Welcome to Friends for Life, Inc! FFL is a no-kill, non-profit sanctuary for dogs and cats near Lewisburg (Greenbrier County) in southeastern West Virginia. FFL has been accepting abandoned and no-longer-wanted dogs and cats since 1996, although we accepted our first two foster cats, Li'l Dinker and Loki, in 1993 as a foster family for the local humane society, and continued with their foster program until it was discontinued in the fall of 1996. Many of the dogs in our care have been with us since the mid- to late 1990s, making our population mostly seniors. Please read on!
HISTORY AND GENERAL INFO Friends for Life began in 1996 and incorporated in January 2000. FFL received its non-profit, tax-exempt status (501c3) from the IRS in November 2007. (That 23-page application was too intimidating! We finally received help from local bookkeeper, Lori Mae Dale, who completed the application at no charge. Whew!) We are a care-for-life, or no-kill, sanctuary; there is no time limit for any animal. Friends for Life, Inc. is not affiliated with any other organization or shelter, or any other Friends for Life organization. We receive NO local, state, or federal funding and rely solely on contributions from individuals. Each animal that we accept is wormed; vaccinated; neutered/spayed if unaltered; plus any needed veterinary care, including tests, treatment, medications and/or surgery, is provided during the time the animal is with us- and many have been here their entire lives. Currently, FFL cares for fifty-two dogs and twelve cats. Forty-one of our dogs are seniors and many have been with us since the mid- to late '90s. In May (2011), our youngest cats turned eight years old, making a 100% senior cat population. We are completely committed to each animal here for its entire lifetime. It now costs over $750 per month to feed sixty-four animals, leaving us way behind in keeping up with veterinary care. If you would like to help FFL by making a contribution for either food or veterinary care, we would be very grateful-- or consider becoming a Sponsor (please see our Sponsor Program a little farther below).
A BIG REQUEST: Friends for Life has a chance to purchase two to four pallets of canned dog food for only $50 per pallet. We use a LOT of canned dog food, and $50 is a tiny fraction of what we would have to pay for that amount of food! There's only one problem: The food is being offered by a group in Philadelphia, about 8 hours northeast of us. The pallets are 48"x40"x48" and each weighs 1800-2200 lbs. Is there anybody "out there" who's got a big truck (5000 lb. capacity for two pallets or at least 10,000 lb. capacity for four) and loves to drive? Anyone in Philly who would pick up the food for us and bring it down? (You never know unless you ask!) FFL will reimburse for the pallets. Please call Donna at 304 667-1387 if you can help or email wvcompanions@yahoo.com.
DONATE A BALE- FFL has 26 dogs that we use straw for. It gets damp and has to be replaced, and it's very important that the dogs have dry bedding- especially in cold weather- so we use a lot! We have just begun Donate a Bale with Hillbilly Supply on 219 North, and the True Value store in downtown Lewisburg (S Court Street). Unless a person wants to deliver to us, FFL will pick up the straw at either place. Please leave your name and address somewhere; we'd like to be able to thank you, plus send a tax receipt for your records if you'd like one.
Results from our Christmas Angel Trees: Harvey now has a Sponsor! 123 cans of cat food and 72 cans of dog food were donated, plus joint supplement, mackerel, sardines, treats, and toys; A total of $549.33 was donated, from both trees, plus a donation jar at Biscuits and Bones. Thank you, Janice and Brian Mollet at Biscuits and Bones, and Katie Walters at Greenbrier Veterinary Hospital, for your help and generosity, and to everyone who donated to help make wishes come true!
ON THE GROUND AND IN THE AIR Since 1999, FFL has helped move dogs and puppies out of our area to rescues in NJ, MD, PA, CT, and MA. We've met many caring and wonderful people who all have the same goal: Seeing that companion animals get a chance to find a permanent home and be part of a family. We've driven 11-hour round trips to Mechanicsburg, PA, to deliver dogs and puppies (and one cat) directly to Molly's Place Rescue (those were looong days!), plus we've traveled to Hagerstown, MD; New Market, VA; Lexington, VA; Charleston, WV; and Winchester, VA, to meet ground transports on their way north to rescues. Ground transports can travel 24 hours one way to a rescue, and many deliver to more than one rescue, so they're adamant about accurate paperwork and ID on each animal. Before the transport, every animal has to have a health exam by a veterinarian and a current rabies vaccination if it's old enough; a heartworm test (it must be negative); and if it's pronounced healthy, it receives a health certificate which must be with the animal for the transport. We also include a small amount of food for each animal. Transport drivers (generally two to three people) stop regularly to water, walk, and feed the dogs (and clean carriers!). FFL began air transport in October 2009 through Pilots N Paws, a volunteer organization that flies animals to rescues and new homes (see Thanks and Appreciation below). We only need to drive 11 miles to our local airport (yes, we love it!) to meet the planes, although pre-flight health care is the same as for ground transports and each animal must be approved by a veterinarian to travel. We've met seven pilots and planes since then and 36 dogs and puppies have found new homes. UPDATE December 8th, 2011: We made our 8th trip to the Greenbrier Valley Airport with 8 dogs headed for Save A Dog rescue in MA. On their way to Forever Families are Beau, a male Golden Retriever; Faith, Lyla, and Chance, 5-month-old Lab/Golden Retriever mixes (FFL picked the four up on December 4th); Rebelette, an adorable red Chihuahua mix; Ellie and Bobby, 9-week-old Boxer mixes; and Blackie, a very well-mannered one-year-old male black Lab mix. Thanks to Rena, Brenda and Larry, Nada, and Becky, who fostered and/or notified FFL about these dogs and puppies, and thanks once again to Save A Dog for accepting dogs needing homes! Special thanks to Pilots N Paws! Amazingly, Chance already has an adoption pending! UPDATE December 16th: Chance, Beau, Faith, Blackie, and Bobby are all adopted (and spayed or neutered!). Yahoo, S.A.D.!
SPONSOR PROGRAM FFL is grateful for our faithful- and new- sponsors, whose support literally keeps us going from month to month! There are two ways to sponsor: General Sponsorship, which is a certain amount (usually $25, but it can be more or less, depending on the sponsor) that is paid monthly, quarterly, every six months, etc.- whatever is easiest for the sponsor. General sponsors may sponsor a particular animal if they wish, and FFL will send a 5x7 of that animal if requested. Donations from general sponsors help to pay for food, our largest monthly expense. Individual Expenses- Another way to sponsor is by providing funds for a procedure or service for an individual animal. Many of our seniors, for instance, need a dental, and must have bloodwork done first to check liver and kidney function. Other procedures that may be required are x-rays, ultrasound, laser treatments, surgery, medication, supplements, or special food. Services needed are mentioned in the animal's bio, plus animals needing care asap are listed below. ** Please note that emergency care or treatment is provided immediately, plus any animal that appears unwell is seen by a veterinarian, generally that day. If a person wishes to pay for veterinary care for an animal, they need to contact FFL and we'll make the appointment for the procedure with the vet. After the animal has had the procedure, we fax or mail a copy of the invoice to the sponsor, who then pays that bill. FFL can accept checks or money orders, and our vet hospital can take credit card payments over the phone. After the payment is received from the sponsor, a receipt is sent by fax or mail, plus a tax-receipt if requested. Sponsors- both general and for individual expenses- are desperately needed. Please join us! Special Sponsors are needed for the following animals: Amy, a Husky/Beagle mix around 45 lbs., after several years of allergy symptoms (itching, hair loss, yeasty ears, and flaking), has been on a grain-free diet for several months and she looks so much better! It's the FOOD, the FOOD!!! (Please see her bio on our Adoptable Pets List.). Most grain-free dry foods are $50 for a 24# to 30# bag, which lasts more than a month. She also takes the supplement AllerG3 (essential fatty acids plus vitamins A & E) that we get from the vet at a cost of $13.10 for a month's supply. A monthly donation to cover her food and supplement ($63 or any amount) would be wonderful! Nemo, a 7-year-old Yellow Lab mix, has general health issues (please see his bio on our Pets List for info). Thanks to a recent donation, he is now on the same grain-free diet and AllerG3 supplement, but will need a monthly sponsor soon so we can continue to keep him on the grain-free food ($63 or any amount). Chip- Chip is a 14-year-old red Border Collie/Chow mix neutered male who needs a dental as soon as the vet says he's ok for anesthesia. (Bloodwork and dental procedure will be $250-$350.) UPDATE January 17th, 2012: Chip had his bloodwork and dental done today and had five teeth pulled. He will be on soft food for at least one week, plus antibiotic and Tramadol for pain. Total charges for the dental are $219.31, less than expected. (This does not include the antibiotic and Tramadol, or soft food.) Thank you to the Freemans for sponsoring Chip's expenses! Sweetie- Sweetie is a senior Chow/Cocker Spaniel mix spayed female with a mammary tumor that is probably cancer, according to the vet. It's small right now and would be easy to remove. Sweetie also needs a dental, which will be done when the tumor is removed. She had bloodwork November 7th and all is normal. UPDATE December 18th: Sweetie had four small tumors removed plus a dental on November 29th. Gumpy- "Gumpy-Gorskie" is a very shorthaired mix- possibly with a little Dobie in her background- who is almost 16 years old and has a benign adenoma on her liver. She gets Vetri Liver Chews daily to help support her liver (please see her bio on our Pet List). The liver chews cost $32 per month. Beanie- Beanie is a Spaniel mix nt. male, 15 years old, who had a large tumor removed in October of 2010. It has grown back and is starting to interfere with his front leg as before (see his bio on our Pets list) and should be removed asap. UPDATE January 17th, 2012: Beanie had bloodwork (perfect!) done and the tumor removed today. The vet said it was "nasty" and she had to go deep to get it. He was bandaged all the way around his upper chest but up and around this evening. Thank you, Rena, for sponsoring his surgery! Any help for these animals is appreciated! Thank you!
WISH LIST:
STRAW- The kennel is not heated at this time, so lots of straw is essential in keeping the dogs warm. DOGGIE DOORS- Thanks to several generous donations in 2010, we were able to order ten heavy-duty doors at a cost of $89.99 per door. Five are still needed and are still the same price: $89.99, no tax, no shipping fees. Donations for a doggie door, in memory or in honor of a beloved companion, human or animal, will be acknowledged (see below).
Doggie Door Donations November 2010: Anonymous Anonymous couple January 2011: Bob S., in loving memory of "Ol' Woog" February 2011: Longanacre family Gillespie family, in memory of their beloved Daisy May 2011: WV State Altar Guild Anonymous December 2011: Longanacre family Zopp family, in memory of their beloved Beagle, Tillie
If you click on the Kuranda link, it will take you to our Kuranda wish list. If you purchase a bed, you'll receive a 28% discount, and your purchase will be shipped directly to FFL. WASHING MACHINE for the kennel- extra-large capacity, top- or front-loading. Donated would be great, or a Really Good Deal would be ok, too! DONATIONS FOR MATERIALS to cover the outside dog runs- Having the runs covered would help immensely in keeping the straw dry in the inside kennels! We need 4x4s, 2x8s, 2x4s, and metal roofing. Est. cost: $3500, including labor. (Is there anybody who'd like to offer their time and skill, and bring the cost down?) BLANKETS or WASHABLE DOG BEDS DOG WALKERS- Walking is good exercise for you, too, plus it offers the dog some one-on-one with that person. You don't have to do any training- this is for excercise and attention only. We've got a "speed" for everyone: Just Sniffin', Walking-with-a-Purpose, and Just Wanna RUN! DOG BRUSHERS- You don't have to be a professional. We've got the tools needed; all you need to have is some time. CANNED MACKEREL and/or SARDINES: for the cats. FOOD: If you'd like to donate food to any organization, it's wise to contact the organization first to find out what they use. This may save YOU time and money buying food that they don't use. Please contact us if you'd like to donate dog or cat food. FORTIFLORA packets- recommended for boosting feline immune systems. FISH OIL- We use over 75 fish oil gelcaps every day on the animals' food. GIFT CERTIFICATES to Kroger, Hillbilly Supply, Wal-Mart, Tractor Supply, Lowe's, SJ Neathawk Lumber, 84 Lumber KITTY BEDS DOG BEDS- small, medium, or large CARRIERS- small, medium, or large ALUMINUM CANS- FFL recycles these for funds for animal care. If you'd like to make a donation of anything from this list and you're local, please call for directions (304 667-1387) or we may be able to pick up. Thank you!
THANKS AND APPRECIATION Friends for Life is grateful for the kindness and generosity of people like you who enable us to continue to help our companions. We are very grateful for our faithful Sponsors, who literally do keep us going from month to month; and Annual Contributors to FFL, whose help always comes at a time when it's needed. We are also thankful to work with extremely kind and generous veterinarians, without whom we would not be able to give our animals the care they need. Sincere thanks go to the doctors and staff of Greenbrier Veterinary Hospital here in Lewisburg; FFL has worked with GVH for a long time and they are very good to us. Thanks also to: Gerry, whose generosity equals her kindness and compassion for senior dogs; Bart in CT for his recent contributions, including a large Kuranda bed (now being enjoyed by new dog, Traynne, in foster care- please see our Adoptable Pets List) and 20 bales of straw through Hillbilly Supply; The Bissel Foundation for their overwhelming donation of 20 Kuranda beds, plus a large box of treats and toys for our dogs and cats; Paul Grist of Foxfire Mtn. Properties in Lewisburg, whose donation helped us get Nemo on a grain-free diet; Julie DeLorenzo for her time and interest in FFL; Janice and Brian Mollet, owners of Biscuits and Bones in Lewisburg, for their generous donation of many cans of holistic cat food when they closed their store the first of January 2012 (they're now online!); Cameron, who always is so generous to FFL; Rena Houdyshell, for fifteen years of generosity to FFL; Anthony with Pet Meds, who has sent donation packages of products we need; JD from "a little farther south", who fell in love with Holly on our Pet List and sent a Coolaroo bed and glucosamine biscuits for her, plus generously sent three more Coolaroo beds and two Coleman beds (these are all off-the-floor beds) so other dogs could be more comfy, heavy-duty dog toys and portable water/food bowls; Edith McKinley, owner of Edith's Health and Specialty Store in Lewisburg. Edith, Lindsay and Shannon are a wealth of information on herbs and homeopathy, and Edith is extremely generous to FFL; our Angel Contributors, whose generous donations since the fall of 2009 have helped pare our veterinary bill down, and even enabled FFL to bring the balance to a nice round $0 on January 11, 2011- the first time since August 2007! UPDATE December 30, 2011: FFL received a check from these Contributors that allowed FFL to once again pay off our vet bill! What an exciting way to end the year! Leisha Swiger at Hillhaven Animal Shelter and Rescue in Lost Creek, WV, for her time and moral support; Peggy Hovatter for her time and effort that saves US a load of time and effort (and mileage!); Shirley Moore and crew at Save A Dog in Sudbury, MA, for their generosity and for finding wonderful homes for the dogs we entrust to them; the pilots of the Pilots N Paws non-profit organization who have helped fly FFL dogs safely to Save A Dog from southeast WV to Hartford, CT. These extraordinarily generous people donate their time, planes, and fuel to fly animals to new homes or rescues so they can be placed with Forever Families. Angie at Hillbilly Supply in Lewisburg (where we buy all of our dog food) for her generosity to FFL; canine trainer Kelly Horgan for training (and loving) our Taddie; faithful Bill Bryant of Lewisburg for providing some of our needed supply of straw during the winters, and The Greenbrier Humane Society for their time and generosity. Thanks also to everyone who donates newspapers, sheets, blankets, towels, shredded paper, and aluminum cans to FFL!
"I know there can no Heaven be if my pets aren't there to welcome me..." (Anonymous) We sadly said goodbye to the following companions who have left us and taken a little bit of our hearts with them: 2008 Jewel, golden retriever mix sp. female, 13 years, on January 5th. I miss your paw on my arm. Candy, Chow mix sp. female, 15 years, on January 18th. Such a gentle girl. Tigger Two, orange striped nt. male DSH, 8 years, on April 27th. You allowed us to live in the same house, but we couldn't touch you. Boose-Boose, orange-stripe-w/white nt. male DSH cat, 8 years, on June 12th. We'll never forget finding your gauze "boots" here and there as you'd get them off! Punkin, Jack Russel/Beagle mix sp. female, 15 years plus, on July 23rd. Former shotgun rider and "go to town" companion. Brownie, Dachsie/Chihuahua mix sp. female, 14 years, on July 25th. You either loved or hated squirrels- we were never sure! Marley, Aussie mix nt. male, 14 years, on August 8th. What an intelligent dog, and such a wonderful temperament! Big Mac, the Halloween Cat, black male DSH, nt. male, 8 years plus, on August 8th. We'll never know what happened before you were rescued. You were scary to look at and liked to pretend you were a tiger.... Sara Beth, Black Lab mix sp. female, 16 years plus, on August 22nd. Such a gentle, gentle girl. Eightball, Corgi mix sp. female, 12 years plus, on September 10th. You must've been overwhelmed being around so many other animals after your caregiver passed on, but you made a place for yourself and accepted your new life. Sam(antha), Schnauzer mix sp. female, 14 years, on September 29th. We tried so hard to find out what was wrong, poor girl. The pictures of you as a puppy still make us laugh! Sandy Sue, sp. female mix, 11 years, on November 3rd. So very sweet. We'll never know how you got that endearing "head tilt"! Freckles, Walker hound sp. female mix, almost 15 years, on December 30th. You were the first to have been here from a puppy to a cranky "old lady"! 2009 Keiffer, yellow Lab mix nt. male, 15 years plus, on January 5th. You had a rough start, but had a good life at FFL. Jake, Spaniel/hound mix nt. male, 15 years, on January 25th. Gentle boy, and such a trooper. Too Big, Chihuahua mix nt. male, 16 years, on February 4th. You had the cutest underbite! Smokey, black DSH nt. male cat, 8 years, on April 10th. So sweet, but plagued with health problems. Ebony, black DSH sp. female cat, 10 years, on June 1st. Our smallest cat ever. Another "tiger-pretender" but the easiest cat to treat. Tux, Lab/Chow mix nt. male, 12 years, on July 2nd. Those black points on that beautiful honey-gold face were so pretty. Maizie, DLH Tortie sp. female cat, 9 years, on July 15th. Such unusual green eyes! MowMow, black DSH nt. male cat, 10 years, on July 16th. A beautiful, sweet boy. Rugby, our biggest boy, a nt. male Lab/Plott mix, 8 1/2 years, on July 20th. What you went through before you were brought to FFL.... You were so good with puppies! Sonja, a.k.a. "Sonie", Chow mix sp. female, 9-10 yrs, September 20th. What a sweet, gentle girl. Buddy Bluetick, purebred nt. male Bluetick hound, appr. 10-12 years, September 23rd. We found you curled up in a roadside garbage dump and afraid of men, but you learned that not all humans are bad. A character- typical hound disposition! Dolly, Chow/Shepherd mix sp female, 12 years, October 13th. You had the softest, most unusually-marked black and silver coat! Sasha, black and tan sp.fem. Beagle, 17 years old, November 17th. You were still a young dog at dinner time! Loki, our oldest black cat, almost 17 yrs. and with us since 1994, December 3rd. Such a sweet, gentle boy! Solid black except for a tiny white tip at the end of your tail. Peach (who'd also been with us since a puppy in 1994, like Freckles) sp. female cream and "peach" Beagle mix, December 31st. One of the gentlest dogs we've ever had at FFL. 2010 Siam, black and white DSH nt. male cat, 9 years old, January 5th. The prettiest black and white cat; your markings were practically symmetrical, and that solid black tail-- gorgeous! Tex, orange DSH nt. male cat, 9 1/2 yrs. old, March 12th. A "Garfield" face- but not quite as round- and a sweetheart. Violet, white with black DSH sp. female cat, 9 yrs. old, on March 25th. So shy, just like the flower you were named after. Tipsy, DSH sp. female cat, mostly white with a few black patches (named after the "Tipsy" in The Cat Who books), @ 20 years old, March 25th. You used to lie on the takeout ledge at Krazy Kats restaurant before FFL was asked to take you! Quixote, Malamute mix with 3 legs, 13 years old, March 31st. Abandoned as a young dog, but wearing a collar with the owner's name and phone number.... Such a gentle, beautiful boy! Crystal, gray and white 8 1/2-year-old DSH sp female cat, April 6th. So sweet. You knew it was time to quit. Bart, 10 lb. longhaired nt. male mix, 17 yrs. plus, June 8th. You spent the last 11 years as a paraplegic but kept your spunk and bright eyes. Precious, a.k.a. Presh/Little Pair'p, 13 years plus sp. female Min Pin mix, June 22, very suddenly. Only ten pounds, but you sure let the world know you were here! Paddy, a.k.a. Padre, 13 1/2 year old nt. male Beagle mix brought to FFL on St. Patrick's Day over 13 years ago, August 7th, also suddenly. Our Nurse Dog; tended to wounds, ears, eyes- you gave the other dogs extra TLC. Tiffany, aka "Tiffy", 10 year old sp.female orange striped DSH cat (Smokey and Siam's littermate), August 10th. Sweet face, sweet "purrsonality"! Balto, 13-year-old OE Sheepdog sp. female mix, September 13th. Wonder if you remembered stealing the neighbors' Christmas lights when you were a pup? Hunter, 9 year old black nt. male DLH cat, September 21st. You would've been the county shelter's first admission 9 years ago! Megs, 14-year-old sp female Border Collie, September 30th. Focused! You were still ready to work, old girl. Simba, 13-year-old Bluetick nt. male, October 31st. You were the "laid-backest", gentlest hound, who loved to ride "shotgun" and enjoyed stealing off the counter! 2011 Cheyenne, 13-year-old Border Collie/Spaniel mix sp female, January 19th. You brought a lot of smiles to the nursing home residents in your younger days. We're grateful we had you longer than we should have after you got sick. Bocephus, 6 1/2 year old GSD mix, nt. male, March 7th. You were a "talker", and always sat down and looked up expectantly for your petting. You left us way too early. Black-Eyed Susie, 16-year-old Beagle mix sp female, May 13th. You had so many problems, but it was still so hard to let you go, sweet girl. Kayla, 9-year-old black and white sp. female DSH cat, May 16th. Another very sweet little soul, with such pretty green eyes! Prince, 15 year old GSD/Chow mix nt. male, June 13th. Such a beauty in your prime. You're well now, big fella! Patches (aka Pooter-Pop), 17-year-old sp. female DSH calico cat, June 18th. Your personality matched your impish-looking face, but you loved attention when you reached your Golden Years. Lord help us all when you had to be given oral meds, though- and bless the company who developed the one-time Convenia shot! Babs, 10-year-old sp. female DSH black cat, July 11. You refused to conform and stayed feral. You're free at last! Figaro, 14-year-old DSH, black & white nt. male, August 31st. FFL's self-appointed "test cat". You definitely ruled! I still look for you sitting on the window ledge.... Corey, Collie/Shepherd/Hound nt. male, 13 years, September 7th. Such a gentle dog; happy despite your long-term health problems. Your corner is an empty one now. Courtney, 9 year-old DSH, black and white sp. female, September 9th. One of our smallest cats, very shy, and much more ill than what you let on. Rissie, 13-year-old DSH Tortie, November 9th. Another pretty pair of green eyes! You were such a "talker", still purring till the last heartbeat. It's so quiet without you. 2012 Mr. Moofe (Moses), black Collie/Lab mix nt. male, 14 yrs., January 16th. Age took your dignity, but you were a trooper, old boy; gentle to the end. It was the last kindest thing I could do for you. Linus, DSH nt. male, gray and white, 11 yrs., January 25th. Arrived when you were a week old. So very sweet! I knew today was your last. You curled up in my arms and left so peacefully. The vet cried too. You are all missed so very much.
Adopting a friend
If you're interested in adopting one of our companions, please email us at the address at the bottom of this page, or call us at 304 667-1387.
Come Visit Us!
Friends for Life is located in Greenbrier County in southeastern WV. We are not a public shelter and welcome visits by appointment only. Interested persons may view dogs for adoption only AFTER being approved for adoption. This process includes a telephone interview, or possible home visit and interview if the interested party is close enough, and veterinary reference check. Please email us or call us at 304 667-1387 to inquire about adopting. FFL's mailing address is RR02 Box 271, Lewisburg, WV 24901.Friends for Life Inc.
