Rikki's Refuge

GOOD Morning GOOD News !!!!!

2012-02-09T17:15:00.000-05:00

Is this the BEST picture you've seen all year?

!!!!! The best feeling inthe world is to see my boy bound out the litter box, scoot across the floor,look at an empty plate, look up at me and say MEOW, and dance while I open cansand CHOW DOWN !!!!

You are miracle workers,you friends of Vincent's !!! Don't stop !!!! Keep those prayers, good wishesand love flowing for our boy !!!! Thank you Thank you Thank you a million timesover !!!!

Many of you know how sickVincent's been the last few weeks. I've been trying to tempt him to take just a little lick or a tiny biteevery 15 minutes. His wonderful doctorscalled in an internist specialist to delve deeper and run more and moretests. He's been checked and recheckedfrom nose tip to tail tip, inside and out, and the good news is he's a prettyhealthy boy except for a persistent infection and severe anemia.

He's been so weak for thelast week he's just wanted to stay in bed. He's even needed to be carried to the litter box. He's stayed hunkered down in a big cozy bedin front of the heater, putting up with me stuffing things in his mouth andbegging him to eat.

He's been on a new med afew days and I sure think it's helping. Based on the last of the lab work that just came back yesterday, anothermed is coming in to the pharmacy for him about noon today - $200 for the bottle!!!!

Vincent promised to do aValentine's Day campaign to raise money for vaccinations for the cats and dogsthis spring. A $19,600 adventure thatoccurs every three years when the kitties and doggies need their rabiesvaccinations, as well as their other preventative vaccines.

Instead, he's beenrunning up the bills himself! When wepay for his meds at the pharmacy today, he'll be topping out just over $2,500for care in the last week !!!! And wego back in tomorrow for more lab work.

If you can spare a fewcents for a Valentine for Vincent, he'd greatly appreciate it!
http://rikkisrefuge.org/donate.php

Vincent wants to give YOUa Valentine too!!! While the supply lasts (he pawtographed severalcopies a few weeks ago) he'll send you an original pawtographed purrtrait withpurrsonal inscription just for you, for donations of $250 or more towardsmedical bills. HURRY to get an original pawtograph on yourpurrtrait. If he sells out, you'll get the option of a purrtrait withoutpawtograph or to wait till he's feeling up to pawtographing one just for you!

If a purrsonal pawtographis out of your range, donations of $125 or more will receive a 8.5 x 5.5purrtrait with inscription to you!!

If you purrfer, a $75 orlarger donation will get you a 4.25 x 5.5 purrtrait !!!!!!

A Vincent Purrtrait is agreat keepsake for you - or Purrfect Valentine Gift for your beloved Vincentfan - ask that the inscription be for your loved one and we'll send to them onyour behalf!!! Be sure to give me theiraddress!!!

And of course, everypenny adds up, and that’s what keeps Rikki’s Refuge going. Together we can work miracles ... one pennyat a time !!!

Thank you for yoursupport!
http://rikkisrefuge.org/donate.php

Please sing along with me as I watchVincent eat this morning !!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6yzjDXp_og

HappyHappy Valentiens Day to YOU !!!

Thank you for your loveand support and your prayers for Vincent and for every one at Rikki’s Refuge. YOU truly are a LIFE SAVER !!!

Love, Kerry

(Vincent’s mom)

Good Morning Good News !!!! January 9, 2012

2012-01-09T21:31:00.000-05:00

I’m Vincent D. Cat and here to make you happy! You areHEROES! You work hard every day and you deserve to smile every day! Those ofyou working to save us animals hear so very many very sad things. And there’slots of very glad things too and that’s what we talk about here! All pawsitiveall the time! I want my friends to be happy and smile and know there’s a lot ofgood - including YOU - in this world!! Be kind and pass it on! Please send meyour Good New and Fun Stuff to share, personal or global. Let’s keep it fun andinteractive!! After all, if we couldn’t laugh, we would all go insane! Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org

Hurrah!!!! I’m Back !!!!

Thanks to Daddy the puter guru I got my puter back!!!!!! He had a whole pile ofequipment and he did all kinds of things and ended up doing a total braintransplant from my puter into a body that wasn’t broke. Yippee!!!! I’m so happy. No have to loadall the programs again and no worry about this is incompatible and that don’twork no more and learn how to do this and that different. Daddy did it and it all just works likenothing ever happened!!! Thank youDaddy!!!!

TwoExciting Contests YOU can win!!!

HELP MEWIN FOOD !!!!

$5,000 of FOOD!!! I'm the ONLY CAT in the contest, so you can't miss me! Can you imagine $5,000 of Fancy Feast? I promise to share with the other kittiesof Rikki's Refuge. Please vote for ME,Vincent, in this contest, it's quick and free, one vote per person!

No registration, just go here http://www.facebook.com/petfooddirect?sk=app_184140901646031

and then "like" the page and then vote by clickingon the dot in front of my name VINCENT under the pictures, then click"vote" on the bone to the right. You can click on the picture to see more but you can’t vote that way!

You have to VOTE by clicking on the dot in front of my nameVINCENT under the pictures, then click "vote" on the bone to theright.

Thank you very much. Love, Vincent

TheShelter Challenge is on ...... Go TeamVincent !!!

This year’s rules only allow one prize per shelter perchallenge, so the best one for us to go for is the weekly!!! That will give us $1,000 if we have the mostnumber of votes in a week.

The really good news about this, is that once we’ve won ourweek, we can all vote to help another needy shelter win their week!!!

Click on the long link: http://AnimalRescueSite.com/clickToGive/ShelterChallenge.faces

Or the short link: http://tinyurl.com/VoteRikkis

Then select Rikkis Refuge, VA, USA and you’ll search andthen click VOTE and then have to identify 5 letters/numbers.

The new Shelter Challenge starts today and runs thru March18th. You can vote once a day from each of your computer, home, office, etc.The total number of votes count, so remember to vote daily.

Vote for Rikkis Refuge, in VA in the USA http://tinyurl.com/VoteRikkis

As soon as Rikki's Refuge wins a weekly challenge (the mostnumber of votes in a week) we win $1,000. And then we'll vote for anothershelter that needs help. If we all work together we can win $1,000 for 10different shelters!!! Let's get Rikki's Refuge’s win done this week!!!! VOTEVOTE VOTE and share the word!!!

PIGGINGOUT !

It takes a lot of food to keep everybody at Piggy Paradisehappy!!! Pig food is packaged pelletstuff just like for everybody else. Fresh fruits and veggies are certainly much better for them, both interms of health and their enjoyment. Imagine if all you ever got to eat was crackers packed with all the nutritionyou needed, but no variety of flavor or texture! Ick!

Jack has been a great big huge help in 2011 getting thePiggies and the Rabbits and the Guinea Pigs wonderful delicious nums. A couple times a week he’s been picking upproduce at Costco, 3102 Plank Rd 600 Fredericksburg VA, 22407. Unfortunately he’s not going to be able tocontinue it in 2012.

Can YOU help? Petunia and the other pigs will be SO happy!!

It’s very simple. Here’s all you need to do. Anyday they are open YOU can call 540-785-1160 between 9 am and 9:30 am and askfor a manager. Tell the manager thatYOU are associated with Rikki's Refuge Animal Sanctuary in Orange and ask ifthere is any produce that can be donated for that day. If the answer is yes, YOU will need to be therebe at the side warehouse door between 10:45 am and 11 am. They have to have the produce picked up by11:30 am. Costco has to makearrangements for a manager to leave the floor and come unlock the warehousedoor. It's best to have a pickup truck,van or large SUV.

As you look at the entrance where Costco is, to the rightyou see the automotive bays, farther to the right is the loading docks for thesemi trucks, around the corner there is a single garage door and next to it asingle door with a buzzer. YOU willneed to ring the buzzer once and wait for them to open up, it could be a fewseconds or 10 or 15 minutes, just be patient.

Will you be Petunia’s friend and pick up one day aweek? Please let me know Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org

Secrets inthe Sand

DearVincent

Rikki,Ricky or Ree-kee?

Questions about Rikki’s Refuge, me, your animal friends?Need advice from Wise Old Vincent? Justask! Ask your questions in the blogcomments or sent to me at Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org

Dear Vincent - So I have a question, is Rikki pronouncedlike Ricky or is it Ree-kee? I'm known for pronouncing unfamiliar names frombooks in my own way and just want to know the "real" way to sayRikki. Jennifer

Hi Jennifer! Rikkiis from Rikki-tikki-tavi by Rudyard Kipling here's the story of why we'recalled Rikki's Refuge and who Rikki was, written by Rikki’s Refuge’sBenefactor, Louise A. Hilliard http://rikkisrefuge.org/Rikkis/louise_hilliard.pdf

But to answer your question. It's like Ricky. Are youthinking of Reiki, the healing art, which is pronounced Ray-kee?. If you are,note Rikki's paw position where he's poised over "Rikki's Refuge" inthe logo, healing all the animals of the peaceful sanctuary.

FREE / LOWCOST SPEUTER & RABIES CLINICS

FREE RABIES CLINIC FOR CATS AND DOGS

JANUARY 21, 2012

FOR RESIDENTS OF COLTS NECK, NEW JERSEY!

http://www.colts-neck.nj.us/featured/rabies-clinic-saturday-january-15-2011/

Location: Bucks Mill Recreation Center, Bucks Mill Road,Colts Neck, NJ 07722

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Colts Neck Dog and Cat Owners: Free Rabies VaccinationClinic. All dogs must be 6 months old or older and on a leash. All cats must bein a portable container. Licenses may be obtained at Town Hall Monday throughFriday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Written proof of spay or neutering must be shownto qualify for reduced license fee.

SPEUTER CLINIC - MONTHLY IN 2010

Clinton, Illinois, USA (DeWitt County) - Monthly/2012

For residents of Clinton, Illinois and DeWitt County,Illinois!

Second Chance for Pets will be transporting dogs and cats tothe Animal Protective League in Springfield, Illinois for low-cost spay andneuter clinics in 2012. If you have a pet that you would like to have spayed orneutered for a very low cost ($25 for pit bulls and pit bull mixes/$50 forother breeds), please call us at 217-935-3488 at least 24 hours in advance toget on the transport.

http://www.secondchanceforpets.com/

http://www.secondchanceforpets.com/events.html

Upcoming dates for 2012:

January 25

February 22

March 21

April 18

May 16

June 13

July 11

August 8

September 6

October 3

October 31

November 28

If you hear about events that will benefit animals that wecan share please let me know. Thisnewsletter goes out to 5,000. Hairballsgoes out less frequently to over 50,000 internationally. Share the news!!!

AlumniPaddy Kat

Paddy Kat was critter number 1,940 when he came to Rikki’sRefuge in 2004. His only problem wastesting positive for the fiv virus. Avirus, that we’ve found over the years, seems to have no affect on the kittieshealth. Yet so much fear and theelement of the unknown, still make these cats almost unadoptable.

But not for lucky Paddy Kat!!! Here he is at home, where he’s very happy as a member of Ron’sclan.

Your generous support provides for about 60 cats with thefiv virus, so they can live happily at Rikki’s Refuge. Most shelters kill cats that test positivefor fiv. At Rikki’s they get a happyhome for the rest of their natural lives. Except when they find an open minded adoptor like Ron!

Click here if you’d like to help support a kitty withfiv: http://www.rikkisrefuge.org/donate.php

For $47 a month you can support an fiv kitty. That’s only $564 a year!!! Help brighten the life of someone specialat Rikki’s Refuge today!! Make adonation for Mr. Darcy, Baby Elliot, Velcro, Vista, Utah, Chubs, Sunshine andmany more.

I LoveYOU,

Vincent

PPS You tell me what you want! Email me at Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org withinstructions to change your subscription: additions, deletions ormodifications! Subscriptions: Vincent’s VIPs - up to the second alerts about issues at Rikki’sRefuge 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 themornings, 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-RikkisChecks, money orders, cash, items at Rikki's Refuge, PO Box 1357, Orange VA22960

Rikki's Refuge is owned and operated by Life Unlimited ofVirginia, Inc., an IRS 501(c)(3) not-for-profit Virginia Corporation, tax-id54-1911042. Combined Federal Campaigns #77674, Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign #3163, PetsMart Charities #1377. A financialstatement is available upon written request from the State Office of ConsumerAffairs.

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

Good Morning Good News !!!! January 3, 2012

2012-01-03T13:33:00.003-05:00

THANK YOUMY HEROES !!!!!!

You are absolutely wonderful!!!! YOU chipped in and helped out and shared and spread the word andYOU made us meet our goal. At midnightyou had raised $15,159.50 and when the buzzer went off our donor wrote a checkfor the matching funds !!!! This is agreat big help for the animals. Itkeeps us safe and secure, fills the propane takes to keep us warm, lets us buythe extra feed and bedding needed for all 1,289 animals all winter and is justWONDERFUL!!! Thank you so much forbeing Rikki’s Refuge. It’d be nothingwithout YOU !!!

Thank you Kate Viscardi, Nora Eldridge, Missy Burns and theWagglebutts, Janet Duran, Katherine Reynolds, Debra Berry, Nancy Mottershaw,Karen Friedel, Theresa Leppley, Mary Lou Pizzio, Vicki Gielen, DeniseHalderman, Sue Banning, Dennis Nagy, Amy Madson, Deborah Jameson, StewartBusiness Services, Inc., Betsy Brown, Beverly Cain, Martha Girdany, TheresaLoretto, Jayne Ashmore, Harold N, Deborah Forrest, April Nelson, RobertTringali, John Bowman, Konstantin Shepelev, Suzanne Bolton, Sharon Dyer, AnnClaassen, Roberta Finkelstein, Suzette Haile, Elizabeth Gaver, Linda Downey,Amanda Bumpus, Douglas Michel, Erin Higgins, Jennifer Stocker, Jennifer DorrZiegenmeyer, Amanda Lea, Jeffrey Carey, Marlin Leonard, Lisa Millhorn, WesBoyd, Lia Federico, Jean Evans, Robyn Schnellenberger, ClaudiaEspana, Mary Walker, Torre Taylor, Jill Pfeiffer, Winging Cat Rescue Inc,Barbara Lowe, Vicki Gielen, Carol Boyse, Marie Shirey, Lois Angeletti, Beverlyand Jim Flynn, Amy Griffin, Jennifer Gundersen, Diane Thibault, Cynthia Scheel,Patricia Nelson, Greta Bollinger, Christine Kent, Sarah Cummings, Emily Elder,Morrigan Benton-Floyd, Melanie Jones, Jon O'Connor, Jae Berry, Nick Guagliardo,Margaret Shelbourn, Leigh Goodwin, Joanne Whalon, Martha Girdany, CassandraVago, Karen Friedel, Gigi Dul, Donna Bruno, Carolyn Demorest, Jeanine VanVoorhees-Bright, Sue Banning, Grace Lamoree, Elizabeth Mustakos, CraigMcGruder, Diane Olin White, Paul Totten, Julie Sahlin, John Cann, Kathy Sheffield, Denise Harper, Alicia Boyd, SusieJeddygirl, Barbara Brogan, Dianne Inman, Deb Lavoie, donor making a tremendoustribute to Catnip Candy, Dorrel Edstrand, Martin & Helen & Adam Hauser,Cindy Richards, Kathryn Jones, Julie Wilhite & Jupiter Wilhite & SametMaxudov, Susan Harrison, Kathy Miller, Anthea Homer, Smokey Joseph, AnnMcBride, Andy Thomas and Patty Walker and Gibson and Kiwi and Starr, JanetLundy, Cavell Kopetzky, Pamela Donald, Alison Endicott and Ali Cat, Mary AnnBernald, Judith & Abram Peele, Jeff Green, Al Kent, Kristina Zanotti,Vivian Kincheloe, Ann Eleanor, Liz Marcus, Jenna Watts, Lisa DeFilippo, DianeThibault, Jae Eun Kwak, Karen Friedel, Kristie Blizzard-Warner, LorraineSelwyn, Mary Ann Stanners, Elizabeth Crawford, Joyce Richardson, Gail Lowe,Kristen Outten, Carole Springer, Dennise LaBarre, Dara Goldberg, Autumn Port,Guido and Judith Basolo, Sarah Tulman, Joann Packard and Ally, Chloe, Lily,Taji and Yog, Lisa Kerns, Susan Hamilton, Patrick Defur, Sherry Rhodes, DarleneCole, Laura Kovalik, Deborah Paradis-Keith, Patricia Nathan, Anne-MarieMckechan, Julie McKnight, Bill Pullen, Maike Liekweg, Nancy Shearer, EllenOlander, Lisa Meow Walsh, Deirdre Schwartz, Bonnie Kohlligian, Vicki Wright,Susan Fisher, Stacey Freed, Scott Barton, Cindy Richards, Susan Weiss, JohnFairty, Kathy Russell, Helen Torosian, Kathryn McLean, Sara Arason, Eve Allen,Jane Marden, Virginia Brock and Patsy Shiflet !!! This list is inchronological order of the time of the donations.

And myVolunteers Who’ve Kept Us Going

We’re short two positions now!!! Need a job? Just call540-854-0870 x8

A huge thank you to Nora Eldridge, Ann McBride, Jennifer andThomas Ziegenmeyer, Karen, Andy Thomas, Anja Hollinger who’ve been helping withthe dishes, laundry, dog runs, cat runs, winter bedding and all kinds of greathelp. We couldn’t do it without you.

If you’re a self service volunteer come on out andhelp. If you’d like to learn how -ask! Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org

Thank youTour and Hiking Guides and Volunteers

Melanie,Vincent, Jon, Paul, by Ron

Traditionally we’ve had a Nature Hike every New Years Daysince 1999. This year we added a NewYear’s Day Tour of the Refuge. Thankyou Jan Chetnik, Laurie Karnay, Nora Eldridge, Mary Walker, Gussee Lamoree,Fred Friedman, Paul Erhard, Ron Herfurth, Kristina Anderson, Melanie Hansford,Jon O’Connor, and I know more of you were there, thank you all !!!!

Know what this is? To the left is a Bear Tree. Youknow how your kitties like to scratch on Kitty Trees. Well ...... Yup, that’sright!!! We didn’t get to see the bearon the hike but I bet she was watching you !!!

To the right is Joe Callahan who works day and night to keeptrespassers and poachers off the property. And he NEEDS YOUR HELP next Saturday, January 7^th. That’s the last day of hunting season andit’s going to take a lot of work to keep the trespassers and poachers off theproperty. You can ride atv or dirt bikeor mud bogger, bring your own. Or youcan ride with Joe. The more in thegroup the better. If you can helpplease let me know Vincent@RikkisRefuge.organd come on out early in the day.

January 2^nd= TWO Adoptions !!

Trill with her new mom Laurie! And Frost.

What awonderful way to start the new year !!!!!

These kids came in with a feral group in October. Turned out they weren’t very feral afterall!! Come out and meet some of theirfriends in Cat House Number 1, pick one out, to adopt !!!!

I need acage to put mom in

to make her keep her paws off MY puter. She was messing around with my ‘puteryesterday and busted it. There were NOcats involved. Honest! This was strictly a hooman problem, and ifshe tells you otherwise don’t believe a word of it.

The corner is busted and a hinge damaged, the data cable tothe screen must be damaged. Itflickers, the back light goes off, the whole thing goes off, and so on. For minutes or hours at a time. I’m working now with it hooked to anexternal old crt, and keeping everything on an external back up disk, and havean old laptop I can use too - all together I’m getting tuff done but it’s apain!!!!

It’s a Dell Inspiron 1545 and we got lots of software thattakes days to load back up and all kinds of stuff. May even have to buy a lot of it if we switch computers. Takes so long to move to new computer.

So I have two questions for you? Do you know how to fix something like that cable in there? It doesn’t look easy to even take the caseapart to get to it. It’s a DellInspiron 1545 laptop.

Second is do you have an old Dell Inspiron 1545 laptop you’dgive me for parts????

Daddy is working on getting one too and working out thedetails and should have me running like a real cat by Saturday. If you know anything in the meantime.... Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org

Thanks!!!

Help StopThe Bad Guys

Please help me share this around anywhere that it might beseen by people in and around Newark, Delaware. Very, very good friends andreally wonderful animal people and members of Rikki's Refuge's board were thevictims. They even hurt one of their dogs they’d adopted from Orange County.Help get these bad, bad people caught and locked up. My friends lives have beenhorribly affected. They're going to be ok though the guy was very seriouslyhurt.

You know how many criminals get caught because somebody recognizesthem or their car? All it takes is oneperson who says, HEY, isn’t that that person or car and picks up their cellphone and dials. Tons and tons of badpeople are being stopped thru social media.

The theory of seven degrees of separation says that you’reonly seven introductions away from the entire planet. The people you know, and the people they know, and the peoplethey know and so on, down seven levels and you’ve covered the world.

Well social media has shortened that gap. You’re constantly seeing people get arrestedafter someone looking at facebook or youtube or myspace saw them and turnedthem in.

HELP US FIND THESE BAD PEOPLE AND PUT THEM IN JAIL.

Here’s the story, pictures, videos, sketches, pictures ofthe car .... more detail when youfollow the links. Please check it outand share it with everybody you know everywhere.

I’m putting it all in one simple blog entry to make it easyto share. I’ll add any new informationthat turns up. Please help lock thesecreeps up.

http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2012/01/help-find-criminals-who-injured-our.html

SHARE THISLINK EVERYWHERE UNTIL THESE CRIMINALS ARE FOUND

FREERABIES VACCINE CLINIC

INHOBOKEN, NEW JERSEY, USA ON JANUARY 7,2012 FOR DOGS AND CATS!

(please note - there is a fee for the rabies license, butthe vaccine is FREE!)

The Hoboken Health Department will host a free rabiesvaccination clinic for dogs and cats on Saturday, January 7, 2012 from 11 am to2 pm. The clinic will take place at the Multi-Service Center, located at 124Grand Street. All dogs and cats must be securely fastened with a collar andleash or in a carrier and accompanied by an adult. Dog owners must have a 2012Hoboken dog license which can be obtained on site. Proof of Hoboken residencyis required. License fees are $10 if the pet is spayed/neutered and $14 fornon-spayed/neutered.

http://www.nj.com/hobokennow/index.ssf/2012/01/hoboken_to_offer_free_rabies_v.html

Do youhave experience

with Virtual PBX services, virtual phone systems orservices, things like halloo.com, RingCentral.com, grasshopper.com, virtualcall system and the like? I’d like tohear your comments about these services, please! Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org

Caution -if the volume is up, you kitty might get upset!!

I LoveYOU,

Vincent

PPS You tell me what you want! Email me at Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org withinstructions to change your subscription: additions, deletions ormodifications! Subscriptions: Vincent’s VIPs - up to the second alerts about issues at Rikki’sRefuge for those who care and want to be intimately involved. Scheduled asneeded. Good Morning Good News - a little something to get you going inthe mornings, for those of you who want to keep smiling with us! Scheduleddaily. Hairballs - so you know what’s coming up at Rikki’s! Scheduledweekly.

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 financialstatement is available upon written request from the State Office of ConsumerAffairs.

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

Help Find the Criminals who Injured our Friends

2012-01-03T11:09:00.001-05:00

Help Stop The Bad Guys

Share this link EVERYWHERE
http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2012/01/help-find-criminals-who-injured-our.html

Please help me share this around anywhere that it might beseen by people in and around Newark, Delaware. Very very good friends andreally wonderful animal people and members of Rikki's Refuge's board were thevictims. They even hurt one of their dogs they adopted from Orange County. Helpget these bad bad people caught and locked up. My friends lives have beenhorribly affected. They're going to be ok though the guy was very seriouslyhurt.

You know how many criminals get caught because somebodyrecognizes them or their car? All ittakes is one person who says, HEY, isn’t that that person or car and picks uptheir cell phone and dials. Tons andtons of bad people are being stopped thru social media.

Well social media has shortened that gap. You’re constantly seeing people get arrestedafter someone looking at facebook or youtube or myspace saw them and turnedthem in.

HELP US FIND THESE BAD PEOPLE AND PUT THEM IN JAIL.

Here’s the story, pictures, videos, sketches, pictures ofthe car .... more detail when youfollow the links. Please check it outand share it with everybody you know everywhere.

I’m putting it all in one simple blog entry to make it easyto share. I’ll add any new informationthat turns up. Please help lock thesecreeps up.

Thank You.

http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2012/01/help-find-criminals-who-injured-our.html Share this link EVERYWHERE

This occurred in New Castle County Delaware on December 16,2011

Spread the word and help catch these evil people who hurtthese good people and their dog. Please share, someone you know, knows someone,who knows someone ....... who has seen these people.

If you’ve seen any of these people or their vehicles - callthe cops now.

If you haven’t - then help spread the word till we reachsomeone who does who will call the cops and turn them in.

Social media is catching all kinds of criminals, please helpget these locked up so they can't hurt anymore good animal loving innocentpeople.

One suspect may have been shot.

Police released surveillance photos of two of the possiblerobbers. The suspects were believed to be driving a dark-colored Ford CrownVictoria or Mercury Grand Marquis with tinted windows. Anyone who hasinformation is asked to call police at 302-395-8110 or visit nccpd.com. Textswith nccpd and a tip can be sent to 847411. Contact Ira Porter at 302-324-2890 or iporter@delawareonline.com

Here is video of one of them buying the weapon they beat ourfriend with. I can’t get it to embedhere, sorry.

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20111223/NEWS01/112230337/Three-attack-New-Castle-County-couple-latest-home-invasion

Details of the robbery and assault http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20120101/NEWS01/201010341/Invasion-victim-decries-police-actions?odyssey=tab

New CastleCounty Police Department

Investigators Release Composite Sketch of Home Invasion Suspect

New Castle County Detectives have released a composite sketch of one of thesuspects who was involved in a late night home invasion/style robbery thatoccurred in the community of Raintree Village earlier this month.

Police also learned that an additional suspect vehicle, which is described as alight blue/gold or silver minivan, was possible involved during the incident.

Please review the below sketch and please contact the New Castle County PoliceDepartment at 395-8110 or visit our website at www.nccpd.com<http://www.nccpd.com/>, to offer information regardingthis investigation. Citizens may also provide a text tip at: 847411 (TIP411),begin your message with NCCPD and then type your message. Tips may also besubmitted through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internetat www.tipsubmit.com<http://www.tipsubmit.com/>.Delaware Crime Stoppers will provide a reward of up to $1,000 dollars for tipinformation leading to the arrest of subject(s).

New CastleCounty Police Department

Suspect vehicle in reference to below news release:Investigator’s Seek Public’s Assistance with Identifying Possible Suspects inHome Invasion

New CastleCounty Police Department

Investigator’s Seek Public’s Assistance with Identifying Possible Suspects inHome Invasion

New Castle County Detectives are presently investigating a late night homeinvasion/style robbery that occurred last week in the community of RaintreeVillage in Newark, DE.

Just after midnight on Friday (12/16) morning at 12:01 a.m., County Policeresponded to an address in the unit block of Jonathan Drive for a report of apossible home invasion that just occurred. When police arrived, they observed a63 year old male victim suffering from an injury to his head as a result ofbeing assaulted. The victim was then transported to the Christina Hospital andwas treated for his injury.

The investigation revealed that three unknown subjects forced their way intothe home and approached a female victim before contacting the male victim andstriking him in the head with a blunt object. The male victim was able toretrieve a firearm and shot at the suspects as they were fleeing the residence.The suspects removed property from the home before they fled.

Over the past week, detectives have been conducting interviews and following upon information that has been received throughout the investigation. Evidence atthe scene indicates that one of the suspects was possibly injured by thegunfire.

Investigators are now asking for the public’s help with identifying the blackmale and black female who are depicted in the below photographs. The vehicle(dark colored Ford Crown Victoria or Mercury Grand Marquis with tinted windows)that they were possible operating is also shown below.

Please review the below surveillance photographs. To offer informationregarding this investigation, please contact the New Castle County PoliceDepartment at 302-395-8110 (attention: Detective M. Zielinski) or visit ourwebsite at www.nccpd.com.Citizens may also provide a text tip at: 847411 (TIP411), begin your messagewith NCCPD and then type your message.

Please share this far and wide - just use this link to get all the information on this page. Help get these creeps locked up NOW.

PLEASE SHARE THIS LINK EVERYWHERE

http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2012/01/help-find-criminals-who-injured-our.html

Check back for updates and more information - thank you.

December 31, 2011

2011-12-30T21:53:00.003-05:00

RIKKI’S REFUGE - HAIRBALLS AND HAPPY TAILS

The newsletter of thanksfrom grateful animals to their beloved rescuers.

Christmasis a time of Miracles

And thanks to YOU these13 cats and dogs had life saving Christmas miracles. Without your love support every day of the year, we couldn’t savethe lives we do at Rikki’s. Withoutyour support this Christmas, we could not have saved these 13 animals!

Read the stories of howYOU and Rikki’s Refuge saved their lives, just in time for Christmas!!

http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2011/12/13-christmas-miracles.html

Opie, Nellie, Kennedy,Sugar, Monrovia, Lightning, Mercury, Peanut Butter, Thelma, Prudence, Virginia,Sylvester and Glenda would not have been here to celebrate their first realChristmas without YOU !!! They send younose kisses, big purrs and big sloppy kisses !!!!!

OneChristmas Cabbage Means the World

to TheseLittle Guys

Thank youArthur and Annie !!!

Blue Dog is now a Rikki’s Resident !!!! This is the truck my dear sweet Aunt Candyused to haul all kinds of goodies to Rikki’s. Arthur and Annie came to visit Monday and donated Blue Dog !!!! Thank you, that’s a really lovely gift.

ChristmasQuilt Winner

Karen Jones was the winner of the quilt !!!!! She bought 10 tickets. Thank you Miss Marika for making anddonating the quilt. Thank you toeveryone who took a chance on the quilt and bought a ticket. Together you raised $265 for the animals !!!!!

CountingDown the Hours

Thank you for helping with our Double Your Donation End ofYear Challenge!!! A wonderful donor haschallenged us to a year end, DOUBLE YOUR DONATIONS, up to $15,000. The dead line is midnight the 31^st! That’s when he’ll look at the donations forthis challenge and the pledges and write a check to Rikki’s Refuge for up to$15,000 to help save the animals !!!!

So far we’re at $9,301.50 .... almost two-thirds of the way there ...... we desperately need just $5,698.50 to makeour goal !!!!

Every dollar we come up short - is two dollars short to carefor the animals !!

Can you spare just a dollar or two or ten?

Please donate here http://rikkisrefuge.chipin.com/double-your-donations

or send me an email with your pledge and note that the checkis in the mail! Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org

A great big huge thank you to those of you who havecontributed to the end of year Double Your Donation !!!!!

Kate Viscardi, Nora Eldridge, Missy Burns and theWagglebutts, Janet Duran, Katherine Reynolds, Debra Berry, Nancy Mottershaw,Karen Friedel, Theresa Leppley, Mary Lou Pizzio, Vicki Gielen, DeniseHalderman, Sue Banning, Dennis Nagy, Amy Madson, Deborah Jameson, StewartBusiness Services, Inc., Betsy Brown, Beverly Cain, Martha Girdany, TheresaLoretto, Jayne Ashmore, Harold N, Deborah Forrest, April Nelson, RobertTringali, John Bowman, Konstantin Shepelev, Suzanne Bolton, Sharon Dyer, AnnClaassen, Roberta Finkelstein, Suzette Haile, Elizabeth Gaver, Linda Downey,Amanda Bumpus, Douglas Michel, Erin Higgins, Jennifer Stocker, Jennifer DorrZiegenmeyer, Amanda Lea, Jeffrey Carey, Marlin Leonard, Lisa Millhorn, Wes Boyd,Lia Federico, Jean Evans, Robyn Schnellenberger, Claudia Espana, MaryWalker, Torre Taylor, Jill Pfeiffer, Winging Cat Rescue Inc, Barbara Lowe,Vicki Gielen, Carol Boyse, Marie Shirey, Lois Angeletti, Beverly and Jim Flynn,Amy Griffin, Jennifer Gundersen, Diane Thibault, Cynthia Scheel, PatriciaNelson, Greta Bollinger, Christine Kent, Sarah Cummings, Emily Elder, MorriganBenton-Floyd, Melanie Jones, Jon O'Connor, Jae Berry, Nick Guagliardo, MargaretShelbourn, Leigh Goodwin, Joanne Whalon, Martha Girdany, Cassandra Vago, KarenFriedel, Gigi Dul, Donna Bruno, Carolyn Demorest, Jeanine Van Voorhees-Bright,Sue Banning, Grace Lamoree, Elizabeth Mustakos, Craig McGruder, Diane OlinWhite, Paul Totten, Julie Sahlin, John Cann, KathySheffield

!!!!! You’remy angels!!!

Click here http://rikkisrefuge.chipin.com/double-your-donations

to See YOUR name here TOMORROW !!!!!

PleaseSpend New Year’s Day With Us

January 1st Sunday - Opening the New Year at your favoriteplace will bring you good luck all year!!! 11 am Tour of the Refuge - note 11 am - not our usual noon - 11 am so wecan squeeze in Nature Hike before it gets dark and cold. Gates open at 10:30 am. Tour at 11 am, yup, it’s all outside sodress warm warm warm. Then at 1 pmyou’ll head for the hills!!!! PristineNature Hike thru the 367 acres of Rikki’s Refuge. Good boots, waterproof and all dressed up for the weather. Wear orange and red and bright colors so anyevil poaching trespassing you know what’s don’t think you’re a deer!!!

Christmaswith the Critters

Click to see the animals Christmas Photo Album, includingTimmy’s First Christmas.

http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-at-rikkis-refuge.html

HELP .. Ineed somebody ...

Help.... Not just anybody ....

Heeeeeeelp......

Where’s my bed? I’mhaving to sleep on my toy cuz I don’t got no clean bed! Jennifer left us on Monday - just walked outin the middle of the day - so I need somebody to take care of the feeding andcleaning in the 9th Live Center and the Hospital Cages. Is that YOU? Call for a job interview - 540-854-0870 x8 . If you’re a good volunteer, please come andhelp till the position is filled.

Miles saysit all

Thank you Michael and Lanell Gardner, we LOVE you let megive you a great big hug!!!! Michaeland Lanell brought this big beautiful van to Rikki’s yesterday. There’s a story here.

Last week Lena was telling mom about a program she’d like tostart. Offering free or low costSpeutering to a few local citizens - I mean their pets - every month. Maybe we could start with 10. For $1,000 a month we could probably do 20 amonth. It wouldn’t be hard to getgoing. We’d need to line up a doctor orclinic to work with. Get paper workready for folks. Have the animals comehere. Find a volunteer who’d drivethem, in the morning and back in the evening. We’d need the volunteer, and we know someone would help with this kindof a great program. And either they’dneed transportation that could fit in many carriers or crates. Or better yet, we’d get a van that we couldoutfit with cages and carriers and our volunteer could drive .........

Well the next morning when the phone rang and the callersaid ..... I have a van I’d like to donate if you could use it .... mom was jumping with joy and now Lena isworking on implementing the all new Community Speuter Program !!!

Thank youfor your love and support.

Togetherwe’re making a marvelous difference!!!

LOVE,

VINCENT

December31, 2011

PS: Please help me, I’ll try anything to keep the RefugeRunning. 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 fromkind and loving individuals just like you! We help farm animals, domestic animals, and wildlife. Over 1200 individuals of 22 differentspecies 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, justlike you. We live on a shoestring andmake it on less than one dollar per day, per animal. So if you can spare a couple of bucks to buy a few meals, pleasego to http://www.paypal.com/ and use our email addressof mail@rikkisrefuge.org . We do accept checks, money orders, cash andstuff, too! Thanks for yoursupport. Rikki's Refuge, PO Box 1357,Orange VA 22960

Your donations directly support the Critters of Rikki’sRefuge. Rikki's Refuge is owned andoperated by Life Unlimited of Virginia, Inc., an IRS 501(c)(3) not-for-profitVirginia Corporation. Federal Tax-ID 54-1911042. We hold membership in allCombined Federal Campaigns in Virginia #77674, Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign #3163, PetsMart Charities #1377, iGive, Benevolink,paypal.com (mail@rikkisrefuge.org), yourdonations provide direct support. A financial statement is available uponwritten request from the State Office of Consumer Affairs.

If you know others who'd enjoy reading about the excitingadventures at Rikki's Refuge let me know and I'll be happy to includethem. If you are one of those strangehumans who does not wish to laugh and cry with us, simply reply with"REMOVE" and nothing but "REMOVE" in the subject line.

Christmas at Rikki's Refuge

2011-12-30T20:30:00.001-05:00

MerryChristmas Troops, we SUPPORT YOU !!!

And so wecelebrate Christmas at Rikki’s Refuge !!

It’s Timmy’s first Christmas

he’s awed by all the excitement and gifts Santabrought. Even after listening to allthe tales of Christmas past that Vincent told him about, he’s just amazed atthe kindness and generosity of his friends and supporters.

Timmy takes time to read all the cards from all his friendsand to stop and wish each and every one a very Merry Christmas! So many many friends!

Timmy wanted to take his time, opening each gift andsavoring it ....

Vincent hunkers down andshows Timmy how to get on with it !!

Wow, a stocking of my own !!!!

Come on kid, no need totake all day, let me show you how it’s done .....

Peace andLove, Love and Peace, that’s what I wish for all my friends today!!

It takesso little to make so many so happy!!!!

We were such happy animals on Christmas!!!! Santa sent his helpers

Jan Chetnik and

Laurie Karnay

and lots of others to help out!!! We had a wonderful tour with lots of kind and generous people.

Mr. Mister, Vincent andNora Eldridge are so happy about all the donations!!!!!

A whole truck full of cat food

And a whole truck of dogfood

For Kiki and friends

Mick supervised sales ofSoaps with our pictures, raffle tickets, and lots more

Onecabbage means the world to a dozen guinea pigs!!

Good Morning Good News !!!! December 30, 2011

2011-12-30T13:10:00.003-05:00

HELP .. Ineed somebody ...

Help.... Not just anybody ....

Heeeeeeelp......

CountingDown the Hours

Thank you for helping with our Double Your Donation End ofYear Challenge!!! A wonderful donorwill double our donations, up to $15,000 at midnight tomorrow, the 31^st! So far we’re at $6,161.50 .... not quite half way ... we desperately need $8,838.50 to make ourgoal !!!!

Every dollar we come up short - is two dollars short to carefor the animals !!

Can you spare just a dollar or two or ten?

Please donate here http://rikkisrefuge.chipin.com/double-your-donations

or send me an email with your pledge and note that the checkis in the mail! Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org

A great big huge thank you to those of you who havecontributed to the end of year Double Your Donation !!!!!

Since yesterday:

Lia Federico, Jean Evans, Robyn Schnellenberger, ClaudiaEspana, Mary Walker, Torre Taylor, Jill Pfeiffer, Winging Cat Rescue Inc,Barbara Lowe, Vicki Gielen, Carol Boyse, Marie Shirey, Lois Angeletti, Beverlyand Jim Flynn, Amy Griffin

and to Kate Viscardi, Nora Eldridge, Missy Burns and theWagglebutts, Janet Duran, Katherine Reynolds, Debra Berry, Nancy Mottershaw,Karen Friedel, Theresa Leppley, Mary Lou Pizzio, Vicki Gielen, DeniseHalderman, Sue Banning, Dennis Nagy, Amy Madson, Deborah Jameson, StewartBusiness Services, Inc., Betsy Brown, Beverly Cain, Martha Girdany, TheresaLoretto, Jayne Ashmore, Harold N, Deborah Forrest, April Nelson, RobertTringali, John Bowman, Konstantin Shepelev, Suzanne Bolton, Sharon Dyer, AnnClaassen, Roberta Finkelstein, Suzette Haile, Elizabeth Gaver, Linda Downey,Amanda Bumpus, Douglas Michel, Erin Higgins, Jennifer Stocker, Jennifer DorrZiegenmeyer, Amanda Lea, Jeffrey Carey, Marlin Leonard, Lisa Millhorn, Wes Boyd

!!!!! You’remy angels!!!

Click here http://rikkisrefuge.chipin.com/double-your-donations

to See YOUR name here TOMORROW !!!!!

Oh Pi

I’m sosorry! I called you a girlyesterday. I really sorry. I know you’re a big handsome boy. Please forgive me!!!

MY NewYear Resolution

Is to makethe 9th Life Center look just like this!!! Ron!! Rene!!!! Come and help !!!!!

Miles saysit all

Thank you Michael and Lanell Gardner, we LOVE you let megive you a great big hug!!!! Michaeland Lanell brought this big beautiful van to Rikki’s yesterday. There’s a story here.

New Year’sDay Tour and Hike

Tilltomorrow .....

We LoveYOU,

Vincentand Timmy

PS Hi can you spare $1 or $2? I'd really appreciate it if you can. I can double your donation thru the end ofthe year - AND you get a tax deduction too!!! It's a real WIN WIN WIN. $1normally buys four meals for us here at Rikki's Refuge. Now your $1 will buy 8 meals !!!! That's a bargain!! If you can help at all, please do! Thank you, Vincent

http://rikkisrefuge.chipin.com/double-your-donations

PPS You tell me what you want! Email me at Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org withinstructions to change your subscription: additions, deletions ormodifications! Subscriptions: Vincent’s VIPs - up to the second alerts about issues at Rikki’sRefuge for those who care and want to be intimately involved. Scheduled asneeded. Good Morning Good News - a little something to get you going inthe mornings, for those of you who want to keep smiling with us! Scheduleddaily. Hairballs - so you know what’s coming up at Rikki’s! Scheduledweekly.

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

Good Morning Good News !!!! December 29, 2011

2011-12-29T19:54:00.002-05:00

Kiwi andGibson, Happy in their New Home !

Kiwi came from Georgia and had spent several years atRikki’s before finding the purrfect parents, Patty and Andy.

You may remember Gibson’s story.

Gibson doing The Happy Dance, tasting freedom at last!!! After 1 ½ years of healing fromtraumatic wounds, Gibson dances with joy!! Read his whole story under the video on youtube.

Kiwi and Gibson very happily spent their first Christmaswith Patty and Andy last week !!!! Awonderful forever home they’ll be eternally grateful for.

YOU made this possible. YOUR donations paid for their care and for the many surgeries Gibsonneeded.

Now YouCAN Save More Like Gibson and Kiwi

You can double your donation thru the end of the year. But watch out! That’s only three more days!!! Saturday at midnight is thedeadline!!! We have $15,000 to bedoubled and we haven’t quite yet reached the $5,000 mark. Please help us reach this goal for the full$15,000 is donated to us at midnight Saturday.

Read all the detains here http://rikkisrefuge.chipin.com/double-your-donations

A great big huge thank you to those of you who havecontributed to the end of year Double Your Donation !!!!!

!!!!! You’remy angels!!!

Click here http://rikkisrefuge.chipin.com/double-your-donations

to See YOUR name here TOMORROW !!!!!

We’ve raised less than $5,000 of this $15,000 matchingchallenge. Our deadline is midnightSaturday. Please help out by making alarge end of year tax deductible donation, or simply by tossing in a fewbucks!! Every penny adds up!! Thank you!!!

Thank youArthur and Annie !!!

BonnieKliamovich is a Vincent Elf

Her AngelTree was at Pet Supplies "Plus" Charlottesville VA

and lookat all the goodies she brought out on this trip!!!

Ahhhh TheHot Seat

Pi is allstretched out and cozy warm in his home with Martha!!

Come to myNew Mews New Years Eve Party !!!!!

MidnightSaturday !!!

A New Mewto every one who shows up !!!

Can’t makethe party?

Pleasesend your shipping address so I can get your Happy New Mew on the way to you!!!!

ps Justkidding, we’d love to see lots of our kitties get homes,

butadoption application and processing are required for everyone!

Thank youfor coming to visit me Jennifer and mom !!!

I LoveYOU,

Vincent

http://rikkisrefuge.chipin.com/double-your-donations

PPS You tell me what you want! Email me at Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org withinstructions to change your subscription: additions, deletions ormodifications! Subscriptions: Vincent’s VIPs - up to the second alerts about issues at Rikki’sRefuge for those who care and want to be intimately involved. Scheduled asneeded. Good Morning Good News - a little something to get you going inthe mornings, for those of you who want to keep smiling with us! Scheduleddaily. Hairballs - so you know what’s coming up at Rikki’s! Scheduledweekly.

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

Good Morning Good News !!!! December 28, 2011

2011-12-27T21:20:00.004-05:00

JR Gets aWonderful Forever Home!!

Happy happy news!! JR went to his new home yesterday. An older very gentle and sweet guy!! It’s so wonderful to see seniors get homes. He’s a gentle sweet unassuming guy. He can walk into any environment and fit right in. Lots of the older guys and gals are likethis. Please head out to your localshelter and take one home today!!!!

It’s really good karma !!!!!

Fred Showsup with the 23^rd Species ......

Hmmm when Daddy said he was coming with his snake.......

Thank you Fred for fixing the horrible clog in the 9^thLife Center!!! The good news! It wasn’ta cat stuck down the drain!

Angel TreeDonations Keep Rolling In

Dan Galvin with donations from Angel Tree in Richmond!! So many kind and generous people, putting uptrees, putting supplies under the trees, picking up the donated items, andbringing them to Rikki’s !!! Such awonderful program. Bringing in lots ofnums for the animals.

Shopping after Christmas sales?? Watch for trees for next years programs. 6-7 foot pre-lit easy assemble trees. Also white and other bright color ones forChristmas in July !!!!

TheAnimals or The IRS ?

Who would you rather see get the cash? I hope your vote is with the animals!!!!! Only four days of tax savingdonations left !!!! Hurry and get yourdonation in and your tax write off ready!!! AND you can double your donation with this wonderful program!! http://rikkisrefuge.chipin.com/double-your-donations

A great big huge thank you to those of you who havecontributed to the end of year Double Your Donation !!!!!

I LoveYOU,

Vincent

PS You tell me what you want! Email me at Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org withinstructions to change your subscription: additions, deletions ormodifications! Subscriptions: Vincent’s VIPs - up to the second alerts about issues at Rikki’sRefuge for those who care and want to be intimately involved. Scheduled asneeded. Good Morning Good News - a little something to get you going inthe mornings, for those of you who want to keep smiling with us! Scheduleddaily. Hairballs - so you know what’s coming up at Rikki’s! Scheduledweekly.

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

Good Morning Good News !!!! December 27, 2011

2011-12-27T16:32:00.002-05:00

It takesso little to make so many so happy!!!!

We were such happy animals on Christmas!!!! Santa sent his helpers

Jan Chetnik and

Laurie Karnay

and lots of others to help out!!! We had a wonderful tour with lots of kind and generous people.

Mr. Mister, Vincent andNora Eldridge are so happy about all the donations!!!!!

A whole truck full of cat food

And a whole truck of dogfood

For Kiki and friends

Mick supervised sales ofSoaps with our pictures, raffle tickets, and lots more

Onecabbage means the world to a dozen guinea pigs!!

ChristmasQuilt

Karen Jones was the winner of the quilt !!!!! She bought 10 tickets. Thank you Miss Marika for making anddonating the quilt. Thank you to everyonewho took a chance on the quilt and bought a ticket. Together you raised $265 for the animals !!!!!

New Challenge!!!

Well this pretty much says it all !!!!! My friend who hate's paying the IRS, juststarted this Double Your Donation before the End of the Year, pay less taxes,help the animals more!!!

Yikers and I've got what like five days !!!! HELP !!!

This is wonderful news!!!! It’s short notice. We’ve onlygot five days. If you are looking tosave on your taxes with a last minute tax deductible donation - please pleasehelp out now while this Double Your Donation is going on !!!! Thank you. Please share with anyone and everyone you know who cares about theanimals!!

TheAnimals or The IRS ?

I’lldouble your tax deductible donations!!!!

You win!!!!

Theanimals win !!!!

Donatebefore the end of the year !!!!

Rikki’s ismy all time favorite!!

How aboutYOU ?

Hey Duke, Hey Vincent,

It’s your buddy here whohates paying income tax!! I’d muchrather give my money to you than to the IRS! I bet lots of your friends feel that way too!!

How many of them will joinme!!

Let’s find out!!

I’ll tell you what I’ll do....

but first I better say ....donations made to Rikki’s Refuge are tax deductible to the fullest extent ofthe law and all that fine print. Inmost cases 100% of the donation is deductible. Seek the advice of your accountant if you’re not sure about yourparticular situation.

And now this is what I’ll doso we can all save money together --- I’ll match all donations from this secondforward, thru midnight on December 31, 2011 so we can save the mostest.

Just in case this goes wild,I do have to put a limit on this!!! Alldonations up to $15,000 by the end of the year, I’ll match.

Dollar for dollar.

That’s right, YOU donate $1to Vincent and Duke and I’ll donate $1.

It’s a WIN WIN WINsituation!

YOU get a tax break, I get atax break, and Duke and Vincent get to eat!!

I’ll be stopping in atmidnight Saturday to celebrate with you! Duke and Vincent, you show me what you have and what’s been pledged bymidnight Saturday - and I’ll write you a check for up to $15,000 !!!!

Hope that’ll help you out,you adorable little furry guys!!

Love from your fan, wholikes you better than the IRS !!!

See you Saturday night!!

You-Know-Who

Chip In here!! http://rikkisrefuge.chipin.com/double-your-donations

and please share this link with everyone !!!!

I LoveYOU,

Vincent

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

Good Morning Good News !!!! December 25, 2011

2011-12-24T21:31:00.002-05:00

MerryMerry Christmas to YOU !!

I hope you’re having a wonderful wonderful Christmas withyour family and friends. And I hopeyou’re coming to visit me today too!!!

December 25th Sunday - Enchanted Christmas Tour at NOON,gates open at 11:30 am, tour lasts about 2 hours and it’s all outside, so bewarm. During the tour you’ll get tohelp decorate our trees with nums and watch us pick our favorite off thetrees. Admission cat and dog food - asmuch as you can possibly haul in. Canned please, we’re well stocked on dry. We need bird seed, oranges, and fresh produce too.

Here’s our Christmas Day special for you!!! NO you can't sit on St. Vince's lap and tellhim your wishes for Christmas, but he can sit on your lap and you can get yourphoto taken for a $50 donation and you'll get one 8x10 glossy sent to you!!!!

What didSanta decide ???

And so wecelebrate Christmas at Rikki’s Refuge !!

It’s Timmy’s first Christmas

Timmy takes time to read all the cards from all his friendsand to stop and wish each and every one a very Merry Christmas! So many many friends!

Timmy wanted to take his time, opening each gift andsavoring it ....

Vincent hunkers down andshows Timmy how to get on with it !!

Wow, a stocking of my own !!!!

Come on kid, no need totake all day, let me show you how it’s done .....

last chance for tickets

drawing 2 pm CHRISTMAS DAY

Christmas Quilt

This beautiful quilt was made by Miss Marika to raise fundsto keep the 1,289 animals of Rikki’s Refuge warm all winter long! Lovingly made, with a beautiful Christmasy /Holiday theme on the front and cozy comfy flannel on the back. Approximately 40” by 60” a purrfect throwfor winter time.

Raffle tickets are $3 each, 2 for $5 or 5 for $10 (best bargain).

Get your tickets here: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/Vincent/WinterWarmth

be sure to leave contact information in the comment field sowe can reach you if you’re the lucky winner!!

Not to worry, this donation site is the right place for quiltraffles, all donations here are for purchasing tickets only!!!

Winner will also be posted right here - in this blog afterthe drawing!!!

Drawing Christmas Day at 2 pm.

We hope you’ll join us for our Enchanted Christmas Day Tourat noon on Christmas Day, December 25^th. But you DO NOT need to be present to win!!

Peace andLove, Love and Peace, that’s what I wish for all my friends today!!

I LoveYOU,

Vincent and Timmy

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

13 Christmas Miracles

2011-12-24T19:40:00.000-05:00

Rikki's 13 ChristmasMiracles

made possible by

YOURSUPPORT !!!!

Opie

Born in a litter of nine, the only survivor. Opie was born with no hind feet. Several others in the litter were missinglimbs, too. This wasn’t mom’s firstlitter on the streets. But thanks toyour miracle, it’s Nellie’s last!! Sheand her surviving kitten, Opie, have joined the Rikki’s Team.

Nellie

Just out of quarantine they’re learning their way around andgetting to know the others on the Humane Team where they’ll be working. Nellie is gentle and sweet and we’vepromised her that after all she’s been thru, she’ll never be separated from hersurviving son. She’ll be working as aTherapy Cat bringing joy to others, as you’ve brought joy to her.

Opie is getting around very well on his hind legstumps. He’s building up calluses soit’s not painful to walk ... and run ... and play !!!!

Opie will be working with Vincent and Timmy, going toschools and events to teach Humane Education.

The ThreeMusketeers of Humane Education

Kennedy

has joined us for Christmas. With only two days practice behind him, he’s still steppinggingerly, expecting that chain to snap him back at any time. Elderly and declared "no good for hunting no more",he wasn’t expecting to be alive by Christmas. He’s the kind of guy who’s grateful just for a kind look. Who knows what his life was life before. But we sure know what his life is like now,thanks to YOUR Christmas Miracle, Kennedy will celebrate his first Christmastomorrow!! And that won’t mean runningthru the woods, risking being shot, if he can’t find a deer for his owner toshoot.

Sugar

Precious little Sugar was born with neurologicalproblems. She may be hard of hearingand hard of sight too. But her snugglesensor and purr box sure do work!!! Loving being held and loved for the first time in her life, Sugar is sohappy to be a recipient of a Christmas Miracle, saved by YOU !!!! We’re still evaluating her needs whileshe’s in her quarantine time. Kids likeSugar love volunteers who want to come and hold and love without judgement.

Monrovia

“For real? No morePuppies!!” Your Christmas Miracle toMonrovia frees her from the physical strain of giving birth to 20 ... 30 ... 40puppies every year. Never again willMonrovia be judged by how many and how often she can reproduce. Monrovia can spend her senior years free andlighthearted being loved and having fun. We appreciate her for being who she is, not for how many puppies she candrop that can be sold for $20 each.

Lightning

Lightning had been hanging around a subsidized housingcomplex for a long time. Left behind bysomeone who’d once loved him. A newresident took him under her wing when she moved in. She loved Lightning and Lightning loved her. With little means of support she couldn’tmove to pet friendly housing when Lightning got caught in her house. She put him back outside and fed him andvisited with him. Fearing eviction andno where to go if she took him in. Oneday Lightning showed up with an injured foot. She took him in to care for him, fearing that his limp would now make itmore likely he’d get run over in the busy area. Thankfully on the day when management found THAT cat in herapartment again and was calling the pound to do away with the offendingcreature, she talked to one of our employees.

Lightning is now safely at Rikki’s Refuge. Tough he’s not real impressed with havinghis injured foot soaked twice a day, it’s going to heal up and be justfine. And the best news of all, isLightning’s lady will be able to come visit him when ever she can!!! Your Christmas Miracle here touched bothhuman and animal!!!

Mercury

“Food? Morefood?” Mercury can’t get over the factthat there’s always enough to eat! Shekeeps checking out that food bowl and more keeps appearing. She’s so hungry, she’ll eat anything, andany quantity. She’s on many small mealsnow until she gets used to her Christmas Miracle, never again will she have togo hungry !!!!

PeanutButter

You made it possible for Peanut Butter to come to Rikki’s alittle over a week ago. He’d been hitby a car, and his owners, unable to afford vet care, let him inside to lie on ablanket in the kitchen and see if he lived or died. Three days later a neighbor was very upset about this. She knew if she called the localauthorities, Peanut Butter would be taken and killed.

Poor Peanut Butter has a bad break to his left hind legwhich required surgery, several breaks in his tail and a lot of abrasions onhis legs. He’s now had surgery and isfeeling much better. He’s able to getup to use the litter box. And he purrsnon stop.

This lovely boy thanks you for his Christmas Miracle.

Thelma

just wants belly rubs for Christmas! She’s so happy to be running andplaying!!!! “She never would settledown” and now that she’s sick, her folks just “figured it was time to move on,get rid of this one and get one that might work out better.” Thelma has heartworms. A totally preventable disease, if you justpay attention and give her one little pill a month. Very few hunting dogs ever get medical care. Many are lucky to get food.

Thelma will start her heartworm treatment soon and thanks toyour Christmas Miracle, Thelma will be looking for a real home of her ownsoon. She’s young and healthy, exceptfor the heartworms.

Prudence

Prudence was just one more barn cat. One more than they could stand “runninground makin more babies”. YourChristmas Miracle has saved her life and will allow her to live in peace as theferal kitty she was born to be. Just nomore babies!!!!! Nobody but nobody isallowed to reproduce at Rikki’s !!!!

Virginia

Virginia has only been at Rikki’s Refuge a couple of days,and she’s just learning that being with a human doesn’t mean harsh words, kicksand slaps. Shy and very gentle, this oldgal thanks you for her Christmas Miracle of a home where she’s cared for andloved.

Sylvester

Was a recent arrival at a managed feral colony. Old and blind in one eye, the caretaker toldthe speuter clinic to just off him. Thedoc there didn’t think that was fair. Thankfully your Christmas Miracle to Rikki’s, made it possible forSylvester to come and join our feral kitties, where he’ll make new friends,have all he wants to eat, and a cozy place to sleep. We appreciate our seniors and think they deserve a lovelyretirement!

Glenda

Getting old and tired from producing puppies as fast as heraging body could, she just couldn’t keep up and do her fair share this huntingseason. Deemed “worthless”, it was onlythru your Christmas Miracle, that Glenda was fortunate enough to make it toRikki’s Refuge. Without Rikki’s, herfate would not have be a happy one and she wouldn’t be sleeping tonight withdreams of sugar plums dancing in her head!

These 13 animals were able to join Rikki’s Refuge in thelast few days ONLY because of your Christmas Miracle gifts to Rikki’sRefuge. I hope you have a very Happyand Merry Christmas knowing that you directly supported and saved theseanimals, who without you, would not be here to celebrate Christmas this year!!!

The amount of work we can do, the number of lives we cansave, is unlimited as long as your kind and generous support is unlimited!!!!

Good Morning Good News !!!! December 24, 2011

2011-12-24T12:55:00.004-05:00

MerryChristmas Troops, we SUPPORT YOU !!!

MerryMerry Christmas Eve !!

In the spirit of Christmas YOU met our $10,000 Double YourDonation Challenge .... it was down tothe last minute ..... we thought itmight be the first time ever that we did not meet our challenge .... but ...YOU did it !!! As our donor arrived andpulled out his check book .... wepulled up the figures ... and held our breath ...... cuz only moments ago we’d been a couple hundred short .... and there it was ... big and bold $10,000!!!!!.

And Yaaaahooooooo!!!!!! This means all the big bad evil debt that has been plaguing us this yearis GONE !!!!! Just in time to celebratefor Christmas !!!!!

This aboutsums up Christmas for us!!!!

Rikki's 13 ChristmasMiracles

made possible by

YOURSUPPORT !!!!

Opie

Nellie

Opie is getting around very well on his hind legstumps. He’s building up calluses soit’s not painful to walk ... and run ... and play !!!!

Opie will be working with Vincent and Timmy, going toschools and events to teach Humane Education.

The ThreeMusketeers of Humane Education

Kennedy

Sugar

Monrovia

Lightning

Mercury

PeanutButter

This lovely boy thanks you for his Christmas Miracle.

Thelma

Thelma will start her heartworm treatment soon and thanks toyour Christmas Miracle, Thelma will be looking for a real home of her ownsoon. She’s young and healthy, exceptfor the heartworms.

Prudence

Virginia

Sylvester

Glenda

The amount of work we can do, the number of lives we cansave, is unlimited as long as your kind and generous support is unlimited!!!!

THANK YOUDONORS and

VOLUNTEERS!!!!!

YOU SAVELIVES !!!

Wrapping

Team Ron in Charlottesville and Team Fred in Falls Churchwrapped till they dropped !!!! Over 20volunteers joined in the fun and wrapped gifts at Barnes and Noble fordonations. Together they raised over$1,000 to save lives!!!

Jayne

Jayne wanted to help the animals this holiday season. Due to illness and under employment, herfamily has been struggling. She knowswhat it’s like to go without a meal. And she couldn’t bear the thought of the animals being hungry onChristmas. Just knowing there had to bea way to help, she put on her thinking cap and came up with a great idea!! She’d have an on-line Christmas Party andSHAVE her head !!! For a few weeksbefore Christmas she sought out sponsors for her head shave!!! Wednesday was the party and she fulfilledher part of the bargain. In exchangeher sponsors put up over $600 - which she split between Rikki’s Refuge and herfavorite local dog rescue in Birmingham, England !!!!!

If you can give $100,000 that’s fabulous!!!! If you can only give $1 that’s great too,cuz that makes you a part of the solution! Together we can make miracles happen every day in the animal world. Think of all the ways you can do fundraisersto help the animals! On line auctions,ebay sales, bake cookies to sell, run a sponsored race, the list goes on andon. How creative can you get? I want to feature your creative solutions tosaving animals here!

Christmas Quilt

drawing 2 pm CHRISTMAS DAY

last chance for tickets

Raffle tickets are $3 each, 2 for $5 or 5 for $10 (best bargain).

Get your tickets here: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/Vincent/WinterWarmth

be sure to leave contact information in the comment field sowe can reach you if you’re the lucky winner!!

Not to worry, this donation site is the right place forquilt raffles, all donations here are for purchasing tickets only!!!

Winner will also be posted right here - in this blog afterthe drawing!!!

Drawing Christmas Day at 2 pm.

We hope you’ll join us for our Enchanted Christmas Day Tourat noon on Christmas Day, December 25^th. But you DO NOT need to be present to win!!

ChristmasDay at Rikki’s Refuge

Here’s our Christmas Day special for you!!!

NO you can't sit on St. Vince's lap and tell him your wishesfor Christmas, but he can sit on your lap and you can get your photo taken fora $50 donation and you'll get one 8x10 glossy sent to you!!!!

New YearsTour and Nature Hike

January 1st Sunday - Opening the New Year at your favoriteplace will bring you good luck all year!!! 11 am Tour of the Refuge - note 11 am - not our usual noon - 11 am so wecan squeeze in Nature Hike before it gets dark and cold. Gates open at 10:30 am. Tour at 11 am, yup, it’s all outside sodress warm warm warm. Then at 1 pm you’llhead for the hills!!!! Pristine NatureHike thru the 367 acres of Rikki’s Refuge. Good boots, waterproof and all dressed up for the weather. Wear orange and red and bright colors so anyevil poaching trespassing you know what’s don’t think you’re a deer!!!

I sure hope to see you this holiday season! If you can’t make it, know that I’d be atyour door step to wish you a wonderful Christmas if only mom would let me havea corporate jet -- but she says all the money has to go to taking care ofanimals, always!!!

And now... as we hold our breath ...

... doesSanta say Vincent’s been

.... untiltomorrow ....

Christmas Lights,Sounds from Don Gilmore on Vimeo.

Wishingyou a love filled, peaceful and

very veryMerry Christmas!!

I LoveYOU,

Vincent

PS You tell me what you want! Email me at Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org withinstructions to change your subscription: additions, deletions ormodifications! Subscriptions: Vincent’s VIPs - up to the second alerts about issues at Rikki’s Refugefor those who care and want to be intimately involved. Scheduled as needed. GoodMorning 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.

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

December 18, 2011

2011-12-18T08:57:00.001-05:00

RIKKI’S REFUGE - HAIRBALLS AND HAPPY TAILS

The newsletter of thanksfrom grateful animals to their beloved rescuers brought to you by

Duke Thomas Peabodyand Vincent D. Cat

Building a Better Planet

One Rescued Animal at a Time

You can make Duke’s andVincent’s job easier http://bit.ly/BeMyHero

We Are TheHappy Animals Of Rikki’s Refuge

who so thank you forgiving us the gift of our lives and the tools to build our Refuge. We represent all the animals, the worldover, whose lives have been saved by kind and loving people just like you. Thank you for being an animal rescuer.

Just likeLittle Timmy in the Christmas Picture with me.

Merry Christmas and thankyou so much for the gift of Timmy’s life!!!! That’s the best gift you could give him and me !!!! Timmy is going to work with me in humaneeducation. He can tell you how urgentthe need is to educate folks!

When Little Timmy wasabout a month old, somebody driving down the street in Winchester, VA, USA, sawhim “fall” our of the window of a moving vehicle. Yes, right there, into traffic. Ouch. Little Timmy was hurt realbad. The nice person who saw this,rushed to help him. So worried aboutthis poor little kitten, she didn’t think to catch a license plate number.

She rushed Little Timmyto the closest vet who immediately started saving his life. He was very badly bumped and bruised and cutup. No bones were broken. Though the swelling from spinal injuriesmade him unable to use his hind legs. The doctor there worked on Timmy and healed up all the wounds. But Timmy’s hind legs still didn’t work.

Rikki’s board member KenLickliter works at this vet clinic, and when he saw that Timmy was no longerimproving he knew there were two things left to do. Both were at Rikki’s Refuge, and so he called, and Little Timmycame for a visit.

The plan was that Rikki’swould do physical therapy with Little Timmy for a few weeks and see how muchimprovement could be made. If he wasable to walk he’d get adopted.

And the fall back planwas that if he couldn’t he’d become Vincent’s sidekick!! He’s travel alongside Vincent and teachkindness and humane education!!

Who better to do that,than someone who’d needed so much help and kindness from loving people justlike you !!!!

Thank you for Timmy’sChristmas Gift ! It’s thru your kindand generous donations that we are able to save animals like Timmy and givethem a wonderful, enriching and loving home forever!

Please help us helpothers during this holiday season.

Timmy, doing one of his favorite activities!

Helping Mary Walker with the mail,

and hoping to find a Christmas Card from YOU!!!

Physical therapy withVelcro!

No better exercise forthose hind legs!

Timmy can now make it up tothe first rung

of Snicker’s ladder to HERloft.

Snickers is not amused!

Would youhelp Sandy Claws come to Rikki's Refuge?

We have awonderful opportunity and our time is running out!

A fabulousfriend and volunteer and donor has put a $10,000

DOUBLEYOUR DONATIONS challenge on the table.

Can we doit by the December 20^th deadline?

We’realmost there! With your help we canmake it!

Read all the details: http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2011/12/sandy-claws-is-coming-to-rikkis-refuge.html

Or jump right in with your donation! http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/Vincent/sandyclaws

Remember your donation gets DOUBLED!!

Thank you !!!!!

Click to open your Christmas Card!

Thank YOUWinners!

FancyFeast and Shelter Challenge

Everyone of you on TEAM VINCENT is a great big tremendouswonderful winner!!!!!

YOU won the Fancy Feast contest!!!!! By two points!!!! That means each and everyone of you was vitally important!!! Yes it does!!! And I love each and every one of you!!!

Learn More about what you won for Rikki’s! http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2011/12/thank-you-winners.html

HolidayHappenings

Everything you need to know and what to do at Rikki’s Refugeover the holidays !!! Sunday Tour,Christmas Tour, Donation Drop Off, New Year’s Day Tour, New Year’s Day NatureHike .... read all about it !!!

Right here: http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-happenings.html

PetPictures with Santa

And a special picture time with Vincent ...

Read all about it: http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2011/12/pet-pictures-with-santa.html

Beautiful Christmas Quilt

Get your raffle tickets in person at Rikki’s Refuge or clickon the quilt to buy them on line! Alltickets will be turned into food for the animals! Drawing 2 pm Christmas Day, you do not need be present towin. But we’d love to see you onChristmas!

Letterfrom St. Vince or St. Duke

Wowser! Ijust heard from Santa!

It seems he and the elves are so busy getting ready forChristmas that he needs

help responding to Christmas letters and he’s asked me andDuke to help.

Do youknow someone who

would like to get a Christmas letter from me orDuke?

Learn More: http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2011/12/letter-from-st-vince-or-st-duke.html

Great Giftfor Friends with Diabetic Pets!!!

Sales benefit Rikki’s Refuge - Learn More: http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2011/12/sugarbabies-holistic-guide-to-caring.html

AngelTrees 2011

Going great again this year, thank you Katarina Galvin!!!

We have trees up in many stores where you can pick an animalornament and buy a present for one of us!! Leave it under the tree and ourvolunteers are running around filling their sacks and bringing the goodies outto us at Rikki’s Refuge.

Grab some goodies and put it under one of our Tree!!!!

Here’s where you can find trees and learn more about thisprogram! http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2011/12/angel-trees-2011.html

Vincent!!!
What are you up to now?

Watch Vincent get all “wrapped up” about Wrapping forRikki’s !!!!!

http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2011/12/wrapping-for-rikkis.html

and learn how you can help earn donations for Rikki’s Refugeby wrapping gifts!!!

We KnowVincent will do about anything

to take care of his friends at Rikki’s

....... Look at what his friends are doing!!!

I’m sure you know all too well these days how difficultthings can be. When making your ownends meet, how do you reach out and help others? The tougher the times ... the more creative the friendsget!!!

Jayne a friend of Vincent’s on Facebook, lives inBirmingham, United Kingdom and writes in: I wanted to do something special forthe animals. I used to do so much when I was able. I’m no longer able to dothese things as my health doesn’t allow me to.

I know its hard deciding who to help, but I have to narrowit down Rikki`s Refuge and My Local Birmingham Dogs home. Rikki`s care for SOMANY animals, it must cost a fortune to feed them everyday, vet bills, upkeepof the refuge itself, etc., etc. As imsure many of you have seen its a tough time at the refuge right now sonaturally I felt like I had to help.

Paul and I sat discussing how we could help and we came upwith the idea of me having my head shaved as a fundraiser. So Im hosting a Christmas Party on the 22nd(please see link below) and we will do the shave via video on that day duringthe party itself.

I know with Christmas being just a few weeks away money istight but all we are asking for is a dollar or two off everyone. Just think howquickly that will add up. Of course you can donate more if you want too.

So as well as joining in the fun watching me have my hairshaved you also know that you are helping animals.

The link for the chip in below also!

Lets make this a Very Merry Christmas for all the animalsand staff at Rikkis Refuge and Birmingham Dogs Home. All monies raised will besplit equally. Paul will actually take me to the Dogs Home to give them themoney personally so we can take lots of photographs :) And Vincent Cat andRikkis Refuge money will be transferred to him on the same day. And please dontworry about me i have plenty of hats :) :) :) :) Thank you, Jayne

Sponsored Head Shave for Rikkis Refuge and Birmingham DogsHome

http://www.facebook.com/events/191620594257812/

Best Christmas Party On Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/events/261642793887020/

Chip In

http://jayne22.chipin.com/head-shave-for-rikkis-refuge-and-birmingham-dogs-home

OrnamentAuction

Closes at8 pm eastern USA Sunday 12/18

DetailsHere: http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2011/12/ornament-auction.html

28 Days ofChristmas ...

Rikki's Style ....

On the first day of Christmas,

Look what they brought to Rikki's,

a Chukar in a Cherry Tree,

on the Second Day of ......

http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2011/12/28-days-of-christmas.html

Thank youfor your love and support.

Togetherwe’re making a marvelous difference!!!

LOVE,

VINCENT

December18, 2011

PS: Please help me, I’ll try anything to keep the RefugeRunning. I need your continued support.

The Fine Print

We survive on donations from kind and loving people, justlike you. We live on a shoestring andmake it on less than one dollar per day, per animal. So if you can spare a couple of bucks to buy a few meals, pleasego to http://www.paypal.com/ and use our emailaddress of mail@rikkisrefuge.org . We do accept checks, money orders, cash andstuff, too! Thanks for yoursupport. Rikki's Refuge, PO Box 1357,Orange VA 22960

Ornament Auction

2011-12-18T08:15:00.002-05:00

Cat and Dog Ornaments QUICK AUCTION

This is a super quick 24hour, five item, auction to raise money to buy Christmas goodies for theanimals of Rikki’s Refuge!

Bids open NOW! Auctioncloses promptly at 8 pm eastern USA Sunday December 18.

Payment thru http://rikkisrefuge.org/donate.phpusing paypal or credit card, ONLY. No time for reminders to pay! Check thelisting to see if you won and make payment within 24 hours!! Winning bids notpaid for in 24 hours (by 8 pm eastern USA Monday December 19) are forfeited.

To see the full album ofavailable items click here:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.311016185587585.69854.286226674733203&type=3&l=34ca6ea97d

How to bid - To place a bid,enter the amount you are bidding under the photo of the item, as a comment. Donot place a bid here, on the album cover page. Place your bid under theindividual pictures in the album! Thisauction is taking place only on facebook - it’s free and quick to set up, ifyou don’t have an account. Or ask meand if I’m on line I’ll help you!

Good luck !!!

Love, Vincent

Wrapping for Rikki’s

2011-12-18T07:59:00.001-05:00

We'll be wrapping forRikki's at Barnes & Noble Seven Corners, Falls Church, VA, USA on Wednesday& Thursday, December 21 & 22, from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM. We need help! Ifyou can do a 2 or 3 hour shift helping us wrap during those times, please emailFred at fred@z9a.com

And in Charlottesville, VA, USA, Monday December 19th from 5 pm till 9 pm andagain Friday December 23rd from 9 am till 1 pm. We need help! If you can do a 2or 3 hour shift helping us wrap during those times, please email Ron at topcat@cstone.net

ALSO, stop in to get YOURgifts wrapped !!!!!

This is a wonderfulfundraiser!!! Volunteers have no poo toclean up, it’s warm and there’s no snow in the store! You can contact your local Barnes & Noble and set up a dateto wrap for Rikki’s too!!! This is away you can help the animals of Rikki’s Refuge no matter where in the USA youare!!!

Thank you, and much love ... Vincent

Merry Christmas from Rikki’s Refuge

2011-12-18T07:47:00.000-05:00

28 Days of Christmas

2011-12-17T15:44:00.002-05:00

Rikki’sRefuge Style !!!!

Click and play the music in the background, while singing along with us ..........

On theTwenty-Eighth Day of Christmas

Look WhatCame to Rikki’s,

TwentyEight
Ferocious Fanging Ferals,

TwentySeven
Versatile Volunteers,

Twenty Six
Dogs a Drooling,

TwentyFive
Delightful Donors,

TwentyFour
Plump Pigs a Plundering,

TwentyThree
Goats a Butting,

Twenty Two
Sheep in Need of Sheering,

Twenty One
Chickens a Cackling,

Twenty
Puppies a Pooping,

Nineteen
Rebellious Roosters,

Eighteen
Litter Challenged Kitties,

Seventeen
Emus Escaping,

Sixteen
Dangerous Ducklings,

Fifteen
Peaceful Pigeons,

Fourteen
Peacocks Plotting,

Thirteen
Humans Helping,

Twelve
Temperamental Turkeys

Eleven
Pouting Pussies,

Ten
Crotchety Creaking Canines,

Nine
Grumpy Geese,

Eight
Kicking Kittens,

Seven
Guinea Fowl Freeloading,

Six
Lizards a Lazing,

Five
Guinea Pigs a Gnawing,

Four
Elderly Equines,

Three
Burly Bossy Bovines,

Two
Rabbits a Mating,

and aChukar in a Cherry Tree.

YOU arethe SUNSHINE

that makesOUR Christmas BRIGHT

Please puta penny in our old cat’s hat!

Thank you,Vincent D. Cat and Duke Thomas Peabody

Thank you WINNERS !!!!

2011-12-17T10:35:00.002-05:00

Everyone of you on TEAM VINCENT is a great big tremendous wonderful winner!!!!!

YOU won the Fancy Feast contest!!!!!   By two points!!!! That means each and everyone of you was vitally important!!! Yes it does!!! And I love each and every one of you!!!

Here's the story of the bride and groom and wedding and the dresses: http://www.catsparella.com/2011/08/fancy-feast-debuts-new-storybook.html

Now our job is to find the best avenue to sell them to raise the most money so we can buy the most real Fancy Feast!!!!

Are YOU interested in being on the Wedding Team?
contact Melissa Felts dogslife24@comcast.net Chair of the Wedding Team!

Together we're gonna make this great!!!!!

AND you also won the weekly, most votes of any shelter on the planet, for Rikki's Refuge in the Shelter Challenge. This brings in a whopping ONE THOUSAND dollars to help us take care of everybody over the winter!!!

THANK YOU VOTERS !!!!!!

Angel Trees 2011

2011-12-16T09:16:00.003-05:00

Going great again this year, thank you KatarinaGalvin!!! We have trees up in many stores where you can pick an animalornament and buy a present for one of us!! Leave it under the tree andour volunteers are running around filling their sacks and bringing the goodiesout to us at Rikki’s Refuge.

Grab some goodies and put it under one of our Tree!!!!

Fredericksburg /Spotsylvania

Giant Grocery Store

10346 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania, Giant at Hilltop SquareShopping Center

Jan Chetnik, Vincent's Elf

Petco

5717 Plank Rd, Fredericksburg, Va 22407, Harrison Crossing

Melissa Felts, Vincent's Elf

360 Feed Supply

5037 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, Va 22407

Melissa Felts, Vincent's Elf

Tractor Supply of Fredericksburg

4178 Plank Rd, Fredericksburg, Va 22407

Melissa Felts, Vincent's Elf

Roxbury Farm and Garden

601 Lafayette Blvd. Fredericksburg, Va 22401

Katarina Galvin, Vincent's Elf

2300 Fall Hill Building

2300 Fall Hill Ave, Fredericksburg, Va 22401

Katarina Galvin, Vincent's Elf

Confederate Ridge Animal Hospital

2301 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg, Va 22401

Jan Chetnik, Vincent's Elf

Orange

La Rue de Beaute

243 E Church St, Orange Va

Theresa Spears, Vincent's Elf

Village Farm Feed & Garden Center

28284 Constitution Highway, Rhoadesville, Va 22542

Rene Luther, Vincent's Elf

Orange-Madison Co-Op

13323 James Madison Hwy, Orange, Va 22960

Rene Luther, Vincent's Elf

Wal-Mart Zion's Crossroads

164 Camp Creek Pkwy, Zion Crossroads, Va 22942

Rene Luther, Vincent's Elf

Culpeper

Tractor Supply of Culpeper

588 Culpeper Town Sq, Culpeper Va 22701

Robyn Schnellenberger, Vincent's Elf

Culpeper Animal Hospital

441 Aspen St, Culpeper, Va 22701

Mary Burns & Robyn Schnellenberger, Vincent's Elf

CFC Culpeper Farm & Home Center (aka Culpeper Co-Op)

15172 Brandy Rd, Culpeper Va 22701

Mary Burns, Vincent's Elf

Wal-Mart Supercenter Culpeper

801 James Madison Hwy, Culpeper Va 22701

Mary Burns, Vincent's Elf

Richmond

Richmond Southern States Co-op

8718 West Broad St, Richmond, Va

Dan Galvin, Vincent's Elf

Charlottesville

Pet Supplies Plus

1240 Seminole Trl, Charlottesville, Va 22901

Bonnie Kliamovich, Vincent's Elf

Northern Virginia

Contact volunteers to drop off donations

Fred, Annandale fred@z9a.com

Paul, Alexandria paulcandy214@verizon.net

Grab some goodies and put it under our Tree!!!!

AND after Christmas watch the sales - we need more trees fornext year’s program - the best are the 6 and 7 foot pre lit fold up into asmall box kind !!!!! Please grab them for us!!! Marizahas kindly saved room in a shed at her house for storage!!!

Next year - will you be a Vincent Elf? Pick your favorite store, talk to themanager, get permission to set up a tree and then bring the goodies out toRikki’s when the tree gets full! It’seasy to be a Life Saver!!

Pet Pictures with Santa

2011-12-16T09:03:00.000-05:00

Pictureswith Santa at Petsmart

Rikki’s is helping you to get pictures with Santa with yourCritters - any kind - you bring ‘em - we photo ‘em!!

Petsmart in Central Park, Fredericksburg, VA, USA

Saturday and Sunday 12/17 and 12/18 11 am - 4 pm

Proceeds of these days with your photo with Santa benefitRikki’s Refuge. If we’re too far away -all PetSmarts are doing this - and it benefits an animal organization in yourarea - so get that photo of your doggie, kitty, parrot or boa!!!!

And special for you hoomans too !!!

Sorry no pets allowed to visit at Rikki's -- for their safety and ours.

Our guard dogs are trained to keep others out cuz we have to worry about wildlife and roaming dogs harming our animals.

If, and please understand, this is a BIG IF, we can preserve the photo set we created for Vincent and Timmy's Christmas photos .....

On Sunday, December 18th, after the noon tour, at 2 pm, and again Christmas Day, from 11 am - 4 pm - you can get your photo with Vincent!! Vincent says minimum $50 donation per person to get him in his Santa Suit!

NO you can't sit on St. Vince's lap and tell him your wishes for Christmas, but he can sit on your lap and you can get your photo taken for a $50 donation and you'll get one 8x10 glossy sent to you!!!!

Holiday Happenings .....

2011-12-16T08:46:00.000-05:00

ExcitingAdventures

Here’s what’s going on at Rikki’s Refuge and we sure hope tosee YOU.

December 17^th Saturday - Noon - 2 pm, donationdrop off, round up all the canned cat and dog food you can and stop by to dropit off. Our docent had a job transfer,so I’m so sorry, but she can’t be available on Saturdays to meet and greet andshow you around! The staff can’tneglect their duties - which means feeding ME - so they can just help you witha quick unload. But come back Sundayfor a tour!

Would you like to help the animals, donate a few hours oneor more Saturday’s a month, and be a Docent? I’ll train you!!! Be my Docent -Vincent@Rikkisrefuge.org

December 18^th Sunday - TOUR the Refuge at NOON,gates open at 11:30 am, tour lasts about 2 hours and it’s all outside, so bewarm. Admission cat and dog food - asmuch as you can carry. Canned please,Purina is keeping us well stocked in dry right now!!! Big huge thanks to MIKE WOOD who drive over the river and thruthe woods and up and down mountains to bring us food from Purina’s PennsylvaniaPackaging Plant. Without Mike, we’d behungry.

If we can preserve the photo set we created for Vincent and Timmy's Christmas photos till Christmas Day we'll have a special for you!!!

NO you can't sit on St. Vince's lap and tell him your wishes for Christmas, but he can sit on your lap and you can get your photo taken for a $50 donation and you'll get one 8x10 glossy sent to you!!!!

December 24^th Saturday - Noon - 2 pm, donationdrop off, please be generous, we eat 30% more food in the winter time!!! And we count on YOU!!

December 25^h Sunday - Enchanted Christmas Tour atNOON, gates open at 11:30 am, tour lasts about 2 hours and it’s all outside, sobe warm. During the tour you’ll get tohelp decorate our trees with nums and watch us pick our favorite off the trees. Admission cat and dog food - as much as youcan possibly haul in. Canned please,we’re well stocked on dry. We need birdseed, oranges, and fresh produce too.

If we can preserve the photo set we created for Vincent and Timmy's Christmas photos till Christmas Day we'll have a special for you!!!

NO you can't sit on St. Vince's lap and tell him your wishes for Christmas, but he can sit on your lap and you can get your photo taken for a $50 donation and you'll get one 8x10 glossy sent to you!!!!

I think I need a new ‘puter, mine seems broken, it says numsnot real word !!!!

January 1^st Sunday - Opening the New Year at yourfavorite place will bring you good luck all year!!! 11 am Tour of the Refuge- note 11 am - not our usual noon - 11 am so we can squeeze in Nature Hikebefore it gets dark and cold. Gatesopen at 10:30 am. Tour at 11 am, yup,it’s all outside so dress warm warm warm. Then at 1 pm you’ll head for the hills!!!! Pristine Nature Hike thru the 367 acres of Rikki’s Refuge. Good boots, waterproof and all dressed upfor the weather. Wear orange and redand bright colors so any evil poaching trespassing you know what’s don’t thinkyou’re a deer!!!

Letter from St. Vince or St. Duke

2011-12-12T08:12:00.002-05:00

Wowser! I just heard fromSanta!

It seems he and the elves are so busy getting ready for Christmas that he needshelp responding to Christmas letters and he’s asked me and Duke to help.

Do you know someone whowould like to get a Christmas letter from me or Duke?

Get a purrsonalized orwoofalized Christmas letter from Vincent or Duke Thomas Peabody !!!!

Personal for you, yourchild, spouse or friend!!!

There is not a Vincent orDuke fan on the planet who doesn't want one for Christmas!!!

Make a holiday donation inhonor of some one as their Christmas gift and Vincent or Duke will tell themhow much they mean to you!

WOW is this ever a fabulousway to make somebody on YOUR Christmas list HAPPY!!!

Here’s how to get YOURspecial letter!

CLICK HERE and make a minimum $25 donation http://rikkisrefuge.org/donate.php

be sure to include thefollowing information - if you can’t fit it all in the comments on the donationform, you can email me: Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org

Name and mailing address ofrecipient (we’re doing this via snail mail)

Species, if not hooman (ALL animals want to know Santa is thinking of them.)

Girl or guy

Age, if child

Something to personalize the letter, such as what the recipient wants forChristmas, something good he/she has done during the year that Santa wouldcomment on, name of family pet that could be referred to, etc.

Whether you want Duke or me to write it

The letters will have our respective pictures on them and the purrsonalizedcomments, for a donation of only $25 per letter (it’s getting cold and Ineed that Fancy Feast to keep me warm). Be sure to let us know as earlyas possible and no later than midnight on Monday, December 19th, so we havetime to get the letters out. Remember I don’t type so fast, and Duke has todictate his letters to me since he can’t see.

DEADLINE: in the USA by postal service to arrive by Christmas - 10 am Monday 12/19
anywhere in the world to arrive by Christmas - 10 am Friday 12/23
10 am is USA Eastern time! And if you don't mind it being after Christmas - then any time is fine!

Love, Vincent andDuke

Good Morning Good News !!!! December 11, 2011

2011-12-11T09:05:00.001-05:00

Hello myAWESOME friends!!!!

MY, how much I love you!!! YOU are what make Team Vincent number one!!! And you’ve done it again!!! By working together to help the animals you’ve worked miracles!!!

YOU won the Fancy Feast contest by TWO POINTS!!! Yes, count ‘em TWO points. This means each and every one of you wasabsolutely necessary. Without YOU TeamVincent would not have won!!!

This is going give us an interesting project to work onnow. We win the designer weddingdresses Fancy Feast used in their StoryBook Wedding, complete withcats!!!! These are the hoomangowns!!! Are you planning a 2012wedding? Well this is just foryou!!! We’ll auction or raffle thedresses and I’m told, if we can do a good job, we can bring in $20,000 to feedthe critters!!!!

I need a Wedding Gown committee! Raise you hands!! Whowants to work on this exclusive publicity filled committee? Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org

SandyClaws is coming to Rikki's Refuge

Vincent hugged his mom,told her, "Just wait and see."
"I know Sandy Claws will answer our plea."
"I hope so," said Kerry, "this year's been so tough."
"It just makes me cry, cuz there's never enough."

As they held each other,a wonder appeared:
Sandy Claws with a sleigh, he was singing with cheer.
"Don't worry Vincent, I'm here to help out!"
"I'm filling your stocking, did you have any doubt?"
"I've got ten thousand dollars for matching donations.
Ask for contributions by December 20, and have a celebration!"

Vincent and his mom werebeside themselves with glee!
Now they could feed all the creatures and be debt free.
They thanked Sandy Claws with all their might,
And said, "Merry Christmas to all,
and to all a good night."

(ok ok, don’t yell at me, I been busy keeping everybody fedand warm here and I’m a bit late getting this announced, I real sorry, it’shard to keep up with everything with only three legs!!)

Thanks to a wonderful and beloved donor and friend ofRikki's Refuge, YOUR donations, up to $10,000 will be DOUBLED if received byDecember 20th !!!! Please help us meetthis goal!!!

With 1,300 animals of 22 species, it take everyone helpingout to keep them happy, healthy and warm this winter!!!!

Click here to DOUBLE YOUR DONATIONS!!!!
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/Vincent/sandyclaws

Thank you for your support. All donations are 100% tax deductible under IRS 501-c-3 ruling. Can you believe it’s end of the year alreadyand time to think about those tax returns - make yours better - keep more of yourhard earned $s, a charitable deduction this time of the year can have a seriousimpact on the taxes you owe!!!!

Remember ITEMS are tax deductible at their fair market rate- 4 wheel drive pickup, tractor, trailer, cargo trailer for storage, these areall items you can turn into a tax deduction. Got a wooden shed in your back yard you’re not using? Capital Sheds can move it to Rikki’s -giving YOU a tax deduction and the animals something wonderful. Stock, bonds, annuities .... these can makeincredibly wonderful tax deductions when you gift them!! Talk to your accountant (or ours) to findout how in this economy, especially with investments that have lost money, youmay be able to save HUGE on your taxes. Hurry - only 20 days left till the end of the year and the end ofSAVINGS!!

YOU WonAgain !!!

Thanks to your diligent voting for Rikki’s Refuge in theAnimal Shelter Challenge, you once again brought Rikki’s in as a winner withthe most votes of any shelter in the whole world last week!!!!! Now that we’ve won our prize for this goround of the contest, we’re asking that you bond together to help someone elsewin!!! We put our furry little headstogether and decided to support Kitten Action Team in SC in the USA - they verymuch need to win and if we move them to 3^rd in their state (and YESwe can do it!) they’ll win much needed money to continue to help kittens.

Please vote daily http://tinyurl.com/VoteRikkis

Enter USA, SC, Kitten Action Team

We believe in sharing and helping all the animals of theworld -- Join Team Vincent and help us help them !!!!

ExcitingAdventures

Here’s what’s going on at Rikki’s Refuge and we sure hope tosee YOU.

Today December 11^th - TOUR the Refuge at NOON,gates open at 11:30 am, tour lasts about 2 hours and it’s all outside so put onthat fuzzy long underwear if you weren’t as lucky as me and born with a layerof insulating warm fat and fur!!!! Andplease be sure to bring Fancy Feast for me and lots of canned cat food for ourfriends to help keep them fat and fluffy and warm!!!!

December 17^th Saturday - Noon - 2 pm, donationdrop off, round up all the canned cat and dog food you can and stop by to dropit off. Our docent had a job transfer,so I’m so sorry, but she can’t be available on Saturdays to meet and greet andshow you around! The staff can’tneglect their duties - which means feeding ME - so they can just help you witha quick unload. But come back Sundayfor a tour!

Would you like to help the animals, donate a few hours oneor more Saturday’s a month, and be a Docent? I’ll train you!!! Be my Docent -Vincent@Rikkisrefuge.org

December 18^th Sunday - TOUR the Refuge at NOON,gates open at 11:30 am, tour lasts about 2 hours and it’s all outside, so bewarm. Admission cat and dog food - asmuch as you can carry. Canned please,Purina is keeping us well stocked in dry right now!!! Big huge thanks to MIKE WOOD who drive over the river and thruthe woods and up and down mountains to bring us food from Purina’s PennsylvaniaPackaging Plant. Without Mike, we’d behungry.

December 24^th Saturday - Noon - 2 pm, donationdrop off, please be generous, we eat 30% more food in the winter time!!! And we count on YOU!!

December 25^h Sunday - Enchanted Christmas Tour atNOON, gates open at 11:30 am, tour lasts about 2 hours and it’s all outside, sobe warm. During the tour you’ll get tohelp decorate our trees with nums and watch us pick our favorite off the trees. Admission cat and dog food - as much as youcan possibly haul in. Canned please,we’re well stocked on dry. We need birdseed, oranges, and fresh produce too.

I think I need a new ‘puter, mine seems broken, it says numsnot real word !!!!

January 1^st Sunday - Opening the New Year at yourfavorite place will bring you good luck all year!!! 11 am Tour of the Refuge- note 11 am - not our usual noon - 11 am so we can squeeze in Nature Hikebefore it gets dark and cold. Gatesopen at 10:30 am. Tour at 11 am, yup,it’s all outside so dress warm warm warm. Then at 1 pm you’ll head for the hills!!!! Pristine Nature Hike thru the 367 acres of Rikki’s Refuge. Good boots, waterproof and all dressed upfor the weather. Wear orange and redand bright colors so any evil poaching trespassing you know what’s don’t thinkyou’re a deer!!!

Pictureswith Santa

Rikki’s is helping you to get pictures with Santa with yourCritters - any kind - you bring ‘em - we photo ‘em!!

Petsmart in Central Park, Fredericksburg, VA, USA

TODAY 12/11 from 11 am - 4 pm

Next Saturday and Sunday 12/17 and 12/18 11 am - 4 pm

..... and yikes - Ireally am behind, we were in two stores on the 10^th, yesterday. Bad Vincent go sit in corner for being sobehind. (((Can I have a can of FancyFeast while I’m in time out?)))

AngelTrees

Going great again this year, thank you KatarinaGalvin!!! We have trees up in manystores where you can pick an animal ornament and buy a present for one ofus!! Leave it under the tree and ourvolunteers are running around filling their sacks and bringing the goodies outto us at Rikki’s Refuge.

Dang --- I know Katarina sent me the addresses of all thestores who have our Angel Trees and I can’t find it!!! How can one three legged little cat getthousands of emails every day !!!!

Ok here from memory ---- and I’ll get the official list uphere later, I promise. Katarina, can youplease send it again - any other volunteers, tell me which locations you’repicking up from, please! Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org

Culpeper, Virginia, USA

Culpeper Animal Hospital

Wal-Mart

Orange, Virginia, USA

La Rue de Beauty Hair Salon

Orange Madison Co-Op

Village Farm and Feed

Zions Crossroads, Virginia, USA

Wal-Mart

Spotsylvania / Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA

Petco

Tractor Supply

360 Feed

Giant (near Jan but I don’t have the address on the tip ofmy claws)

Grab some goodies and put it under our Tree!!!!

AND after Christmas watch the sales - we need more trees fornext year’s program - the best are the 6 and 7 foot pre lit fold up into asmall box kind !!!!! Please grab themfor us!!! Mariza has kindly saved roomin a shed at her house for storage!!!

NewMembers

I’d like to congratulate some new members who were voted into serve on the Board of Rikki’s Refuge for 2012.

Can I hear a big around of apawlause for : Gussie Lamoree, Kristina Anderson, MelissaFelts, Nora Eldridge and Robyn Schnellenberger !!!! Yeahhh, all chosen for their hard work and dedication to Rikki’sin 2011 !!!!!

Christmas Quilt

Raffle tickets are $3 each, 2 for $5 or 5 for $10 (best bargain).

Get your tickets here: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/Vincent/WinterWarmth

be sure to leave contact information in the comment field sowe can reach you if you’re the lucky winner!!

Winner will also be posted right here - in this blog afterthe drawing!!!

Drawing Christmas Day at 2 pm.

We hope you’ll join us for our Enchanted Christmas Day Tourat noon on Christmas Day, December 25^th. But you DO NOT need to be present to win!!

I LoveYOU,

Vincent

PS You tell me what you want! Email me at Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org with instructionsto change your subscription: additions, deletions or modifications! Subscriptions: Vincent’s VIPs - up to the second alertsabout issues at Rikki’s Refuge for those who care and want to be intimatelyinvolved. Scheduled as needed. Good Morning Good News - a littlesomething to get you going in the mornings, for those of you who want to keepsmiling with us! Scheduled daily. Hairballs - so you know what’s comingup at Rikki’s! Scheduled weekly.

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

Raffle - Christmas Quilt

2011-12-11T07:54:00.001-05:00

THE WINNER IS
Karen Jones, contact me at Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org with your shipping address or let me know if you'd like to stop by and pick up!!! Love, Vincent

Christmas Quilt

This beautiful quilt wasmade by Miss Marika to raise funds to keep the 1,289 animals of Rikki’s Refugewarm all winter long! Lovingly made,with a beautiful Christmasy / Holiday theme on the front and cozy comfy flannelon the back. Approximately 40” by 60” apurrfect throw for winter time.

Raffle tickets are $3 each,2 for $5 or 5 for $10 (best bargain).

Get your tickets here: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/Vincent/WinterWarmth

be sure to leave contactinformation in the comment field so we can reach you if you’re the luckywinner!!

Winner will also be postedright here - in this blog after the drawing!!!

Drawing Christmas Day at 2pm.

We hope you’ll join us forour Enchanted Christmas Day Tour at noon on Christmas Day, December 25^th. But you DO NOT need to be present to win!!

Tickets make a fun Christmas Stocking Stuffer!!!!

All about Animals

2011-12-07T04:31:00.001-05:00

Rikki's Refuge provides a loving home to 1289 animals likeFred and Lucy EVERY DAY - yes, that's 1289 little friends too feed each andevery day. And we need your help to do it!!!

The Twins,Fred and Lucy

Saved by Rikki's Refuge. Fred and Lucy were born wild on the streets of a military base. They, along with their mom and dad, and several older siblings were rescued and saved.

Fred and Lucy were born wild on the streets of a militarybase. Reproducing rampantly in an area where stray and feral cats were beingkilled. One of our volunteers worked to save them, trapping these two, theirmom and dad, several older siblings and many aunts, uncles and cousins!!! Fredand Lucy are happily in a furrever home together now!! Others will be ready foradoption soon. The older ones may never be friendly enough for adoption, yetthey will be welcome to live their life out in peace and happiness at ourpeaceful sanctuary. And nobody is having any more babies!!! Your vote forRikki's Refuge in this contest helps us to continue saving lives!!

VincentGets an Ultrasounded

Vincent came to Rikki’s Refuge as a young kitty after aserious injury. His handicaps and daily needs require far more care than theaverage kitty. His problems make him unadoptable into a normal home. He’s lived in peace and happiness at Rikki’sRefuge for almost 13 years now reaching the rank of Humane Education SpokesKitty. Vincent travels to schoolsteaching about the differently-abled, kindness and compassion. His loving attitude has won him many fansand friends. Even though his accidentleft him with a number of medical issues that need constant attention, Rikki’sRefuge provides a loving home like environment to him, and 52 other very needykitties in their 9^th Life Center. The refuge has many other housesand areas where the other 1,236 residents live. Many permanent residents and some just visiting until theirforever home is found. Due to so manyloving volunteers, Rikki’s Refuge is able to operate on a shoestring budget ofonly $1 per day per animal!!

Mr. Mister

This is Mr. Mister and he’s very happy to be alive. Many shelters kill kitties that testpositive for FIV, a virus kittie can harbor and spread thru activitiesassociated with reproducing. Onceneutered/spayed FIV kitties live long and happy, healthy lives. Rikki’s Refuge works with many sheltersthroughout the United States helping to save as many kitties as possible. About 60 kitties with the FIV virus live atRikki’s Refuge each and every day. Withthe stigma of FIV being a little less these days, a few will get adoptive homes. The others will have a home at Rikki’s Refugeforever!!! YOUR support makes thispossible.

Chubbs,has it HIS way

Though Chubbs isn’t exactly a barn kitty, he is in charge ofany situation. He failed at shelterlife, smacking his attendants to get out of a cage. Chubbs does it HIS way. Human, get out of MY way. Heenjoys a pat now and then but is not one for snuggles. Kitties with purrsonalities like this oftenend up dead at conventional shelters. It’shighly unlikely you’ll get adopted when you snarl at anybody looking atyou! Thankfully, with your support,Rikki’s Refuge is able to give love and life to unconventional kitties!!! Kitties like Chubbs can live in our familyunit for the rest of their natural lives and never fear being put to death cuzthey have their own ideas on how a kitty should behave!!

Chaco Taco

A rare and expensive Havana Brown, Taco will live his lifein peace at his tranquil sanctuary Rikki’s Refuge.

An accident left Taco minus his tail and incontinent. A trait that generally leaves catsunadoptable. And hence gives themlittle options but to be put to death. Lucky for Taco, he was at Winging Cat Rescue and they work with Rikki’s RefugeLife Care Sanctuary. Now Taco willspend the rest of his days in tranquility at his peaceable kingdom, Rikki’sRefuge. Your support of Rikki’s Refugegives animals like Taco a second chance for life !!!

Huckleberry

Deemedunadoptable due to a seizure condition, Huckleberry was slated for death.

A sanctuary is so often that missing loop in the animalrescue business. Rescue, rehabilitate,foster, adopt. But what happens whensomeone is essentially unadoptable? Itcan be a medical condition, a personality issue or just their age. What happens then? Usually it’s too sad to think about.

Rikki’s Refuge was founded for animals just like that. The throw aways, the special needs, the onesnobody else wants - those are the ones we take in and we love in a home likeenvironment for the remainder of their natural days. It’s a big family!! 22species, 23 if you count the human caretakers! 1289 mouths to feed, each and every day. A few will find lovely adoptive homes. The majority will live out their lives in the peaceable kingdomof Rikki’s Refuge.

That’s what YOUR support does! It gives LIFE and LOVE and HAPPINESS to thousands ofanimals. Animals who had no otheroption!

Huckleberry is a big gentle boy. All he ever wanted was love and Fancy Feast. When his seizure disorder was diagnosed hisowners left him behind. Not wanting thebother of giving him medicine. Notwanting the expense of vet visits. Itwas easier to leave Huckleberry at a shelter to be put to death. This lucky boy made his way to Rikki’sRefuge where his special needs are just another part of the day and he’s lovedfor who he is! A big sweet loving boy,who will love you back for hours, sitting in your lap and purring.

Sandy Claws is coming to Rikki's Refuge

2011-12-06T22:34:00.001-05:00

Twas the month before Christmas,
            when all through the Refuge,
The creatures were unhappy,
            cuz their debt -- it was huge!
Their stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that Sandy Claws would answer their prayers.
All creatures were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of tasty food danced in their heads.
Vincent hugged his mom, told her, "Just wait and see."
"I know Sandy Claws will answer our plea."
"I hope so," said Kerry, "this year's been so tough."
"It just makes me cry, cuz there's never enough."
As they held each other, a wonder appeared:
Sandy Claws with a sleigh, he was singing with cheer.
"Don't worry Vincent, I'm here to help out!"
"I'm filling your stocking, did you have any doubt?"
"I've got ten thousand dollars for matching donations.
Ask for contributions by December 20, and have a celebration!"
Vincent and his mom were beside themselves with glee!
Now they could feed all the creatures and be debt free.
They thanked Sandy Claws with all their might,
And said, "Merry Christmas to all,
                     and to all a good night."

Thanks to a wonderful and beloved donor and friend of Rikki's Refuge, YOUR donations, up to $10,000 will be DOUBLED if received by December 20th !!!!   Please help us meet this goal!!!

With 1,300 animals of 22 species, it take everyone helping out to keep them happy, healthy and warm this winter!!!!     DONATE HERE

Thank you to the following supporters who are making our dreams come true !!!!

Bubba Bergstein, Good wishes to you Max!!

Susie Jeddygirl, Merry Christmas Vincent and Rikki's!

Kristina Zanotti, Merry Christmas, Vincent and Friends!

Kim Arrigo, May your days be filled with Fancy Feast!!

Laurie K, Happy Holly Days:)

Kimberly Lewis, I love you, Vincent!

Scarlettnjo Russell, Are we there yet?

Jamie DeSimone, Keep up all of your great work!

Miryha, For Vincent & Friends!! Have a Cool Yule!

Duke Thomas Peabody

Thank you for your support. All donations are 100% tax deductible under IRS 501-c-3 ruling. 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. Members: Combined Federal Campaign VA & MD #77674, Combined Virginia Campaign #3163, PetsMart Charities #1377, 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.

Sugarbabies - A Holistic Guide to Caring for Your Diabetic Pet

2011-12-06T21:26:00.001-05:00

Authored by Randi E. Golub CVT

WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS GIFT

FOR YOUR FRIENDS

WITH DIABETIC PETS

BUY it HERE

and $5 of the $12.50 purchase price will

benefit the animals of Rikki's Refuge

Sugarbabies: A Holistic Guide to Caring for Your Diabetic Pet delivers the vital information required by guardians of dogs and cats living with diabetes. From a detailed description of diabetes — including signs, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring, nothing is overlooked. There are comprehensive sections on diet, exercise, how to give injections and more, based on the author's expertise after three decades of working with diabetic animals.

So many pet guardians are fearful of giving injections and having this process negatively impact their relationships with their beloved pets.But Randi addresses this in a straightforward, no-nonsense manner that will bring relief and confidence to both all involved in caretaking a diabetic pet.

A professional and compassionate guide, this book guides guardians or caretakers toward positive illness management.

BUY it HERE

and $5 of the $12.50 purchase price will

benefit the animals of Rikki's Refuge

Randi's new book 'Sugarbabies: A Holistic Guide to Caring for Your Diabetic Pet' provides support and guidance to be used in conjunction with your pet’s veterinary care. This comprehensive and reader-friendly book speaks to everyone concerned with understanding and treating diabetes, with quality of life as the primary focus. In this professional and compassionate guide, you will find the answer to many questions, such as:

What is Diabetes Mellitus?

What are the signs of diabetes?

What treatment options are available for treating diabetic pets?

How can certain diets and exercise maximize a diabetic pet's health?

What can be done at home to monitor a diabetic pet?

How will I recognize and handle emergencies?

How can I provide better care for my senior pet?When you learn that your beloved pet is sick, where do you turn? If the diagnosis is diabetes, this book is the perfect place to start!

BUY it HERE

and $5 of the $12.50 purchase price will

benefit the animals of Rikki's Refuge

"Sugarbabies" is a holistic and positive guide for anyone caring for a diabetic dog or cat. This book teaches about the signs of diabetes, how diabetes is diagnosed, and includes information on conventional and complimentary treatments, monitoring treatment as well as creating a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise. Compassionate decision making support is offered throughout the book.

Sugarbabies - A Holistic Guide to Caring for Your Diabetic Pet

Sugarbabies- Table of Contents

Introduction
1.   What is Diabetes?
2.   The Signs of Diabetes
3.   Diagnosing Diabetes
4.   Starting Treatment
5.   Treatment Modalities: Different Ways of Treating Diabetes
6.   Keeping Your Diabetic Pet Healthy through Diet
7.   Keeping Your Diabetic Pet Healthy through Exercise
8.   Monitoring Your Pet &Treatment Assessment
9.   Supplies Needed for Home Treatment
10. How to Give Insulin Injections
11. In Home Testing Procedures for Your Diabetic Pet
12. Problems Regulating Your Diabetic Pet
13. Ketoacidosis and Other Unpronounceable Diabetic Emergencies
14. Getting Out of Dodge - Traveling and Your Diabetic Pet
15. Taking Good Care of Your Senior Diabetic Pet
16. How Will I Know It's Time? - End of Life Considerations

Resources
Glossary

Book will also include tear out sheets, including information for pet sitters, important phone numbers, a chart for monitoring and a form for charting home blood glucose curves.

BUY it HERE

and $5 of the $12.50 purchase price will

benefit the animals of Rikki's Refuge

About the author:
Randi E. Golub is a state certified veterinary technician who brings more than three decades of experience to this book. Her specialty is the care of elderly, terminally ill, and diabetic cats and dogs. She has brought this experience to zoos, private and surgical practices, humane societies, and emergency clinics. As the proprietor of CatNurse on Call/CatNurse Cottage, she provides in home services to cats and dogs and feline exclusive boarding. The author, a world traveler and accomplished artist, resides with her husband and a tribe of rescued animals in Eugene, OR.

Publication Date: Jan 26 2011
ISBN/EAN13: 1452808120 / 9781452808123
LCCN: 2010905351
Page Count: 196
Binding Type: US Trade Paper
Trim Size: 6" x 9"
Language: English
Color: Black and White with Bleed
Related Categories: Pets / General


BUY it HERE
and $5 of the $12.50 purchase price will
benefit the animals of Rikki's Refuge

Good Morning Good News !!!! November 30, 2011

2011-11-30T20:08:00.001-05:00

Good Morning !!!! Mygoodness what a lovely November we’ve been having!!!! It’s felt like spring !!!! Got a little more seasonal last night yet with a still lovely forecastin sight!

I hope you’re enjoying this time as much as us crittersare. Thank you, nice hoomans, formaking Rikki’s Refuge for us!!! Withoutyou ... well we don’t think aboutthat!! With you, we have love andfriends and family and a place to call our own!!! Thank you for feeding us and buying us the meds we need andcoming to visit us.

I had so many wonderful visiting friends last week!!!! Purrrzzzzz I love sitting in your lap and purring. That’s my favorite thing to do. Well except for maybe eating Fancy Feast.

It sure can take me all day writing these notes to you,sometimes my paws go so slow on the keys, I mean these are really big keys fora little kitty!!!! And sometimes thehoomans keep shouting at me, Vincent, get over here and clean this up, one ofYOUR friends gacked .........

Oh andguess what ???

Fancy Feast is having a contest. This is really important. Here, are the details http://rikkisrefuge.blogspot.com/2011/11/fancy-feast-contest-dec-6.html. The IMPORTANT part to remember is tobe ready to VOTE on Dec 6^th - we only have 24 hours to get the mostvotes. I didn’t even know about thiscontest and my friends voted for me in the first rounds!!! YOU made Rikki’s Refuge one of the topfour!!! Now the challenge is down tonumber 1 -- can we do it?? With YOURhelp, YES we can !!!!

The voting is only on facebook - and it’s worth setting up afacebook page just for this event if you don’t already have one. It’s quick, and it’s free. And if you need help I can help get you setup. You can even use a separate emailaddress - lots of ways to create one for free - like hotmail.com !!!!

You and all your kitties and your doggies and your goats andyour cows - they should ALL have facebook pages!!! Yup, um hum, all the critters should have their own !!! Just like me and Duke and Petunia and Indiado !!!!

Spread the word - get all your friends mobilized!! Let’s win!!! This could mean as much as $20,000 !!!!!

YOU havevoted me back into 7^th place

in the Animal Rescue Site’s Shelter Challenge

THANK YOU!!!!

You’re theBEST !!!

Very Important - Today and Every Day

thru Dec 18 VOTE !!!!

help me win $1,000

Please click http://tinyurl.com/VoteRikkisand enter Rikkis Refuge in VA in the USA

It’s FREE to vote !!!!

You click - we critters eat!!!!

Mariza,thank you for the hooman nums!!

The hoomans report back that they had a wonderful time and aspectacular Thanksgiving Dinner at Mariza’s. As always Mariza had dozens of delicious vegetarian dishes !!! Lots and lots to make every body happy!!!

Look atall those Pumpkins!!!

This is gonna feed most everybody here well into the winter!!!! YEAH and HURRAY to all the pumpkinpickers this year !!!!! You all areawesome. That was really hard work theydid. Picking up pumpkins, loading theminto their vehicle, driving to Rikki’s, unloading them pumpkins. And they’re heavy!!! I stayed out of the way so I wouldn’t getsmushed by any pumpkins falling out of vehicles!!!

UH OHMike’s Truck Got Broke

Mike drives all the way to Pennsylvania with a rentedtrailer on his truck or with a great big truck he’s rented to pick up food thatPurina’s donated to us. He was headedout this afternoon to pick up the trailer so he could go on a long road triptomorrow for food. And his truck brokedown. Can YOU rent a trailer and makethe trip? If you can please let Mikeknow - it can be done any day except Saturday. So YES that means it CAN be done on SUNDAY.

If you can help tell Mike: wood_ma@hughes.net

This is the last delivery Mike made .........

It’s due to wonderful volunteers like Mike who spend a lotof time, and their own money renting trucks and things like that, that make itall possible for us to survive on $1 per day per animal at Rikki’s Refuge!!!!! Yeahhh Volunteers!!!!!

Unloading is an “all hands on deck” job

Ting Ting is pretty new and was relieved

to find out us kitties don’t have to do the unloading--- just the eating!!!

Are YOUone of my Generous friends?

I told the PR director at Fancy Feast (who says she loves myemails) that my friends send me monthly subscriptions of Fancy Feast fromAmazon!!! She said, that’s wonderful,but WHY? I’d love to understand whyyour fans do that for you! SO in myever persistent effort to get on the label of Fancy Feast would you write me aquick note about WHY you like to send me Fancy Feast. Or how I’ve inspired YOU to buy Fancy Feast for yourkitties. Anything nice you can sayabout Fancy Feast and ME. Hint hinthint, why I should be on the label, I want fancy Feast to know it’ll be a winwin situation if they support me and Rikki’s Refuge. Send me your note: Vincent@RikkisRefuge.org

I LoveYOU,

Vincent

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

For Katarina

2011-11-30T08:33:00.001-05:00