Name Change: Animal Rescue Foundation Becomes Joybound People & Pets

WALNUT CREEK, CA — After 32 years as the Animal Rescue Foundation, one of Contra Costa County’s longest-serving animal rescue and adoption nonprofits got a new name and makeover Wednesday.

Animal Rescue Foundation is now Joybound People & Pets, the organization announced.

"If you’ve ever seen a dog give a happy wag or a cat lovingly nuzzle up to its person, you’ve seen Joybound in action," said CEO Susan Lee Vick. "The name Joybound reflects our longstanding commitment to forming and supporting strong human-animal bonds to bring greater health and happiness to dogs, cats, and their human families."

At a ceremony held Wednesday morning on the Walnut Creek campus, animal guests received the red (purple)-carpet treatment as an audience of devoted volunteers, staff and supporters cheered them on.

Walnut Creek Mayor Loella Haskew read a proclamation and State Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan presented a resolution to commemorate the name change.

Other officials on hand to help usher in the next era for the longtime, beloved community organization were State Assemblymember Tim Grayson, Walnut Creek City Councilmembers Kevin Wilk and Cindy Silva, and representatives from the offices of State Sen. Steve Glazer, U.S. Rep. Mark DeSaulnier and Contra Costa County Supervisor Ken Carlson.

"Anyone with a pet can tell you they are like family," Glazer said. "I congratulate Joybound on this milestone and look forward to hearing more stories about how pet adoptions are enriching so many more lives."

'Unleash The Love': Celebration Continues Saturday

The celebration continues Saturday, Feb. 17, with "Unleash the Love," an adopt-a-thon and celebration featuring adorable animals from more than a dozen Northern California rescue and adoption groups. The family-friendly event offers free microchipping for the first 100 pets —whether adopted at the event or already a member of a family.

Therapy animals will be on hand to spread love among guests.

Additional festivities will include food trucks, music, face painting, free ice cream and other giveaways.

Joybound To Add Vocational Training, Expand Services Beyond Bay Area

Joybound People & Pets, previously known as the Animal Rescue Foundation — or ARF — was founded in 1991. Joybound’s many programs support people and pets through the life of their relationship, with the goal of every adoption being to become a lasting tale of friendship, love and mutual happiness. Services include training and veterinary care, food and supply assistance, therapy and service-animal programs, and rich learning resources for all pet families.

The privately funded nonprofit based at 2890 Mitchell Drive in Walnut Creek plans to expand its services forging and supporting human-animal bonds beyond Contra Costa County and the Bay Area. In addition, Joybound will be introducing pet-related vocational training programs for people interested in careers such as pet grooming, dog training and veterinary nursing.

"The shared emotional experience of the human-animal bond continues long after the act of rescue," said Carol Ross, a 14-year volunteer. "Ultimately our work is to help pets and people form and sustain joyful lifelong relationships."

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Walnut Creek Animal Rescue Foundation Founder Decides To Leave
• La Russa Family Severs Ties With Animal Rescue Foundation
• Animal Rescue Foundation Announces 20th Annual Wine & Whiskers Fall Fundraiser