About Us

About Kids & Kritters

Kids & Kritters of the New River Valley, Inc. is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit operation dedicated to rescuing and nurturing animals who have been abandoned, abused or neglected back to health. The organization then returns the animals to useful life by incorporating them into programs with children who are either financially disadvantaged or who have suffered similar abuses as the animals themselves.

"Animals can make a deep connection with children, and can do so without words, without questions, and without answers. A child can connect with an animal on a level that heals deeper and feels safer than many other bonds that child may make in his/her lifetime. It is beautiful to see the magic that occurs when nature is able to do what it can do best, heal naturally, and without outside influence. The gift of nature cannot be replicated or forced, it is truly a wonder and blessing."

Crystal England RN, Children's Advocate

Our hopes for all of our rescued animals is for them to share their stories with children who have suffered similar abuses and neglect.

"My experience as a child/adolescent psychiatric nurse is that children heal best through play. Children who have suffered from abuse and neglect have huge holes in their souls. I find that one way for those holes to begin to heal and close is for the child to be able to feel empathy for another creature.

With animal therapy, the child has the opportunity to give to the animal, what they would want for themselves.

The healing begins there."

Virginia Gilfillian, RN, BSN

Director K&K of the NRV, Inc.