Our Story

After several hours around a picnic table discussing how we wish we could do more, we came to realize that with a little creativity, a lot of hard work, and our determined love, we could do more. Thus, the birth of the Northern Virginia Orphaned Animal Outreach, what we hope is a simple yet purposeful beginning to a lifetime of improving lives, both human and creaturely.

Our bond with our animals became a bond between coworkers and, in turn, a bond between friends. Confessions of birthday parties held for our dogs, replete with friends, hats, prizes and cake, are a few things we fear to tell strangers but delight in sharing with each other. Our sorrow at losing best friends from years past, our quick sadness at the thought of losing those we love today, and our knowledge of the profound gift each continues to be in our lives are sentiments shared and reciprocated with understanding.

When we took our pets into our homes, we thought we were saving them. Yet, in no time, they took us into their hearts and saved us from lonliness and prolonged sadness, from selfishness and stress, and even from placing too much importance on bad hair days and disappointing relationships.

While we each could convincingly argue that our pet is the most beautiful, the most intellectual or the most clownish, we know that our relationship with our friend is unique only in that it is our own. That animals are joyful, selfless and faithful has little to do with our own nature and everything to do with theirs. They can be nothing else and we would never wish for them to be.

For these reasons, we are compelled not only to save them, but also to return to them all that they freely give, all that they deserve yet do not ask of us. We anxiously await the day we depart for the temporary shelter at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge with no less than a trailer full of supplies donated by you for their good keeping. By helping these victims of the storm, we diminish the devastation it caused. By rescuing them, we free them to rescue us. Won't you please join their cause by joining ours. With your help, we will make a difference.

Sincerely,
Kim & Diane
Riley, Enoch & Lucy

"Miracles are to come." - e.e. cummings