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Best Bully Sticks Rescue Spotlight: Janice Wolf & Rocky Ridge Refuge
Janice says it was never a choice. It was a calling.
“I have rescued animals from my earliest memory. Just born to do this. Over the years I would do what I could, where I could. I grew up as a 'military brat,” always moving around and with parents who were not very keen on animals, so I did not have pets very often. I did keep various wildlife 'patients,” like orphaned baby birds and injured bunnies, stashed in the woods in my makeshift 'MASH' units, so I could care for and then release them all healed.”
It’s hard to describe who Janice Wolf is. She’s the founder of Rocky Ridge Refuge, a rescuer, a healer, a spokesperson, an advocate and more. But since Best Bully Sticks held our $500 Animal Shelter Giveaway, we quickly realized exactly what Janice Wolf does. Simply put: she loves animals.
Janice Wolf loves animals. It determines her every action. The well being of her animals, from the fawns, ducks, sheep, dogs and at one point a very famous bull, is what makes life worth living.
“I have had serious health issues for many years and helping and caring for the animals literally gives me a reason to get up everyday and fight through daily pain and fatigue. I have never had a family of my own, so these critters are my family.”
Janice’s family is a wonderful one and they return her love. Although, with 50-60 family members, things sometimes get a little cramped. But, just like a true family, they make it work.
“I take in so many different species that live together as 'family'. That is mainly due to lack of space, so we all have to share and get along! My tiny house is only 600 sq. ft., and dogs (many HUGE), and assorted other critters live here. I don't have another suitable place for the orphaned and injured babies I often get in, so its not unusual to find a fawn in the bedroom, a litter of pups in the bathroom, or an injured critter in the kitchen. Right now, newly rescued baby bunnies and ducks are sharing my bedroom until it gets warmer outside!”
Janice’s dedication can’t be questioned. She’s given up a lot of “creature comforts” to truly make her creatures more comfortable.
“For 10 years I didn't have such things as a TV, washer/dryer/ air conditioning, computer. I still don't have a cell phone, iPod, or any other modern gadgets. I shop at thrift stores and rarely go to a movie or restaurant. But it’s not really a sacrifice because I don't long for these things either.”
Because Janice loves to care for animals and does it well, she has seen amazing recoveries and many lives saved.
“I have been blessed to be a part of some true miracles; from blind animals that have regained their sight, paralyzed that have walked again, to dogs from the worst abuse cases healing and then nurturing other needy critters. I have so many stories, I hope to find the time and energy to write a book!”
It’s easy to see that Janice is a truly sacrificial person. And as if you need another reason, BBS will give you one. Rocky Ridge had record turnouts for our nomination and voting rounds and very easily won the $500 grand prize. However, Janice realizes that there are a lot of other rescues who need help as well. She re-donated the $500 prize between five animal rescues and shelters equally and saved none for herself.
However, this doesn’t mean she is without need. She’s just a very humble and sacrificial woman.
“My biggest need is for a larger house. I live in a tiny metal building never meant to hold many. Other than that, just need great adopters, because I can only help more if the ones ready for a forever home move on to that. I feel very blessed though for being able to do what I do and that I have supporters and encouragers now.”
If you would like to donate to Rocky Ridge, you can send in a check to 425 County Road 1123, Gassville, AR 72635 or donate through PayPal on their website.
It’s easy to say that Janice Wolf’s dream has come true. Best Bully Sticks congratulates her on winning our $500 Grand Prize as well as the five animal rescues who were lucky enough to have Janice as a friend.
Visit her Facebook to see daily updates from RRR, including adorable photos of all her critters. If you would like to adopt or volunteer, more information can be found on RRR’s website.
Check out this amazing video about Janice & RRR!
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Janice, you are truly an angel and I know you will be blessed someday way beyond what you can even imagine taking such wonderful care added with love of the Lord's creatures. <3
Janice is an amazing woman, with such a big heart! Her spirit for animals is the most amazing I've seen……Most humans today that own pets..truly own them, they do not allow THe Pet to own them…………..JANICE is one person that her pets own her……….they have stolen her heart! Way to go RRR!
Janice Wolf is an angel.
Yeah Janice!
Unbelievable, she did it again, just when I think Janice can't amaze me further, she donates her prize! I don't know anyone more deserving. I want to contact extreme home makeover and see if they would help her out.
She is indeed, one of a kind, God's gift to critters. We love Janice Wolf, & RRR!
God always knows what He is doing, so He put you here to take care of the animals. You have far exceeded His expectations of you and He is so proud of you and loves you so much. I am so grateful for you Janice, you are such a loving example of selflessness. You are a wonderful person and I look up to you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you do for the animals. You are truly a great person and we all love you. Karla
Janice you are truly an amazing person.. I wish every state could have a Rocky Ridge Refuge..God Bless You and all your Fur Babies..
How about if we put together a KickStarter program for Janice. Plus I saw a really neat “shed” at Lowes for $17,000 (still needs to finished) and it was three times the size of the cottage I live in now. It had a nice upstairs and downstairs and was really a cool little house.
If anyone else, including Janice, wants to work with me on this we can write up the Kickstarter grant request together. I think this is a perfect project for them!
THAT IS A GREAT IDEA
Janice is one of the best people that I know, but have never met. I commend her for all that she does for the animals. I WISH I could do more for her and the rescue. I got my pup “Finch” from her…she is in Arkansas and I am in Pennsylvania, there is a great transport system that get pups from here to there! It’s the least that I could do for her…she really is one of the true animal advocates …she talks the talk and walks the walk!! Thank you Janice!!!
With over 17000 followers, why don’t we all chip-in 10 dollars to her now. Extreme Home is off the air, lets really give back to Janice and show our appreciation for all she does, her life is a sacrifice to these animals and she see it as a blessing. If everyone who adores what she does and stands for, just chips in ten dollars, it would go a real long way for her and these wonderful needy critters. It’s on her website, http://www.rockyridgerefuge.com, look for the donate button and chip in!
Janice is Truly one of God's Earth Angels for Animals – especially Dogs – I can relate to her in Spirit & Soul in her Heart felt concern & care of all the animals she helps – Janice is a Inspiration & Motivational Person because of the person She is & her work with animals.It is a Blessing to meet someone like her on Facebook & I Pray God bestowes many Blessings & Help from the Public to Her & her work!
Yes, that is a great idea!
Thank you for caring and sharing and looking after all those who need it.
Great photos too thank you.
I've been following Janice's Rocky Ridge Refuge on FB, and love her. She obviously cares deeply for these beautiful creatures. Thank goodness there are people like her.
She is a modern day St. Francis of Assisi. Thanks again Janice for all you do! A true hero and saint.
That is a fantastic idea.
This is what I was thinking as I read this. Lets work together and figure something out. She and her babies deserve it.
Great idea to contact extreme home makeover. What an interesting makeover that would be! I would love to see her have the space and facility that she needs to do this important work.
Jamie Nelson I AM GOING TO HGTV MAKEOVER AND SEE WHAT TO DO. MAYBE IF A BUNCH OF US DID THE SAME, THEY WOULD DO IT.
They make me smile every day!
JUST WENT TO TY PENNINGTON FACEBOOK PAGE AND POSTED THIS ARTICLE. NOW TO MORE HOME MAKEOVER PEOPLES PAGES AND POST SOME MORE. STILL TRYING TO DO IT ON THE HGTV MAKEOVER WEBSITE.
Janice is amazing! I adopted Jubilee from her – the pregnant the Great Dane she rescued last October. Arranging an adoption from Arkansas to California was no easy feat. Janice spent a great deal of time working out a way to make this happen. I will be forever grateful to Janice for being Jubilee's rescue angel.
Lora Ellis ,keep me posted on this and tell me what to do to help,is there a number we can call.i am checking on sites also.
That is an awesome idea, if you could just find out what the requirements are (if there is any). I know that I would be happy to help out in any way that I could, My hubby and I would even travel the 4 hours to help out if it were to happen.
fantastic idea….
KerriAnn Graham http://abc.go.com/site/contact-us
THIS IS THE ONLY PLACE I HAVE FOUND TO CONTACT THEM. MAYBE WE ALL DO IT AND IT WILL GET NOTICED. SAW ANOTHER PLACE TO DO AN APPLICATION BUT THEN IT SAID PAGE NOT FOUND BUT YOU ALSO NEED TO KNOW ALOT OF INFO THAT I DONT KNOW ABOUT JANICE
Christine Pearsall http://abc.go.com/site/contact-us
THIS IS THE ONLY PLACE I HAVE FOUND TO CONTACT THEM. MAYBE WE ALL DO IT AND IT WILL GET NOTICED. SAW ANOTHER PLACE TO DO AN APPLICATION BUT THEN IT SAID PAGE NOT FOUND BUT YOU ALSO NEED TO KNOW ALOT OF INFO THAT I DONT KNOW ABOUT JANICE
KerriAnn Graham JUST REALIZED YOU ARE ONE OF THE Q-LITTERS MOMS. RIGHT?
Perfect. They won't be able to say no… Janice is just too deserving…
Janice is the best to down and out animals that no one would look at twice and she heals them.. She does miracles….
I think that is an awesome idea….HOWEVER, it's my understanding that the person/family who gets a makeover is required to pay income tax on the value of the renovations. I know RRR is a non-profit company, but I don't know if it is registered as such for IRS purposes and/or how that would affect paying taxes. I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, but it's certainly something that needs to be considered. I would hate for Janice a get wonderful gift like a home renovation and then leave her stuck having to pay tax on it.
Lisa Miller I DID NOT KNOW THIS AND YOU ARE RIGHT WILL HAVE TO CHECK ON THAT. THANKS FOR THE INFO.
We should all try to contact them!
Diana, Contacting Extreme Home Makeover was the FIRST thought I had after reading this. Janice deserves a bigger home to help animals without a doubt. Let's ALL contact them!!
I do believe that Janice is the most caring, loving, sharing human being ever to draw a breath! One day I will win the lottery and help her never to worry for the future of any living creature. I truly feel she is the best part of all of us. Thank you Janice Wolf. By the way I got a lottery ticket for tonight…fingers are crossed.
I didn't know about Rocky Ridge until I read about it on Tugg the Bull Terrier puppy's FB page. Janice is amazing. You have to love a gal who opens her heart to so many animals. Not to mention having a tortoise named Crouton.
well we didn't win the lottery this time Janice but I'm not giving up!!!