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.

Donate Items to Help Wildlife Program

Sent by new EFA member; http://porcupinesnuggles.etsy.com;

The Wildlife Learning Foundation has partnered with the Los Angeles Unified School District for ten years, providing fun and educational life science lessons in their Ready, Set, Go! (before school) and Youth Development Program (YDP, after school) programs. We teach lessons crafted to meet the California State Science Standards utilizing our collection of rescued and zoo-born wildlife as silent instructors and living visual aids. Due to recent budget cuts, there is no longer funding for our outreach. However, we believe that our lessons are valuable to the students, inspiring interest in science and giving positive experiences with animals and nature.

On September 26th, we are hosting a benefit to raise money to continue our outreach programs at no cost to the schools. We will have animal encounters, tours, food, drinks, silent auction and raffle tables. Any and all are welcome to attend! For any questions, contact Christine http://PorcupineSnuggles.etsy.com or via email: porcupinesnuggles@yahoo.com For more information on the Wildlife Learning Foundation, visit http://wildlifelearningfoundation.org

Donations for the silent auction/raffle can be sent to:

Wildlife Learning Center

Attn: Christine Behringer

15981 Yarnell St., Suite 251

Sylmar, CA 91342

Article by Dani

This is the 1st in a series by new EFA member, Dani, of http://eggcellentdesigns.etsy.com. She creates egg art, jewelry, and more, and is also a freelance writer; some of her work can be found on http://ehow.com. One of her favorite animal charities is The Center for Biological Diversity www.BiologicalDiversity.org .



Welcome friends. My name is Kit and I will be your guide to understanding the universe, your place in it and how to take care of the Humans we protect. But first, a bit about me.

I began this lifetime in hardship. Soon after my litter mates and I were born, we were cruelly separated from our parents. Left to wander, and in the midst of a tremendous storm, I stumbled upon my current familiar human and her mate.

Shaking with cold and soaked through to the bone, I didn't think I would make it. Taking refuge in a pile of wood, all I could think of was how alone I was and so I cried out to the universe for help. My smallest whimper was heard, and She who is my new mother appeared. She saw my green eyes peering fearfully from between the logs and immediately found me a blanket, some warm milk, and a place to sleep. The next day, as I was pondering the possibilities of my new life, a cry came to me from a distance. I answered, which drew the notice of She and He.

He ran to the road from the house while She joined me in calling out. (She speaks feline really well!) Yes - down the road came my brother... who ran to me joyously. We snuggled together under a tree and I told him about my journey. We decided to stay with these humans, as they appeared to have been sent by the universal catsciousness to aid us during this lifetime.

After much mediation (and a bit of wild catnip) we decided that sharing our wisdom with our friends was our katmic task and so, with the help of my brother Kat, and other furfriends, we shall endeavor to help strengthen the relationship between the animal and human worlds.

To that end, we encourage your questions, comments and stories. In addition, to better assist in peaceful understanding, we will occasionally provide descriptions of characteristics that your human can use to help understand our world better. These descriptions are based upon information received from the universe and are based on planetary changes that may have occurred at the time of your birth.

We hope that this information can help you to better understand your human companions and we look forward to learning more about our new ETSY friends.

Paws 4 Ever – Howl-O-Ween Raffle Items Request

Paws4Ever’s Howl-O-Ween Celebration commemorates Pit Bull Awareness Day. All proceeds from this event go directly to their Pit Bull spay/neuter program. Your company name and URL will be listed with the item to reach potential new customers, as well as on their Facebook event page. Paws4Ever is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, so your donation is deductible. http://paws4ever.org

Mail any item donations with shop name/ address to;

Paws4Ever Re: Howl-O-Ween Attn: Amanda 6311 Nicks Road Mebane, NC 27302

FieldHaven Feline Rescue

FieldHaven Feline Rescue is a wonderful haven for cats and cat lovers. I've known the director, Joy Smith since FieldHaven's beginning. In fact, I designed their logo. The staff and volunteers are such caring people and they do everything in their power to rescue and find forever homes for our feline friends. I always have a number of cat art items listed in my Etsy shop to benefit FieldHaven (just search for "fhfr"). Being able to use my critter art to help animals is a great feeling. I love animals and I love creating art, so putting the two together to raise money just makes sense! A big thanks from me and everyone at FieldHaven to all our terrific EFA members for their support in August.



Ann Ranlett
Nature Illustrations & Pet Portraits
www.annran.com
www.petportraitsbyann.com
www.cafepress.com/annran
annran.etsy.com

Search for Charity of the Month items on Etsy here.

July 2009 Charity of the Month

Save the Rhino International
Chosen by Becky of http://beckybutton.com

Save the Rhino International works to conserve viable populations of critically endangered rhinos in Africa and Asia. We recognise that the future of wildlife is inextricably linked to the communities that share its habitat. By funding field projects and through education, our goal is to deliver material, long-lasting and widespread benefits to rhinos and other endangered species, ecosystems and to the people living in these areas.

Peace to All Creatures: 'Zine Review

"Peace to All Creatures" is a new 'zine edited and designed by Pippi Howard of Uber Duper Creations and Jessi Van Pelt of Ginger Card Company. I have worked with Jessi and Pippi on some on-line projects to raise money for animals in need, and I knew that they were both committed to helping animals, but I really did not know what to expect when a friend asked me to review it. My first answer was "I'm not a vegan!" Pippi assured me that the 'zine was for everyone, and she was right.

There are three sections within the 'zine: Animals, Veg Diet & Heath, and Social & Green Issues, and each has several stories. Pippi and Jessi have both contributed articles, as have six other authors, and there is something in here to interest just about everybody. Some of the pieces are funny, some are educational, and some are both entertaining and informative. You may not agree with every article, but one of the things I liked most about the 'zine is that the opinions expressed are clearly individual, and there's no attempt to preach.

A few of my other favorite things about the 'zine were:

- The gorgeous cover art on the front (a painting by Hannah Braden) and back (a sculpture by Green Art Studios).

- Jessi Van Pelt's writing style. She actually made an article about reducing waste fun to read!

- Pippi Howard and Carla Guinta's anecdotes and advice about being vegan in an omnivorous world.

- Erica Freeman's charming article about caring for pet snails.

- Nicole Simone's helpful essay on how you can help animal rescue organizations from home.

- The fact that 10% of the profits from the magazine go to animal charity.

The magazine is printed on recycled paper and bound with a hemp cord, and is also available as a download. I highly recommend it.

Note: you can find "Peace to All Creatures" on Etsy at both GingerCardCo and UberDuberCreations.

Rabbit and Guinea Pig Welfare in Rugby, England

Rabbit and Guinea Pig Welfare in Rugby, England
EFA Charity of the Month for June

by Annette of http://thedragonhouseofyuen.etsy.com

This month my chosen charity The Rabbit and Guinea Pig Welfare http://www.rngp.org/index.shtml in Rugby, Enlgand, was picked. Tracy Wadsworth runs the rescue and this is where I adopted Wesley from in November 2007.

Tracy took over this rescue when the original founder moved away. It concentrates on rescuing and rehoming rabbits and guinea pigs. Tracy said that at present she has lots of rabbits and guinea pigs still waiting for their forever homes. Currently there are no females left, only mature males and she would greatly love to find homes for them so that they may have a loving and happy life for the rest of their remaining years. The benefit of getting an older rabbit is that you give a forever home to a furry who would normally be overlooked and they have reached their full size. Rabbits live up to 14 years in properly cared for environments.



Tracy would like to encourage anyone with a single rabbit to consider adopting a bonded pair from her.  Tracy will assess your rabbit for suitability with the ones in her rescue and bonding can also be done. This would be an ideal time to add two boys to your household and would free up two valuable places in the rescue to take in more needy rabbits. All single rabbits are adopted out a dedicated house-rabbits only. Any rabbits that are kept outdoors in legally sized quarters are adopted out as bonded pairs or bonded trios, but it is psychologically more preferable to house your rabbit indoors as they benefit tremendously from companionship and contact.



All rabbits love to play with toys that can be picked up and thrown around. Here is Andrew taking his toy with him!! Tracy has a very informative page all about rabbits http://www.rngp.org/index-rabbit-facts.shtml that is a must read for any prospective rabbit owner and current owner.

Rabbits are not suitable for children and parents are often turned away from rescues because they want to get their child a 'pet' and see rabbits as 'the easy option'. Nothing could be further from the truth as they are very demanding, sometimes destructive beings and need to be accommodated suitably with enough daily attention and stimulation.



Baby rabbits reach full size within six months to a year and some rabbits can reach the size of small dogs. Unfortunately baby rabbits are usually always impulse purchases from pet shops. By this time many people have already abandoned them due to the lack of interest once the novelty wears off and the animal increases in size and decreases in cuteness. Hard work, expensive vet bills and general lack of interest mean rescues are bursting at the seams with ‘impulse purchase rabbits’ so the chances of adopting a baby are very slim.

When you are assessed for suitability to adopt a rabbit that has already had a traumatic start to life, sometimes with great psychological problems, then you have taken the first step to giving a very special being a second chance and also helping another rabbit get a place at the rescue centre.

It is best not go to the rescue with preconceived notions about what breed, colour, age and even sex of rabbit you want - in many cases you will meet the right rabbit – or rabbits - just waiting there for you!



All rabbits are great house bunnies and the rabbits at RNGP are neutered and spayed. For does this is life saving necessity as over 80% of unspayed does will die of uterine cancer. Rabbits are very inquisitive and mark their territories. They have a scent gland under their chin and rub it on everything they can reach. In most cases you will know that your rabbit loves - and owns you - because he will 'chin' you when you are at his level on the floor!

Running a rescue is hard and never ending work. There is always a demand for supplies that are used regularly such as hay, pellets, fresh vegetables and kitty litter supplies as well as donations of items and monetary donations (irrespective of size - any amount is GREATLY accepted). Tracy gladly welcomes  donations of any amount by paypal.

When rabbits and guinea pigs are adopted out there is an adoption fee to pay which covers their neutering or spaying costs and vaccinations and shows your committment to giving this small being a permanent place in your life. If you can afford it any amount extra is very welcome.



Tracy has many guinea pigs waiting for their forever homes and like the rabbits, they are also all males just now.

Guinea pigs and rabbits should never be kept together. They have different dietary habits and rabbits usually become dominant and aggressive resulting in the piggie being bullied and injured. But more importantly is the fact that rabbits carry Bordetella bronchiseptica commonly found in their respiratory tract (but which rarely causes them respiratory infections).  It happens to be the most common bacterial respiratory infection in guinea pigs and because of this rabbits which are not infected themselves are able to infect guinea pigs with always fatal consequences. The piggies die of pneumonia or an upper respiratory infection. There is a very informative page on the RNGP website about guinea pig care. http://www.rngp.org/index-guinea-facts.shtml

If you have either piggies or rabbits then you can buy mail order treats from online shop Pampered Piggies run by Sally. Please quote RNGP so that Tracy may receive 10% from your orders. http://www.pamperedpiggies.co.uk/ To receive 10% off as a new customer first order, and with 10% also going to Tracy, please contact Tracy to get the correct discount code. I only buy my treats from Sally, I like her products and service and she is a lovely person helping the animals.



Maybe you don't have a suitable home at present to take in a lifelong companion but have some spare time to donate? RNGP would gladly welcome assistance.  Worried that volunteering at a rescue would break your heart? .... then please read this article .... http://www.rngp.org/index-never.shtml

I donate 10% from the sale of my one of a kind handmade rabbit bags to RNGP as well as 10% from my shop sales this month.
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5231837

I want to thank the Etsy For Animals team for supporting and helping the rabbits and cavies at the RNGP. I know that your support is invaluable to Tracy and this will be a great boost to her rescue in this difficult time.

June 2009 Charity of the Month

Rabbit and Guinea Pig Welfare 

Chosen by Annette of http://dragonhouseofyuen.etsy.com;
The rabbit and guinea pig welfare was established in 1995 by Julie Fox, she started by just taking in a few strays, 
and ended up rehoming over five hundred animals a year.

From AlleyCats.org

Jasmine, the Mother Theresa Greyhound

from http://www.greatpetnet.com/630/jasmine-the-mother-theresa-greyhound/

In 2003, police in Warwickshire, England, opened a garden shed and found a whimpering, cowering dog. It had been locked in the shed and abandoned. It was dirty and malnourished, and had clearly been abused.



In an act of kindness, the police took the dog, which was a Greyhound female, to the nearby Nuneaton Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary, run by a man named Geoff Grewcock and known as a willing haven for Animals abandoned, orphaned or otherwise in need.

Geoff and the other sanctuary staff went to work with two aims to restore the dog to full health, and to win her trust. It took several weeks, but eventually both goals were achieved.

They named her Jasmine, and they started to think about finding her an adoptive home.

But Jasmine had other ideas. No-one remembers now how it began, but she started welcoming all Animal arrivals at the sanctuary. It wouldn’t matter if it was a puppy, a fox cub, a rabbit or, any other lost or hurting Animal, Jasmine would peer into the box or cage and, where possible, deliver a welcoming lick.

Geoff relates one of the early incidents. “We had two puppies that had been abandoned by a nearby railway line. One was a Lakeland Terrier cross and another was a Jack Russell Doberman cross. They were tiny when they arrived at the centre and Jasmine approached them and grabbed one by the scruff of the neck in her mouth and put him on the settee. Then she fetched the other one and sat down with them, cuddling them.”

“But she is like that with all of our animals, even the rabbits. She takes all the stress out of them and it helps them to not only feel close to her but to settle into their new surroundings.

“She has done the same with the fox and badger cubs, she licks the rabbits and guinea pigs and even lets the birds perch on the bridge of her nose.”

Jasmine, the timid, abused, deserted waif, became the animal sanctuary’s resident surrogate mother, a role for which she might have been born. The list of orphaned and abandoned youngsters she has cared for comprises five fox cubs, four badger cubs, 15 chicks, eight guinea pigs, two stray puppies and 15 rabbits.



And one roe deer fawn. Tiny Bramble, 11 weeks old, was found semi-conscious in a field. Upon arrival at the sanctuary, Jasmine cuddled up to her to keep her warm, and then went into the full foster mum role. Jasmine the greyhound showers Bramble the Roe deer with affection and makes sure nothing is matted.



“They are inseparable,” says Geoff “Bramble walks between her legs and they keep kissing each other. They walk together round the sanctuary.



It’s a real treat to see them.”

Jasmine will continue to care for Bramble until she is old enough to be returned to woodland life. When that happens, Jasmine will not be lonely. She will be too busy showering love and affection on the next Orphan or victim of abuse.



From left, Toby, a stray Lakeland dog; Bramble, orphaned Roe deer; Buster, a stray Jack Russell; a dumped rabbit; Sky, an injured barn owl; and Jasmine with a Mothers heart doing best what a caring Mother would do… Such is the order of God’s Creation.

To make a Donation to Jasmine’s Home click here.

Link: http://www.warwickshirewildlifesanctuary.co.uk/index.htm

via David Wilson

from Wildlife Rescue Hospital in Melbourne, Australia

Pigeons and Bunnies Oh My!

These little bunnies, about 6 days old, were attacked by a dog and orphaned. Two out of the litter of five did not survive, and these three were not doing very well.

Noah is a non-releasable, one-legged homing pigeon that we have here in rehab. Noah kept going over to the bunny cage and looking in...even sleeping in front of the door to the cage.

Then, 2 days ago, I only counted 2 bunnies in the cage, so I hurriedly picked Noah up from the front of the cage so I could look inside. And to my surprise...there was the tiny bunny...under Noah's wing...sound asleep! The bunny had crawled through the cage....preferring a featherbed, no doubt.

Now, they are all together, and the bunnies are doing GREAT. When the bunnies scoot underneath Noah's feathers, he extends his wings out to surround them..and they snuggle. When one of them moves and they start sticking out here and there, he gently pushes them back under him with his beak!!!!! This is amazing!!!



'He will cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you will find refuge.'
Psalm 91:4

Hello to All the Wonderful and Creative Artists who help to support the animals at EFA by donating some or all of the proceeds of sales to Charity and Rescue Groups.

My name is Carol and I'm the creator of Faeriegood's Shop here at Etsy: http://www.faeriegood.etsy.com,
and also my newest shop, http://www.chicadolly.etsy.com.

I'm a new member here at efa and was greatly surprised and extremely grateful that my submission for the Charity of the month S*N*O was chosen for April. You can see them at: http://www.siberiansneedingowners.org



I wanted to introduce myself a little and share some of my background and love for animals. I was born and raised in the NYC area and because of severe allergies as a child, was never allowed to have pets or play with animals other than to look from a distance, other than fish or turtles. This was in my opinion tantamount to torture, and as soon as I was old enough, I started sneaking little critters into the house, and befriending the neighborhood squirrels whom I got to eat from my hand. I guess you could say the animal loving gene was bound to become dominant, no matter what.

I started rescuing alley cats as soon as I got my first apartment in the village, while still in high school. I seemed to be a cat magnet and people where quick to discover the quirky kid who always had space for one more. Several of my acquisitions came pregnant so I soon adopted a policy for spay/neuter and found homes for as many as I could, leaving several with my parents out on the island and taking 3 with me when I made the move out to CA in the late 60's.

While living in the Santa Cruz mountains I saw the rapidly growing ferrule cat problem that had developed when a colony had established their territory under and around the local grocery store , barely surviving on rodents and handouts form well meaning patrons. I organized a spay/neuter catch and release and/or adopt out if possible, and a feeding station so the problem was eventually resolved.

My house was always home to a dozen or so rescued cats from various sources, along with a rescued "Easter bunny" that they kinda handed over to me as I was in the checkout line at the Nob Hill in Los Gatos (I guess word travels far), some geese and ducks also abandoned, a very old chicken that just came one day, two rescued dogs and for a while it seemed like animals had this idea that I was an underground railroad of sorts because they somehow magically appeared at my gate waiting to be cared for.

As time passed and my kids grew up, and the older dogs crossed over the rainbow bridge I found myself with my first Malamute and then within a month adopted my first rescued Husky. It didn't take long before I was asked to become a board member of the local Siberian rescue club in that area and was active for several years helping raise funds and promote responsible dog ownership principles through volunteering at adoption clinics, as well as becoming a foster home for the breed. It was during this period in my life that I first met Janet, the wonderful lady that founded and runs the kennels at S*N*O's main headquarters and is the backbone of the organization. I have since moved up to live next door and as her neighbor, continue to admire her for all the hard work and effort, that she puts in to making this rescue such a success. If you haven't gone to look at their site, please do at: http://www.siberiansneedingowners.org.

Since then I have had to retire because of a disability and have moved up to NE WA where I now reside with my 5 also retired Huskies and Mals, the newest family member is a rescue adopted from S*N*O . I'm hoping that together we can raise a great amount of donations this month for this worthy cause, because for every dog that gets taken in, there are aways more that still need help. I hope to do everything I can toward this goal and appreciate all your help and support.



Also hope to have more rescue tails for future posts, Thanks and let's all shop for the dogs!!, Carol

A Note from Nakisha

From Nakisha, EFA's former webmaster, a wonderful rabbit/animal artist helping animals; http://bluedogrose.etsy.com;



"Last month because of a generous purchase I was able to donate to my favorite charity, Rabbit Haven. Rabbit Haven is a non profit in Washington state that cares for abandoned and neglected rabbits. They have a huge barn where the bunnies are housed and survive entirely on generous donations. Like many rabbit rescues they are promoting the "make mine chocolate" campaign for Easter, reminding potential rabbit buyers that rabbits are a 10 year commitment, not a gift that can be discarded after the holidays."



You can read more about them on this website- www.rabbithaven.org
and the make mine chocolate campaign- http://www.makeminechocolate.org/

DebbieB's Cat Rescue Story

Hi Michele:

I have a little story I’d like to share with you, and you can post it on the site if you wish. I donate a fair amount of money to the SPCA and the Humane Society, but recently I had a chance to do something more concrete.

I have five beautiful ferrets, so I always thought it would be difficult for me to adopt a stray cat or dog. But for three nights in a row, a little black and white cat cried at my back door. I fed her, but I was afraid to let her inside in case she brought disease or harmed the ferrets. But the weather was well below freezing, and I finally decided I had to invite her inside.

Sadly, she was already pregnant, so I made the difficult decision to have her spayed, aborting the kittens, because there are already far too many unwanted cats in the world.

But she immediately settled in and was deliriously happy to be here, and I love having her. And one of the most fun things is watching as she learns to play with the ferrets.

Fortunately, ferrets cannot catch feline distemper, so I didn’t have to worry about that; she didn’t have fleas or ear mites, but she did have skin mites, so everybody got treated for that.

Her name is Camille (Cami for short), and she purrs every time I go near her. At night she sleeps on my bed, and during the day, when the ferrets are sleeping in a drawer, she sleeps next to them.

It is such a joy to know that I rescued this sweet little cat from cold and hunger, loneliness, and repeated unwanted pregnancies. And she has brought so much laughter and affection into my life.

I’ll attach a couple of photos of Cami with the ferrets.

Best wishes,
Debbie
www.debbieb.etsy.com

Pets and People Non-Profit Animal Shelter, Yukon, OK

As you can see, there is plenty of fun to be had at Pets and People, a non-profit animal shelter located in Yukon, Oklahoma. Pets and People takes in animals from kill shelters on the date they are to be executed and gives them a home until they can be placed into a loving, forever home of their very own. We love visitors at Pets and People. The kittens will pull you up a chair, the dogs make sure the orphaned kittens are presentable for prospective adoptive families and there is plenty of playing and fun to be had by all.

If you can't come by and see us in person or adopt an animal, you can visit us on line. In 2008, 1800 cats and dogs were rescued from kill shelters and given a second chance by the volunteers at Pets and People. The goal for 2009 is 2500!

Pets and People is operated on donations from caring people like you. We know that you get requests all the time for money for worthy causes--we just hope you will send some of it our way! Even $10. would mean a lot (but we will take whatever you have-the kittens are greedy little eaters-lol). Visit the Pets and People website or come by the shelter and play! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!



Shared with us by;
http://44thstreetfabric.etsy.com and http://camillesstudio.etsy.com

Little Studio Photography and Jewelry Charity Donations

Every month my store, Little Studio Photography and Jewellery (www.littlestudiojewels.etsy.com) gives 10% of the sales before taxes and shipping to a pre-chosen charity of the month. Sometimes it is for a human charity, so to make sure the little critters are still getting help, I also have a section in my shop called "Charity Promo Items" These Items are items that will give to one specific charity instead of the charity of the month - anywhere from $5 to 1/2 the purchase price will go to a specific charity, such as the Lanark Animal Welfare society (www.lanarkanimals.ca), The Country Cat Sanctuary (www.countrycatrescue.com), the Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (www.rideauwildlife.org), Epic Farms (www.epicfarms.com), or others. The first three are local animal organizations and are dear to my heart for the great things they do in my community, Epic Farms is a fellow EFA member that has become a friend and favorite of mine to help out when I can.


Meghann Gervais
Little Studio Photography & Jewellery
http://www.littlestudiojewels.etsy.com
http://www.littlestudio.ca
See our Regularly Updated Blogs!
Jewellery at: www.meglittlestudio.blogspot.com
Fibromyalgia Diaries at: www.fibrodiaries.blogspot.com
Low Allergy Recipes at: www.lowallergykitchen.blogspot.com

Urgent Request for Item Donations to Help Greyhounds

On Sunday, April 19, 2009 Greyhound Pets of America (G.P.A.) - Tampa Bay will hold its 8th Annual “Run With The Big Dogs” charity event (See attached flyer). All proceeds raised by this event will directly support G.P.A. efforts to foster and find good homes for retired greyhound racing dogs from Derby Lane dog track. They are in desperate need of help from the crafting community because the event is just around the corner and they have not received enough donations to fill their gift baskets. Items are also in need for the silent auction... we're running out of time, so please hurry, all items need to be in the mail no later then 3/27. The greyhounds need a comfy home to retire in... won't you help? http://greyhoundpets.com and http://runwiththebigdogstampabay.com

Please send all items to;
Greyhound Pets of America P.O. Box 8071 Madeira Beach, FL 33738

Atlanta Animal Welfare Committee Art Fundraiser

Atlanta Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) is having an art fundraiser for free spaying/neutering/vaccinating of pets for neighbors in need. If you are interested in donating a piece of art or design for this fundraiser, we would be very grateful.

The art show will be at Kirkwood Gathering Grounds coffee shop in Atlanta, GA from April 1- 28. The opening will be Saturday, April 4 from 7-9 pm. For each work in the show, there will be a bid sheet with a suggested minimum bid determined by the artists. The bidding will remain open throughout the exhibition.

All proceeds will go toward spay/neuter initiatives for neighbors in need. If you are able to donate, your donation will be tax deductible, as the AWC is a 501(c)3 organization. Just let me know the value of the piece and I will provide you with a document for your tax records. If you are interested in donating, we will need to get the following from you between now and March 25th:

- Name
- Bio
- Title of work
- Medium
- Dimensions
- Starting bid
- Digital image for artist bio/bid notebook
- Retail value of the work for contribution letter for tax deduction
- The work itself, preferably ready for hanging/display

In just the last few months, AWC has spayed/neutered and vaccinated over 60 animals for neighbors in need. We have also built enclosures/pens to get 6 dogs off chains, and we rescued 10 strays and found homes for them. Your participation will allow the group to continue this work.

Thanks much and let me know if you have any questions,
Felicia Holden
EMAIL: animalwelfarecommittee@earthlink.net
WEBSITE: http://www.ATLanimalwelfare.org

EFA Team Store Final Tally

Hey everyone!

I've finally been able to clean out the EFA Team Store. During the course of the EFA Store, we were able to raise $6206.14 for the animals. In our last month (December), we were able to raise a total of $494.54, $444.54 to Its Meow or Never and $50.00 to The Philadelphia Community Cats Council. With everything 50% off, you can imagine just how much we sold that last month :)

I've also sent about half of our remaining inventory to the Alaska SPCA, which has a brick and mortar store, and the other half to Creative Animal Relief (the org that Tammy, Gena, and I have created).

Let me know if you'd like to join our group: http://creativeanimalrelief.org.
You can subscribe to our newsletter here: http://creativeanimalrelief.org/subscribe/

I'm unsubscribing to this google group but feel free to contact me directly at el@tantalizingstitches.com

Thanks again!
El

From EFA member, Ruby and Bee Boutique

From EFA member, http://rubyandbeeboutique.etsy.com

My pal Casper is in desperate need of help. Casper is a one year old Pomeranian who was born with a heart condition called Severe Pulmonic Stenosis. This can only be treated with a successful surgery. Casper had this surgery in September 2008, but it was a failure. The surgery costs $3500 and Casper’s family needs help raising the money. As of today, we are about $2000 away. The hospital will not even schedule the surgery until the money is there. I am donating ALL profits from my Etsy site to Casper: http://AngelGirl07.Etsy.com. Other stores helping are http://ClaireAmore.Etsy.com and http://RubyandBeeBoutique.Etsy.com.

If you are interested in donating, please do so by contacting the hospital:
FL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
352- 294- 9894 (make sure to tell them that the donation is for CASPER SANTOS Account number- 241807)
or if you like you can make a check to
FVMFA
P.O. BOX 100121
GAINESVILLE FL 32610
(make sure that on the check it says that it's for ACCOUNT NUMBER 241807 and its for CASPER SANTOS)
Check out Casper’s blog at: http://www.haveaheartforcasper.blogspot.com/
Check out Casper’s Dogster page at: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/743188

Spay Day USA - Feb 24, 2009

In shelters all across the U.S., 4 MILLION homeless pets are put down every year. 4 MILLION. Think about that. 4 MILLION innocent lives.


That number will keep increasing if we don't act now to help alleviate the overpopulation of unwanted, abandoned and stray animals that end up in shelters.


One of the most effective things we can do is to spay or neuter our own pets. If you're asking "Why?" - read this. Simply put, spaying and neutering saves animal lives.


That is why members of Etsy teams, EFA and EtsyVeg, have joined together in support of Spay Day. We are offering a 'SPAY DAY 1 DAY SPECIAL' on Tuesday, February 24, in our Etsy shops to donate to our favorite or local animal non-profit organizations, and to bring attention to this very important animal life saving message.


Please join us in making a difference to the hundreds, thousands and millions of unwanted cats, dogs, and rabbits born in the future. And take advantage of our specials by checking out the members shops participating below on February 24!


aguavino.etsy.com
aktie9.etsy.com
alilsumptinsumptin.etsy.com
AllAboutCats.etsy.com
AnnRan.etsy.com
ApacheMoon.etsy.com
BarkingDogBlankets.etsy.com
beckynot.etsy.com
BelleSirota.etsy.com
CiaoHound.etsy.com
claynfiber.etsy.com
creaturecomfort.etsy.com
Dogonwear.etsy.com
DragonRags.etsy.com
elephantdance.etsy.com
jbirkemeierphoto.etsy.com
jlynnpro.etsy.com
kittyanydots.etsy.com
KnittyKrissy.etsy.com
Lacewood.etsy.com
littlestudiojewels.etsy.com
LolaLynn.etsy.com
LoveLuca.etsy.com
LuLusPhotography.etsy.com
midnightrabbits.etsy.com
mvegan5.etsy.com
NanjoDogz.etsy.com
NYCrochet.etsy.com
PetsJubilee.etsy.com
pocketfulofsunshine.etsy.com
punkybunny300.etsy.com
silentlotus.etsy.com
silverrosedesigns.etsy.com
TheFaerieCupboard.etsy.com
veganessa.etsy.com
WeiOpenSecret.etsy.com
WHSKR.etsy.com
wovendreams.etsy.com

~~originally posted on http://www.alilsumptinsumptin.com

Unbelievable!!

ItMeoworNever just posted this on their blog. Such vandalism makes me angry. Maybe he would like to drive a sick member of his family to the hospital in a van with no windows - yeah right GRRRRRRR. I am quoting their hard-working guy Michael here :-

Our wonderful plow man has decided, for some unknown reason, has decided that smashing out van windows is great fun!

Snow fell a few weeks ago and it was so high that our van would not move out of the driveway. So we looked down craigslist and called this gentleman that only charged $15.00 so we hired him to come and plow. He wanted to be paid on the spot so I told him I would be home at 6:00 p.m. to see him. He said he would see me then. About a half an hour later, he called me again and said to leave the money in the mailbox. I told him again I would not be home until 6:00 p.m. but I would at that time. He decided it was 4:00 p.m. and he wasn't waiting any longer. LOL So, he came over, plowed the driveway, and left. Then at 6:00 p.m. he came back. I had put the $15.00 in the mailbox by this time but our box opens at both sides so I am assuming he opened the side by the street and didn't see the money in there. He then called and started yelling and cussing and saying he would "fix us". I, of course, called the police, they called him, he never called them back.....etc.....so last night I guess it was wiser to smash three windows out of the van. $660.00!!!! Thank you Mr. Snowplowman, you are a wonderful person.

If you can donate towards the windows being fixed, thank you so much. We use this van, our only car, to transport animals back and forth to the vet, etc.

Vegan Sample Promotional Bags

We are trying to put together 50 sample bags, all of the samples will be put into a handmade reusable grocery bag. You are welcome to send as many or as few samples as you would like, leftovers will be used in the next bag.

The bags will go on sale April 14th, the samples are due to me on March 31st and the bags will be sold on the blog, 10% of the money will be donated to an animal sanctuary. There is a poll on the blog to vote for which sanctuary you want the money to go to.

Please check out the blog and email me if you are interested http://www.vegansamples.blogspot.com ecosampler [!at] yahoo.com

It's Meow or Never Auction Item Request

It's Meow or Never Auction Item Request
http://itsmeowornever.org

It's Meow or Never Animal Rescue & Sanctuary is collecting items for our Annual Paws For A Cause 2009 Auction being held in June. Please donate your items to It's Meow or Never, P.O. Box 733 , Woodinville , WA 98072 . We are hoping to raise $25,000 so we can open our low cost spay/neuter clinic and adoption center. Please help us so we can save more animals in dire need! You will receive advertising, a receipt for the IRS as well as the satisfaction of helping so many animals that are needlessly put down every day.

Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends call for Art Donations

Here's a call for art donations to benefit the AARF.

Hi Michele,

I volunteer with Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends (AARF). We are dedicated to addressing the overpopulation problem in the metro Atlanta area. To give you an idea of the magnitude of the problem here, 219 pets die in Atlanta metro shelters every day. Compare this to 54 pets per day in Chicago and less than 400 pets per year in San Francisco. Our pet overpopulation problem here in Atlanta is staggering, AARF is trying to act, both for the sake of the pets and for our legacy as a city.

On April 18, 2009 AARF will hold "219: The Show" at Fine Line Gallery in Atlanta, GA. This is a benefit to raise awareness and much-needed funds to address the pet overpopulation in Atlanta.

I am contacting you because AARF is looking for artists and crafts people to donate art to be sold in a silent auction. Two special pieces will be chosen to sell during a live auction at the end of the event. Our goal is to have at least 219 pieces of work so each piece will represent one dog or cat that will have lost his or her life in a county shelter that day.

The event will be heavily publicized both in print, radio and TV. All artists will be listed in the program and an artist bio will be posted by each donated piece.

Our goal for the evening is to raise $30,000, which will allow us to save hundreds of pets from euthanasia in Atlanta shelters. Please help by passing this along to your members so they can consider donating work for 219: The Show. Donations are tax-deductible.

To find out more about AARF, please visit www.aarfatlanta.org. Any artists interested in donating their work can contact me at Melissa@aarfatlanta.org or call 404.245.5240.

I appreciate your consideration.

Sincerely,
Melissa

New EFA Website Design

Happy New Year everyone!

With the new year, we've got a new website design for EFA at the same address: EFAArtistsHelpingAnimals.org. Go on over and check it out.

**Note: 1/2/08 - The domain has not been transfered yet but you can still see the website in a folder on my personal website at http://haleyshandmades.com/efa/index.htm.


There are lots of the old and useful features including the Shop Donation form, the Charity of the Month information and nomination form, member profiles, and the EFA Radio Show. I've finished all the EFA member profiles for those that submitted their information by December 1st. If any there is any wrong or incomplete information for your profile please let me (haleyshandmades) know!