Southern Hospetality, LLC.

06/15/2024

I have met and evaluated Simba. He needs an adopter with bully breed experience asap or he will be compassionately euthanized in the near future. Please read the original post for more info.

For over a year we have BEGGED for someone to give Simba a chance, because he REALLY deserves it after everything he's been through.
Unfortunately, like everyone else in his life, I've failed him. I have not been able to find a foster, adopter, trainer, rescue, or sanctuary that can help him.
I've never had to euthanize a dog with mild behavior issues just because we ran out of options, but that's where we are. Normally, I would bring him home and try to help or atleast give him a few days of being spoiled and loved inside a home but that's not an option. My leg is broken in five places, we have 7 dogs, and two young children.
I'll tell you what he needs and how you can help. If you aren't here to help, then CARRY ON, because I will not tolerate nasty or ignorant comments.
Needs:
To be the only pet.
A home without young children.
Extensive physical and mental stimulation daily.
A routine.
A fenced in yard.
An experienced and patient owner/handler.
Decompression time and a training program.
How you can help:
FOSTER (must meet the needs listed above).
Contact other rescues and sanctuaries.
Share.
Like.
Tag.
We have until TUESDAY 6/18 to find another miracle for Simba. He's located in Virginia but can be transferred ANYWHERE to an appropriate home or program.
When Simba was being abused at our local shelter and was just days away from being killed EVERYONE was on his side but the moment he was moved into boarding he was forgotten. His reels have had over 100k views and we still don't have one single application.
If you can help email me at [email protected] with SAVE SIMBA in the headline.
If you can't help and have something negative to say, I'll reiterate this is NOT the place for it.

06/15/2024

KITTEN PEOPLE NEEDED - PLS SHARE
Friends - we have a situation. We found a kitten who was clearly looking for help. She was trying to nest under my sister’s shed. My sis took care of her for a couple days and tried to find her home, but then last night realized the kitten had started bleeding heavily from her v***a. We took her to the vet this morning to find out she’s FELV positive and pregnant. The poor baby can’t be more than 4-5 months old herself. Her temp is 104.5 and she is currently getting antibiotics to get the fever under control. We assume her body may be trying to abort the kittens but with a high fever and risk of complications being FELV, the vet felt it’s not good to operate and spay her immediately. We are going to give her antibiotics and supportive care over the weekend and hope she self-aborts easily or comes right. She will get another check up after the weekend to see where we stand.

Now here’s the kicker. I have 3 cats who should not be exposed to FELV. She’s going to have to quarantine in my spare room in a crate until we can find her an appropriate placement. Are there any local people who foster or adopt FELV kittens? Rescue or sanctuary transfer? Or someone local who doesn’t have cats and could foster her through this? We are taking it one day at a time with her and in order for us to continue to be financially responsible for her care, the foster would need to be within driving distance of Lovingston, VA. Anyone?

Also, this could get expensive. We paid down our vet bill but still owe $1000. This will add more to that bill. If anyone can help, we really need it. I’ll put donation info in the comments section. You’re welcome to call and pay the vet directly, or donate through one of our links. All donations will currently go toward the vet bill so no need to earmark or add a notation. Thank you so very much. ❤️🙏🏼

06/07/2024

Halushka is looking for a new home! This sweet senior boy recently lost his human mom. He has been an outdoor/chained dog for a few years but lived inside once upon a time. He is neutered and up to date on vaccines but does not receive flea/tick or heartworm prevention. 9 years old, 65 lbs and people friendly! Allegedly he is a hybrid but with out DNA testing that can't be confirmed. He certainly looks like a mix of the breeds often used to create hybrids (husky/malamute/elkhound/german shepherd). Halushka is said to be very people friendly and good with bigger dogs (but will guard food from dogs). Not good with cats/small animals and it is unknown if he would be good with small dogs. Currently residing near Ruckersville, Va. **I have not met Halushka. This is a courtesy post. I can connect any interested adopters/rescuers with the family member trying to rehome.

05/31/2024

Who wants to foster (or better yet . . Adopt)?! Mellie, Nellie, Murphy, June, Otis and Capone are all bunking here with me. Happy to answer any questions you may have about any of them!

05/28/2024

Today some freshmen students from Western Albemarle High School came to the farm to meet some of the animals and learn a bit about what goes on here. The students participated in a variety of animal enrichment activities and got to spend some time with some of the adoptable dogs. Mellie, Murphy, Capone, Otis and Nellie had a blast getting lots of pets and attention and would like to remind everyone that they are all available to foster or adopt through Dogs Deserve Better Blue Ridge. For specific info on each particular dog please get in touch!

04/23/2024

How is this adorable house hippo still available?! June is such a good girl but no one ever picks her. June is an 11 yr old pittie girl with so much love to give! She is super friendly with all humans (but given her age probably not a good fit for a home with toddlers) and low maintenance too! She is crate, house and dog door trained and can be left loose in the house too! She likes walks and car rides and does great in public places! June is non reactive to other dogs or cats out and about (just don't let them get in her face) but she would prefer to not live with another dog or cat unless that dog has balls (no not the kind you throw). June LOVES in tact male dogs. But she otherwise has no time for kitties or members of her own species (though she is a pro at crate and rotate at my house). Everybody who wants a senior dog seems to want a lap dog. Everybody who wants a pittie wants one that's good with other animals. Everybody who has a pet free home seems to insist they need a dog friendly dog for that one time of year their cousins highschool girlfriend visits for Christmas and brings her teacup goldendoodle. 🙄

Everybody who meets June loves her. But still she waits for someone to pick her. And it just never seems to happen. June has been searching for a home for over two years!! Let's get this girl the forever home she has been so patiently waiting for! Please share June far and wide so her person can find her! June is available to adopt through Dogs Deserve Better Blue Ridge

04/21/2024

Sometimes I uber the baby wildlife. Found these guys on a walk. Now safe at Wildlife Center of Virginia

04/21/2024

My buddy Capone has been here in boarding for months and he is so ready for a home! He has that happy go lucky brewery dog personality everyone says they want . . But nobody seems to want him. Capone is great with all dogs and all people! He can ignore cats and farm animals when supervised but he has some prey drive and should not be left unattended. He has great recall and loves off leash adventures too . . Though he can also climb/jump at least 5 ft fences so a tall privacy fence is best for containment if you have a yard. This boy has a great time here at but what he really needs/wants is a home!!

04/16/2024

Heeeeelp!! After doing my taxes yesterday and realizing that I spent 36k last year at Tractor Supply alone . . It's time to do a little fundraising!

I am not a non profit. I use the profits from dog boarding/training to offer lifetime sanctuary to many animals. I also am able to use those profits to help local rescues and shelters both pro bono and at a discounted rate.

I choose to use my $ in this way bc I believe in what I do and I am grateful to be helping to make a difference.

But this year has already been full of big expenses and I could use some help to re stock the emergency fund!

For those who don't know me well . . Here's a photo recap of what life on the farm looks like lately and the type of work that goes on here:

Bailey (who I rescued last year when her owners were facing homelessness and couldn't keep 9 dogs in their car) is now a loved family member excited to help her new mom and dad welcome a baby brother or sister/Marigold the goat spent a week at the vet and had an emergency C section/Multiple large trees that were dead or nearly dead had to be taken down before they damaged fences or buildings/New hole in the wall waiting to get fixed thanks to a new foster dog with some separation anxiety/Simon the pig practicing his pouty duck lip face in case he needs to start an Only Fans to help support us/Major excavation work to turn a marshy/muddy area that never dries out into a natural pond and meadow with fruit trees - supporting local wildlife/pollinators and giving the dogs additional play space/Piggy (who lived with me for almost a year after his owners moved out of state and didnt want to take him) sending photos from his 13th birthday party. He was adopted a few years ago by the best dog mom/Archie reunited with his dad after almost 6 months!

Facebook no longer supports private fundraisers so am linking online donation options below.

*please note that bc I am not a non profit I do report donations as income and I can not provide you with a receipt for income tax deduction purposes.*

Venmo: -Kirtley (last 4 digits of phone # are 2370)

PayPal: [email protected]

Zelle: 434-981-2370

Could you spare $1??

04/14/2024

Internet sleuths! Can you help me find this horse??

Moonpie is a branded BLM mustang mare. She would be 26 now. She is missing her right eye. She presents as solid white with dark eye and some black pigmented skin spots that show up under her white coat.

I got Moonpie in 2009. In 2012 she developed cancer in her right eye and needed surgery to remove it. I did not own property at that time and my boarding barn did not have the facilities to accomodate her surgery and rehab - so I made arrangements to transfer her to a local mustang sanctuary where she became a permanent resident/ educational ambassador after she recovered from surgery.

The sanctuary stopped operating as a non profit organization in 2016 but the former directors maintained ownership of the horses and continued to provide care (even moving the herd with them from Virginia to Texas several years ago). I have remained in contact with one of the former directors and was under the impression until recently that the horses were still in their care.

Last week a horse that had been in the care of the sanctuary showed up at a kill pen in Texas (her identity has been confirmed). It has since come to light that the sanctuary herd was dispersed in 2021 and there does not seem to be any info on the horses after that. The mare that showed up in Texas had most recently been in a recipient mare program.

I know it's a long shot but I want to know if my girl is still alive and ok. I am hoping that her distinct color and appearance may jog someones memory. If you think you recognize/remember seeing her at any time during or after 2021 please reach out! I just want to know if she is ok. If she is in a good home . . Great! If she needs a home . . She has one with me if she needs it!

04/10/2024

Mellie is double majoring in the art of the selfie and the art of the zoomie. This dual study program perfectly complements her personality: 1 part snugglebug to 1 part crazy train! Mellie is the sweetest girl. She is dog, cat and kid friendly and is also good with farm animals (though she is still learning that not all farm animals want to play with her). Mellie is a good car rider and has even enjoyed a brewery outing! She crates nicely too! She is about 35 lbs and won't get any bigger at approx 1 yr old. She is the perfect size to do fun big dogs things while still being small enough to pick up and put on your lap (if that's your thing).

This crazy girl loves to jump and climb. She would prefer to be on things instead of the floor. You need to be commited to supervising her indoors/using a crate or have a healthy sense of humor bc this girl is part raccoon and part mountain goat. If you're looking for a dog to do agility with - she'd love it! If you prefer your dogs not to take naps on your dining room table . . This girl may not be for you.

Mellie will climb/jump baby gates and shorter fences. She is good off leash and has decent recall but is not a good candidate for being left unsupervised with that type of containment.

If Mellie sounds like your cup of tea . . Apply to foster or adopt with Dogs Deserve Better Blue Ridge today!

04/01/2024

It's no April fools joke . . Sammy turned 14 today! He got a special treat for his birthday and he is having a great time with all his friends at ! Senior dogs are the absolute BEST and I am honored that Sammy's family wanted him to spend his birthday here while they were on vacation!

04/01/2024

Happy Easter from some lucky little lambs! These guys were all being sold at a local auction on Thursday. 3 of them are just a few weeks old and still being bottle fed. It's risky business being a sheep sold at auction just before Easter (many people eat lamb for Easter) so it seemed like as good a time as any to acquire a few. Thanks to Blair Harris for bidding on them for me and driving them here on Friday! I have recently cleared, graded and cross fenced some of the land here to change the lay out for the other animals and create more usable space that is not heavily wooded (this was an expensive project that was not pre planned but needed to happen asap after the very wet/muddy winter we have had). As a result - there will be a lot more grassy space for me to maintain. The goal is to populate some of this space with fruit trees (which the goats can't have access to bc they will eat them) so these 3 little girls and 2 little boys will have a job here mowing that grass when they are older. In the meantime . . Prepare to be spammed by lambs!

03/29/2024

Everyone meet Gambler! Gambler is a young adult Miniature American Shepherd (also known as a Miniature Australian Shepherd) who is ready to steal your heart and maybe a spot on your couch (but only after you've gone adventuring together)! Gambler has all the traits of your typical herding dog but in a smaller package and with a little less intensity. He is so much fun and will make someone a fantastic friend! Mini Aussies are sadly too often poorly bred by backyard breeders attempting to capitalize on uneducated would be owners - who want the look of a herding dog but not to put the work in required to own them responsibly. As such they often get an undeserved reputation - which is really just the result of people trying to turn them into lap dogs. I can't say enough good things about this little guy. It is clear that he was bred with intentionality and integrity. He was retained by his breeder for possible showing but she decided he would be happier in a companion home - which is how he came to be in rescue (please save your opinion/comments on how you feel about breeding: Gambler already exists and your denouncement that he was ever bred to start with won't help him find a home). Gambler is available to adopt through and his official adoption profile should be live on their website today! If you are looking for a pint sized best buddy who will enjoy lots of exercise, training and play time . . Gambler could be your perfect match!

03/26/2024

Sometimes we walk. Sometimes we impersonate road-kill. It's a toss up. *Disclaimer: While I am not a fan of flexi leashes in most scenarios - they do provide additional freedom for my guys (like Sherman here) who have to be full time leash walked. When leash walking is your only form of exercise . . Most energetic dogs end up frustrated with a short leash. Increasing leash length drastically reduces tension and allows for a lot more freedom and enrichment. In this case bc we do a lot of walking through fields/brush - the flexi works better than a traditional long line.

03/22/2024

03/21/2024

The farm help is getting weird.

03/11/2024

I am fostering this adorable little guy for the shelter. He has been returned twice for being too loud and for possible separation anxiety. While all beagles can be vocal I will admit that this boy is loud even for a beagle. I have not experienced any separation anxiety but I have other dogs here and both the homes that tried him out did not. So he may do best in a home with another dog. Not a good fit if you live in a townhome, apartment or crowded neighborhood (he'll get you a noise complaint most likely). *additional photos in the comments

03/08/2024

Been dealing with an infestation here at the house. Not sure how they got in but I think I caught them all!

03/06/2024

Urgent foster or adopter needed for Archie!

Archie has been in DDBBR temporary custody since the beginning of November. His dad was going through some life changes and was unable to care for Archie but was very adament that he did not want to give Archie up. Archie had already been taken temporarily to CASPCA by a family member so DDBBR sprung him from the shelter so that he could be eventually reunited with his dad. Archie has been in boarding this entire time because we did not get any offers for a foster home that lasted more than 1 week. Through out the last few months Archie's dad has checked in by phone and reiterated his desire to be reunited with Archie. Now, unfortunately, as Archie's time in temporary custudy is about to expire - it seems his dad has changed his tune. On March 15th Archie's dad is supposed to regain "custody." If he chooses not to keep Archie with him - he will have to return Archie to CASPCA. Archie has really struggled in boarding. He gets very anxious in a kennel environment and has not been able to participate in play group bc he jumps the fences. A combination of private leash walking several times a day, long lasting chew items and toys and sedatives have helped Archie cope - but this is not a quality of life for a young dog with confinement anxiety and energy to burn.

For DDBBR to continue to help Archie we need an adopter or a committed foster home to step up by March 15. We do not want to ask Archie to continue to stay in boarding.

Archie is good with other dogs but he has been a persistent humper while in boarding. We suspect this is anxiety based and hope (but are not positive) that this will not manifest with other dogs in a home environment. Archie is also good with children. He does need at least a 5 ft fence (or an electric fence) to contain him safely when he is outside.

Can you or someone you know be Archie's guardian angel? Apply today with Dogs Deserve Better Blue Ridge

03/04/2024

Hiiiiii it's me, Capone! Reminding everyone that I am available to foster or adopt! I am loving my time at but I would be SO happy in my very own home!! I am crate trained, doggy door trained, have pretty good leash manners and I love car rides! I am a pro at going to adoption events or breweries and I would be the BEST wingman!! I love all people and all dogs. I like to run and wrestle and practice doing parkour with my dog friends so a home that can make sure I get lots of exercise and play time would be my absolute favorite!! I am also good off leash and would make a great hiking buddy! I am a super sneaky ninja and can jump/climb wire fences so tall privacy fence or electric fence is best to keep me out of trouble if I am outside. I also like cats and farm animals and wildlife a liiiiiiiiittle too much. If you are watching me and remind me to leave them alone I am a very good listener! But if you forget to remind me or you aren't supervising me . . All bets are off! If I sound like the yin to your yang, the bees to your knees . . . The Hall to your Oates . . Don't delay and apply today! Dogs Deserve Better Blue Ridge

03/03/2024

It is unclear if Hunter genuinely enjoys perching on weird surfaces or it's just his passive aggressive way of letting me know he does not enjoy "unfinished farm and garden project chiq" as a motif. I'm feeling judged.

03/02/2024

Nellie is here for a bit to detox after weaning her puppies. She has a meet and greet in a few days with a potential adopter who needs her to be cool with other dogs, cats and farm animals. She was previously fostered on a farm but started getting grumpy with her puppies (which is not unusual once puppies reach a certain age) so it was time for her to be separated before starting her own adoption journey. This girl is super sweet and will make someone an amazing best friend! Happy to be hosting her in the mean time! Nellie is one of many lucky dogs to be rescued by Dogs Deserve Better Blue Ridge

02/16/2024

This looks like a great selection of prizes and it's a very worthy cause!

02/10/2024

My buddy Capone will be at this event this afternoon! Stop by to meet him and check out all the goodies at Natural Pet Essentials & Dog Wash

02/09/2024

Star is looking for a new home! This pretty girl is 7 yrs old and 45 lbs. She is spayed, house trained and is trustworthy to be loose alone in the house (as long as the lid to the garbage is closed!) She will be going to the vet soon for her annual vaccines, 4dx test and check up. Star loves women but can be nervous around men she doesn't know (though she does do well at the vets office). Her family suspects she was abused by a motorcycle riding hunter before they adopted her bc she has been scared of motorcycles, motorcyle helmets, guns and camouflage clothing for the 5 years she has been with her family. Sadly just the site of any of these items upsets her.

Star is good with other dogs and especially loves puppies - though she has recently gotten snappy with an adult chihuahua in the home. Stars issue is that she guards resources and space from people she does not know or trust. While the women in her family have no issues with Star - she has snapped at/bitten male family members when they have tried to take things from her or move her off the bed. Star needs a new home because two toddlers have recently moved into her home and an elderly family member is not able to remember to keep doors/baby gates closed (which is necessary to keep Star from behaving aggressively with the toddlers). This is a safety issue both for Star and the children.

If you can offer Star a (child free) home or foster home in a 501c3 rescue please contact me via private message and I will connect you with her family. Star is in the Blacksburg/Christiansburg area.

01/31/2024

The art/The artist. Every. Damn. Day.

Minnie is as nasty as she is adorable. And she is zero percent sorry.

For context: Minnie has the bowel capacity of a puppy and seems to need frequent potty breaks. Despite her p**p being solid (before she finger paints with it) she needs to p**p with in minutes of eating meals as well as with in minutes of waking up. She does not have a parasite problem or an allergy . . She just needs to p**p several times a day. The compounding issue is that she has the type of kennel anxiety you often see in working dogs. While she will kennel on her own with no issue and will sleep kenneled when she is tired - she also weaves and paces if she's awake - which results in the above depicted "art" whenever she has an accident.

Minnie can not be left un crated indoors bc when not supervised she gets into EVERYTHING. When left in a mud room with doggy door access she has zero accidents and also can't get into trouble. This is the preferred alternative to crating but is not always an option here (depending on the needs of the other dogs staying here).

Minnie LOVES being inside but needs an adopter with patience and a sense of humor. Minnie is dog friendly and loves to play (but she can be bitchy with dogs she is first meeting). She is also cat and kid friendly. Spayed, HW negative and UTD on vaccines. Who needs their very own live in impressionist painter??