Caring For Creatures

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

Another great off site!  Trainer Wen is on the go and she's getting our dogs out and about!  YES!!  Todays' edition is a...
05/13/2026

Another great off site! Trainer Wen is on the go and she's getting our dogs out and about! YES!! Todays' edition is all about labby boy OZZY.

Take it away Wen:
Ozzy got to join two of his best friends Wen and Shannon on an adventure. Wen tells the tale. As soon as I approached Ozzy's enclosure I told him "your chariot awaits". The excitement was thick as he got harnessed up. He took me seriously and began to strutt his way to the closest vehicle which was director Mary's vehicle. I told him no sir your chauffeur has you down for curbside pick up, so this way buddy. Ozzy happily trotted over and hopped in Shannons car and patiently waited while he got buckled in. Safety first! He then sat back and slapped a paw of approval in my direction. Our destination, of course Kidds store, since all the dogs love it there. It is a cozy little store with great ambience and delicious food. Ozzy rode like a pro, and once at their destination he immediately began to investigate his new surroundings. Not at all bothered by the comings and goings of many cars and people. No he was here to scent out his own adventure and inhale all of the strange smells. After a nice stroll we hand fed Ozzy his own bacon cheeseburger. He clearly enjoyed the food, but was polite while taking his small bites from my palm. After lunch Ozzy was back on the prowl. Anyone who knows Ozzy well knows that this boy wants to sniff every inch of the territory at all times. Today was no different, but the scenery was, and his sniffer was in overdrive. Eventually we were able to convince Ozzy that it was time to return home.

PS Ozzy was so very polite the entire time, what a mellow fellow.
PS Ozzy may appear scared, but trust me, hims had a blast! He is just very camera shy, and doesn't wish to have his picture taken.

Willow is living her best life, and updates like this mean the world to us ❤️Her family shared that she’s doing wonderfu...
05/13/2026

Willow is living her best life, and updates like this mean the world to us ❤️

Her family shared that she’s doing wonderfully in her new home. One of the biggest victories has been seeing Fizzy slowly come downstairs almost every day now. Willow still gets a little too excited to see her feline sibling, but progress is progress, and we’re so proud of them both!

The Eicher family also shared that their girls have fallen even more in love with Willow than they ever expected. During a recent vacation, Willow spent time at James River Retrievers, where she had a great week… but was very happy to come back home where she belongs.

“We couldn’t imagine life without her.”

Thank you to the Eicher family for loving Willow so completely and for sharing this beautiful update with us. Stories like this remind us why we do what we do. 🐾❤️

Rounding out our week of Birthday celebrations is our Grand Dame Doggy LANA who recently celebrated her 13th Birthday.  ...
05/13/2026

Rounding out our week of Birthday celebrations is our Grand Dame Doggy LANA who recently celebrated her 13th Birthday. YOWZA!! It seems just like yesterday when we learned of her plight at a county kill shelter and the fact that she was at risk. We all know Mary's particular softness for the Shepards so how could she not try and help this great girl? It was our lucky day to be able to welcome her to the Sanctuary.

For her celebration, Trainer Wen and Volunteer Angela threw her a private birthday bash in the arena. Her special gift was a yummy platter of goodies which included: pup cup, turkey, ham, chicken, biscuits, and 1/4 of a bacon cheeseburger. As she dined, Happy Birthday was sung to her and then it was cuddle and play time. Lana and Wen then hugged it out as they yodeled and gurred together. From Wen: "Don't judge. No, I can't sing, but it's our thing." Happiest of Birthdays to you Lana, you lovely, lovely lady!

This is a courtesy listing.Bizou is a 2-year-old lab mix with a big heart. She can be a little skittish with loud noises...
05/12/2026

This is a courtesy listing.

Bizou is a 2-year-old lab mix with a big heart. She can be a little skittish with loud noises or new situations but warms up into a goofy, affectionate companion. She’s 49 lbs, potty trained, non-destructive when left alone, crate trained, walks well on a leash (though she occasionally barks at other dogs), and knows basic commands.

She loves running in the yard, chasing squirrels, swimming, and cuddling on the couch. She’s incredibly loving with her family and has a playful, funny personality.

We’re looking to rehome Bizou because, while she and our older dog get along most of the time, they’ve had occasional fights related to anxiety and resource guarding (between them, not toward people). With a young child in the home, we feel rehoming is the safest and fairest choice.

Bizou would do best as the only pet in a home with a yard and people around often. This has been an incredibly difficult decision—she’s a wonderful dog with so much love to give, and we’re committed to finding her a safe, happy home where she can thrive.

If you are interested in Bizou, please contact Matt:

[email protected] or 727-417-0950

From the desk of Trainer Wen:  Let's Chat about RIVER!River got to spend some one on one time with his friend dog volunt...
05/12/2026

From the desk of Trainer Wen: Let's Chat about RIVER!

River got to spend some one on one time with his friend dog volunteer Angela. Though the day was gloomy, wet and gross, River was still so happy to have a nice long visit with his buddy. Hims got lots of belly rubs,and pets then posed for a few headshots to add to his portfolio. Unlike many of our furry kids, River enjoys posing for pictures. He is very handsome and I'm pretty sure he knows it. I think he secretly wants to be a K-9 model.

Tuesday's Tip from CFC!
05/12/2026

Tuesday's Tip from CFC!

Look who's home now???   It's St Paddy's Day Litter pup BRIGID!!   Our tri-colored friend has super busy days ahead of h...
05/11/2026

Look who's home now??? It's St Paddy's Day Litter pup BRIGID!! Our tri-colored friend has super busy days ahead of her serving a family of 4!! The family lost their prior dog during Covid and with some pressure and pining from the kids, now was the right time to fill that vacated pet position in their home. The family was drawn to Brigid's laid back personality and knew she was the puppy for them. Happy Tails to all as Brigid puts her pet skills to work in her new job. Well done!

An update on my sweet, shy friend Stooge. When he first came into the Cove, he was really shut down and would allow me t...
05/11/2026

An update on my sweet, shy friend Stooge. When he first came into the Cove, he was really shut down and would allow me to touch him but was definitely concerned about it and wished I would stop. We usually just have a little chat with minimal petting - we have an understanding that he prefers to be admired for short sessions. For a while now he's been in the free-roaming apartment complex that is room two. He's always hanging out near Alana and usually snuggled up next to Lou. This week when I arrived, I didn't see him, so I peeked out onto the catio. There are several black cats out there, so it took me a minute to confirm that it was him! I spotted Adella, Figaro and Juan, so it had to be... He was out there sunning himself on the cat tree!?! I slowly opened the door and he froze in place. I didn't want to push it, so I went back inside to pay attention to his friends. All of a sudden, he poked his head through the cat flap and jumped tentatively up into the condo where I was socializing! He climbed up to the top level and after staring at me for a minute, stretched his paws out and closed his eyes. It was almost as though he came in to see me (but I wouldn't go that far yet). We had a nice long petting session, and he never moved away or opened his eyes! Good, brave boy!
- Maddy

Here's your complete guide to the Siamese cats here at CFC....a nod to Vol Scott's guide to the black FIV+ cats from a f...
05/11/2026

Here's your complete guide to the Siamese cats here at CFC....a nod to Vol Scott's guide to the black FIV+ cats from a few days ago! TY Scott!

Oh, but wait! We only have one!! It's SAI!!! Sai is such a nice guy and very handsome to boot! It's hard to believe he will be celebrating his 6th birthday next month. Rescued from a local hoarder and taken to the Fluvanna SPCA, when he tested positive for FeLV and FIV, they reached out to us and we had the perfect spot for him.

Sai is a calm, polite fellow who enjoys hanging out on the catio area. He can also be seen eagerly gazing and looking through the window of the front door to his room hoping someone will come in and say "Hi" to him or better yet, bring him on home! Of note, Sai only has one eye and it is simply stunning- a vibrant blue! Come make Sai's day by stopping by and introducing yourself!

Our beautiful hound girl OLIVE celebrated her 11th Birthday.  It's hard to believe she's spent almost her entire life he...
05/11/2026

Our beautiful hound girl OLIVE celebrated her 11th Birthday. It's hard to believe she's spent almost her entire life here but we're thinking she likes us so much, that she told the universe, "This is my home." With her broad fan base, this girl is doted over, loved on, dressed up, hugged on and adored by all. We're the lucky ones to have her under our care.

For her celebration, Trainer Wen and Volunteer Angela threw her a private birthday bash in the arena. Her special gift was a yummy platter of goodies which included: pup cup, turkey, ham, chicken, biscuits, and 1/4 of a bacon cheeseburger. As she dined, Happy Birthday was sung to her and then it was cuddle and play time. Olive enjoyed some of her favorite things like playing with her treat ball, taking a walk on the teeter totter and posing for pics. In addition, she got a massage!! YES!! She really loved her birthday treats and made sure her plate was clean. Happy birthday Olive! We love you.

Rounding out our Mother's Day is a special peek at OZZY who once had a human mom and a beloved sibling Sharon.  You get ...
05/10/2026

Rounding out our Mother's Day is a special peek at OZZY who once had a human mom and a beloved sibling Sharon. You get the connection, right? Both were surrendered at a county shelter when they were no longer wanted. Sharon got scooped up leaving Ozzy behind. We couldn't let this super star get lost at the county shelter so we welcomed our doors to him. A fun update below from Trainer Wen:

Anyone for lunch? How about a mid day burger?? If you ask handsome labby OZZY, both paws are raised high hoping he's selected to head to local Kidd's Store to score some great grub. Luck was on his side as Trainer Wen and Volunteer Sue scooped up our friendly fella for a cruise in the countryside to score a yummy patty between buns!

Take it away Wen: Ozzy of course recognized the Sue Mobile as she pulled up near his enclosure. Having been a previous passenger on a magical ride that takes him to the land of the sacred Bacon cheeseburger, he was raring to go. He hopped in and once again gave me his signature paw of approval and snuggled up in my lap for the ride. Although the windows were open so he could take in the smells and sights, he was content to simply cuddle with me and hold paws. Upon arrival, Sue and I decided to switch things up a bit. This time I would take Ozzy for a stroll while Sue Grabbed up lunch. After a nice walk in which Ozzy once again made it his priority to investigate every single inch of the ground, they loaded back up and returned to the sanctuary to enjoy their lunch. After Ozzy finished his burger he decided maybe he could convince Sue that she should share her burger with him as well. We had to remind Ozzy that sharing is caring, but over indulging in ppl food might spoil his sleek physique! He reluctantly gave in and settled for more hugs and snuggle time. Afterall, Ozzy is truly just an oversized lap dog, who thinks he is tiny.

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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