Animal Refuge Foundation (ARF)

SADLER -- The Animal Refuge Foundation (ARF), west of Sherman, is the nation's third largest care-for-life, no-kill canine sanctuary and home to more than 340 dogs. In the near future, a new, local ARF branch will be opening, specializing in the care of cats.

Donations of dry dog and cat food are especially needed at this time, as well as canned food. Donations can be dropped off at Neimann Publications (an ARF supporter) at 201 E. Houston in Sherman. All donations are tax-deductible as ARF is a 501(c)3 (non-profit) organization.

For more information on ARF, visit www.arfhouse.org.

Good Shepherd Humane Society

DURANT, Okla. -- The Good Shepherd Humane Society is a not-for-profit shelter operated by Nancy Ledbetter and other volunteers. The site is newly-located at 8410 Old U.S. Highway 70, east of Durant.

The shelter is totally dependent on donations to care for the many animals housed there. Food, medical supplies, and other necessary materials are always needed, as are cash donations for the many expenses.

For more information or to make a donation, contact Ledbetter at 580-924-0346.

Oklahoma Spay Network (formerly Homeward Bound Humane Society)

DURANT -- Low income, low cost spay/neuter clinics are currently held twice-monthly at the Oklahoma Spay Network, formerly Homeward Bound Humane Society, in Durant.

The clinics enable low-income pet owners to bring in their pet, have the surgery performed to prevent unwanted puppies or kittens, and be picked up in one day. The cost for dogs is no more than $35 and for cats is no more than $25, and the cost is based on income. Shots are available for an additional $5 each.

Reservations are required and may be made by calling 580-924-5873 or 580-263-0294. If no answer when calling, leave a message and the call will be returned as soon as possible.

The clinic is located on Roberta Road, approximately six miles east of downtown Durant.

Red River SPCA

WHITESBORO -- The Red River SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is a non-profit, no-kill organization made up of volunteers. The group rescues and rehabilitates animals, investigates abuse calls, answers questions, adopts out animals, and helps pet owners get low-cost spaying and neutering. President and investigator of the organization is Tommie Kirksmith-Newman. They not only work with dogs and cats, but aid in rescuing livestock and creatures in the wild.

Some of the animals available for adoption are being kept by foster families. Many more, including most of the cats and larger dogs, are kept at Kirksmith-Newman's home, Tranquility Base, located at 1215 Cooke County Road 140 in Whitesboro. More foster homes are needed to help house the animals awaiting adoption.

In lieu of specific adoption fees, the Red River SPCA asks for tax-deductible donations on animals being adopted. The fee, which varies by animal, is to reimburse the organization for any health-related expense such as shots, sterilizations and other costs associated with the animal. A few of the many animals available for adoption from the Red River SPCA can be seen on www.petfinder.com. For more information on fostering or adopting an animal, call 940-668-6309. If no answer, leave a message and the call will be returned as soon as possible. Persons interested in adopting can also visit Tranquility Base.

Sherman Animal Shelter

The Sherman Animal Shelter is located at 1800 E. Ida Road in Sherman.
Shelter hours are 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. -4 p.m. on Saturdays. For more information, visit the shelter or call the shelter at 903-892-7255. Animals available for adoption can also be viewed at www.petfinder.com.

Denison Animal Shelter/Happy Hearts

The Denison Animal Shelter is located inside the Morton Street Animal Hospital at 2500 W. Morton and the phone number is 903-465-4714. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. -noon and 1 -5 p.m.

Adoption fees are $55 for puppies and adult dogs, and $45 for kittens and adult cats. This fee also includes the animal's rabies vaccination, veterinarian check-up, and spaying or neutering. No longer required (for adult animal adoptions) is the three-visit shot series prior to honoring the free spaying/neutering.

Barn Cats, Inc.

Barn Cats, Inc. places sterilized feral (non-domesticated) cats into a barn or similar location as non-toxic pest control.

The non-profit organizations brings the cats to your property in cages for a two-week relocation period. After acclimating, the cats are released. The new owner must provide food, water, and shelter for them after the release.

This is service is free, but a donation is requested.

For more information, call Barn Cats, Inc. at 972-315-2875, visit www.barncats.org, or send an email to info@barncats.org.