Beauty Through The Rust

06/07/2026

What other name is there for a colony cat when he shows up to eat and a fishing hook is stuck through his lip?

Meet Gorton... This handsome 2 1/2 year old boy decided that he wasn't waiting for us and managed to remove the hook himself before we arrived with the trap. Unfortunately, doing so left a split in his bottom lip and an icky infection (pus included).

Although we had planned to trap at this colony tonight for TNVR - Gorton's situation required immediate intervention. He was trapped on Thursday evening and seen at Charlottesville Veterinary Hospital for urgent care on Friday morning. Dr. Bergstresser and his team cleaned Gorton's wound, gave him an antibiotic injection, a pain medication injection and sub-q fluids. But they didn't stop there - Gorton was neutered, ear-tipped, vaccinated & received preventives. We are so appreciative of them fitting him in and fixing him up.

Because this was not a planned veterinary visit and our available funds are allocated to TNVRing this 50+ cat colony, we are hoping our friends and followers will help by making a tax-deductible donation to Gorton's fish hook fiasco. BTTR does not receive any funding outside of donations and nominal adoption fees. And because we are strictly volunteers...any and all gifts go directly to the animals in our care.

Donations are welcomed through PayPal, Venmo or by check, made payable to Beauty Through The Rust, P.O. Box 578, Scottsville, VA 24590.

https://venmo.com/u/Chili-Childress
https://paypal.com/paypalme/BeautyThroughTheRust

Gorton thanks you from the bottom of his fish lovin' heart... 🐟🪝

05/28/2026

It's about the blessings that fill your life with love. 🐾❤️

05/26/2026

Several weeks ago, our wonderful and very supportive friends at Critters 4 U Rescue opened their hearts to a needy litter of 4 precious babies born at a colony we are TNVRing.

There is something about a VOID 🖤 - especially a tiny void that makes me melt! I mean...look at them! 😍

We want to thank the caregivers who handled them, socialized & loved on them - often taking them inside for extra cuddles. Our first order of business - after the kittens were safe was to spay their Momma... Mission Accomplished! WOOHOO!

And to our dedicated transport drivers Kelly Cox and Donna DeBaun - for selflessly giving of their time to ensure the safety of these little munchkins. It truly takes a village and we are so incredibly grateful for ours! 💚

05/22/2026

Our 'cow' boys... Benny, Byron (Bogart) and Butler celebrated their 4th birthday last month. Happy Birthday to these precious furbabies! 🧁🎈

These boys were just 2 weeks old when they came to us so they spent their first few months of life learning how incredibly loving and gentle pit bulls can be.

KD did what KD was born to do...He nurtured them, raised them with a gentleness that earned their trust and affection. A love like KD's is rare, but these boys continued to be blessed with the love of a pittie when they were adopted.

Groot is sweet and gentle - and he loves his cats! Funny thing about Groot, he just turned 8 years old, but that adorable sugar snout? It started 4 years ago - about the time 3 very busy kittens landed in his well ordered life. 😆 Thank you for being so wonderful Groot!

We are forever grateful to Gail & Robert Scott Stiff for opening their home to not 1, not 2, but all 3 of these very handsome boys. 🖤🤍

05/20/2026

Kittens - born to a feral female who didn't ask to be a mom. Each one is safe and has escaped the life of a colony cat. The colony caregivers did the right thing and handled these babies... cuddling them, socializing them and allowing us to ensure their safety by placing them with another rescue. Lily's babies have been vetted and will be adopted into loving homes.

Thank you to the ones who care, who give of their time to love the unwanted ones and of their own money to ensure they don't go hungry. You are heroes and we are grateful for your caring hearts.

05/20/2026

Lily and Winnie - All 'fixed' up and ready to take on the world!

Lily was trapped after her litter of kittens went to rescue and Winnie was relocated to a barn situation. Thank you to Mill Creek Veterinary Clinic for fixing them and to their staff member who arranged for Winnie's new home and took care of the transport. We appreciate y'all so much!

Rescue work is not for those who have an ego or want accolades... It's about what's best for the animals and requires teamwork. Our village grows every day and we are grateful for all of those who have ever helped us help the babies.

05/20/2026

When my husband and I were dating, we would visit this shelter in Hampton and wish there was more we could do to help them. We've never forgotten this place that does everything within their means to give these dogs the chance they deserve and cares deeply for them. Please share their posts and follow their page - even donate if you can.

Sending all the positive energy your way Lucky!

Fifteen years old and free of pain. That's our goal for Lucky, but we are far from it.

Lucky is an owner surrender - his family was being transferred to Japan. It was clear that he was in pain - with arthritis in his shoulders, spine and legs, which was confirmed by our vet. He was not on any medication. He has a number of other issues going on, but they are all treatable.

The other big issue for Lucky are his teeth - they are horrible. If we can conquer the pain from arthritis and get him to a comfortable level, he will most definitely have a dental.

But here is the most heartbreaking part about Lucky. His howl. If he has any inkling that people are around, but not near him, he just howls and howls. It's a sad howl that hits your soul.

But there is a hopefulness in Lucky that cannot be denied. He is curious and just wants to explore new things. Even with his horrible teeth, he eats with gusto. He loves to meet new people and appreciates any love directed his way. He is in Panda's with four new puppies and he loves to watch their antics.

Lucky would be a medical foster - we would take care of his medical care so that he can live out his life in the softness and comfort of a home. His determination to greet each day with happiness puts a smile on our faces.

If you want to see what loveliness looks like in the form of a distinguished gentleman, please come meet this spry fellow. Lucky will inspire you to live your best life.

Animal Aid Society, 80 Butler Farm Road, Hampton. Open daily, 9am to noon, including weekends and holidays!

05/14/2026

Three of our colony cats enjoying the spring weather... Jonas, Stella and our newest friend, Norman.

Jonas, my baby boy, is coming closer every time I see him. Oh, to reach out and touch him... 🫠 I melt just looking at his sweet face!

Stella moves like a convict avoiding recapture 😂 She is gorgeous, fast and avoids touch, but she will finally stay within a few feet of me and not scram. Someday Stella...

Norman came to us a very loving and affectionate boy about 3 months ago and that hasn't changed. I nearly trip over him because he walks in and out of my feet. 🫶 I can hardly clean their bowls because he wants to be petted the entire time I am there.

We love these cats with all that we have - They are a part of our family and caring for them is a privilege. ❤️

05/14/2026

Rosie knows how to tell time! 🕰️ And she reminds her dad at the end of every workday, that he needs to stop working and pay attention to her!

It's all about the void! 😄

05/13/2026

1-2-3-4 Guess who won't make kittens anymore?!

Part of a large colony in Fluvanna, these girls & guy have been fixed, ear-tipped, vaccinated and received preventives. A heartfelt thank you to Mobile Vet Solutions for taking such good care of them and to our friend, Kim, at the Fluvanna SPCA for making space for these beauties!

So happy for Flora, Fern, Juniper and Cypress!

~6 down...at least 44 to go! In the words of our crazy cohort, Luigi Francis Shorty Rossi, Vámonos! - Let's Do This!