Rikki's Refuge in Orange a nice place to call home

STAFFORD — Rikki’s Refuge, a no-kill, all-species animal sanctuary in Orange, has enough love to go around for everyone.

Refuge volunteer Melanie Hansford said it best: "The thing is, everbody is welcome here," she noted. "It doesn’t really matter if you’re a cat or a dog or an emu."

On Sunday — also Father’s Day — Rikki’s Refuge held one of four yearly open-house events at the facility — a 367-acre area of land that currently houses about 1,200 animals. The events are held in April, June, October and November.

Rikki’s Refuge is a last stop for most of the animals, according to volunteers. It is a peaceful home where they will be cared for the remainder of their lives.

Some animals have come to Rikki’s Refuge because of special needs or temperament; some have had problems with illnesses or injuries that have made it difficult for them to be adopted. Others are simply older and may not have had a good chance at being adopted at shelters. There are some too, that have just slipped through the cracks.

What they have in common though, is a need for love, and at Rikki’s Refuge, volunteers say they strive to give the animals the care and compassion they deserve.

Rikki’s Refuge does adopt some of its animals out, but it must be to the right person, volunteers say, and every animal has a story.

Walking through the refuge, visitors will see animals to include goats, horses, cats, dogs, pigs, emus, horses, rabbits, chickens, sheep, geese and even a peacock.

Nanny the refuge “spokesgoat” is one of the first animals to greet incoming guests.

The refuge also separately houses some cats that have suffered from feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV, and have had problems with being adopted. FIV cannot be transferred to humans. It is transferred primarily from cat to cat through aggressive bite wounds and saliva in instances where cats fight, according to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Rikki’s, which also gives tours each month at the refuge, runs on donations. With only a handful of full-time staff-members, and many more volunteers, the facility relies on extra help.

There are many ways to donate, and many ways to volunteer, from walking dogs to writing newsletters to mowing the refuge’s lawn — there is always something to do.

According to volunteers, Rikki’s accepts not only monetary donations but also food, pet products and supplies, and other items that keep the animals functioning.

Larry Ramsey, who led a tour Sunday, said that Rikki’s Refuge has passed its 10-year mark in existence, making it quite a steady part of the community.

About 3,000 animals have come through the refuge in the time since Rikki’s opened, he said. Currently, there are 185 species of animals on the refuge.

"We do have some animals that are adoptable but that’s not our primary mission,” explained Ramsey, who is also a board member and volunteer.

Ramsey made a point to demonstrate to his tour that Gruffy, one of many goats on the refuge, likes to be fed Vanilla Wafers.

After a line of goats formed to greet the tour, Gruffy separated himself from the crew and grabbed a Vanilla Wafer from Ramsey’s mouth — a common occurrence, volunteers say.

Ramsey explained that all of the animals at Rikki’s get their shots and medication. Volunteers can be seen walking dogs or even sheering sheep, he said.

Rikki’s Refuge got its name from a Balinese kitten born in 1981. The cat, named Rikki, lived with its family for 15 years, and they named him Rikki after the mongoose in Rudyard Kipling’s “Rikki Tikki Tavi.”

But Rikki died in 1996.

The cat’s family had determined that it wanted to honor their cat to enable homeless, sick and unwanted animals to find compassion, love and a safe place, according to the Rikki’s Refuge Web site.

That family is Kerry Hilliard’s family.

Hilliard, who once had an animal talk show, is the founder and executive director of Rikki’s Refuge.

According to volunteers, an anonymous donor supplied the money to start up Rikki’s Refuge, and it was later found to be Hilliard’s mother, Louise Arnold Hillard, who had a love for animals — especially cats. She has since passed away.

Hilliard’s father continues to be involved with the refuge and support its growth.

Kerri Williams, volunteer photographer and newsletter editor for the refuge, attended Sunday’s open house. All of Rikki’s animals are neutered or spayed, she said.

Williams said that Rikki’s Refuge also cares about educating. Rikki’s sponsors 20 classrooms in order to teach children about respecting animals and the Earth. Teachers receive a packet once a month with activities and a newsletter called The Kind News, she said.

Also at the refuge, there is a pet cemetery that includes “Rainbow Bridge” — a bridge that was recently vandalized, according to Williams. The refuge hasn’t had the time or enough volunteers available to rebuild it, she said, but the pet cemetery honors past furry friends who have died.

Howard “Howiette” Churchill of the Hogettes, dressed to cheer on the Washington Redskins, was also on hand at Sunday’s event, greeting guests at they arrived . The Hogettes, a 12-member group of men, dress in women’s clothing and pig snouts to cheer on the Redskins.

Visitors to the refuge can also visit its gift shop, complete with T-shirts and volunteer-created items, to capture the Rikki’s experience.

Visitors to Rikki’s Refuge should not to forget their cameras. For more information on the refuge, to donate, adopt or visit, see the Web site rikkisrefuge.org.