Welcome to April e-tails! Our monthly newsletter is dedicated to sharing the heart of Animal Rescue Rhode Island (ARRI). E-tails features inspiring success stories, happy updates from our shelter, and meaningful ways you can get involved.

From uplifting tales of hope to upcoming events, e-tails is your inside look at the lives you help to change every day.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available Now!

We are pleased to invite businesses and community partners to become sponsors of the 2026 FurBall, taking place on Friday, June 19, at The Dunes Club in Narragansett. This beloved biennial event is ARRI’s signature fundraiser, supporting the lifesaving care and programs that serve more than 500 homeless pets each year.

Led by event chairs Sue and Lee Merrill, the FurBall is an elegant seaside evening  which brings together community leaders and animal lovers united by a common purpose.

As a FurBall sponsor, you do far more than support a special event; you're investing directly in programs that rescue, heal, and find loving homes for animals in need. Sponsors receive meaningful recognition across event materials, ARRI’s website, and engagement with our 39,000+ social media followers, aligning your brand with care, community, and impact.

We would be honored to partner with you as a 2026 FurBall sponsor and spotlight your support of ARRI’s vital work across Rhode Island.

Tables and tickets go on sale April 27th. This event will sell out.

Email events@animalrescueri.org for more information. 

Do you have an exceptional experience, service, or item you’d love to showcase? We invite you to help us create unforgettable auction packages for ARRI’s upcoming fundraising events, including our FurBall gala.

Your generous donation offers a unique opportunity to spotlight your business, with your brand featured in front of hundreds of engaged supporters, while helping provide more second chances for animals in need. It’s great visibility for a truly meaningful cause.

If you or someone you know would be interested in providing an in-kind donation, please email development@animalrescueri.org or events@animalrescueri.org

We are so happy to share an update on our handsome boy Smokey. When he first came to us, his world had been turned upside down. Having only ever known life with his family, Smokey arrived at the shelter scared and unsure, struggling to adjust to a new environment. He trusted no one, and though we began to see small glimpses of his curious nature, it was clear that shelter life was simply too much for him to truly feel safe and let his guard down.

Everything changed when a dedicated, cat-savvy volunteer and foster stepped in. Recognizing that Smokey needed a quieter, more predictable space, she opened her home to him. In that calm, patient environment, he began to blossom. Little by little, Smokey learned to trust. Within weeks, the cat who was once shut down and kept his distance was seeking out affection, gently pressing his head into loving hands and embracing the connection he had been missing.

Today, Smokey is thriving in the way we always hoped he would: sweet, social, and full of love. His journey is a powerful reminder that some animals just need a space away from the shelter to feel safe enough to show who they truly are.

While this resulted in what we call "a foster fail," and Smokey and his new person are very glad it did, that's not the goal of fostering. The goal is to give an animal that is not thriving in the shelter environment a chance to relax, feel safe, and show their true spirit.

Fostering can be that bridge to give animals like Smokey the chance to decompress, build trust, and ultimately find their perfect match. We are so happy Smokey was given the chance to shed his fearful exterior and show us the sweet boy we knew was in there. Shelter life can be overwhelming for some animals, and fosters truly can make all the difference in their lives. Congrats to Smokey (now Luciano) and his new person!

Fostering with ARRI is a chance to make an immediate, meaningful difference in an animal’s life, and it’s easier than many people realize.

We asked one of our foster parents about her experience fostering with us, and she shared these insights: 

ARRI provided everything she needed....food, toys, beds, and ongoing guidance. She felt supported every step of the way when fostering with us.

Fostering fit easily into her lifestyle. It helped her get out for walks and brought the reward of seeing a once-nervous dog like Donner relax, thrive, and gain confidence.

Even the bittersweet moments of saying goodbye are outweighed by the joy of knowing these animals are ready for their forever families.

Anyone with love, patience, and a little time can foster. The emotional payoff is immense, for both the animals and the people who open their homes & hearts to them.

"I always get attached to my fosters, but any sadness I feel saying goodbye can't compare to seeing them get adopted. I'm grateful for the loving times I have with my foster pets."

Donner (now Donnie) has been in ARRI's care since December, and his time away from the shelter has been transformative.

Thanks to his foster mom, Donnie is receiving the love, care, and guidance he needs to thrive in his forever home. 

His foster says he’s been such a sweet house guest - great on walks and always ready for cuddles or playtime. He’s still a little unsure about stairs and car rides, but he’s more confident every day.

Donnie is still waiting for his forever home while in his temporary foster home. Help him skip a trip back to the shelter. To apply to adopt Donnie, click here.

Pawpalooza is a community-driven initiative that brings together local businesses, animal lovers, and generous supporters like you—all working to help the animals at ARRI. It’s more than just a fundraiser; it’s a way to celebrate our furry friends, strengthen our community, and make a lasting impact.

Join us for the 13th Annual Pints for Paws with Mews Tavern. For the entire month of April, $1 from every drink ordered from their featured list will be donated to ARRI.

Bring a pet food item, and Mews will provide you with a 10% off discount card. 

Our month-long Pawpalooza partnership wraps up with a closing celebration on April 30th from 5–7 PM.

The closing celebration is a 21+ event and includes raffle items, free food, and drinks.  Join us for a fun night! 

April 1st - April 30th     456 Main St, Wakefield, RI 

Throughout April, a portion of all custom framing sales at Finishing Touches in Wakefield, will benefit ARRI. It’s the perfect time to frame that special piece you’ve been meaning to take care of and support a great cause while you’re at it.

Visit Finishing Touches today and vote for your favorite pet in the pet photo contest displayed in their windows!

Voting is open all month long.

April 1st - April 30th       311A Main St, Wakefield, RI

Join us for an exciting night of soccer and support a great cause!

ARRI is teaming up with Rhode Island FC for a special fundraiser during Hometown Heroes Night on Saturday, May 9th, at 7:30 PM, as Rhode Island FC takes on the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

When you purchase your tickets through our exclusive link, you’ll receive a special discounted rate and a portion of every ticket sold will go directly back to ARRI to help the animals in our care.

Donate Your Vehicle. Clear Space. Save Lives.

Have you heard about our partnership with CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services)? It’s a great way to finally clear out that vehicle that’s been sitting around collecting dust, while making a real difference for homeless pets!

We've teamed up with CARS to make donating your vehicle easier than ever. Cars, trucks, boats, RVs, & even farm equipment (running or not!) are accepted, with FREE pickup included. CARS handles everything from start to finish, and the net proceeds go directly to support ARRI’s lifesaving work. Plus, your donation is tax deductible!

Turn clutter into compassion. Donate your vehicle today:
https://careasy.org/nonprofit/animalrescuerhodeisland

Want more details?
https://www.animalrescueri.org/donate/vehicle-donations

Each month, ARRI celebrates a dedicated volunteer who goes above and beyond for our animals. This month’s honoree, Colleen, shared a bit about her experience:

Why do you volunteer at ARRI?

"I came to ARRI as an adopter with my husband, and it became apparent the different approach this shelter took to ensure the well-being of their pets. The time they took to pair families with the right pet stood out to me and made me want to find a way to help."

What's your favorite part about volunteering at ARRI?

"Well first, all the wonderful furry friends we have added to our family! But also, the environment overall. The willingness to work together for greater good."

What is something you enjoy helping with at the shelter? 

"I love getting the chance to work with kittens who need to be socialized."

Thank you, Colleen, for dedicating your time and giving your heart to ARRI and the welfare of our animals!

Meet Becky! 

Meet Becky, a sweet 2-year-old husky who’s been patiently waiting for her forever home. Despite months in the shelter, her joyful spirit hasn’t faded. She greets everyone with excitement and is always ready to play.

At 50 lbs of energy and love, Becky is the perfect adventure partner. She’s smart, eager to learn, and would thrive with an active adopter who enjoys hiking, running, or long walks. She also loves other dogs and would do wonderfully with a playful canine companion.

With her stunning auburn-brown eyes and resilient heart, Becky is more than ready to start her next chapter.

To meet Becky, call us at 401-783-7606, x 105, or complete an adoption questionnaire today.