Thursday, November 28, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving from all of US!!!! November 28, 2013


Thank you for saving lives!!!
Love, Opie




Black Friday Food Bowl Buster - 20% Off All Donations !!!

20% Off Your Donation Shopping at Rikki's From NOW thru Midnight 11/29 Black Friday, we've got the best shopping idea ever. ALL donations -- no caps my friends -- ALL donations -- are topped with 20% .... YOU donate $80 and our Black Friday Donor drops in $20 .... The animals get FEED $100 of food !!!! Is this cool or what?? Spread the word .... Feed 'em all !!! www.RikkisRefuge.org/donate

OH MY GOSH !!!!!   Rikki’s 20% off Donations Shopping Spree just got BETTER !!!!   How many folks on your Christmas list?  Tired of shopping, spending money on gas or postage, fighting over parking spots, getting mugged in malls?  Well ....  Look what we’ve got for YOU today, donations of $25 or more will get an email Christmas card from Rikki’s (or Thanksgiving if you prefer, just let us know which), tell us who it’s for, anything special you’d like us to say from you, their name and email address ... we’ll take care of the rest ....   AND it still qualifies for the 20% Off Your Donation Shopping at Rikki's From NOW thru Midnight 11/29 Black Friday, we've got the best shopping idea ever. ALL donations -- no caps my friends -- ALL donations -- are topped with 20% .... YOU donate $80 and our Black Friday Donor drops in $20 .... The animals get FEED $100 of food !!!! Is this cool or what?? Spread the word .... Feed 'em all !!!   AND get your Christmas Shopping ALL DONE TODAY with no trouble, no hassle !!!   Can you possibly think of a better gift to give someone than saving a life in their honor?    www.RikkisRefuge.org/donate



Don’t forget to VOTE today !!!!!
Click on Vincent to cast your vote for Rikkis Refuge, VA, USA .....  be a winner for the animals !!!! 

Your daily vote is very much needed.

I'm thankful for my friends, for the hoomans who take care of me, the staff, the volunteers, the donors, all you who make it possible for us 1300 critters of 22 species at Rikki's to be alive today -- cuz without you, something very bad would have happened to all of us. I'm thankful for all of you who care about us, all of you who have rescued one of our distant cousins somewhere, all of you who have opened your home to someone homeless ... thank you. Love, Opie and Timmy


Love you bunches,
           Opie
I hope you have a great Thanksgiving Day !!


Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Good Morning Good News !!!! November 20, 2013

Online jigsaw puzzles from JigsawSite.com

Nums for YOU !!!!

YOU always work so hard to feed us.  

Now we’re going to feed YOU. 

Me and Duke and everybody here is gonna make Thanksgiving Dinner just for YOU !!! 

Of course we aren’t gonna cook each other up ... so it’s gonna be vegetarian.  Since we aren’t the bestest of cooks ....  you just might want to bring a vegetarian pot luck dish too !!!   I make a spectacular Fancy Feast over toast triangles ... but mom’s outlawed it for the day...  cuz Fancy Feast ain’t vegetarian nuf for her !!!  Poo .... 

We gotz lots of great hooman chefs helping out too ....  Mariza and Melissa and Nora and more ....  so please sign up to come.  

Saturday, November 23, doors open as 3 pm, we plan to start eatin about 4 pm and eat as long as we can .....   and I can eat a long long time .... 

Let us know if you’d like to come so we have an idea of how much food to make ...   RSVP here mail@RikkisRefuge.org

Our Thanksgiving Feast with the animals (not on our plates) ... will be at our Education Center, right next to the Sanctuary.

Hope YOU’re coming ! 


 

Don’t forget to VOTE today !!!!!
Click on Vincent to cast your vote for Rikkis Refuge, VA, USA .....  be a winner for the animals !!!! 

Your daily vote is very much needed.





Morning !!! 
How are you my friends?  Brrrr  ....  I am thinkin winter just might be here.  What you think?   
 Mom and me took a walk down to Rainbow Bridge last night.  We were talking and she started telling me about the times before me at Rikki’s ....  what it was like in the early days .... and how many wonderful folks came together to make it possible .... and about what it takes to keep making it possible ....

.....  I ran inside and got my note book and started scratching out notes .....   I’m gonna share the story of Rikki’s Refuge ....  15 Years in the Making ... 

If you know mom, you know how she can just start talkin and tellin stories about Rikki’s.  I think she loves to talk about Rikki’s.  I think she loves Rikki’s!  I know she loves me !! 

Anyway, I’m gonna break up the story into parts, cuz she shouldn’t get more space in MY Good Morning Good News than I do, now should she?   Can’t be havin the hoomans taking over now can we?


Rikki’s Refuge ....  15 Years in the Making    ....    Part I


November, 2013 ..... 

The work to turn this piece of rural land into a sanctuary for thousands of animals all began this time of year in 1998. 

In November of 1998 a few of you were there, by my side, helping to clear the thick hairy vines of poison ivy that had taken over every building on the property, every tree, every pile of junk and garbage that lay in mounds all around. 

Who knew what we’d find under the mound we tackled?  We found the great big purple barn under the biggest one. 


But it wasn’t purple yet, and it had oodles of holes in walls.  And once cleared, it became the home to the stray dogs and cats and chickens who roamed the property.  These dogs and cats and chickens would become our first official residents as we caught them, got them vetted and healthy, and they learned what it meant to be taken care of. 


Remember all that itching and scratching we did uncovering pile after pile?  I don’t think there was a volunteer in the early days without some form of poison ivy patches .... the official ivy, the poison sumac that itched 10 times worse.  And yet you kept coming back.  You could see that dream of a home where thousands of animals would find love, peace and happiness. 

How many of you wielded your first hammer at that land known as the sanctuary-to-be?  Smashed your fingers there? 

Cut your teeth on power saws and your hands on fencing? 

Tired, frustrated, wet from the rain, sun-burnt on blistering days, your hands and feet frozen on cold days.

Yet day after day you came back.  Yes, you were the minority.  I know you remember the frustration of meeting that new volunteer wannabe, the one so excited about saving animals; the one you spent valuable work time showing around and telling all about the dream, about how we were getting there; about the hard work ahead to make it real; just to have them turn around and laugh and tell you what a waste of time, you’d never be able to do it, it was too much work.

 

I remember your dedication; to wash up, to bandage up, to get back to work ... and to smile and to see that your effort was making the dream for the animals materialize.  You knew something as wonderful, something as vast as we had planned, wasn’t just going to happen, it had to be created, it had to be worked for.  And so day after day, no matter how tired, how achy, how itchy, you worked on. 

I remember celebrating our 100th animal saved.  Our 1,000th.   Today, at our 15 year mark, we’re very close to having saved 5,000 animals. 

........

We’ll hear more from mom next time about the old old days .....  

And in the mean time would you help me by making a donation in honor of those early souls who helped build Rikki's literally from the ground up.  I mean Rikki’s is MY home ....  so you know what most shelters would have done to me?   And without these folks .... well ....  I wouldn’t be here writing to you.

Your donation TODAY will enable the Refuge to move past that 5,000th animal … toward 10,000. 

Thank YOU for saving lives -- we absolutely cannot continue to save lives without YOUR support !!

On line donations are easy at www.RikkisRefuge.org/Donate  you can even sign up for a life saving monthly recurring donation!!!

I’m always happy to hear the check is in the mail!  Rikki’s Refuge, PO Box 1357, Orange VA 22960

Credit cards are accepted on line at www.RikkisRefuge.org/Donate or over the phone. 

You can call me directly at 540-395-3339 to make sure your credit info is kept confidential.


THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME TO SAVE SO MANY LIVES
... with your support we’re able to help so many into their new furrever happy homes ....  and to give that life long home to those not quite so fortunate ...  Thank you for your support
Without YOU none of us would be breathing today !!

I Love you bunches,
           Opie






Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Good Morning Good News !!!! November 13, 2013




I gotz a sadz today

Wendy the Beagle died Monday; Veteran's Day, 2013.

Wendy's story is a typical, yet poignant example of why sanctuaries like Rikki's Refuge are so important to America's companion animals.  Rikki's is an oasis of love and kindness in the often cold-hearted, throw away society we currently live in.  It is a place where the unwanted and abandoned will be cared for no matter who they are or what shape they are in.

Wendy arrived at the Refuge in April of this year, not long after her owner died and no one else wanted to take her in. She was considered too old to be adopted, to much of a burden for her owner's family to keep her. Luckily, she found her way to Rikki's, and learned what unconditional love and acceptance was all about. She was a happy, sweet beagle, and was treasured by her run mates Jack the beagle mix and Boomer the corgi mix.

The two things Wendy loved most in life was a good back scratch and getting treats. Many treats!  In fact, the afternoon of Veteran's Day she greeted people at her gate in the usual way -- a slow walk, a tail wag and an excited face. A promise of treats and a pat on the head were the comforting last words she received. When the bag of treats finally made it to her run, Jack was barking frantically but no Wendy appeared. She was found in her favorite dog igloo, catching her last nap, no doubt dreaming of the promised treat, when Rainbow Bridge called her name.
 
Without YOU someone else just like Wendy will die abandoned, alone and unloved in a shelter.  YOUR donation will make it possible for someone to to fill Wendy's place at Rikki's Refuge, to be loved and to have a happy retirement home for as long as they need?  Will YOU please help?   http://rikkisrefuge.org/donate.php

I want YOU to vote today !
Click on Vincent to cast your vote for Rikkis Refuge, VA, USA .....  be a winner for the animals !!!!
Your daily vote is very much needed.


Nature Appreciation Day, November 16, 2013, Saturday
Sign up for one ... two ... or all three events  !!!
See every part of Rikki’s Refuge 450 acre no kill sanctuary in one day ....  rarely do all events fall on the SAME DAY !!!!     Tour: noon; Hike: 2 pm; Full Moon Walk: 5 pm     Must get ticket(s) in advance, limited space (can’t have too many hoomans in the porta potty at the same time), request your ticket application NOW ...   mail@Rikkisrefuge.org   Ticket sales closed when full or Noon on Friday, which ever comes first.


Run for the Animals !!!!
Rikki's 5K Run/Walk will be held at Chancellor High School on Saturday, November 16, 2013.
The entry cost is $25.00 pre registration or $25.00 and a can of cat/dog food on race day.
Registration will be from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM.    The race will begin at 9:00 AM.
Entry forms can be picked up at Virginia Runner in Fredericksburg.
For a mailed entry contact Dennis Bane at 540-207-2829 or email request to bugbane30@gmail.com
Completed pre entry forms should be mailed to:  Dennis Bane, 32100 Constitution Hwy, Locust Grove, Virginia 22508    Checks should be made to Rikki's Refuge.    All runners/walkers will receive a T-shirt and the top 3 in each age group will receive a medal. Any questions please email or call. A special thanks to Virginia Runner, Ed's Awards, Patterson's equipment and The REACH Program for sponsoring the Race.


Talula's Downtown Scavenger Hunt

By Nancy Guinn of Dog Krazy
     http://www.shop.dogkrazy.com/Talulas-Downtown-Scavenger-Hunt-Rikkis.htm

Talula's Downtown Scavenger Hunt is in honor of our beagle Talula that we lost on October 6, 2013 to Hemangiosarcoma. She was the first dog I ever rescued and was the first paw print imprinted on my heart.

When I think of Talula I also think of my good friend Melissa and her love of beagles. She volunteers for Rikki's Refuge and was one of Talula's biggest fans.

Melissa has been helping animals for years and years. She has dedicated her life to taking care of senior dogs and takes in dogs that would be nearly impossible to place in forever homes. She is an amazing person and Rikki's is so lucky to have her as a supporter.

The proceeds from this scavenger hunt will go to Rikki's Refuge in honor of Melissa, and Talula. Two amazing souls that have made such an impact on my life.

You can register for the scavenger hunt on line http://www.shop.dogkrazy.com/Talulas-Downtown-Scavenger-Hunt-Rikkis.htm   or at Dog Krazy in downtown Fredericksburg, VA, USA.

Register on line and get the clues EARLY ......

The first five people to complete the hunt with all the correct answers will receive prizes from Dog Krazy and other local businesses.    HURRY and sign up !!!

You are welcome to bring your dogs down for the scavenger hunt.

The fee is $10 and the hunt is on November 16th.

Look forward to seeing you all downtown!








Can you help Opie?

He's looking for helpers to wrap gifts for donations for the Refuge.  Rikki's volunteers will be at Barnes & Noble in Fredericksburg VA (USA) on Saturday, December 21, 2013; Sunday, December 22, 2013; and Monday, December 23, 2013.  This is at 1220 Carl D. Silver Pwky, in Central Park.

We would be delighted to have you come help.  You don't need to bring anything - Barnes & Noble supplies everything!  If so, please sign up for one of the following time shifts.  If you can't do a full shift, let us know any hours you can help out.  We have to have two people there at all times, so we need several helpers.


Saturday, December 21  -- noon to 4pm and 4pm to 9pm
               or possibly 10 pm - the store closes at ten and
               we can stay that late if we want.)  What a
               chance for night owls to help!
Sunday, December 22  -- noon to 4pm
Monday, December 23 -- 4pm to 6:30pm and
               -- 6:30pm to 9pm (or 10pm)

 

All you need to do is send an e-mail to Mary at Oliverequine@aol.com or to mail@RikkisRefuge.org  Please put "B&N gift wrap" in the subject spot, so we don't miss you.

If you can't come, Opie wants to remind you that you can go to http://RikkisRefuge.org/Donate.php to send him a Christmas Gift !!  Remember, even $1.00 will feed a meal to somebody at Rikki's, and we have 1300 hungry animals!





THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME TO SAVE SO MANY LIVES
... with your support we’re able to help so many into their new furrever happy homes ....  and to give that life long home to those not quite so fortunate ...  Thank you for your support
Without YOU none of us would be breathing today !!

Love you bunches,
           Opie
I hope you had a great Veterans Day !!


2013 is the Year of the Purr ....

Join the movement ... we’re adding purr to planet earth !
 Look! It's a great car magnet with the world's most loved cat -- Vincent Cat!!!!
"What Would Vincent Do?"
He'd "Purr More, Hiss Less".

Magnet is $5 each, plus shipping (65-cents for 1 magnet, $1.05 for 2 for U.S. addresses). For other shipping costs (international, or for more than 2 magnets) contact Melissa Felts dogslife24@comcast.net  with your zip code and how many you want.     Purchase your magnet TODAY right here http://rikkisrefuge.org/donate.php


Don't be the LAST person on your block
to have a PURR MORE HISS LESS magnet on your car!
Order YOURS today !!


Monday, November 11, 2013

Amazing Lucky Day - November 12, 2013

November 12, 2013

It’s been predicted in the stars 
to be a very lucky day since before written history ..... 


Lushka has studied the  
ancient art of bringing luck 
into your home ....

and now she will tell YOU how to take advantage of the alignment of these numbers ....

how to bring fortune to your home .... and to the animals ...

it’s so simple ....  begin by clicking right here www.RikkisRefuge.org/Donate

DO NOT delay .... 

There will only be 6 hours ... 6 minutes .... and 6 seconds that you can take advantage

of this LUCKY TIME ....   So watch the clock ... watch the calendar .... and be sure to act ....

All acts of goodness during this magical 6 hours ... 6 minutes .... and 6 seconds

are guaranteed to circulate back to you exactly 111,213 times over ..... *

So act now ....   feed Lucky Cat Lushka or one of her 1296 friends at Rikki’s Refuge

between the clock ticks of 10 seconds past 9 minutes past 8 am on Tuesday November 12, 2013

(that’s 08:09:10 11/12/13 you know) and

16 seconds past 15 minutes past 2 pm on Tuesday November 12, 2013

(11/12/13 14:15:16)

and feel the goodness flow back to you !!!! 


Thank you,
Lucky Cat Lushka

* You are guaranteed to receive exactly 111,213 circulations of your generosity within the next 131,211 hours.  This is an exact and precise total triple your money back guarantee.  Keep a detailed, minute by minute, diary of your life during that time.  If you do not receive exactly 111,213 circulations of your generosity to Rikki’s Refuge today, your money will be triple fold returned, pound for pound, with lucky cats of all colors, sizes and shapes, delivered right to your doorstep within 24 hours of the submission of your diary!


Good Morning Good News !!!! November 11, 2013



HAPPY VETERANS DAY !!!

Don’t forget to VOTE today !!!!!
Click on Vincent to cast your vote for Rikkis Refuge, VA, USA .....  be a winner for the animals !!!! 

Your daily vote is very much needed.


Please Come and Run for the Animals !!!!
Rikki's 5K Run/Walk will be held at Chancellor High School on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

The entry cost is $25.00 pre registration or $25.00 and a can of cat/dog food on race day.

Registration will be from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM.    The race will begin at 9:00 AM.

Entry forms can be picked up at Virginia Runner in Fredericksburg.

For a mailed entry contact Dennis Bane at 540- 207-2829 or email request to bugbane30@gmail.com

Completed pre entry forms should be mailed to
Dennis Bane
32100 Constitution Hwy
Locust Grove Virginia 22508

Checks should be made to Rikki's Refuge.

All runners/walkers will receive a T-shirt and the top 3 in each age group will receive a medal.

Any questions please email or call. A special thanks to Virginia Runner, Ed's Awards, Patterson's equipment and The REACH Program for sponsoring the Race.


Nature Appreciation Day, November 16, 2013, Saturday

See every part of Rikki’s Refuge 450 acre no kill sanctuary in one day ....  rarely do all events fall on the SAME DAY !!!!

Tour: noon
Hike: 2 pm
Full Moon Walk: 5 pm

Sign up for one ... two ... or all three events  !!!
Must get ticket(s) in advance, limited space (can’t have too many hoomans in the porta potty at the same time), request your ticket application NOW ...   mail@Rikkisrefuge.org


THANK YOU PUMPKIN HAULERS !!!!!!
Huge thank you to all of you who picked and hauled pumpkins !!!!  We’ve got some happy cows, goats, sheep, pigs .......    You all hauled in tons and tons ... really ....  we thank you ... your hard work will feed good nutritious fresh food to the animals for weeks .....  and it’s saving lots of $ on feed bills right now !!!!  Yaaa hhoooooowwww  you ROCK !!!!!



RIKKI’S REFUGE AND THE IRAQ WAR VETERAN
by Opie, Rikki's Refuge Roving Reporter


It’s November 11th, and our nation is celebrating Veteran's Day, a day of remembrance to honor all who served in the military. Here is a story about one of the many brave soldiers who went to fight a war in a foreign land. One that sacrificed so much so the rest of us would not have to. And a story about a dog that helped him heal.

One of the long term benefits of animal sanctuaries such as Rikki’s Refuge is the powerful impact it can have on people’s lives. Volunteers at Rikki’s Refuge work hard to raise awareness of animal cruelty and neglect, and emphasize the need for a humane approach to all who live within our communities. Sometimes it is the animals themselves that tell the most unforgettable stories, just by being a shining example of kindness, compassion, survival and forgiveness.

A perfect example of how an animal can enhance the lives of others is a dog named Walker. Walker is a 10-year-old Treeing Walker Coon Hound/English Pointer mix that wound up at Rikki’s Refuge in 2006 after enduring a horrible ordeal.

He had been shot in the back and left in the woods to die. Luckily, he was taken to the Orange County Animal Shelter (OCAS) where the wonderful staff literally dropped everything to save his life. Once he was physically healthy, and the OCAS staff saw he was too afraid and nervous for adoption, he joined me and the 1200 other animals that have come to Rikki’s Refuge to live life in a safe, loving environment.

Walker settled in quickly at Rikki’s Refuge, making friends with all the dogs in Doggy Downs of the sanctuary. It didn't take long to see that this dog was meant to help others. The first person whose life was changed by Walker was Cindy, a regular volunteer, who fell in love with the beautiful, sweet Coon Hound mix with the soulful eyes.

Another person, whose life Walker change, was her brother, David.

Like many other patriotic Americans moved by the events of 9/11, David volunteered for Army service, and was assigned to the Maryland National Guard. In 2007, after President Bush announced a new approach in Iraq called "The New Way Forward", better known as "The Surge", that included the addition of 5 brigades under the Multi-National Force - Iraq leader General David Petraeus. David was deployed to Iraq in September, where he saw action during the difficult transition from British to US forces in the Al Basra and Umm Qasr region. He witnessed a lot of violence and destruction, escaping death several times due to good luck and fast action. When he returned home, he was a changed man; tense, nervous, unable to sleep or to relax for a moment.

That is, until he spent time with Walker.

The Coon Hound mix with the soulful eyes touched something deep in his soul; an immediate bond developed between the two. This bond led the Army sergeant to volunteer at Rikki’s Refuge, which created a healthy outlet for David to help others while he helped his heart to heal. After his first rigorous day volunteering at the sanctuary, tension melted away and he was able to laugh again. Rikki’s Refuge helped him work through the PTSD that had plagued him since his return from Iraq.

David often comes to Rikki's Refuge to work with the animals and to volunteer his time on special projects that keep the sanctuary in tip top shape. He also looks forward to the times when Walker comes to stay at his house, where the two share a bond of trust and love. And often they can be seen running together through Wheaton Park in Maryland.


The Coon Hound mix with the soulful eyes continues to enhance the lives of many people who have heard his story and seen his remarkable recovery.

Walker is a regular at animal welfare events across the Washington metropolitan area, and well known by the residents of Reston, Virginia where he currently lives after being happily adopted by Cindy, that Army sergeant’s sister. Now an Official Spokes Dog for Rikki’s Refuge, Walker has helped raise awareness for animal cruelty through his example of calm, affectionate outreach to the community.

Your kind and generous donations to Rikki’s Refuge www.RikkisRefuge.org/Donate not only help dogs like Walker have a safe place for as long as they need before being adopted .... it helps our Veterans like David work thru their transition back into life in the states. 

Thank you for supporting us and helping us to help as many of God’s creatures as possible www.RikkisRefuge.org/Donate

At Rikki’s Refuge, we don’t care how long your ears are, or how many legs you have ....  we love you all !!!

Thank you for making a donation this Veterans Day in honor of YOUR favorite Veteran !!

THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME TO SAVE SO MANY LIVES
... with your support we’re able to help so many into their new furrever happy homes ....  and to give that life long home to those not quite so fortunate ...  Thank you for your support
Without YOU none of us would be breathing today !!

Love you bunches,
           Opie
I hope you had a great Veterans Day !!