It is always a sad situation when a stray comes to us and is not claimed by their people. But there is almost always a silver lining. Emmy’s story is a perfect example. Emmy was found wandering in...
RAPS is urgently seeking seven very special households
We have four dogs who need fostering and/or foster-to-adopt situations immediately. As construction begins on the new City of Richmond Animal Shelter, the RAPS contract to operate the Shelter ends...
Help Us Keep Our Promise to Rhoda
The RAPS Animal Hospital is appealing to the community to help save the life of Rhoda, a nine-year-old Chihuahua-mix. Rhoda has an extremely low heartbeat and requires a pacemaker to save...
Ever wonder how we name the animals in our care?
With the number of animals coming through our facilities every year, it can be a challenge to find unique names for every one. How do we do it? (A: It’s pretty random!)The cats, dogs and other...
Shelter and sanctuary: What’s the difference?
Do you know the difference between a shelter and a sanctuary? We who work in the field of animal rescue sometimes take terminology for granted and forget that not everyone might understand the...
Saving animals means working together: A testament to the difference a small group of people can make in the lives of animals.
A holiday reflection Saving animals means working together: A testament to the difference a small group of people can make in the lives of animals. Like every animal rescue organization, RAPS began...
RAPS Thrift Stores Boxing Week Sale
Don’t miss the RAPS Thrift Stores Boxing Week Sale – DECEMBER 28, 29, 30! All three stores participating (New West store closed Dec. 28)! While supplies last! First come first serve. No holds...
A Holiday Ghost Story
We have a holiday ghost story but it’s not what you think. In late October, a gentleman emailed the RAPS admin office requesting immediate help. He had rescued four cats that were living in a...
After more than a year, Chips finds his forever home!
A long wait for the right family What does it mean for a dog to be “unadoptable”? Different animal agencies define the term differently. In too many cases, some shelters use “unadoptable” when they...
Volunteer of the Month: Kati DeGraaf
Longtime RAPS member the go-to for foster moms and kittens It was New Year’s Eve a few years back when a mama cat went into a difficult delivery. Kati DeGraaf, RAPS’ most prolific fosterer of mamas...