Animal Rescue Force of South Florida, Inc. (ARF), which incorporated on September 2, 2005, may sound like a new organization. However, ARF was originally founded as a result of ”œAnimal Day” a proclamation signed by then Mayor Walling, and the dedication and guidance of Jo Anne and Ronald Garretson on October 12, 1974, in East Brunswick, New Jersey.
On that day, volunteers gathered at the Brunswick Square Mall with tears in their eyes full of anticipation, but also fearful that the ten animals that they had to adopt out would not be adopted. Soon enough their concerns would become history. The exhibit doors were officially opened at 10:00 am and by 10:30 am not only were the ten homeless animals adopted, but the volunteers had returned to the shelter to rescue more animals. By 7:00pm, the volunteers had found homes for an additional 117 animals.
During the next few months, many obstacles were overcome. In January of 1975, Ron Garretson suggested to build a ”œPetmobile;” a vehicle that would go to the shelter, pick up the animals, and take them to the shopping malls, and adopt them out directly from the Petmobile. In other words, take the shelter to the people. Although, raising the funds to cover the expenses was another challenge, the volunteers once again found a way to overcome this challenge. Every year a township survey must be made of unlicensed dogs. By doing the survey, the volunteers felt that they could raise enough funds to build their Petmobile. Others had done the survey in prior years and had turned in 300 names, so the 300 mark was set as their goal. By the end of the six week period, 1,703 names of unlicensed dogs were handed in. All of the volunteers went to work, and from engineers to businessmen, to secretaries and housewives, all hammered and painted to get the Petmobile rolling. Up until that time, the volunteers called themselves ”œThe Concerned Citizens for Animals of East Brunswick.” However, on July 26, 1975, Animal Rescue Force, the Petmobile, was officially incorporated. During their first year, the Petmobile found homes for 1,057 dogs and cats.
Several years and many rescues later, Jo Anne and her husband Ronny retired to Florida, and left a successful rescue group in the hands of dedicated volunteers. A few years later, Jo Anne and Ronny decided to start another rescue group in South Florida, and once again, ARF, the Petmobile was founded in Palm Beach County. After nine successful years, over 8,000 adoptions, and three presidents later, the most recent president decided to retire and dissolve the organization. Although, it was a decision not accepted by the members, the Board voted, 11/8 to dissolve ARF. Subsequently, ARF, the Petmobile, was dissolved on August 9, 2005.
Immediately thereafter, the volunteers regrouped, formed a Board of Directors, and submitted an application for incorporation. The corporation was officially formed on September 2, 2005, followed by the 501(c)3 status, and with the direction of the newly formed board, Animal Rescue Force of South Florida, Inc. was founded. ARF’s kick off event, the Delray Beach Garlic Fest, was a huge success. During the event, the group found loving homes for 11 animals, and raised a significant amount of funds. To date, ARF has been able to find loving homes for many homeless animals. In addition, ARF has secured several adoption locations throughout Palm Beach County.
As the result of the volunteers’ tireless efforts, on April 4th, 2006 the purchase of an ”œAdoption Shuttle” was made possible. The 37’ RV made its maiden voyage a week later, during the Delray Beach Easter Bonnet Parade. The Adoption Shuttle, which enables various animals to be transported together, is driven to different sites on the weekends for the purpose of finding homeless animals loving homes. The group’s diligent efforts continue to focus on finding homes for homeless pets and in rescuing animals from local shelters, while promoting that every animal should be spayed or neutered.
