Friday, September 30, 2011

Good Morning Good News !!!! September 30, 2011

.I’m Vincent D. Cat and here to make you happy! You are HEROES! You work hard every day and you deserve to smile every day! Those of you working to save us animals hear so very many very sad things. And there’s lots of very glad things too and that’s what we talk about here! All pawsitive all the time! I want my friends to be happy and smile and know there’s a lot of good - including YOU - in this world!! Be kind and pass it on! Please send me your Good New and Fun Stuff to share, personal or global. Let’s keep it fun and interactive!! After all, if we couldn’t laugh, we would all go insane! Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org

I’m dedicating today to my goat friend Mike.  He needs help.
Please help me till I can get back to work!

Mike was injured during the week of the earthquakes.  Perhaps, as the ground shook underneath him, terrified of the motion and the roaring sound, he leapt without looking.  His right hind leg was broken. Very severely broken at the hock.  After examination and x-rays, he was sent to a specialist with the hopes of saving his leg.  Could they?  Or would they have to amputate?  It took three tries to set the broken leg and have it hold. 

Poor Mike is on restricted movement, spending short bouts in a small fenced area, much of his time in a dog crate.  After three weeks the cast came off, more x-rays were done.  The leg was healing!!!  It looked like Mike would not loose his leg. 

Mike wanted to jump for joy, but the specialist said, “Not yet!”  Another cast went on, three more long weeks of restricted movement.  On October 18th Mike will go back in to have the cast taken off, x-rays done and then he’ll find out if he has to stay in a cast longer, or if he’ll get to run and play!

Mike has really racked up the bills.  Don’t you agree that saving his leg was worth it? 

Mike’s gotta pay off the current vet bills before he can go back for his check up on October 18th.  He  cannot get a job before he’s well. 

Can you please help Mike Heal? 


If you prefer to help by check
Rikki's Refuge
for Mike's Leg
PO Box 1357
Orange VA 22960

Thank you for making it possible for us to help the animals!





Haunted Forest
You DO plan to be there the eve of Oct 22nd, don’t you? http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2011/09/dare-you.html

Come this Saturday October 1st - help prepare the trail in the woods!!!!  9 am till 3 pm


Thank you Barbara
We ran out of cat food after breakfast this morning.  OUT.  Like in no more.  No more canned cat food.  Oh No.

My friend Barbara is loading up her car, and she really knows how to load up, in Waynesboro and driving over the river and thru the woods - but the good cat food store don’t open till 9 am and she has to be at work by noon - so mom’s gotta take MY truck and meet her half way.  Thank you so much Barbara!!


Our pantry is really bare.
If you’re coming out this weekend, please grab something of the list to bring: http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2011/08/lenas-shopping-list_10.html



FIGURE IT OUT !!!!
Online jigsaw puzzles from JigsawSite.com


Pumpkin Season Officially Opens Tomorrow !!
Our beloved Candy usually puts on her pumpkin hat and takes over!  Unfortunately she’s wearing a hospital gown this year and won’t be able to be the Pumpkin Coordinator.  Please keep up your prayers for her continued healing.

I need a Pumpkin Head Person

We got our first inquiry about picking up yesterday

I need some one to be in charge of the coordination -
coordinating site pick ups with the volunteers who can pick up.

Would you like to be the coordinator?  Kerry@RikkisRefuge.org


I also need drivers, lots of drivers, all over, Richmond, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Fauquier, Fairfax. 
Can you be a driver?     Kerry@RikkisRefuge.org


The Pumpkin Coordinator will talk with all the locations, coordinate pick up times, broadcast this information to the drivers.  The drivers will pick up and deliver to Rikki’s. 

The pumpkins save us thousands of dollars in feed every fall.

WE DESPERATELY NEED YOUR HELP.


Hunting Season Opens Tomorrow Too
and we need your help to keep the poachers away.  We need help improving the perimeter trail.  ATVs and small off road vehicles welcome.  You can do it on foot too!!  Please come out and help Joe patrol and work on the path.  Saturday and Sunday.


Yard Sale
At the intersection of 20 and Zion, by the Exxon known as BJs 8 am - 3 pm  Please stop in to help Kim if you can.  Bring items to sell on behalf of Rikki’s.  Thanks for your support.  Kim is working hard to make money to buy food for the animals.


I hope you can come out to visit this weekend. 

Saturday noon - 2 pm Donation Drop off at Rikki’s
yard sale at BJs Exxon rt 20 and Zion Rd 9 am - 3 pm
prepare the Haunted Forest Trail 9 am - 3 pm at Rikki’s
improving the perimeter trail 9 am - 3 pm

Sunday noon - tour
improving the perimeter trail 9 am - 3 pm

Love,
Vincent
PS You tell me what you want! Email me at Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org with instructions to change your subscription: additions, deletions or modifications! Subscriptions:  Vincent’s VIPs - up to the second alerts about issues at Rikki’s Refuge for those who care and want to be intimately involved. Scheduled as needed. Good Morning Good News - a little something to get you going in the mornings, for those of you who want to keep smiling with us! Scheduled daily. Hairballs - so you know what’s coming up at Rikki’s! Scheduled weekly.

Rikki's Refuge, supported solely by private donations, houses over 1200 animals of 22 species. On line at http://bit.ly/Give-a-gift-to-Rikkis Checks, money orders, cash, items at Rikki's Refuge, PO Box 1357, Orange VA 22960

Rikki's Refuge is owned and operated by Life Unlimited of Virginia, Inc., an IRS 501(c)(3) not-for-profit Virginia Corporation, tax-id 54-1911042. Combined Federal Campaigns #77674, Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign #3163, PetsMart Charities #1377. A financial statement is available upon written request from the State Office of Consumer Affairs.

Learn more www.RikkisRefuge.org and help spread the good word, tell everyone you know about Rikki’s Refuge

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Healing Mike the Goat's Broken Leg


Please help me till I can get back to work!

Mike was injured during the week of the earthquakes.  Perhaps, as the ground shook underneath him, terrified of the motion and the roaring sound, he leapt without looking.  His right hind leg was broken. Very severely broken at the hock.  After examination and x-rays, he was sent to a specialist with the hopes of saving his leg.  Could they?  Or would they have to amputate?  It took three tries to set the broken leg and have it hold. 

Poor Mike is on restricted movement, spending short bouts in a small fenced area, much of his time in a dog crate.  After three weeks the cast came off, more x-rays were done.  The leg was healing!!!  It looked like Mike would not loose his leg. 

Mike wanted to jump for joy, but the specialist said, “Not yet!”  Another cast went on, three more long weeks of restricted movement.  On October 18th Mike will go back in to have the cast taken off, x-rays done and then he’ll find out if he has to stay in a cast longer, or if he’ll get to run and play!

Mike has really racked up the bills.  Don’t you agree that saving his leg was worth it? 

Mike’s gotta pay off the current vet bills before he can go back for his check up on October 18th.  He  cannot get a job before he’s well. 

Can you please help Mike Heal? 




If you prefer to help by check
Rikki's Refuge
for Mike's Leg
PO Box 1357
Orange VA 22960

Thank you for making it possible for us to help the animals!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Dare you ..........


All proceeds from Rikki’s Haunted Forest will benefit the animals at Rikki’s Refuge. If you dare enter the forest you will be walking through woods on uneven paths with little lighting and possibly through water. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

To volunteer as human or monster
contact Katarina at katarinagalvin@yahoo.com


Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Rikki's Refuge PRESENTS THE


OCTOBER 15, 2011 1-5 PM
              RAIN DATE OCT. 22ND
Admission tickets: $3 bought on line $5 at the door
              Game tickets: 1 per can of cat food or $.50 each

~ MEET VINCENT D. CAT AND ALL HIS FRIENDS!
        ~PLAY GAMES, WIN PRIZES, AND ENTER RAFFLES!
                ~FACE PAINTING, HAIR SALON, AND TATTOOS!
                             ~ $5 MASSAGES FOR THE ADULTS BY NORA ELDRIDGE
ALL PROCEEDS GO TO BENEFIT THE ANIMALS AT RIKKI’S REFUGE

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BUY TICKETS GO TO


VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
PLEASE CONTACT KATARINA AT KATARINAGALVIN@YAHOO.COM

RIKKI’S REFUGE IS A 367 ACRE , NO-KILL, MULTI SPECIES PEACEFUL SANCTUARY SUPPORTED SOLELY BY DONATIONS OF KIND AND LOVING INDIVIDUALS. The refuge is home to over 1200 animals of over 23 different species, including but not limited to cats, dogs, sheep, goats, rabbits, pigs, emus, chickens, ducks, geese, peacocks, horses, and more. Rikki’s Refuge provides a safe haven for sick, handicapped, abused, abandoned, and homeless animals.

Rikkis Refuge is owned and operated by Life Unlimited of Virginia, Inc., an IRS 501©(3) not-for –profit Virginia Corporation.  Federal Tax-ID 54-1911042. Your donations provide direct support.  A financial statement is available upon written request from the Virginia State Office of Consumer Affairs.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Good Morning Good News !!!! September 28, 2011

I’m Vincent D. Cat and here to make you happy! You are HEROES! You work hard every day and you deserve to smile every day! Those of you working to save us animals hear so very many very sad things. And there’s lots of very glad things too and that’s what we talk about here! All pawsitive all the time! I want my friends to be happy and smile and know there’s a lot of good - including YOU - in this world!! Be kind and pass it on! Please send me your Good New and Fun Stuff to share, personal or global. Let’s keep it fun and interactive!! After all, if we couldn’t laugh, we would all go insane! Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org

Wow!  Have I missed you!!!!
Fall is such a busy time of year, I haven’t had a chance to drop in and say HI. 

How are YOU?  I sure hope all is well in your world.

I promise I haven’t forgotten you and I haven’t dropped you from my friends list, it’s just been super busy.  So sorry I haven’t answered each of you individually - I’m working on it - honest - with thousands of emails a day it gets behind so very quickly!!

Here on Planet Earth, Northern Hemisphere it’s turned into autumn!  I used to get up with the chickens - now I have to get the chickens up!  It's spring in the southern hemisphere and you're getting more chicken time there!!  Which half are you in? Anybody right in the middle on the equator?



My friend Heba Cat Rady shares a quote
with us this morning: Basically we are all the same human beings with the same potential to be a good human being or a bad human being ... The important thing is to realize the positive side and try to increase that; realize the negative side and try to reduce. That's the way....." ~ Dalai Lama ~



Catnip Candy
my wonderful friend, one of the most kind and loving people you’ll ever meet.  Cat lover extraordinaire.  Compassionate lover of all animals and people.  Always there to lend a hand and help a paw.  Always smiling.  Candy brings out the sunshine just by her lovely happy voice on the phone.

My dear Candy has been extremely ill since before the cat show.  She’s been in the hospital, very, very sick.  Thanks to all of you praying along with me, she’s starting to feel a little bit better and improving daily.  Please keep up the prayers for a full and swift recovery.


The National Capital Cat Show
was a wonderful success!!!!  I got to kiss about 43,863 fans!!!!  Thank you all for coming out!!!  And thank you all who came and volunteered, especially Melissa and Fred who helped set up Friday night and worked all day Saturday and Sunday and Ron who worked all day Saturday and Sunday.  If you got a picture of you and me - I’ll get them out soon!!!!   I haven’t forgotten you !!!!


Teen CARE Party
Thanking all the teens who volunteered (only a few could make the party) all summer long to make Rikki’s Refuge a better place!!!!!


Charlottesville Vegetarian Festival
Was lots of fun.  Big thank you to Laurie, Gussie and Ron for setting up and working our booth all day.  And purrzzz to all of you who came by to love me !!!!!


Fall Furr Festival
Date: October 15
Time: 1 PM - 5 PM
Admission: $3 in advance $5 at the door
            Tours of the refuge, games, face painting, tattoos, massages, hayrides, and much more


Haunted Forest
Oct 22
Time: 6pm-9pm
Admission: $5 per person
            After dark the creatures of the woods come out to play…are you brave enough to enter? 





So Much More to Say !!!!
I’m gonna be quick and brief and I’ll give you details soon.  If I linger here typing too long somebody’s gonna come and holler for me to go clean litterboxes!!!


Remember Chiquita?
The crazy rescue that had to beat Hurricane Irene.  All is well and Chiquita is in her new home, thanks to Martha, Jenna, Martha (another wonderful Martha), an airplane trip and Tere.  Here’s Chiquita in her new home.
I’d say she looks happy, what do you think?


Remember Black Cat Appreciation day???
Five cats came to Rikki's - saved by those of you who care. The older black kitten was adopted out asap. The two younger kittens, including the little black gal who's picture drove this rescue, were a bit on the wild side. Guess what? They've now been adopted together to a wonderful forever home!!!!!
Mickey
Mickey is all ready to go to a new forever home. 
He’s negative for leukemia, fiv, all fixed up and ready! 
A real loving 18 month old gray and white. 
If he’ll fit in at your home please let us know.

Big Boy
Big Boy is all ready for a new forever home that’s not scared
of a big boy who tests positive for FIV.
He’s negative for leukemia, and fixed up!
Five or six years old, a beautiful guy.
Very loving and friendly.

Let me know if you’d like to meet them and take them home!  Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org


My brofurs Kiwi and Gibson
in their new forever home!!!!
Kiwi had lived at Rikki’s for several years before being selected as Patty & Andy’s new special family member.  Gibson came to Rikki’s so horribly injured that it took 18 months and many, many surgeries to heal him and have him ready for a new home.  Now they share a happy home together.  With alumni doggy Starr from Rikki’s and some other friends too!



It’s that time of the month again !
Board Meeting, Saturday October 1, 4 pm.  All you members submit your information for the outline NOW!!   Send it to mom at Kerry@RikkisRefuge.org  Mary is our of town and mom is really missing her !!!!



Answering that age old question
CAN a cat clean it’s own litterbox?



CLASSIFIEDS AND HELP WANTED
Need a very experienced, very reliable, very compassionate pet sitter? Between Gordonsville and Charlottesville Virginia, contact christiannrogersd@gmail.com   Christiann and Sarah Rogers

Lovely piano instructor in the Gordonsville - christiannrogersd@gmail.com  Christiann and Sarah Rogers --- friend of mine and wonderful person - great lessons, reasonably priced.

Remember to send me your coke rewards numbers too !!!! We get good things and even lots of things we can auction for $$$ to buy Fancy Feast !!!!  You can just send the numbers in an email - real simple.  No postage required.

Remember to save Purina weight circles from cat and dog food and mail to Rikki's Refuge !!!! We get lots of free nums for them!!! Thank you !!!!

YOU wonderful voters gave Rikki’s the mostest votes in week 7 of the Shelter Challenge and that won $1,000 for us.  Since you can only win one prize each go round, you all then started voting for our friends at Frog Pond Farm Draft Horse Rescue in OH.  They thank you tremendously for helping them to win $1,000 too.  It’s really nice when we can all help each other out!

Mike the goat who broke his leg the week of the earthquakes is doing great.  He went in last week for his check up.  They removed the cast, x-rayed and put on a new cast.  Next appt is four weeks and if he’s lucky the cast will be off.  It was a very serious break and he had to go to a specialist.  He’s got at least two more visits with the doc.  And he’s not allowed to get a job pulling carts till he’s all healed up.  In the mean time if you could help with his mounting vet bills we’d so much appreciate it.  www.rikkisrefuge.org/donate.php

Do you have CFC or CVC at work? If you do, please consider giving to Rikki's Refuge. We'll show up in your catalog as Life Unlimited of Virginia, Inc and our CFC number is 77674, and our CVC number is 3163 - it's a big help to know we have a check coming in every month!!! Thank you and please share with all your friends.

Thank you Kathy for helping on the CFC.  Thanks to all of you who provided testimonies, stories and pictures.  Most of the work is done.  A little more will be required after the end of the year, but the main package is finished !!!!  This is the one mom is usually fretting about and going crazy with the deadline in January!!

Shop at Kroger?  I just got more Kroger Kare Kards in  - it costs you NOTHING, Kroger donates a portion of their proceeds to us.  More info: http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2011/08/kroger-care-card.html

This Friday, Sept. 30, Wayne Pacelle, HSUS president & CEO, will be speaking in Charlottesville and signing copies of his best-selling book, The Bond: Our Kinship with Animals, Our Call to Defend Them. Wayne is an eloquent, charismatic, and inspiring speaker - one of the great minds of the animal protection movement. The talk will begin at 6pm at the UVA bookstore on 400 Emmet St South.  For more info, visit www.humanesociety.org/thebond

Hunting season is upon us.  We are still working on the perimeter trail at the refuge.  Please come out to help us clear paths and post signs and build fences.  Most any time works, just let us know so Joe’s on hand to show you where to work.  Got an atv or small off road vehicle?  You can use that! 

We still need folks willing to spend $28 to help save our woods and wetlands.  Our bills are seriously overdue and could be called at any moment.  http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2011/08/can-you-put-price-on-animals-head.html

Mom was able to pay some of the bills today and that leaves the bank account pretty much empty.  We’re behind on a number of items.  And it’s time to start stocking up for winter.  Food consumption is already up.  Can you possibly spare a few bucks for food, medications, vet visits and hopefully to fill that propane tank before we need the heat real bad?  We need every bit of help you can possibly spare.  Thank you so much for skipping that cup of coffee today, and giving to the animals  www.rikkisrefuge.org/donate.php

Thankfully we’re ok with dry cat and dog food.  Thank you Purina. 

Every other shelf in the pantry is about bare.  We’re in dire need of canned cat food, canned dog food, produce, especially oranges for the guinea pigs.

When we can scrape up the cash to buy daily laundry detergent, dish detergent, hand soap, bleach, paper towels and trash bags, we do, we have no cash to stock up.  Some days we've had to go without.  These items are so simple, yet so important to the welfare of the animals.

Here’s where you can check Lena’s shopping list any day to see what we need: http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2011/08/lenas-shopping-list_10.html

If you’re visiting this weekend - please grab something to bring with you.

Pumpkin Season is here !!!  Our beloved Catnip Pumpkin Candy is in the hospital and unable to coordinate picking up pumpkins right now.  We’re praying that she’ll be back in time for the big runs after Halloween.  In the mean time, if you know a pumpkin stand that will donate to us, or you can help load pumpkins, drive pumpkins (in your truck or van or suv or car), or unload pumpkins at the farm - please let Pumpkin Fred know  fred@z9a.com

Hope to see you this weekend!!  Saturday Donation Drop Off noon - 2 pm.  Sunday Tour at noon. 

I’ll try to keep better caught up so I can stay in touch more!!! 

Love,
Vincent
PS You tell me what you want! Email me at Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org with instructions to change your subscription: additions, deletions or modifications! Subscriptions:  Vincent’s VIPs - up to the second alerts about issues at Rikki’s Refuge for those who care and want to be intimately involved. Scheduled as needed. Good Morning Good News - a little something to get you going in the mornings, for those of you who want to keep smiling with us! Scheduled daily. Hairballs - so you know what’s coming up at Rikki’s! Scheduled weekly.

Rikki's Refuge, supported solely by private donations, houses over 1200 animals of 22 species. On line at http://bit.ly/Give-a-gift-to-Rikkis Checks, money orders, cash, items at Rikki's Refuge, PO Box 1357, Orange VA 22960

Rikki's Refuge is owned and operated by Life Unlimited of Virginia, Inc., an IRS 501(c)(3) not-for-profit Virginia Corporation, tax-id 54-1911042. Combined Federal Campaigns #77674, Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign #3163, PetsMart Charities #1377. A financial statement is available upon written request from the State Office of Consumer Affairs.

Learn more www.RikkisRefuge.org and help spread the good word, tell everyone you know about Rikki’s Refuge




Wednesday, September 07, 2011

September 8, 2011

RIKKI’S REFUGE 
       HAIRBALLS AND HAPPY TAILS
The newsletter of thanks from grateful animals 
to their beloved rescuers brought to you by

         Duke Thomas Peabody                             and                                    Vincent D. Cat





Building a
Better Planet

One Rescued
Animal
at a Time 




portraits compliments of artist Wayne H. Morris

You can make Duke’s and Vincent’s job easier 

We are the Happy Animals of Rikki’s Refuge
who so thank you for giving us the gift of our lives and the tools to build our Refuge.  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, let’s bow our heads in memory of 9/11

Everyone, of every species, at Rikki's wants to thank the brave men and women of every species who help keep us free day after day.  It’s a hard job and you put your life on the line for us.  Thank you!  Thank you everyone.

It’s hard to believe it’s the 10th anniversary, isn’t it?   My, how time flies.  How thankful I am for all of us who’ve been safe.  How sorry I am for those who haven’t.  Regardless of their species.





Meet and Greet Vincent at Dulles Expo Center
Saturday the 10th from 9 am - 5 pm and Sunday the 11th from 9 am - 4 pm
Kissing Booth
Get Your Photos with Vincent
Buy Christmas Ornaments Designed by the Animals
Rikki’s Wear T-Shirts and Sweat Shirts
Special Treats for your Pets
    Catnip Candy’s Cat Sacs
    Donna’s Doggy Pulls
    Natural Organic Doggy Treats - vegetarian available
Kitty Care Items - Doggy too!
    Vincent’s Favorite Pill Popper
     Best Litter Scooper Ever
Watch Vincent compete in the Agility Trials

All this and MORE at












Find out WHY Vincent wants to be on the label?
Click on Vincent on the Label of Fancy Feast above, and be sure to vote EXCELLENT!  You do that by clicking the cheezburger furthest to the right, the five cheezburger rating of excellent, you should see EXCELLENT when you hover over the right most cheezburger.

Tell ‘em what you think of Vincent and Lou Gato’s creation !!!!

Help Vincent tell Purina

Fancy Feast - NOT just for Fancy Cats !!!!


First round being pressed now!
Get your very own CD "Label of the Fancy Feast" delivered right to your door step. $20 donation  (foreign addresses please add shipping) http://rikkisrefuge.org/donate.php or mail to

Vincent the Rock Star
PO Box 1357
Orange VA 22960

...... Hurry this is a LIMITED edition !!!!
Be the first to own a first edition Vincent sings along .. Label of the Fancy Feast .. most sought after karaoke song!





When Disaster Strikes
Will we be ready?

The earthquake in Mineral, Virginia was only a few miles away.
It was a beautiful day, everything was going smoothly, we had no clue what was about to happen.  Suddenly a huge deep and loud growling sound erupted out of the earth.  We were all shaken up.  Real shaken up.  The humans and the animals alike. 

near the epicenter

damage great

and damage small

We are still being rattled by aftershocks.  27 times so far since the “big” one - we’ve been shook up.  And the fear of what comes next has crept into our bones.    more about the aftershocks

The building next door to Studio C, where Vincent had his Bissell photos taken, was damaged beyond repair.   watch the Levi Building coming down.

Two of our employees had damage to their homes.  Roads were blocked off by debris.  Grocery stores closed.  Post Offices closed. 

What would we have done if our local grocery and feed stores had been damaged bad enough to be closed?  With virtually no food, no supplies in reserve, living each day hand to mouth and hoping for enough donations to put food on the table .....  one day, just one day of not being able to get to the post office, to the bank, to the store .......  would mean certain disaster. 


And then came Irene
Thankfully the refuge was spared.  Moderate rain and heavy winds.  Nothing like our friends 50 miles away in Richmond.                                                                                                                                          Or in New York








Huge swaths from Virginia to Vermont were without power for over a week.  Many of our facebook friends kept up until their cell phone batteries died, then we waited to hear that they and their pets were ok.

Grocery stores were closed.  Where do you go to buy the days food for almost 1300 animals when trees are down, roads are closed, electricity is off, stores are closed?  Where?  What would we do?


Days Later Rain and Wind Whipped Through
Tearing Down Trees and Damaging Fences

Monday night an unexpected storm cam thru, dumping 3.4 inches of rain, causing huge rivulets of runoff, scouring out holes under fences and buildings, damaging the driveway.  50 + mph gusts of wind blew down trees, damaged fences, toppled climbing toys and shade covers.


The Need to Plan Ahead
These events of the last couple weeks have really driven home how urgent it is for us to plan ahead.  Especially as we’re headed into winter with possible snow and ice storms coming.

It’s just not OK for us to always be in a state of need, a state where, if donations don’t come in one day we’re short on supplies, a state where we worry terribly every month .... will we make it .... or will this be the month we begin to slide down hill on the way to closing like so many other sanctuaries, shelters, rescues are doing each month.

Thankfully the animals don’t live in fear every day of not having enough to eat, not having enough for medical care, of the fear of having to close.

Summer is always tough with donors and volunteers on vacation, busy with their own lives, not enough left over for their regular donations.  This summer has been particularly tough.  We have huge bills waiting that are demanding payment. 

We’ve barely made a dent in the Wildlife Legal Defense and Survey Fund.  Wouldn’t it be a shame to lose the land and the lives of the animals we fought so hard for because we can’t pay the bills?  A small fraction of the 1,000 people we’ve asked to contribute only $28 have been able to help.  Is there any chance you can help today?  Contribute Now

It costs $570 a day just to buy the food for all the animals.  Close to 1,300 animals of 22 species.  That’s a lot of eating.  No one’s being overfed.  We rarely have enough donations to have more than a day or two in stock.  I can hardly dream of the comfort I’d feel if we had a two week supply on hand in case of disaster.  Not just a two week supply to use up in two weeks.  But to be able to always have that two week security blanket.

A two week Security Blanket for all the animals would cost $7,980.  Do you have the means to survive two weeks without help?  Without your daily help, we don’t.  If you could spare even ONE DOLLAR to help us put that SECURITY BLANKET over the animals it would mean the world to us.

Only $6.14 would cover one animal with love and warmth for two weeks! 

Please help the animals, if it’s possible for you to spare even a little.
or
Rikki’s Refuge, PO Box 1357, Orange VA 22733

Thank you, thank you so much for every cent you are able to spare to help the animals.

 



Tommi’s Last Chance
Tommi was a shy and socially awkward 8 month old puppy when she came to Rikki’s Refuge. 

Dogs like Tommi rarely survive in the world of rescue.  They’re the sad stories.  The ones nobody could help.  The ones never chosen.  The ones left behind.  The ones never loved.  The ones left to die, to be put to death, and thrown out on the garbage heap.

Rikki’s Refuge is set apart from the rest because we exist to give dogs like Tommi another chance.  At Rikki’s, our dogs don’t have to perform for adoptors, they don’t have to “prove” their worth, they don’t have to die when no one takes them home.

At Rikki’s, dogs like Tommi live out their natural lives in comfort, peace and happiness, loved every day by our staff and volunteers. 

Judged only as a living being who deserves respect and life.

Tommi passed away Sunday morning after spending all but a few months of her 13 years, happy and loved at Rikki's Refuge.

She originally came as a group of four from the Fredericksburg SPCA, shy puppies, not able to be adopted. Until a week before her death she lead a very happy and healthy life. Though she rejected (wanted to eat) any roommate and had a kennel to herself, she seemed happy and enjoyed running and playing in her run and the playground.

Being half short lived giant doggy, St. Bernard, and half long lived smaller dog, beagle, 13 years was probably an expected average. She passed away from cancer.

Not one to remain idle, as soon as Lena returned from the burial, she said, "More doggies, please?"

Knowing what a struggle Beth's having at the Orange County Shelter in these times of little money and many animals being dumped and doing her darndest to remain no-kill --- and because we fully believe in working in our own backyard --- Lena's dreams were soon fulfilled.

Five new hounds are now happily playing at Rikki's. Our runs are huge, and though Tommi's personality necessitated she be the only occupant in her run, they are certainly large enough to save several lives at once.

The most personable of the gang is Moose, a great big huge adorable old bloodhound!! Just wait till you meet him.

All of these are candidates for adoption events. Mostly older hounds, but very lovable.  One is younger and even has excellent training, but hates living indoors.

Some may even make the grade to mascot. I'd love to see Moose running around. With a set of antlers around Christmas time ......

Your SUPPORT is what make it possible for us to save dogs like Tommi and Moose!  Thank you for SAVING LIVES!     






What Sets Black Cats Apart?
Did you know that the black cat is the last to get adopted from shelters?  Often they are not even put on display, but instead, sent straight to the euthanasia room? 

Why?

Superstition.  Fear.  Culture.  Lack of education.

At Rikki’s Refuge we believe all have a right to life, regardless of their color, their species or their age.

And so we set out to do something to bring awareness to the world, yes the entire world, about black cats.

Volunteer Wayne H. Morris (you’ve seen a lot of his art work at Rikki’s) began a social awareness campaign Black Cat Appreciation Day.
Click on the black cat to join the event!

In record time, this event on facebook had 35,000 followers and had been picked up worldwide!  People all over the planet were featuring black cats for adoption, dispelling the myths about black cats, saving the lives of black cats.

Shelters the world over had special promotions on Black Cat Appreciation Day, free and low cost adoptions, free or low cost speuters.

The event was promoted on facebook, on the news and here’s Wayne H. Morris speaking about it on radio!!!



This Kitten Was Featured
on by Black Cat Appreciation as in desperate need of a home.  She had “a short expiration” in a gassing shelter. 

You pulled together to save her and four of her friends.  Jenna drove most of the day and brought two black kitties and three others to Rikki’s Refuge, arriving in the dark of the night in the pouring rain, just so Rikki’s Refuge could save their little lives.

Sherry read about the rescue on Black Cat Appreciation, and came to Rikki’s that very night to adopt little black Jynx.  She reports in, “Hi, Vincent figured I would let you know how Jynx is doing. He seems to be doing really well, he loves to talk, is very playful, and a little speed demon - he is a flash running all over the place. Say hi to all the other animals for us (a special hello to Velcro from Taylor)”

These kitties are safely at Rikki’s Refuge now and are awaiting the purrfect adoptive home.

All the kitties are much happier now - these photos were taken at the high-kill shelter they were in.


Mac                                                                                            and Cheese - a pair of sisters that will never be separated.  Not after what they've been thru.  And you'd agree with me if you saw them clinging together.  Still a little on the wild side.  In need of a loving, understanding home, where they will be cherished forever.

Big Boy, the most gorgeous guy around!!!  Look at those tom cat jowls!!!  All “fixed” up and ready to go!  Big Boy does test positive for FIV.  Do your research - he’ll make a great companion.

Mickey is just the absolute love bug.  About a year and a half old, neutered male, double negative.

In addition to the five kitties rescued by Rikki’s Refuge thru this event, dozens of others were rescued by individuals and organizations across the globe.


Rikki’s Refuge, acting locally, teaching globally!!!

Thanks to your kind and generous DONATIONS !!!



There are 6 fun designs to choose from! Black Cat Appreciation Day! Get yours now! 100% of the profits go directly to Rikki's Refuge in Orange, VA to help save more kitties!

Click on your favorite design for details, or go to http://www.zazzle.com/katgal2005










Do You Prefer Dogs?
They get the same bad rap as black cats, and we’re working to help them too, click on the black dog to join the fight to save them.







You Ain’t Nothin’ But A Hound Dog
To many dogs like Navigator, being an old hound dog and being homeless is a recipe for not getting out of a shelter alive.

Lucky for Navigator and 40 dogs at a time, Rikki’s Refuge doesn’t care who your mom or your dad were, they just care that you need a home.  Many of our dogs are old hounds, many no longer “any good” at hunting or breeding.  Considered worthless.  Dumped at pounds and shelters.  Left to be put to death. 

The lucky ones, like Navigator, come to Rikki’s.   Here they learn what it’s like to be loved again.  Or loved for the first time for many.  Many spend the rest of their natural lives with us.  A few are chosen for adoption.

Navigator was one of the double lucky.  After three years at Rikki’s Refuge, Navigator was chosen as someone’s special doggy!!!  He’ll be living happily after with volunteer Cindy.

Your donations are what makes it possible for us to care for dogs like Navigator for three long years until their forever home is found!!!






Could We Beat the Clock to Save Chiquita?
Chiquita is a lovely gentle ten year old girl.  Loved by her family for 9 ½ years, she was foisted off on a friend when they moved.  The friend didn’t really want Chiquita, but took her in so her owners didn’t worry about what was to become of her.  Little did they know ......

Chiquita fell in love with the man of the household. And he with her.  They were inseparable.  But the lady of the house didn’t like that.  She was jealous of the attention Chiquita got from HER man.  She was mean to Chiquita.   Yes, to an innocent, loving, gentle, little kitty.

It will take some time and love before Chiquita doesn’t cringe when you reach to pat her.  Especially women.

The saddest thing in the world is to see an animal cringe fearing she’ll be hit again. 

Never never again Chiquita. 

Chiquita’s rescue was a difficult one.  We’d asked the owners to keep her until Rikki’s Refuge had room available and while we looked for a new home.  We found a foster in Norfolk and arrangements were made to pick her up on a Friday.  It turned out to be Irene Weekend and our volunteer and friend in Norfolk had to evacuate with her pets and couldn’t make the trip to DC that day. 

She asked if the owner, who’d been threatening repeatedly to kill poor Chiquita, would keep her until Tuesday.  NO, was the instant reply.  It was after 1 pm on Thursday and if that “beast” wasn’t out of her house by 6 pm that very day she’d kill her.

Impossible for our Norfolk person to make it to DC to save Chiquita.  Would this poor animal be killed before Rikki’s could scramble and find someone else close enough to get to her in time? 

NO, lucky for Chiquita, Martha was in the DC area and leapt in her car and rushed to save Chiquita.  As soon as the call came in that Chiquita was safely in Martha’s car, the dozen of us working on saving Chiquita let out a deep sigh of relief!

Another kitty saved!!!  Chiquita is waiting transportation to Michigan to her new forever home, where she will be loved and cherished for, we hope, another ten years!





From Vincent D. Cat
I need your help. Mom's working on getting us approved for International CFC and working on some other grants now too. We need YOUR testimony.

How do you see Rikki's Refuge benefiting HOOMANS?

How do you see Rikki's Refuge benefiting the PLANET?

Finish the sentence, "To ME Rikki's Refuge means ....."

Answer all three or just one. A few words. A sentence. A paragraph. A story. Tell me now!!!!  Please email me Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org.




Good Safe Solid Reverse Mortgage

Need a GOOD SAFE SOLID reverse mortgage, secured by HUD, no shenanigans, low interest rate, Bob will hold your hand all the way thru.

You need to own your home,
be 62 years old or older,
and in the USA.

If you're in an area Bob can't take care of you, he'll tell you who can.

Big thanks to Bob for making this happen while my grandpa is sailing all over the world. If you or your parents or grandparents need some money, the HUD secured Reverse Mortgage is the best in the biz now and Bob Adams is the best guy in the biz!!!

Click https://lo.mlhl.com/readams/about_me.html  and then contact him and tell him Vincent from Rikki's Refuge sent you.  Happy sailing!



Good News for Callie’s Cats
Three cats desperately in need of a place to stay until November!!!  

Thanks to Rikki’s Refuge, these kitties are safe and sound, being cared for by one of our friends!

One more way Rikki’s Refuge saves lives and provides Happy Tails!!!


Animal lovers
are a special breed of humans, generous of spirit, full of empathy, perhaps a little prone to sentimentality, and with hearts as big as a cloudless sky ~ John Grogan


Looking for a job?
Orange County Animal Shelter (Virginia, right down the road from Rikki's) is hiring two part time positions 540-672-1124 if interested.

Rikki’s Refuge is hiring one full time position, 540-854-0870 x8 if interested.


Learn how Martha the Pig got HIS name?
Artist, composer and musician Leon Thompson of Leon's Auto Parts in Leon, Virginia (near Culpeper, best parts place around!) tells why he outbid everybody to win the Name that Pig contest!!!

Despite being a boar (boy pig) Martha loves her name and comes when called!!




F  R  I  E  N  D  S
(F)ight for you. (R)espect you. (I)nvolve you. (E)ncourage you. (N)eed you. (D)eserve you. (S)ave you.

YOU are my FRIENDS!!!!


I'm on my way to the Cat Show - I hope you are too!!!!

LOVE,
VINCENT
September 8, 2011

PS: Please help me, I need YOU to keep the Refuge Running.


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.  To learn more about Rikki's Refuge go to http://www.rikkisrefuge.org/, http://www.rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/, and http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge . 

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.paypal.com/ and use our email address of mail@rikkisrefuge.org .  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.