On November 23rd, 2008 a fire severely damaged our shelter. Volunteers were starting their day when they smelled smoke and discovered the fire in a back storage area.  Without hesitation, the shelter volunteers and the Terryville Fire Department safely removed all 9 dogs and 16 cats from the building. The shelter sustained extensive fire and water damage and the building was declared uninhabitable. We have received an outpouring of support from the community and long-time volunteers and donors.

We can't express how grateful we are for the support of everyone who has donated their time, words of encouragement, and hard-earned money to get our shelter back up and running. For years, ARF has leased the property it operates on and we are finally going to be able to call it our own. Of course, it will take a lot more fundraising to rebuild but our volunteers are working around-the-clock to insure we can continue our mission of rescuing cats and dogs in our community.

If you wish to donate to ARF please make your check payable to 'Animal Rescue Foundation' and mail it to:

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization so your donations are tax deductible. Please keep a copy of your canceled check as your receipt. Donations received in the amount of $250 or more will receive a contribution receipt as required by IRS guidelines. Once again, we can't express how truly grateful we are for all the support. The Animal Rescue Foundation has been saving lives for over 37 years and with your help, we will get through this and continue our mission of rescuing abandoned, abused, and neglected cats and dogs.

Bailey has been with the Animal Rescue Foundation for over 10 years. He came to our shelter when he was 2 years old. Bailey was found in an abandoned house and was apparently physically abused. Due to certain behavioral problems, ARF decided it would be in Bailey's best interest for him to become a resident dog.

Bailey is the last of 3 resident dogs at our shelter. Last year he lost his longtime companion Buddy, at the age of 15 due to old age and last September his girlfriend Lucy Rose, at the age of 12 due to kidney failure. Bailey has many volunteers who love him and have spent countless hours walking him and taking him on car rides to the park. Bailey loves to run and cool off in our pools during the hot summer months. He listens to basic commands and comes when he is called. Although Bailey does not do well with strangers, once he gets to know you, he is full of love and likes to give lots of kisses.

Bailey has progressed tremendously through the years, thanks to many of our volunteers. He is currently in foster care due to our fire. He seems to be adjusting, but is having trouble with the concept of doing his business outside only. I am truly blessed to have been and still remain a positive in Bailey's life and all our fury little friends. God Bless Bailey, Lucy Rose, Buddy and all our four-legged friends who have touched our hearts. (By: A loyal ARF volunteer.)

There is one very special man who has opened his heart for Bailey and his name is Steve. In ARF's time of need, Steve stepped up to the plate and has taken Bailey into his home. For that we are forever grateful. We also want to thank some very special volunteers: Carrie, Jeannine, and Sue for taking such good care of Bailey while Steve is at work. We would also like to thank Geri Ann Bradley, owner of Beacon Pharmacy in Bristol, for donating supplies to be used for Bailey's care.