Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Farewell Tommi

Tommi passed away Sunday morning after spending all but a few months of her 13 years 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 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 intestinal 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. One 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 ......

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Lena's Shopping List

Sneak a Peek at

Lena’s Shopping List

and see what the animals are shopping for this week

Donation Drop off Noon - 2 pm every Saturday !!!

Canned Cat Food - this will almost always be at the top of the list ! Stock up when you get a chance or see a sale! Winter is coming and food consumption is already way up.

Canned dog food is down to only a case or two.

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.

We need produce, especially oranges for the guinea pigs.

We also desperately need cash to pay the vet, the pharmacy, the feed store and electric bills.

Thankfully Purina has been keeping us in dry cat and dog food!!!!

Can you spare a buck or two? Please help us if you can, we're gearing up for winter when all the expenses increase for us to keep the animals happy and healthy.
http://www.rikkisrefuge.org/donate.php

Kroger Care Card

If it cost you NOTHING to save an animal, would you do it?

Your Kroger Cares gift card does just that!

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

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 1250 individuals of 22 different species now reside at Rikki's Refuge. Please help us help the animals.

It Costs you NOTHING
to Support Rikki's Refuge No Kill Animal Sanctuary

•You just purchase a $5 Kroger “gift” card – thank you! You can use your card to buy $5 worth of groceries at Kroger stores.

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

•To support Rikki's Refuge No Kill Animal Sanctuary on an ongoing basis, add money to your card (“reload” your card at the customer service desk) and then use your card each time you buy groceries at Kroger. Use it at any Kroger or Kroger Affiliate across the US, including purchases at Kroger gas stations. It does not cost you anything to do this.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ready to buy your card? http://rikkisrefuge.org/donate.php
or send a check to Rikki's Refuge, PO Box 1357, Orange VA 22960

Be sure to mention you are buying a Kroger Card and include your mailing address.

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, Maryland, DC, North Carolina #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.

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 !

Learn more

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??

Read why Iggy is in a Tizzy

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 18^th

in the Animal Rescue Site Shelter Challenge

click http://tinyurl.com/VoteRikkis

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!

DETAILS

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?

The Kroger Cares Card

Sneak a Peek at

Lena’s Shopping List

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!

Can YOU help straighten us out?

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

calliemay23@gmail.com

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

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

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