My Nonprofit Reviews

RR Girl - charity reviews, charity ratings, best charities, best nonprofits, search nonprofits

RR Girl

430 profile views
2 reviews

Review for Life Unlimited of Virginia Inc, Rapidan, VA, USA

Rating: 5 stars  

I have been associated with this organization (which just celebrated it's 20th anniversary!) for over 10 years - volunteering and donating. It is a lifeline to animals with no other option but death. The staff is full of very dedicated workers who go above and beyond every day to care for the animals (even with feral cats who don't appreciate it!) Our periodic tours inform visitors of the great need for places like this, and let them interact with species few people meet (like emus) and farm animals, who are often callously seen as having no feelings. Sometimes I wish life could be as simple for me as it is for a pig in a mud wallow! This is truly a very special place.

Role:  Advisor
 

Review for Life Unlimited of Virginia Inc, Rapidan, VA, USA

Rating: 5 stars  

Rikki's is a place where animals with few other options can find a home. They are a life sanctuary for the physically, emotionally and socially challenged animals that need more help than the typical animal refuge can provide.
The volunteers and staff care very much for the animals. I have met some great animal people there, not to mention some great animals. Vincent (spokescat) and Duke (spokesdog) are both handicapped, but don't let their physical circumstances keep them from being absolute charmers. It is a good place.

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

Seeing how grateful people are when they find a place for their needy animals. For example, Rikki's is rare it that it takes in cats with feline leukemia. Typical shelters would just euthanize them, due to the nature of the illness. Rikki's lets them enjoy the brief time they have and gives their former owners some peace if they're forced to give them up.

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

Give it a whole lot of money. Being in animal rescue is stressful enough just dealing with people and animals. Try to do it on a shoestring is a road to burnout. Pets need all the supporters they can get and the people who are pet supporters need some breathing room and TLC.

Role:  Volunteer & In 3 and a half years of volunteering I have done a broad spectrum of theings - from scooping cat litter boxes to data entry.