Wednesday, July 09, 2014

Good Evening Good News !!!! July 9, 2014


See Astro’s left ear?  That’s called an Ear Tip.  That signifies that Astro if a speutered feral cat.  It’s very important to use this universal symbol of a Cared for Community Cat so the caregiver knows when a new un-speutered cat shows up.  Everybody in a Cared for Community Cat Colony must be speutered.  When a cat with an ear tip is turned into a good shelter or pound, they try to find the caretaker for local colonies so they can get the kitty home to his Community Colony where he belongs.

But sometimes the kitty isn’t so lucky.  Sometimes they end up in a not very caring shelter or pound, or their caretaker can’t be found, or they come from a location that is being closed.  Sometimes new owners of properties aren’t very nice and they won’t allow the Community Cats to continue to live there.  Sometimes construction or destruction gets in the way. 

Then the lucky Community Cats without a Community join us at Rikki’s Refuge.  We’re happy to allow feral kitties to live with us.  Just cuz you don’t much like or care for hoomans is no reason to die.  Feral kitties are purrfectly good kitties with a wonderful life to live. 

At Rikki’s they live in social family groups in their Cat Houses where they have a kitty door to a large expanse of protected play yard.  They are fed, given warm beds and the medical care they need.  They are loved, even if they don’t want to love the hoomans back! 

And sometimes one gets sick.  Astro had an illness that he just couldn’t shake this winter.  Soon as he was off meds, he’d be sick again.  At first this was really difficult for him cuz he had to be handled by hoomans several times a day.  Neither of them liked that.  In this case, Astro’s treatment really did hurt our hoomans a lot more than it hurt him !!!  

But gradually Astro got used to letting people handle him and he got all well too.  And now he’s an almost friendly indoor outdoor kitty at Rikki’s Refuge !!!!

Thank you for saving Astro and letting him and his friends live out their lives in peace and happiness !!!    By clicking here, you can help Astro and his friends www.RikkisRefuge.org/FeedMe
Thank you !!!




Today’s Facebook Trivia Question
How many 5.5 oz cans of cat food do we use every year? Who can get the closest ?
What you guessed!

Donna Savory 9,125
Christopher Robbins 10,000?
Ron Herfurth 50,000 ?
Deb Forrest 109,500? 55,000???
Rene Luther 219,000 for 600 cats then. I thought there were more cats than that!
Sherry Chumley Brockner 219000 if you have 600 cats
Martha Girdany 246,000??
Heather Gonzales 250,000 cans
Lia Federico 268,000
Merrie David 365,000
Don Appleby 428,000
Arlene Cummings-Markowski 1 million
Kathy Doucette One 5.5 ounce can per cat per day X 365 days -- what do I win?
Nora Eldridge I'd say, using a mathematical formula, well - A LOT!
Carol Blasin Tons

The Answer: Rikki's Refuge uses 78,708 cans (5.5 oz) of cat food a year or 3,279 cases (24/case), that's 9 cases of canned cat food we need every day !!!   Ron and Deb you’ll have to share the Winners Circle today !!!!   Since I can’t split a cat in half ....  I’ll send a whole one to each of you !!!!

Tune in to facebook
https://www.facebook.com/vincent.cat
for the daily trivia question -- see instantly what the animals are up to all day long as photos are uploaded -- and MORE ...



Re-Tail needs volunteers
We REALLY need more volunteers at Re-Tail!  The pictures below are of our stockroom. The first picture is of donations that came in TODAY -- yes, between noon and 2:00, this much came in! The 2nd picture is the pile of clothes that need to be sorted. The 3rd and 4th are simply the shelves and boxes FULL of items to be priced and stocked on the sales floor.

Can YOU help for a few hours here and there? Our biggest need is on the weekends, especially between the hours of store opening (10:00 on Saturday, and noon on Sunday) until about 3:00. We quit accepting donations at 2:00, so, in theory, that's adding another hour to get things sorted and on to their respective shelves.

If you can help, stop in for an application (it will tell you the type of help that we need, and you can circle the areas that you are willing to help in) and we can schedule an orientation!

Teenagers are welcome IF AND ONLY IF they can work independently. There will be no one to help them, or keep an eye on them, and, as you can see, we need people who will roll up their sleeves and WORK. Thanks!!











NUMS for YOU
brought to you by Maria Appleby, Rikki’s Social Media Director
and Lia Federico Chef 
you share with me, and I’ll share with you
try this wonderful vegan recipe today



Join us every Saturday for
also at the Education Center every Saturday

Job Interviews:  promptly at noon, orientation, weight lifting, running/sprinting, written applications, private interview.

Meet Adoptable Kitties:  Noon - 2 pm.   This Saturday features
Hairy Toes, a long hair, black and white gentleman
Calvin, a lovely Siamese kitty with an ever so slight head tilt, a birth defect that doesn’t bother him at all
Carla, a petite Siamese kitty with a few stripes
Tangy, a petite orange tabby kitty gal



This Sunday at 7 pm..... Come and join us ....
.....   vegan or vegetarian please !!!! We'll be reading from The Four Agreements --- some very valuable lessons we cats are born knowing and you hoomans would do good to learn from !!!!

1) Be impeccable with your word -- Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of Truth and Love.

2) Don't take anything personally -- Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality. When you are immune to the opinions and reactions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3) Don't make assumptions -- Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama.

4) Always do your best -- Your best is going to change from moment to moment, it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstances, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

Later we'll get to the fifth lesson  (a sequel book)
5) Be skeptical, but learn to listen -- Don't believe yourself or anybody else. Use the power of doubt to question everything you hear. Is it really the truth? Listen to the intent behind words and you will understand the real message.

Join us and learn to embrace these lessons and become more cat like and less hooman like !!!! Love, Vincent I shall be there in spirit with you


Flash and Friends Thank you !!!



On the 4th of July
there was a lot of land to cover
and a lot of animals to meet.

Smoky Joe is all ears waiting to hear what the visitors have brought for dinner


















Bo didn’t want to get out of his pool to play





















Sammy loves pats

 












Feeding emus and pigs is always a favorite












The cows are HOW big ??




     

Opie hugging






















Sylvestra’s debut as a hugger








Did I mention that Tours at Rikki’s Refuge are
UP CLOSE
and
IN YOUR FACE ?




























And at the end of the tour, when all the food was gone,
every one was as happy as a pig in mud !






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 have had a second chance at love !!
Your donations have saved the lives of every animal featured here today !!!!   AND your donations are giving them happiness today !!!   Please make a donation in honor of the animals you have loved to give everyone here a happy tomorrow !!!  www.RikkisRefuge.org/FeedMe 

Love,
    Vincent and Duke
Rikki’s Web Site:         www.rikkisrefuge.org
Help the Animals:        http://rikkisrefuge.org/FeedMe

Monday, July 07, 2014

Good Morning Good News! Monday, July 7, 2014

OPIE'S WEATHER REPORT!
Rikki's Refuge, Rapidan, VA.
MONDAY, JULY 7, 2014
THIS MORNING: Mostly sunny with temperatures warming into the mid to upper 80s. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
TODAY: Mostly sunny. Hot. High 92F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph
.
TONIGHT: A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 69F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
HIGH: 92F. LOW: 69F.
Sunrise: 5:56 AM Moonset: 1:45 AM
Sunset: 8:38 PM Moonrise: 3:42 PM
https://www.facebook.com/RikkisRefuge

http://www.rikkisrefuge.org/  

Print Sunshine out for your kids to color! If you mail your coloring back to us, we will display it at Rikki's and online!
Rikki's Refuge
PO Box 1357
Orange, VA. 22960 

THE ABC'S OF RIKKI'S REFUGE! 
"W" IS FOR WALKER!
Did you know we're working on a whole album of ABC'S?

ABC's On Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152064010042391.1073741861.169651012390&type=3 
ABC's On Pinterest:
http://www.pinterest.com/RikkisRefuge/the-abcs-of-rikkis-refuge/ 
ABC's On Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/sets/72157645133144876/ 


Animal Facts & Trivia - COWS!
Rikki's Refuge, Rapidan, VA.
www.rikkisrefuge.org
Cows are also known as cattle. Cows are herbivores meaning they eat grasses, plants, corn. They do not eat meat. There are many types of cows. Cows are smart and intelligent animals. They are also social animals and interact with other cows. A male is called a bull. A female who has given birth is called a cow. A female who has not given birth is called a heifer. A baby cow is called a calf. There are over 1 billion cows that live in the world! Cows live on every continent except Antarctica. In India where they practice the Hindu religion cows are sacred and are allowed to roam the streets free. Around 300 million cows live in India! Cows weigh between 400-1,600 pounds! Cows have 32 teeth. Cows drink 35 gallons a water a day. They eat 50 pounds of food a day. Cows live up to 25 years. They can run 35 miles per hour. In deep mud cows can run faster than horses! A cow has one stomach with four compartments. The rumen, reticulum, omasum and the abomasum. Cow are ruminates meaning they can digest food that can normally not be digested. Like a human’s fingerprints no two cow’s spots are exactly the same. Cows first came to America with pilgrims. They arrived in the colony of Jamestown in 1611. Until the 1850′s most American families owned their own cows.


My name is Flash! I live at Rikki’s Refuge! I have 37 other doggie friends living here with me, and we share this wonderful refuge with over 1300 animals of 22 species! WOOF! We sure need help with food and supplies this summer! Can you help us by donating, or telling others? 

1. To make an electronic donation:
http://www.rikkisrefuge.org/donate
2. To mail a check or money order:
Rikki's Refuge, PO Box 1357, Orange VA 22960
3. To send food/supplies via Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/LI8PP4S40XZD/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go_o


"If you're alone, I'll be your shadow. If you want to cry, I'll be your shoulder. If you want a hug, I'll be your pillow. If you need to be happy, I'll be your smile... But anytime you need a friend, I'll just be me." 
 ~~Author Unknown~~


EASY VEGETARIAN PASTA WITH TOMATO SAUCE 
 1 (16 ounce) package pasta
8 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup Italian dressing
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place the pasta in the pot, cook 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain.
In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the tomatoes, Italian dressing, basil, red onion, and Parmesan cheese. 


********************************  

SHARING A FEW PHOTOS FROM OUR FOURTH OF JULY TOUR! WE HAD A GREAT TIME AND ENJOYED OUR VISITORS!










********************************   

 WHERE TO FIND US ON THE INTERNET: 

1. Rikki's on the Web:
http://www.rikkisrefuge.org/
2. Rikki's on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/RikkisRefuge
3. Rikki's on Twitter: 
https://www.twitter.com/rikkisrefuge
@RikkisRefuge
4. Rikki's Blog:
http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/
5. Rikki's on Pinterest:
http://www.pinterest.com/RikkisRefuge/
6. Rikki's on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/sets/
7. To make a donation to Rikki's:
http://www.rikkisrefuge.org/donate
8. Rikki's Refuge Amazon Wish List:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/LI8PP4S40XZD/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go_o


********************************  


Sunday, July 06, 2014

Good Evening Good News !!!! Sunday, July 6, 2014



Congratulations Larry Timmons !!!!  
Winner of Rikki’s Motorcycle Raffle !!!!!!


WOW WEEEEE   did you cool off last night???   Geezzzz it made it down to the 50’s !!!!   That was a shockeroo after all the hot.  What amazing beautiful weather we're having !!  I hope YOU are too !!

Iz won control of da weather for 4th of July and we had a purrfect day for the Tour !!!  It was so much fun .... and it’s so nice to snuggle with da hoomans when they ain’t all sweatty  !!   Us kitties never get all sweaty ....    Soon as I get the photos all loaded up I’ll share with you and in case you didn’t come on the tour for real ....  I’ll take you along on a tour with me in pictures !!!


Where In The World is Wally ?
Wally is a Rikki’s Alumni ......  can you tell Where In The World Wally Is?   Does this scene look familiar to you?  Take a guess in the comments below where Wally is  !!!  Let’s see who can win !!


This little birdy wants to grow up to be a peacock !!



if you’re not on facebook, it might not allow you view this link, iz sorry ....




Smoky Joe has it Right !!!
It’s been a tough though summer.   THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to send us all to Rikki’s 4th of July Picnic ... every single one of us get fed delicious nums on the 4th ......   now we’re looking at the pantry and it’s scary low .....   you can help us from right there where you’re sittin’ by clickin’ www.RikkisRefuge.org/FeedMe   or with the help of your nice mailhooman Rikki’s Refuge, PO Box 1357, Orange VA 22960 OR you if you’re around Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA, can visit the Fredericksburg 208 Giant Grocery store or the Harrisons Crossing Giant Grocery store where they are having a special nums-raiser for the animals if Rikki’s !!!   Isn’t that nice ?


We continue to look for the purrfect ......
folks to join our outstanding staff ........  six lovely hoomans stayed thru the entire orientation yesterday .....  let’s hope this is a purrfect fit for at least a couple of them as they try out this week !!!!  It’s sure not an easy job, it’s always hot or cold, blistering sun or wet wet rain, heavy lifting, scooping six hundred pounds of the ... you know what !!!!   It takes real HEROES to stick with this day in and day out and we have some really outstanding HEROES here right now !!!!   Amy and Doug and Wayne and Brittney and Lauren and Jessy and Ivy and Cassie.  Give ‘em a hand !!!!!


The Animal ABC’s
V is for my Daddy !!!!!
You can follow the ABC’s here .....   and keep your eyes open ....  I hear there’s a book coming up !!

You can click here to see the full ABC's of Rikki's Refuge 



Hey Kidz Color Our Animals !!
Adults with a young heart have fun !!!    Print out and color our animals.  Make ‘em for real .... or make ‘em bright and fun !!   Send me a copy, scan and email to Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org or mail in to Rikki’s Refuge, PO Box 1357, Orange VA 22960.  We’ll display them here, on line and at the Education Center !!!!  


Alumni Photos
Walker, a Rikki’s Alumni, relaxing in his new backyard !!!  I’d say he looks quite content, what do you think?   Send us photos of your alumni to share !!!  We love seeing where Rikki’s Alumni Cirtters are now !!   Send your photos by to Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org or mail in to Rikki’s Refuge, PO Box 1357, Orange VA 22960.  We’ll display them here, on line and at the Education Center !!!! 


NUMS for YOU
you share with me, and I’ll share with you
try this wonderful vegan recipe today
WOW WEEEEE  Would mom every be happy if somebody made some of this for her !!!!   What a great item to bring to Spiritual Night next Sunday evening at the Education Center .......  how bout it?  I bet if you do, I’ll get extra Fancy Feast!!


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 enjoying this lovely life!!
Your donations have saved the lives of every animal featured here today !!!!   AND your donations are giving them happiness today !!!   Please make a donation in honor of the animals you have loved to give everyone here a happy tomorrow !!!  www.RikkisRefuge.org/FeedMe  

Love,
    Opie

Rikki’s Web Site:         www.rikkisrefuge.org
Help the Animals:        http://rikkisrefuge.org/FeedMe