A BIG THANK YOU to the NC Veterinary Medical Association, and especially to our friend, Dr. Willie Smith of Willowrun Veterinary Hospital!  Dr. Smith nominated Ruf Creek Ranch for consideration to the NCVMA in their determination of local rescues to receive assistance, and I'm thrilled to say that RCR is the recipient of a most generous donation from the NCVMA!!!  THANK YOU, NCVMA, Dr. Smith and Dr. Sara Lash, who took time out from her busy schedule to drive out to the Ranch to deliver the check.  This will definitely benefit the incoming Residents who need spay/neuter surgery!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO FORMER RANCH RESIDENT HAILEY BRAUTIGAM ON HER RECENT GRADUATION FROM "BEGINNER" TRAINING CLASS!  KARIN REPORTS THAT HAILEY IS THE CLASS CLOWN!!!

Rainbow Bridge Angels

We had to say "goodbye" to our own Maggie-girl.  Never sick a day in her life, she was diagnosed with a splenatic tumor at age 14.  She responded well to treatment, but all of a sudden, took a dramatic turn for the worse, and was gone before we were able to call the vet.  Our little grouch, the alpha of the house.  We will miss you, Maggie Frannicola.  RIP.  (2005-2019)

Lulu, our Christmas "miracle", received her wings on Saturday, April 4, 2015.  Tossed out of a truck like garbage on Christmas Eve, she was picked up by a neighborhood gentleman who contacted us.  She had been used for all of her 10 years as a breeder and then just thrown away.  She had a huge mammary tumor (3 lbs) in addition to a severe infection and numerous small tumors throughout her body.  Dr. Foley at Family Pet Animal  Hospital was wonderful - working with us to remove the tumor, clear up the infection and have her spayed and brought current on all shots and dewormings.  Angie Moore fostered her and loved her and was with her through her ups and downs, and couldn't bear to see her deteriorate as rapidly as she did.  In a matter of days she lost all quality of life, and we made the decision to release her from her pain.  RIP, Lulu - fly free with the rest of the Angels.  We will meet again!

Rest in Peace Aquilla - 2000 - 2011

With heavy hearts we said "goodbye" to Aquilla in November.   She was loving and kind to the very end.  Thank you, Dr. Cotten, Lisa and Danella for helping make Aquilla's crossing so peaceful.  We'll miss you, big girl, but we'll see you again.

R.I.P ROVER, a/k/a Archie Bunker

 It was another sad day here at the Ranch.  I came home from work on 5/25 to find Rover had left us.  He appeared to be sleeping in his doghouse, and when he didn't come out for dinner, I knew he had passed.  He was a funny dog who filled the last 2 months with a lot of laughter.  He leaves behind his lifelong companion, Lady.  RIP, Rover.  We'll see you again, little man.

R.I.P. Lady, a/k/a Edith Bunker

 Lady has rejoined her companion, Rover, at the Rainbow Bridge.  They came to us together almost 2 years ago;  Rover passed shortly after arrival; Lady passed early this morning (12-5-13).  Run free, pretty girl, with Rover and all of our other furkids.

UPDATES  from our Adopters ----

Joy

We'd like to wish Trinity Davis a big "Happy 10th Birthday" and a heart-felt THANK YOU from the residents here at the Ranch.  Trinity chose not to receive presents for her birthday - instead, she asked her family and friends to donate towards the purchase of dog food for the Ranch and the SPCA of Wake County.  What a wonderful gesture, Trinity, and we really appreciate it!

 Trinity with Gypsy and Jordan

We love hearing when our former residents do wonderful things!  Buddy (now called "Ruger") has been trained by owner Dave Sheehan for waterfowl hunting.  Here is Ruger with one day's catch!!

 Way to go, big guy!!

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Meet ABBY JARRELL (formerly known as "Snowflake") the resident PET THERAPIST at Sarahcare at Lake Boone Trail Adult Day Care Center!  Abby goes to work every day with mom, Marcia Jarrell, and she hangs out with the participants - goes for walks in the garden, lies at their feet, and generally makes everyone feel so much better about themselves!!

SPOTLIGHT ON:

Carol Inella

Carol is a high school senior who chose to work with rescue dogs for her senior project.  She has a gift for working with the shy, formerly abused pups and the uncanny ability to gain trust in a very short time.  Here, she's with Lovey, a 15 month old lab mix female whose initial reaction is to run to the back of her crate and press against the wall.  This was  Carol's first time with Lovey - I think it was very successful!!!

Here's Carol with our shy little hound mix, Sophie.  Great job, Carol!

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R.I.P. PETEY

Just heard that one of our special seniors, a 9-year old shepherd mix named Petey, passed away from complications arising from heartworm treatment (immeticide injections).  He was on the slow kill method, but developed a persistent cough that wouldn't go away and after several vet consults, his momma decided to do the fast kill injections, at a reduced dosage.  He was doing well, but a couple of days after treatment developed a clot and passed away.  Run free, Petey --- you WERE loved!

R.I.P. MOCHA FRANNICOLA

7/4/92 -8/6/12

We said goodbye to our good old boy, Mocha, on August 6th.  He was 20 years young and moved down here from New Jersey when we relocated.  He was an "energizer bunny", never had a sick day in his life!  He was the father-figure to our puppies, especially Tucker, who he helped raise.  We'll miss you, good buddy!  Run free at the Bridge with sister Megan, Tania, Freddie, Brandy, Sammy, Kelly, Matilda and Candy-dog!  We'll see you again, count on it!!

 R.I.P. Sweetpea

1996 - 1/8/2015

 

Sweetie was one of our first rescues, with her sister, Sandy.  She was the boss of the farm, and the one who taught our puppies the ropes.  She passed during the night of 1/7/15.  Run free, sweet girl!

We lost our sweet Lily on Friday 11/1/19.  She was 13-14 and very much loved by anyone who met her.  RIP sweetheart.  No more pain.