ARF NEWS: December 2009

Annie's Story

Imagine that the family you had known your whole life decided one day to abandon you. To lock you away to die, leaving you with no food or water. You sit, scared, confused and alone, waiting for them to come back for you...and they never do. Well, that's exactly what happened to Annie. Her story is a testament to love, the will to live and the impact ordinary people like you and me can have on the life of one precious animal. 

Annie was discovered in August, 2009 near the brink of death. Her family had abandoned her and left her to die in the home they foreclosed on. For over a month, Annie survived by drinking all the water out of the toilet bowl. When she was finally discovered, she was severely emaciated and dehydrated; every bone in her body was visible. She was brought to the local animal care and control facility, then stuffed into a small wire cage at a sub-standard boarding facility. Somehow, through it all, Annie continued to show her sweet, gentle nature and her will to live. Then, the powers that be decided her time was up. Annie was scheduled to die on a Thursday. I discovered and rescued her that Wednesday. 

Annie settled in immediately with all of our dogs and cats and soon blossomed into a vibrant, playful little dog. I knew I would need help to make sure Annie found a permanent, loving, forever home, and thankfully, I was referred to ARF. Our experience working with them was nothing short of amazing; ARF provided invaluable advice, support and resources, all of which Annie and I desperately needed. Annie received veterinary care, including a full check up, and all necessary shots. ARF also posted her profile on their website, and I stayed in contact with several wonderful volunteers who worked tirelessly to find Annie a permanent home. In the meantime, they offered me advice and support --this was my first time fostering, and it was pretty overwhelming initially. 

After only a few days, Annie began to put on weight, and her overall heath improved. She had more energy, her eyes began to sparkle, and she was finally able to take a deep breath and relax. The most rewarding part of fostering Annie was to see how food, shelter and love really means the world to a homeless animal. These basic requirements, which so many of us have extra to give, really can save lives. It certainly makes a difference to that one dog or cat. 

Our experience fostering with ARF was so fulfilling, and so simple-- they really supported us and took care of everything. We look forward to welcoming our next furry foster with open arms, and encourage anyone with a love of animals to consider fostering too. It requires so little, and rewards you with so much. Just ask Annie. 

You can learn more about fostering with ARF by clicking here or email us at ARF-IL. If you are not able to foster, but want to help ARF to rescue more animals in situations such as Annie's, a donation of $25 goes a long way to providing medical care and food for the animals, it's tax deductible and a fun way to celebrate the holidays and the new year. You can donate securely by clicking below or you can send a donation to:

Animal Rescue Foundation of Illinois
PO Box 4423
Wheaton, IL 60189.

You can donate to ARF securely by using PayPal: