ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation) has been in service in Rome for less than a year and in that short time hundreds of dogs and cats have been saved from certain death to become service dogs and some have even been put into service working with a prison “Paws and Stripes” program in Maine. Most rescues however, become loyal and loving members of families who save them.

Last month ARF sponsored its First Annual Chow Down which included a delicious southern style buffet, happy, exhilarating music by Broad and Third, and a wide variety of silent auction items provided by generous individuals and businesses as well. The Civic Center was packed with folks in our community who support the mission of ARF: Save and service animals in need.

Many thanks to all those who attended, all those ARF members who worked with loving hearts and strong hands to make the event such a success, all the businesses who contributed items, the Rome News-Tribune for their excellent coverage of the event both before and after it happened and all the other ARF supporters who helped with this event.

Our work is never done. We need continued support and I know we can count on all of Rome’s animal lovers to continue to help us. Several new and exciting fund raisers are being planned for the months to come. Be sure and visit our vendor’s booth at the First Friday Concert in July.