Animal Rescue Foundation, better known as ARF, is a non-profit, no-kill, 100% volunteer animal rescue located in Beacon, NY. Their dedicated volunteers are driven by their love for the cats and dogs at ARF and by the desire to improve the animals' lives.

We are thrilled to have chosen ARF as the beneficiary of our Summer 2025 Giving Project. Now through the end of September 2025, when you purchase yarn at The Endless Skein to crochet Ashlea Schumaker's Stellar Dog Sweater, ARF will receive a portion of the proceeds.

We recently spoke with Cassi Paupst, a volunteer at ARF, about the organization and the meaningful work they do.

Please tell us the story of how ARF came into being.

Animal Rescue Foundation, Inc. (ARF) was established in 1986 by Barbara O'Shea as a Federal 501c3 non-profit, no-kill rescue. The shelter is a 100% volunteer run organization. Since 1986, we’ve rescued, rehabilitated, sheltered, and found loving homes for thousands of cats and dogs. Every step is taken to assure that animals go to good and appropriate adoptive homes. Even those who aren’t chosen by a family experience unwavering love and care from our devoted volunteers, creating a forever home right here at ARF.

How has ARF changed over the years?

ARF's presence in the community, fundraising events, and online exposure have grown over the years thanks to our dedicated volunteers. ARF has participated in Animal Planet's annual Puppy Bowl, increasing our exposure not only in the local community but to other states. We have developed meaningful relationships with kill shelters in the Southern States that are overrun with animals, transporting cats and dogs to our facility to be adopted into their forever homes.

What has surprised you about your work with ARF?

I started volunteering with ARF in 2013 and have seen the shelter evolve over the years. What has continued to surprise me is the dedication and love the volunteers have for the animals in our care. Everyone comes because they want to make a difference and an impact on the life of each animal we rescue. Volunteers step up for vet runs, fundraisers, extra shifts, etc. all on their personal time. I am always in awe of our volunteers who truly care about ARF and our mission.

What are some ways people can help ARF in its mission?

As a 100% volunteer run organization, we rely heavily on donations to continue to care for the animals. ARF has a dedicated Amazon Wish List which is updated to reflect ARF's current supply needs. We are always looking for dedicated volunteers that would be willing to dedicate a few hours each week to help us care for the animals.

Below are some animals we have available at ARF:

Be sure to follow ARF on Instagram @arfbeacon and on Facebook @arfanimalrescue.

Your yarn purchase to crochet Ashlea Schumaker's Stellar Dog Sweater, our Summer 2025 Giving project, will help support ARF's important work. Start your Summer Giving Project today!