An open letter to every animal lover in the Roaring Fork Valley:

On behalf of all the dogs and cats in this valley, thank you!

Because of all your wonderful support, twenty formerly abandoned dogs are no longer homeless. Twenty families have opened their homes to loyal, loving companions. Twenty spaces have been made available for other needy dogs in our local shelters. And all that has happened in just a couple of months!

It did not happen, however, without a lot of hard work on the part of our loyal volunteers and some pretty significant cash expenditures. The money we've spent -- on caring for the animals, on letting people know they're available for adoption, and on making sure they find good homes -- has produced outstanding results. One shelter tells us their adoption rate is up 43% from last year. Another has not had to euthanize a single dog this year.

But our reserves are running low, and we need your help.

	A donation of just $10 will pay to board one dog for a day.
	A donation of $25 will provide one cat with necessary vaccinations.
	A $50 donation will do the same for a dog.
	A $75 donation will pay the adoption fee for a cash-strapped family who offer a loving home but don't have money to spare.
	$100 to $150 will neuter or spay one dog.
	$500 will support one dog until a home can be found for him or her.
	$1000 boards three dogs for a month.
	$3500 would make one kennel available for homeless dogs all year round.
	$10,000 will save the lives of 25 to 30 dogs.

Whether you send us a few dollars, or a few hundred, you'll know your donation is making a real difference to abandoned dogs and cats here in our valley. To make a donation call (970) 963 4562 or email info@arf-colorado.com.

From myself, and all our volunteers, Thank you. And from Spanky, Blue and the other 20 pets who've found new homes this winter -- ARF!

Sincerely yours,

Dave Pietsch, Director
Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF)