Rikki's Refuge

Monday, June 04, 2012

Good Morning Good News !!!! June 4, 2012

We are Vincent D. Cat and adopted sons Opie and Timmy and we are here to make you happy! You are HEROES! You work hard every day and you deserve to smile every day! Those of you working to save us animals hear so very many very sad things. And there’s lots of very glad things too and that’s what we talk about here! All pawsitive all the time! We want our friends to be happy and smile and know there’s a lot of good - including YOU - in this world!! Be kind and pass it on! Please send us your Good New and Fun Stuff to share, personal or global. Let’s keep it fun and interactive!! After all, if we couldn’t laugh, we would all go insane! Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org

It be Monday!! Oh my two days to the BIG Toyota contest. Gee if we win, think I'll have my new vehicle in time for my first birthday? You all ready? Read all about it !!!! http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2012/06/toyota-100-cars-for-good.html

Did you voted yet today? Only thru the 17th on the Shelter Challenge. So do it NOW - it be very easy, so easy this here little kitten wif no feet can do it !!!! Yes I can!!! Alls I gotta do is cliks here http://tinyurl.com/VoteRikkis and puts in Rikkis Refuge in VA in the USA and vote and then answer a silly question and iz all voted!!! How about you?

I know sos many of youz thinkz I be lazy kitty. But I not. Vincent made his job look easy. Iz still catching up on things he didn't get to finish, and all his emails and messages and letters and all. You knoz this not easy when my fingers no stretch across the letter pad on da puter. I need iPhone, it be easier on my fingers I think. I was gonna grow my claws real long to help reach those far out letters, like da A and da L but Lena done cutted my claws so I no make da puncture wounds on da visitors. Do you tink dat be fair? I lose my long claws so nobody get da little holes? Just little holes dey be?

You got any Good News for Good Morning Good News tomorrow? You tell me - please share your Good News and make everybody smile with you !! Grandma says I have to do Hairballs today too. I think she make me work too much. I just a kitten.

Did you see the beautiful autograph quilt Melissa Felts made-ed for us? You can see it AND you can get a raffle ticket here too http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2012/06/raffle-spectacular-autograph-quilt.html It be very cool. But Melissa no let me nighty on it. I no understand dat. What it for if not to snuggy? Maybe you buy ticket and you can snuggy!

Ok, I see youz tomorrow - you let me know your good news now, ok?

Can YOU Imagine needing all of this

EVERY YEAR ????

I DO !!! And I need YOUR help to buy it all !!!!

Thank you for your help to support the animals of Rikki’s Refuge

32,850 pounds Cat Food, dry

20,531 pounds Cat Food, canned

48,125 pounds Cat Litter

19,300 pounds Dog Food, dry

7,300 pounds Dog Food, canned

1,369 pounds Rabbit Food, dry

2,336 pounds Carrots

146 pounds Apples

394 pounds Spinach

1,979 pounds Cracked Corn

584 pounds Mash for Birds

18 pounds Pigeon Seed

3,823 pounds Bird Seed

9 pounds Pigeon Gravel

42,890 pounds Mixed Grains

29,145 pounds Random Fruits/Veggies

1,477 bales Hay

1,235 pounds Salt Blocks

2,105 bushels Shavings

507 bales Straw

12,960 Puppy Pads for hospital cages

180 gallons Laundry Detergent

720 gallons Bleach

23,400 Trash Bags, 33 gallon size

1,080 rolls Paper Towels

1,800 gallons Gasoline for vehicles

540 gallons Gasoline for equipment

540 gallons Diesel

5,820 Tubes Advantage/Frontline

Friends Share Good News

Did you know that Rikki's collects MyCokeRewards? Collect the codes from any Coke product (Coke, Sprite, Fanta, Nestea, Minute Maid, PowerAde, Mello Yello, Fresca, Seagram's, Mr. Pibb, Barq's, and Dasani Water), and e-mail them to Melissa at dogslife24@comcast.net. She will turn them in to great items that Rikki's will use for fundraising!

Autograph Quilt Raffle - http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2012/06/raffle-spectacular-autograph-quilt.html If anyone locally has a business, and would like to host a 1/2 day fundraiser with the quilt and a bake sale, contact me Melissa at dogslife24@comcast.net. ALSO if you’d like to sell tickets !!!! Great to sell at work, school, clubs and more !!!!

But It Now - Check out items in our store: Rikki’s Marketplace on Facebook. This is where you can get things like Rikki's t-shirts, animal equipment like pill poppers and all kinds of good things.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.336560346366502.75046.286226674733203&type=3

Auction Items Needed - We’re gearing up for another auction - got items to send?? Rikki’s Refuge, 10910 Barr Ln, Raidan VA 22733 or email good quality photos if you’ll mail items to the winner. HURRY!

Summit Recycling - take your metal - any metal - to Summit Recycling and tell them it’s for Rikki’s. They’ll say think you. You’re helping th3 environment and earning money for the animals. http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2011/07/recycle-for-rikkis.html

Virtual Volunteers - got a little bit of spare time? I need Virtual Volunteers. Easy, no exercise involved, no poo-er scoop-er in, work from the comfort of your home or office. Opie needs help keeping up with his one line work, posting and sharing information on social medias. Let me know if you can help, Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org

Cathy Dyson - writes about Rikki’s in the Free Lance Star http://blogs.fredericksburg.com/reallife/2012/06/04/rikkis-refuge-in-contest-for-new-car/

Send her an email of thanks for helping to promote Rikki’s Refuge: http://fredericksburg.com/blogs/sendemail?blogger_id=56&returnURL=http%3A//fredericksburg.com/blogs/view%3Fblogger_id%3D56

Orange County Supervisor’s Letter, by Lee Frame, District 5 Supervisor

June 19 has been set as the date for the new Walmart groundbreaking.

At a recent Supervisor’s meeting, we conducted a public hearing for a Special Use Permit (SUP) for Rikki’s Refuge. The permit would allow placement of two office trailers for use by staff and volunteers. Rikki’s Refuge is an all-species animal sanctuary located on a 367-acre site here in Orange County. It provides food and shelter for over 1200 animals of over 20 different species.

I have visited the refuge and was amazed at all of the different types of animals. What I was not aware of, however, was the degree of widespread support for Rikki’s. For a relatively minor land-use issue, I received a significant number of emails in support of the SUP, and one Supervisor received over 200 emails including some from other countries.

There were a number of speakers at the public hearing with several traveling from as far as Reston and Richmond. The speakers said that Rikki’s Refuge had received support from 37 different countries and had a large number of people who came long distances to help as volunteers. The refuge holds open houses, and you can learn more at http://rikkisrefuge.org I should not have been surprised that Rikki’s Refuge gets lots of support in this county. There is widespread support for animal care in Orange County.

The county’s animal shelter is actively supported by volunteers and with donations. The county received one donation of about $30,000 for a needed expansion, and almost every Supervisor meeting includes an appropriation decision for the donations received. The county also has an active local humane society which works closely with the animal shelter on spay and neuter services, adoptions at pet stores and other businesses, and caring for the animals at the shelter. Other organizations such as Cause for Paws and various breed rescue groups are also active in Orange County. Given the minimal requirements for animal shelters in Virginia, the people of Orange County go far beyond those requirements in caring for our animal friends.

Donna Savory shares a lesson

Sharon Dyer donated $25 to help with tractor repairs. Thank you Sharon !

Beauty Complains about Discrimination I was injured protecting the refuge two weeks ago and I had very serious surgery on May 25^th .... I’m yet to see Opie try and help me raise the funds to pay my hospital bills. All I hear is cats cats cats --- click my photo to read more

(Uh Oh I sorry Beauty. Iz a kitty, I thought I supposed to do kitty things. Why don’t you dawgies help raise some of the money to keep things running around here? Love, Opie)

Deb Lavoie - A week ago, Ashley (our kitty who has CHF) needed to go back to the vet. Today, she looks so good and acts so normal (for her) that you'd never know she's not a perfectly healthy kitty! ♥ (Yeahhhhh Ashley !!!! I’m so happy. Opie)

Ashlee Lee - Oh you guys must have been doing Vincent's poopy dance for Sweetness cause she finally did her first poopy since she got sick!!! Horray!!! The plumbing is working. (I’m very glad to hear that Sweetness!!!! Love, Opie)

Click to Learn More !!!

Autograph Quilt Raffle

TICKETS http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/Rikkis/food

World's Best Cat Litter - arriving WEDNESDAY !!!!!

Toyota 100 Cars - Help Rikki’s Win a New Toyota !!!

Horace the poetry writing dog, next royalty check for Rikki's:

2012 Cats vs Dogs : -- extended thru the end of JUNE !!!!

Carolyn Friedrich Memorial

Photos from Vincent's Birthday Party

Vincent D. Cat - Memorial

From Alley Cat to World Renown Spokes Cat

April 30, 1998 - April 30, 2012

Vincent was the inspiration and the evolution of Rikki's Refuge

Read the story of how his life brought so many together in good

Lots of love,

Opie and Timmy !!

PPS You tell me what you want! Email me at Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org with instructions to change your subscription: additions, deletions or modifications! Subscriptions: Vincent’s VIPs - up to the second alerts about issues at Rikki’s Refuge for those who care and want to be intimately involved. Scheduled as needed. Good Morning Good News - a little something to get you going in the mornings, for those of you who want to keep smiling with us! Scheduled daily. Hairballs - so you know what’s coming up at Rikki’s! Scheduled weekly.

Rikki's Refuge, supported solely by private donations, houses over 1200 animals of 22 species. On line at http://bit.ly/Give-a-gift-to-Rikkis Checks, money orders, cash, items at Rikki's Refuge, PO Box 1357, Orange VA 22960

Rikki's Refuge is owned and operated by Life Unlimited of Virginia, Inc., an IRS 501(c)(3) not-for-profit Virginia Corporation, tax-id 54-1911042. Combined Federal Campaigns #77674, Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign #3163, PetsMart Charities #1377. A financial statement is available upon written request from the State Office of Consumer Affairs.

Learn more www.RikkisRefuge.org and help spread the good word, tell everyone you know about Rikki’s Refuge

RAFFLE - Spectacular Autograph Quilt

You can WIN this

Spectacular Autograph Quilt

for only ONE DOLLAR !!!

CLICK ANY PHOTO TO GET YOUR TICKET(S) or click here http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/Rikkis/food

or by check payable to Rikki’s Refuge and mailed to Signature Quilt, Rikki’s Refuge, PO Box 1357, Orange VA 22960

$1 per ticket. Increase your luck 100% and buy 100 tickets!!!!

All donations to the quilt fund will be used to buy food for the animals of Rikki’s Refuge!

Be sure to include your contact information so we can tell you when YOU win! If buying tickets on line at http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/Rikkis/food leave your contact the information as a comment. If by mail, include a note! Name, Address, E-mail address.

If you would like a ticket stub mailed to you, please add 45-cents for U.S. address, or $1.05 for other country addresses. We’ll be keeping track of your tickets and contact info on our computer, and contacting the winner, so it’s not necessary to have a ticket stub. But we will mail you one if you like and if you provide the extra postage.

Please note that your contact information will not be made public.

Contact Melissa at: autographquilt@gmail.com for more information AND if you’d like to help us sell raffle tickets !!!!!

The drawing for the quilt will be held on Labor Day, September 3, 2012, at Rikki's Refuge. The winner does not need to be present to win. Shipping anywhere in the world provided, as long as our post office will send it there!

Look for the quilt around town in Orange, Va., and Fredericksburg, Va. We will be at businesses and stores selling tickets all summer long!

It's finally finished!

The Autograph Quilt for Rikki's Refuge!

Made by Melissa Felts of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and quilted by Jo Ann Cooper of South Carolina, this spectacular quilt measures 73 1/2" wide and 76" long. Made from 100% cotton fabrics, and 100% wool quilt batting. It features the autographs of 20 well-known animal lovers:

Angelica Houston

GET YOUR TICKET - ONLY $1

Cloris Leachman

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Raymond Usher

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Betty White

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Raquel Welch

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Ryan Newman

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Martin Sheen

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Dolly Parton

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Johnny Depp

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Maya Angelou

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Matt Damon

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Tim Allen

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Sally Struthers

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Victoria Stilwell

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Kiefer Sutherland

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Bill Cosby

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Whoopi Goldberg

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Bob Barker

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Jack Hanna

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Elizabeth Taylor

she signed this

just 2 months

before she died

GET YOUR TICKET - ONLY $1

How the quilt was made:

This quilt took 1 1/2 years to make! I started by mailing letters and fabric to 118 celebrities. I sat by my mailbox for days. A few trickled back. Many "return to sender--no longer at this address" labels arrived. Months would go by, and 1 or 2 would come back to me.

In the meantime, I scanned various quilting websites and magazines, looking for a pattern that would be right for the job. I finally decided on Judy Neimeyer's "Cattails in the Meadow".

Then, in August of 2011, 1 month before my annual quilting vacation in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, I went to my friend Carol's house to choose the fabrics for the quilt (yes, her sewing room is like a quilt shop! She used to own a quilt shop, and still has many of the fabrics from it).

We chose a selection of batiks in earth tones. This was going to be a beautiful quilt!

My week in the Outer Banks was fun -- my 12 friends and I literally spend the week quilting. It took nearly 2 days just to cut the fabrics for this quilt. By the time the week ended, I had 3/4 of the center section completed. Once home, I continued to work on the quilt, still waiting for more autographed blocks to arrive.

GET YOUR TICKET - ONLY $1

Some of the autographs were easy to read. Others arrived, and I'd say "who the heck is this?" Then, I'd have to search the internet, trying to figure out who's signature it was. Tim Allen and Johnny Depp were the hardest. Luckily I had my list of who I had mailed blocks to, and that helped with the investigations.

Some of the stars included autographed photos, which we sold in an online auction back in November. Maya Angelou even included a book of her poems!

As luck would have it, Sally Struthers was in Fredericksburg for a few months performing the lead in Hello Dolly! at our local dinner theater. I mailed her a fabric block, and she sent it back right away!

Then, there was a GreyHounds Rock! event in town, and Victoria Stilwell was one of the guest speakers. She was more than happy to sign a block for me!

Cyndi Lauper signed a block, but she signed on the bright blue painter's tape that I had put on the back of the fabric so that it would not slip and slide while being signed. I could not add it to the quilt -- it will have to be framed, I guess.

And Greg Biffle signed a block, but it was returned to me just a few weeks ago, after I had mailed the quilt top to Jo Ann in South Carolina to be quilted. I never heard anything from 79 others....maybe they will eventually be returned to me signed, and I can make another quilt. Greg Biffle's will be the first autograph in it.

Finally, I had 20 autographs, and I could finish the quilt top. 2 of my 3 cats love to help me when I am at my sewing machine, and it was difficult keeping them off of this quilt.

GET YOUR TICKET - ONLY $1

I sewed, and sewed, and sewed. When I was finished with the machine, it was time to hand sew the appliqued pieces. This, too, is no easy feat as my dogs like to lay on me on the sofa, and the cats want to be in my lap. I took the quilt to several of my "Girls Night" outings, just to try to keep it as clean and fur-free as possible while I sewed! Once the hand applique was done, it was time to go back to the sewing machine and add the border with the autographs. Much measuring and calculating was necessary to get it right, but I finally got it. Then, I boxed it and mailed it to Jo Ann.

Jo Ann is one of the best quilters around! Many people are investing in Long Arm Quilting machines to do the work (but they are BIG, and take up a car's space in a garage, or huge sections of the basement. Most are about 9 feet wide and 2 or 3 feet deep, but you need lots of empty, clean space around them in order to keep the quilt clean). But Jo Ann uses her regular sewing machine, and maneuvers the fabric ever so precisely around the needle. It is much more difficult, and takes much more time, but she is an expert and loves to do it! And, she does not have a big long-arm taking up space that she can use as storage for more fabrics! (Most quilters are Fabricaholics, so storage space for fabric is so important! lol)

She had so much fun quilting the quilt (and showing it to her friends) that she was slow to send it back to me. "Would you like me to bind it for you, too?" she asked. "Sure!" was my response. And then, to push my luck "how about adding a casing on the back so that we can hang it to display it?" And she graciously agreed. Finally, I received an e-mail from her that the quilt was on it's way back to me. "It's become like Bilbo's ring: I was getting fond of it and had to get it out of here!" she said.

GET YOUR TICKET - ONLY $1

When I opened the box, all I could say was "oh my Gosh!" The quilt was stunning! Not only did Jo Ann add the binding and a casing, but she added a pumpkin-colored piping just inside the binding, which really helps to frame the quilt. It's absolutely gorgeous!

I've made many quilts, but nothing as beautiful as this one. I hope that you all enjoy it, too. So purchase your raffle tickets, and let's make this one of the best fund raisers that Rikki's Refuge has ever had!

The drawing will be held on
Monday, September 3, 2012
Labor Day

CLICK FOR YOUR TICKET - ONLY $1

or click here http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/Rikkis/food

or send check payable to Rikki’s Refuge and mailed to Signature Quilt, Rikki’s Refuge, PO Box 1357, Orange VA 22960

$1 per ticket. Increase your luck 100% and buy 100 tickets!!!!

All donations to the quilt fund will be used to buy food for the animals of Rikki’s Refuge!

Please note that your contact information will not be made public.

Contact Melissa at: autographquilt@gmail.com for more information AND if you’d like to help us sell raffle tickets !!!!!

Look for the quilt around town in Orange, Va., and Fredericksburg, Va. We will be at businesses and stores selling tickets all summer long!

Thanks, and good luck!

Melissa

GET YOUR TICKET - ONLY $1

Vincent's Birthday Party

VINCENT D. CAT’S

14^th BIRTHDAY PARTY

Watch the slide show with all the photos of all the different critters having fun at Vincent’s Birthday Party !!!!

Party Time: 2 pm, April 28, 2012

I felt so good and ate like crazy at my party. I just love the
excitement of being the center of attention !!!!

Singing Happy Birthday to VINCENT !!!

Jan's Birthday Prayer for Vincent

A great big huge THANK YOU to every one who made Vincent’s Birthday Party so much fun for him. He LOVED it !!!!

Sunday, June 03, 2012

Toyota - 100 Cars for Good

WEDNESDAY JUNE 6^th

from 10 am thru 11:59 pm

Eastern USA Time

VOTE for RIKKI’S REFUGE to WIN

EASY .... QUICK .... FREE

VOTE FROM FACEBOOK ONLY

On Wednesday, June 6^th, from 10 am thru 11:59 pm Rikki’s Refuge will be competing with four other organizations to win a new Toyota. YOU will be the one who decides! Who will win? Please vote for Rikki’s Refuge. We desperately need a new Toyota 4wd Highlander to continue our Outreach and Education Programs.

Only 14 hours to win a new Toyota!!!

Will YOU cast the winning vote ?

https://apps.facebook.com/carsforgood/

TELL ME ABOUT RIKKI’S REFUGE

Rikki’s Refuge, started over 13 years ago, is home to 1300 domestic & farm animals of 22 species.

Most of our residents will live the rest of their lives with us.

Rikki's does not discriminate. We are home to senior, blind, lame & otherwise differently-abled animals.

Pets like Vincent (accident left him with 3 legs), Opie (born with out hind feet), Duke (born blind) & Nanny (senior goat) would be euthanized at most shelters. However, at Rikki's, they have found a mission: teaching about compassion, acceptance & spreading happiness.

Appearing at Scout groups, schools & public events, Rikki’s spokes animals have taught hundreds of children to accept & not fear those who are different.

In the last year Rikki's had to curtail many visits for lack of a reliable vehicle.

Traveling is especially difficult in rain & winter weather on our rural roads.

Winning a 4-WD Toyota Highlander would be a lifesaving dream come true & would allow us to continue our outreach & education mission.

OK ! I’M READY TO VOTE !

https://apps.facebook.com/carsforgood/

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR MISSION

We are a 367 acre, no-kill, all species sanctuary, supported solely by donations.

Our mission is to reduce and ultimately eliminate, homelessness amongst all animals. Loving, thinking, creatures who so often pay the ultimate price of their lives, for their simple crime of being homeless. Creatures who want the same chance to life, love and happiness that you and I do.

We rescue homeless, abandoned, abused and injured domestic and farm animals; provide medical care, find suitable adoptive homes and for many provide lifelong care

We promote zero pet population growth through education and low-cost/free spay/neuter

We promote awareness through educational programs for children; teaching compassion for the elderly, homeless and handicapped

We provide 297 acres of pristine woods and wetlands for the safe release of rehabilitated native Virginia wildlife

OK ! I’M READY TO VOTE !

https://apps.facebook.com/carsforgood/

UH OH !!

IT’S NOT THE 6^TH YET ?

CAN YOU ME REMIND ME ON THE 6^TH ?

SURE CAN !

GO TO https://apps.facebook.com/carsforgood/day_view.php?id=986&d=24

Find the Big Orange Doggy

Click “Remind Me” under the Doggy !!!

You’re all set !!

Wait for your reminder and VOTE

https://apps.facebook.com/carsforgood

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO HELP ?

Print out this poster

hang it up

ask every one to click on the QR Code

http://rikkisrefuge.org/rikkis-toyota-challenge-2012.pdf

Help Taco Get New Wheels

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Worlds Best Cat Litter - Press Release

LOOK LOOK !!!

Our supporters won 4,749 pounds of the Worlds Best Cat Litter for Rikki’s Refuge!!!

Delivery will take place on June 6^th. They’ll let us know what time the day before. If you’d like to be on hand for photos or a story let me know and I’ll let you know what time as soon as I find out.

Every one of the 659 cats at Rikki’s Refuge are grateful to get such a wonderful prize!!! Our supporters voted and we won !!!! Yeahhhh.

We can’t wait to try it out and tell you what we think of the Worlds Best Cat Litter!!

See the story below!!!

Thank you,

Opie (Vincent D. Cat’s adopted son)

Rikki’s Refuge

Six-Day Effort Raises 100,000 Pounds of Litter For 17 Animal Shelters

MUSCATINE, Iowa, May 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cat lovers from around the country showed tremendous support for felines in need when they voted in a GiveLitter™ charity that raised 50 tons of cat litter for animal shelters across the country.

It only took voters six days to donate 100,000 pounds of World's Best Cat Litter™ to rescue organizations in what is believed to be the largest cat litter donation in history.

The sixth round of GiveLitter™ allowed animal lovers to visit www.givelitter.com and vote once a day to donate a pound of World's Best Cat Litter™ to their choice of 17 participating shelters. The charity was scheduled to run for two weeks, but reached its goal in only six days due to overwhelming support from more than 65,000 online voters.

The 100,000-pound donation nearly doubles the total amount raised in five previous GiveLitter™ rounds. The litter donation comes just in time for National Cat Adoption Month in June. Each rescue organization will also receive 50 adoption kits that will help new pet parents eliminate the hassle from their litter box with free bags of World's Best Cat Litter™.

"The level of support shown by our voters was truly amazing. World's Best Cat Litter™ prides itself on supporting cat owners and shelters everywhere and this GiveLitter™ result speaks to the dedication of our fans," said Paul Zobel, Senior Director of Marking, World's Best Cat Litter™.

Voters nominated the participating shelters and each rescue organization will receive more than 4,600-pounds of all-natural litter. Shelter workers said the charity provides a huge boost for those working to support shelter cats.

"We are ecstatic about the GiveLitter™ round! Our voters are awesome and we so appreciate their support. This litter will help our rescue center tremendously. We are also so appreciative of this opportunity," said Jacci Moss, Director of Friends of Felines' Rescue Center in Defiance, Ohio.

Participating Shelters and Litter Totals:
Rikki's Refuge in Rapidan, VA (4,749 lbs.)
Friends of Felines Rescue Center in Defiance, OH (10,497 lbs.)
Animal Rescue Fund of Mississippi in Pelahatchie, MS (4,888 lbs.)
Passion 4 Paws in Dayville, CT (4,686 lbs.)
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue in Ashville, NC (5,017 lbs.)
Talbot Humane in Easton, MD (4,931 lbs.)
CATS Cradle Shelter in Fargo, ND (7,487 lbs.)
Liberty Humane Society in Jersey City, NJ (8,943 lbs.)
Start over Rover in Hastings, NE (4,765 lbs.)
Happy Endings No Kill Shelter in Milwaukee, WI (7,122 lbs.)
Humane Society of Midland County in Midland, MI (7,866 lbs.)
Purr-fect Companions Cat Sanctuary in Cleveland, OH (5,018 lbs.)
Second Chance Animal Shelter in East Brookfield, MA (4,740 lbs.)
Hilltop Humane Society in Randolph, MA (4,861 lbs.)
Tri-County Animal Rescue Center in Shippenville, PA (4,787 lbs.)
The N.O.A.H Animal Adoption Center in Stanwood, WA (4,872 lbs.)
P.U.R.R. West Virginia in Grafton, WV (4,778 lbs.)

About GiveLitter™: World's Best Cat Litter™ was founded on more than sound science. It was founded on a love for cats—indeed all pets—a respect for communities and a responsibility to the planet. That is why it is committed to giving to programs that further and enhance human-pet relationships, community viability and earth-friendly sustainable practices. Give Litter™ maximizes potential donations by using the web and social media to increase reach and make giving easy. Web site: www.givelitter.com

About World's Best Cat Litter™: World's Best Cat Litter™ delivers outstanding odor control and quick clumping. As the only litter made from all-natural whole-kernel corn, it limits odors, clumps fast, scoops easy and is pet, people and planet friendly. Offered in a variety of clumping formulas and sizes, the litter is available in PetSmart® and PETCO®, most Target® stores, and other leading pet and grocery stores nationwide. World's Best Cat Litter™ is produced by Kent Nutrition Group, Inc., headquartered in Muscatine, Iowa.

www.worldsbestcatlitter.com.

SOURCE World's Best Cat Litter
Source: PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1aKVh)

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Good Morning Good News !!!! May 26, 2012

Happy, I’m sorry it’s a week late, Birthday my rescuer Barbara!!!! Barbara is a real cat person. You can't see her pointy ears or her tail in this picture. She's always on the go helping somebody, and usually they have four legs. TNR is especially dear to her heart. So far in 2012, she's speutered over 250 cats!!!! Now does that answer the question - Can one person make a difference? Yeahhhh Barbara!

Good Morning - it’s Caturday!!! I love Caturday!!!! It’s made just for us cats!!!! We get to play and have fun. It looks like it’s gonna rain today. So much rain lately. It be crazy. The grass be growing so much!! It’s very long. Da hoomans dey don’t go out there and mow it when it rain. So it really be gettin high. Den da tractor was in the hospital for two weeks and it couldn’t mow while it was sick.

THANK YOU

Nancy Mottershaw

Karen Friedel

Greta Bollinger

Debra Berry

for helping me to pay the tractor bill, only $387 more to go !!!!!

Will YOU help me too?

Fix the tractor for the CATS: http://rikkisrefuge.org/donate.php?purpose=Vote%20Vincent%20as%20Ruler%20of%20the%20Refuge

or for the DOGS:

http://rikkisrefuge.org/donate.php?purpose=Vote%20Duke%20as%20Ruler%20of%20the%20Refuge

Read all about the Tractor in the Hospital: http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2012/05/get-well-tractor.html

A little piece of not so Good News, OK?

Memorial Day Tour CANCELED

Well it looks like I'm gonna have to cancel our Memorial Day Tour cuz we didn't get the handicap porta potty in. We have to have that for public things now. We ordered it over a month ago and they said they'd send it as soon as they had the big truck in. It's lots bigger than a regular porta potty. We were hoping it'd be in for Vincent's birthday. And now it's Memorial Day and we don't have it. Pooo. Unless something happens tomorrow and I don't think it will - we have to cancel. I’d share my potty with you but I don’t think it’s approve for hooman use!!!!

Thank you Larry Ramsey for paying for the rental and maintenance of the hooman potty, EVERY month !!!!!! Dem hoomans is real happy Larry!!!!

Let’s hope dat porta potty company get the new handicap potty here by the 4^th of July Tour now.

I so sorry about this folks.

And something sad, the loss of a wonderful lady

Our beloved friend, Carolyn, has gone to be with Vincent at the Rainbow Bridge.

Carolyn A. Friedrich died suddenly May 15, 2012. She was a serious cat lover and long time supporter of Rikki’s Refuge. We’ll miss you muchly Carolyn. Take good care of Vincent for us.

Here’s her memorial, pictures and her 84^th Birthday Party at Rikki’s Refuge.

http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2012/05/carolyn-friedrich.html

And NOW Back to the Good News !!

Meet Indigo, he’s a pit bull who got beat so bad it damaged is back forever. He has a wheeled cart to get around cuz his back legs don’t work so well. He’s our friend. See my Daddy Vincent kissing him in the picture???? His mom rescues pit bulls who’ve been hurt. Isn’t that nice?

Look what Indigo has to say!

ITS TOODAIE ITS TOODAIE ITS TOODAIE!!!!!!!

ITS MY THIRDY EVER GOTCHA DAY!!!!!

Hi Everyone! I do not have a Birthday , I have a GOTCHA DAY. We celebrate the days we were Adopted like Birthdays. This year I am having my third Gotcha Day. Ruthie is having her FIRSTY EBER Gotcha Day. Instead of presents , or cards or well wishes, we would like anyone who can to please Donate To Our fwiends at Rikkis Refuge , in Honor of our amazing brudder Vincent.

*Pops wheelies and does spins and stuff* Ok so thanks eberyone who has sended me welly wishes toodaie, I lubs you bery much!!! Please if you would like to do someping speshul for me and Ruthie , hop on ober to our GOTCHA DAY CHIP IN FOR RIKKIS REFUGE, and leave them a little donation for our brudder Vincent, who is attending our Gotcha Day Partee from da rainbow bridge. We do not need pressies , but Vincent’s animal pals at da refuge do need all the donations they can get!!!!!

Thank you so very muchles! XXOO Indy , Ruthie and Familee. http://tripodstriptova.chipin.com/rikkisrefuge

Thank you Indy, Ruthie and Familee, that be very nice of you !!!!! Love, Opie PS I can come party too, pleeezzzeee?

MOO MOO MOO

I still have three cows in West Virginia who need a ride. They want to Mooooove to Rikki’s Refuge and they need your help.

Comments from Kathy

I'm so bummed. Appalachian Bear Rescue came in 2nd in the Toyota 100 Cars for Good Challenge so they don't get the truck they need to haul baby bears. At one point they were way ahead of the pack.

Makes me nervous for June 6th when Rikki's Refuge will be in the running for the truck. Is everybody ready to vote for Rikki's on that day? YOUR VOTE COUNTS.

Opie -- don't know why I didn't think of this before, but I turned Rikki's Toyota 100 Cars for Good Challenge poster into a PDF. The link is now here: http://rikkisrefuge.org/rikkis-toyota-challenge-2012.pdf.

http://rikkisrefuge.org/rikkis-toyota-challenge-2012.pdf

Everyone, print it out and SHARE. Even one extra vote can make the difference. Where can you post it? http://rikkisrefuge.org/rikkis-toyota-challenge-2012.pdf

Here’s the QR code

Cary it with you EVERYWHERE - and ask everyone you meet to point and click!!!!

Sign up for YOUR reminder on June 6^th and/or to read all about the contest, our needs and see the Video of Why Taco Needs New Wheels!

Go to https://apps.facebook.com/carsforgood/day_view.php?id=986&d=24

GW & BEN

Remember we were voting for GW and Ben to win a handicap accessible van? Well they’re in the FINALS. It’s up to the company offering the vans now, they’ll make the final selection for the Ultimate Winner! Keep those fingers crossed and prayers coming. Let THEM win, please !!!!!

Been in Faulconer Hardware in downtown Orange lately? Well stop on in. They’re open Saturday and Sunday too, so when you’re visiting Rikki’s .... visit Faulconer’s too. They’ve got a great new section they all the “Yard Sale Items”. It’s like a wonderful perpetual new cool stuff all the time yard sale with great yard sale prices. Some really cool and interesting things, from little do dads to lovely furniture. Check ‘em out. And tell ‘em Rikki’s Refuge sent you.

HELP ME VOTE

My daddy Vincent always did so good in the shelter challenge, can you help me win too? We’ve won a week and if we can now move up two slots and that’s only 0.16% we can be in line for one of the GRAND PRIZES and lots lots more money !!!!!

Can you help me??

VOTE Rikkis Refuge, VA, USA in the SHELTER CHALLENGE

http://tinyurl.com/VoteRikkis

It’s easy and it’s free !!!!!!! Tell all your Friends!!!

Friends Write In

Sweetness is home from the animal hospital. She is getting better after being in there a week she was ready to spring out of there. She still needs to poopy though so she will need the Vincent poopy dance!! ----- Ashlee Lee

Ok every body - do the poopy dance for Sweetness !!!!! We’re so glad she’s doing so much better. She was terribly ill and in the hospital for several days. ----- Opie

I was awakened on a morning when I could sleep as last as I like to whisker kisses and paw taps. Who could get mad at that?? ----- Tracey Jacobi Brabant

Oh Tracy, that be nice!!! ----- Opie

The autograph quilt will be at Petco on Route 3 in the Harrison Crossing shopping center, today from 10:00 until 2:00 (longer if the sun does not kill me!) ----- Melissa Felts

Oh this quilt is SO pretty!!! Have you see it?? Check it out! http://blog.rikkisrefuge.org/ Stop in and visit Melissa at Petco if you’re in Fredericksburg. Bring her something cool to drink!! Tell her Opie sent you! ----- Opie

It's sunny and warm for once! ----- Phoebe Hitchcock Poulin

Yes it is Phoebe!! Been so much rain and clouds. Nice to see sun. And it’s real warm here!!! I think maybe hot. ----- Opie

The rug at my office was shampooed and deodorized yesterday. A clogged overflow pipe backed up into my massage room...not good! ----- Nora Eldridge

Nora be real good massage therapist, mommey really like her. She pretty good with kitty cats too, I love getting patted by Nora!!! Visit her in Fredericksburg http://www.noraeldridge.com/ Daddy’s Day is coming - maybe get in a Gift Certificate! ----- Opie

Pretty Patches

struggled for her life ..... now she’s happy and healthy .... and ready for a home all her own ..... read her story tomorrow ..... is there room in your heart and your home for her?

Got it?

Got your Signature Quilt Raffle Tickets:

http://blog.rikkisrefuge.org/

Horace the poetry writing dog, next royalty check for Rikki's:
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/mkrause88

2012 Cats vs Dogs :

http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2012/04/cats-vs-dogs.html

Carolyn Friedrich Memorial:

http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2012/05/carolyn-friedrich.html

Get Well Tractor, $387 to go:

http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2012/05/get-well-tractor.html

Have a wonderful Caturday!!

Lots of love,

Opie !!

Learn more www.RikkisRefuge.org and help spread the good word, tell everyone you know about Rikki’s Refuge