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Caring For Creatures

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Palmyra, VA
Caring For Creatures

Caring For Creatures, founded in 1988, is a no-kill animal sanctuary in Central Virginia.

02/14/2025

Love is a four-legged word! Happy Valentine’s Day from your furry friends at Caring For Creatures! 🐾💕

Thank you Angela (CFC volunteer) for the wonderful photos! You never fail to bring out the best in our pups.

02/13/2025

Mark your calendars!

02/13/2025

This is a courtesy post. If you can help Hank, or have any questions, please contact Emily Thomas at 817-233-8338 or by email at [email protected]

Hello! I’m Hank the Hound… I am a male (neutered) 5-year-old Plott Hound located in Charlottesville, Virginia. I am currently up to date on all my vaccinations and take heartworm/flea/tick prevention every month. I don’t have any other medical concerns. I am potty-trained and do okay at home while my humans are away at work.

I am currently seeking a new home as I do not like my human’s toddler. I would do well in a home with adults or older children. I am not the biggest fan of other dogs so I would prefer to be your one and only. But I grew up with a dog brother, so I can learn to be a dog sibling if given time to acclimate. I tolerate cats, but it takes some time for me to warm up to them. I don’t know how I would do around farm animals or other indoor animals as I haven’t meet any so far. As a Plott Hound, my breed is known for bear hunting, but I’ve never been hunting and am not a fan of loud noises like hunting rifles.

I am happy to lounge or snuggle with you but just say the word and I’ll race you out the door for a walk or run around the neighborhood. I’ve got good stamina for runs around the neighborhood or trails.

I will turn 6 years old on Valentine’s 2025. So I’m officially in my adult dog era which means I’m well trained at this point. My humans sent me to training camp for three weeks a couple years ago and I came back with a variety of commands that I can show off. In fact - this training program allows for free refresher training sessions for the rest of my life! So if my new family and I want to brush up on our training words/skills then we can at no cost!

The one thing I still need work on is passing other dogs on the road without barking or growling. My bark may occasionally sound mighty - like a big protector - but I can get nervous and scared too. I really am a loving pet, I just need a home away from my human's toddler. In fact, my humans are willing to provide my training materials, bed, and some of my favorite toys to my new family so that I can easily adjust. My adoption fee is only $25.

If I sound like I could be a good fit for you, please contact my human, Emily Thomas at 817-233-8338 or by email at [email protected]

02/12/2025

Love is in the Air

It's Valentine's Day, when a young tomcat's fancy turns to... well, everyone is spayed or neutered, so probably just companionship. The same is true for the mademoiselle. Maybe it's because it's the time for romance or just because it's freaking cold, but there's plenty of cuddling going on.

Angus and Alison don't actually snuggle, but you'll often find them in close proximity. Angus has seen 15 years and is feeling them all. Alison is 6 years younger but finds a kindred spirit in in our favorite Scotsman.

Tango and Bandit are still an item. Our bad-boy can be somewhat possessive of his ginger honey. But do us a favor and don't tell him that when he's not looking, she's playing the field.

Cera and Tibby have been hanging out together recently. Cera has apparently gotten tired of Casey pushing her aside when I come over to pet them. Tibby gets along with everyone and has welcomed Cera into her personal space.

And finally, our old busy-bodies, Suzie Q and Cornelia are still sharing a cat bed. Sometimes they take a brief time-out from each other, and sometimes they welcome a third feline into their love nest. But in the end, it's just the two of them. Best buds for life.

Scott, CFC Volunteer

https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/angus-2/
https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/alison/
https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/tango-2/
https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/bandit/
https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/cera/
https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/tibby/
https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/suzie-q/
https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/cornelia/

02/12/2025

Everyone here at CFC who met P**f seemed to fall under her magical spell. Tiny, but oh so smart for a puppy her age. Although we’re sad to see her go, we’re elated that she found her perfect home. Judy and Jimmy of Charlottesville had owned 8 SharPei over the years and were well educated in what this breed needs in terms of structure and training. Now known as Philamena, she is blessed with 3 SharPei siblings.

Update #1: “Attached are some pictures of Philamena (formerly P**f) with her siblings as they get along great with her!! Donato, my sable SharPei, watches over her all of the time. Donato, the flowered SharPei (rescued in August from Green Dogs Unleashed) loves to run and play with her outside. AnnaBelle is our quiet little fawn girl and is warming up slowly. There is picture of Jimmy holding Philamena as she follows him everywhere. Another picture of her snuggling in my lap. She loves to be held.

Thanks so much for allowing us to adopt her as we truly love her and think she will be an amazing addition to our family.”

Update #2: “Wanted to share a cute picture of Philamena (P**f) from this morning. Had breakfast, walked and then came in and laid on big dog bed with big brother Giovanni. Those two played with benefones for about 15 minutes.

She is so sweet and no accidents in our house. I was waking her up every three hours and now she will wake me up whining in her playpen when she needs to go out as I keep her in that by the bed at night. She only has to go in the crate if Jimmy and I have to be out at the same time.

She is just so sweet.”

- Judy

Thank you, Jimmy and Judy, for making room for one more! Philamena is one lucky pup to be in your home!!

This is a courtesy post. If you can help Keen, or have any questions, please contact Asher Compton 434-953-1796; caleigh...

02/11/2025

This is a courtesy post. If you can help Keen, or have any questions, please contact Asher Compton 434-953-1796; [email protected]

Keen is a 1.4? Year old Pit Bull Mix rescue. He’s caught up on vaccinations, neutered, and likes to be very active. He’s got a base coat of white with some brindle spotting. He’s a gorgeous and adorable boy who wants nothing more than to play, cuddle, be taught new things, and all around be near you. He’s extremely smart! He knows an abundant amount of words and commands and he’s always willing to learn more. His facial expressions are so earnest and lovely; you can really tell exactly what he’s thinking at any given moment.

He is largely housebroken! The only problem is with new spaces, he has to reaffirm that he truly is not allowed to p*e and p**p indoors, but once that’s settled, he will let you know he has to go out by standing by the door, poking the handle, and whining every now and then while looking from the door to you. He loves anything he can chew on and tear up. He’s not the biggest fan of rubber toys, but he adores bones of various hardness, ropes, plush and squeaky toys, and balls. He’s figured out how to untie ropes rather than just chew them to shreds.

He’s extremely friendly to dogs and people, but he’s not the gentlest with children. He wants to lick and play with children like he does with dogs and adults, but he hasn’t been taught that children are more fragile than adults because I haven’t been around children with him. I don’t know what he’s like with cats, but I’ve never seen him look at one with anything other than friendly intent.

Keen is very intense about making friends. He will rush to get up in a new person/dog’s face and immediately want to play or be petted, which to some people gets misinterpreted as aggression. He’s never once been aggressive to new people or other pets to my knowledge, just really into meeting new folks. Keen loves being the center of attention! When my partner and I hang out and cuddle, he has to be parked right in between us or on top of us. He simply cannot stand not touching someone if he’s got the chance to. When I go to sleep, he’s my buddy curled up either high up at my back and head or at my knees. He also likes sleeping between my legs if I happen to sleep on my back.

Keen is crate trained because he’s got some pretty bad separation anxiety, but we’ve been working on it! It used to be that I couldn’t even shower with the door closed but now as long as he’s been out to p*e and p**p beforehand, I can leave the house for ten minutes and come back to him peacefully laying on the couch. I would say don’t try that until he’s gotten used to his new home and new routine. If he’s not ready for that step yet he could p*e and p**p everywhere as well as tear everything up, including the walls. He truly needs a person who is patient and understands that it’ll take time to fully reassure him that he’s never going to be abandoned again. The one thing that is a consistent hang up with Keen is that he absolutely hates his nails getting trimmed. I have to give him a tab of Trazodone and reassure him constantly with praise and treats or he might growl at me from stress and the thought that I’m trying to hurt him. So far he hasn’t needed to be put under anesthesia, and it’s slowly getting better, but it is the worst thing about him.

Otherwise he’s a very friendly, intelligent, sweet, funny, active, cuddly boy. He’s a very good boy that wants to be a very good boy. He’s an excellent companion who would do well with another dog or by himself if his owner is also very active.

02/11/2025

Friendly little Morrissey has been adopted! Hannah from Richmond was looking for a baby of her own in her new place, “someone to keep me busy but also give me lots of love when it's time to settle down."

In a recent update, it looks like Morrissey has fit the bill perfectly:

"Morrissey has been doing great, he took no time becoming familiar with my space. He loves to play and run full sp*ed around the apartment. He has snuggled up with me every night and slept through the night with me." - Hannah

This is a courtesy post. If you can help Lucy, or have any questions, please contact owner at 509 939-5014 or shyloschn...

02/10/2025

This is a courtesy post. If you can help Lucy, or have any questions, please contact owner at 509 939-5014 or [email protected]

Lucy is a Great Dane/English Mastiff; she is 2 years old and weighs 120 lbs. She is microchipped and up to date on all shots. We are located in Virginia Beach but willing to travel for the right family!

Hi! My name is Lucy and I am a big couch potato! I love snuggling my humans. I do great with small children, however, I am not always mindful of my tail. I love playing tug of war and I will dig holes if I am left out by myself too long! I do great on walks. I will pull for squirrels. I do great with other dogs, I love to play! But unfortunately my large size can be frustrating/intimidating to smaller dogs so they don’t always love me. I have not met a cat, but I’d probably try and play with that too!

Lucy is being rehomed due to no fault of her own. Unfortunately, my life circumstances have changed and I no longer have the resources or time to devote to Lucy. She has such an amazing demeanor and deserves an owner who will spend more time with her. She has done amazing with my toddler. She is up to date on all shots, crate trained, and does great in the car.

Contact me at 5099395014 or [email protected]

02/09/2025

Suzie B is Gone

Suzie B, CFC’s oldest female kitty, crossed the Rainbow Bridge last Thursday. She joined two of her Senior Room companions, Jackson and Possum, in passing to the Great Beyond in the last five months.

Despite her age and a bit of arthritis, I had no idea her end was near. The last time I saw her, I moved a chair next to where she stood on her condo steps. She pawed at me, then walked onto my lap and settled down to be petted. I happily obliged.
Thursday morning, she didn’t eat her breakfast and could not stand. Volunteer Ed took her to the vet. After an exam, all agreed it was time to say goodbye. Ed was with her at the end—fitting, since he had rescued her from a colony many years ago.
People who knew her then tell me she was a feral terror. Her transformation into the sweet girl I knew is testament to the care and love that CFC provides to all its charges.

I’m sure I’ll continue to look for her in the deep bed that was definitely hers. While she’ll no longer be there, I’ll focus on the memories I have of the sweet Suzie B.

Steve, CFC Volunteer

This is a courtesy post. If you can help Tuck or have any questions, please contact: Samantha434-409-6207shdurkee1@gmail...

02/08/2025

This is a courtesy post. If you can help Tuck or have any questions, please contact:

Samantha
434-409-6207
[email protected]

Tuck is a purebred Silver Lab. He is very sweet and affectionate. He
will be 5 on Feb. 24th. He is housebroken and up to date on all
vaccinations. I can provide vet records if needed. He is usually good
with other dogs, he can sometimes be skeptical of them at first. He
also lives with children, he has been around since he was a puppy. He
may be better suited for a home with no other dogs or small children.
He is active, loving to swim and play ball but is also quite content
snuggling on the couch for as long as you will allow. Please let me
know if you have any other questions and please let me know if you would
like to meet him.

Thank you!

Samantha
434-409-6207
[email protected]

02/06/2025

Who knew? This was Dusty’s first attempt at the seesaw and he nailed it! We should have known since Dusty is the ultimate people pleaser! He even stopped and posed for a picture with CFC volunteer, Angela. We really can’t say enough about this boy. Smart, affectionate, loves his humans, behaved beautifully while in our office and is willing to learn how to be the best pet ever. He’s been at our sanctuary way too long (4 years) and we know in our hearts that he is meant to be with a family of his own. Please speak up for this deserving boy!

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

02/05/2025

This is a courtesy post. Kyra is looking for a temporary foster for her dog, Lola. If you can help, or have any questions, Kyra can be reached at (434) 266-5567

From Kyra: “This is Lola. She a year old and is 20 pounds. She is not fixed yet. She is super sweet and cuddly and goofy and very intelligent. Lola is fully trained and a very good girl. I am currently looking for a temporary foster until further notice so that I can save up enough money so that Lola and I can have an apartment together. Lola’s favorite thing to do is cuddle and watch Bluey. She loves soft blankets and stuffed animals. She is very fast, not good around kids and anxious around men. Lola is my everything. I am willing to pay for all of her necessities (vet, food, toys, treats, blankets etc.) I am desperate and need a foster very urgently asap.”

02/04/2025

A former colony cat, Mr. Meowgi’s trip to socialization may have taken a little longer than most, but once he arrived it was magical. Recently adopted by Diana and Mike of Charlottesville, it only took him 6 days to show them the loving, sweet cat that he is. Way to go, buddy.

Enjoy their updates:

(Day 5) Thursday 1/30: "Mr. Meowgi is slow to adjust to his new surroundings, however he is eating and drinking well, and using his litter box. He still hides in his bedroom under a dresser and under the bed, however, he has accepted treats from me without hesitation, and when I am only laying inches away from him. I think it's going to take him extra time to adjust, however based on his history, I am not surprised. I will attempt to get a picture of him this evening when I get home from work." - Diana

(Day 6) Friday 1/31: "Last night I had an amazing breakthrough with Mr Meowgi. He decided to come out of hiding and love all over me! What a sweet boy he is! I’m attaching some pictures." - Diana

02/03/2025

Orange Gene Found!

Scientists have spent more than 60 years unsuccessfully seeking the source of orange hair in cats. Now, two teams have independently found the gene that produces the protein that influences cat hair color in a way never seen before in any animal.

The researchers homed in on a mutation on the cat’s X chromosome that increases the amount of a protein that produces the light red pigment that colors orange cats’ hair. The protein wasn’t previously known to affect hair coloration. In most mammals, including humans, red hair is caused by another gene and protein.

When told of this discovery, Bubba asked, “What took them so long? Look how orange I am!”

And Itsy replied, “Big whup, Bubba. You should talk. You’ve only got one X chromosome. I’ve got two!”

Steve, CFC Volunteer

https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/bubba/
https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/itsy/

02/02/2025

Here's a shout out to Kim at Natural Pet Essentials & Dog Wash, Trista, and everyone who played a part in making this happen! Thanks to you, we received over 2,000 pounds of food to help feed our animals over the next several months. ❤️

02/01/2025

It looks like Dewey is already feeling pretty relaxed in his new home! Found as strays, Dewey is the first in this litter of 3 to find their forever home. Thank you for adopting, Analisa!

UPDATE:
"Dewey is doing absolutely wonderful, he is adjusting great to our home and family members! For the first two nights I just let him adjust to my room and being with me, my mom and my stepdad, and he was able to smell the dogs through the door. The third day he was able to be introduced face to face with the other animals (under close supervision), and he has been exploring the whole house! I still keep him in my room while I’m not there, but he has lots of toys that he’s been loving playing with! The whole process has been great so far, I love him very dearly.” - Analisa

01/30/2025

Looking for a sweet, mellow senior who deserves to know the joy of a forever home? Blaze might be your guy!

Blaze was found wandering around at CFC. Clearly, he was in need of help. Without a proper warm place to lay his head or food to sustain him, we knew we had to step in. However, Blaze was not too sure about us people, but he definitely liked our dogs. Lucky for us, a long-time resident dog at CFC named Leah was down with the mission. It took over a week, but with her help, we were able to lure Blaze to safety. Thanks, Leah. About Blaze... Blaze is a small bully mix whose past is unknown. We feel this guy was on his own for quite some time. Likely lacking the smallest of creature comforts. But Blaze certainly lives in the moment. Although shy at first, he now embraces his new life. Blaze now wears a huge smile on his face when you visit him. He welcomes all of his newfound people friends with vigor and soaks up all the love he can get. Happy to greet you with a play bow and huge grin. Blaze walks like a dream on a leash, sits like a gentleman, and leans in tight for snuggles. He is a true testament to all that our past does not define us. Looking for an older mellow, sweet fellow? Blaze is just that.

https://caringforcreatures.org/dogs/blaze/

This is a courtesy post. If you can help Cooper or have any questions, please contact Finnigan Balint, ebalint1545@gmail...

01/29/2025

This is a courtesy post. If you can help Cooper or have any questions, please contact Finnigan Balint, [email protected], 804-316-2626

Cooper is a 1+ year old Treeing Walker Coonhound/Pitbull mix. He is large and weighs 65 lbs. He is up to date on his shots and has a microchip.

He is a big boy with big energy and such a silly snugglebug. He sleeps in my bed every night, right next to me, but sometimes gets up to get in his own bed too. When I’m at my computer, he happily lays on his bed under the desk at my feet. He loves belly rubs and tug of war and chase. He likes chewing softer toys, rope, and all kinds of bones. He's currently eating Blue Buffalo Adult Beef and Brown Rice.

Cooper would be a wonderful candidate for training, and would greatly benefit from it! He is very food-motivated and knows how to sit, come, lay down, stay, and we're working on roll over. He also does great on solo walks with his harness and only really pulls when there is another dog that he wants to play with. But unfortunately training wouldn't solve the overarching problem that he is simply too large for my apartment and needs space to run and play.

He plays wonderfully with other dogs at the park. Even when it’s getting a bit too rough, he does well disengaging and giving space. He is not territorial over water or food.

He does well in the bath basin like at Tractor Supply but we’ve yet to be able to get him into the bathtub at home. He’s just stronger than I can handle.

Unfortunately, he recently has begun to show aggression when I put him in the crate, even though I am very gentle about it. He walks in just fine by himself casually sometimes, and does well when I throw a treat inside. But as soon as I start to close the door, he lunges and barks and tries to bite at my hands when I'm closing the latches.

Cooper also gets antsy when I am going to bed, and will growl and nip at my hands when I’m laying down. I’m unsure as to why, but it has slowly been getting better over the time that I’ve had him.

Despite his behavioral issues, Cooper is a great and loving dog. I am just unable to take care of him physically the way he needs because of my disabilities, and he deserves an active owner who can take him on those mile runs he really needs. The stress this has had on my interpersonal relationships with my best friends/roommates has impacted us greatly.

Please help find Cooper a home that will be able to nourish and care for him the way he deserves.

Address

352 Sanctuary Lane
Palmyra, VA
22963

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10am - 3pm
Wednesday	10am - 3pm
Thursday	10am - 3pm
Friday	10am - 3pm
Saturday	10am - 3pm

Telephone

+14348422404

Website

http://www.caringforcreatures.org/

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Videos

Check out this week’s MISSION PAWSIBLE article from Steve! WaterGate, IranGate, KittyGait Nope. Not a feline political scandal. This blurb is about the unusual way that cats walk. Watch Suzie B’s video as you read this. (Yes. That’s dear Jackson in the background. May Bast bless him.) Her back left (BL) foot will move forward to replace her front left (FL) foot. During the exchange, her FL anticipates the lift, leaving Suzie supported on her two right legs until her BL is set. Then she repeats the process on the opposite side, moving her back right (BR) to replace her front right (FR). Moving one side at a time makes Suzie rock slightly left and right, shifting her weight to balance on the currently steady side. Her walking gait is thus: BL  FL  BR  FR. While many four-legged critters walk like this, more use a diagonal gait: BL → FR → BR → FL. This gait tends to be more stable than Suzie’s as the two legs on the ground are not both on the same side. There are lots of Internet references that claim that only cats, camels and giraffes walk like Suzie B. They’re wrong. Many other animals, including dogs, walk with this gait. When cats speed up, they have a completely different gait. I couldn’t get Suzie B to race around the Senior Room but you can Google “youtube cheetah running in slow motion.” At top speed, cats have all four feet off the ground. Steve, CFC Volunteer

Beagle heaven!! Honey and Hazel showing off their new yard!

Honey and Hazel's initial walk through in their new home! Looks like they'll have lots of canine companionship.

Honey and Hazel are enjoying their HUGE yard! Jill reports that they are getting used to their new routine and are very happy!

Winston's best friend, Angela, shares beautiful memories of his life at Caring For Creatures.

Be sure to have your sound on! There is nothing more precious than the sound of an infant's laughter. Hazel and Honey are on an Extreme Sleepover with hound experts and former adopters and foster parents, Sarah and Matt. They have made great strides in their home and are ready to move forward into a forever home. Read more about them here: https://caringforcreatures.org/dogs/honey/ https://caringforcreatures.org/dogs/hazel/

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