Richmond SPCA Blog

Everybody wins when you join the Richmond SPCA Supper Club

Last year we launched the Richmond SPCA Supper Club, and it was a big success, raising over $5,000 to benefit our organization. It is starting back up again this winter, and we gather for our first evening out at Enzo’s on Feb. 2. It’s an opportunity to meet friends and supporters at a different restaurant on the first Wednesday evening of the month, in turn helping to save the lives of more than 3,000 animals each year.

The idea for the Supper Club began in a board giving committee last year. The group’s dilemma was how to invite support from the public in a fun way, mutually-beneficial way. What could be better than to meet for a nice meal at different restaurants each month! It’s a real win-win situation because our partner restaurants get much-deserved publicity; the Richmond SPCA gains much-needed support to continue its programs and services; and diners enjoy companionship with friends and a delicious dinner out.

The restaurants that join our Supper Club agree to donate a part of the proceeds from the designated night to the Richmond SPCA. In turn, we promote the event through our newsletter (reaches 20,000 households), e-newsletter (reaches 10,000 people) and website. If you didn’t join us last year, you have another chance now to join in the fun! You can check out our website to see this year’s restaurants. If you are a restaurant owner interested in participating in the Richmond SPCA Supper Club please contact Nancy Bruni at [email protected] or 804-521-1321. We are still seeking a partner restaurant for the month of December. 

To receive monthly email reminders and get updates about featured menus and additions to our restaurant lineup, visit www.richmondspca.org/supperclub to join the Supper Club today. All of our partners are wonderful, local restaurants and many have small, intimate dining rooms, giving a warm and cozy atmosphere that makes reservations a must. We look forward to the first Wednesday of each month to enjoy a terrific meal in the company of fellow animal lovers and hope you'll make plans to be part of the Supper Club. When you reserve your table, please mention the Richmond SPCA!

February 2: Enzo's Italian Chop House | reservations: 804-784-2962 or online | Facebook event
March 2: Lemaire at The Jefferson Hotel | reservations: 804-649-4629 or with OpenTable
April 6: Zeus Gallery Cafe | reservations: 804-359-3219
May 4: Avenue 805 | reservations: 804-353-2505 or with OpenTable
June 1: Hondos | reservations: 804-968-4323 or with OpenTable
July 6: Six Burner | reservations: 804-353-4064
August 3: Comfort | reservations: 804-780-0004
September 7: Pescados in Midlothian | reservations: 804-379-7121
October 5: Bottom's Up Pizza | reservations: 804-644-4400
November 2: Julep's New Southern Cuisine | reservations: 804-377-3968
December 7: TBA

We are incredibly grateful to our generous restaurant partners in the community. Thanks in advance to all of you for helping us have another successful Supper Club program this year. 

Nancy Bruni is the manager of major gifts at the Richmond SPCA. To read the biographies of our regular bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.

HSUS discloses findings of undercover investigation at Smithfield factory farm at news conference with Richmond SPCA

On Wednesday, December 15, we partnered with the Humane Society of the United States on a press conference held here at the Robins-Starr Humane Center.  Most of the local news media were in attendance for the important disclosures that were made.  At that press conference, findings and a video were publicly disclosed that were made by an HSUS staff member who was working undercover at the Smithfield factory farm that produced pork products in Waverly, Virginia.  During the undercover employee’s tenure at the plant, he filmed many horrifying acts of human cruelty in addition to shining a light on the endlessly horrifying cruelty of the gestation crates that the female breeding sows are forced to live in.  You may view the video that undercover worker made at this link but be prepared for its disturbing impact. 

I do not believe that anyone with a heart can watch this video without tears coming to his or her eyes. Seeing pigs living in gestation crates unable to move or even turn around and being subjected to the horrific treatment disclosed on this video has to be deeply affecting to anyone who cares about animals. Pigs are intelligent, sentient and very social beings who are generally as or more intelligent than dogs. For them to be deprived of any movement and to be subjected to unrelenting cruelty is deplorable.  

I want to explain to you, our supporters, why we decided to give the HSUS our support in releasing this information to our community and to the country. First, let me make clear that we do not believe that it is wrong to eat meat.  I have no doubt that there will be many people who will say that we are trying to force everyone to become vegans. That is ridiculous. We have no quarrel whatsoever with the consumption of meat, only with subjecting animals to a life of unrelenting misery and suffering in order that we may have cheap meat on our plates. 

This is not about animals having rights, as is often asserted by those who would ignore these horrors.  It is about mercy. It is about having a conscience and about identifying the point when that conscience says to us that continuing to subject animals to lives of inexorable pain, deprivation and suffering cannot be justified simply to provide us with a moment of eating pleasure for a cheap price. We ask only that these animals be allowed the small mercy of group housing where they can at least move and socialize before going to their deaths.  

This does not seem to be so much to ask and would create the sort of society that I want to live in and want my child to live.You can help by letting Smithfield and its largest customers, McDonalds and Burger King, know that you want Smithfield to become gestation crate, and cruelty, free.  

Robin Robertson Starr is the chief executive officer of the Richmond SPCA. To read her biography or that of our other bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our commenting guidelines.

You'll be thankful you read this

'Tis two days before Thanksgiving and all of your pets are healthy and happy. Make plans to keep it that way — and avoid unnecessary trips to visit the veterinarian during this busy holiday weekend.Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

• Rich and fatty foods can trigger bouts of pancreatitis, which can be a very serious (and life-threatening) condition in both dogs and cats.  You can certainly save some turkey (minus the skin, stuffing and gravy) to cut up small for training treats, but in general, resist the temptation to feed Fido or Fluffy holiday food intended for family and friends.  Onions, sage, grapes, raisins, dark chocolate and alcohol are particularly toxic to pets.
• Even if you resolve not to feed pets from the table, be aware that guests will often do so if the pet is begging, just because they don't know better. It is often wise to move pets to a back room (with their beds and toys perhaps) to keep them occupied and safe during mealtime.
• Cooked turkey bones are very brittle and are unsafe for pets to eat, as the sharp edges can tear or obstruct their digestive tract. Don't feed these bones to your dog or cat, and take steps to prevent them from self-serving when your back is turned.
• Thanksgiving trash can contain all sorts of hazards for your pets, including the string used to truss the turkey. Be especially vigilant about where the trash gets left during the holiday season, so that your pets don't find it first.
• Be aware that the arrival and departure of holiday guests can mean doors and gates left open. Be sure your pet is wearing up-to-date identification at all times and that you can manage to avoid any unplanned "escapes".
• And lastly, know that the hustle and bustle of the holidays may be more than your pet can handle, at least at first. If your dog or cat is not familiar with children (or any of your guests for that matter) take the time to handle introductions carefully and supervise as necessary. If either the pet or the guests seem uncomfortable (or overly enthusiastic), it may be wise to use baby gates or other barriers to keep everyone safe and happy.

Happy Thanksgiving!! 

Sarah Babcock is the chief of education and training for the Richmond SPCA. To read her biography, or that of our other bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.

Cat Tales & Cocktails promises howling good time

Please join us on Friday, October 29 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Robins-Starr Humane Center (2519 Hermitage Road) as the Richmond SPCA's Track & Training Center is transformed into our Seventh Annual Cat Tales & Cocktails. A howling good time is guaranteed! This event will support the lifesaving efforts of the Richmond SPCA and will feature:

Live music from Cherry Bomb (Richmond's All-Vinyl + All-Female DJ Collective)
Silent Auction
Bobbing for Tennis Balls with Holiday Barn Pet Resorts
Treats from Three Dog Bakery
Costume contests (for pets and people) and more!

Cat Tales is made possible by the generosity of Title Sponsor Car Pool Car Wash and Detail, Title Media Sponsor The Richmond Times-Dispatch, Silent Auction Sponsor Holiday Barn Pet Resorts, Wine Sponsor Cooper Vineyards, and Lighting Sponsor the Richmond Ballet. Other Sponsors include RichmondPetLovers.com, Three Dog Bakery and Brainchild Collective.

Silent auction items include:

Private Wine Tasting for Ten at Private Stock Cigar and Wine Company
Overnight stay at Maury Place Bed and Breakfast
Exclusive Baby Jogger from Dynamic Brands
Sports Package tickets to UR Basketball, Richmond Kickers and the Richmond Squirrels games
Lemaire Dinner Package and Overnight Stay at the Jefferson Hotel
Spa Gift Certificates
Theatre Gift Certificates
Museum Memberships
Restaurant Gift Certificates to Zeus Gallery, LaGrotta, Nacho Mama’s, Julep’s, Crab Louie's and more!
Exclusive Photography Packages from Cliff Bruce Photography and Wolfgang Jasper Photography
Gift Basket and gift certificate for a 2 night stay in the Holiday Barn Pet Resorts VIP Vacation Suites
And so much more!

Don't delay in buying your tickets, which are $20 in advance and $30 at the door and include hors d'oeuvres and two drink tickets. You may purchase tickets securely online or by phone (804-521-1308). Paper tickets will not be mailed - your name will appear on our guest list at the door.  We hope to see you there!

Jenni Booker is the community development manager for the Richmond SPCA. To read the biographies of our other bloggers, please click here. (Please check back for Jenni's biography, which will be posted soon!) Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.

In defense of dog-park-averse pups

My Daisy spent our first, and last, visit to the dog park tucked neatly behind my legs, shaking and softly whining. Clearly this wasn't the place for us. I was, frankly, in awe of the dogs who romped and played with abandon. I spent some time wondering where I had gone wrong that my pet would so roundly reject the kind of playtime I imagined every dog welcomes. After asking around, however, I discovered that Daisy is not alone in her disdain for dog park rough-housing and that dogs, just like people, have varied tastes when it comes to social time.

Luckily, we've since tried our hand at some pet-friendly events that don't involve rowdy off-leash play, and these seem to be more to her liking. Maybe your park-averse pup, or your dog park hero, will enjoy these too.

James River Cellars: A few times a year James River Cellars opens up their wine tasting events to four-legged friends. The winery is set on a lovely piece of land conveniently located on Route 1/Brook Road in Hanover County and has lots of shade trees and grassy areas. Their next pet-friendly event is Fridays on the Patio on Friday, July 9. Click here for details.

Farmers Markets: Most local farmers markets are pet-friendly, so bring along your pet when stocking up on fresh veggies and other goodies!

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: You don't want to miss Fidos After 5 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. On designated Thursday nights, the garden stays open until dark and offers wine tastings, food, music and more. And, you can bring your pet! The garden offers an idyllic setting in which to enjoy a summer evening with your pet. The sunset view over the Conservatory is not to be missed! Upcoming dates are July 8 and August 12. Click here for details.

Richmond Kickers Soccer: Sports fans can enjoy a night of pet-friendly fun on Saturday, July 24 when the Richmond Kickers open the stadium to dogs! Click here for details.

Art Works: Art and animals go hand in hand, and you can bring your pooch to the opening of the August/September show at Art Works in Manchester. This pet-friendly August 27 extravaganza will feature a pet fashion show, paint your own birdhouse activity, silent auction, a juried, animal-themed art show and more! Click here for details.

Valentine Richmond History Center: History buffs and their pups can enjoy guided walking tours through Richmond's historic neighborhoods with History Hounds, presented by the Valentine Richmond History Center. The next date is Saturday, September 18. Click here for details.

Be sure to be on the lookout for our annual pet-friendly Halloween party, Holiday Extravaganza and more at www.richmondspca.org/events.

Maya Erhardt is manager of community development for the Richmond SPCA. To read her biography, or those of our other bloggers, please click here. Before submitting a comment, please review our guidelines.

Shop to Give

The Richmond SPCA’s Shop to Give Program helps raise much needed funds for pets at our shelter every year. And, we hope that next time you’re considering ordering a new magazine subscription, taking a trip to the grocery store or getting your car washed, you’ll check out the Richmond SPCA’s Shop to Give webpage to see how your shopping can benefit homeless pets in need. There, you will find a list of generous businesses throughout the area that support our organization by donating a percentage of their sales to us. Please visit www.richmondspca.org/shoptogive for more information and a list of participating businesses! Or, if you have a business and would like to become part of our affinity program, please call 804-521-1308. 

One of our most widely known Shop to Give Programs is the Wendy's $1 Frosty key tag fundraiser. For the second year in a row, our wonderful adoption partner Wendy’s has launched their key tag fundraising campaign to benefit the Richmond SPCA. Participating Wendy’s locations and our Lora Robins Gift Shop are selling $1 key tags good for a chocolate or vanilla Jr. Frosty with every Wendy’s food purchase through December 31, 2010. All proceeds from the sale of the key tags go directly to the Richmond SPCA to help homeless animals! Get yours today!

 

Beat the Winter Blues at Canine Café

With the holidays behind us and nothing but chilly weather on the horizon, I find myself daydreaming about open-toed shoes, car trips with the windows rolled down, daffodils, and the smell of fresh-cut grass.

 

I’m sure I’m not alone in this, and proof of that is offered by my dog Daisy, pictured here. Her mournful glances from the couch or next to the sunniest window are enough to convince me that we’re both suffering from the winter blues.

 

All is not lost, though, for there is a cure!

 

Canine Café, our series of pet-friendly happy hours, offers some relief on Thursday, January 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. What a great excuse to get out of the house and stretch your legs!

 

The event takes place at the Richmond SPCA’s Robins-Starr Humane Center in the spacious Track and Training Center and is sponsored by Car Pool Car Wash & Detail. Features this month include health and wellness tips brought to you by our experts and the kind folks at Holiday Barn Pet Resorts, a pet tricks demo, children’s activities, a cash bar, food, music and more! Our adoption center and retail shop will also be open, with all adoptions offered at 25% off during Canine Café.

 

Whether you’re a Canine Café regular or are looking for something new, this is one you don’t want to miss. Tickets are available in advance at www.richmondspca.org/events, and at the door.

 

Other upcoming events where pets are welcome include the Have a Heart party on February 12 and the Dog Jog and 5K Run on March 20. For complete details, please visit www.richmondspca.org/events. I hope to see you there!

Lifesaving events provide a future for homeless pets

On October 2, the Richmond SPCA hosted our Eleventh Annual Fur Ball, a gala that raises money for our Cinderella Fund, which is a special pool of resources that provides care to sick, injured and underage homeless pets at our center.  On Friday evening, we raised more than $416,000 – a truly remarkable feat.  These funds will provide care to more than 2,000 pets in need of specialized medical care during the coming year.  The success of this event is due to many generous individuals and corporations, and we are overwhelmed and grateful for this outpouring of support. 

Once a year, on the first Friday of October, animal lovers communitywide come together to further the mission of the Richmond SPCA to treat every life as precious. They come to pledge their part to guaranteeing a future to orphaned dogs and cats in great need. These generous individuals and companies support the event, and our pets, by purchasing tickets to the Fur Ball, by bidding on items in our silent and live auctions, by sponsoring portions of the event, by purchasing raffle tickets, and by making cash donations.  All of these contributions, no matter how big or how small, are vital to our lifesaving work.  One raffle ticket costs $5.  This may not seem like much, but when we sell thousands of $5 raffle tickets, the impact is staggering.  Our raffle raised more than $15,000 this year.  This amount will provide bottle feeding for 45 infant kittens for six weeks, and cover the cost of orthopedic surgery for three dogs, and provide six months of medication for three dogs with heart murmurs. 

The Richmond SPCA holds many events throughout the year.  Some, like the Fur Ball, are formal dinner events, while others, like the Dog Jog & 5K Run, are family-friendly outdoor gatherings.  While they may be very different in size and scope, they all share the same purpose – to save the lives of homeless animals in our community.  These events not only support our programs financially, they also help us to promote our free and low-cost programs and services and to share lifesaving messages with people throughout the community.

To fully achieve a no-kill community, we all must work together.  Success depends upon the cooperation, understanding and action of community members.  Purchasing a ticket to one of our Canine Café events or our Progressive Dinner may seem like a small contribution, but it is one that gives life to animals who depend upon us.  We look forward to seeing you at an event this fall!