HELP US SAVE THE AARF ANIMAL SANCTUARY!!!

About Me

Our jukebox above features a tiny percentage of our top favorites that have performed here over the years ...
AN OPEN LETTER FROM RANDY LONG REVISED AND DATED AUGUST 28, 2008 ...
IF YOU CAN FIND IT IN YOUR CONSCIENCE PLEASE HELP US FIGHT TO SAVE THIS SANCTUARY AND THE ANIMALS WE PROTECT WHILE BRINGING DOWN THE UNETHICAL "SUPERVISION" OF THE "PET INDUSTRY" BY THE STATE LIVESTOCK COMMISSION!!! DOGS ARE NOT LIVESTOCK, THEY ARE SURROGATE CHILDREN, BUT MOST IN THIS STATE ARE CONSIGNED TO A LIVING HELL FOR PROFIT OF PET FARMERS AND THEIR SHILLS WHO ARE EMPLOYED BY THE STATE. THE OSAGE HERALD CHRONICLE PUBLISHED A FRONT PAGE STORY TODAY ABOUT OUR DEBACLE WITH THE COUNTY AND STATE THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST:
http://www.och-c.com/topstories/2008/082108/082108dogstock.h tml
A TV REPORT WAS ALSO FILED BY CHANNEL 27 IN TOPEKA LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AGO:
http://www.ksnt.com/home/ticker/27036114.html
My wife Suzie and I are a couple of disabled old children of the sixties and early seventies trying to do the right thing by the animals and the music, despite being persecuted, prosecuted and in my case jailed for our trouble. Our Dogstock Festies have been hits with most everyone here and merchants in the surrounding area for years. Our need is greater than ever, particularly in view of some "co-promoters" and a jackleg agent or two who robbed the animals and us blind leading up to and during the July show last year.
At this point we are facing foreclosure and draconian tactics by the state livestock commission as well as the Osage land use coordinator and county attorney to shut us down, imprison me, make my long suffering wife homeless and murder the animals we protect. They have run countless rescue groups out of this backward place, and if we back down there is very little voice remaining for the voiceless animals. Lets not forget Osage County had the KKK running its 4th of July celebrations in the county seat of Lyndon and many landmarks are known to this day for their use in evil lynchings. We thought we were moving to a sleepy Kansas county, but got something closer akin to 1950s Mississippi!
We and our other foundation members and volunteers have been responsible for many hundreds; well over a thousand of adoptions the thirteen + years we've been involved doing animal rescue full time. We are currently caring for over sixty rescued dogs, many feral cats, an elderly pony and a rescued parrot along with our personal assortment of dogs and cats. Much more info on our mission is available on our shelter Petfinder site:
www.petfinder.com/shelters/KS16.html.
However, we can never save hands on what simple knowledge of this situation and a bit of pet owner education can accomplish. We are NOT speaking against responsible breeders, but in the big picture and with "commercial breeders" and "backyard breeders" thrown in with the responsible ones the ratio of good to bad is weighted heavily to the bad.
This places innocent, often sick and always unsocialized pets in that pet store window for the children to fantasize and harangue their parents about. Then when problems develop usually the dog is abused, passed around, dumped or killed (they like to call it euthenized but killing is what it is).
Let's not forget that Kansas is the number one or two producer of dogs for pet stores, laboratories, and Greyhound racing year in and year out. This with the attendant "lobbying" of legislators and administrators, to blatant encouragement of dog farming by the state livestock commission which "regulates" read that encourages and facilitates this "business" with maximum profit for the producers and brokers and minimum care for the innocent victims who never asked to be born into such a hell.
These state employed shills for the pet (and laboratory) biz also "regulate" and inspect animal shelters and rescuers with a far different attitude and outcome. Needless to say we speak out against such corporate welfare including huge grants by state and federal government to dog farmers and brokers already making astronomical profits along with similar mortality and illness rates of their victims. Now we have glorified clerks and peanut politicians and Osage County's "justice system" joining the state to attempt shutting down our loving safe haven for animals.
All this plus legislated immunity from clear criminal abuse and neglect as well as very questionable vet care, breeding, weaning and transportation issues regarding their voiceless, suffering "crop" of living sentient beings. Our attitude that we are voices for the voiceless makes us less than popular with some, but loved by those we can save.
Dogstock '08 Volume II was held at our animal sanctuary and campground Aug. 14-17 this year. Sound and lights were donated as well as all the talent. About the only perks these talented folks who come from everywhere amid rising gas prices on their own dimes for a good cause get are beautiful if rustic shaded camping, good grub plus a tax receipt from our nationally recognized non profit foundation for expenses and talent fees. These receipts for donated talent and expenses are tax deductible in many cases just as any charitable donations are, but we understand in this day and age cash talks a lot louder.
We are very different from any for profit festie as we have no money for the frills many bands and concert goers sometimes expect. Just 81 acres of beautiful shady Osage County Kansas rolling land with a small stream and pond and a happy, peaceful vibe along of course with the animals themselves and their as well as our deep and undying appreciation.
Of course we had tours of the dogs as always plus some vendors, but we encourage folks to camp out in all ways including grilling their own grub in a safe manner and saving a fortune while adding to their experience. As at the May event we did not have any alcohol for sale though it is allowed in folks' coolers and safe containers.
Another big savings for the public along with the fact the admission donation is always far lower than one would pay for an ordinary fund raising dinner for their favorite shelter or cause lasting no more than a few hours at most, and probably with some old tired boring politician as the "entertainment", yet it also includes camping for four or five days, parking, and the diverse but always superb entertainment. Most music festies aren't even pet friendly. After all as I always say music is the universal language, even with critters.
The eclectic group of national and regional up and coming talent along with the occasional surprise is the big attraction. The quality of our talent tends to be second to none, often superior to many "big stars", but that gets into another discussion entirely of the ultimate oxymoron: monolithic, monopolized corporate creativity. We'll save that for another time.
At this point we need to find help immediatly placing over sixty wonderful dogs some of which are old and special needs. We need donations, volunteers and public outcry to save our rescue sanctuary! Unless a miracle occurs we are getting our electricity and phones yanked any day. Please help us.
Peace,
Randy Long
AARF Humane Sanctuary
Akita Adoption and Rescue Foundation
The Musical Celebration of the DOGS!
6206 E. 317th ST
Melvern, KS 66510
[email protected]
785-746-5592
www.petfinder.com/shelters/KS16.html
www.myspace.com/dogstockmusicfest
AS A NON PROFIT FOUNDATION YOUR DONATIONS TO THE DOGS (beyond the admission donation) MAY BE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. ASK YOUR TAX ADVISER FOR DETAILS. MANY THANKS FROM THE DOGGIES!!!
Here is the trailer for Dr. Ben Meade's ground breaking film AMERICAN MUSIC: OFF THE RECORD, part of which was filmed here at Dogstock two years ago Labor Day. The DVD with extra features is available thru his site at: http://www.myspace.com/vakvagany
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My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 7/14/2006
Band Website: petfinder.com/shelters/KS16.html
Band Members:
"A nation can best be judged by how it treats its animals" ... Gandhi

SCENES FROM PRIOR DOGSTOCK EVENTS HERE AT THE SANCTUARY AND CAMPGROUND!..

WE ARE FACING FORECLOSURE AS WELL AS A HOSTILE ANTI-RESCUE ENVIRONMENT!!! HELP!!!

SPONSORS, DONORS, FOSTER HOMES, CARPENTERS, ELECTRICIANS, AND ALL KINDS OF VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED ASAP TO HELP THE FURRIES AND SAVE THE SHELTER!!! ANYONE INTERESTED IN PUTTING HIS OR HER TIME OR EFFORTS TO GREATER USE, PLEASE CONTACT US AT: 785-746-5592, 785-214-1182 OR 785-746-5601. [email protected]

VOLUNTEERS ARE WELCOME AT OUR SANCTUARY! DONATIONS OF TIME, DOG GROOMING, DOG WALKING, REPAIR AND RENOVATIONS, TALENT, MONEY AND SUPPLIES ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED AND NEEDED. PLEASE SEND ANY MONETARY DONATIONS TO:

AARF HUMANE SANCTUARY
6206 E. 317TH STREET
MELVERN, KANSAS 66510

You will receive a tax receipt for donations.

WHY WE HAVE DONE THIS EVENT ALL THESE YEARS

We do this for the Akita Adoption and Rescue Foundation, a 501C-3 non profit and a Kansas licensed shelter, though we look at it a bit more as a sanctuary, not only for the dogs, but the wildlife on our 81 acres as well. Sadly, we are the only licensed SHELTER in Osage County. You don't want to know what they call animal control.

Our event has always been an eclectic music and camping celebration of the dogs benefiting the AARF Sanctuary which is located on the 81 acre farm that is home to all the rescued animals and their friends and caretakers, Randy Long, Suzie Long and Kendra Olson at the Akita Adoption and Rescue Foundation. This is a multi-faceted, pet-friendly all ages event designed to raise awareness of crucial animal welfare issues as well as, hopefully raising much needed funds for the dogs. Dogstock has become an exciting and much anticipated community event each festival.

Everyone comments on the peaceful, happy vibe. One of the main goals of AARF is to raise community awareness of this and other rescue groups' efforts and to highlight the availability of healthy animals looking for good homes that are in shelters and rescues. Saving a life is a pretty cool thing to do.

Far more animals can be saved through education than all the hands on work put together though and the universal language of music is what we put our faith in to uplift hearts and minds. Animal lovers are always invited to bring their lucky dog to the festival, however all pets must be spayed/neutered and have a current vaccination record and all children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

As an aside I would note we feed 800 lbs of premium kibble per week along with 10 gallons of freshly cooked jambalaya each day. We are currently caring for close to 80 dogs, a pony and a rescued abused parrot along with the most unique "pride" of feral kitties you've ever seen.

Though we rescue more Akitas than not, we have many mixes as well as some horribly neglected and abused dogs dropped off in the middle of the night. It warms our hearts to see how these dogs blossom under our care as we work on their rehabilitation and resocialization.

We also specialize in special needs dogs and older dogs. These are some of the most rewarding relationships we develop. We have stories that are so wonderful including an elderly Akita we adopted to a family with a seriously epileptic child. The dog started predicting his seizures and getting help! Before he succumbed to old age Jake had "cured" the boy of his seizures.

Other stories include folks who adopted a dog one day and the next were protected from intruders. Dogs give us unconditional love and when we allow 8 to ten million to be killed yearly because they were inconvenient that is unforgivable. Endless puppymill breeding in the midwest along with some real lunatic backyard breeders are perpetuating this situation along with owners who don't take their responsibilities seriously. Because we are rural, we have few volunteers and fewer donors, so all help is appreciated more than you can imagine. Most importantly through our efforts including Dogstock we have fought to provide a voice for the voiceless animals tortured exploited and killed every day with Kansas in the lead!

DOGSTOCK HAS BEEN ONE OF THE FEW DOG FRIENDLY EVENTS LEFT! AS LONG AS YOUR DOG IS UP TO DATE ON SHOTS, NOT AGGRESSIVE OR IN HEAT AND ON LEASH HE OR SHE IS WELCOME! JUST REMEMBER THE HEAT AND THE NOISE AND GIVE 'EM A BREAK NOW AND THEN!

Rural property - enter at your own risk ... be sure to bring your OFF!

PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL FOR AN APPOINTMENT FIRST AS THIS IS OUR HOME AS WELL, AND WE DON'T ALLOW ANYONE HERE IN OUR ABSENCE.

DIRECTIONS TO THE AARF HUMANE SANCTUARY

From KANSAS CITY

Take I-35 south on just over an hour's drive(depending on where you start from in KC) past Olathe, Edgerton,Gardner, Wellsville, Baldwin City, Ottawa and Homewood to theWilliamsburg / Pomona exit (170). At the end of the off ramp turn righton John Brown Road . After the Sinclair it turns to gravel. Continue fourmiles to S. Stanley Road . Just before the intersection you will see asideways "T" sign indicating you can't turn right or north on Stanley .Ignoring this sign you turn right on Stanley and continue roughly aquarter mile to the fourth gate on your right.

From TOPEKA

Take 75 south about forty miles to the Melvern Lake /Melvern exit (31). Turn left toward Melvern at end of off ramp (4miles). At stop sign continue east (forward), crossing railroad tracksas road turns to gravel. Continue three miles to S. Shawnee Heights.Turn south (right) on Shawnee Heights . Go one mile and turn east(left) on 317th. Just before going a mile on 317th, you will see asideways "T" sign indicating you can't turn left or north at the StanleyRoad intersection. Ignoring that sign you will turn left or north andproceed roughly a quarter mile to the fourth gate on your right.

From LAWRENCE

Take 59 south about twenty five miles to Ottawa . Turnright on 68. Follow the signs and you will continue on 68 from Ottawathrough Pomona and into Osage County . One mile into the county 68 turnssouth (left) to Quenemo. Continue forward when 68 turns back west(right). DO NOT CONTINUE ON 68! Going forward (south) you will crossthe railroad tracks and the road turns to gravel. You are on StubbsRoad . Continue about four miles to 317th. Turn west (right). In justunder a mile you will see a sideways "T" sign indicating you can't turnright or north on Stanley . Ignoring this sign you turn right on Stanleyand continue roughly a quarter mile to the fourth gate on your right.

From EMPORIA (and Wichita)

Take I-35 N (actually east) about 35 miles to theWilliamsburg / Pomona exit (170). At the end of the off ramp turn leftgoing back under I-35, past the Sinclair. The road turns to gravel. Youare on John Brown Road which turns into 317th in two miles. You will gofour miles past the Sinclair to Stanley Road . Just before theintersection you will see a sideways "T" sign indicating you can't turnright or north on Stanley . Ignoring this sign you turn right on Stanleyand continue roughly a quarter mile to the fourth gate on your right.

From BURLINGTON

Take 75 north about 25 miles to the Melvern Lake /Melvern exit (31). Turn left toward Melvern at end of off ramp (4miles). At stop sign continue east (forward), crossing railroad tracksas road turns to gravel. Continue three miles to S. Shawnee Heights.Turn south (right) on Shawnee Heights . Go one mile and turn east(left) on 317th. Just before going a mile on 317th, you will see asideways "T" sign indicating you can't turn left or north at the StanleyRoad intersection. Ignoring that sign you will turn left or north andproceed roughly a quarter mile to the fourth gate on your right.

Influences: Rock, folk, blues, jam, bluegrass, progressive rock, jazz ...
Sounds Like: A DOG SHELTER CAN ONLY DO SO MUCH, BUT WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM HONEST LEADERS, WHOEVER THEY BE ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. WE PROVIDE THIS AS A PUBLIC SERVICE SO ALL SIDES OF ISSUES AND THE TRUTH BEHIND INTERNET RUMOR MILLS CAN BE JUDGED ON THEIR OWN MERITS.

Record Label: AARF HUMANE SANCTUARY
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

Check out this event: DOGSTOCK-THE MUSICAL CELEBRATION OF THE DOGS

Hosted By: The AARF Sanctuary When: Thursday Aug 14, 2008 at 5:00 PMWhere: AARF Humane Sanctuary and Campground6206 E. 317th STMelvern, KS 66510United StatesDescription:The AARF Sanctuary Click Here ...
Posted by HELP US SAVE THE AARF ANIMAL SANCTUARY!!! on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:52:00 PST

Check out this event: Dogstock 08 - benefiting the AARF Sanctuary

Hosted By: AARF HUMANE SANCTUARYWhen: Thursday May 22, 2008 at 1:00 PMWhere: AARF HUMANE SANCTUARY AND CAMPGROUND6206 E. 317th St.Melvern, KS 66510United StatesDescription:AARF HUMANE SANCTUARY Click ...
Posted by HELP US SAVE THE AARF ANIMAL SANCTUARY!!! on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 05:12:00 PST