The Loneliest Victim......

Something to think about....What would happen if everyone that stepped up to adopt or foster a dog that made the news was willing to help out a dog that has been waiting patiently in the shelter/humane society/ rescue for someone to notice them and love them? What a difference people could make if they were willing to open their homes to a wallflower

The Loneliest Victim

Many wonderful people open their homes to the victimized pets made famous by media reports, but close their hearts to the other animals in the shelter

Buddy is ugly. Really. He's a good dog, a Shar Pei mix (OK, I admit, I'm no fan of Shar-Peis) with a bristly coat. He's already neutered, walks well on a leash, four years old, a little overweight (read fat), and he loves people. He also has entropion, a slight case that will cost extra to fix for a potential new owner. His owner leans down to him, rests his forehead on Buddy's, and when he lifts his head, he's crying. He signs the paper and turns away, without looking back. Buddy follows me willingly, as he has done everything in his life.

"Why'd he sign him over?" I ask the staffer at the front desk.

"His wife is pregnant, and won't let Buddy in the house anymore. She says Buddy belongs in a house with his people."

I nod. Whew. That's a tough one. I silently send up a prayer for that marriage, and a hope that the wife will see her husband's broken heart and send him back for Buddy.

Two days later and that hasn't happened. Buddy is still here, on the decision list. Along with eight other dogs, including a Doberman pup who had his throat slashed in a domestic argument. That one will find a home. He's been on the news, and there are five people, at least, willing to adopt him and love him and save him. The pup is poorly socialized, still has some hefty vet bills and training problems to work through, and he has to recover enough from the initial assault to be anesthetized for his neuter surgery. Meanwhile, we screen the list of candidates to decide who gets him.

It happens every time a dog or cat makes the news with a pitiful story of abuse or neglect. Many wonderful people call in or show up, wanting to adopt the animal who has been treated so horribly. They open their homes to dogs or cats who have long lists of problems, but close their hearts to the others in our kennels—dogs like Buddy, who has probably never been mistreated in his life, who deserves and misses, probably more than any other, a loving home, and would be willing to give his heart and soul to a new family. Buddy's not a victim, though; no one lines up to save him. The kennels are full, and he has this eye problem.

So I hang Buddy's tag down, and mark him on the list.

Tomorrow morning, after we feed the dogs and before we open for business, Buddy will be euthanized humanely.

Because he's not a victim.

Someone ought a tell Buddy.



Classes.........

VINTAGE 

How to make your ‘new’ designs look aged like your grandmother or great grandmother made it.        

                    

Techniques we will be learning are:

            Distressing, staining, embossing, and tearing

            Tools you will be using that may be new to you are:

                        Big Shot & Embossing folders

                        Files, Sanding blocks, and Scissor’s edge

These techniques are great for scrapbook pages too! It takes a special scrapbook page and elevates it to a higher level!! Your friends will be envious of all you will learn in this class.

We will be making three (3) projects: 2 Cards and a 3 dimensional. Don’t worry you will have plenty of time and materials for practicing!

Supplies you will need to bring: (if you don’t have some of these things…don’t fret, we all share!)

·        Adhesive: tape runner or glue stick, adhesive pen if you have one

·        Pair of scissors, tweezers

·        Wet wipes

·        Sanding Block

·        Sponges

At the end of the class, there will be a drawing and three (3) different gals will win one of the Stamp Sets we used, a Distressing kit, and a Vintage embossing folder!!  Each participant will receive a coupon for a free ‘Day Pass’ at our new studio in Punta Gorda, ‘The Crafting Cow’ or free Shipping on your next order! How cool is that!!

On top of all of the above:

·        $5 of each gal’s class fee goes to ‘A Cause for Paws’

·        20% of all orders placed at the class goes to the  ‘Paws’

·        10% of the price of all items on the table during the Class goes to the ‘Paws’

Fee: $20.00 
Class instructor: Sherrill Braun

'CRICUT 101'  Are you curious about this new machine called the Cricut?  Have you bought one but have never used it?  Or have one you haven’t used enough?  Are you thinking about buying one?  Then this class is for YOU!   Covering all the basics including: *** The difference in the Personal Cricut, the Create and the Expression *** Mat Care, old and new *** Tools and Accessories: The JukeBox, Markers and more *** Terminology & Tips *** Cutting the Images *** Layering the Images *** Special Features *** Storage Solutions *** How to Preview Cartridges Before You Buy Them *** Resources *** The Next Generation   This class includes MANY handouts that you will refer to again and again, as well as items ready for your scrapbook page or the front of a card.  Cost of the class is $20.00. Instructor: Ginni Carrican.

"Power Cropping" Class

Meal Plan.  Grocery List. A Will. Laying out your clothes the night before. A page kit. What do all these things have in common? Decisions are made ahead of time that simplifies the end process.  Come learn how page kits can help you be more productive with less mess, less agony and reduce the amount of things you bring with you to a cropping event.  Come learn from a cropper that did 67 pages at one weekend crop.  Stop buying page kits ... and make your own.  This informative class could change you from a 'bring the kitchen sink cropper' to one who hit's the cropping room ready to be productive. During the class we will be building a page kit, designed around the PAWS crop theme, for each person.  Cost of the class $15.00, approximate time 40-60 minutes.  Instructor: Ginni Carrican

"ALL DRESSED UP"

Teaching for Posh Scraps, Jules has designed a cute
project that is perfect for the laundry room , a child's bedroom or as
a gift for others or yourself.  You will recieve the papers, the
embellishments, the child's wooden hanger and three darling pint sized
white hangers along with the templates so you can make more for
yourself or even change them out seasonably.  A template for a little
boy's tee shirt and coveralls is also included.  You will also learn a
variety of ways to 'water proof' projects.  
Price 28.00

Instructor: Jules Eickmeier

Mini "coin envelope" Photo Album

 

 In honor of our furry friends learn to make a "mini" photo album out of coin envelopes.  Your choice of a "WOOF" or "MEOW" theme album to display photos of your favorite pet.  
 
Discover how EASY it is for YOU to CREATE a fun album out of coin envelopes.  Once you learn the EASY technique it will be a cinch to make these albums for other occasions (I.e.:  birthdays, anniversary's, holidays, etc.)
Class includes all supplies to complete an 8 page album (4 - 2 sided pages) complete with additional tags and pockets.  Also included will be embellishments, charms, fibers, and, of course a dog or cat collar to keep your album closed....
 
Supplies you will need to bring:  scissors, glue, paper trimmer, tape runner, white or black fine marker to outline the letters. 
 
FEE:   $20.00  (please indicate with registration whether you will be making a WOOF or MEOW album)
 
INSTRUCTOR:  April Smith

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!!

                                                          

**SOLD** OUT!!!!

Just mentioning once again that yes, we are **SOLD OUT**!! I have received 6 registrations beyond what we had originally planned for ; }

You probably know by now that we have started a company called "Cheeky Chics Scrapbooking" and have several crops on the calendar with more to come so you can check us out here.

**Classes** will be posted any day now, just waiting for a couple more teachers to send me photos with details. We have 4 classes total at this point. If you would like to offer a class please contact me asap.

Want to know how you can earn **FREE** raffle tickets? A few weeks ago I sent out an email asking for donations for our raffle table from you ... the attendees.  Thank you to those whom have responded! To thank you for your donation we have decided to thank you for your items donated by giving you free raffle tickets. So here is your chance to up your winnings from the raffle table, send your donations NOW to us and you will receive your free tickets upon arrival ; }



Be sure to check back often as I will be updating the blog more frequently!!

**Cruise** Stay tuned as details will be posted soon about our first "Cause for the PAWS" fund-raising cruise sailing ship next year!! All family members will be welcome. ♥

One by One, they pass by my cage,
Too old, too worn, too broken, no way.

...Way past his time, he can't run and play.
...Then they shake their heads slowly and go on their way

A little old man, arthritic and sore,
It seems I am not wanted anymore.
I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm, and where I was fed.

Now my muzzle is grey, and my eyes slowly fail.
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didn't belong,
I got in their way, my attitude was wrong.
Whatever excuse they made in their head,
Can't justify how they left me for dead.

Now I sit in this cage, where day after day,
The younger dogs get adopted and driven away.
When I had almost come to the end of my rope,
You saw my face, and I finally had hope.

You saw thru the grey, and the legs bent with age,
And felt I still had life beyond this cage.
You took me home, gave me food and a bed,
And shared your own pillow with my poor tired head.

We snuggle and play, and you talk to me low,
You love me so dearly, you want me to know.
I may have lived most of my life with another,
But you outshine them with a love so much stronger.

And I promise to return all the love I can give,
To you, my dear person, as long as I live.
I may be with you for a week, or for years,
We will share many smiles, you will no doubt shed tears.

And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,
I know you will cry and your heart, it will grieve.
And when I arrive at the Bridge, all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.

And I will brag to all who will hear,
Of the person who made my last days so dear

Author Unknown

Message of *HOPE*: You're perfect just the way you are! Anti-bullying !!!!

This video is about hope, acceptance, adjusting expectations, allowing others to be who they truly are & focusing on the "can do's" in life which allows for a celebration of amazing outcomes. Hang in there, it WILL get better! You are perfect just the way you are, and have so much to offer the world... more than anyone can imagine! 

If you've never seen the video it will make you cry. "Ricochet" and her mom do a lot to help animals and folks who are differently-abled. They want to get the message out there that, no matter what anyone tells you, you're wonderful...just as you are.

I personally love the hidden message to us all in this story about "Ricochet". 

Hits home for me, how about you?????

Be sure to pause the music player at the top of this page!

Why Am I The Chosen One? Priceless......

Time For An Update!

I have not posted lately as I have been furiously working away on our upcoming crop in Jan!

As most of you probably already know, we were SOLD OUT as of September 16th and are  now at 53 attendees and there are still a few more that need to be added (on-site store ladies etc)

To those of you whom are new here to the blog, I am going to insert a few links for you to read and watch videos from our first fundraiser this past June. The first one is a post that I did on my personal blog following the event and you can view it here.Then of course, the post here at home at Cause For The PAWS can be viewed here.

Donations are starting to arrive and I will be updating the blog soon about those as well! 

If you have any items you would like to donate for either the raffle table or the live auction, we would be ever so grateful!!!!!!! Items can be anything from scrapbook related to something handmade. Last time in the live auction we had things like a refurbished desktop computer, a mandolin, a beautiful large framed piece of artwork, a leather jacket and the list goes on and on...so as you see, anything goes!! Please contact me at causeforthepaws@yahoo.com to discuss how to get the items from you to me ; } 

There are several classes scheduled and I will be posting the information & pictures for those as I receive them. If you or someone you know would like to teach a class there is room for more. All classes are held in a private room just outside of the crop room! Classes are limited to 10 students per class. 

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.”