Westin Learns to Trust Again

It’s always incredible to see animals make the journey to love and trust again after experiencing extreme trauma. Heroic animal control officers found Westin emaciated, sick, and tied to a pole on a plot of land in rural California. He was in such dire shape that the responding officers initially thought they arrived too late to save him. When Westin was taken to the local shelter for care, it was determined that one of his back legs had been tangled so tightly in the wire that it had to be amputated.

Fortunately, Westin is quite a resilient pup. It didn’t take him long to learn how to walk, run, and play on three legs. And while he was initially (and understandably) standoffish towards strangers, his charming personality soon emerged. When he met his adopters for the first time, he romped and wrestled with his new canine brother, Louie, and wiggled his whole body onto his adopters’ laps. They told us, “It's clear to us that Westin got off to a rough start. Thankfully, that hasn't stopped him from being affectionate, snuggly, and smart!”

Every dog and cat deserves a second chance. From tied with wire to a pole and near death, to being loved in a happy family, Westin is just one of the thousands of lives you help save every year. Your gift today will provide immediate care to animals in need.

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Join the #BettyWhiteChallenge

On December 31, the world mourned the loss of Betty White – a beloved actress, comedian, and lifelong advocate for the welfare of animals. "My preoccupation with animals is an open secret," she wrote in her 2011 memoir. A celebrity friend of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, Betty graced the cover of ARF’s 2012 celebrity pet calendar (pictured) alongside her dogs, Panda and Kitta, and cat, Bob Cat.

With what would have been Betty’s milestone 100^th birthday coming up on January 17, fans and animal lovers nationwide have started the #BettyWhiteChallenge, encouraging people to donate to their favorite animal rescue organization. Share Betty's love of animals and spread the word! Encourage friends to make a gift in her honor or start a Facebook fundraiser of your own. Let's make Betty White's centennial special for animals all across the world.

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More Updates

Start a New Career in Animal Welfare

Has the pandemic made you realize that you want to utilize your talents to make a real difference? Start 2022 off with an exciting, new career in animal welfare! ARF is hiring and we’re eagerly awaiting your application. View all open positions.

Fosters Needed for Large Dogs

How's this for a New Year’s Resolution? Sign up to be an ARF foster volunteer! We provide everything you need — food, toys, medical care, and more. We’re especially looking for fosters for large dogs (including bully breeds), animals with medical needs, and dogs on training plans.

ICYMI: ARF's 2021 End of Year Video

Last year at ARF, we met hundreds of dogs and cats, each with their own incredible, unique story – but the real story is the extraordinary impact you had on each of their lives! Watch our 2021 End of Year video (set to Brett Eldredge's "Love Someone") to see some of the faces you helped save.

Cat Food Drive

Thank you to everyone who donated to our Cat Food Drive and congratulations to our prize winners! We're still collecting unopened, unexpired dry cat food on behalf of thousands of hungry cats served by ARF's FoodShare program. Thanks to you, we've collected 7,500 lbs of cat food so far, but the urgent need remains. Give the gift of a full belly by donating!

Adopt Annie

Annie may be a bit shy around new people at first. But once she comes out of her shell, you'll be greeted by an inquisitive, affectionate kitty who loves playing with toys and wants to eat treats right out of your hand. Plus, her adoption fee has already been paid! Submit your adoption inquiry today.