At ARF Hamptons This Month: May 2026

Animals of the Month

SHADOW: Shadow has been patiently waiting for his forever home since 2022. He first arrived as a kitten in 2021 through our Operation Cat program and has spent time in a few homes, still searching for someone who understands that trust takes time and patience. Shadow lives up to his name, often keeping to the sidelines and observing the world from a cozy, safe spot, especially if it is near a window where he can enjoy birdwatching. He can be shy and unsure in new surroundings, but beneath that quiet nature is a sweet and sensitive companion ready to blossom. Shadow would thrive in a calm home where he can move at his own pace. With reassurance and kindness, he will become a devoted and loving friend.

CHANCE: Chance, also known as Handsome Chancesome, is a four-year-old sweetheart who is friendly with everyone he meets and always ready for attention and snuggles. He brings an easygoing, joyful energy whether out on a stroll or relaxing by your side, and he never misses a chance to hop onto a bench for a cuddle break. One of our Diamonds in the Ruff, Chance just needs a little extra TLC to truly shine. He loves his ball and has a playful side, but he thrives with calm guidance and structure to help him stay balanced. He would do best as the only pet so he can soak up all the love. He is looking for a foster or adopter who can provide a safe, watchful home, as his curious nature means he sometimes gets into things he should not. With patience and kindness, Chance will reward you with unwavering loyalty, affection, and a whole lot of heart.

 For more information contact mailto:adoptions@arfhamptons.org or call 631-537-0400 x203.

All ARF animals are vet checked, spayed/neutered, microchipped and up to date on all vaccines.

To view all of our adoptable animals, visit: www.arfhamptons.org

NYS Registered Shelter/Rescue #RR035


ARF KICKS OF SEASON AT PET CELEBRATION DAY

by Lisa Tamburini

The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, Inc. (ARF Hamptons) will hold its Pet Celebration Day on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 11 AM to 1 PM at the ARF Adoption Center, 124 Daniels Hole Road, East Hampton. The public is invited to bring the whole family, pets too, for a tail-wagging pet fair dedicated to the joy our cats and dogs bring and the impact of ARF’s rescue efforts over the last 50+ years. Admission to the event is free.

The festivities will include music, vendors, a scavenger hunt, face painting, crafts for the kids with Shine Studio, the dog agility course, “Ask the Trainer,” free nail clipping provided by Blue’s Paws, free microchipping, low-cost vaccines, plus coffee donated by Hampton Coffee Company, bottled water donated by Citarella, and candy treats provided by Dylan’s Candy Bar. Snacks will be available for purchase by Lizzy’s Little Bake Shop and Salty Paws for the pups. Plus, meet ARF’s cats and dogs available for adoption.

Pre-registration and pre-payment for vaccines and microchipping (free) are required. Rabies ($15) – Distemper ($12) – Bordetella ($15) – Microchip (no fee). Appointments are available at arfhamptons.org or by contacting clinic@arfhamptons.org or 631.537.0400 x250.

Attendees can also learn about ARF’s programs and services, including the Operation Cat

TNR program, dog training and socialization classes, volunteer opportunities, lemonARF, ARF’s Pet Food Pantry and low cost spay/neuter clinics. Guests are asked to bring a donation of pet food or treats for the pantry.

ARF’s Pet Celebration Day is open to everyone—adults, children and their dogs (on leashes) and their cats (in carriers). Undoubtedly there will be many former ARFans in attendance, with their human companions showing them off proudly.  Many are re-named and have lost or gained a few pounds, but ARF staff members always recognize them and are delighted to see them happy and healthy with their families.

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the pets we love, decades of animal rescue, and support ARF’s mission to continue providing care and shelter to animals in need. Join us on May 2 for a day filled with joy, love, and wagging tails.

ARF Hamptons will also launch its second annual Community Giving Week from May 2 to May 9. Highlighting the impact of community support, ARF will feature some of the people who make our work possible and help with ARF’s pet food pantry, youth education programs and low-cost spay/neuter services. This year also features a $50,000 challenge, made possible by ARF supporter Richard Wells McCabe, in memory of his beloved dog, Chipper. Every gift made will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000.

Thank you to our participating sponsors/vendors: 3DBYLDZ, The Baker House 1650, Bobby Alan Photography, Bliss & Bloom Events, Blue’s Paws Grooming, Citarella, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Dylan’s Candy Bar, East Hampton Veterinary Group, East + Palm, Hampton Coffee Company, Hamptons Virtual Office, Hope4Fur, K Patricia Designs, Kara Mergl Photography, Mark Kopko Photography, New York Life Insurance, Oh Norman!, Pawcasso Treats, The Shine Studio Hamptons, Southampton Dog, and Wave Veterinary Emergency.

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.


RESCUES AROUND THE WORLD

by Debra Rose

Baxter before and after his rescue from China by ARF

The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF) partnered with Hope4Fur, Run 2 the Rescue and the Andy Sabin Family Foundation to save dogs from the China Meat Trade.  An estimated 10 million dogs a year are slaughtered in areas of China for human consumption and endure horrendous suffering before and during their ordeal.

Recently a group of dogs rescued from these conditions arrived at ARF, including basset hounds, pomeranians, corgis, poodles and schnauzers, many of which were purebred.  This is the beginning of their new lives and hopefully more dogs will follow in their footsteps to a happier future for them and their future families ready to adopt them.

The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons is dedicated to rescuing cats and dogs in need, providing them with exceptional quality care, vital medical intervention, and comprehensive training to support their journey toward adoption.

 www.arfhamptons.org