It’s Still Our City | Ep. 9 Haley and Taylor from Richmond Animal Care & Control

by | May 27, 2025 | ART, COMMUNITY, PODCASTS, SMALL BUSINESS, STREET ART

“Man, I can’t imagine an alternate reality in which I’m not a completely obsessed cat person. When I was very young, a stray kitten was yelling at me from across the street near my mom’s workplace. I remember getting out of the station wagon to embrace the kee keez, knowing I’d get in trouble. My mom came back to the car and looked bummed at first—then her heart dropped, and she smiled ear to ear when she saw TIGER.

Shortly thereafter, my father was having full-on conversations with Tiger, and I immediately understood the importance of the bond we have with our pets. They’re our family.

We met up with Haley and Taylor—two absolutely badass women who hold different but equally crucial roles within this animal shelter. This one is very important (and fun) for me, but at times it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. Please keep that in mind as you read through it.

I don’t envy these two, or anyone else working under this roof. But man, I absolutely respect them beyond belief.

My crappy band, Buzzard Dust, is currently writing a concept album where I wrote all the lyrics from the perspective of an extremely important cat in my life. All proceeds from the project are going to Richmond Animal Care & Control. I couldn’t have been more excited to hang out with Haley and Taylor. Everyone at this shelter is a goddamn saint. Please consider donating to them.

Huge thanks to Fuzzy Cactus for providing a safe space for us to record. Thank you to RVA Mag for always having our back. Sincerely hope everyone is keeping their head up in these mind-boggling times.” — host, Harrison Christy


RVA Magazine presents It’s Still Our City, a podcast hosted by Harrison Christy and with Clair Morgan as co-host and producer through NODDERLY. It’s an unfiltered dive into what gives Richmond, VA its edge, its charm, and its soul. If you’ve ever wondered what makes this city tick, this one’s for you.


Support RVA Magazine. Support independent media in Richmond. 
In a world where corporations and wealthy individuals now shape much of our media landscape, RVA Magazine remains fiercely independent, amplifying the voices of Richmond’s artists, musicians, and community. Since 2005, we’ve been dedicated to authentic, grassroots storytelling that highlights the people and culture shaping our city.

But we can’t do this without you. A small donation, even as little as $2 – one-time or recurring – helps us continue to produce honest, local coverage free from outside interference. Every dollar makes a difference. Your support keeps us going and keeps RVA’s creative spirit alive. Thank you for standing with independent media. DONATE HERE

Also, you can show your support by purchasing our merch HERE.

RVA Staff

RVA Staff

Since 2005, the dedicated team at RVA Magazine, known as RVA Staff, has been delivering the cultural news that matters in Richmond, VA. This talented group of professionals is committed to keeping you informed about the events and happenings in the city.




more in art

Can Firehouse Put Richmond on the National Theatre Map?

In the electric and perpetually sincere terrain of Richmond’s theatre culture, there are institutions that do more than merely reside, they lead. They serve as a measure of our city's potential beyond its natural aspirations. I've witnessed Firehouse Theatre inhabit...

Photos | Warriors in Bloom at Agecroft Hall

For one weekend, Agecroft Hall stopped being a museum and became a kingdom.  What began as a fundraiser to help launch Richmond's first Renaissance Faire has grown into a destination of its own. Warriors in Bloom, created by the folks at Virago Alley, returned with...

Everything We Did Was A Bad Idea

Editor's Note: Writer's Block is a space for Virginia writers to share personal essays, fiction, memoir, and works that fall somewhere in between. We’re standing on some corner in downtown Richmond: me, my two friends, a pair of women, and their male friend we had met...

Review | SAFETY! Swings Big But Falls Just Short

WARNING: This review contains baseball metaphors.  Cadence Theatre’s Pipeline New Works Program is at the plate again, with its last batter, Witchduck, staring at home from third base. It is literally the first swing ever for the new musical, SAFETY!, at Firehouse...

Before Anyone Was Watching

I went to Virginia MOCA expecting to hear Andy Howell talk about skateboarding. Instead, I left thinking about community and how people find each other. Howell's installation opens Seamless, the museum's new exhibition exploring the overlap between art and design. At...

The Strange Afterlife of Virginia’s President Heads

Editor's Note: Reminder, the sculptures are located on private property and are not open for general visitation. Access is available only through scheduled guided tours, with Labor Day weekend currently expected to be the final tour on the calendar. Tour information...