Latest Posts

Keeping Your Dogs Safe This Spooky Halloween

Written by A.R.F. Volunteer Kate S. We here at A.R.F. love the Halloween season—dressing up, carving pumpkins, and trick-or-treating. However, it’s important to keep our precious pups safe amidst the celebrations and revelry.  Ensure your dog’s safety and health this spooky season by observing the following tips and tricks. Tip 1. Keep all candy out […]

A gray and white kitten is lying across a black kitten

The Two-Kitten Argument

Written by A.R.F. Volunteer Hannah D. Cats are often painted as unsociable loners. This is not accurate! Young cats and kittens are very playful and can get the “kitten crazies” when they’re feeling energetic. This lively behavior is one of many reasons that adopting kittens in pairs, rather than alone, is highly recommended. Paired adoptions […]

Cats and Plants: Cohabitation

Written by A.R.F. Volunteer Hannah D. Curiosity, unfortunately, can kill the cat, if the human in the equation is not careful. Hopefully all cat owners are aware of how incredibly toxic lilies are to cats. The list of plants that do not mix well with cats is quite long, as demonstrated by these sites: ASPCA, […]

CBS Chicago Features A.R.F. in the Pet Rescue Highlight

Each Thursday, CBS Chicago features an animal rescue organization in the Chicago area. Watch Vicki and Natalie talk about the rescue, A.R.F’s mission, and how to get involved here. For more information on how to adopt or get involved with A.R.F please visit our website.

A.R.F.’s Adoption Fees

Prospective pet parents sometimes ask how A.R.F. sets adoption fees for our beloved dogs and cats. Numerous factors go into determining these fees and they can vary from animal to animal, as each pet is unique. Some factors include breed, health, age and availability status. Below, we will explore how each factor affects adoption fees. […]

Patience, Praise and Repetition

Spring is upon us, and if you checked in at the beginning of the year, you and your dog might have been having fun learning new tricks and working on patience. If you find yourself here for the first time, you can look back at the January post, “New Year, ‘New Dog.” This time, we […]

New Year, ‘New’ Dog

Written by A.R.F. Volunteer Shane C. We are well into January of 2024 and if you have already abandoned your resolutions (no judgements), it is not too late to pick up something else. Perhaps you are still on track, going strong, and want to add something else in. If you have a dog at home […]

Year in Review: A.R.F.’s 2023

In the spirit of the season, we at A.R.F. want to share a snapshot of what 2023 has brought to the foundation. First up: the animals! There have been 1,210+ adoptions this year, which is amazing. Over 860 cats and 350 dogs have found forever homes. Next, we’ve had approximately 150 volunteers donate their time […]

The Gift of Adoption: What to Consider During the Holiday Season

Written by A.R.F. Volunteer Hannah D. Animal companions can be wonderful additions to people’s lives. Pet owners love to talk about their pets and all of the memories they’ve made over the years. The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry details the potential benefits of pet ownership, which include teaching responsibility and respect, as […]

Preparing Your Dog for Winter

Written by A.R.F. Volunteer Shane C. Snow is falling as I write this and I have accepted winter is closing in. By the time you read this, the snow will have surely melted. Regardless, Mother Nature waits for no one and your dogs will still want to go on a walk rain or shine; or […]