The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF) is celebrating 50 years.
“As we celebrate ARF Hamptons’ 50th anniversary, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible impact we’ve made together. For over a decade, I’ve witnessed countless transformations — abandoned animals finding hope and love in their forever homes. This is why I remain deeply committed to ARF. Our dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters have created a community where every animal has a chance to thrive. However, our work is far from done. I urge everyone to continue supporting our mission through volunteering, adopting, or donating. Here’s to fifty years of compassion and many more years of making a difference,” said Mike Franzino, Board President of ARF.
We spoke to Executive Director Kim Nichols to learn more.
Tell us about the work ARF does rescuing and finding homes for cats and dogs on the East End (and beyond).
ARF actively rescues cats and dogs from various situations, including abandonment, neglect, and overcrowded shelters where they may face euthanasia. Once rescued, the animals receive comprehensive medical care, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and rehabilitation to address any physical or behavioral issues.
Finding forever homes for rescued animals is a core mission of ARF. Our Richard Wells McCabe Welcome Center is designed for potential pet owners to meet and interact with animals in a welcoming environment. ARF’s adoption process includes thorough screening to ensure that animals are matched with suitable families. The center hosts regular adoption events and provides support and education to new pet owners to help ensure successful long-term placements.
The heart of ARF lies in its incredible staff and volunteers. I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering commitment of our staff. Their compassion and hard work make all of ARF’s life-saving efforts possible. The Board’s volunteer leadership has sustained and led ARF to what it is today. Moreover, volunteers assist with animal care, administrative tasks, and events. Their tireless dedication and love are essential for extending the organization’s reach and impact.
ARF’s facilities include modern kennels, a medical wing, exercise areas, and spaces designed to reduce stress and promote the well-being of the animals. The biggest addition to our services is the William P. Rayner Training Center.
The William P. Rayner Training Center is ARF’s new 8,400-square-foot facility, built on-site to accommodate year-round training, socialization, and enrichment in any weather, any time of year. This spacious facility includes a viewing area, outdoor play yard, and an environmentally conscious waste system. It’s a game changer for dogs and their families, revolutionizing how we approach training and care.
What truly sets our programs apart is our unwavering commitment to positive reinforcement. By using positive training methods and tools such as body harnesses over traditional collars, we ensure that training experiences are not only effective but also safe and stress-free. This approach not only strengthens the bond between dogs and their families but also significantly increases the likelihood of dogs remaining in their forever homes.
ARF is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership and animal welfare through various community outreach programs. We offer educational initiatives for schools, community groups, and the general public to raise awareness about the importance of spaying and neutering, proper pet care, and the humane treatment of animals. ARF also runs a pet food pantry to assist pet owners in need, ensuring that financial difficulties do not force families to surrender their beloved pets.
Tell us about your background and your love of animals.
Growing up in Vermont, I was immersed in a family that treated animals as cherished members. Our home welcomed cats, dogs, and various other creatures, as my parents never turned away an animal in need. One of my most treasured memories involves rescuing a tiny kitten infested with fleas. My dad affectionately nicknamed her Fleabag, which my young tongue transformed into Feebee. She became my constant companion for nineteen wonderful years, embodied resilience, and brought immense joy to my life. Her spirit fuels my dedication to this work.
My work with numerous non-profits has involved advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves, including terminally ill patients (Hospice) and families affected by violence and abuse (The Retreat and SafeArt). This lifelong commitment to advocacy has equipped me with the skills and determination to lead ARF effectively.
A paramount experience for me was collaborating with Hospice nurses in Middlebury, Vermont. Together, we trapped barn cats for TNR (trap-neuter-return) clinics. These nurses, who devoted their days to caring for terminally ill patients, also found time to help control the local cat population. Their selflessness and dedication to both human and animal welfare deeply inspired me and reinforced my belief in the power of community action.
Today, I live with three dogs (one an ARF foster fail), two formerly feral cats, and I am fostering four tiny kittens until they are ready for adoption. Which reminds me, it’s kitten season, and ARF has many wonderful felines available for adoption. Check back often at arfhamptons.org or visit us. ARF is open daily from 11 AM to 4 PM.
ARF is celebrating 50 years. Can you talk about a few of the milestone moments?
This year, ARF Hamptons celebrates its 50th anniversary, a milestone that highlights the remarkable journey of an organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need.
The story of ARF began in 1974 with three visionary women — Sony Schotland, Barbara Hotchkiss Posner, and Dorothy Wahl. These trailblazers were moved by the plight of homeless and abandoned animals left wandering the Hamptons after the summer season. Their passion and dedication laid the foundation for what would become a sanctuary for countless animals over the decades. From these humble beginnings, ARF has grown into a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives.
ARF’s journey has been marked by the unwavering support of a dedicated community. Emily Cobb made the very first donation to ARF and continued her support with parties in her gorgeous gardens, setting a tone of generosity that has lasted for decades. Former Board President Billy Rayner led ARF to become a leader in training and rescue, while the Greiner Family funded the construction of our Medical Wing, significantly enhancing our ability to provide critical care to animals in need. Past Presidents Polly Bruckmann and Lisa McCarthy spearheaded puppy mill rescues and emergency transports from disaster areas, demonstrating ARF’s commitment to urgent and large-scale animal rescue operations.
Today, ARF stands as a symbol of resilience and compassion, entirely funded by the generosity of donors, supporters, and volunteers. This support network has been the backbone of the organization, enabling it to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals, giving them a second chance at life. Every fundraiser, adoption event, and act of kindness reflects the community’s dedication to animal welfare.
Local families who have opened their hearts and homes, businesses that have sponsored events, and tireless volunteers and staff members all share in this success. Their collective effort has allowed ARF to expand its programs, improve its facilities, and, most importantly, save more lives.
We also celebrate our current leadership, including President Mike Franzino and Executive Vice President Kathy Rayner, who have spearheaded the construction of ARF’s Forever Home — a complete renovation of the welcome center, kennels, and catteries. This collective effort has allowed us to expand our programs, improve our facilities, and, most importantly, save more lives.
As we look to the future, the same community spirit and dedication that have driven ARF’s success for the past 50 years will continue to propel it forward. Together, we will keep making a difference, ensuring that ARF remains a sanctuary for animals in need for many years to come.
Please join us at the Bow Wow Meow Ball in August, at the Stroll to the Sea in October, or any number of events in the community throughout this year of celebration. All the dates and locations may be found at arfhamptons.org or follow
@arfhamptons.
You celebrated 50 years at ARF’s Pet Celebration Day in May. Tell us about this experience.
The best part of ARF’s Pet Celebration Day was seeing ARF dogs with their families, radiating joy and love, which was beautifully captured in every photo, especially those honored in the James Lane Pet Photo contest. The event, held on Saturday, May 18, kicked off ARF’s 50th Anniversary festivities and saw a fantastic turnout of old and new friends, along with their four-legged companions. Attendees enjoyed treats, music, free microchipping and nail clipping, the agility course in the William P. Rayner Training Center, crafts, and much more. This annual gathering allows us to express our gratitude for the community’s support over the years and get sloppy dog kisses from adopted ARFans (our nickname for ARF’s rescues).
