bedtime, padding down the creaky hardwood floor to check the thermostat. Tippy-toe, tippy-toe…

Unselfish and noble actions are the most radiant pages in the biography of souls. ~David Thomas

As the year is winding down, let’s talk about the New Year. Perhaps you’re retiring and have some time to fill? How about volunteering? For animal shelters across the valley, functioning without volunteers would be virtually impossible. Many volunteers would gladly quit their jobs and volunteer full-time if they could. Like many people, Jean D. started volunteering after retirement, just a year ago. A friend suggested she look at VolunteerMatch for ideas. Jean’s a dog lover, but when she read that ARF needed help with bushes and trees to be trimmed, she signed up. This is something she felt very comfortable with, and just a week later, she was volunteering. Jean has been enjoying yard work, dog walking, event staffing, and meeting many new people. She says, “I don’t see any downside to volunteering. I can contribute and it’s not stressful like a real job can be. Plus, all the other volunteers are appreciative of my efforts. It’s very satisfying.” Jean understands why others may be reluctant to volunteer and says, “Maybe because it’s new and unknown, but in a place as down to earth and welcoming as ARF, it was an immediate fit for me. I love it.” Hear hear!

Volunteers are America’s silent strength. Those who give of themselves in a spirit of unselfish devotion to the needs of others are truly this Nation’s most generous, unsung heroes. ~William Arthur Ward

One of the ARF volunteers who doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty is Linda M, a spritely redhead with a penchant for cleanliness. She is usually seen with a mop and bucket in the sheds, where she spends hours cleaning and sanitizing floors. Linda has been with ARF over 10 years, and says one of the best things about volunteering is, “The camaraderie that exists among ARF volunteers. Disparate backgrounds but with a common interest: to provide the best possible care we can give to all the dogs, cats, and the once-in-a-lifetime pig!” Linda says, “We have laughed together, been silly together, and celebrated victories. We have also cried together over losses.” Linda points out how special it is to build relationships with certain dogs, and when they start to recognize your voice, it’s a really great feeling to know they’re starting to trust you.

Linda thinks one of the reasons people don’t want to volunteer is because there’s actual work involved. Our yards are always full, and there’s a lot of poop to pick up. Water bowls need to be filled, kennels cleaned, and mountains of laundry to wash and dry. Linda says, “Volunteering is work and you have to be committed. You will make a difference, and when that dog you worked with leaves ARF in the arms of that new family, your heart and soul will be rewarded.” Her advice to newbies is, “Exercise patience. Ask questions. Don’t assume. Don’t give up. Miracles do happen.” Hallelujah!

The broadest, and maybe the most meaningful definition of volunteering: Doing more than you have to because you want to, in a cause you consider good. ~Ivan H. Scheier

For Mindi M., ARF is much more than just a place to volunteer, it’s her “happy place.” She began volunteering 16 years ago, and it’s her second home. Her knowledge of the dogs, their medical needs, and their personalities is amazing. She says one of the hardest things about volunteering is that there never seems to be enough time, or hands to help out. Mindi says, “Some people think rescues are sad and cruel, and the dogs are depressed. They don’t realize they could make a difference in one dog’s life, which is huge. I used to say, and still do; try it, it will change your heart forever.” Mindi loves the fact that we have an amazing family at ARF, made up of all ages, and each one of us has a special gift to give. We enjoy sharing funny memories and stories about favorite dogs, and how they found their new homes. Mindi says, “The one thing I think that really sums it up, is that whether the dogs pass from sickness or age, or whether they leave us because they get adopted, they get to experience our unconditional love for them.”

I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. ~Maya Angelou

There are so many places to volunteer, you just have to find the one that’s right for you. For example, my sister Kelly has been volunteering at Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center since 2005. Located in Orinda, CA, Xenephon offers life-changing experiences for children with a wide range of disabilities.

Kelly chose Xenephon because she’s always loved horses, and it seemed like a great opportunity. She says, “The best part about volunteering is seeing the difference we make in special needs children’s lives, and how happy they are to be at the Center. Additionally, I have made so many new friends. I’ve worked with many volunteers for years. The worst part is losing some of our very sick children, which is obviously heartbreaking. I work on Saturdays and we have the same children weekly, so you get very attached, especially after several years.”

Kelly thinks the reason most people shy away from volunteering is also the time commitment. She says, “I am fortunate to work for a VP who is on the board of Xenephon, and allows me to sub on workdays if needed. The company I work for encourages volunteerism, and is much more lenient about us taking time off to participate in activities.” Kelly thinks that education is key to recruiting volunteers. “Volunteering makes such a difference in the community and makes you feel like you’re contributing. Educating others involves talking about what you do, and letting people know it can be fun, and very different from a day to day job. I’ve done a few presentations at work, and that helps to spread the word about our need for volunteers and what a difference you can make.” Okay folks, get out there and sign up!

Note: Photos are of former favorite ARF dogs

ARF Events:

Huge Yard Sale this weekend
Oct 6 Friday & Oct 7 Saturday
7am to 12pm
4545 E Dakota Ave

Please note we will accept cash and debit or/credit cards but there is a $10 minimum to use the credit card or debit card.

The yard sale will be held Friday, October 6 from 7 AM to 12 PM and October 7 from 7 AM to 12 PM. We hope to see you there

We have furniture, household items and bookshelves. We have nice chairs, dog strollers, dog beds, dog dishes, dog leashes, dog clothes, dog stairs, & doggy doors. We have exercise equipment, play pens, shoes (some brand new), clothes (some are brand new) purses & blankets. There are lots of photos, suitcases, shark steamers for the floor, quilts, kids’ toys & clothes (our prices are unbelievable) and we have some books.

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.