Caring For Creatures

11/26/2024

This is a courtesy post. CFC is pleased to help the Fluvanna SPCA, one of our rescue partners, with locating the perfect home for Behri. As you will read, Behri had a tough start, but with positive training, he has come a long way. Perhaps he may be a good match for you or someone you know. If you are interested in helping Behri or have questions, please contact Jeff Nanni at Muddy & Co, LLC at (540) 222-7904.

Behri is estimated to be about 3 years old, and although he looks like a small shepherd mix, his DNA shows he is mostly Pittie and Siberian Husky. He is a sweet pup who is looking for his forever home.

Behri was surrendered to Fluvanna SPCA in August with an embedded collar and bite wounds. He became so stressed at the shelter that we knew he needed a break in order to find out what he would be like in a home. During one of his stressed times exiting the kennels, he redirected and bit a staff member on the leg. We found a temporary placement for him with Jeff Nanni of Muddy & Co, LLC. He has had Behri at his board and train facility in northern Virginia since November. He describes him as a “very sweet boy who can be off putting because of his stiffness”. He has anxiety and takes time to get comfortable in a new environment, but once he is comfortable, he loves attention and gets along well with other dogs. He has successfully met and lived with many other dogs at Jeff’s board and train facility with no issues at all. He likes to play rough and rowdy with his canine friends but is gentle with small breeds like chihuahuas. Jeff also added that he is one of the quietest dogs he’s ever met.

Behri went into a foster home recently and was doing well even though he was still settling into the new environment. A few days into the new place, the foster reached down to get his food bowl to give him breakfast while he was standing close to the bowl, and he snapped her hand. Although he hadn’t shown resource guarding issues at Muddy & Co., he will need a very careful and patient foster or adopter to spend the time he needs to get comfortable. He is housetrained, crate trained, and loves chewing on nylabones. Jeff is willing to provide the training support necessary to help potential fosters or adopters with transitions into a new home.

Feel free to contact Jeff Nanni at Muddy & Co, LLC at (540) 222-7904 to learn more about Behri.

11/25/2024

TIME FOR TULLY

There's a young man in room R1 that I wish to bring to your attention. His name is Tully. He got that name from The Addams Family movie. If you don't remember a character by that name (I didn't) he was one of the bad guys. Tully came in with Gomez and Pugsley (both since adopted) and I guess all the good names had been taken. But don't judge him by his name, he's a very sweet guy. About 2 years old, Tully isn't the biggest cat in the room. But he more than makes up for it in being an all-around great guy. Enjoys being petted? Check! Likes to play? Check! Even-tempered? Check! Handsome? Just look at him!

I'd bet every volunteer here plays the "Who would I adopt" game, if only in their head. Unless we want to become the equivalent of the legendary "Crazy Cat Lady/Guy" we can't take them all home with us. Tully is on my list. Well, him and a dozen others. So, I'm appealing to you. Yes, you! Don't let this great guy spend another week here. Take him with YOU. And, for Pete’s sake, give him a better name.

Scott, CFC Volunteer

https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/tully-kitten/

11/25/2024

Honey and Hazel enjoying a lazy Sunday afternoon after two walks. Jill reports that they are doing great and loving life. ❤❤

11/25/2024

This is a courtesy post. If you can help Hallie, or have any questions, please contact Susan Oldfield at [email protected].

From Hallie’s person:

“Hallie is a lab/pit/hound mix, now 9 months old and a very sweet girl.
She is approximately 23” H at the hip and weighs 58 lbs. Hallie is very loving, friendly and energetic and loves playing with other dogs. She spent 2 full sessions in doggie kindergarten and had a fine time. In later summer at 7 months she had approx. 12 sessions with a wonderful, positive dog trainer. She is housebroken as long as you keep to her bathroom schedule. She goes out about every 3 hours and, of course, is fine all night. When she comes to me and barks, she is telling me plainly that she has to go out.

Hallie is a healthy girl. She has been spayed and has had her shots and vaccines including: parainfluenza, bordetella, rabies vaccine,DHP.
She walks well on a leash.
She has not had contact with cats or small children.
I have never seen a sign of aggression in Hallie.

Hallie just has a happy spirit, loves to play and then takes long naps.
She is a beautiful girl and I hope to find a positive, loving home for her.”

Susan Oldfield
[email protected]

11/24/2024

Dusty AKA Old Yeller continues to be a staff and volunteer favorite. This versatile pupper is super smart and quite charming. He can be your best hiking bud that also doubles as a lap warmer. Dusty has it all. He loves his walks, does great on a leash, rides well in a car, is down for some zoomies, a good roll in the grass, and definitely enjoys cuddle time. He has excellent inside manners as well. Dusty is so good, that when he gets to be our office assistant for the day, he wears his own tie. This is no regular tie. This tie has only been worn by the best canine citizens. Dressed for success this handsome guy fills the office with joy and calmness. This guy is so happy that he smiles in his sleep. Could this jovial Jack of all trades be what's missing in your life?

https://caringforcreatures.org/dogs/dusty-2/

11/23/2024

Bambi was found hanging around staff member Kelsey’s house. She was under weight and clearly needed help. She would hide in the woods during the day, and only come out in the evenings to see Kelsey’s dog and gobble up some kibble. Over a period of weeks, she began to trust Kelsey, and Kelsey was able to catch her and bring her here to CFC. On the day of her arrival, this poor baby escaped through a very small gap in the fence at Parsley’s Place. Luckily due to the diligence of the amazing staff at CFC, we were able to catch her. She now has a safe, secure, climate-controlled space in the T&E building.

Bambi is a delicately built hound mix with a coat and eyes of deer. Hence the name Bambi. Although she is quite shy, she clearly craves attention. We can see her anxiety when she is doing so. We feel as though she has not seen the kinder side of people in her past, and yet this brave girl is still willing to give us a chance. Each day is a challenge for her as she learns basic dog things, such as wearing a collar and walking on a leash. Although these things are strange and scary to her, she powers through it all. Her confidence is growing daily, and her sweet disposition shines despite her clear terror of such drastic changes from being a former lonely lady of the woods. Bambi has the heart of a true champion. With patience, kindness, and time, this petite lady is going to be amazing. Could you be the right person to help her be the winner she is going to be?

More about Bambi:
Estimated date of birth: 3/17/2024
Date of arrival: 10/22/2024
Gender: Female
Size: 39 lbs.
Breed: Hound Mix

https://caringforcreatures.org/dogs/bambi/

11/23/2024

TRISCUIT

As the weather warmed this year, Triscuit (aka Mr. Salty Face) became an almost permanent resident of the Senior Room Catio. Having spent years in the Post kitchen, he had no idea how wonderful the Great Outdoors of the Catio could be. He was out there ALL the time. Even Hurricane Helene’s downpours didn’t drive him inside.

And why should it? He’s got two favorite beds—one in the sun and the other in the shade for really hot days. He’s got a litter box that the other cats rarely use. Now, if only he could get GrubHub to deliver his food to the Catio, he’d NEVER have to come inside. And even though it’s now November and cooler weather has arrived, Triscuit is still enjoying the Catio.

He may have a few more salty flecks in his coal-black fur but he’s retained his handsome physique. No one would think he’s 15 years old.

And he may be mellowing a bit. While he still often ends a volunteer visit with a mild bat with his declawed front paw, he recently seemed to thoroughly enjoy a 20-minute (!) petting session with me.

Steve, CFC Volunteer

https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/triscuit/

11/22/2024

This is a courtesy post. If you can help Walker, or have any questions, please contact Ben at 301-922-6453; email [email protected]

Ben rescued Walker from the woods last spring and is moving DC and can no longer take care of him.

Walker is a handsome male Treeing Walker Coonhound. He is about 4 years old, weighs 75 lbs, and has a beautiful tricolor coat. Walker has all of his vaccines, and he had a full heart worm deworming treatment (he was heart worm positive).

Walker was found in a coyote trap in poor shape. He was quite skinny and had clearly been living on his own for a while. Even though he was in poor shape, he had the sweetest gentlest personality. With a little food, veterinary care, and love Walker was back to being a healthy boy.
Walker has a very affectionate personality. He loves cuddles and hanging out with people. He is not shy and he shows no signs of ever being abused. He is extremely patient with children even when they play with his big floppy ears. Walker is also very good with other dogs. He regularly interacts with other dogs, and he always is wagging his tail.

Walker loves to cuddle and relax on a couch, but he is also a high energy hound that wants to work. He really needs to be exercised daily or he can be rambunctious.

Walker is house trained, but he will mark if he is in a house with another dog. He is a typical hound and is quite stubborn. He knows several commands but takes some time to learn new commands. Also, when outside his hound instincts kick in and he will wander. Additionally, Walker can be vocal if he is left outside or when you leave the house.

Contact:
Ben Rurka
[email protected]
301-922-6454

11/22/2024

TANGO TAKE 2

Remember Tango from weeks ago? I thought you people would be interested in how her love life is going. Yesterday I was in her room and spotted her up on top of a condo. Annndd she wasn't alone. She was cuddled up with Bandit again, and they looked very cozy together. Bandit took time away from staring into her eyes to shoot me a glance. He then told me, in no uncertain terms, to get my own ginger gal. Tango then apologized to me for his behavior and to meet up with her later. I live dangerously.

Scott, CFC Volunteer

https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/tango-2/
https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/bandit/

11/21/2024

Sign up to participate in the THIRD ANNUAL DASH THROUGH THE HILLS ON NOVEMBER 23rd!
TO BENEFIT CARING FOR CREATURES!

Hardware Hills Vineyard is hosting a charity trail run and walk that explores the entire property of the vineyard, including a pathway to the adjacent historic Hardware River. This holiday dash is in support of CARING FOR CREATURES animal sanctuary in Fluvanna County, Virginia.

The run portion of this event is approximately 5K (3.0 miles). The walk portion is approximately 1.5 miles. As this is a fun run/walk event, participants are not required to complete every portion of the run if they choose.

This is a somewhat challenging trek through the Hardware Hills property that includes an inclined gravel drive, grassy hills beyond the cottage and estate home, a sloping drop down to the river and back, and then winding through much of the vineyard past the sleeping winter vines. The dash concludes at the tasting room where a food truck will be on hand and wine will be available to participants over 21 years old.

SIGN UP HERE:
https://runsignup.com/.../VA/Scottsville/DashthroughtheHills

11/21/2024

We love this story from Wen, our dog trainer, and we think you will too!

“In late June I was taking a casual stroll around the pond with my best buddy SCOOBY. I was preoccupied enjoying the serenity, with not a care in the world. I heard what I thought was possibly Dragonflies mating. ( I am hearing impaired). It was not that at. Right at that moment Scooby abruptly stopped and put his paw on my foot. I no longer heard the noise and I assured Scooby that everything was ok, and went to step forward. Scooby looked up at me with what appeared to be concern or possibly fear. As I was moving my foot, I saw why Scooby was upset. The rattling began again and I saw it, a rattlesnake not but maybe 3 feet in front of us. To the snake's credit it was warning me of its presence. To Scooby's credit he saved us both from what could have been a painful, if not fatal encounter. Yikes! I did not know we have rattle snakes in this part of Virginia. Wrong. I have to say I was very shaken by this event and swore off the pond. Of course, the next day I changed my mind, put on my big girl pants and revisited the pond. Knowing that Scooby was with me, I was a little leery, but felt safe. It was, once again, peaceful as usual and no danger noodle to be seen. Scooby being such a young dog, has much wisdom. This is one truly gifted dog. Could this young, but old soul be what's missing in your life?”
- Wen

11/21/2024

This is a courtesy post. If you are interested in Mars or have any questions, please email Maygen Harris at [email protected]

Mars is an exuberant puppy, born on December 27, 2023, known for her lively spirit and boundless energy. A delightful mix of breeds husky and pit, she is social and makes friends easily with both humans and other animals. Mars is playful and curious, always eager to learn and engage in activities. Health-wise, she is unspayed but is up-to-date on vaccinations and has received her rabies shot. Her vibrant personality shines when around children, and she enjoys their company, often playfully interacting with them. Mars also gets along well with other dogs, having successfully socialized with both males and females. She is crate trained and eager to please, she shows potential for training and thrives in new interactions.

As she continues to grow, both in size and spirit, Mars embodies the joy and love pets bring to our lives. She is a playful, loving companion waiting for a forever home. Are you ready to welcome this spirited pup into your life?

Contact information: Maygen Harris
Email: [email protected]

11/20/2024

This is a courtesy post. If you can help Ollie, or have any questions, please contact Megan at 720-235-2262.

Meet Ollie! According to his DNA test, Ollie is 46% Australian Cattle Dog, 10 % Chow Chow + Dachshund + Chihuahua + Boston Terrier and even more! This100% adorable canine collaboration is in search of a new home.

Ollie came to live in Virginia as a foster dog when his military family received orders that sent them to Korea. A stay that was originally slated to be a year or two, has been extended to last the next several years. While Ollie’s foster family has worked hard to make him a part of their pack, it just hasn’t become a happy fit. Ollie has a working dog personality, and needs a working dog environment to thrive. Now, Ollie was born August 22, 2017, so he probably doesn’t want to work too hard, but daily walks, engaging games and the opportunity to bark at deer that may wander into your yard, all seem like ideal activities to him!

Ollie would do best in a home where someone is usually around who can keep an eye on what he’s up to. He has been known to eat inappropriate things, likely out of boredom. He is crate trained and house trained, so he can safely be left at home alone. Ollie is under a vet’s care as he has experienced some seizures. He is taking Zonisamide to help prevent seizures. It's 150mg twice a day and is around $30 for a one month supply. He takes it with no issue. He is neutered and UTD on all vaccines, flea and tick control and heartworm preventative. Ollie is heartworm negative.

In Ollie’s pack, there are 2 adult humans, 2 children and another dog. Ollie gets along well with the people, but he and the other dog don’t have much of a relationship at all. Maybe you and your family could be Ollie’s perfect match! Since this foster home hasn’t been a great fit for Ollie, and because his family will not be back from Korea for the next several years, all people involved believe the right thing to do for Ollie is to find him a new permanent home.

Ollie remains in a private home under the care of his foster family, in Fluvanna, Virginia. If you would like to arrange a meet and greet, please contact Megan at 720-235-2262.

11/19/2024

This is a courtesy post. If you can help Cookie and Nugget, or have any questions, please email [email protected].

The Wonder Twins are 11 month old doberman/poodle mix brother and sister duo weighing about 40lbs, who have never been separated.

Cookie (like oreo cookies) is a black and grey female who is very sweet, calm but shy. She loves to find a quiet spot to lay down.

Nugget (like chicken nuggets) is a brown and tan male who is very sweet, smart and all he wants to be is a lap dog with cuddles and being center of attention.

They are kennel trained, house trained, and know basic command.

They received their first puppy shots and tails docked before they were adopted but due to health issues of the owners they haven't been since. They are healthy as far as we know, but are not up to date on shots.

They are shy when around adults at first but have grown up around kids (3 year old+) and are great with them, including being little vacuums for crumbs...

They have been introduced to other dogs both in private setting as well as public with no aggression. They've been around chickens and goats as well with no issues!

They do love to jump tall fences.

Due to increased health issues of the owner, we are trying to find a new home as soon as possible. They are located near Orange, VA but willing to meet.

We are asking a very small fee to make sure they go to a good home but they come with everything (2 XL kennels, food/water dishes, leashes, harness/collars)
For more information or if interested please email @ [email protected]

11/18/2024

Everyone loves Babe Ruth and Babe loves nothing more than to snuggle with her humans. It looks like she’s especially smitten with CFC volunteer, Doug. Need a hug? Stop by to visit Babe and receive some snuggles of your own. Who doesn’t need some extra love these days??!!

From Wen, our dog trainer: “Despite her size, is a very gentle girl. She is a favorite here with our volunteers due to her laid-back nature and excellent manners. This girl is pretty chill. She enjoys putting her head down and leaning in for some love. She loves sunbathing, a squishy bed, and of course a good doggy massage. She also is into a good neck and ear scratch. If you sit with her, she will put her head on your shoulders and give you a hug. Babe enjoys being brushed, going for walks and car rides, does great on a leash, knows how to sit and gives handshakes. Her favorite toy continues to be her lamb stuffy, but she likes stuffed toys in general. The bigger the better. Babe is a really sweet girl who just wants to have a family of her own.”

https://caringforcreatures.org/dogs/babe-ruth-vet-pet-pick/

11/17/2024

Natural Pet Essentials & Dog Wash put a smile on a lot of furry faces yesterday with their scrumptious Barksgiving Feast! We’re smiling too – thanks to their hard work and your generosity, Caring For Creatures received $500 in donations!! We're so grateful to all of you for helping our rescue community!

11/17/2024

It's that time of year again! The Annual Holiday Pet Food Drive is off to an early start in hopes of keeping our food bowls filled through the winter months. Donate now through January 3rd to help the animals at Caring For Creatures.

We're grateful to Natural Pet Essentials & Dog Wash and Trista Fann Pullaro for making this happen!

'Tis the giving season, my friends! It's our 12th annual holiday pet food drive! Let's do what we do to help these two rescues have enough food to feed for the first 3 months of 2025. ❤️

11/16/2024

We’re proud to introduce our newcomer, Titan!

Titan is a beautiful brindle and white bully mix. He has the cutest ears. One will fold back, while the other, not so much. About 6 yrs old, Titan is very friendly and welcoming. A curious, athletic fella, Titan is very much a people person and truly loves pleasing us! He is terrific at sitting for a treat and can be very focused. Titan is very intelligent, highly food motivated, and is super squishy. He is eager to please and is doing well with his basic training and manners. In the short period of time that we have been working with him, he has come a long way. He does better each walk we take.

In his defense, this boy is pure muscle. He has a body like Arnold Schwarzenegger. For such a strong boy, he is quite gentle. He already knew how to sit on command, but his skills are increasing. He is now doing well with the down, sit up, touch, watch, and wait commands. Titan does not seem to show much interest in his new dog neighbors, but certainly loves his caregivers here at CFC. He gives great eye contact, and when he does so, all you see is love. Titan has also learned to give paw. He will do either when asked to do so. Just to add to his bag of new skills. It’s very endearing. This guy would make a great addition to a family. Let’s help Titan find his forever home.

Note: Titan’s former family found him as a stray when he was about 5. They have reported that he was excellent with their younger child and ignored dogs in the neighborhood. They recently found black mold in their dwelling which was making their child sick and had to move quickly. Unfortunately, their current rental does not allow pets so CFC spoke up for him.