by Wendy Hunter

Wendy Hunter is a volunteer with the Animal Rescue of Fresno. ARF shares with KRL their animal rescue adventures every month.

Thanksgiving is the winding up of autumn. The leaves are off the trees, except here and there on a beech or an oak; there is nothing left on the boughs but a few nuts and empty birds’ nests. The earth looks desolate, and it will be a comfort to have the snow on the ground, and to hear the merry jingle of the sleigh-bells. —Oliver Wendell Holmes

Howdy boys and girls, and welcome to a questionable Fall season. It’s November, and today’s temp is 81 degrees, but just a couple weeks ago, it was 93, and my air conditioning began wondering if it would ever get a break. I’m still not sure if I should bust out my winter coat or keep my strappy sandals close by for another unexpected heat wave. By the time you read this, Halloween will have come and gone, without the laughter of kids in costumes or the sound of their feet as they scamper down the sidewalk. It was the quietest Halloween ever, and for the first time that I can remember, we didn’t have one Trick-or-Treater. It was pretty sad staring out the screen door, waiting for at least one Little Mermaid or Superman to appear on the porch. With plastic pumpkins hanging on their wrists, they would shove their pudgy hands into the candy bowl, searching for that elusive Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, Kit Kat, or Snickers bar. I missed seeing the neighborhood awash in orange lights, the bushes full of scary spiders, and witches hanging from cobwebs in the trees. I missed seeing parents’ faces light up with joy, as their little Minion went Trick or Treating for the very first time. And I really missed my dad being here to help me decorate and laugh hysterically as I scared the bejeezus out of frightened little ghosts and goblins. Boo!

By the time you read this, we will also have a new POTUS because today is Election Day. Hooray! Hallelujah! Hmmm, well, I guess your enthusiasm just depends on which candidate you feel is more fit for office. If nothing else, the next four years will be another roller coaster ride of political nonsense, and life won’t ever be dull. Buckle up, Buttercup. Like me, you’re probably tired of hearing about all the bad news that 2020 forced on us. And just because she was the biggest, baddest, bitch of a year on wheels, she was no match for the volunteers at Animal Rescue of Fresno. Even though we technically remained closed, by continuing our policy of “by appointment only,” we had an amazing year of adoptions. People enjoyed that one-on-one attention they could have when meeting a potential new pet, and it has proven to be a great experience for everyone.

We had so many amazing folks that came in to meet the loves of their lives, it was almost overwhelming. The following lucky dogs would happily agree that, at least for them, 2020 was actually the best year of their lives. I must point out that Herbie has been at ARF for seven long years. A very shy and reserved boy, he didn’t do well at offsite events. But every dog has his day, and Herbie finally got his after several meet and greets. Best of luck, Herbie, we shall miss you! A lucky charm is in your heart forever.

It was quite the Puppy Palooza these past few months at ARF, and the number of applications that were filled out online were absolutely unbelievable. For every adorable puppy posted, we received as many as 100 applications for each one. Yup, you read that right: 100. And I’m not talking purebred Labs or French Bulldogs; I’m talking Terrier/Chihuahua mixes, mutts, no pedigree. After reviewing each application, all our puppies went to loving homes, where they will be spoiled for the rest of their lives. One of my favorite dogs to be adopted this year was Ozzie, who went home to a “repeat offender,” or a “foster failure.” Ozzie came in with a horrible eye issue, and I wrote about him earlier this year. Luckily, his new daddy is a lover of all small critters and adopted him after a bit of foster care time.

And just this past month, I wrote about an American Bulldog named Boody who ended up being adopted by a Forest Ranger and will be going to work with his new dad every day. How’s that for scoring the great life? And then there was Cassie, the sweetest senior you’ve ever met, who came in with horrible matted fur and really obnoxious breath. After a good grooming and some dental work, this little love bug found her new home. I tried not to cry when she left; what is it about the Seniors? They tug at my heartstrings. Go live the rest of your life my girl, you deserve it. You kids were all born under a lucky star.

In addition to all our other adoptions, Subaru of Fresno partnered up with Animal Rescue of Fresno, and graciously donated $100 to us for every dog we adopted out during the month of October. We hit the thirty-one dog goal and even went over: thirty-five dogs in one month. Thank you to the good people at Subaru! And you could listen to me yap all day about all the lucky dogs who got adopted this year, but pictures speak a thousand words. Those were just a handful of deserving ARF dogs who found their furever homes this year. We love and miss you all, but will be thinking of you next month, when you’re opening that big toy-filled candy cane on Christmas. Ho ho ho!!!!!

Please remember we have plenty of dogs looking for a forever home. Cuter than cute dogs like Lamb Chop, Sammi, Loki, Captain Crunch, Savannah, and Serenity. If you’re interested, just go to our website and check them out. We’re waiting…LOL!?

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 for just over a year. She grew up in Fresno and recently became an Office Assistant with Fresno County. She has been writing all of her life, though never professionally, and currently writes personalized poetry for birthdays, weddings, pet remembrances, etc.