January Charity of the Month: HSMO

From Michelle of http://michellevielle.etsy.com;

When I read the article in TIME about the Humane Society of Missouri's
amazing rescue of over 500 dogs (who later gave birth to 100 puppies)
from a fighting ring-- the largest dog rescue in U.S. history!--I
wanted to find a way to help. When I saw the individual portraits and
descriptions of some of the rescued dogs (mostly pitbulls), it broke
my heart to think of them being tortured.

I have wonderful memories of living with a sweet pitbull named Tondu
who was the most loyal friend-- and biggest lapdog-- anyone could ask
for. When we went camping by the river, he would whimper when he saw
me go in the water and would jump in after me to "save" me. When I lay
down to rest, nothing would make him happier than to climb up on top
of me; he never understood why he wasn't a 2 lb puppy anymore, and I
always felt sorry for having to push his hulking body off of me so I
could breathe!-- and yet, here I see pictures of pitbulls with
mutilated limbs that needed to be amputated, dogs missing lips and
ears, and some dogs too scared to even come out of their pen:
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1942909,00.html The
thought of someone doing that to Tondu is too much.

The Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO) has the daunting task of taking
care of, rehabilitating, and finding homes for hundreds of tortured
dogs. To make matters worse, it takes a real animal lover to adopt a
previously tortured pitbull, but most animal lovers already have a pet
and/or children-- and a rescued fighting dog can not be adopted into a
house with other pets or children. This seriously slows down the
process of finding loving homes and a happy ending to this story.

The GOOD NEWS is that many of these dogs are able to be rehabilitated
and can be adopted-- some were immediately sweet and affectionate to
their rescuers!-- and some dogs, like Big Red (pictured here:
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1942909_2005482,00.html)
already "scramble into any available lap"! However, the HSMO Animal
Cruelty Fund needs all the help we can give. That's why I am so
thrilled that HSMO is the Etsy For Animals' January Charity of the
month! Please consider donating the sales from some of your artwork
for this cause, and spread the word!


--
www.MichelleLevy.wordpress.com

EFA Front Page feature

This EFA treasury made FP! Made by http://stylinstuff.etsy.com

Dogs Examiner Feature

Dogs Examiner feature:

Shared by http://osha.etsy.com

Shared by http://osha.etsy.com

"


I learned about this grand campaign for finding shelter pets a home. That is it.... promoting shelter pets so you can find them and they can find you and together you can save each other. Fabulous!

Please take the time to check it out. There are some fun commercials and informative links.

Also if you know of an organization that is interested in joining this cause you can sign up HERE.

A warm place to sleep, some food, and love is all they ask for. Most of us have all that we just need to add the pet :D

Thank you."

The charity that will benefit from the EFA/To Happy Vegans Tombola is...

It's the Year of the Tiger;
The charity that will benefit from the EFA/To Happy Vegans Tombola is;
Cedarhill Animal Sanctuary http://cedrhill.org


"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 stray is the ultimate desire to be loved."

"Until there are none....rescue one"

C. Kay McElroy, Executive Director of Cedarhill


From http://sharonfosterart.etsy.com, who submitted this charity to benefit;


Over 300 animals claim Cedarhill Animal Sanctuary in Caledonia, MS as their forever home. Kay McElroy started the sanctuary when she rescued her first big cat at age 42. Now 65 , Kay has built a beautiful secluded sanctuary for little cats, big cats, pigs, horses, dogs, wolves and about every animal that you can imagine and some that you probably can't even think of.


Kay has been on dialysis herself for over 18 months and her personal struggles with pain only make her more empathic to the animals that she rescues. Cedarhill is a big lovely place with large open air enclosures. One of my favorite things about Cedarhill is that Kay and her staff provide toys (big toys) for even the tigers. She cares for the animals' overall well-being with items that stimulate their mind and bodies. There are lovely ponds, swing sets, room to roam, and other animal pals for them to live out their lives in safety and peace. Mississippi State University has a veterinary school only about 40 miles away and the soon to be vets get hands on training with the huge variety of animals. This is not a zoo - it is a sanctuary in the truest sense of the word. Local Boy Scouts have built wolf enclosures.


Arthur the pot-bellied pig is one of my favorites. He has no idea that he is a pig. He is quite the character. Please visit him and all the other animals on the Cedarhill website.. http://cedrhill.org


~ Sharon Foster

EFA feature

We've been featured!

January 2010 Charity of the Month

Humane Society of Missouri
http://hsmo.org

Submitted by Michelle of http://michellevielle.etsy.com; "I am moved to nominate the Humane Society of Missouri's Animal Cruelty Fund even though I live in Berkeley, CA, because I read about their incredible rescue in TIME magazine of 500+ dogs from a fighting ring -
the largest dog fighting rescue in U.S. history. The Humane Society of Missouri is in dire need of support from animal lovers and charities as they seek to find loving homes for and rehabilitate these tortured creatures."

"Since 1870, the Humane Society of Missouri has been dedicated to second chances. We provide a safe and caring haven to all animals in need - large and small - that have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Our mission is to end the cycle of abuse and pet overpopulation through our rescue and investigation efforts, spay/neuter programs and educational classes. We are committed to creating lasting relationships between people and animals through our adoption programs. We further support that bond by making available world-class veterinary care, and outstanding pet obedience and behavior programs."

From EFA member, Marilyn

From EFA member, Marilyn of http://artbymarilyn.etsy.com;

I am Marilyn R. Meier-O'Brien and I have a sanctuary in my backyard. This started twenty years ago, when my mom first spotted two ducks fly into our front yard. She fed them, and they came back every year. I do not know what first brought them to our home. They feel safe and relaxed and enjoy themselves.


We have always been here for a stray or whatever bird, animal, came to our yard to help them or feed them.


About 3 years ago, I noticed two ducks (Mallard + Drake), come and just sit in the yard. I would have just ignored them except that I had a birdbath that I had given my mom as a gift and they would sit around it all day or stand in it. They are clean and never cause me any trouble. They would stay all Summer and Fall and Winter. One late Fall I felt badly because they weren't leaving my yard and they really had no food, so I researched and I found that ducks like whole kernel corn. I went and purchased a bag of whole kernel at a local feed store. I also picked up peanuts, garden seed for the other birds and animals. I just couldn't feed one and forget the others.


Now they are happy creatures, and I love to watch their unguarded antics because they feel safe with me. The last three years, they stay almost all day in my yard and all the creatures get along fine (a lesson for humans). The only problem now is I have to feed them, otherwise they would starve. It is a harsh winter in Wisconsin and I was told they stay all winter because of the lakes.

I was amazed, one day I was driving to do errands, and the ducks were flying low next to my car. I actually couldn't believe it. It seemed wherever I was the ducks weren't far from my car. I finally got home and opened my car trunk, and they started coming down around me. I stood in a flurry of ducks all around me. I called our Vilas Park and the lady said, "they think of you as their mom". I felt like Doctor Doolittle or the Pied Piper. I walk right in the middle of them and they gather all around me. I believe it is like the cranes that go to Florida from Wisconsin with a leader of a human being. It is amazing to have this connection.

The squirrels and birds are the same way. Robins gathered last year here prior to their flight south. I have blue jays that come and get (steal) a peanut right in front of me.

I am just pleading with all people in the world who would like to have me continue helping these animals to donate for my cause. Michele Erez is helping me with this because I am not a tech. Any donations can be made through paypal, so that the voiceless ones will have food all year long. The squirrels need peanuts and I get the saltless, sugarless dry roasted ones. They go through 1 bag a day.


I pay $7.37 for a 50 lb. bag of whole kernel corn; they go thru 4 bags a week and 10 bags of peanuts a week at $3.99 a bag. I also purchase 2 bags of bird seed a week at $3.98 each.

I wouldn't ask for help, but I am on disability and a limited income. I have painted (Candy & Dandy-my ducks) and my squirrels, and the images are available on t-shirts. All of my work is on http://www.artbymarilyn.net linked to etsy and Michele is also on etsy http://mvegan5.etsy.com.

Please feel it in your hearts to help these creatures and help me to help them get thru the cold Wisconsin winter. It is appreciated.

Very sincerely, Marilyn R. Meier-O'Brien

Paypal Button;

EFA Treasury

EFA Treasury made by http://stylinstuff.etsy.com on the Front Page of Etsy!

EFA mention :-)

You can see the mention here. And below is a screenshot.

From http://jinglebobs.etsy.com

From http://jinglebobs.etsy.com

I wish
I could adopt all the homeless dogs
and give them balls to fetch
and warm beds to sleep in.
That I had enough litter boxes
for a 100 cats
cause I have laps
that need sitting in!
I wish my small barn
and 3 ton of hay
could feed a thousand horses
and the apples
in my buckets would be enough
for Christmas day.
So I sigh, and I regret
all the places I can't help yet,
I can do what I can do
each and every day.

12/24/09 J Renee Smith

Tombola (raffle) Fundraiser for Animals!

EFA is sponsoring a Tombola (raffle) Fundraiser for Animals with To Happy Vegans http://tohappyvegans.com The event will be on the 6th of February in Bath, England. EFA will be donating at least 30 prizes for the raffle, and we get to choose which charity will receive the funds raised! Please leave a comment on this blog entry by Jan. 10 with your charity suggestion and letting me know if you can donate an animal product free item(s).

I will send the address to those who can donate. Let's make this event a success for EFA, To Happy Vegans, and the animals!!!

From Mitsu To Happy Vegans: "The event is organised by VIVA! an organisation that campaigns for a vegan/vegetarian world. They are supported by celebs such as Paul Mccartney, Heather Mills and Chrissie Hyndes. This is their website.

Everything at the event must be vegan and it is a not-for-profit educational initiative organised by Viva! which is held every year. More information on the Roadshow is here.

Sasha and I started the website this year after both turning vegan at the same time. We wanted to share everything we have learned and make it easier for other people who are conisdering becoming vegan make the change. We have recipes, fashion, blogs, nutrition and all sorts of other information on the website. In addition to this we also make vegan cakes and are hoping to branch out further with this, everything we make is vegan and we use organic and fair trade ingredients.

In addition to our cakes, when we have stalls at vegan fayres and festivals such as the VIVA! one we also have a tombola (a raffle) [100% goes to a specific charity]. All the prizes are generously donated by vegan companies or other companies we feel share our ethics. The current procedure is quite lengthy and involves contacting every company individually as we come across them, so a sponsored tombola seems to make sense and will help save our time so we can concentrate on the million and one other things we have ideas for! This year we have managed to raise money for Marine Connection, VegFam, and HIPPO Charity.

This is our tombola from the last fayre we did.

We are both in full time employment and maintain our non profit website and prepare for all the vegan festivals in our spare time."

Please donate an item(s) to help and suggest an animal charity to benefit by leaving a comment below. Thanks, Michele

Paws Animal Sanctuary, EFA December Charity of the Month

http://www.pawsanimalsanctuaryfindon.co.uk/

Chosen by Lucy of http://luniquejewellery.etsy.com

So, why did I nominate PAWs animal sanctuary as charity of the month?

Well, despite being a lifelong animal lover, I only found out about this local sanctuary last May, but have visited virtually every Sunday ever since (my mum and I became members after a couple of weeks!). The founder, Stacey, has given up her home and dedicated her life to care of abandoned and neglected animals, and the brilliant team of volunteers help with allsorts, including giving the resident animals much needed love and attention.

There are many rabbits, guinea pigs and cats (and occasionally dogs and other pets) who are looked after until they can be found a new loving home. It's always good to see that some have been adopted but inevitably the spaces are soon filled by more animals in need.

As a small local charity I know that they appreciate any donations that people make and I hope that our EFA team will be able to raise some useful cash so that the PAWs team can continue to do their vital work. Thank you!!



Looking for Etsy items that support the Charity of the Month? Click here to search.

ART UNLEASHED: An artistic fundraiser for homeless animals

By Rebecca of kneedeeporiginals - http://kneedeeporiginals.etsy.com

In September, I spent some hours on designs for the upcoming Art Unleashed 2010 fundraiser for the Forsyth County Humane Society in North Carolina. This event connects artists with the organization and the local community as a way to raise money to support the Humane Society, its programs, and the care of the animals who reside there while they wait for a new home. I first got involved with Art Unleashed during their 2007/2008 event when I entered a last-minute design which was selected. There were approximately 60 designs chosen out of about 280, and these 60 chosen pieces ultimately helped to raise, through an auction party, $58,000 for the Humane Society. Each accepted artist received a cat or dog fiberglass form to paint, decorate, or enhance in whatever way their design called for. It was simply amazing to see the beautiful work that came from the project and how each artist had such a different vision. Here is my dog, Dogwood, who now lives at the home of a wonderful husband and wife eye-doctor team who purchased him at the auction for $750 ...

To create the base, I thought about my own dogs (both rescued dogs) and how they are so faithful and loving, such wonderful companions in all seasons of life. So they inspired the words I wrote and painted around the base of the sculpture: "I will fetch the sticks you throw into blue-dream skies. I'll carry your cares, sing them to the moon, lay among dogwood petals, waiting patiently at your feet."

The 2009/2010 fundraiser will be a little different. Only 10 dog forms and 10 cat forms will be created, but artists are encouraged to submit designs for original art, such as a painting, collage, 3-D work, furniture, house wares, and whatever else they can think of. The deadline for submission was in mid-September, and I busied myself with other art and activities while I patiently waited to hear if either of my designs was chosen. Finally, during the first week of December, I got a phone call and yippee!! The selection committee picked my cat design, Scout in the Garden, and I am so excited! The design was based on my own cat, a rescued kitty who always keeps me company in the garden when I am working the dirt and weeding and planting flowers and veggies.

Here's the design I submitted and what I will follow once I pick up my form which should be ready in early January.

Once the holidays are over, I'll be busy with this project. Stay tuned to my blog athttp://kneedeepstudio.blogspot.com where I'll post updates, images, details, and links as Scout in the Garden develops and as the event unfolds next spring with a kick-off parade through downtown streets.

I would encourage others to seek to begin this kind of fundraiser for their local animal charities… it’s so much fun and it involves many people in artistic and positive ways to raise awareness for animal advocacy. You'll be amazed at the number of people who will want to be involved, either as an artist or a sponsor!! Follow this link to learn more about Art Unleashed: http://www/forsythhumane.org/art_unleashed_ 2010.asp

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