By Wendy Hunter
That which people sow they shall also reap does not always apply to the pictures on the seed packages. —Poor Richard Junior’s Philosophy, 1903
Well kids, I think it’s more than safe to say that our
good friend, and maker of all things bright and beautiful has arrived. That’s
right, Spring is upon us once again, bringing all the colors of the rainbow
with her. She’s taken all the pretty pastels from her basket, and sprinkled
them in ribbons of pink, purple, and white across the valley floor. The
Blossom Trail is in full swing, and all the fruit trees are festooned with
tissue paper blooms that sway delicately in the breeze. Peaches, apricots,
nectarines, apples, and cherries weigh down branches and hang at the ready to
be picked and enjoyed. Everything seems to awaken this time of year, when
the tender shoots of green sprout and melt the frost from winter’s chilly grasp. All
the chubby doves and red-headed sparrows in our backyard congregate at the bird
feeder, to swap stories and fight over the coveted seed. The flighty
hummingbirds challenge each other and duel with winged fury for a space at the
dining table. Spring is a time to shake off the frost and enjoy the sun’s warm
embrace with a welcoming cup of coffee in the early morning hours. Then maybe a
stroll around the block with your favorite four-legged friend, as you breathe
in the crispy air and wipe the sleep from your bleary peepers. On second
thought, how about just a little more shut-eye…zzz…Ryan
I am thankful for a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home. —Nancie J. Carmody
Speaking of which, it’s time to see the world with fresh
eyes, or in my case, brand spanking new eyes! Yup,
my long-awaited cataract surgery in January was a great success, and I can see
again. It’s crazy how everything is so clear now, and little things make a
big difference. I can play Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune again, I can read
better, and most importantly, I can drive again. It’s been several months,
so if you’re on the road, beware; I’m still learning. Unfortunately, I still
haven’t been back to my beloved volunteering at ARF. It seems like every
weekend after my surgery, there was something going on. Including the fact
that I came down with a horrible cold, and passed it on to my mom and younger
sister. COVID test was negative, but I am still getting over it. Oye, why
is that hacking cough always the last thing to leave? DOH! Be gone
with you. The good news is I shall return to my ARF family this coming
weekend for the annual Home and Garden Show at the Fresno Fairgrounds. Yippee! If
you’ve never been to this show, you really should think about attending. It’s
fun, and family friendly, and you can’t help but have a good time. There
are cinnamon rolls the size of your head, tasty beverages, and lots to look at.
Including…doggies! www.fresnoshows.com/hgshow-information
Red
A man builds a fine house; and now he has a master, and a task for life: he is to furnish, watch, show it, and keep it in repair, the rest of his days. —Ralph Waldo Emerson
For great adoption success, there’s nothing that works
better for Animal Rescue of Fresno than taking a passel of precious puppies to
the Home and Garden Show. First of all, there are three days of excited
visitors, which amounts to thousands of people. Secondly, there are
hundreds of booths featuring home improvement, outdoor products and services,
landscaping, pools/spas, gourmet foods, security, solar, home furnishings,
building supplies, flooring/carpet, and many others. Thirdly, there’s
booze. Nothing gets a couple honeymooners more giddy about adding an extra
bathroom, putting in granite kitchen counters, or purchasing a new roof than
several fruity cocktails. However, when looking at a fuzzy new pal to take
home, we generally suggest that people visit the Coffee Kiosk instead of the
Cocktail Corner. Or hey, maybe just go home and think about it long and hard. Then
come back the next day, and see if that little four pound Chihuahua mix is
really the one your four-year-old needs right now. Perhaps a stuffed toy
Scottie Dog would be a better starter pet? I bet there’s a vendor out
there who has one your tiny tyke would just love. Includes matching plaid
collar and leash, of course.
Winkie
He who abides far away from his home, Is ever longing for the day he shall return. —Rumi
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| Sweetie |
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| Charm |
Coffee. Garden. Coffee. Does a good morning need anything else? —Betsy Cañas Garmon
Perhaps you’re looking for a good luck token to carry with you? How about a Charm, for example? Well we just happen to have one of those, and she’s a little cream colored cutie. This doll of a dog is about two-three years old and would be the perfect pocket pal for your travels to the park or the drive-thru for a Puppuccino.
If you’re the kind (like me) who can’t get enough puppy breath, then Winky just might be your ticket to never ending affection. This five-month-old terrier mix loves kisses, is friendly, smart, curious, and gentle. You can be sure that next Valentine’s Day, you won’t be eating heart-shaped pizza by yourself. Pepperoni anyone?
And for those of you wanting a companion to chase the butterflies in this glorious weather, a puppy would be a willing partner in crime. May I suggest Ryan or Red, both four-five months old, and each one eager to please. Ryan is a furry four-legged Oreo cookie, with some spindly white whiskers. Red’s coffee and cream coat is a bit wiry, and those slippers on his feet make sure to keep him nice and warm under the covers.
These lovely dogs will be available at the Home and Garden Show, along with many others. So, if I’ve peaked your interest in possibly adopting one of them, please come and visit us March 4-6 at the Fresno Fairgrounds. We can’t wait to see you there!
Animal Rescue of Fresno
4545 E Dakota
Ave.
Fresno, CA 93726
Website: arf-fresno.com
Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section on Kings River Life, and the Pets section here on KRL News & Reviews. Check back every month for another animal rescue adventure from ARF. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to a local animal rescue. Learn more about ARF on their website.
Wendy Hunter has been volunteering with ARF for four years. She grew up in Fresno and recently became an Office Assistant with Fresno County. She has been writing all of her life, though never professionally, and currently writes personalized poetry for birthdays, weddings, pet remembrances, etc.
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