Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Can You Put a Price on an Animals Head?

Is 297 acres of pristine woods and wetlands worth $28 to you ?

That's all it takes.  Only 1,000 people each donating $28 will cover the cost we've had to spend to save our woods and wetlands for the wild animals.

If you can't donate $28, would you please share the message for free?


Hello my beloved FRIENDS, wonderful lovers and protectors of all animals, great and small, wild and tame,

Our wildlife need your help to save their 297 acres of untouched wild woodland and wetland habitat.

Like YOU, we believe the wild animals deserve to keep their home. So despite the huge cost, we fought hard to save the woods and wetlands at Rikki's for their rightful owners, the wildlife.

We fought to prevent a logging road from being cut right over a beaver pond and thru the woods. We fought to stop encroachment, hunting and harassment of the wild animals.

Now we’re over our heads in survey and legal fees and bills that were necessary to save this pristine wild habitat for it's rightful owners.

It’s been a hard battle to win and it’s cost a huge amount of money, but it’s been worth it!!

And now the debt must be paid, or the wild animals will again be at risk.

On August 14th we will be celebrating our 13th year of Rikki’s Refuge!!!

Please come our our Birthday Party Open House from noon - 4 pm on Aug 14th and meet the animals who YOU gave the gift of life, peace and happiness. Tours, entertainment and fun. www.RikkisRefuge.org

13 years of saving countless animals. You’ve made it all possible!! Help us clear this debt by August 14th.

I am asking my friends and family to help me raise $28,976.16 for the Wildlife Legal Defense and Survey Fund.

Please consider giving to my Wish for Rikki's Refuge 13th Birthday, and together we can be proud that we gave the wild animals forever rights to their pristine woods and wetlands.

If you can't give now, I do understand, and you can still help in a big way, I'd really appreciate if you'd share this page with all your friends, acquaintances, co-workers, family. Please post on Facebook and your other social sites, tweet it, blog it ..... help spread the word wide and far .... the more people helping the animals, the smaller the burden on each of us.

Thank you so much,
I love you,
Vincent D. Cat
I'm asking for $28,
I understand if you can't. 
Would you please share the message for free?


If you prefer to donate thru paypal: Save The Wildlife
Or by check, Rikki's Refuge, PO Box 1357, Orange VA 22960

August 10, 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. 



Welcome to my great new Tree House !!!!


SO I'M HAVING A HOUSE WARMING PARTY !!!!


13th Anniversary Party at Rikki’s Refuge
Open House!!
SUNDAY, 14 AUGUST 2011

OPEN HOUSE:  12–4 PM, Party Refreshments for all!

Admission:  3 or more cans of cat food per person (MORE IS BETTER!)

Music by Greg Allen (eclectoplasmacoustic folk’nrock)

Magical Magic Show by The Great Baldo Baldini

Feed and pet critters ranging from sassy pygmy goats to adorable cats

Refuge tours every half hour (12:30 – 3:30 PM)

Children’s Craft Corner, games, and face painting

RIKKI’S REFUGE, 10910 BARR LANE, RAPIDAN (ORANGE COUNTY), VA 22733

Outdoor tours are up close and personal with our CRITTERS; dress accordingly!!!

Visit Vincent in his new Tree House !!!



Is 297 acres of pristine woods and wetlands worth $28 to you ?

My Birthday Wish for Rikki's Refuge is to save the woods and wetlands. Read More








Recycling 
makes a difference to the planet .....
and now it makes a difference to 
Rikki's Refuge too !!!

With your help yesterday's soda or beer 
is today's Fancy Feast !





We added our 23rd species 
over the weekend.  Parakeets, including ittsy bitsy babies.  14 in all.  4 have adoption offers on them.  Anybody need a new birdie (two minimum)?  Cats need NOT reply!!!

Serious inquiries?  Kerry@RikkisRefuge.org






Will Iguana IGGY the have to pay EXCISE TAX on her SUNLAMP??












These kitties, Elvis, Patsy and June, 3 year old healthy siblings need a place to stay until November first.  Can you open your heart to some fine furry house guests?

Details Here

 



Meet Vincent D. Cat at the National Capital Cat Show at the Dulles Expo Center, Saturday September 10th, 

9 am - 5 pm and Sunday the 11th 9 am - 4 pm.
More Info and Directions

Visit Rikki's Booth
Kiss and Hug Vincent
Adoptable kitties
Rikki's Wear
Cool things for your kitties and doggies
Paintings and Christmas Ornaments created by the animals of Rikki's Refuge 
Lots of Crafts & Fun
Click to Meet the Animal Artists!


Will Vincent win the Agility course this year?  Be there to cheer him to the Finish Line!





  


VOTE for VARIETY!!!
Rikki’s supports 22 23 species of critters
..... and counting ....!!!!
Voting to win Prize Money for Rikki’s is just like Donating!
just FREE !!!
vote every day thru September 18th
in the Animal Rescue Site Shelter Challenge
  and enter USA , VA, Rikkis Refuge
The shelter with the most votes wins the most money !!!
It’s a SNAP and it’s quick, simple, and free !!
Your daily vote can win $1, 000 - $5, 000 for Rikki’s Refuge’s Animals!



The BEST gift you can give your dog all summer!




$10.95 plus $1.95 shipping per piece.
Total with shipping per piece is $12.90.


The "West End" of Alexandria traditional 
Mile Long Yard Sale
·  Where: Taney Ave & N Pickett St, Alexandria, VA 22304
·  Date: September 17, 2011
·  Time: 8:30am–2:00pm
·  Help Rikki’s:  Catnip Candy paulcandy214@verizon.net
·  Shop: Be There!!




The Bearded Boys are Kerry's son James, and brother Kirk !!!!








LEARN HOW?












Sneak a Peek at
and see what the animals are shopping for this week
Donation Drop off Noon - 2 pm every Saturday !!!

Canned cat and dog food, laundry and dish detergent, bleach, paper towels, trash bags, and more ....  check the list !!


Things are in a jumble at Rikki's Refuge!

Thank you for your love and support. 
Together we’re making a marvelous difference!!!

LOVE,
VINCENT
August 10, 2011
PS: Please help me, I’ll try anything to keep the Refuge Running. I need your continued support.


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.













Vincent's New Tree House


My Tree House is way COOL !!!

I love my tree house!!!!

A while back, Vincent D. Cat asked Ron Herfurth, Rikki's Director of Serving Cats, for a tree house of his very own. He'd even picked out the plans and submitted them to Ron. Ron went on a mystery vacation 
 
 









and when he came back .....



Vincent reviews the plans to make sure his new
Tree House is just purrfect!


Breakfast nook is right where it belongs. 
Hey, anybody got some Fancy Feast so I can try it out?












Living room is centrally located and purrfect.





 Hey!!!! Do I watch you take a bath in your new tub?

 













 Loft is a quick hop upstairs.
Ahh the sun room .....  







   




And even a back door!













 THANK YOU RON !!!

Callie's Cats Need Help !

Can you help out for a couple of months here?  I've received this plea for help at Rikki's Refuge and we are unable to help right now.  We're full to our legal limit and cannot take on any more cats.  If you can help this kitty owner, you'll find her email contact information at the end of her note.  I don't know any more information than what's in her note below.

Elvis is on the left on his back, 
Patsy in the striped gal in the middle, and 
June is on the right, giving the evil eye

Hello,
I am the proud owner of 3 lovely cats who I rescued 3 years ago, they were found on the side of the road and were from the same litter. 

I have just gotten a job in Switzerland but am unable to take them with me for the first 2 months because I will not have my own place initially, it is a corporate place, and it is a bit hot to ship them right now. 

I am looking for someone who is trustworthy to foster Elvis, Patsy and June until November 1st when I can come back to the Fairfax area and fly them to Geneva with me. 

I will pay for their food and litter and any other expenses. Their rabies and all cat shots are up to date and they are good little critters. They have claws, but don't really use them. I am desperate, and have checked with EVERYONE I know personally including all family members and they are unwilling to help me out. 

I am not giving them up, I just need a temporary place for them to stay that is safe. Please let me know if you all know of anyone who can help me out. I would even be willing to give a stipend per month. (Elvis is on the left on his back, Patsy in the striped gal in the middle, and June is on the right, giving the evil eye)
Thank you,
Callie 



Help Straighten Us Out !!!

Things are in a jumble at Rikki's Refuge!

Can YOU help straighten us out?

Online jigsaw puzzles from JigsawSite.com

We've organized the cats ....

... now I need your help organizing the pantry!

I went to Border's Book fixture sale last night and I have a bunch of really good sturdy sets of shelves on hold. They are really nice expensive stainless steel professional quality shelving sets.

Rikki's can really use these in the Animal Pantry to keep their food nice and neat and off the floor and away from mice and things.

It's more money that I can afford all by myself, can you help me raise the money for Rikki's Refuge to have this great and much needed gift?

Thank you, Melissa and Rikki's Alumni Anya 























Hairballs - Template

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. 



Table of Contents 
          easily skip to your favorite parts!







Thank you for your love and support. 
Together we’re making a marvelous difference!!!

LOVE,
VINCENT
February 9, 2011

PS: Please help me, I’ll try anything to keep the Refuge Running. I need your continued support.


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.














Siberian Tigers for adoption

We added our 23rd species over the weekend.  Parakeets, including ittsy bitsy babies.  14 in all.  4 have adoption offers on them.  Anybody need a new birdie (two minimum)?  Cats need NOT reply!!!

Now we're ready for species #24 - please see email below.  I've given them our banking information so they can verify us, wire transfer the adoption fee and shipping fee, and send our Siberian Tigers kits out asap.

Kerry


    *From:* Xian Lee
    *To:* undisclosed recipients:
    *Sent:* Monday, August 08, 2011 2:32 PM
    *Subject:* [SPAM] SIBERIAN TIGERS



    Hello,
    Nice to get your contact.I have Siberian tigers called Chikito and
    Niky which are available for sale. I shall be giving them out for
    adoption only to reliable and responsible families that will assure
    me that they will spoil them with love and care and also to take
    care of their welfare and living. I am therefore looking for a great
    home that will adopt any of the babies (Chikito and Niky), make them
    their own as they have always been with me.

    I have raised the babies from birth as their mother died when they
    were two weeks old . I think letting them stay here all by
    themselves while I carry on with my new job assignment will not be a
    good idea ,since there will be no one to look after their demands.
    That is the main reason why i am letting them to a loving family
    that will be able to make out time for them. All I am looking for
    now is a family really serious and who will be there for the babies.
    I cannot really know how you are going to treat My babies, as I will
    not be there to see how you go on with them but I want to leave you
    to your conscience therefore.

    I will need you to assure me therefore of your commitment to the
    babies welfare and living as cubs can consume much daily.Take note I
    am so attached to them in a way that we feel hurt when they are not
    happy. I will not just let the babies go to anyone but to some one
    responsible and that I can really rely on. So where are you located?
    How much knowledge do you have taking care of pets and a tiger
    especially a Siberian tiger ? Do you have kids and do they love
    pets,especially tigers. will you be able to afford their cost of
    living? Again, am just worried about your age. I think you are young
    to adopt a tiger.

    I will really like to know because I want to let you know in no
    circumstance will we let Chikito and Niky go to anyone who cannot
    cater for them. I will therefore be waiting to read from you with
    detail answers to these questions above as they will determine
    whether you will be able to adopt any of the babies or not.
    The babies are 16 weeks old, could live for about 15 years, have not
    been nurtured but could be at the request of their prospective
    parents. My babies are AKC registered, Weigh about 150 Pounds each
    and could be about 1025 Pounds when full grown,They are also current
    on shorts and vaccines, will be going out with a year health
    guarantee, all required adoption papers, cites permits, a new
    ownership certificate prepared to the name of the prospective
    parent, together with a 25 page booklet I have prepared to ease
    their prospective parents take proper care of the babies as soon as
    they have them. Among these four adorable babies, Chikito is a
    female while Niky is a male.

    These adorable babies have all their health and adoption paper which
    free them from being held for Quarantine. These means they are free
    to be transported to any part of the world .

    Talking about my self, I move from Shanghai,China and just relocated
    to Dakar, Senegal for a job assignment to work with a Christian
    Mission association aimed at spreading Christianity here is Senegal
    as the only religion here is Islam and also I have to head a newly
    created orphanage opened by my church .

    I would have loved to have the babies leave here with me but my job
    is very demanding, My new home has not got enough space for the
    babies to play and . I really want the babies to go to any loving
    and caring home that will spoil them with much love and care that I
    can no longer provide for them because of my job responsibilities
    and home space.

    Transporting them over to you will not be any problem because I have
    all the papers for the babies and also that I will contact the best
    delivery agency that can have the babies at your home any time you
    are ready to have them.

    I will be waiting to read from you soon and you can send your reply
    at xianlee25@yahoo.com as my regular id

    Rev. Xian Lee.
    Presbyterian Church
    Dakar,Senegal
    +221765196177

DOES IGGY the IGUANA have to pay EXCISE TAX ON HER SUNLAMP??????

Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax 2011

Part V

14a Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the tax year?

14b  If "Yes," has it filed a Form 720 to report these payments? If "No," provide an explanation in Schedule O.


Form 720 Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return

Part II

IRS No. Rate Tax IRS No.
41       Sport fishing equipment (other than fishing rods and fishing poles)
110     Fishing rods and fishing poles
42       Electric outboard motors
114     Fishing tackle boxes
44       Bows, quivers, broadheads, and points
106     Arrow shafts 106
140     Indoor tanning services
64       Inland waterways fuel use tax
125     LUST tax on inland waterways fuel use
51       Alcohol and cellulosic biofuel sold as but not used as fuel
117     Biodiesel sold as but not used as fuel


SO NOW I REFER TO THE INSTRUCTIONS, STILL IN AWE THAT THERE'S AN EXTRA TAX ON TANNING?  AND WONDERING - DOES THIS INCLUDE IGGY'S SUN LAMP????  AM I GOING TO HAVE TO RAISE THE COST OF CARE FOR IGUANAS?

Form 720 Instructions
Indoor Tanning Services Tax

Indoor tanning services (IRS No. 140).

For indoor tanning services paid for after June 30, 2010, the tax is 10% of the amount paid. The tax is paid by the person paying for the indoor tanning services and is collected by the person receiving payment for the indoor tanning services.

Who Must File
The person receiving the payment for indoor tanning services (collector) must collect and submit the tax and file the return. If the collector does not collect the tax for any reason, the collector is liable for the tax. Enter the amount of tax collected (or due from the collector for failing to collect the tax) for the quarter.

Definition of indoor tanning services.
Indoor tanning service means a service employing any electronic product designed to incorporate one or more ultraviolet lamps and intended for the irradiation of an individual by ultraviolet radiation, with wavelengths in air between 200 and 400 nanometers, to induce skin tanning. The term does not include phototherapy service performed by, and on the premises of, a licensed medical professional (such as a dermatologist, psychologist, or registered nurse). See regulations section 49.5000B-1T for more information.


WTF?????   10% federal excise tax to get tanned if you don't want to do it outdoors????   Is there any logic anyone can think of to this????   How does it fit in the category with fishing rods, arrows and fuel?????

What dem smokin' in DC, mon?

And what non-profit is collecting money for indoor tanning?????


Will we get taxed for outdoor tanning next year????  Using more than YOUR fair share of the sun????


Does anyone find this as weird as I do????

On a good note, a really good note, I transmitted the final essay parts of the 990 to our wonderful accountant Troy Oakes this morning and he said he's got it all under control and I'll meet with him Friday to pick up the return, it must be in the mail by Monday !!!

If you ever need a WONDERFUL WONDERFUL accountant, personal, business, you name it.  Call Troy Oakes 540-371-1300.  Troy's office is in Fredericksburg, VA, USA but I imagine working with email he can help you from anywhere!!!  Though likely only USA for filing any tax forms.