As I wake up in the morning, the first thing I feel is Cat performing acupuncture on my back. She is an outstanding massage therapist and acupuncturist. I roll over and look out towards the East. The sun is barely up, the mist is just beginning to rise. Through the veil of the mist I can see the outline of dozens of goats, standing tall on their hind legs, their front legs tucked back against their chests, stretching and straining their heads up as far as possible, tongues pointed toward the sky, grasping leaves off tall branches. I turned and looked towards the West. There sits beautiful Angel, high on her perch, grooming, her beautiful plume of a tale. Domino races up and down the ladder trying to displace Angel and claim the top position.
The ducks and geese are strolling about, squawking and quacking their morning news. The dogs are still sound asleep. The pigs haven't yet started to roll and grunt. This must've been how our great ancestors felt, before the world got so hectic, paved over with asphalt, and covered with little human habitats. If nothing else, this feeling of freedom, of living with nature as it was meant to be, is more than enough to make it all worthwhile, living here at Rikki's Refuge, caring for over 800 critters of 17 species.
Or perhaps this is simply a rosy view of the past. Perhaps Cat would've been a saber tooth tiger ready to have me for breakfast. The goats would've been Tyrannosauruses just waiting for a fresh meal. And instead of Angel simply being a psychotic feline, she would have been a pterodactyl. Instead of feeling like a part of nature, I might have been a part of the food chain.
HELPING ANIMALS AT OUR SANCTUARY AND AROUND THE WORLD!
RIKKI’S REFUGE IS A MULTI-SPECIES LIFE-CARE NO-KILL SANCTUARY
FOR THE MEDICALLY AND SOCIALLY CHALLENGED
SUPPORTED BY DONATIONS FROM KIND AND GENEROUS PEOPLE LIKE YOU !
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Monday, July 24, 2006
Rescuing a duck from the chimney at seven a.m. must be an omen of birds to come
Because that turned out to be the best event of the day. As soon as the duck was happily splashing about in a ducky pond, contained in a pen, with a roof (no more accidents ‘till those chimneys get covered), I checked phone messages, “Hi there. I've got several boxes of baby birds here, they're half dead, do you want them?” This wasn't the first time Rikki's Refuge has gotten such a call, and I'm sure it won't be the last. Many things are left behind at shipping docks, and sometimes they are alive. Lena and I rushed off on the great bird rescue ....
Check back soon...to be continued...
Check back soon...to be continued...
Friday, July 21, 2006
It began as an uneventful day
Lena and I had finished medical rounds, treated the critical patients, and examined everyone else for updates for the day. I was sitting quietly at my desk, updating the medical log for the day. no serious emergencies, all the pigs were in their pen, everyone was behaving. Behind me, I heard the strangest sound. Scritch scratch scritch scratch scritch scratch. Then silence. Wait a minute? Did I really hear something? Maybe it was just a cat scratching its ears and bumping something?
I recalled hearing the sound two nights ago, and not being able to figure out where it came from. I'd searched and searched, and finally given up. And here it was again, it sounded like an animal stuck in the fireplace. The fireplace in the office is boarded over, because bad and evil cats like to climb up the chimney. This is an unapproved activity.
We'd recently had to replace the covering on the fireplace, could we possibly have locked something inside? We done a head count, and tried to pear up the chimney as far as we could, before screwing the new board in the place.
I tapped on the board. Silence. Now if somebody was in there trying to get out, don't you think they would scratch, meow, or do something to let me know they needed help?
I was probably wasting my time, but I found a screwdriver, and I began to remove the fireplace cover. Soon as I had it opened a crack, I could see something black flapping about. Oh great! A vampire bat at seven o'clock in the morning! Just what I needed for the day.
I took a closer look, and low and behold, it was the flying duck. If you recall, several months ago, someone in a little red car dumped a cardboard box full of ducks. One of my ducks adopted them, raised them, and now they roam about the farm. We never have figured out what kind of ducks they are, they look like they must be a mix between something domestic and something wild. And some of them can fly.
One bad black guy in particular, loves to fly to the top of the electric poles, to the top of the chimneys, to the top of trees. Why just a few days ago, we noticed him sitting on the top of the chimney, sticking his head down, and we had commented, "need to add that to the to-do list, cover the chimneys before the duck goes down". And at that time I had all kinds of visions of how one would remove a duck stuck halfway down the chimney. Dear god, please don't let it happen until I have time to get the chimney covered.
Well, I guess our boy shoved his head down, slipped and went all the way down the chimney. We brushed him clean of soot, and plopped him into a ducky swimming pool, where he drank down gallons of water, and then proceeded to bathe and preen. No worse for wear.
But he is staying in a pen, until the chimneys are covered!
Want to play handyman today?
Seriously, if you can come out and help us with this problem today, give me a holler at 540-854-0870. Thanks, Kerry
I recalled hearing the sound two nights ago, and not being able to figure out where it came from. I'd searched and searched, and finally given up. And here it was again, it sounded like an animal stuck in the fireplace. The fireplace in the office is boarded over, because bad and evil cats like to climb up the chimney. This is an unapproved activity.
We'd recently had to replace the covering on the fireplace, could we possibly have locked something inside? We done a head count, and tried to pear up the chimney as far as we could, before screwing the new board in the place.
I tapped on the board. Silence. Now if somebody was in there trying to get out, don't you think they would scratch, meow, or do something to let me know they needed help?
I was probably wasting my time, but I found a screwdriver, and I began to remove the fireplace cover. Soon as I had it opened a crack, I could see something black flapping about. Oh great! A vampire bat at seven o'clock in the morning! Just what I needed for the day.
I took a closer look, and low and behold, it was the flying duck. If you recall, several months ago, someone in a little red car dumped a cardboard box full of ducks. One of my ducks adopted them, raised them, and now they roam about the farm. We never have figured out what kind of ducks they are, they look like they must be a mix between something domestic and something wild. And some of them can fly.
One bad black guy in particular, loves to fly to the top of the electric poles, to the top of the chimneys, to the top of trees. Why just a few days ago, we noticed him sitting on the top of the chimney, sticking his head down, and we had commented, "need to add that to the to-do list, cover the chimneys before the duck goes down". And at that time I had all kinds of visions of how one would remove a duck stuck halfway down the chimney. Dear god, please don't let it happen until I have time to get the chimney covered.
Well, I guess our boy shoved his head down, slipped and went all the way down the chimney. We brushed him clean of soot, and plopped him into a ducky swimming pool, where he drank down gallons of water, and then proceeded to bathe and preen. No worse for wear.
But he is staying in a pen, until the chimneys are covered!
Want to play handyman today?
Seriously, if you can come out and help us with this problem today, give me a holler at 540-854-0870. Thanks, Kerry
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Still tinkering . . .
Those of you viewing our blog with the free Firefox browser are seeing our blog layed out just fine -- no matter what font size you're using. (For those of you Firefox users who don't know what I'm talking about, go to your menu under VIEW > TEXT SIZE > INCREASE).
It's the darned Internet Explorer that refuses to cooperate!
We're still tinkering. We'll get it right soon.
Want to download the lovely Firefox browser? Get info and download here. Get it! You really want it!
It's the darned Internet Explorer that refuses to cooperate!
We're still tinkering. We'll get it right soon.
Want to download the lovely Firefox browser? Get info and download here. Get it! You really want it!
Tinkering with our style
If you visited our blog before, you'll notice we changed our template. We think the "Minima" Blogger template more suits us, and we are tinkering with it to come up with a look we like.
We have also added a link to the Orange County Animal Shelter adoptable pets in the LINKS column to the right. (If you don't see a column to the right, scroll down -- it will be at the bottom of the posts. That's part of the tinkering we are working on.)
If you have comments on things we should change or add, please let us know.
We have also added a link to the Orange County Animal Shelter adoptable pets in the LINKS column to the right. (If you don't see a column to the right, scroll down -- it will be at the bottom of the posts. That's part of the tinkering we are working on.)
If you have comments on things we should change or add, please let us know.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Animal cellphone ringtones
Recently, a woman on a commuter train left her bag in a seat and walked away. Almost immediately, a cat started crying. Startled passengers looked everywhere for the cat, only to find that the woman had a cat ringtone on her phone.
What would Rikki's Refuge ringtones sound like? Wouldn't it be fun and hilarious to find out?
A little searching brought up a step-by-step guide to making ringtones with free "Audacity" software. The instructions can be found at this site: http://www.mrbass.org/ringtones/
The free, open source, cross-platform, "Audacity" sound editing software can be downloaded at this site: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ (You gotta love the wonderful people who make free, open source software available to the world!).
We need to find a volunteer to walk around the sanctuary recording the animals to create the initial sound files, but this is a very cool project and surely someone will step up soon.
Any votes on which animals we should start with first?
If anybody has actually created their own ringtones before and knows of a better way, we would love to hear about it.
What would Rikki's Refuge ringtones sound like? Wouldn't it be fun and hilarious to find out?
A little searching brought up a step-by-step guide to making ringtones with free "Audacity" software. The instructions can be found at this site: http://www.mrbass.org/ringtones/
The free, open source, cross-platform, "Audacity" sound editing software can be downloaded at this site: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ (You gotta love the wonderful people who make free, open source software available to the world!).
We need to find a volunteer to walk around the sanctuary recording the animals to create the initial sound files, but this is a very cool project and surely someone will step up soon.
Any votes on which animals we should start with first?
If anybody has actually created their own ringtones before and knows of a better way, we would love to hear about it.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Cats want fresh treats too, so here's a recipe
It's always "monkey see, monkey do" at Rikki's. What one group has, the other group wants. Wait . . . it's that way with people, too.
The cats outnumber all other animal groups at Rikki's Refuge sanctuary, so they usually claw their way to the top of every "wish list" we create. If the horses are getting fresh-baked treats, the cats want them too.
We found one recipe for homemade cat treats at Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen. These treats don't sound as yummy as the horse treats, but the cats might like them. Does anybody want to make a batch so the Rikki cats can try them out?
Does anybody have favorite links to pet treat recipes -- recipes that you have actually tested?
The cats outnumber all other animal groups at Rikki's Refuge sanctuary, so they usually claw their way to the top of every "wish list" we create. If the horses are getting fresh-baked treats, the cats want them too.
We found one recipe for homemade cat treats at Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen. These treats don't sound as yummy as the horse treats, but the cats might like them. Does anybody want to make a batch so the Rikki cats can try them out?
Does anybody have favorite links to pet treat recipes -- recipes that you have actually tested?
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Horses want baked treats -- here is recipe
The dogs and cats get all the attention from the volunteers, and the pigs and fowl get to do what they please. Some days it seems like our horses, mules and donkeys are second class citizens! (Well, sometimes people bring them apples . . . )
We found a few recipes for horse treats! Could you make some and bring them out? We don't know how long they will stay fresh, so don't make them more than a few days before coming out, and don't make a huge supply.
Most of the recipes here sound delicious (but we don't want the ones with peanut butter) : http://www.moniteausaddleclub.com/horse_treats.htm
Here's another one: http://equisearch.com/horses_care/feeding/feed/barnparty_111505/
We found a few recipes for horse treats! Could you make some and bring them out? We don't know how long they will stay fresh, so don't make them more than a few days before coming out, and don't make a huge supply.
Most of the recipes here sound delicious (but we don't want the ones with peanut butter) : http://www.moniteausaddleclub.com/horse_treats.htm
Here's another one: http://equisearch.com/horses_care/feeding/feed/barnparty_111505/
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Adopt Virginia county shelter animals
County animal shelters are always packed with wonderful animals looking for a chance at a forever home. Many of the dogs and cats living at Rikki's can be adopted, but we encourage you to start your search with animals in county shelters -- the Orange County shelter is just down the road from us.
You can find a list of Virginia county shelters at: http://www.rikkisrefuge.org/adopt/va_shelters.html
Many county shelters will do same day adoptions, but call before you drive out to find out what their exact adoption requirements are.
If you are looking for a cat or kitten, consider adopting two at the same time(especially bonded pairs or cats from the same family). Most cats really enjoy the company of other cats, and two cats are not harder to take care of than one cat alone.
You can find a list of Virginia county shelters at: http://www.rikkisrefuge.org/adopt/va_shelters.html
Many county shelters will do same day adoptions, but call before you drive out to find out what their exact adoption requirements are.
If you are looking for a cat or kitten, consider adopting two at the same time(especially bonded pairs or cats from the same family). Most cats really enjoy the company of other cats, and two cats are not harder to take care of than one cat alone.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Rikki animal photo necklaces
Rikki's Refuge has many crafty volunteers, so we thought we would ask a question: Who can volunteer to make photo pendants of our animals that we can sell at fairs and adoption days?
We have several cds of photos that can be used, or you can come out and take the shots you want. Interested? Email Kathy for images.
Pet photo pendants: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=76990.0
FYI: The link above goes to an amazing crafting website. If you don't want to work on photo pendants you're sure to find other ideas.
We have several cds of photos that can be used, or you can come out and take the shots you want. Interested? Email Kathy for images.
Pet photo pendants: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=76990.0
FYI: The link above goes to an amazing crafting website. If you don't want to work on photo pendants you're sure to find other ideas.
Monday, July 10, 2006
College scholarships for vegetarians
Dozens of student volunteers come to Rikki's Refuge to help care for the animals. Many of them are preparing for college. We just found out about a great scholarship being offered by the Vegetarian Resource Group.
If you are graduating from high school in spring 2007 and have promoted vegetarianism in your school and/or community, you could win a $5,000 scholarship. Two winners will be chosen.
Applicants will be judged on having shown compassion, courage, and a strong commitment in promoting a peaceful world through a vegetarian diet/lifestyle. (Full application info).
Deadline is February 20, 2007. That seems like a long way off, but why not start your essay now during your summer break?
Need inspiration? Come on out and spend the day working among the pigs, cows, and chickens.
If you are graduating from high school in spring 2007 and have promoted vegetarianism in your school and/or community, you could win a $5,000 scholarship. Two winners will be chosen.
Applicants will be judged on having shown compassion, courage, and a strong commitment in promoting a peaceful world through a vegetarian diet/lifestyle. (Full application info).
Deadline is February 20, 2007. That seems like a long way off, but why not start your essay now during your summer break?
Need inspiration? Come on out and spend the day working among the pigs, cows, and chickens.
Friday, July 07, 2006
On Beauty
Have you ever wondered who determines what is beautiful in our society -- and who gave them the power to decide?
Anyone who spends time surrounded by animals and nature can tell you that real beauty is all around us. If who don't think our emu model is absolutely stunning, you need to come out and spend some time at the farm.
Motivational poster made with fd's Flicker Toys.
Anyone who spends time surrounded by animals and nature can tell you that real beauty is all around us. If who don't think our emu model is absolutely stunning, you need to come out and spend some time at the farm.
Motivational poster made with fd's Flicker Toys.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Video blogging cats
Vlog cats --- that is, a video blog of cats. What are we talking about? Check out Josh Leo's Vlog Cat Clips at http://www.joshleo.com/vlogcats/.
Scoll down to the "Medicating a Cat" post -- uhmmm... yeah ... it's that easy!
Now that we have moved our website to hostmonster.com we, too, can make and upload little video movies to our site. We can have a whole series of video clips on "medicating cats" -- of course ours are feral, crazy, or turn wild the instant a human even THINKS of medicating them.
Who wants to volunteer to be in the first video?
Scoll down to the "Medicating a Cat" post -- uhmmm... yeah ... it's that easy!
Now that we have moved our website to hostmonster.com we, too, can make and upload little video movies to our site. We can have a whole series of video clips on "medicating cats" -- of course ours are feral, crazy, or turn wild the instant a human even THINKS of medicating them.
Who wants to volunteer to be in the first video?
Update: July 13, 2006: We set up our free video hosting account with YouTube, so come out and shoot some little video clips for us to post. Our user name is rikkisrefuge.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Alien cats invade Rikki's Refuge
Rikki's Refuge cat population has been infiltrated with aliens! They look like regular cats. They act like regular cats -- but see how their eyes glow!
We have taken a number of photographs of these alien cats and will share them via our Flickr account soon. Scary!
We have taken a number of photographs of these alien cats and will share them via our Flickr account soon. Scary!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
It's a Rainy Day
It's a Rainy Day here at Rikki's. Be we have big plans for tomorrow. If all goes as planned ... ... ha ha ... ... we'll be starting major remakes of Doggy Downs at 10 am tomorrow Friday 5/12. Be here to help Kenny and Chris. Thanks Kerry
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