From Bluebrooch

By Elaine of http://bluebrooch.etsy.com , who lives in this beautiful spot.

Not many people have the luxury of living right in the middle of the African bush, but I have!

I have been lucky enough to spend the last 7 years living and working at game lodges in Africa together with my husband. We live in a pretty remote area in South Africa with the closest real civilization 40 minutes away by car. We get to experience life surrounded by creatures big and small every day, elephants in our garden at night, leopard cubs playing tag on the dirt roads and hyena nibbling at our front door! The only little “domestic” treasures that share our lives here are our four finches and Hunter, a golden cocker spaniel by birth but a small human by belief.


I also love all things beautiful and riveted with stories and I like to create unique jewelry as I am not too fond of wearing something that hundreds of others have. My “studio” is our patio where I can watch the bushbuck grazing and I am inspired by things that make the child in all of us come out to play. That could mean an African bangle one day, a dainty flower necklace the next. My jewelry pieces are reminiscent of the charmed life I have here in the bush and the dust around me. These are my charmed treasures, all things whimsical and fun, made of dust and dreams!

Bright Haven Charity of the Month

From Nicole of http://brizel4theanimals.etsy.com

I am absolutely delighted that my BrightHaven nomination for the month of November was chosen by the Radomizer... and here we are... Team EFA (Etsy for animals) are raising money through our sales to benefit this wonderful organization !


When you have a moment, please visit their web site: http://www.brighthaven.org
There is a wonderful video introduction on their front page.


Their mission statement reads: "BrightHaven is dedicated to the rescue, care and enhancement of the lives of senior and disabled animals. We are also dedicated to a program of research and education, arising from the miraculous results we have seen, when the balance of natural feeding, holistic care and modern medicine are used in a loving family environment."

"BrightHaven is a Healing Arts Center for animals and our primary focus is to educate the public on the many natural alternatives to conventional health care or euthanasia."


"Our focus is, in particular that of hospice care and transition itself. Over the last fifteen years we have offered both sanctuary and hospice care to hundreds of animals, and wish now to use our experience to help others care for their senior or special needs animals."

"Currently BrightHaven is home to 34 cats, four dogs, four horses, a pig, two goats and a number of farmyard birds and the work load is intense! These animals and birds are our close family members and we journey through their care we are constantly learning more and more and find ourselves very well able to offer advice based upon our experiences."


"We are extremely hopeful that, through our program of education others will now come forward to open their hearts and homes as we have done and continue this extraordinary mission we have begun."


"We also envisage that, as the word is spread both by us and also the ever changing and growing veterinary community, that many will undertake the care at home of their senior or special needs pets."


Many members of EFA (Etsy for Animals) will give part of their profits to help this wonderful cause... here are some of the items that will benefit BrightHaven if sold during the month of November.

Out team leader Michele, Etsy store owner mvegan5, created this wonderful treasury to spread the word throughout Etsy !


If you'd like more information about November's Charity of the month -- please visit our Forum thread.

My Thanks to all my fellow EFA members !

*Photos reproduced by kind permission of BrightHaven

Parrot Toy Angels 2009 Holiday Auction

Parrot Toy Angels 2009 Holiday Auction

November 5 10:00am PDT – November 15, 2009
Posted with permission. Crossposting appreciated.

The 2009 Holiday Auction officially begins November 5 at 10:00am PDT.
We have Eclectus, Grey, Quaker, ‘Too, ‘Tiel and Macaw themed gifts.
We have gifts for birds, for humans, even cats and dogs. We have “safe” bird toys and toy making supplies.
We have books and bags, totes and toys, cards and candles, hand painted wine glasses and ornaments.
We're also offering a variety of gifts for you, your bird loving friends and family.

Here's a sneak peak
Holiday 2009 Auction Preview
But before the bidding begins, we would be remiss if we did not give a huge "Thank You" to all of our generous 2009 donors
AND all the list owners for allowing us to post this notice.

Click here to go direct to our eBay store:
Parrot Toy Angels eBay Store

Have fun...bid often! And remember…
100% of the proceeds from this auction go to the cause we hold dear:
Making a difference...one bird at a time!

We thank you for your support!

Christmas is coming.... It's time for a book raffle!

from our gingercatpress:


Winter is on it's way. It's time to snuggle up with a good book in front of a cozy fire and I have the puuurfect pussycat tale! That Stripy Cat!

For the month of December and November every $15.00 purchase from gingercatpress.etsy.com will enter your name in a raffle for a signed hardcover copy of my book, That Stripy Cat! Wow!

To earn a bonus entry in my raffle simply purchase an item from my etsyforanimals section in addition to your 15.00 dollar purchase.

1 raffle entry = One $15.00 purchase

2 raffle entries =One $15.00 purchase + An etsyforanimals donation item( $5.00 Donation).

Enter my raffle as many times as you like. Five dollars of every donation item will be donated to etsyforanimals.com's charity of the month in January 2010.

For more info about my book please visit: thatstripycat.blogspot.com

To Learn and discover all the talented artists that support etsyforanimals please visit: etsyforanimals

Flora Fauna Function

from Recycling Zychal:
www.recyclingzychal.etsy.com
www.blog.recyclingzychal.com
www.tarynzychal.com

EFA Member, Taryn Zychal of Recycling Zychal has spent the past 5 years of her life salvaging broken umbrellas from the trash and turning them into functional, stylish made-to-order dog raincoats. As she gets ready to launch the next phase of her highly anticipated broken umbrella line this November that will include new products for pets, home and baby, she’s also answering to the calls of animals in need. Recycling Zychal has developed FLORA FAUNA FUNCTION, a program designed to put broken umbrellas in her hands, keeping them out of the trash all while helping to raise money for non-profit animal helping organizations.

FLORA FAUNA FUNCTION works by having high traffic area businesses volunteer to put Broken Umbrella Recycling Bins, provided by Recycling Zychal, in their store. Patrons and new customers can then use the bin to donate and recycle their broken umbrella. When the bin is filled, Taryn will come and collect the umbrellas and Recycling Zychal will then donate $1 for each one donated to a group of rotating organizations, the first one being the Morris Animal Refuge in center city Philadelphia.

“It’s a triple win”, says Zychal, “You’re keeping the broken umbrellas out of the trash by recycling them, helping animals, and supporting a green business, all the while, it helps the business hosting the bin out by supporting a green movement and bringing in new customers.”

If you are interested in donating your broken umbrella to Recycling Zychal or setting up a Broken Umbrella Bin at your business, please contact Taryn directly here: info@recyclingzychal.com

2 Dachshund Holiday Cards

From EFA member http://doxiedoodles.etsy.com



"I created 2 dachshund holiday cards specifically for a dachshund rescue and donated both pieces -- they are selling them now and 100 percent goes to dachshund in need for all of their needs -- WOW does it help them out!

http://www.allamericandachshundrescue.org/info/display?PageID=5194

Shelter Dog Month

from http://benmcfuzzylugs.etsy.com

The Lonesome Road Studio reminded me in her blog that October is 'Adopt a shelter dog month'

It is also 1 year ago this month that my little pound dog Mia came to live with me.

Its been quite a steep learning curve with Mia learning how to deal with a dog with 'issues' But she is smart and loving and once I realised that she is like Scrappy Doo - all shouting because she is v scared of strange dogs. She is actually a gentle soul and has never attacked another dog (except settling in scuffles with Ben)

Ben is also a rescue dog from the Dogs Trust

I urge anyone considering a new dog to think about a rescue. It is so difficult to find a decent breeder these days with so many people churning out thousands of puppies just for money with no thought for the poor breeding dogs, the temperament or health of the puppies or the poor new owners who they fleece for thousands of £'s to buy their poorly bred 'designer crossbreeds' (read mutts) or 'pedigrees with papers' (papers can be anything - and a pedigree is no proof of good breeding)

Rescues can have puppies, they can have older mature dogs whos temperament has been assessed and you can KNOW if the dog will fit into your lifestyle. Rescues can compete successfully in the highest levels of dog sports or can be great family companions.

Before you buy that cute puppy (and encourage the breeder to churn out the next litter of puppies into an overcrowded world) take a while to look around a rescue.

and if you cannot take on another dog at the moment how about a little donation to one of the great charities that help look after and rehome these poor guys who need a chance to find a loving home??

To make it even easier I have a listing in my shop, for only $3 (all of which goes to the charity that rescued Mia) you receive a collage of lots of rescued dogs happy in their new home and a lovely poem of thanks.

Or if you are looking for a lovely Greyhound in Scotland - have a look here

Thanks
Pam Duthie

Checkout my Blog for Ben's agility training, my needle felted critters and all the etsy shops I love

http://benmcfuzzylugs.blogspot.com
http://benmcfuzzylugs.etsy.com

Help A Chance for Bliss

A plea from AnnRan:

URGENT: A Chance for Bliss needs to raise $60K before the end of November '09 or they are in danger of losing the ranch. Any amount will help and you can donate via the link below. Click here to read a letter with more information. And click here to read a great article that appeared in the San Francisco Examiner.

A Chance for Bliss (ACB) is an animal sanctuary in northern California, not far from my home. Committed to the care and welfare of special needs and elderly animals, particularly canine and equine, ACB is a wonderful place with caring staff and volunteers. Animals that find their way to ACB find a forever home full of unending love and support. Because they take in senior and special needs animals, ACB's veterinary bills and expenses for special feed and medicines are quite high, so any amount you can give will be greatly appreciated.

I support ACB through my art sales on Etsy and Bonanzle.
Click either link to see the listings that benefit them.

Help the Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA

from their website....

Since the Station Fire first broke out, the Pasadena Humane Society has been on the front lines helping those affected by the fire. As of Tuesday, we had already taken in more than 360 frightened and confused animals from evacuated areas.

Responding to a disaster of this scale is an expensive and exhausting endeavor. The Pasadena Humane Society is dedicated to providing the highest level of care for the evacuated animals. Our commitment to feed, shelter and care for the animals affected by this fire is unlimited, but unfortunately—our financial resources are not.

You can help by making a financial contribution today. Please, be as generous as you can. If we raise more money than we need for this emergency, we will use those funds to care for the other animals at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA. Thank you so much for caring for the animals!

September Charity of the Month

September Charity of the Month; Dachshund Rescue of North America; http://drna.org was chosen by http://rendachs.etsy.com

Dachshund Rescue of North America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with one sole purpose — rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing needy dachshunds and mostly dachshund mixes. We are a network of experienced rescue people throughout the United States and Canada who were previously doing rescue independently and realized the benefits of joining together and combining resources. Last year we placed 1009 dogs.