A non-profit, tax-exempt organization
I
SPRING 2010
VOLUME 12, ISSUE 1
New Kennels
n our Winter newsletter, you
saw groundbreaking for the 10
new kennels. As we reported, Lynn
has made a tradition each year to
hold a catered birthday party in his
home, asking his friends to bring a
donation for ARFhouse in lieu of a
gift for him. Lynn always matches
the total, but in 2009 he and Kathy
doubled those gifts.
The kennels were just
completed when this picture was
taken. Dog houses and shade
canopies are on the way. And
then the dogs. As they said in the
movie: “If you build it, they will
come.” That’s certainly true of the
dogs. We receive at least 10-15
calls and/or emails per day, asking
us to take animals. There’s no end
to the need, and most of the stories
would break your hearts.
Volunteers
These ladies arrived one
day during spring break to
volunteer. Paula volunteered
last year, but she brought
friends with her this time.
They spent the day in our
senior building, cleaning and
interacting with the dogs. They
seemed to enjoy themselves,
and the dogs certainly loved
the extra attention.
(L-R): Debbie Cole, Q. Brown,
Paula Gray.
“Hey there! I’m ‘Mr.
Wiggles.’ The name
suits me. I was left on
Spalding Road one night
(that’s where ARFhouse
is located). I was running
up and down the road,
wondering where my
guy went who dropped
me off and wished me
good luck, when along came a funny looking
little car and two women jumped out and
scooped me up. They brought me to ARFhouse
and put me with some crazy gal dogs who have
just about run my little short legs off playing.
It’s fun though. I’m popular here ’cause I’m so
cute. Heh Heh.”
NEWCOMERS
“Jessie” was left chained while
her guardian went on a 3-day holiday.
No one checked on her, even though
she was nursing five puppies. Her
back leg became entangled in the
chain and it ripped the skin off all the
way to the bone. Sammie heard about
Jessie’s plight from a friend who was
neighbor to Jessie’s guardian. Jessie
had never received medical attention,
and the wound was several weeks old. We got in touch with the lady and she
surrendered Jessie to us so that she could have the care she needed.
Unfortunately she was born without a foot on the other back leg, and
the wounded leg had to be amputated. She has been measured for a little
prosthetic foot and we’ll report on her progress in the next newsletter. As you
can see from her picture, she’s made great “strides” toward recovering from
her terrible ordeal. She loves people and wants to cuddle up to anyone who
enters her area.
We want to thank Paws in the City in Dallas for raising $435 toward the
cost of the prosthetic foot for Jessie.
“Howdy! Martha
named me ‘Gary
Cooper,’ but everyone calls me ‘Cooper.’ (The younger
staff
members
asked her where
she got the ‘Gary’?)
I love to run the
property and pester the gals (dogs
as well as human
gals.) I’ll ride on a golfcart, swim in the
pond, and stretch out on my back in the
sun....all day long. No one bothers me
’cause I don’t pay attention to anyone.
I was left in front of ARFhouse. I don’t
know why. I was a good dog. Sort of.”
Donations In Memory of Beloved Pets
Thank you to those of you who thought of ARFhouse and our animals in your time of sorrow.
“Fae” & “Allie”
by: Jane Crout
“Toni”
Ron & Terry Cullen
“Abragail”
“Sandie”
Orianna Skomoroch’s beloved dog
by: Ralph, Jeri, Lucy, Sammie,
Tag, & Harley Waterloo
“Maggie”
8-yr old golden retriever lost to
cancer in the fall
“We miss her terribly.”
Mark & Joan Blankenship
“Sadie”
Diana & Larry Pryor’s beloved pet
by: Judy Kissel
“Sadie”
Larry & Diana Pryor
“Cap Garcia”
beloved border collie of Bert &
Lana Garcia
by: Marilyn Pickens
“Angel” & “JoJo”
beloved pets of George & Kathy Ceal
by: Debbie Kirkpatrick & Ricky
“Ratzie”
“my beloved cat”
Esther Goodson
“Rufus”
“Our loveable cat....we sure miss him.”
by: Connie & Bill Cooper
“Corky”
“Our sweet grand-dog”
Gerda & Jerry Huffman
“Lord Winston”
“beloved companion of
Dr. Ann Van Wynen Thomas”
by: Jerry Lincecum & Peggy Redshaw
“Dickens”
“Our special kitty”
Gail & Milton McAllister
“Miss Linda”
Charlotte Patterson
“Rory”
Gerri Thomen
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“Beauty Slagle”
much loved ancient dog of
Bob & Susan Slagle
“Max”
Ralph & Jen Waterloo’s beloved pet
by: Mike & Linda Tarzis
“Bri Chapman”
“much loved and missed Bichon
of Susie & Jerry Chapman”
by: Beverly Nelson
“Maggie”
by: Bill Waldrip
“In memory of all our dogs”
by: Charles & Judith Schuessel
“Corky”
Andy Williams’
little dog who
passed away
in December
ADOPTIONS
Rob and Tony had a difficult time deciding
between “Ginger” and “Ruthie,” but finally
settled on “Ginger.” She’s definitely the rowdy
one, but they say they love her personality.
“I’m Nocona. I’m 10 years old
and I’ve spent my life with a
lady who recently died. Her
daughter lives in an apartment
and was coming and feeding
me, but the house sold and I
had no place to go. The gals
at ARFhouse took me in, but
I’m very sad without a human
to call my own. When your
person dies, loneliness rules.”
“Barsha” & “Bellou” were two puppies
who went to Chicago in February with
Linda. They were abandoned on a
bridge near ARFhouse. As you can see,
their lives have changed dramatically
since they moved north and found a
home with Arlene.
Thanks
TO THE PEOPLE WHO
HELP OUR DOGS
Another of the Aussie puppies found a
home in Chicago.
“Molly” the collie,
and Mr. Tiger.
Here’s “Toosh” (she
was found in Tushka,
Okla), with her new
guardians. Phil &
Michelle drove all the
way from Austin to
adopt her and they say
she’s the sweetest dog
ever. We knew that.
Her new name in her
new home is “Asscher.”
Pretty, and it suits her!
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Sterling Moeller
Louis & Fay Elrod
Tom Thumb Distribution Center
IESI
Sherman Walmart
Texas Manufacturing in
Whitesboro
Danny & Dr. John Brakebill
Stacey & Dr. Clay Morris
Brakebill Veterinary Clinic Staff
Niemann Publications
Linda Cairo
Trinity United Methodist Church
in Denison, Texas
INMAR
Brookshires Food
Albertson’s
ADOPTIONS
REMEMBER “DELBERT”?
“Delbert” (Dillon) Before
“Sasha” & Daniel, “Cirrus” & Chris
Chris drove from New Orleans to Sherman
to adopt Sasha several years ago, before Katrina
struck the city. He made sure that Sasha was safe
in advance of the hurricane. Fortunately his home
wasn’t destroyed and they were able to return to
New Orleans. A few months ago Chris wrote that
he was looking for a friend for Sasha, and as you
can see, he found Cirrus, who had just been rescued
from a kill shelter. Here’s what he had to say:
“We are both having fun getting him to learn
the rules, etc., and Sasha is doing her part to help
in his training. She keeps him in line, but yesterday
a dog was playing with Cirrus, and Sasha trotted in
between them because she thought the other dog was
getting too rough with her pack member. So at least
she is accepting him well, although begrudgingly.
Thanks so much for what you have done for
Sasha, us, and the rest of the animals in your care.
You are truly special and have brought us so much
happiness.”
I take no credit. Chris is the kind of guardian we
wish all our animals could find. We’re grateful to
him for giving Sasha a loving home.
“Lefty” went to Chicago
last year. His new guardian
writes that he is “beyond
our imagination and
hopes in his mannerisms
and personality. He is just
a joy to have.”
Diane & “Dillon” After
His name is now “Dillon,” after that famous Marshal. As you can
see, he’s changed his appearance drastically as well as his mood
since arriving at ARFhouse. He was starved and almost bald when
he was left on Spalding Road near ARFhouse. Over the next
month his hair began to grow back and we kept you updated on
his progress. He loved people and would always raise a paw when
we’d go to feed him. When Diane came to adopt a dog, she already
had Delbert in mind. He’s turned out to be the right fit for her. She
says when he goes outside, he’s the marshal of her backyard, giving
chase after the squirrels. He was one of our favorites, and we’re so
happy that his story has a happy ending. Thank you, Diane, for
giving Dillon a loving home. And thank you, our supporters, for
helping the dogs....providing funds for medical care when a dog
like Dillon must have heartworm treatment.
“Peggy Lee” was discarded near an apartment complex in Sherman.
She was very thin when a resident took her in, but he was unable to
keep a big dog in a small apartment, so he called us. She was such
a nice girl, it was easy to find a home for her. She’s pictured here
with her new guardians, Vanessa and Scott.
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Brakebill Veterinary Hospital Made The Following “In Memory” Donations
“Muffy”
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Engles
“Conan”
Lori Baker
“Max”
Boozie Marroquin
“Penny”
Mr. & Mrs. Roger Mercer
“Fredda
Billy & Shirley Delamar
“White Feet”
Mr. & Mrs. Thompson
“Chester”
Cathy Maddox
“Sally”
Marilyn Morrow
“Warlock”
David & Linda Tingle
“Sherman”
Mr. & Mrs. Roger Moore
“Smokey”
Fran Brisco
“Turtle”
Michael Alexander
“Titus”
Bob & Donna Burk
“Elvis”
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Cordell
“Zeno”
Sue Price
“Umokey”
Mr. & Mrs. Badger
“Tipsy”
Dr. Mark & Lori Villarreal
“Ford”
Elisha McGee
“Mary Magdolin”
Linda Allen
“Boo”
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Stokes
“Molly”
Jonna Nitcholas
“Maddy”
Linda Hix
“Sam”
Mr. & Mrs. George Owens
“Socks”
Vi McWater
“Peaches”
Lonnie & Patsy Stephens
“Meogi”
Delores Collins
TEXOMA LIVING MAGAZINE
did a wonderful article with pictures
about ARFhouse in their January/
February 2010 edition. Their website
is www.texomaliving.com. We want
to thank them for including us in
Texoma’s Animal Sanctuaries piece.
SPECIAL THANKS
THANK YOU, JOYCE.....for sending a $7,500 grant to help with January’s
expenses. The first quarter of the year is the leanest when it comes to donations,
but the animals keep coming. That never stops. Joyce knows this and is there for
the dogs whenever we need her.
••••••
Everyone has heard of Jody O’Donnell! Once again he has offered a challenge
grant. This time in the amount of $10,000. We hope some of our faithful
supporters will meet this challenge. Jody says the designation can be in any
amount. We know our friends will “step up.” Thank you, Jody, for wanting to
help the dogs.
••••••
Thank you Weinzierl Family Fund for a $10,000 grant to be used to care for
the animals.
“Zeus”
Sid & Sherri Davidson
IESI HELPS US....
“Libbey”
Nita & Roger Mercer
One of the mandatory tasks everyone performs at ARFhouse daily is waste removal; commonly known as “poop scooping.” The waste is put in large feed
bags and placed in our dumpster. You probably read that one of the items on the
Wish List is these bags. It’s important because we scoop over 200 lbs. of waste
daily. IESI chose ARFhouse as one of their local charities, which means they
empty our dumpster twice a week at no charge. We’re grateful to our friends at
IESI for this important contribution to helping the dogs live in a clean environment.
“Chance”
John & Cheryl Schmitt
“Dinky”
Rick & Liz Mabry
“Ivy”
Melanie Brown
“Maney”
Vanna Braden
“Hobbs”
Mike & Jeni Squires
“Zeke”
Donna Spiva
ARFhouse’s newsletter is published by the
Animal Refuge Foundation, 3377 Spalding
Rd., Sherman, TX 75092. Phone (903) 5647056. Martha Hovers, Editor. ARFhouse
Directors: Danny Brakebill, Martha Hovers,
LuRuth Taylor.
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If you would like to see our
newsletter in color, go to the
homepage of our website and
click on the little page in the left
corner.
Canyon Creek Pet Hospital Made The Following
“In Memory” Donations
“Muffy”
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Engles
“Zeke”
Donna Spiva
“Penny”
Mr. & Mrs. Roger Mercer
“Conan”
Lori Baker
“Chester”
Cathy Maddox
“Fredda
Billy & Shirley Delamar
“Sherman”
Mr. & Mrs. Roger Moore
“Sally”
Marilyn Morrow
“Turtle”
Michael Alexander
“Smokey”
Fran Brisco
“Elvis”
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Cordell
“Titus”
Bob & Donna Burk
“Umokey”
Mr. & Mrs. Badger
“Zeno”
Sue Price
“Ford”
Elisha McGee
“Tipsy”
Dr. Mark & Lori Villarreal
“Mary Magdolin”
Linda Allen
“Max”
Boozie Marroquin
“Boo”
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Stokes
“White Feet”
Mr. & Mrs. Thompson
“Molly”
Jonna Nitcholas
“Warlock”
David & Linda Tingle
“Maddy”
Linda Hix
“Sam”
Mr. & Mrs. George Owens
“Socks”
Vi McWater
“Peaches”
Lonnie & Patsy Stephens
To Honor Pets
“Achilles”
by: Nancy Norwood
“Lucky” & “Peanut”
Mike & Linda Tarzis’ pets
Note from M. Hovers: Our longtime supporter, Valerie Flocco, sent a
memorial donation in June, 2009, for
her beloved dog “Jack”. Her note
literally slipped through the cracks,
and I found it this month. I am
deeply sorry for this oversight.
Valerie wanted Jack’s memorial to be
placed in the “In Honor” column
and that is what we are doing. Here
is what she says about Jack:
“Mark the passing of my Jack, whom
I had to help pass on on April 11.
He was with me for 13 of his 15
years and it was a devastating loss to
me. He was very special, my miracle
dog, having not only survived
back surgery in the mid-90’s, but
recovered fully from paralysis 4
times. He was also the last of my
pack of dogs and represented the
passing of an era in my life.”
THANK YOU
THANKS go out to CIGNA employees for a fundraiser at their site, raising cash and bags of dog food to help
the animals.
“Meogi”
Delores Collins
“Zeus”
Sid & Sherri Davidson
**WISH LIST**
“Libbey”
Nita & Roger Mercer
Purina Dry Dog Food
“Chance”
John & Cheryl Schmitt
Fiberglass Dogloos
(igloo shaped – any size)
“Dinky”
Rick & Liz Mabry
13 gal. Trash Bags
“Ivy”
Melanie Brown
“Maney”
Vanna Braden
“Hobbs”
Mike & Jeni Squires
BLANKETS GALORE
Thank you, Kathy Camp, for the
16 soft, cuddly blankets you made
for the dogs in our senior building.
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Commercial grade 75' - 100'
water hoses
Puppy Pads for small dogs
in building
Large Feed Bags
To Honor Humans Who Love The Animals
Many of the following donations were made as Christmas presents for friends and loved ones.
They’re all to honor those who are dear to us, so we’ve made no distinction between the gifts.
Dr. John & Liz Sciortino
by: Adam, Christina, Grant, “Snoopy”
& “Woodstock”
Darlene Schweizer
by: Marilyn Pickens
Roger & Sherry Harvey
by: Kim Wortham
LuRuth Taylor
by: The Stromnes & Senft Families
Andy Williams
by: Mom & Dad
(Jerry & Gerda Huffman)
LuRuth Taylor
Mark & Meredith Overholt
Carter Barcus
by: Judy K. Butler
Gerda & Jerry Huffman
by: Andy Williams
Tom Huffman
by: Andy Williams
Carl & Donnette Diehl
by: Stacey Browning
Chief Bill Palya
Chief Kevin Walton
Kevin Hartless
Susan Berryhill
by: Nancy Shirley
Roger Platizky
by: Martha, Wayne & Cindy Chisum
The John family
for their Christmas present,
Ramona & Dick John will make a
monthly gift to ARFhouse
throughout the year.
Kim & Gary Wortham
by: Sherry & Roger Harvey
Mike Hetzel
“to celebrate his birthday”
by: Kathy Kenny
Jane Wilson
by: Paul & Courtney
Jane Wilson
by: Stephanie & Ralph Strangis
My incredible employees & friends at
Diagnostic Clinic Center for
Breast Care in
Longview, TX”
by: Debbie Kirkpatrick
Robert & Cindy Lea donated
3 large dogloos as Christmas presents to
ARFhouse to honor Tharon Shears
Rob & Renee Senft
by: LuRuth Taylor
Bryan & Lisa Lancelot
by: LuRuth Taylor
John & Jacque Stromnes
by: LuRuth Taylor
Mark & Christine Taylor
by: LuRuth Taylor
Marilyn Barren made a donation to
honor her daughter, Alicia, and here
is what she said in her letter about
Alicia and her dog “Baby” who
passed away in 2009:
“For ‘Baby’ who fought the brown
lesion as long as she could to stay
with Alicia. For Alicia who fought to
keep ‘Baby’ comfortable and
completely surrounded with love.”
Diane Curran
David & Avo Butler
Marilyn Pickens & “Amy”
Mike & Linda Tarzis, “Lucky” & “Peanut”
Jim & Jacque Mehaffey
John & Karen Brennan
Dough & Jackie Barrow
Elizabeth & Juston Dobbs
Jerry & Susie Chapman
Brakebill Animal Hospital
Terrye Troxtell
Sara Bernice Moseley
Judy Sloan, “Daisy” & “Pickles”
Joe & Becky Frank
Sandy Beisly, “Bentley” & “BJ”
by: Charlie & Darlene Schweizer
Martha & Lou Vaughn
(to honor “Harley” & “Penney”)
Ralph & Jeri Waterloo (to honor “Harley”,
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“Lucy”, “Sam” & “Tag”)
Charlie & Darlene Schweizer (to honor
“Annie”, “Britches”, “Callie”,
“Ellis” & “Desi”)
by: Mike & Linda Tarzis, “Lucky” &
“Peanut”
LuRuth Taylor made the following
donations in honor of family members
at Christmas
Rob & Renee Senft
Bryan & Lisa Lancelot
John & Jacque Stromnes & Arden Rae
Mark & Christine Taylor
Larry Pryor
on his birthday
by: Judy Kissel
Rudolf A. Williams
for his birthday
from: his parents, Gerda & Jerry Huffman
Morton & Peachy Rudberg made a
donation to wish a speedy recovery for:
Dr. Kathleen Sohner
In Memory of
Animal Lovers
RAY HAWKINS
by: Stan & Sherry Simmons
JERRY JENSEN
by: Brenda Brandt
“Our 4 yr old great niece,
BRENNA DOYLE;
she loved kittens & puppies.”
by: Marty & Julie Doyle
BEAUTY SLAGLE
by: Bob & Susan Slagle
FRED SCHWEIZER
“our brother who loved animals so
very much”
by: Charlie & Darlene Schweizer
Animal Refuge Foundation
3377 Spalding Rd.
Sherman, TX 75092
NONPROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT #10
SADLER, TX 76264
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
We appreciate your continued
support of ARFhouse.
Be an ARFhouse Supporter!
ARFhouse needs and welcomes your donation in
any denomination. Every dollar counts and is used
for day-to-day operations, care of our animals, and
assistance to animals in the community. Your donation is tax deductible. Please send your gift in the
enclosed envelope to ARFhouse, 3377 Spalding Rd.,
Sherman, TX 75092.
Name: _____________________________________
Address:_____________________________________
_____________________________________
Phone: _____________________________________
Amount:$____________________________________
Mission Statement
Animal Refuge Foundation (ARFhouse) is a care-for-life,
no-kill sanctuary in a rural setting and is home to 340+ dogs.
Dedicated to improving the lives of animals through rescue and
rehabilitation, spay/neuter and placing animals into homes with
loving guardians, ARFhouse also assists animals whose owners
are unable to pay for the sterilization of their animals, particularly elderly people who are on fixed incomes. The Foundation
will also provide financial assistance for any stray animal found
who requires emergency medical attention. One of our major
goals is to relieve suffering and to provide contentment and
happiness to any dog who crosses our threshold.
3377 Spalding Rd.  Sherman, TX 75092
Phone (903) 564-7056
Website address: www.arfhouse.org