Why We Exist
It started in 1992, when Calgary chiropractor Dr. Laurie Flavin saw a need, and began placing stray and abandoned dogs from Calgary Animal Services into suitable homes. By 1994, she was known as the “Dog Lady.” After being approached by the Animal Control Officer of the Siksika Nation, Laurie became aware of the huge dog and cat over-population problem in Alberta’s rural communities and decided to take on the enormous task of rescuing those dogs and cats and finding homes for them.
Once she started, it became apparent that one person alone could not handle the influx of dogs and cats, so Laurie, along with the help of two friends, decided to form a charitable organization and in July 1995, the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) of Alberta was formed.
A volunteer’s story…
First, I would like to thank you for the amazing experience of being a foster home. It is by far the most rewarding volunteer opportunity that I’ve had.
It isn’t always easy, but being able to be such a big part of finding a dog their forever home is more than worth it. We have been fostering with ARF for almost two years now and we’ve helped about 20 dogs and puppies on their way to their forever homes.
But of course the biggest thing we are thankful for is that without ARF we never would have met our two amazing dogs Echo (husky) and Bailey. Echo started out with us as a foster and he struggled with separation anxiety and reactivity towards other dogs. I am happy to report that with a huge amount of support from ARF, working with Dogma Training and a lot of perseverance and patience Echo is now a perfect gentleman out on walks and is more than content hanging out at home alone.
Bailey came to us at about six weeks old when we decided to try our hand at being a holding home for puppies until they are old enough to go to individual foster homes. Unfortunately, our stone cold hearts were no match for her wrinkly face or puppy antics and we formally adopted her as soon as she was eight weeks old. She has been the perfect puppy (knock on wood) and she continues to impress us every day. Together with our cat they make a great team showing our foster dogs the ropes and helping them to gain confidence.
Thank you ARF for everything you do and continue to do. We look forward to many more years fostering and volunteering with ARF.
– Chloe, Braden, Echo, Bailey and Atticus (The Cat)