Love Stories
Our favorite love stories will be featured on social media and in our weekly email leading up to Valentine’s Day.
Email your story to info@arfhamptons.org and tell us all about the love you share with your ARF rescue.
Please include:
- Your ARF pet’s name, age, & their adoption year
- Why you love your ARF rescue & how they have changed your life.
- Several hi-res photos of you & your pet together!
- Your Instagram handle
Jocko’s Love – Est. 2024
“We knew Jocko was our soul dog from the moment we brought him home. He is the sweetest, most affectionate, and dare I say the handsomest boy I think there ever was. We couldn’t imagine our days without him – our nature walks, playtime on the beach, bird/deer/turkey watching together, endless cuddles – and of course, watching his relationship with his cat sisters whom he loooves to corncob. Our love for Jocko is truly boundless. We’re grateful everyday for our family at ARF, for their hard work and dedication to rescuing these sweet souls, and for bringing Jocko into our lives.”
– Remy & Thomas Barrow, Jocko’s Forever Family
Espresso’s Love – Est. 2025
“Espresso is my best friend and also my baby. I’m a Cat Mom. I love him because he always cuddles with me and lets me give him belly rubs and he has so much energy”
– Hazel, 3-years-old
“Hazel and Espresso became instant best friends. When Hazel is home they are pretty much inseparable. Espresso gets a front row view of all the fun toddler activities!”
– The Karl Family, Espresso & Croissant’s Forever Family
Hoagie’s Love – Est. 2023
“In 2023, we had just moved out east and were brand new to the Hamptons. We adopted Hogan almost immediately, and it was the best decision we’ve ever made. He’s goofy, energetic, affectionate, and always brings the party. He makes every day an adventure whether it’s going to the beach, hiking, swimming, romping on the golf course, curling up in front of the fire, or meeting up with his brother, Lando (former ARF rescue). We love him beyond!!!”
-Alex & Keith Clawson, Hoagie’s Forever Family
Dante’s Love – Est. 2024
“Dante’s story started with a different name. At the shelter, he was known as Jake. I went to ARF one morning to meet a specific dog I had already applied for, but when I arrived, he was meeting another family and ultimately went home with them. The staff kindly encouraged me to walk through the small dog room and see if another dog caught my heart.
That’s when I saw this little guy jumping up and down like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh. I walked away but instantly came back to him. After taking him out for a walk, I knew right away he was meant to be mine.
Jake became Dante, and he is the most wonderful little dog. He’s silly, incredibly loving, and oh so intelligent. I’m endlessly grateful to ARF for the love and care they give to every animal, and especially for taking such great care of my little dude until he found his forever home”
– Jessica Alvarracin, Dante’s Forever Person
Brynn’s Love – Est. 2014
“I adopted Brynn (then Melody) from ARF in 2014 on a total whim. I was tagging along with a friend who was looking for a dog at the time.
That said, when I saw her, it was love at first sight. They put her in my arms and she melted on my shoulder in a puddle of purrs. I decided I couldn’t leave her so made the spontaneous decision to take her home. We enjoyed the 3 hour ride on the jitney back to the city together. 🙂 Since that day (Brynn is 11 years old), she has always been by my side. She’s truly my best friend. She has seen me through breakups, health challenges, moves- all of the highs and lows of life.
I’m so glad I took a chance on that beautiful little tuxedo kitten. She means the world to me!
Grateful to ARF always for bringing her into my world.”
– Lisa Mayernick, Brynn’s Forever Person
Rocky’s Love – Est. 2021
“Rocky was surrendered to ARF in April of 2021, where he was treated for a double eye infection and underwent enucleation surgery to improve his QOL. He was 11 years old, considered a senior special needs adoptee. We adopted him in October of that same year, driving from Upstate NY to the Hamptons to bring him home.
After 6 hard months of helping him learn to trust us, Rocky became my little shadow and joy. Rocky always wanted to be where I was, figuring out where the front door was so he could meet me there (or try to leave with me for work!) after work. Rocky’s favorite pastime was roaming around in the backyard, getting stuck in bushes and finding his way out. His favorite toy was his stuffed elephant, and he would bury him in his bed. Rocky was truly an example of how love can be blind. He was our goodest boy.
Rocky passed away over the summer, and we miss him every day. Thank you ARF, for taking a chance on us to give Rocky a safe landing for his golden years.”
– Katie & Kevin Smith, Rocky’s Forever Family
Blanche’s Love – Est. 2020
“In April 2020 we were settling into lockdown and I found myself on ARF’s page. I saw Blanche and had such a strong feeling that I needed to meet her. She’d been found in a warehouse with puppies, all of whom had been adopted. I fell in love with her gentle energy, and so has everyone else who’s met her. Something about her is just magic—and I’m not biased! People stop me all the time so they can hug her. She’s been the biggest blessing for me, and spreads light to everyone she meets. Thank you ARF!”
– Amalia Graziani, Blanche’s Forever Person
Lochlan’s Love – Est. 2025
“In May of 2025 we adopted our sweet boy, Lochlan, from ARF. He is a survivor of the fire at the Happy Cats Sanctuary, a tragedy that hit close to home for my husband and I, having lived just down the road. As cat lovers, we wanted to do something to help, so we drove up from our new home in Virginia to add one of the surviving Happy Cats to our family.
We knew the moment we met Lochlan that he was the one. He was understandably timid after all he had been through. But with love and patience, he soon warmed up to us. It wasn’t long before he was sleeping in our bed, cuddling on the couch, and watching squirrels out our bedroom window. He loves his four cat siblings, but his true love is my husband. He is happiest and most at ease in my husband’s arms and they bring each other so much joy. Lochlan has been the most perfect addition to our family and we are so thankful to ARF for being the bridge that connected us.”
– Brittany & Scott Twining, Lochlan’s Forever Family
Rita’s Love – Est. 2023
“It was love at first sight, the moment we saw Rita’s picture on ARF’s website December 2023!
She is absolutely the sweetest, energetic, petite pup. Rita brings love, joy, and excitement to all that know her. She loves her human friends as well as all animals she meets… a real “Dr. Doolittle.” She enjoys traveling in the car, or playtime with her toys.
Thank you to ARF for rescuing her from South Carolina and bringing her to the Hamptons!!”
-Rodney Foreman & Meredith Hulse, Rita’s Forever Family