by Wendy Hunter

Isn’t it funny that at Christmas something in you gets so lonely for – I don’t know what exactly, but it’s something you don’t mind so much not having at other times. ~Kate Langley Bosher

Okay, I’ll admit it, I get really sappy this time of year. Call it melancholy, nostalgia, or maybe just an incurable case of the saddies. I miss all my late relatives, the family get togethers, the cocktails, the loud conversations, and the three-hour marathons opening presents. It took us so long to unwrap packages, we were forced to take a happy hour break in between. I miss when our Fresno family used to host Christmas dinner, and we cousins did the dishes until it was dessert time, while the adults chatted about all sorts of important things. My mom made apple pie and buttery, English toffee, while my sisters and I baked kiss cookies and gingersnaps. My Aunt Mary always made fabulous chocolatey fudge and gooey popcorn balls that you dug out of your teeth for the next week. Bust out the floss! Depending on the host house, it would be breakfast casserole for the early morning feast, Danish pancakes with sausage, or strawberry crepes that my cousin Lori would make. Excuse me while I drool. Lots of good, strong coffee was brewed for getting us through the rest of the holiday and maybe a mimosa or two. Later on, a movie to share; perhaps It’s a Wonderful Life, or White Christmas. I hope your holiday season is full of the same warm memories this year…cheers!

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime. ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

At Animal Rescue of Fresno, the year 2023 was pretty darn great. We adopted out approximately 475 dogs, which is an amazing feat in itself. And that doesn’t even include the month of December, so the count will be even higher. A lot of these beautiful adoptions have taken place at our facility, but a great deal of them have happened at one of the many adoption events we have throughout the year. One of those events was hosted by our wonderful friends at Lithia Subaru in October, during the Subaru Loves Pets month.

Subaru of Fresno donated $100 per dog that was adopted to Animal Rescue of Fresno, with a total of $3,100.00 so far. They really do love pets, and we are always thrilled to have them as one of our best supporters. The amazing people at Fresno Mazda also hosted ARF for an event, where we adopted out several deserving dogs to some wonderful families. Even one of the Mazda salesmen and his wife took home an ARF dog to round out their adorable family of two little boys. Rocky was so happy walking around with those kids, I can’t imagine him having anything but an active, loving life. Also in October, ARF had a spooky, scary gathering at Fresno Mopars for another Trunk or Treat event. Lots of car trunks full of creepy, crawly critters and awards for best doggie costumes. BOO!

Very gay they were with snow and sleigh-bells, holly-boughs, and garlands, below, and Christmas sunshine in the winter sky above. All faces shone, all voices had a cheery ring, and everybody stepped briskly on errands of good-will. ~Louisa May Alcott

One of my favorite fundraisers this past year would have to be our crazy three-hour afternoon with Kris Rotonda and his Jordan’s Way project. You can read all about this dynamo in my previously published article. Kris is wacky, energetic, funny, and an amazing lover of animals. He really is one of a kind and travels the country bringing awareness to homeless animals everywhere. For his live feed, there was a balloon toss, egg smash, and a pie squish to the face, which was messy and great fun for the volunteers. Jordan is named after Kris’s beloved girl he adopted many years ago. Jordan had been at the shelter for three years before Kris adopted her; she was his constant companion before succumbing to cancer at 11 years old. Kris, you were such great fun, we look forward to seeing you next year!

Also, ARF was happy to welcome back the lovely folks at Manco Abbott, who volunteer annually to help spruce up ARF any way they can. This great group of people come out and help fill holes in the yards, landscaping, and assisting in keeping our facility looking good for upcoming events. It’s not the most glamorous chore on the planet, but it is truly the most appreciated. Thanks to the Manco Abbott family for pushing up your sleeves and helping out!

Christmas tree baubles only become valuable when they are veterans, fetched down every year from the attic, a little more worse for wear each year, but worth their weight in memories. ~Peter Gray

My other fave fundraiser was Sean and his Pedals 4 Paws movement. Sean showed up with his beloved dog Dogzilla and 100 cheeseburgers for the ARF dogs. Sean went to every yard and every kennel at ARF, hand feeding even the most skittish of dogs morsels of meat and cheese. His Pedals 4 Paws movement is astounding, and he pedals across the country with his sweet Gabby girl to raise awareness for animal adoption. Dogzilla was an ARF dog who made it to Oregon from Fresno on the Saving Train, where Sean found him. Sean had him for many years, but unfortunately, Dogzilla passed away not too long after his visit to Fresno. Dogzilla, you were a lovely presence here on Earth, and we think of you often.

In prickly green of Christmas wreaths
The holly berries glow,
The Christmas trees will sparkle soon,
With Christmas fruit bent low…
~Hannah G. Fernald

There are so many others who helped out the ARF dogs this year. And I don’t just mean big companies, but everyday individuals from schools and smaller organizations. For example, the crew from Hope Lutheran Church, who made 74 dog beds just in time for the upcoming chilly weather. We and the ARF dogs appreciate it more than you know.

Back in September, the fantastic bunch at Provost & Pritchard donated some of their time working at ARF, painting sheds, helping with clerical work, filling holes, washing kennels, and loving on the dogs. Thanks kids!

In addition to this, there are some wonderful young adults in our community who have contributed to ARF. For example, May, Javier, and Cesar from Cooper Academy raised $141 selling snacks as a school project, along with the International Baccalaureate Cooper Academy kids, Donovan, Jesus, and Jehieli who raised $181 going door to door to raise funds for another community project. And let’s not forget the Hollister SDA Christian School and Los Banos Adventist Christian School who collected items for the ARF dogs, including food and blankets, toys, etc. You guys may think you’re just small fries, but you are big potatoes in our world.

‘T is Christmas morn! Awake! Awake!
The slumber from thine eyelids shake!…
No such delight through all the year
As comes with Santa’s Christmas cheer.
~James Henry Potts

There are so many other organizations that ARF is grateful to during the year, it’s hard to keep up. We’re quite fond of Machine Head Brewing Company, who have the friendliest bunch of employees you can imagine. Also, Ravens Brewery, who partnered up with Pinnacle Training Systems during the annual Pinnacle Pup Run at Woodward Park in September. And let’s not forget the donations from McCardle Elementary rooms 15 and 16, and Golden One who brought treats, toys, leashes, and collars for our lucky dogs. In addition, they brought some goodies for the ARF volunteers as well. Yum!

An old Fresno family favorite that opened their arms to ARF this year was Storyland at Roeding Park. We had an Adopt a Dog Day event there in August, and it was a joy to see that Storyland is still alive and well. I fondly remember a particular birthday party there for myself when I received the coveted golden key that opened one of the many tiny buildings, perhaps the witches castle? Sorry, it’s been about 50 years.

Also, ARF attended the Home and Garden Show at the Fairgrounds, where many a deserving dog found their home. And who can forget the annual Sweetheart Pancake Breakfast, where fluffy, blueberry pancakes and cheesy spuds are the stars of the show. Delish!

Santa knows Physics: Of all colors, Red Light penetrates fog best. That’s why Benny the Blue-nosed reindeer never got the gig. ~Neil deGrasse Tyson

I’m also happy to say that a few of the dogs I wrote about in 2023 found their furever homes, including Gracie, Eddie, and Greta.

And one final note; our sweet little office mascot, Goldie, was officially adopted by ARF. Goldie is a senior who has been with us for 861 days. She was skin and bones when she arrived, was raised on a diet of people food, and needed lots of health care. She was hard to adopt out because she doesn’t like other dogs. Goldie loves being in the office and adores all the attention and snacks she’s given. ARF decided that our facility would be the best place for Goldie, and I’m pretty sure she agrees. Goldie’s most impressive talent is the ability to hear a McDonald’s bag being opened a mile away…hey do I smell fries?

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!

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.