Hi everyone! 

As you all know, I spend a good deal of my time at RBARI (even Tanner & Tess have been put to work helping to socialize the shelter pets I bring home on a regular basis).  RBARI is a privately run non-profit Animal Refuge in Bergen County, NJ that follows the principles of a "no-kill" philosophy.  RBARI staff and volunteers do a phenomenal job at providing the love, support, medical care, and rehabilitation that the homeless animals of our area need in order to successfully and happily be placed into new "forever homes". 

This has been a particularly emotional year at RBARI for me.  Midnight runs to try to save a litter of Southern pups who all fell victim to Parvo, a fatal virus in young dogs.  The rehabilitation of Austin, a dog slated for euthanization by the New York shelter he was originally brought in to for bite wounds all over his head.  The "almost" adoption of my 3rd dog Buddy, who is now happily homed with my cousin and a regular visitor of my home and lifelong friend of Tanner & Tess.  And most recently...the dying plea of a poor old girl, Runaway Sue, who escaped her captors by dragging her ragged and sore old body into the middle of a local street so that a good samaritan could bring her to RBARI in time to receive some love and kindness during the last few days of her life.  At RBARI, we see it all.     

Because RBARI is privately run, and not a county facility, we do not receive the state funding available to the state run euthanizing facilities.  We function solely on donations, on our adoption fees (which don't even begin to cover the animal's basic boarding and medical costs), and on our Fundraising events such as the Mutts Marathon coming up in October.

With so many homeless pets knocking on our door, our job is never done.

So now I'm knocking on yours...

I realize not everyone has the time to volunteer at their local shelter, but I have a great option for you (hint! hint!).  I know these days purse strings are tight, but even a few dollars can add up and make a tremendous difference for the animals in our care.  If you can spare even a small amount, I can't begin to tell you how greatly appreciated it truly is.  Keeping the doors of RBARI open is only possible with the help of our supporters and every little bit counts!     

Please help us reach our goal  :)

With Love,

Lisa, Tanner & Tessie

For those of you close by:

The Mutts Marathon is an afternoon event highlighting a walk around Shepard's Lake in Ringwood with all of our furry friends.  Walkers are sponsored by friends and family to help raise funds for the shelter.  There are several activities and pet contests to enjoy.  You can look forward to meeting some of our very special shelter pets on their big day out!  Maybe, just maybe, one or two will be fortunate enough to walk their way right into their new forever home...  We would love to see you there.