Rikki's Refuge: Sep 17, 2010

Friday, September 17, 2010

Hairballs and Happy Tails - Rikki's Refuge Newsletter a

RIKKI'S REFUGE - HAIRBALLS AND HAPPY TAILS
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4654847890/
The newsletter of thanks from grateful animals to their beloved rescuers
brought to you by Vincent D. Cat

We are the happy animals of Rikki's Refuge who so thank you for giving
us the gift of our lives. We represent all the animals, the world over,
whose lives have been saved by kind and loving people just like you.
Thank you for being an animal rescuer.

My friends, I was in the hospital last week. I have to go back in for a
check up Monday. And I'll be needed at least a couple more check ups
and some lab work. I'm having a real hard time covering my bills.
Could you please help me? I'd appreciate it very very much.
http://rikkisrefuge.chipin.com/can-you-spare-a-dime-my-friend

FRIDAY, EVERY FRIDAY http://www.freekibblekat.com/giveaway.asp
On Fridays, simply email Giveaway@freekibble.com with the words "Shelter
Giveaway" and you're entered into the contest! A winner will be chosen
at random every Saturday for a $50 PetCo gift card. Lots of Fancy Feast
for $50 !!!!

Fall is really here. The leaves are turning. It's getting cool at
night. And we're eating more food. Please bring canned dog food and
dry cat food this weekend. We also need laundry detergent, nice
smelling floor cleaning stuff and a few scrub brushes.

Want more space in your garage or basement? Got an old chest freezer
you aren't using? We need one. If you haven't used yours for awhile,
plug it in for a day or two before bringing it out to make sure it
works! If you don't have one you don't need and you can donate would
you check around at second hand stores and see if you can find one for
less than $100 so mommey can buy it. Thanks so much.

The next Shelter Challenge starts September 20th - get ready to VOTE.
Judith be ready to get that $100,000 banner and link up on the web site!!!

NOW - October 30 - Enter your Craft for a Cause and help Rikki's Refuge
JoAnn Fabrics is having a contest called "Craft for a Cause." Make any
item using supplies purchased at Joann Fabrics, photograph it, and enter
it online.
http://joannfabricandcraftstores.blogspot.com/2010/08/twice-as-nice-to-craft-for-cause.html

September 17th, Friday, all day, Culpeper, Chili's Restaurant, Dining
for Dollars
You must take our flyer, you can download it from the web page
www.RikkisRefuge.org 10-20% of your ticket will be donated to Rikki's
Refuge. EAT !!!! Great day to take a friend out. The more people
eating with a flyer, the more money for Rikki's!

September 25th, Saturday, 11 am - 4 pm - Charlottesville Vegetarian Festival
lots of fun and good food, meet Vincent and visit our booth.
http://www.cvillevegfest.org/

October 23rd, Saturday, noon - 5 pm - Fall Furr Fest at Rikki's
rain date 10/25
Meet Vincent the Fortune Teller (bring can of Fancy Feast if you want a
long life line)
Scarecrow Competition, Pie Walks, Cornhole Tournament, Game Booths,
Craft Tables, Face Painting, Visit all of Rikki's Animals, Tickets go on
sale Sept 1st, Admission $3 pre sale, $5 at the door, game tickets one
can of cat food or 50 cents. info? Katarina Galvin katarinagalvin@yahoo.com

October 23rd, Saturday, 5 - 8 pm - Haunted Forest at Rikki's
October 31st, Sunday, noon, Tour the Refuge
November 13th, Saturday, noon, Tour the Refuge
November 13th, Saturday, 2 pm, Nature Hike at the Refuge
December 25th, Sunday, noon, Tour the Refuge

See www.RikkisRefuge.org for additional details about events.

I was feeling well enough that I got to go to the National Capital Cat
show last weekend!!! I love getting to go out and meet my friends and
fans and have fun. Some kitties think it's scary to travel. But I love
it. I have a car seat that I can sit next to mommey (she won't let me
drive in the big city) and I watch out the window. I love to meow at
passing cars and when we're going slow I can meow at doggies and
kitties!!!

Everything is bigger in the city. Big cars, big busses, big roads, big
houses, and so much cars and people and oh my so many everything in such
a small space. It's fun to visit but I think I like living in the
country where I have lots and lots of room!!!!

The very first excitement at the show was meeting Jessie. I was having
breakfast while my road crew was setting up when suddenly a scream went
up, "Cat Loose!". Uh Oh Jessie had made a break for it. He went this
way and that way and under one table and out another. Mom and Candy
said, "everybody hold still", and they circled round and mom pounced and
caught him.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997854054/

His mommey was real glad to get him back. She told us he's famous and
gonna be on the October cover of Cat Fancy. I think I should be on Cat
Fancy, don't you? I think if all of you wrote to Cat Fancy and asked
them to interview me maybe they'd put me on the cover!!! Please, what
do you think, will you try?

This is what our set up looked like, with lots of posters, and some of
my friends looking for a forever home.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997248429/

I'm all ready to greet visitors!!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997853874/

I just love this pretty boa I got for the show!!!! Purple is my
favorite color and I love to dress up in purple!!! Don't you think I'm
pretty in purple?????
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997248219/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997853560/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997853444/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997853328/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997853174/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997247609/

Remember my sisfur Polly Anna? She's the one who was who'd been
abandoned in a rough neighborhood in Waynesboro and a nice lady was
putting food out for her. One day the lady got up and there on her
porch was a paper bag. And inside that bag was most of Polly's tail.
Ouch. Poor Polly. Well our volunteer Barbara went to help the lady and
ended up trapping Polly. Poor Polly needed surgery and then had a long
healing time at Rikki's.

Once she was all healed up she went to live with Cindy and alumni
SpokesDog Walker and Gatto Noir. Polly wants to be a SpokesKitty now.
Well .... she says she's willing to give it a try to make her new mom
happy. After all she's gotten a wonderful new home and it's the least
she can do to help return some of that love to her new mom.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997844420/

Polly also wants to help raise funds to finish paying off her medical
bills at Rikki's and when she finishes that, help her friends still
there. Can you help her finish paying off her debt, please?
http://rikkisrefuge.chipin.com/polly-anna-cats-recovery

I let Polly wear my boa.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997239045/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997844326/

This was the first time Barbara saw Polly since she brought her to
Rikki's right after the tail surgery. She was so happy to see her happy
and well and even adopted!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997238965/

Barbara helps us with the Kroger Care Program.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997844244/

It's a really good program and doesn't cost you anything, but helps us
get money to feed the animals.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997238837/

IF it cost you NOTHING to SAVE a dog or a cat at Rikki's Refuge No Kill
Animal Sanctuary would you do it? Your Kroger Cares Gift Card does just
that!

At NO COST TO YOU Kroger Grocery Stores will give 5% of your grocery
bill to save a cat or dog or pig or goat or chicken or ... at Rikki's
Refuge. Here's how it works!

•You just purchase a $5 Kroger "gift" card from Rikki's that is
specially encoded with our information. You can then use that card to
buy $5 worth of groceries at Kroger stores.

•The serial number on your card is linked to Rikki's Refuge No Kill
Animal Sanctuary's account at Kroger. (Note that other Kroger gift cards
will not be linked to Rikki's Refuge. Only the cards you purchase from
Rikki's Refuge will benefit the animals.)

•To support Rikki's Refuge on an ongoing basis, add money to your card
("reload" your card) and then use your card each time you buy groceries
at Kroger. Use it at any Kroger or Kroger Affiliate across the US,
including purchases at Kroger gas stations. It does not cost you
anything to do this.

•You can add money to your card ("reload" your card) at the Customer
Service desk at Kroger before shopping or you can ask a cashier to
"reload" your card, BEFORE you check out with groceries.

•When "reloading" your card, you can pay with cash, use a debit card or
use a credit card just like you would to buy your groceries.

•When paying for groceries with your card, you can still use your Kroger
Plus card to get Kroger specials.

•Every four weeks, Kroger reviews Rikki's Refuge No Kill Animal
Sanctuary's account and sends a check for 5% of the money that has been
"reloaded" onto the cards.

•The more YOU eat, the more ANIMALS you save!!!

•Summary: Each week (or once a month), when you go to any Kroger, stop
at the service desk and " reload" your card with the amount you usually
spend in a week (or month) then simply use your card to pay for your
groceries. Have the satisfaction that you are helping the animals of
Rikki's Refuge No Kill Animal Sanctuary every time you "reload" your
card with money.

And best of all - it costs YOU nothing!!!

NOTHING --- FREE just do your regular shopping, remember to reload your
card before checking out, and you feed the happy animals at Rikki's Refuge

Gift Cards can be used at the Fuel Centers to purchase gas!

And are good at all Kroger affiliates nationwide: Kroger, Ralphs, King
Soopers, City Market, Dillons, Smiths, Fry's, QFC Quality Food Centers,
Bakers, Owens, Jay C, Hilander, Gerbes, Pay Less Super Markets, Scott's
Food, Kroger Fresh Fare, Food 4 Less, Foods Co, Fred Meyer and these
convenience stores Turkey Hill, Kwik Shop, Loaf n Jug, Quick Stop and
Tom Thumb.

Just tell me if you'd like a card and you can buy it thru paypal
http://www.rikkisrefuge.org/donate.php or send a check to Rikki's
Refuge, PO Box 1357, Orange VA 22960 or see us at the Vegetarian
Festival in Charlottesville on Sept 25th.

Eight of my friends wet to the Cat Show with me hoping to get forever
homes. And they are now crying. Nobody picked them as their very own.
They're very sad. Don't you NEED a kitty? Or two or ... gosh it'd
be so wonderful if all 8 could stay together.

Madonna isn't quite a year old yet.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997238779/

She ended up in a pound with the other seven here. Her three kids and
her cousin and her two nephews and niece. Madonna is quite frightened,
but she'll be a wonderful kitty when you let her know she'll always be
safe. She'll purr for you. She was sick when she was dumped at the
pound and she lost an eye from an infection. This shouldn't cause her
any problems. Just be careful about letting her drive since it may
distort her depth perception a bit.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997238753/

These are her girls, Tippy with a little light tip on her tail, Bandy
with an orange mask and Punky the littlest of the gals. They're really
timid and afraid to be away from mom. Maybe you could adopt them with
Madonna?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997238711/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997844062/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997238635/

Loretta is about a year old and this is probably her second litter of
kittens this year.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997843988/

She's really happy that it will be her last too! All "fixed" up and
ready for a forever home. A little feisty just like a calico should be!!!

Buffy is all well ... buff!!! Bootsie is buff with white boots and he's
the most playful. They're both boys. Tabby is a gal, and a cutie.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997238561/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997843934/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997843880/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997843854/

Everybody's getting Kitten Love! Get in line to adopt your new purrfect
friend!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997826704/

Tabby, Buffy and Bootsie want a home!! Can they go home with you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkUuZOAsrhE

Melanie got this wonderful huggy carrier for me to ride around with her
at shows. Isn't it cool!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997221351/

I need somebody to examine it and figure out how to make them so I can
sell them. Everybody asks about them at shows and they all want one for
their kitties!!! I think I could have sold 100 at the Cat Show.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997221305/
Melanie and I got to walk all around the cat show and meet all the other
kitties there.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997826570/
Candy and I got lots of snuggle time together.

Ms. USA East Coast Autumn-Skye came to visit me and we got to greet
visitors together!!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997221233/

PS I'm sorry about that little accident. Thanks for always being so
good natured and loving me no matter what!

There was a fabulous artist at the next booth. She paints the most
marvelous subjects!!
http://www.angelcatart.com/assets/cats/thumbnails/images/cat_Page_1_jpg.jpg
Isn't that lovely? And she does scarves
http://www.angelcatart.com/assets/scarves/thumbnails/images/PICT1720_JPG.jpg
and hankies
http://www.angelcatart.com/assets/handkerchiefs/thumbnails/images/PICT1371_JPG.jpg
and ties for real men who love cats!

I just couldn't stop going over to visit and look at her lovely cats!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997221195/

This is her store http://www.angelcatart.com/prints.html
She's a really nice lady too! Tell her Vincent D. Cat from the National
Capital Cat Show sent you!

Lots of the kitties had strollers to ride around in.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997826438/

I didn't understand cuz they all had four legs so what was wrong with
them walking about? I think I'd like to get a stroller. But I don't
need netting on it cuz I wouldn't try to run away. Maybe I would if you
just shoved me in a box and only let me out when the judge wanted to see
me. But I get to go out and meet my friends all the time! Hey, stop in
at your local thrift shop and get me a little stroller I can ride around
in at the Charlottesville Vegetarian Festival next Saturday 9/25. I'll
repay you in kisses!

LOOK!!!! The Purrfect climbing Buddhist Temple just for me !!!!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997221089/

Mommey said that with all of us around it'd smell about gross in less
then two weeks. She says we have to stick to toys and climbing things
that can be power washed all the time!!!! Speaking of that, do you have
a power washer you don't use? The little electric kind won't hold up to
what we do! We're industrial strength mess makers! If you have an old
one taking up room in your garage, it'd be nice to have a gas powered
one at the refuge. Bob brings his out to do spring and fall cleaning
for us.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997826372/
This is a toy they were selling for $1 at the show. I think if you're a
smart hooman and you look real close you could figure out how to make
them real easy. I tried but I think it will take opposable thumbs or
something. Hey!!! Can you make up a batch for me to sell to raise money?

And tell me - is this about the coolest cat tree you've ever seen???
http://www.cattreefurniture.com/product/201
Hey Rene, can you think of a way to make one that doesn't have smelly -
or yet to be smelly - carpet on it? See how the branches all come off
for easy cleaning or replacement? I'd love to have one and see if we
could get all the cubbies and branches filled for a great photo?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/2390184098

It's not just for dogs anymore!!! There was an Agility Course at the
Cat Show. Some silly hoomans said it was mean to "make" me run it. As
if anybody could "make" me do anything!!!! Ha ha ha. Just look how
well I had my hoomans trained !!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UHWdjkT6EA

I won a ribbon for my hard work!!!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997159151/

But the real reward came when I convinced the hoomans that I'd used SO
much energy that I just NEEDED more num nums!!!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997764550/

Mmmmm Mmmmm Good
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997764536/

And there's nothing like a little warm cat nip tea to wash it all down!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997159061/

I just love it when my friends come to see me at shows and events and
even at the refuge. I can work the crowd and love and hug for hours on
end and I never stop purring. You already met Barbara.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997159025/

And this is Linda.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997158995/

I just love getting pats from everybody!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997764388/

And chin rubs.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997158931/

OK, hooman, I taught you sit down. Now let's work on pat the nice kitty!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997764328/

Loves and hugs just make my day!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997764306/

I never stop purring.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997158815/

I love everybody, big and small, young and wise!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997764236/

Mmmmm I love you!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997158743/

This is such bliss.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997764164/

No time for a nap in between visitors. We were busy from open till
close both days.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997158655/

Patricia!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997152749/

Saying a prayer with a friend.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997758120/

In case you had any doubt that I won the most ribbons at the show!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997758068/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997758006/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997152561/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997757902/

Sigh .... time for a nap. Gonna make a blanket out of these ribbons and
catch a few winks!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997757858/

I just can't stop admiring my winnings! Aren't you proud of me?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997152561/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997152359/

Ron had wheels for my car seat so we could travel safely out to the truck.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997757726/

I got to stay up in the big city over night. Lushka invited me to her
place! Cool huh? She's got a rocking palace she shared with me.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997152283/

Buggs and Smudge are inseparable and they were really nice to me. They
even shared their nums.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997152245/

Guin was a bit shy but we got along well. Doesn't she have really
pretty blue eyes?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997757632/

Jack Daniels ... well he was another story. That's one big dude. I'm
like no midget, but look at the size of that beast! He's 30 pounds!
Yeah 30! WOW. There's a lot of fat but he's really long and tall too.
He told me to stay out of his food bowl. And he said it in a very
rude way too.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997152175/

Mommey had to intervene and tell Jack to be nice to visitors.

Well my wonderful friends, that's it for this week!! I so much
appreciate you. I work as hard as I can to make enough money to feed
all my friends here. I can make that much. But then when they need
extra things like medicine and flea drops and laundry detergent and
winter bedding, I just can't do it alone. So I thank you so very much
for your help. http://www.rikkisrefuge.org/donate.php

Think about signing up as a monthly donor. It's easy, read about
recurring donations at that link above. You sign up and it happens
automatically! You don't forget and we get to eat every month!! Cool
deal, huh?

I appreciate you more than you'll ever know!

Until next week, I love you, and may the force be with you!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997016319/

Love,
Vincent
9/17/10

The Fine Print
Rikki's Refuge in Orange County, Virginia, is a 367-acre, no-kill, all
species, peaceful sanctuary supported solely by donations from kind and
loving individuals just like you! We help farm animals, domestic
animals, and wildlife. Over 1200 individuals of 22 different species
now reside at Rikki's Refuge. Please continue to help us help the
animals. For more Rikki's Refuge and Vincent D. Cat go to
http://www.rikkisrefuge.org/, http://www.rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/, and
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge and
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vincent-D-Cat/370191432578?v=photos&ref=ts#!/pages/Vincent-D-Cat/370191432578?ref=ts
and ask for my inspirational and uplifting daily e notes Good Morning
Good News!

We survive on donations from kind and loving people, just like you. We
live on a shoestring and make it on less than one dollar per day, per
animal. So if you can spare a couple of bucks to buy a few meals,
please go to http://www.rikkisrefuge.org/donate.php . We do accept
checks, money orders, cash and stuff, too! Thanks for your support.
Rikki's Refuge, PO Box 1357, Orange VA 22960

Your donations directly support the Critters of Rikki's Refuge. Rikki's
Refuge is owned and operated by Life Unlimited of Virginia, Inc., an IRS
501(c)(3) not-for-profit Virginia Corporation. Federal Tax-ID
54-1911042. We hold membership in all Combined Federal Campaigns in
Virginia #77674, Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign #3163, PetsMart
Charities #1377, iGive, Benevolink, paypal.com (mail@rikkisrefuge.org),
your donations provide direct support. A financial statement is
available upon written request from the State Office of Consumer Affairs.

If you know others who'd enjoy reading about the exciting adventures at
Rikki's Refuge let me know and I'll be happy to include them. If you
are one of those strange humans who does not wish to laugh and cry with
us, simply reply with "REMOVE" and nothing but "REMOVE" in the subject
line.

--
Vincent D. Cat, Official Spokes Cat of Rikki's Refuge
Representing the Right to Life of the Differently Abled of every species.

JOIN THE RIKKI'S FAMILY
http://www.rikkisrefuge.org/donate.php

We're very honored to have been voted the Number One Animal Rescue in
Virginia.

Thank you, our supporters and friends, who made this possible. It took
over 50,000 votes! Thank you for your confidence and trust in the work
we do at Rikki's Refuge. We won't disappoint you!

I'd like to thank the sponsors of the contest; Pet Finders a wonderful
resource for helping us locating the perfect forever home for many of
our cats and dogs; and The Animal Rescue Site, where a click a day helps
feed shelter pets.

Not a Rikki's Family Member? For only $45 you can join for a year and
receive your electronic subscription to HAIRBALLS and paper subscription
to REFLECTIONS

DONATE NOW save a life today
http://www.rikkisrefuge.org/donate.php

RIKKI'S REFUGE a 367 acre, no-kill, all species peaceful sanctuary
supported solely by donations of kind and loving individuals, just like you.

Your donations provide direct support. Only 4% of our income is spent on
fundraising and management, 96% is spent directly on the animals you
love. A financial statement is available upon written request from the
State Office of Consumer Affairs. All material in this e-mail is
copyrighted and cannot be used for any purpose other than to bring
awareness of Rikki's Refuge and the plight of unwanted animals to the
public. Any monetary gain attributed to this material must be donated
to Rikki's.

Phone: 540-854-0870
Address: PO Box 1357, Orange VA 22960
Member: paypal.com (mail@rikkisrefuge.org),
CFC 77674, CVC 3163, PetsMart Charities #1377
Web page: http://www.rikkisrefuge.org
E-mail: Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org

Good Morning Good News !!!!

It's Furrday!!! And on Furrday you can send an email and if yours is
chosen they'll send me a $50 gift card for Fancy Feast at PetCo!!!
http://www.freekibblekat.com/giveaway.asp
Right now email Giveaway@freekibble.com with the words "Shelter
Giveaway" as the subject and tell 'em Vincent D. Cat of Rikki's Refuge
sent you!

Mom and me just did ours!!!!

Hey, are you getting ready!!! Only three more days till voting time !!!
Monday is time to start voting again!! Let's win mostest number of
votes in week one this time, ok? We make a great team don't we!!! You
open the cans, I eat the nums !!!! I love you!!!!

Buster Kitteh's Possum
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997622300/

My friend Jonsey
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997622264/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prxyRvgkWYg
Hmmm what do you think about lining one wall in the 9Th Life Center with
mirrors? Would that be good vidoe ops for mom or just drive everybody
crazy thinking there were twice as many of us!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25RcDO2RdZQ
Me and mum think it's real funny what scientist have to study when we
already know it just cuz we live with the aminals. We know all about
the different sounds and different communications. And me and my
friends have studied hoomans and we know that most have three sounds
that can be distinguished.

The angry one that means, "get out my way and leave me alone". Lots of
us remember that from the past before we came to Rikki's. I only hear
that here when I take mom's credit card and over run it buying cat food.
But hey, a guy's gotta eat you know!

Then there's the nice one that means, "I love you, come let me pat you
and snuggle you." We like that one a lot. And then there's there
wonderful one that means, "Nums is getting opened come and get some!"

Mom knows the meanings of lots of the sounds by lots of the animals.
She knows the happy sound of the chickens cooing in the night and
singing, "I love you" to each other. She knows the sound of "Good
morning, rise and shine you lazy biped, get the door open and feed us!"
And she knows the sound of "help fox on the horizon". My doggy
friends know that one too. Just like mom, they sleep soundly thru the
"I love you" calls in the night, but just as soon as they hear a "help
fox on the horizon" call they up and barking, "stay away from my
chickens, these guys are my family and not for your dinner and if you
don't turn around and run, I'll chase you off and really scare you!"
And the foxes know exactly what that means too!!

Camel Love !!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4998802870/
OREGON CITY -- Clackamas County firefighters have revived one cat and
five dogs after rescuing them from burning homes. They've pulled a cow
from a well. They've pulled a horse from a creek. Now they can add a
camel to the list.

Moses, a 1,200- to 1,500-pound Bactrian camel (that's the two-hump kind)
got himself stuck in a sinkhole on his owners' rural Oregon City
property late Tuesday. Mike and Kim Dilworth, who've owned Moses since
he was just weeks old, could see only the animal's head sticking out of
the mud. They tried pulling him out on their own, using a 4-wheel drive
Kawasaki Mule but Moses didn't budge. His long, skinny legs were deep in
the mud. The normally mellow camel's bellowing could be heard across the
Dilworth's property.

About 9:45 p.m., the couple called 9-1-1. Soon, seven firefighters with
Clackamas County Fire District No. 1 descended on the 10-acre property,
where the family also tends a small herd of goats, sheep, chickens and a
pot-bellied pig named Sonny. But the hole was in rough terrain. And it
was dark. Fire officials decided they couldn't safely use heavy
equipment to extricate Moses. They'd have to use their hands.

The firefighters dug around Moses – who continued to voice his distress
– so they could slip thick straps under the animal's belly and pull him
out. It was tricky work that took hours, said firefighter Steve McAdoo,
who help light the work area with a flashlight. The firefighters – and
the Dilworths – worried Moses had broken a leg. "The problem is the
legs on this animal are like 4 or 5 feet long and he is down in the hole
and his legs have sunk into the hole," McAdoo said. "They are thin. They
are like little sticks and they are all the way into the mud. "It was
hard work lifting and digging, lifting and digging," he said.

Meanwhile, the Dilworths comforted their beloved pet. They soothed him
by rubbing his head, kissing his nose and assuring him he'd be OK. "Calm
down," Mike Dilworth told his camel. "You're doing good, you're doing
good." "They did great," McAdoo said. "They were treating it like you
would have thought your kid was in the hole." The Dilworths consider
Moses – one of two camels they own – a member of the family. For the
first year of the camel's life, the couple, who have two young
daughters, fed him lamb's milk from a bottle three times a day. Kim
Dilworth sang Christian hymns to him as he drifted to sleep. They
bought Moses and his brother, Bethlehem, for live Nativity displays at
their home and around Oregon City. A camel, they thought, would surely
be more of an attraction than an ordinary llama or alpaca. And they were
right. "So many people have never seen a camel, let alone pet it," Mike
Dilworth said. "They're always surprised at how nice they are and how
friendly they are."

Finally, about 12:15 a.m. Wednesday, the firefighters managed to get a
tarp and heavy duty straps under Moses and heaved the animal out of the
hole. For an hour, Moses lay on his side, exhausted. Then he got up on
his knees, where he remained for another half hour or so. The Dilworths
still weren't sure Moses was going to make it. Had he broken a leg? And
then, Moses scrambled to his feet and ambled back to his barn. A local
veterinarian looked him over and said the camel escaped serious injury.

It was a happy ending for the Dilworths, who have been struggling with
health and financial issues. Mike Dilworth, 44, lost his job and Kim
Dilworth, 44, is out of work while she receives treatment for cancer.
The couple watched their pet walk up the hill to the barn and go to
sleep. "We were all cheering," Mike Dilworth said. As for the
Clackamas County firefighters, McAdoo said they're getting pretty good
with animal rescues. "I don't know why we are the pet rescue fire
department," McAdoo said. "Some of the guys on the rescue of the camel
were there when we did the cow in the well. We're getting this down."

There's more pictures and a video here.
http://www.oregonlive.com/oregon-city/index.ssf/2010/09/moses_the_camel_rises_from_an_oregon_city_sinkhole_with_just_a_little_help.html?ref=nf

Have a wonderful day! Come volunteer or bring canned dog, cat food,
bleach, laundry detergent, nice smelling floor cleaner, scrub brushes.

May the force be with you, my HERO!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/4997016319/

Love, Vincent

PS If you don't want your Daily Good New, just let me know! A couple of
you have said you only want Hairballs with out the Good News!! That's
ok! Just tell me. I'm here to make you happy, just tell me how! If
Good New don't make you happy - I could always start Bad News, but, as
you hoomans say, why reinvent the wheel - that's what you've got tv and
newspapers for !!!!!