Summer 2007

A non-profit, tax-exempt organization
e’ve had lots going on during the past quarter.
I visited our long-time supporter, Joyce
Dennehy, at her lovely home in a Chicago
suburb. I had the privilege of meeting her companion,
“Lulu,” a beautiful gray miniature poodle. I am proud to
say that Lulu approved of me and seemed to really like me
(thank goodness!).
Our new logo was designed by Val Studer, who graciously
offered to design as a gift to us. You may remember Val
adopted “Buddy,” and there’s a picture of him with her
son, Michael, and their other dog “Max,” in the summer
’06 newsletter.
“Edie’s” foot finally
healed and she’s
running around my
back yard like a
wild child. She still
kicks the leg out
occasionally, but it
seems to be more of a
habit than a necessity.
She and “Spoozie” lay
on my back porch all
day and roll around,
jumping off the porch
to chase one another.
“Edie” and “Spoozie”
“Sally” relinquished
her ownership of the
porch for a few weeks, but has reclaimed it and they wisely
ignore her. “Sally” is the QUEEN of my back yard....except
when “Ms. Daffy Duck” goes out there.
Many of you have e-mailed or called to ask if we have
suffered any damage from the recent flooding rains here
in north Texas. ARFhouse is on acreage that is situated on
high ground. Of course, we have mud and standing water
in some areas, and we’re all sick of downpours, but we’ve
been more fortunate than many people and animals in this
area. Standing water is the worst of our setbacks.
SUMMER 2007
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 2
“He is your friend, your partner, your
defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful and true to the last
beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such
devotion.”
—Anonymous
Hello. My name is “Cowboy.” I’m 4 years old, and I’ve
been on a chain all my life. Now my owner is moving to an
apartment and she just wants to get rid of me. The people
at ARFhouse saw my sad expression and said they would
take me and find a home for me. I’m a very nice boy and
love people, but I haven’t ever had much attention. This
new building I’m going to sounds really keen. But I might
find a family who will love me and let me come in their
house and lay on their bed too. If “Moxie” can find a home
like that, so can I.
The Old Dogs
Gathered Again
Special Thanks
Thank you, Ed Browne, for the 300 shares of TXU
stock.
Thank you to Nall’s Sharpening Service in Sherman for
sharpening our blades, doing such a good job, and never
charging us. (The Nall’s are animal lovers.)
We Bid A Fond Farewell . . .
To Tim Cutler, who
was a volunteer here
at
ARFhouse
for
more than 6 years.
Tim came to help out
every Thursday and
completed whatever
tasks we asked of him.
He has accepted a
position as Professor
of Music Theory at
the Cleveland Institute of Music. He and his wife, Ann,
and their 2 bassett hounds, Einstein and Ayla, are happily
installed in their new home in Shaker Heights, Ohio.
We miss you, Tim!
Kathy and Lynn Surls with Jessie (in Kathy’s arms), Mac,
Sammie, and Angel (in Lynn’s arms).
On June 16 Lynn Surls celebrated his birthday by inviting
his friends for food, drink & fellowship....on the condition
each person bring an admission fee, which like last year,
was a check for our dogs, and Lynn matched these gifts,
bringing the total to $4,000. The party was in honor of
Lynn & Kathy’s veterinarian Dr. Williams, and this is
what Lynn says about him:
“This year, our donation will go to the ARFhouse general
fund in honor of Dr. Fred Williams, 63, (DVM, TXA&M,
’68) a fine human being and an extraordinary veterinarian.
I met Fred in 1995 through a friend who was having to say
goodbye to his beloved cocker spaniel. Fred was the first
vet that I had ever seen cry when he had to put down a pet.
He immediately became our veterinarian. We have cried
together since and will have to again, but Fred has done
some unbelievable things for the many pets that have been
a part of our family, and Kathy and I are very grateful.
He is very giving of his time and never lets the owner’s
ability to pay come before the care of his patients. Fred’s
incredible talent in diagnosing issues and managing health
care for all animals, coupled with his deep compassion for
them and his amazing patience with their owners makes
him an outstanding credit to his profession. I am uneasy
that he even talks about retirement. We, and many others,
depend on him and care for him more than he could ever
imagine.”
“The Chicago Trio” ready to make the long trip back to the
windy city. Bob Martinez, Beth Fahey and Linda Widmer,
leaving ARFhouse with 17 dogs, headed for adoption.
ARFhouse’s newsletter is published by the Animal Refuge Foundation,
3377 Spalding Rd., Sherman, TX 75092. Phone (903) 564-7056. Martha
Hovers, Editor. ARFhouse Directors: Danny Brakebill, Martha Hovers,
LuRuth Taylor.
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.
-2-
NEWCOMERS
My name is “Ruby.” That’s what
the ladies at ARFhouse named
me. I was left with my 5 puppies
at a farm near here. The people
at ARFhouse fell in love with me
and took me and my 3 girls and 2
boys. The hair was missing from
my neck; the ARFhouse folks say
it was rubbed bald by the tight
collar I was wearing and from
being chained up. (I don’t want
to remember that dark time in my
life.) My puppies and I are headed
for Chicago with Linda. I can’t
wait!
They named me “Chief.”
A nice deputy sheriff saw
me at a cemetery a week
before spotting me at a
country store nearby. I was
just hangin’ out, hoping
for a handout. He came to
ARFhouse and asked if
they’d let me come here.
They said OK, and when
they met me, they were
really happy ’cause I’m so
cute. I was going nuts with
a million fleas, but the ARFhouse people put me in a sink and soaped me down real
good. As you can see, I look very handsome now!
My name is “Max.” I’m a rat terrier, and my friend, a mini-schnauzer, is “Emily.”
Our guardian said she couldn’t afford us anymore. She had left us with her sister
who lived on a flea infested piece of dirt. The place was awful. We had to get under
her house to get out of the rain. When our lady saw the conditions we were suffering
through, she called ARFhouse and asked if she could bring us here. We got baths
the minute we walked through the door. Ahhhhh, it felt so good. Emily still needs a
haircut, but as you can see, my coat is perfect.
-3-
THANKS TO
CORPORATE
SUPPORTERS
TOM THUMB - Thanks go out to
Tom Thumb.
ARFhouse now has 340 dogs
to feed at our facility, and Tom
Thumb keeps them all fed premium
food. Our dogs are enjoying better
quality dry kibble than ever in the 18
years we’ve been in existence. We
mix Pedigree, Purina, Purina ONE,
and Beneful, which are the major
brands Tom Thumb gives us.
Also included are at least 500 lbs
of cat food which we in turn give
to “Animals Deserve a Chance,” a
non-profit feeding 200+ feral cats
daily in South Dallas.
We’re very grateful to the folks
at Tom Thumb for caring about
community needs and for supporting
the animals of ARFhouse.
“Frankie” was sitting at our gate with
his 2 siblings (we think) and 2 black
labs who found homes. He loves
Roxanne and “protects” her from too
much attention from the other dogs.
Thanks
TO THE PEOPLE WHO
HELP OUR DOGS
W.C. & Lora Harvey with their four dogs: “Mocha” in Lora’s arms, “Murphy”
near Lora, “Lottie” (dog from ARFhouse) in W.C.’s arms, and “Mr. Schooner.”
The Harvey’s have been monthly contributors for 14 years. Not only are they
supporters; they are dear friends to me and welcome me into their home in far
north Washington annually. This year that visit was spent on their beautiful
boat, “Sea Woof.” What fun!
Louis & Fay Elrod
Tom Thumb Distribution Center
Sherman Wal-Mart
Denison Wal-Mart
Tim Cutler
Danny & Dr. John Brakebill
Stacey & Dr. Clay Morris
Brakebill Veterinary Clinic Staff
Niemann Publications
Susan Khammash
Trinity United Methodist Church
Chris & Lloyd Ritchey
4PAWS
Xi Theta Delta Chapter
of Beta Sigma Phi
MAINTAINING
ARFHOUSE:
• Animals & Facilities
• Spay/Neuter
• Animal Health
• Care of Multiple Buildings
• Transportation
• Supplies
Your donation helps us to
continue to feed, spay/neuter,
and maintain good health until
loving homes can be found for
our adoptable animals.
Your gift also provides all these
things for the animals who will
make ARFhouse their forever
home.
Please help us to give them the
best possible care.
“Trek” before
“Trek” after
My name is “Trek” and I’ve been asked to tell you my tale. (Is that spelled right?)
Anyway, I had a family that no longer wanted me, so they just put me out their front
door and no longer claimed me. I had to scavenge for food and shelter. I spent nights
under my owner’s home. They were re-doing their foundation, so I could easily
climb under the house. But I spent my nights battling opossums for food. I spent my
days sleeping on their porch, but they ignored me and told people they didn’t know
me. The dog catcher came and tried to catch me, but I was able to outsmart him
and get away. When I was rescued by a kind lady my collar was so tangled in my
long hair, she could barely find it, and I was infested with fleas. She had me shaved
down by her groomer, but her dogs didn’t like me much; so she asked the people
at ARFhouse if they could find me a home. I am so cute NOW, they said “sure...
bring him on!” So now I’m on my way to the windy city to find my forever family.
Chicago, here I come!!! Get ready for me!
-4-
ORECK RAISES FUNDS
FOR ARFHOUSE MONTHLY
* * * WISH LIST * * *
GOLF CART
Our carts are aging and
beginning to have mechanical
difficulties
On July 26 Oreck will have their monthly fundraiser for
the dogs of ARFhouse. Each month they select a Thursday
evening between 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm and donate 15% of
the sales to the animals.
MINI-VAN
for employees to run
short errands
Here are the stores that participate:
• 2403 S. Stemmons, Suite 109, Lewisville, TX
• 5939 Royal Ln., Dallas, TX
• 678 Grapevine Hwy., Hurst, TX
• 5801 W. I-20, Suite 380, Arlington, TX
• 1515 Town East Blvd., Suite 178, Mesquite, TX
• 3311 Preston Rd., Suite 4, Frisco, TX
• 4801 Overton Ridge, Suite 124, Ft. Worth, TX
• 700 Alma Rd., Suite 108, Plano, TX
“KURANDA BEDS”
dog beds
These donations have been ongoing, and we thank Mr.
Oreck for his commitment to give back to the community;
and especially to animals. We are delighted to be the
recipient of his generous gifts.
SPECIAL THANKS
FROM ARFHOUSE
I’m “Cindy” and this is my sister “Lindy.” We’re a gorgeous
pair of girls, low maintenance, and pleasing nature. Not much
is known about our history except our master dumped us in
Mary’s yard. She works at ARFhouse, so we figure they knew
she’s a sucker for cuties like us. Sure enough, we’re on our
way with Trek to the big city!
ARFhouse would like to say a special THANK
YOU to our friends who donated gifts and
services for our recent silent auction.
•LaQuita Royal and Ramona Brown at
CALLOWAY’S NURSERY
•Susie Burks at RANDY’S STEAKHOUSE in
FRISCO, TX
•Judy Kissel at DUNSTON’S STEAKHOUSE in
DALLAS, TX
•Anonymous for the gift of SOUTHWEST AIR
TICKETS
•Errika Flood at THE DALLAS SYMPHONY
•THE FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS
•LURUTH TAYLOR
“Rusty” came from
New Jersey where he
was a street dog. He
tends to be dominant,
so will live in an area
by himself. He seems
satisfied.
Please support these businesses, and
gratitude to our friends who
help sustain us by their generosity.
THANKS FROM ALL THE ‘RESIDENTS’
AT ARFHOUSE!
visit our website
www.arfhouse.org
-5-
Brakebill Veterinary Hospital Made The Following “In Memory” Donations
“Sally”
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Noltensmeyer
“Cowboy”
Mr. & Mrs. Calvin McFadden
“Sam”
Mary Hughes
“Pudge”
Amber Kirby
“Midge”
Mr. & Mrs. Bill McClure
“Olive”
Shelley Mikulin
“Molly”
Mr. & Mrs. John Cambis
“Pelina”
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Marr
“Ashes”
Mr. & Mrs. Earl Hickey
“Bonnie Boo”
Gerald Jennings
“Angel”
Laronna Keith
“Sophie”
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony O’Hanlon
“Alley”
Mr. & Mrs. John Wilson
“Nani”
Leslie Jackson & Ricky Roberts
“Prance”
Mary Sakowski
“Rusty”
Buddy Baker
“Scout”
Mr. & Mrs. John Proctor
“Sidney”
Bonnie Hicks
“Callie”
Mr. & Mrs. David Plyler
“Ricci”
The Loston Family
“Barky”
Joan Fleming
“Jake”
Karen Lawson
“Mugs”
Mr. & Mrs. Brent England
“Sugar”
Cindy Kent
“Abby”
Mr. & Mrs. Marcus Jackson
“Tigger”
Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Parker
“Kady”
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Cord
“Romeo”
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Byrum
“Bo”
Gail Baker
“Trixie”
Barbara Valdez
“Fred”
Mr. & Mrs. Fred Tankersley
“Candy”
Mr. & Mrs. Virgil Walke
“Melba”
Arthur & Martha Payne
“Dieter”
Christy Gregg
“Darwin”
Mrs. Martha Kaufman &
Joel Kaufman
“Porter”
Darrell & Jamie Ramey
“Missy”
Mr. & Mrs. Don Levstik
“Missy”
Mr. & Mrs. Don Leustik
“Highway”
Susan Cassidy
“Jaws”
Eric & Brandy Cragg
“Sally”
Mr. & Mrs. Rex Allen & Family
“JR”
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Neill
“Jetta”
David Murray
“Chico”
Wanda Catalan
“Ashlyn”
Mr. & Mrs. Tim Morris
Memorials for Animal Lovers
In Memory of Susan Lepek
“a happy and kind soul”
Mark & Cindy Boling
In memory of Catherine Sprowl
“owner of Miss Pink”
daughter, Jean Thomas
In memory of Dr. Lloyd Gourley
“an animal lover”
Martha J. Gourley
-6-
In memory of Earl Howard of
Arlington, TX
“a true dog lover”
Judy & Ray Parker
Dena Fox
Rita & Ronnie Cole
Donations In Memory of Beloved Pets
Thank you to those of you who thought of ARFhouse and our animals in your time of sorrow.
In memory of our beloved Alice
Mark & Cindy Boling
In loving memory of Gigi Graham
Margaret Graham
In loving memory of Sasha
“adopted at age 12”
Bill & Debbie Riley
Linda Widmer’s “Goose”
“He was such a sweet & loving pet;
he will be truly missed.”
Rebecca Fisher
“Our sweetie pie Maggie”
Kathy & Stacy Caudell
In memory of “Moose”
the golden retriever
for Sue Miklos-Champion
by Drew Anderson
“Muffin”, Roger Platizky’s cat who passed
away on 2/24/06
Martha Chisum
In memory of “Kumo”
“the sweet 16 yr old chow, a valued friend
& family member of Yuri Rousseau
by Charles & Darlene Schweizer
“In memory of our darling Fanci & to
celebrate the arrival of Buddy & Sugar”
Bob & Paula Mears
Fundraiser To Help The Dogs
Suzen Dennis, of Tailwaggers Country Inn in Van Alstyne, will host a
party in late August to celebrate the grand opening of her new state of the art pet
care facility. Her friends and clients will be in attendance, and ARFhouse has
been invited to hold a silent auction at this event. We ask you to please help us
by donating gifts for this auction, or asking friends who have retail products that
would be appropriate for such a fundraiser.
Suzen has been a friend to ARFhouse for several years, sending one of her
staff people (Jason Godwin) to Mississippi in one of her large vans, when we
took 15 dogs from the Katrina disaster, and making regular monetary donations
to support operations here at ARFhouse.
There will be an open house at Tailwaggers’ new facility on August 26.
You may remember “Faith” from our last
newsletter. She was the blind and deaf puppy that
was brought to us. She needed very special care
and Jason Godwin (Tailwaggers’ behaviorist)
took her into his home and has trained her with
his special touch. He says she is very intelligent,
sleeps with him, and follows his other handicapped
dogs’ lead. We’re very grateful to Jason for his
help with some of the special needs dogs that
have come here.
“Chip” – He’s cute, but he’ll bite you if you do
something to him he doesn’t like. So....look, but
don’t touch.
“Fae” & “Allie”
by: Jane Crout
“Ratzie”
“in memory of my little buddy”
Esther Goodson
“Rosie”
John & Sherri Baer
“Mom”
beloved feline companion of
Ed & Evelyn Granville for 20+ yrs.
by: Donna Ryan
In memory of “Ben”
sweet American Eskimo
Buck & Kathy Howard
Donations
To Honor
Humans Who
Love Their
Animals
Lynn Surls on his birthday
Sara Matthews
Gerda Huffman’s birthday
her son, Andy Williams
Jerry Huffman on Father’s day
Andy Williams
To honor Darlene Schweizer
on her birthday
Linda Tarzis
Donations
To Honor
Beloved Pets
Colleen Able’s dearly loved dog, “Yoda”
Emilie Collins
-7-
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:$____________________________________
Animal Refuge Foundation
3377 Spalding Rd.
Sherman, TX 75092
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
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
NONPROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT #10
SADLER, TX 76264