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RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP

When choosing to add a pet to the family, you may spend more time focusing on the joy and happiness you expect your new pet will bring. While pets certainly deliver happiness and joy, they also come with a set of obligations that everyone MUST consider.

COMMITMENT

When adopting your pet, you should commit to caring for them their entire lives. This could be twenty years! As a pet owner, you are responsible for caring for your pet daily. Who can care for your pet if you go on vacation or circumstances prevent you from being able to do so yourself?  You should be willing to invest the time, effort and money to work through any behavioral or health challenges that will arise.

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SPAY & NEUTER

Animal overpopulation is a real issue in our country. Responsible pet ownership includes preventing your pets from reproducing by getting them spayed or neutered.

TRAINING

Behavioral issues are the number one reason why animals are surrendered to shelters, so training and socializing our pets is essential.  A dog that hasn't been trained is harder to control.  This is dangerous for your dog, yourself, other people, and other animals.  Training is an essential part of owning a dog and can be started at any age. Training builds confidence, provides mental stimulation and strengthens the human-animal bond.

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FOOD & SHELTER

Your pets will need continuous access to clean water, healthy and nutritious food, and shelter from the elements.  A pet should live in your home and not outside. Cats and dogs will live healthier, happier, more rewarding lives when they are treated as full members of the family.  If you don't want a pet in your home, then you should not get a pet.

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HEALTHCARE

Regular health care is key to helping your pet live a long and healthy life. It’s best to establish a relationship with a veterinarian to help keep you on track with regular check-ups and vaccinations. Your veterinarian can also guide you on how to address your pet’s hygiene and grooming needs, as well as tackling seasonal issues like fleas, ticks and worms.

EXERCISE

Regular exercise is necessary to keep our pets' muscles strong, their hearts healthy, and immune systems more resilient. Regular exercise also provides the mental stimulation that keeps pets happy. Is your pet getting into trouble?  Chances are they are bored.  Take them for a walk, throw a ball, play with kitty toys. All this will help engage your pet physically and mentally.

LOVE

Our pets are not possessions we own. They are companions who depend on us for their care. Giving pets affection and speaking to them in a loving manner is very important.  Pay attention to your pets’ emotional needs. Your pet needs your love.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

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It is with deep gratitude and a heavy heart that we write to inform you that Rockbridge Animal Alliance will officially cease operations as of September 30, 2025. We are filing for Dissolution of Services and Termination of our Non-Profit status with the State Corporation Commission.

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For the past 11 years, it has been our great privilege to serve the citizens of Rockbridge County, Lexington, Buena Vista and their beloved pets. What began as a passion to make a difference has grown into a community-driven effort that has impacted countless lives—both human and animal. None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary support of volunteers, local businesses, veterinary clinics, and private citizens like you.

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While this decision was incredibly difficult, it comes in response to ongoing challenges. As grant funding has declined and many in our community continue to face financial strain, sustaining our services has become increasingly difficult. After much reflection and discussion, our board has agreed that dissolving the organization is the most responsible and respectful path forward.

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Please rest assured that our mission will not end with our closure. We are currently in discussions with another local non-profit organization to take over the management of our pet food pantry, ensuring that this vital service continues to benefit residents. All remaining funds will stay within the county and be dedicated to helping those in need care for their pets.

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We still have funding available through our Grey Muzzle Grant. If you know someone in need with a dog aged 7 or older, please encourage them to apply for assistance before September 30th. Each eligible senior dog can receive up to $200 toward veterinary care.  https://www.rockbridgeanimalalliance.org/about-3

 

We are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together over the years. Your compassion and commitment have made a lasting impact, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with us.

Though we must say goodbye as an organization, the spirit of Rockbridge Animal Alliance will live on in the animals we helped and the community we served.

 

With deepest appreciation,

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Maurine M. Houser
On behalf of the Board of Directors

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ROCKBRIDGE ANIMAL ALLIANCE
P.O. Box 405
Lexington, Virginia 24450
info@rockbridgeanimalalliance.org
https://www.facebook.com/RockbridgeAnimalAlliance




   

© RAA 2023

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Disclaimer:

Rockbridge Animal Alliance (RAA) works to connect pet owners in need with resources for spay/neuter services and veterinary care. Please note that RAA is not legally responsible for any services provided by veterinary clinics to which clients are referred, including spay and neuter procedures or any other veterinary care after completing a request for financial assistance. Clients are advised to communicate directly with the veterinary provider regarding all aspects of their care and services. RAA’s role is limited to assisting with access to resources and financial assistance, and we are not responsible for the outcome of any treatments or services rendered.

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