Animals of the Month
FLAPJACK:Flapjack is serving up a delicious combination of sweetness, charm, and pure kitten fun. This 7-month-old kitty with his beautiful silky black coat and gentle personality, is the whole package and the best way to start the day! Flapjack is wonderful with other cats, loves a good rub, and has a special talent for running right into your arms when he sees you. He is playful and curious when it is time for kitten fun, then perfectly happy to settle in for some affection when the zoomies are over. He has all the wonderful qualities you could hope for in a cat and plenty of personality to make him extra special. Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, but Flapjack might just be the sweetest part of yours.
HONCHO: At seven-years-old, Honcho is still waiting for the forever home he deserves. Originally adopted as a puppy in 2019, and then again in 2025, he has found himself back at ARF through no fault of his own. Shelter life is tough on this sweet boy, and he is ready to finally settle in for good. Smart, well trained, housebroken, and great on leash, Honcho is the kind of loyal companion who loves being by your side. He is goofy, affectionate, and always ready to give kisses or rest his head in your lap. As a typical hound, he also loves following his nose on long walks and hikes, so an active person would be a great match. Honcho is looking to be your one and only pet and would thrive in a quieter home where he can relax, build confidence, and bond with his person. He takes daily medication to help manage his anxiety, and once he feels safe, his loving personality truly shines. Could you be the person who gives Honcho his happily ever after?
ARF Hamptons’ Student Holiday Card Art Contest
Middle and High School Students Invited to Illustrate ARF’s 2026 Holiday Card
The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF Hamptons), in collaboration with Guild Hall, is calling on the creativity of local young artists 2nd Annual ARF Holiday Card Contest. Following last year’s success where 12-yearold winner Lily Limonius went on to be featured as ARF’s 2026 Bow Wow Meow Ball artist, the contest once again invites participants to illustrate artwork for ARF’s official holiday card, spreading cheer while celebrating the animals waiting for adoption at the ARF Adoption Center.
Open to all students in grades 6–12, this year’s challenge asks artists to illustrate one ARF dog and one ARF cat currently available for adoption. The winning artwork will be featured on ARF’s professionally printed 2026 holiday card and mailed to ARF supporters across the community.
SUBMISSION GUILDLINES
- Open to students in grades 6–12.
- Theme: Holiday spirit paired with ARF’s mission of giving animals a second chance.
- Requirements: Artwork must illustrate one ARF dog and one ARF cat (photos and bios available at https://arfhamptons.org/adopt)
- Medium: No AI-generated work permitted; original artwork only (drawing, painting, or digital illustration)
- Format: 5×7 vertical or horizontal design; submitted as JPEG or PDF, 300 dpi minimum.
- Limit: One entry per student.
- Submissions due by Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM via email to info@arfhamptons.org with subject line “ARF Holiday Card Contest.” Include student’s name, grade, school, and contact info.
TIMELINE
- Submission Deadline: November 5, 2026
- Winner Announced: December 1, 2026
- Holiday Card Released: Early December
PRIZES
- 1st Place: Artwork featured on ARF’s official holiday card (with credit), a Guild Hall Family Membership and admission for 4 to each of the 2027 silent dance parties, and a spotlight on ARF’s website, newsletter, and social media.
- 2nd Place: ARF sweatshirt, and social media feature as runner-up.
- 3rd Place: ARF t-shirt, and social media feature as runner-up.
ARF’s Annual Stroll to the Sea
by Debra Rose
For the 33rd year in a row, The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, ARF, hosted their Annual Stroll to the Sea, and the weather did not disappoint. A sunny fall day was the backdrop to set the stage for hundreds of dog owners, friends and their fur babies to gather at Mulford Farm in East Hampton to support cats and dogs while enjoying a day of fun.
ARF masterfully blends helping animals while bringing the community together, embodying a cause that is greater than us individually. Participants were treated to generous treats for humans and pets, from a candy tower from Dylan’s Candy Bar, to fresh donuts from Dressen’s, Oh Norman and Happy Howl dog treats, pet contests, obstacle courses, and a chance for humans and pups to socialize before taking a stroll together to Main Beach.
Hundreds of dogs were free to roam the beach, jumping in waves, running in the sand and play bowing with puppy friends. The Annual Stroll to the Sea continues to be a highlight of the season, while raising support, awareness and funds to help cats and dogs in need. For more information, please visit arfhamptons.org
∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗ ∗
About ARF Hamptons: Since 1974, ARF Hamptons has provided care and sanctuary for homeless cats and dogs until loving homes can be found. ARF is a leading animal rescue and adoption center on Long Island. In addition to its rescue and adoption program, ARF operates a pet food pantry, free spay/neuter clinics for feral cats, and year-round dog training and socialization classes. For more information, to adopt, or support ARF Hamptons mission, please visit www.arfhamptons.org.