Rocky Ridge Refuge

12/25/2024

A few of my pups doing the Christmas thing...

12/03/2024

From the writer and publisher of the Children's book featuring the RRR critters: "If anyone is looking for gift ideas for little ones, we have a children's book based on the Rocky Ridge animals that's received great reviews! Plus the proceeds are donated to Rocky Ridge Refuge. Easy to order online, too!" https://www.amazon.com/Watermelon-Party.../dp/0993939104/
amazon.com
Watermelon Party
Watermelon Party is based on a real event that happened at Rocky Ridge Refuge. One July 4th, Janice put out a watermelon, and one by one the animals gathered around the watermelon, sharing in its juicy sweetness side by side, despite their differences in species and size. It is the perfect story ...

11/27/2024

10/27/2024

My good friends from St Louis were down to visit the last few days and its a real treat for me and the critters!

10/09/2024

My good friend, Nicole, posted this FB memory today of this poem I had written and posted 7 years ago. I remember I was waiting on a biopsy to confirm my cancer diagnosis and had just taken in a dog in desperate need. The world was seeing many of the worsening natural disasters then also and in light of recent, even more extreme events, I felt I would also like to repost it. If we all did our best to help another in need when we could, maybe God would be relieved of some of that burden...

I CAN ...

I can't hold back the hurricanes
that storm in from the sea
I can't slow the winds or rain
I'm just one person, little ol' me

I can't quench the wildfires
that burn across the lands
renewing life on such scorched ground
is not in the power of my two hands

I can't stop the quaking earth
the buildings falling, the loss , the fear
It hurts to see the ruin and know
I can't assist, I'm no where near

I can't change the hearts that hate
those who hurt the innocent souls
I can't deflect bullets, any weapons at all
superhero has never been one of my roles

I can't cure the myriad diseases
that befall so many over time
invading cancers march through bodies
maybe someday yours, maybe today mine

I can't make the human race
live without prejudice, anger and greed
It's been too long that humankind
forgot that kindness is what all need

So much that I can't do in this world
but I CAN always choose to care
to ease another's way and life
as long as my heart beats here

Life is uncertain for all of us
but I'll do what I CAN til its done
I'm just one tiny voice I know
but what I'll do is help one by one....

~ Janice Wolf ~

09/30/2024

Hey friends, many of you will remember this dog I was asked to help back in February. I got her the urgent vet care she needed but had no room here to bring her in. Fortunately, a kind lady working with a newer rescue in Arkansas, offered to take her in. Jenny Wall-Bridges did an excellent job with 'Hope' as you can see. Jenny's partner in the rescue handled all the financial/paperwork side of things, as Jenny's role was to foster and do all the care for the dogs.
Well, sadly, Jenny began to have reason to question her partner's use of funds and subsequently discovered this person had stolen much of the donations meant for the dogs. Jenny and another good foster have secured all the dogs that were under this rescue and have opened a brand new rescue now. Their mission has always been about the dogs and they don't want this betrayal to destroy their ability to help the current needy dogs and future cases. Please check out their new rescue page here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566464825278 They must start from scratch now, so it will take time to obtain their own non profit designation. But they have many dogs now that need help and support. These are good people who unfortunately have been burned by someone that they trusted. I sure now what that is like! But they are determined to rise above this and do the right thing. You can see the featured post on the new rescue page addressing the situation a bit more. I will always be grateful to Jenny for helping Hope (who is still at her house and spoiled!) Please like their page and encourage them as they move on from this set back. Thank you!

08/26/2024

Hey folks,

I know it has been quite awhile since I have posted here. I have been going through a long rough stretch for sure. Here is a brief synopsis of a few 'highlights' ....
Last year, after I realized I needed to basically retire from active rescue work, I had begun planning and working towards what I felt was the best situation for myself and the sanctuary animals here. For this last chapter of my life, I knew I needed to find a smaller place with less upkeep and expenses. I had been working on this since last Summer and thought I would be all set way before now. Sadly, too many people that promised to help me (hired and otherwise) did not keep their word. The long delays, expenses and stress piled up and have taken a toll on me.
Early this year, I had cataract surgery in hopes of better vision so I could pursue my watercolor painting to support the animals, but that surgery did not have the best results. I have been diagnosed recently with Wet Macular Degeneration in one eye and some scar tissue in the other.
I have also been diagnosed with a 'bone on bone' knee joint and told I need a Total Knee Replacement. I have had Degenerative Joint Disease since I was in my 30's, and I am used to some pain and limitations in many of my joints over the years, especially as I aged, but this was unexpected for sure.
Having been single/alone all my life, the logistics of figuring out how to manage what this would entail are daunting. Post op care/help for myself and the critters, especially in my present location, is a challenge. So, it will be awhile before I can schedule this surgery, likely even next year. Fortunately, I have a high pain tolerance and am managing things fairly well for now.
The health issues were the final blow to the past year efforts and vision for the future I had for myself and the critters. I have had to let go of that dream and begin to figure out a new way forward. Circumstances have me in kind of a holding pattern for now, taking things a day at a time.
Its all gonna be OK. I reckon...

07/04/2024

Remember this girl that I was asked to rescue at the end of February this year? I was able to get a vet in her area to administer the urgent vet care she needed, but really did not have the ability to bring her to RRR. Fortunately, this wonderful rescue answered my plea and took her in. They have done a superb job with her and now she is ready for adoption! Please share their post!

06/19/2024

Just some pics of Tyrone and friends from the past month...

06/12/2024

>>> FEATURED ADOPTABLE!

06/10/2024

Hey folks, most of you are well aware of the children's book written years ago featuring the critters of RRR at that time. Many of you have purchased copies for the kids in your lives and those funds have been a great help to RRR! The Author and Publisher asked me to share the link again this year in case anyone was unaware or just needed to order more copies. :) I thank all who have supported RRR in this way, especially Jasmine Cabanaw, whose idea and work made this cute little book a reality. Summer is here! This book pairs well with any watermelon-themed event and is a perfect summertime read. Plus, proceeds go to Rocky Ridge Refuge. You can get a copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Watermelon-Party-Jasmine-Cabanaw/dp/0993939104/

Watermelon Party

Watermelon Party is based on a real event that happened at Rocky Ridge Refuge. One July 4th, Janice put out a watermelon, and one by one the animals gathered around the watermelon, sharing in its juicy sweetness side by side, despite their differences in species and size. It is the perfect story ...

05/14/2024

This little Racer lives in my front yard area. Racers are very fast and usually want nothing to do with being close to humans. This morning he greeted me and allowed me to stroke his back for a minute before calmly going on his way. He has one eye that has some old damage to it (can kinda see it in third pic) and its kinda funny to me that he chose here since I have run my animal rescue here for many years for medical/special needs cases and have had so many critters with various damaged/missing parts, and have 2 one eyed dogs now. I reckon he feels right at home, lol. Very chill for a racer especially...

05/06/2024

>>> Wonderful Gertie Mae is still looking for her forever home! Here are new photos of this sweet girl who has blossomed in the 3 1/2 months she has been here. Gertie is a 1 1/2 year old Hound mix girl. She weighs 48lbs and is housebroken, crate trained and overall chill dog who also enjoys a few rousing play sessions a day with her besties here. She is gentle and friendly with humans and was good with some kittens she met recently. A fenced yard would be best to keep her safe and at least one dog friend to romp and wrestle with. Gertie Mae is fully vetted and more than ready to find her family! If interested in Gertie, please e-mail [email protected] for more info or an application. Out of state is fine if transport can be arranged ( which it often can be to many areas!)

04/10/2024

Tyrone turned 4 months old yesterday and weighs a slim 48 lbs! His right ear appears to have settled for a permanent relaxed state while the other one is keeping its options open awhile longer...

03/22/2024

Sooo, the last several weeks have been a time of wondering "How will Tyrone's ears handle the day?" He will be 15 weeks old tomorrow and his free range ears do whatever they want! He is a healthy, normal puppy after his early neuro issues, but does have one eye that is janky and sightless. He is smart and feisty still so he does fine with his one good eye. Enjoy this ears photo dump!