Animal sanctuary committed
to Californian 'no-kill' city

Joe Montana - working to help raise funds for the sanctuary.

"Animals at Risk Care Sanctuary (AARC Sanctuary) is committed to providing lifetime care for domestic animals in a homelike setting.

"AARC Sanctuary is unique in that it provides a lifetime refuge for pets. Animals left in the care of AARC Sanctuary are not available for adoption. They are lovingly cared for during the remainder of their lives while residing at our pet retirement home, along with their live-in pet nanny/caregiver. They receive quality care and comfort while living in a safe, permanent, homelike atomosphere, without caging. We began our journey in September 1992.

"In 1994 we rescued Fred, a Great Dane mix, who was abandoned at a local business at the age of 15-and-a-half years. In September of 1995 we acquired our first home in Stanislaus County and started the Fred Fund to care for those elderly and disabled pets abandoned by their former guardians. In 1996 we started Rainbow Rescue to assist those pets found in emergency situations, such as the German Shepherd pup found chained to a tree in an orchard; or the blind kitten, just a few weeks old, found in a parking lot.

"In early 1997 we rescued over 50 dogs, puppies, cats and bunnies left homeless by the January '97 floods in Stanislaus/Merced Counties. Lacking a rescue shelter we set up temporary shelters in various parts of the county while we cared for these pets. We ultimately found new homes for all but two of our "flood kids," who still reside with us.

This stocky little guy was given plenty of hugs and made to feel at home.

"The Fred Memorial Fund continues to provide lifetime care for abandoned elderly and disabled pets.

"In January 2000, we introduced our five-year plan to end euthanasia as a method of controlling pet overpopulation in this county. This "No-kill city" idea is gaining strength throughout the United States and is already being implemented here in Northern California. Phase One of our project addressed the issue of homeless, abandoned and feral cats with the creation of our cat division, Alley Cat Guardians. Over 400 cats were assisted in the first year.

"We hope to begin the next phase in Spring of 2003... Pawsitive Education ... a programme aimed at school-age children, where we will be going to local classrooms teaching humane education.

"In January 2002, we decided we needed to give up our 40-acre property in Merced County. The cost of maintenance, along with reduced donations due to the national tragedy of 9/11 and the general state of the economy, difficulties with the seller of the property and lack of co-operation by local Animal Control in that area were among the deciding factors to walk away from that property.

"We located a facility that would keep us on a temporary basis until we could regain funding sources for a new facility within our own county. We have fundraisers planned throughout 2003/2004 to help us meet our goals!

"Animals at Risk Care Sanctuary is staffed entirely by volunteers - no one receives any monetary compensation. AARC Sanctuary receives no money from Federal, State or County governments.

Even rescue dogs know when it is Christmas - they enjoyed special treats and toys.

"The Sanctuary is home to over one hundred pets, who earlier this year were losing their home when the original seller of the property, which included 40 acres of nursery, refused to vacate premises and lived in a motorhome adjacent to the nursery.

"He impeded efforts to work the nursery, which was meant to be a method of funding for the charity, and was evicted through the courts, but too late to make the property viable for the charity.

"Since going public in February 2002, Animals at Risk Care Sanctuary, Inc has been scrambling to raise the funds to keep the 40-acre property.

"In July the non-profit organization was forced to file for Chapter 11 reorganization to prevent its home from being sold and displacing all the animals that live there.

"Despite this financial struggle, this organization has managed to keep its doors open and continued to care for the animals that reside there, as well as helping with various rescue efforts involving stray adult cats and dogs as well as several litters of kittens and a severely ill puppy.

"Their financial plight reached a serious stage though. Their plan for reorganization and repayment of their debts, especially the note on the 40-acre property, was contested by the original holder of the note.

"On November 8, the Court reviewed this documentation and the group will be losing the property but they have a found a semi-temporary property (one to two years maximum) to relocate the animals.

"This property needs a lot of work before the group can actually move in critters, and then clean up the old place by January 15.

"We would be really sad and disheartened if we had the time! But on the positive side, it is much closer and has better security. We won't be able to take in more rescues for a while and will just maintain our population, unless we have volunteers willing to foster.

"I hate to downsize our abilities, but at the moment it is necessary. It's just that there are so many that need help and it is hard to say no when there is a life in the balance," said Laurie Daily Johnston.

"I am working on my husband to see if we can construct facilities here for short term fostering. It will have to be outdoor kennels (covered, of course!) but I don't think I can fit any more indoor dogs.

"I have currently have six dogs living indoors with us now and they are pretty comfortable! But this is California and the winters are mild in comparison with many other areas, and not all dogs have been raised as supreme beings of the couch!

"So we will continue to do massive fundraising through public education. I am beginning to work on our next one in February. A Sweetheart Fur Ball and Bachelor Auction! That ought to shake up this conservative little town.

"Officers from the Modesto Police Dept. K9 unit acted as judges at our costume contest, and the Sergeant who emceed for us said he could get a couple of bachelors to participate. Next I will try the Fire Dept and Sheriff's Office.

"Later this year, as I can get it organized, we have permission from the Guinness World Record people to attempt a new record - "The Most Dogs Washed in 24 hours."

"When I get the official rules and regulations, I am thinking of trying to get other rescues from across the country (world?) to do the same event on the same day. In essence, competing for the record.

"If I can get enough rescues in enough areas, I would like to contact Animal Planet and get them to do a segment on one of their shows. Like a "live from" California, Denver, Chicago, New York, and other major cities to do a check-in with the amount of dogs washed at that time. I am hoping that many rescues could benefit from the actual event and publicity.

"In short, we have hit a major setback, but we are persevering! I am looking at it as "that which does not kill us, only makes us stronger. Many times I feel like no one is listening, but I keep talking anyway!" she said.

Animals At Risk Care Sanctuary, Modesto, California. Fax: (209) 527-8563 email: aarc@bigvalley.net