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

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.

04/23/2025

We had a fantastic time at the Albemarle CiderWorks Blossom Fest on Saturday! One of the day’s highlights was the always-adorable Dog Fashion Parade! With so many charming pups strutting their stuff, the judges had their work cut out for them. Here are this year’s winners:

🥇 1st Place: #32 Teddy
🥈 2nd Place: #31 Marley
🥉 3rd Place: #40 Mr. Wiggles (a proud CFC alum!)
🐾 People’s Choice: #39 Finley

Thanks to the incredible support of festival-goers, Caring For Creatures raised $489—funds that will help us continue caring for our 200 furry residents!

A huge round of applause to our wonderful volunteers and everyone who stopped by to share the day with us. We’re so grateful for your support!

04/22/2025

Read what Mary had to say about soulful, sensitive Atticus:

"ATTICUS… the Atticus we all know and love from To Kill A Mockingbird is such a strong name to bestow upon a dog. But the person who named this very special hound must have sensed his yet to be discovered intelligence, compassion, and the calm wisdom of the character in Harper Lee’s beloved novel.

Our Atticus is a handsome hound who did not have the most enviable of beginnings. He and his sibling were very young when they were abandoned alongside the road, and found by a caring individual who provided for them until she could bring them to the sanctuary. Perhaps the will to live and the need to fulfil his life purpose is what kept Atticus going.

If you are a “hound” person you will totally relate to the comment that Atticus is very much a goofball, who fully embraces his inner hound. He has the most adorable overbite, a nub tail, and the eyes of a prankster. We are pretty sure that last trait is true of most hounds we’ve known.

At just 10 months of age, Atticus has so much to offer. He has shown off his high intelligence by learning some basic life skills such as sit, down, and proper leash walking at a young age. He loves every person he meets, and is game to make new doggie friends as well. Atticus seems to be very in tune with people’s emotions. He seems to know when to play and do puppy things, but also when someone needs a cuddle. Atticus is crate trained, and house trained.

The only behavior we have seen that needs to be watched is his desire to eat inappropriate items. He had to have an extended neuter surgery due to ingesting rocks. So should Atticus become a part of your world, extra diligence is needed to ensure he does not have the opportunity to ingest objects that could endanger him.

Exercise is important to hounds of any age and Atticus is no exception. Frequent long walks or hikes will help him expel some of his need to move his body and smell out the world around him. Add some quality toys, chew bones, and LOVE and you will find that Atticus will thrive. But best of all, we feel Atticus will provide you with a life filled with hound antics, kindness, and the sense that you are connecting with LIFE in a whole new way – through the Heart of a hound.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to learn what life is like with a hound by your side, here’s your chance to add some sparkle to your life and embrace the true spirit of a hound!"

04/21/2025

Oliver the Outspoken One

After 14 years at CFC, Oliver continues to be the most vocal cat in the Senior Room. He has opinions about everything and is not shy about expressing them. Check out this short video of a conversation I recently had with him.

Oliver has welcomed the recent warm days. He loves to curl up in the sunshine on the Catio. But when he comes back in through the cat flap, he loudly announces his return to everyone. I can hear him when I’m in the Observation Room next door.

His romantic dalliance last Fall with Gertie seems to have come to an end. I think it was a mutually agreeable split but perhaps she simply grew tired of him talking too much.

Steve, CFC Volunteer

https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/oliver/

04/20/2025

Sue, Isabelle, Pickle, Connie and friends wish you a Happy Easter!

04/19/2025

The following was taken from a post on “X” by doglover03. We think it will resonate with all you wonderful folks who have adopted rescues.

There’s something deeply powerful about the quiet moments after adoption—the ones where love isn’t loud, but shows up in stillness, in trust, in peace. When a once-lost soul begins to feel safe, even the simplest gestures become profound. This post captures that transformation in a way that moved us deeply:

“I adopted him not long ago. He doesn't know me that well yet, but he fell asleep like this, peacefully, resting his head on the gear shift like it’s the coziest pillow in the world. He’s tired—tired of fear, of waiting, of not being wanted. And now, for the first time in a long time, he sleeps without worry. He trusts me. That’s the most beautiful thing: when a broken soul decides to rest in your presence, knowing they’re safe now. Forever.”

04/19/2025

Adopted September 2024, Dax celebrated his first birthday last Sunday.

Beth reports that he is doing great and is super cuddly. Canine sibling Eve said, ok we can play rough for 2 seconds because it's your birthday. 😍

Happy 1st Birthday Dax! Here's to many, many more !

04/18/2025

Anyone who has tried to hook up 2 energetic dogs at once knows how hairy things can get! You’re exhausted even before the walk begins.

Wen, our Dog Trainer, has simplified this task while working with pen mates Mila and Amara. By crating Amara first (and rewarding her with a treat of course), she is able to then harness and leash Mila who has learned to sit and wait patiently by the entryway. Amara’s turn to be hooked up is next. Wen then walks her to the entryway to join Mila and away they go!

The transformation has been amazing. These girls have gone from jumping up and being out of control to being polite young ladies. They’re even walking better on a leash.

A few simple commands like sit, wait and stay can work wonders. Thank you, Wen!

Below: Mila front; Amara back

04/18/2025

Mark your calendars!

04/17/2025

Meet Dexter—the dashing gentleman in the black velvet coat you won’t soon forget.

Originally adopted in 2020, Dexter recently returned to CFC through no fault of his own, and has since reclaimed his title as one of our most memorable residents. With his plush fur, bold personality, and love of belly-filling breakfasts (served on time, thank you very much), Dexter is equal parts regal and relatable.

He’s affectionate, expressive, and knows exactly how to make you laugh. Sit beside him and he’ll lean right in—he’s a fan of comfort, closeness, and good company.

Ready for a cat with confidence, charm, and heart? Dexter’s waiting at The Scratching Post. Come say hello. 💕

https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/dexter/

04/17/2025

All of us at Caring For Creatures are excited to announce our Capital Fundraising Campaign to create our first dog residence: Dog Pod #1.

In the 35+ years we’ve been doing this work, we have learned a great deal. That knowledge makes us know that in order to best carry out the CFC mission, we need the right physical space. The facility should not only be a sanctuary for the animals in need, but be as light as possible in its impact on the earth. It must also reflect an excellent investment in dollars spent. Caring For Creatures is moving forward to build those facilities now.

Please click on the link below to learn more:
https://caringforcreatures.org/dog-pod-1/

04/17/2025

We hope to see you there! Proceeds from the Pet Fashion Parade benefit Caring For Creatures!

04/16/2025

Mark your calendars! Albemarle CiderWorks will be holding their 8th Annual Cider Blossom Festival this Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm!

Dress up your pet and enter them in the Pet Fashion Parade. Proceeds go to Caring For Creatures!

Click on the following link to read more about this amazing event:
https://www.albemarleciderworks.com/news/event/blossom2025

And sign up HERE to enter yourself into the Pet Fashion Parade:
https://shop.albemarleciderworks.com/product/Pet-Parade

04/15/2025

Happy Adoption News!

Sweet Melon found her forever home on March 25th with Sheena of New Canton! When Sheena and her husband first visited CFC, they were hoping to find a cuddly companion—and Melon wasted no time introducing herself with a warm welcome. Having grown up with cats and recently spending time with her mom’s trio, Sheena felt it was time to have one of her own. When adoption day arrived, Melon woke from her nap, heard their voices, and strolled right into her carrier—ready to begin her next chapter!

Update! “Melon is doing awesome. It’s Melon’s World. She’s taking over the house. She is doing just fine!!! ❤😽

04/14/2025

After watching her mother Jozy and sisters Alexandra and Valerie all find homes, Melody patiently waited for her turn. Born at CFC in March 2022, she was the last of her little family still searching for a forever home. That long wait finally ended when Mary and her son visited in hopes of finding a companion for their 10-year-old cat, Oreo. Melody wasted no time—she walked right up to them, asking for attention, and sealed the deal.

Now in her new home, Melody is settling in beautifully. Though still a bit shy, she’s gaining confidence each day and has full run of the house. Introductions with Oreo have gone surprisingly smoothly—just a few hisses and one overenthusiastic rear-end sniff—but overall, it’s been a peaceful and promising start. Mary shared that this has been her easiest cat introduction yet, and they’re already enjoying Melody’s sweet presence in their family.

04/13/2025

Caring For Creatures receives 20% of anything you purchase from Steph’s Crafting Bits Her pieces are super cute and won't break the bank! Just mention us at check out. Www.etsy.com/shop/stephscraftingbits

Our animals thank you!!

04/13/2025

South Carolina Peaches

Not the fuzzy fruit but the newest resident of the Senior Room. She arrived at CFC following a life-altering experience. After ten years with her human guardians, she developed a urinary tract infection (UTI) that caused litter box problems. Rather than seeking medical attention, they surrendered her to a shelter. There, her UTI was successfully treated. She spent time with a foster but was returned because of issues with a resident cat. CFC volunteer Susan learned of her plight and ferried her here.

I met Peaches last Tuesday. She’s understandably shy, adjusting to her new home. But she curiously sniffed my proffered hand and then leaned into it, asking for a pet. I obliged for the next twenty minutes. I saw no sign of fear but she remained hunkered down so I never saw her legs and feet.

Their color is important because the dark markings on her head and tail might mean she’s a colorpoint. Her pale blue eyes are another colorpoint indicator. I look forward to winning Peaches’ trust and doing more research on her genetics. Colorpoints are rare at CFC.

Steve, CFC Volunteer

04/12/2025

Register to attend this month’s volunteer orientation on April 19th
!
Looking to volunteer? There’s no greater joy than helping a homeless animal! CFC volunteers help our cats and dogs learn to trust again. With love and patience, many of our animals are able to find their way into forever homes. If you’d like to make a difference in an animal’s life, become a Caring For Creatures volunteer!
There are many ways to get involved. In addition to working one on one with our animals, we need volunteers to help with events and to help transport our cats and dogs to and from vet appointments.

To become part of our volunteer family, please click on the link below to fill out a volunteer application. Get started now! Our next orientations are being held Saturday, April 19th. Dog orientation 11-1; cats 1-3. Sign up for one or both!

Register to attend by submitting an on line application:
https://caringforcreatures.org/volunteer-application/

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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