Lurch & the Herd

photo: baxterbulletin.com | Kevin Pieper

You may have seen on the national news that Gassville, AR – the community where Rocky Ridge Refuge is located – was hit by a devastating tornado last night. “Devastating” is not too strong a word to describe the damage. There is one confirmed fatality, ten people still missing, dozens of injuries and hundreds of damaged or destroyed homes and businesses.

We are relieved and grateful to report to you that Janice Wolf and all the animals of Rocky Ridge are safe. The property is also unharmed and intact. Janice lives a few miles out of town, which took her out of the path of the deadly storm. Even though she is sick with a tough flu bug she was on the phone all night following the storm checking on friends and coordinating the care of displaced animals.

As the sun came up this morning (and snow began to fall) it was even more evident that a terrible thing had happened to this small town. Our hearts are heavy with the pain and suffering of our community. The people of Gassville and Cotter have been very good to Janice and Rocky Ridge. We are hopeful that the long recovery will bring healing to everyone affected by the storm.

For those of you who live in Baxter County and especially those of you who live in Cotter and Gassville: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let us know if there’s anything else we can do.

Noogie | 1993 - 2008

The very first animal resident of Rocky Ridge Refuge passed away today. Over fourteen years ago Janice adopted a Llama when he was five weeks old. She named him Noogie. He was very often the first animal people saw when they entered the property and no one ever forgot him. He was a character in every sense of the word — lovable, curious, sometimes jealous, always funny…he will be missed!

…or if you’d just like to see it again, we’ve posted the clips of Janice’s appearances on the Ellen DeGeneres Show from November 15, 2007 and January 9, 2008. A big “thank you!” goes out to Ellen, her staff and the local production teams that made these live shots happen.

Click Here to view clips

Janice Wolf and Lurch & the Herd made their second appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show today. The interview, which originated from Rocky Ridge Refuge revealed for the first time the new barn and other improvements made possible by the generosity of the Ellen Show and zootoo.com as well as many others in the local community. (See previous post on this page for a list of volunteers and donors.)

During the interview Janice mentioned that she has recently taken in a number of rescued puppies and dogs. Janice is helping these dogs get ready to find new families.

Visit Janice’s personal site to find out more about the dogs available now for adoption.

Janice Wolf and Lurch & the Herd join together in offering our heartfelt thanks to everyone in and around Baxter County, AR who sacrificially contributed to the new barn project at Rocky Ridge. Our local community came through in extraordinary ways. Two brand new barns; new electrical and water lines; new and improved fencing; signage; improved roads; and dozens of other touches big and small…all in seven days! Without everyone listed below it would not have happened. Thank you!

See the names of all our local heroes after the jump.

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Tune into the Ellen DeGeneres Show this Wednesday (Jan. 9th) to see Lurch & the Herd’s new barn and all the improvements to Rocky Ridge Refuge. Check here for Ellen times and listings.

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Did you see Janice & Lurch on Ellen?
Janice, Lurch and the Herd just had a special visit from the great people at Ellen DeGeneres Show and had their lives changed forever. Watch it live on Thursday November 15 and check back here for Video.

Look for Lurch on TV soon!
Lurch is taking Hollywood by the horns! A television series featuring Lurch & the Herd is in development now.

Lurch coming to Bookshelves everywhere!
A series of children’s books featuring Lurch & the Herd and many wonderful stories from Rocky Ridge Refuge is in the works. Check back here for updates and pre order information.