Missy
I want to run and play and run and play, any day, all the time. Missy, our one-year-old Aussie mix and Reily, our 3-year-old female shepherd mix can be found with their toy in mouth and energy to spare to do just that.

But what if our four-legged best fur friends decide to escape their yards, fences and the boundaries we have spent so much time setting up for them?

Along with connecting the human hand with the paw for a forever home, ARF also assists to search and reunite when our best friends decide to go on a walkabout.

Reily
Bow, the Chiweenie, decided to do just that, and at the end of his journey, his little legs had taken him across town. Dolly, the basset hound, and Nick, the black Labradoodle were found, in the dark and close to home.

Several Idyllwild residents took part in the rescue of Pluto, the Weimaraner last weekend. He is alive today because of the many people that took the time to help him. He and his best friend, Winston, a Maltese, had escaped from their home and traveled miles, ending up on the state highway. Winston unfortunately lost his life, which devastated Pluto. He shook Winston and licked his wounds to bring him back to life, and protectively would not allow anyone to touch him. He was eventually caught and brought to the safety of ARF. It took three days of searching to find his human. It was a bittersweet reunion, as the family came to grips with the fact they had lost their Maltese, but Pluto licked their tears and stayed by their side.

And those miracles bring tears of relief every time. The hours spent are forgotten, as we watch the paw connect to the hand.

ARF has many cats and dogs available for adoption or fostering. Go to www.idyllwildarf.org and click on Petfinder. All pets are spayed, neutered, and current on shots. ARF is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call for appointment on any other day at (951) 659-1122. Email and donation opportunities are at www.idyllwildarf.org or email arf@greencafe.com.

Creature corner is sponsored this week by Brent Skean. To sponsor the column, call Shane Fender at the Town Crier, 659-2145.

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    Creature corner: Dec. 13, 2012

    Santa is checking his list of animal shelter babies, and he knows who is nice. They all are! Freya, now known as Freda went on a sleepover and never returned. Well, just to visit. She now sports her Christmas harness, and is the love of her human’s life. Guido is now Alfie, and quickly learned the way to melt his human’s hearts. Paws up Alfie. Merry Christmas from ARF to both.

  • Creature Corner: Oct. 6, 2011

    Come on over to ARF to celebrate because October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Our dogs and cats will be wagging tails and purring tunes all month to help you find the perfect pet. For every dog adoption, we will include dog treats and a CD from Cesar Millan, the renowned dog whisperer, with tips for adding a new pet to your pack. With every cat adoption, we will include a “get started” package that includes cat toys, litter and cat food. Always included, of course, is the forever love you receive from your 4-legged companion.