Caring For Creatures

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

11/14/2025

Juan...

Juan (fka Colony One) When Colony One came to CFC, the plan was to neuter and return him. He stayed longer than planned....
11/14/2025

Juan (fka Colony One)

When Colony One came to CFC, the plan was to neuter and return him. He stayed longer than planned.

His story is an interesting one! I met him on 7/30 and he was scared to death, an all-black shadow huddled in the back corner of his condo. He stared at me, no blinking, no hissing, just petrified. I assumed when I returned the following week that he would be gone but he was still there. He was difficult to anesthetize and wasn’t yet neutered. I was able to pet his side and neck through the sheets surrounding his condo. He didn’t move away, but he didn’t look happy in the slightest.

The next week was about the same – I could touch him, but he would eventually back up and get as far as he could from me. No hissing or swatting just completely still. I was gone for a few weeks and when I returned, he was still there! They had attempted to anesthetize him for a second time and were still unsuccessful. He was really unhappy with me coming into his room. He charged the cage immediately, hissing, spitting and begging me to go away. We kept our visit short.

The next week I found he’d been relocated to room three and now had some neighbors. He had been successfully neutered and had a brand new name – Juan! He gave me big eyes and an even bigger hissss - again charging the cage. I backed off for a bit and then leisurely turned around to look at him. He smacked his food bowl, sending food flying in my direction while never breaking his gaze. I love a challenge, and he certainly wanted me to know he was game!

When I arrived the next week, he was out on the Catio, lurking up high in the eaves of the roof. I was actually happy for him, thinking he might soon enjoy his newfound freedom and feel less threatened. I approached slowly and he growled, spitting and yowling at me. He was very precariously perched so I kept my distance. I tried speaking calmly to him and his response was ‘GOOOOOOO AWAYYYYYYY!!!!!’ I never saw him move a muscle the whole visit, even when watching him from inside. He was standing his ground yet terrified. The last two weeks I have snuck around the back first to see if I could spy him somewhere other than up in the rafters. Nope. I could only spy his pretty tail fur blowing in the wind and hear his warning growl from above.

This week, I walked out onto the Catio and very matter-of-factly said hi to him. He had contorted himself into a furry pretzel shape, almost one with the corner. I got a tiny bit closer than usual and casually said hello. He gave me the flat ears, but his eyes looked less spooky AND I didn’t hear any growling?! A small win. He definitely doesn’t like to be approached, but he is safe, fed, and warm and I will keep throwing love his way! One thing is for sure - he is a VERY handsome guy.

Maddy, CFC Volunteer

We go through a lot of straw each winter. We use it in our dog condos and also at the cat colony. Any donations would be...
11/13/2025

We go through a lot of straw each winter. We use it in our dog condos and also at the cat colony. Any donations would be greatly appreciated!

Misunderstood or Mean?Ms. Lucky in the Senior Room.  Beautiful brown Tabby.  Gorgeous green eyes.  She’s fourteen years ...
11/12/2025

Misunderstood or Mean?

Ms. Lucky in the Senior Room. Beautiful brown Tabby. Gorgeous green eyes. She’s fourteen years old and she arrived at CFC over two years ago. So why am I wary of her?

I keep notes on my interactions with all the CFC cats. Twenty-three of my encounter notes with Ms. Lucky include the word “rejected.” Other notes include “hissing,” “snarl,” and “swatting.”

It’s not just me. Most other volunteers consider her to be spicy and sassy. All the other cats in the Senior Room give her a wide berth. She regularly whacks poor Jack. Rocco and Spencer, the big gray boys, are terrified of her. Even Cassy avoids her. All except… You guessed it: Hank. He stands his ground.

Yet on my last visit, Ms. Lucky allowed me to pet her, purring all the time. She allows two staffers to regularly pet and cuddle her—even giving them head butts. And last week, I watched in amazement as a visiting couple (after I warned them) both petted her without her reacting.

Can cats have multiple personality disorder? Maybe we should rename her Sybil…

Steve, CFC Volunteer

https://caringforcreatures.org/cats/ms-lucky/

This is a courtesy post for Chorizo who is in need of immediate placement. If you can help or have any questions, please...
11/11/2025

This is a courtesy post for Chorizo who is in need of immediate placement. If you can help or have any questions, please contact Allison and Chris at (203) 400-4342 or (802) 734-2773 for more information

"HISTORY:
Chorizo’s story is one of resilience and heart. Found eating out of a dumpster as a skinny 6–7 month old pup, he was taken in by a shelter in Baltimore. Despite his rough start, he greeted everyone with tail wags and a sparkle of hope in his eyes. When the shelter became overcrowded, Chorizo’s name appeared on the euthanasia list- twice. The first time, his fosters stepped up to save him, and the second time, they made him a permanent part of their family to keep him safe. Though he’s had more than his share of instability early on, Chorizo has continued to show an incredible capacity for love and trust.
________________________________________
MEET CHORIZO!
This handsome, ~1-2 year-old German Shepherd mix is as charming as they come. Weighing around 65 pounds, Chorizo is all heart, loyalty, and personality. He’s affectionate, people-loving, and always eager to please. His favorite things in the world? Tug of war, chasing tennis balls, and curling up for a good nap after a long walk. He’s crate-trained, housebroken, food-motivated, and knows an impressive list of commands- sit, down, paw, wait, roll over and more. When he’s tired, he even tucks himself into bed!
Chorizo has a goofy, expressive face and a contagious energy that lights up a room. His joy for life is infectious, and his people say he can make them laugh every single day with his antics. He’s incredibly smart, learns fast, and thrives with structure and routine.
________________________________________
BEHAVIOR & TRAINING:
Chorizo has come a long way since his early days. With the help of a professional trainer and consistent structure, he’s learned how to walk nicely on leash, respond to cues, and redirect his energy when he starts to get overstimulated. He’s currently on Fluoxetine (Prozac), which has helped his anxiety tremendously.
He’s a fast learner and loves training—it keeps his mind busy and his tail wagging. He’s done a 5-week board and train program and made great progress. That said, Chorizo does have a history of dog reactivity and aggression, which has unfortunately escalated despite his progress. He’s not a candidate for dog parks or multi-dog homes, and needs a setting where he can be the only pet. His aggression has been directed only toward other dogs—never people.
________________________________________
WHAT CHORIZO NEEDS:
Chorizo would thrive with:
• A quiet, structured home (ideally rural or suburban)
• A securely fenced yard
• An experienced, confident handler familiar with reactivity or working-breed dogs
• No other pets or small children
He would make an incredible companion for someone who wants a devoted, affectionate dog and who has the time and environment to help him succeed. He truly just needs space, patience, and understanding to be the best version of himself.
________________________________________
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Chorizo is a dog who has beaten the odds time and time again. He’s loyal, intelligent, and full of potential. He’s also a dog who’s been let down by circumstances out of his control. His current family has done absolutely everything possible for him—training, medication, structure—but they recognize that he needs more space and a calmer environment than they can provide in the city. Their greatest wish is for Chorizo to find a placement—rescue, sanctuary, or experienced adopter—where he can feel safe, secure, and loved for who he is.
If you can offer this sweet boy the second chance he deserves, or know of a program that can, please reach out. Chorizo’s family is happy to provide his medical records, behavioral notes, and transportation to a rescue or evaluation.
________________________________________
Chorizo is located in Baltimore, MD, and is available for transfer or intake.
Please contact Allison and Chris at (203) 400-4342 or (802) 734-2773 for more information.

Caring For Creatures has partnered with two groups to help ensure free adoptions for veterans. COMING HOME WELL, a Veter...
11/11/2025

Caring For Creatures has partnered with two groups to help ensure free adoptions for veterans.

COMING HOME WELL, a Veteran Pet Adoption Program, is a veteran hosted radio show in Charlottesville. Through this partnership we will be offering FREE ADOPTIONS to veterans in an effort to help fulfill the Vet Pet Adoption Program’s mission of connecting veterans to companion animals to assist in easing depression and anxiety and work towards ending the epidemic of veteran su***de.

Caring For Creatures has also partnered with GRATITUDE CHARLOTTESVILLE, a foundation that seeks to provide support to military and police personnel. The Gratitude Charlottesville foundation will pay adoption fees for animals adopted by military or police personnel. In addition, they have a directory of local companies that offer discounts to military and police. You’ll find it here: www.gratitudecville.com.

We see first-hand how therapeutic the companionship of animals can be and are so happy to have these opportunities to unite veterans with their next pet through these special programs. Visit our website for details or call 434 842-2404 for more information.

You can make a difference in an animal's life! Come to our next volunteer orientation and learn all the ways you can hel...
11/10/2025

You can make a difference in an animal's life! Come to our next volunteer orientation and learn all the ways you can help.

Our next orientations are being held Saturday, November 15th. 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/

Micha RIPToday I'm turning this spot over to long time volunteer Craig. Craig and his wife, Cheryl, knew Micha much long...
11/08/2025

Micha RIP

Today I'm turning this spot over to long time volunteer Craig. Craig and his wife, Cheryl, knew Micha much longer than I did:

Cheryl and I have volunteered at CFC for a number of years in L-3, a haven for feline leukemia positive (felv) cats, where we clean the room and love on the residents each Monday. Almost universally the felv positive cats we've met there are kind and loving souls. We think they know, or at least intuit, that there are so few places of refuge for those with their condition. They are grateful for a soft place to land and so they respond in kind to the care they receive at CFC.

In April of 2015 a petite 9 month old ebony youngster, Micha, landed at the sanctuary. From our first meeting her we could see that she was a spectacular addition to the roster and she quickly wrapped her soft paws around our hearts. With her luminous and innocent eyes locked on ours who could resist her charms? Not us!

At every opportunity she joyfully leaped into a welcoming lap and it soon became standard procedure for her to grace our laps for a snuggle before we could start our cleaning duties. I will forever cherish the memory of her planting her front paws on my chest and resting her precious head against my neck and cheek. It was heavenly. Who knew such a little cat could have such a big purr?

She adored, and insisted on, lap time with other volunteers and visitors and she positively reveled in receiving their affection. What a doll!

While small in stature and a pacifist at heart that didn't mean that she would tolerate boorish behavior by others. It amused us all that Cyrus, a big strapping dude of a cat known for his bullying ways, would tuck tail and flee in fright if he sensed little Micha had had enough of his tactics.

Sadly, leukemia kitties typically face more medical challenges and have shortened life spans. Micha had her crises too but each time that we thought we were going to lose her she rallied and used another of her 9 lives.

While still being her loving self and eating well, of late she had been losing weight and was looking gaunt. Leukemia is so unforgiving and on Monday November 3 at age 11 she quietly and peacefully passed while being stroked by Cheryl. It was an honor and a blessing to have been loved by you and to have loved you right back Miss Micha! We will remember you always.
- Craig

Scott, CFC Volunteer

11/07/2025

And he loves belly rubs!

11/07/2025

Biggie is just a big baby!

This is a courtesy post. If you can help Biggie Smalls or have any questions, please contact  Amelia County Animal Contr...
11/07/2025

This is a courtesy post. If you can help Biggie Smalls or have any questions, please contact Amelia County Animal Control (contact info. below)

Biggie Smalls is an approximately 3 year old XL Bully. Biggie came to Amelia County Animal Control August 2025 from a local healthcare facility here in Amelia as a stray. He is neutered and has proven to be house broken.

This big boy has completely won us over with his porcine gait and goofy antics. He is friendly and playful, but his Mr. Hyde surfaces over food, cats, and agricultural animals (mainly goats). He's been adopted twice and sadly returned both times. During this time is when we realized he does not prefer younger children, but he is phenomenal with older kids and the adults. He had zero potty accidents in the house, and especially loved the couch. The second family is where we found out that he doesn't like cats and goats. He made a bee-line for the goats, but we are unsure if it was predatory or extreme interest. He charmed the second family and had even slept in bed with them.

Mr. Smalls is not a bad dog- he's vocal and gives appropriate warnings about his feelings- but he needs a knowledgeable owner or foster who will understand his needs and requirements.

Biggie Smalls is currently at Amelia County Animal Control, where he is currently playing the role of leading man! On a side note, Biggie is currently battling an eye infection but is not a fan of his meds. If you are interested in adopting or fostering Biggie Smalls, please contact Amberly Ells at Amelia County Animal Control.

Amberly Eells
Deputy ACO
Amelia County Animal Control
16565 Five Forks Rd
Amelia, VA 23002
804-561-3878 (Shelter)
434-294-8437 (Cell)

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church on Rt. 53 in Palmyra will be holding their annual crafts fair Saturday November 8t...
11/07/2025

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church on Rt. 53 in Palmyra will be holding their annual crafts fair Saturday November 8th. Our volunteers will be there from 8 am to 2 pm selling our popular Christmas bandanas and cat nip pouches along with other pet related items. Please stop by!

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

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Caring For Creatures No Kill Animal Sanctuary

Caring For Creatures was founded in 1988 as the first no kill sanctuary caring for homeless dogs and cats in Central Virginia. It now houses some 200 residents at any given time.