A Dog's Last Will ....

Perfectly true sentiment...absolutely the best thing you can do in honor of your deceased pet...

**ADOPT** Don't SHOP!!!!!

ADOPT !!!! Don' t go to a breeder!! Shelter dogs are terrific and deserve a second chance!  This is a beautiful video, please watch it ; }

Don't forget to pause the music player above.

It's astonishing and upsetting to know just how many animals have to be destroyed because there is no one willing to give them a home.

It's a myth that all shelter dogs are somehow less intelligent, less trainable, or less worthwhile than ones gotten from other sources.

More people are willing to buy from a backyard breeder of dubious character than to adopt a dog from a shelter. That's just wrong!

A Shelter Dog's Poem
unknown author

Once upon a time, you see,

There was this little pup

For reasons unbeknownst to me,

His family gave him up

Maybe it was chewing

Everything that he could find

Maybe they were busy and

Just didn't have the time

They took him to the shelter

And they just left him there

Outside, alone, in the cage

Shivering and scared

Even though they knew inside

If he went through those doors

He may never have the chance

To find a home like yours

He sat there crying silently

Wondering what he did

That was so bad that they just

Had to leave him like they did

However fate was smiling

On that little pup that day

Because a lady saw him

And she whisked him right away

He got a second chance at life

That others may have not

And now he's in a loving home

With everything he wants

Every day he gets that love

That he was looking for

And silently is thankful for when

She walked through that door

Others may not have this chance

So open up your heart

And adopt a shelter dog to take

And give a brand new start

***A Letter From A Shelter Manager***

I think our society needs a huge "Wake-up" call. As a shelter manager, I am going to share a little insight with you all...a view from the inside if you will.

First off, all of you breeders/sellers should be made to work in the "back" of an animal shelter for just one day. Maybe if you saw the life drain from a few sad, lost, confused eyes, you would change your mind about breeding and selling to people you don't even know.

That puppy you just sold will most likely end up in my shelter when it's not a cute little puppy anymore. So how would you feel if you knew that there's about a 90% chance that dog will never walk out of the shelter it is going to be dumped at? Purebred or not! About 50% of all of the dogs that are "owner surrenders" or "strays", that come into my shelter are purebred dogs.

The most common excuses I hear are; "We are moving and we can't take our dog (or cat)." Really? Where are you moving too that doesn't allow pets? Or they say "The dog got bigger than we thought it would". How big did you think a German Shepherd would get? "We don't have time for her". Really? I work a 10-12 hour day and still have time for my 6 dogs! "She's tearing up our yard". How about making her a part of your family? They always tell me "We just don't want to have to stress about finding a place for her we know she'll get adopted, she's a good dog".

Odds are your pet won't get adopted & how stressful do you think being in a shelter is? Well, let me tell you, your pet has 72 hours to find a new family from the moment you drop it off. Sometimes a little longer if the shelter isn't full and your dog manages to stay completely healthy. If it sniffles, it dies. Your pet will be confined to a small run/kennel in a room with about 25 other barking or crying animals. It will have to relieve itself where it eats and sleeps. It will be depressed and it will cry constantly for the family that abandoned it. If your pet is lucky, I will have enough volunteers in that day to take him/her for a walk. If I don't, your pet won't get any attention besides having a bowl of food slid under the kennel door and the waste sprayed out of its pen with a high-powered hose. If your dog is big, black or any of the "Bully" breeds (pit bull, rottie, mastiff, etc) it was pretty much dead when you walked it through the front door.

Those dogs just don't get adopted. It doesn't matter how 'sweet' or 'well behaved' they are.

If your dog doesn't get adopted within its 72 hours and the shelter is full, it will be destroyed. If the shelter isn't full and your dog is good enough, and of a desirable enough breed it may get a stay of execution, but not for long . Most dogs get very kennel protective after about a week and are destroyed for showing aggression. Even the sweetest dogs will turn in this environment. If your pet makes it over all of those hurdles chances are it will get kennel cough or an upper respiratory infection and will be destroyed because shelters just don't have the funds to pay for even a $100 treatment.

Here's a little euthanasia 101 for those of you that have never witnessed a perfectly healthy, scared animal being "put-down".

First, your pet will be taken from its kennel on a leash. They always look like they think they are going for a walk happy, wagging their tails. Until they get to "The Room", every one of them freaks out and puts on the brakes when we get to the door. It must smell like death or they can feel the sad souls that are left in there, it's strange, but it happens with every one of them. Your dog or cat will be restrained, held down by 1 or 2 vet techs depending on the size and how freaked out they are. Then a euthanasia tech or a vet will start the process. They will find a vein in the front leg and inject a lethal dose of the "pink stuff". Hopefully your pet doesn't panic from being restrained and jerk. I've seen the needles tear out of a leg and been covered with the resulting blood and been deafened by the yelps and screams. They all don't just "go to sleep", sometimes they spasm for a while, gasp for air and defecate on themselves.

When it all ends, your pets corpse will be stacked like firewood in a large freezer in the back with all of the other animals that were killed waiting to be picked up like garbage. What happens next? Cremated? Taken to the dump? Rendered into pet food? You'll never know and it probably won't even cross your mind. It was just an animal and you can always buy another one, right?

I hope that those of you that have read this are bawling your eyes out and can't get the pictures out of your head I deal with everyday on the way home from work.

I hate my job, I hate that it exists & I hate that it will always be there unless you people make some changes and realize that the lives you are affecting go much farther than the pets you dump at a shelter.

Between 9 and 11 MILLION animals die every year in shelters and only you can stop it. I do my best to save every life I can but rescues are always full, and there are more animals coming in everyday than there are homes.

My point to all of this DON'T BREED OR BUY WHILE SHELTER PETS DIE!

Hate me if you want to. The truth hurts and reality is what it is. I just hope I maybe changed one persons mind about breeding their dog, taking their loving pet to a shelter, or buying a dog. I hope that someone will walk into my shelter and say "I saw this and it made me want to adopt". THAT WOULD MAKE IT WORTH IT

For those of you that care --- please repost this to at least one other person. Let's see if we can get this all around the World and have an impact.

***Announcing*** Jan 2011 Cause for the PAWS crop

“Cause for the Paws Crop” 2

January 7-9, 2011

Every year, six to eight million cats and dogs are put into shelters – and as many as four million are euthanized. With the drastic economic crisis that has hit the United States, our shelters and rescues are struggling to provide for the animals that have been abandoned on their doorsteps.

With your help, we can change this!

This is a time when local animals need us the most! With the recession and home foreclosure crisis costing them their homes and families, thousands of innocent animals depend upon us to save, rescue and adopt them, more now, than ever before.

Please join us January 7th, 8th, and 9th for “Cause for the PAWS Crop” 2 to benefit animal rescue. This will be held at the Kenilworth Lodge in Sebring, Florida.

Crop begins at 3pm Friday through 3pm Sunday.

Below you will find some basic information regarding this incredible event. 

Join us for:

• A weekend or full day away from responsibilities

• Plenty of time and space to crop

• Classes for learning new techniques

• Contests, games and prizes

• A chance to meet and interact with other scrapbookers

• Great food (including chocolate!)

• Relaxation with opportunities to pamper yourself in the beautiful surroundings of the historic Kenilworth Lodge in Sebring, Florida

There will be:

• Live Auctions

• Raffles – lots of raffles featuring both scrapbooking and non-scrapbooking items

• Prizes and giveaways throughout the weekend

• Games, contests and surprises

• Door prizes given throughout the weekend

• A block of rooms reserved under the name of ‘Cause for the Paws Crop” at the Kenilworth Lodge in Sebring, Florida. (Special rates available so be sure to mention our group.)

• Personal cropping space at a table in our non-stop cropping room! (Yes! You can crop all night long!)

Classes:

• Tantalizing classes will be held throughout the weekend.

• Information on these classes will be forwarded to each registrant once classes are scheduled.

• The blog will also be updated with class information as it becomes available.

• A full range of classes on unique techniques will be offered each day.

• Leave each class with a completed project or a new idea for use in your scrapbook.

• Make and takes will also be available throughout the weekend.

Vendors:

• Local Scrapbooking Store

• National scrapbooking and stamping company consultants

• Masseuse

• Plus more!

Meals & snacks provided throughout the weekend:

• Dinner provided Friday and Saturday night.

• Lunch provided Saturday and Sunday.

• Meals are prepared and served by a professional chef.

• Kenilworth provides a very nice complimentary Deluxe Continental Breakfast each morning featuring waffles, muffins, doughnuts, juices, cereals and much, much more!

• A variety of snacks, soda, iced tea and bottled water will be provided throughout the entire weekend as well.

Surprises:

• We have surprises galore in store for you throughout the weekend.

• This is guaranteed to be a crop you do not want to miss!

There are several ways for you to acquire the registration form. If you have a Google account you can print the form here  (Google is free)

If you are on the email list then an email was sent to you today with the pdf file attached (you must have Adobe Reader installed in order to open this file) free also  

Contact:

Denita Wishart

813-382-8473

causeforthepaws@yahoo.com

Thanks in advance for helping the furry ones……….

“Sometimes life’s greatest gifts come wrapped in fur.”

Check Presentation to LOST ANGELS ANIMAL RESCUE!

Ladies, it felt as though this day would never get here not only to us but I’m sure to you too!!

As I’m sure you can understand, we didn’t want to take anything away from the element of surprise for the founders and volunteers at Lost Angels Animal Rescue.  

Below is an account for all monies raised. You will be receiving this document soon along with your receipt so please keep a watch out for it via email.

Registrations = $3525.00

Live Auction = $1796.19

Raffles =          $1581.00

                         $6902.19

EXPENSES

            Meals = $1536.50 

            Misc   =   $777.29

                         $ 2373.79

  $6902.19  TOTAL RAISED

- $2373.79

  $4528.40  Raised for “Lost Angels Animal Rescue”

Total raised does not including gift certificates and dog food donations.

Here is the video taken of the live presentation as promised. It is very hard to hear so be sure to stop the music player here on the blog and turn your speakers all the way up.

This is the mock check that we had made. It is 2ft x 4ft and turned out incredible in my opinion!!

A few pictures from today’s event…..

If you ladies have not yet sent me the pictures that you took at the crop please do so as I would like to upload *ALL* to a web album that way everyone can see them and save what they want. I will post the link to the web album here on the blog in the next couple of days.

Our next crop will be Jan 7th, 8th & 9th 2011. The registration form is completed and I will be sending it out next week. 

THANK YOU again for your support!! We couldn't have done this without each and everyone of you!!

*SUCCESS* *SUCCESS* *SUCCESS*

Well ladies, I am still spinning from this weekend as you can all imagine. I know that I am starting to sound a bit like a broken record but I have to say thank you once again to each and every one of you. If it were not for you, my dream would not have become a reality!

Most of you have probably already heard that the next two “Cause for the PAWS” events have been scheduled.

I have made the executive decision to keep the number of registrants to 50 therefore the idea of having 2 crops a year was born.

The dates are . . .

January 7^th, 8^th & 9^th 2011

November 4^th, 5^th & 6^th 2011

Both will be held at the Kenilworth Lodge again. All the details will be sent out, but for now there are a lot of details to be handled to wrap up our first event.

Stay posted as I promised, I will be posting a complete detailed accounting of all monies and also a video of us presenting Lost Angels Animal Rescue with a check.

You will also be receiving a receipt.

Have a *GREAT* week ladies!

5 More days!!!

Well ladies, only 5 more days and we will be scrapping till our hearts are content!! Unlimited scrapping (you can scrap all night long should you desire)

I have added the rest of the pictures for Val’s class. This “Radical Teen” chipboard album is a must have! I’m actually going make this album all about my teenager furry child “Leyna” (to see the rest of the album, just scroll down to classes being offered)

Some things you might want to put on your packing list . . .

1. Sweater or jacket as this room tends to run chilly in my opinion.

2. Fan, if you happen to fall on the other side of the thermostat.

3. Light

4. Extension cord and or power strip (please mark with your name)

5. Cushion or pillow for your tush.

6. **Drinking container with a LID**

7. Address labels for raffle tickets (eliminates writers cramp).

8. **CASH** to purchase raffle tickets.

As you know, all of the funds raised this weekend are for Lost Angels Animal Rescue and medical care is at an all time high. Whatever amount we raise this weekend will help them immensely! Knowing that another huge part of their expense is food, we thought that it would be fun for all of you to participate in helping feed them as well. So here’s the deal, go to your local Petsmart or Petco and either buy a gift certificate or purchase a quality brand dog food and we will give you a raffle ticket for every dollar spent!! (Be sure to keep your receipt)

There will be an Expression Cricut for you to use, you will just need to bring your own mat and cartridges.

 

Our First Class to *SELL* out!!!

Class update…

Flower Power is officially sold out! If you are interested in the other classes please do not hesitate to sign up right away. I don’t want any of you to miss out.

Menu’s…

Saturday and Sunday breakfast you are on your own although, the Kenilworth does provide a fabulous “Deluxe” continental breakfast from 6-10am

Friday Dinner 6/4

Tossed Salad with rolls

Chicken Piccatta with a Lemon Caper Sauce Herbed Linguine

Italian Mixed Vegetables

Tiramisu

Saturday Lunch 6/5

Chicken Caesar Wraps

Potato Salad

Cole Slaw

Assorted Cookies

Saturday Dinner 6/5

Tossed Salad with Rolls

Yankee Pot Roast with pan drippings

Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Green Beans Almondine

Pecan Pie

Sunday Lunch 6/6

Turkey and Swiss on a Croissant

Pasta Salad

Slice Fruit

Dessert Bars

There will be bottled water, sweet & un-sweet tea and an assortment of soda available at all times.

A variety of snacks will be provided throughout the weekend!

Classes being offered . . .

We have 5 Classes being offered!

DISTRESS, LAYER, STAMP AND EMBOSS with Pam

This class will show you how to use Distress Inks, metal and embossing in a layered effect to use on your scrapbook pages, cards or wall hangings. Some of the layering will include 2 kinds of crackle medium, chipboard treatments, fibers, masking and embellishments. Lots of techniques. You will complete 4-6 different tags that can be used as samples for “how to’s” for later or put right onto a scrapbook page.

Cost: $15.00 includes all supplies and use of stamps, inks, powders, etc.

Class will be 1-2 hours depending on how many tags you make.

Please bring scissors, stylus and clear craft glue

Getting Fancy with Copic with Janet

Explore all the fun you can have with Copic Markers. This workshop is designed to help you create using alcohol inks and your Copic Markers. In this class you will splash into fun using Fancy Pants Designs Rusted Sun Summer Line of papers, and coordinating embellishments. Using Copic Markers you will embellish a clear acrylic scallop accordion mini album made by Maya Road all while working on all types of surfaces such as the acrylic, transparencies, bling, and so much more. In this workshop you will also use the airbrush system by Copic as well to highlight areas in this mini album. This class is filled with product, information, and so much more. 
Approx. 2 hrs     $30.00

Sketch This with Coleen
This workshop is designed to help you take your work to the next level. In this class we take a sketch from Becky Flecks popular book Scrapbook Page Maps, and use it to design a layout of our own. In this class you will use the latest and greatest products from Basic Grey’s Max and Whiskers NEW line of papers. We will work with a variety of products including: designer papers, rub-ons, bling, fibers, and ink. Be prepared to take your work to the next level! This kit is jammed full of products. You will get pops, element stickers, dollies, rub ons, and all the papers.  
This is a 2 page layout and will be approx. 2 hours. $25
Your basic tool kit will be required: Trimmer, Adhesive, Scissors, Pop Dots, Brown Distress Inks, and a rub-on tool. Diamond Glaze, or Crystal Lacquer is optional. 

Flower Power Class with Natasha
SOLD OUT!!!!

In this class I'll be teaching lots of different ways to make different flowers for your scrapbook and craft projects. This class will be full of different techniques that you have probably never tried before! I've narrowed it down to my top 10 favorite flowers, so not only will you learn how to make those 10 but you will learn how to make some variations of those too using different techniques and product. You won't go home with just flowers though, I'm going to be giving you a cute little flower recipe book to embellish that will have all your flower instructions printed up for you inside, just to refresh your memory when making your flowers at home!

The Class fee is $15.00 and every bit of that goes to the Cause for the Paws Charity!

2 hours

Note: Depending on supply, the card-stock we use for the flowers you make in class may differ than those pictured!

Radical Teen Chipboard Album with Valerie

6x6 Chipboard Album, with loads of embellishments. Colorful and distressed!
Can customize for boy or girl. Class price $25. Leave with completed album and much more product for scrapbook layouts.

Ladies, please look over the class descriptions and choose your choices. Please email me at causeforthepaws@yahoo.com right away with form of payment so that the teachers can put their kits together!

Remember that a portion if not all of your class fee will goes towards helping the furry ones!!

                                                          

Crop is right around the corner!!!

Ladies, it won't be long now!

Less then four weeks away and I can already hear the chatter and laughter in the room. You will be receiving multiple emails over the next couple of weeks updating you on several things like the classes be offered, the menu etc. Practice your singing skills.....just sayin'

Hope you are getting excited. We are!!

This is our newest rescue in our house. Her name is "Tasha". She is a 6 year old Umbrella Cockatoo and quite the ham    ; }

             "Better to light a candle for one lost animal            

  than to curse the darkness of man's indifference.
Saving just one animal won't change the world
but it surely will change the world for that one animal.

Without us they have no voice.
                  REMEMBER PLEASE, Deep inside the heart and soul
of every unwanted, neglected and abused animal
is the ultimate desire to be loved!"
Anonymous

If you treat the animals with cruelty, meanness,neglect and abuse and see this as your "right", how must you treat those around you...they can reason - they can think - some can even talk - but they can ALL suffer..  A.Lawrence