LIFE UNLIMITED OF VIRGINIA INC
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February 23, 2012
My first trip to Rikki's Refuge (Life Unlimited of Virginia, Inc) was in 2003. I am a volunteer for a cat rescue group (CARE) in Richmond and one of our volunteers was donating a SUV. We stopped by Ukrop's and filled the back with donated day old vegetables and found our way to the refuge. When we arrived I was delighted to see many species of creatures all living in harmony and safety. Nanny the goat must have smelled the carrots and other good food because when opened the tail gate she jumped in and started choosing her favorites. I am a responsible business woman but on this day I became a little girl trying to absorb a peacock romancing a goat, pigs that just wanted to be petted and a bevy of cats and dogs. The cats had tables and chairs and those wonderful wire cages with space to interact and/or have privacy. I loved the dogs and saw a very frightened border collie in the corner. He watched me cautiously but would not trust himself to come to me. I have no idea why I chose this little dog but I knew he was coming home with me. After some checking of my animal rescue background, Kerry said that I could take Popei home that day. She had driven a long way to a rural area to rescue him from being put to sleep. The vet just could not bring himself to kill this frightened little dog and called Kerry. As usual, she would not or could not say no. Popei came home with me and it took a year of patience and love before he would come when called or even consider coming in the house. He preferred his large, heated doghouse. I cannot even imagine how Kerry manages all the rescues, the daily maintenance and the demands of caring for so many creatures. She is a woman with a big heart and so much talent. Can you believe she said yes when my rescue group called her to ask if she would take a cat that had one leg removed, part of another, no control of body functions, etc. and let him live in her bit of heaven? She said yes and Vincent has become a spokescat for those who cannot speak and a symbol of a true animal rescue refuge. Please anyone reading this - do all you can to support this unique refuge - you will probably never find another like Rikkis. Dianne Inman, Richmond, VA
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1 person found this review helpful
February 20, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
I regularly support Rikki's Refuge as a donor, voter (on sites like Animal Rescue Site & facebook contests to help them win donations of both money and goods) and wholeheartedly promote them whenever I can. I use GoodSearch & GoodShop to benefit Rikki's. As a no-kill shelter where animals of any age, ability or background are accepted with love and understanding, they are very deserving of assistance wherever and whenever possible. Interacting with spokeskitty Vincent on facebook, I have witnessed the good they do for differently-abled animals as well as those who've been abused, abandoned or simply had no home to begin with. I am confident that whether you give $3 or $3000, buy a t-shirt or bid on auction items for Rikki's, volunteer personally with the animals or send supplies, that every kindness counts toward helping the animals.
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Definitely
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2012
February 20, 2012
Rikki's Refuge helped me find transport for a cat I adopted from New York and I live in Michigan. They are one of the most caring and loving animal rescues I have ever known. Not only do they take incredible care of their own animals, they are always willing to help anyone else in need as they did for me. They all work incredibly hard to make life better for every animal they meet. They are an organization that you can trust and if you donate to them, it goes directly to the animals. I have made several donations and will continue to donate to them. This is an excellent organization.
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Definitely
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2012
February 20, 2012
Rikki's Refuge is an amazing place that is home to nearly 1300 animals of 22 species. It is a no-kill refuge, and it takes in animals who are inured and disabled -- the ones nobody wants. Rikki's spokescat in VIncent D. Cat, a differently-abled cat who travels all over to show people that differently abled animals are worth saving because of the love they return to the humans who own them. The CEO and Director, Kerry Hilliard, is VIncent's mom, and she has the biggest heart of anyone I've ever met: she loves all animals and will always take the time to help animals in need. She has arranged freedom-train-like rides -- a series of drivers who are each willing to drive a rescued animal part of the way to Rikki's to get love and proper care. Also, more times than I can count, Kerry has taken time to answer questions about problems I'm having with my cats. Taking care of over 600 cats makes Kerry an authority on just about any cat issue, and I am always amazed that she takes time from her incredibly hectic scheduled to counsel me on whatever issue I need help with. I first met Kerry right after Rikki's opened because I had an older Shepherd-Husky mix who had become unglued and unhandleable after my divorce. Although friends and family urged me to put my Sheba to sleep, I couldn't do this to my friend of 13 years. I happened upon Rikki's website one sleepless night, and wrote to Kerry with my story. She responded and said that she would be able to take my Sheba in. So I went to visit and see Rikki's and to meet Kerry. And shortly after than, I made the incredibly difficult decision to give my best friend away. Sheba only lived another six months or so, but I knew that she was with people who loved animals, and that gave me a great deal of peace of mind. Since that time, I have been a regular contributor to Rikki's. And I am about to adopt one of their rescue cats. Rikki's is a wonderful place that operates on a shoe-string, from day to day. I wish Rikki's had all the money it needed so that it would never have to worry about expenses again, and so that it could take in even more homeless, abandoned and different-abled animals. I love Rikki's!
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Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
3 people found this review helpful
February 28, 2011
3 people found this review helpful
I'm involved in animal rescue in Northern VA and am often contacted by people with heartbreaking situations with animals they've found or sometimes have to give up. I've made it my business to find and know rescue agencies, shelters and sanctuaries that I can feel good about referring people to. Rikki's is the best of the best. It is a truly remarkable, loving place that provides the best of care and a second chance to over 1100 animals. I feed 10. They feed 1100 DAILY. That inspires me every day.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
visiting the Refuge and meeting the scores of beautiful lives that are living happily, inspiring and bringing joy to countless volunteers and visitors.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Generously fund them so that they could spend less time worrying about how they will pay for the next day's meals and more to build an recondition existing structures, provide critical medical care for the aged and sickly among their charges, and provide education and outreach to the people of Virginia about animal cruelty, compassion and the healing role animals play in the lives of humans, particularly the aged and those who suffer from loneliness, physical and mental disabilities.
1 person found this review helpful
February 26, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
I first became aware of Rikki's Refuge when Vincent friended me on FB. The more I learned, the more impressed I was with RR. I tell everyone I know about RR. They ROCK!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've seen many animals' lives saved!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
make a Rikki's Refuge in every state in the US!
1 person found this review helpful
February 26, 2011
1 person found this review helpful
Best spokescat ever. I love how Vincent on Facebook cares about all of the people who try to help out in some way, big or little. I've seen pictures of Rikki's Refuge and all the animals look so well taken care of.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
great spokescat in Vincent
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
send more money.
February 26, 2011
If God were to create a type of Eden for the animals with broken bones, tearful hearts, and down-trodden spirits, where their bodies and souls could be healed, I think that Rikki's Rescue might be that place. Rikki's is sanctuary for ALL the forgotten and lost animals.
The people who work for these animals are the most kind hearted and hard working individuals that I have met. They can do so much with their limited resources. Truly, Rikki's Refuge is a Miracle of Love. It has even healed quite a few human hearts!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Seeing the animals cared for and loved. Excellent professional health care when needed.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Make sure that more people were aware of its existance!
February 26, 2011
Rikkis refuge is amazing. They do so much with so little!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Every day a email comes from Rikkis with much humor and information about the refuge.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Nothing. That is the appeal of the refuge, very grass roots.
February 25, 2011
What places like Rikki's Refuge do for so many homeless & unwanted animals is indispensable, fighting against the odds & going to financial extremes to save these helpless creatures is a true measure of a modern, caring society. Bless them for all they do.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Constantly watching their results & how they help other rescues as well.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Wouldn't except to see Bill Gates donate a huge sum of money to them.
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