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2016 A TO Z CHALLENGE REFLECTIONS

May 11, 2016 | 42 Comments

I SURVIVED!!!

a to z survivor 2016

I can’t say ‘I survived’ as there was no danger or hardship. This process was a challenge, though. I enjoyed the journey very much, and I look forward to doing it again next year! I already have a theme.

The hosts, co-hosts, helpers and assistants share plenty of information before launching the challenge. I was able to find the answer to most of my questions in a post. However, I did send two email messages and each time received an informative response promptly.

The participants and the organizational team were very positive and supportive of one another leading up to, and following the challenge.

Oscar_wm
Yankee_wm
X-ray2_wm
Victor_wm
Tango_wm
Sierra_wm
Juliet_wm
Kilo_wm
Llamawm
Mike_wm
November_wm
PNPC
Rescue_wm
Hudson_wm
Golfwm
India_wm
Foxtrot_wm
Echo_wm
ducks_wm
Delta_wm
Charlie_wm
Bravo
Alpha_wm
Zulu_wm
Hotel

Things I would have done differently:
•although I did plan ahead and had an idea of what each letter would be subject wise, I did end up changing a few when, at the last minute I found animals with the corresponding name, which were in need of homes. I chose to create portraits and feature them instead of going with my original idea.
•expanding on the above, by planning ahead and being a bit more organized I will have more time throughout the challenge to visit the sites of other participants. This challenge is not over for me; I plan to visit everyone on the list before I call it a complete success.
•I had a difficult time working so quickly even though that was my goal. I generally take too long to work on a portrait. The artwork throughout this project was meant to be somewhat whimsical and done WITHOUT all the detailed work I typically exhibit.

Successes:
•there are fabulous sites belonging to other participants. I enjoyed visiting these and look forward to reading more of their posts in future.
•artwork for twenty-six posts created (plus two: original intro. and re-do shown above).
•getting comfortable to work quickly did not take too long. I am pleased with the look of these portraits and will continue to produce work in this style.
•some of the artwork will be printed on note cards, and these cards will be available for purchase. Which do you think should be made into cards?
•a significant portion of proceeds from the sale of the note cards will support various causes including the organization that inspired my theme: Pilots N Paws Canada. The remainder covers the cost of printing and art supplies.
•To further support the efforts of various rescue organizations, I will be donating custom portraits at silent auctions or as raffle prizes to help raise funds.

I hope you enjoy the gallery I created to include the challenge pieces. Thank you, everyone, who visited and for your words of encouragement – I truly appreciate your comments.

Thank you,
Main signature

 

 

Categories: WORKS OF ART Tagged: A to Z Challenge, Art, Awareness

A FUR THING! The Awareness Project

May 30, 2015 | 12 Comments

EGO VS. ETHICS

#sponsored post

Photo courtesy of Gillian Woods. Headband courtesy of Melanie Millinery. Headband and coat are FAKE FUR!

While coming up with ideas for this post, my mind kept drifting to US WEEKLY’s celebrity poll ‘who wore it best.’  Who does wear fur better?  The winner is the animal whom the pelt belonged to in the first place, of course!!!

In some areas of the world, such as the three territories of Canada (Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon), resources are scarce.  The coldest recorded temperature was -63 °C (-81.4 F).  In these cases, the killing of animals is carried out, in accordance with The Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards (AIHTS).  No part of the animal is wasted, and the people of the Yukon are respectful of the animal.  In these cases, it is a matter of survival.

Back in the world of easy living, a large number of people consider fur to be fashionable and go out of their way to find it.  Perhaps they don’t realize the inhumane manner in which most ‘fur-farmed’ pelts are obtained.  Perhaps we just need to educate people.

They know (says Melanie Corbett, Milliner from Manchester, England).  The people who were asking me for REAL fur are the ‘type’ of a group that we, unfortunately, have in this country now. We call them ‘WAGS’ which is a term used for Footballers ‘Wives And Girlfriends.’ There are ALOT of young and older women who fit this type, i.e., long blonde hair extensions, false breasts, fake eyelashes, botox, lips pumped up with whatever!

They were trying my hats on and wanted to purchase them but didn’t because my fur is fake!!! I said to each and EVERY one of them ‘I don’t use real fur as I know that most of the animals are skinned alive.’
I was horrified that 90% of them did not bat an eyelid at all. Then they would ask me if I knew anyone selling real fur!!!!! Aaaarrrrggghhhh! !! So to answer your question. …no they don’t care.

It is horrific that because a lot of models are now wearing fur again, that the real WAGS are doing so and now all the ‘wannabes’ want it as well.

How can we educate people who are shallow and vacuous?

How could anyone possibly feel glamorous wearing an article of clothing that was literally peeled from the body of an animal? Especially when the fur was removed while the animal is still alive.

Many fur farms allegedly skin animals alive to keep the pelts intact from damage that could occur while killing them.

SUCH IRONY! Fake people wear real fur!!! Sigh – very sad that even when faced with the ugly truth, people still choose to make unethical decisions.

Sadly, Celebrities are in the spotlight and have the opportunity to make a difference and set a positive example.  It seems, for some (unknown) reason; we have taken two steps back, and it is once again ‘cool’ to wear fur!  More like ‘cruel.’  We, the general public do not have to follow their influence.  REAL (humane) PEOPLE FAKE FUR!!!

Here are the facts, you decide:
•Each year, more than 50 million animals are killed for their fur.  Rabbits guessed to be in the billions killed each year.
•Animals killed for their fur include but not limited to) beavers, foxes, minks, rabbits, and raccoons.
•To kill animals without damaging their fur, trappers will strangle, beat, or stomp them to death. The animals (on fur farms) TORTURED; gassed, poisoned, electrocuted, or have their necks snapped.
•Ranch-raised animals live in cages about 2 feet square, with up to four animals per cage.
•There is no federal law that regulates the killing of animals raised for fur.
•It can take up to 40 animals to make one fur coat.


FAUX BEAUTIFUL

I am very proud to state that the fur used in the images of this post are completely fake!  No animals harmed.

Some things ARE worth faking.  Here are a few more of Melanie’s beautiful creations.


 


#SPONSORED
Disclaimer: Her and her dogs received a Faux Fur Headband / Neckwarmer / Earwarmer from MelanieMillinery as an collaborative effort to generate awareness for this topic. The feedback and opinions shared in this post are ours, in our words. We did not receive monetary compensation for this review.  It is our choice, and a pleasure to share this product/service information.

Thank you for visiting our blog. We would love to hear from you; please send us a message or leave a comment beneath a blog post. If you know someone that might enjoy or benefit from the information, please ‘pin it,’ ‘post it,’ ‘tweet’ about it or simply share the link via email. Be sure you don’t miss future posts – sign up for email notifications.

https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/MelanieMillinery 

To learn how Gillian created the photo for this month’s awareness piece visit:

https://www.facebook.com/gillyfacephotos

http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-style/news/kendall-jenner-chrissy-teigen-wear-same-fur-coat-photos–2015202

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fur_Institute_of_Canada

http://www.lcanimal.org/index.php/campaigns/fur/fur-trade-facts

http://www.respectforanimals.co.uk/facts-and-reports/fur-farming/53/

 

 

Categories: THE AWARENESS PROJECT Tagged: #Sponsored, Awareness, For a Cause

PUPPY MILL AWARENESS – PART IV

May 24, 2015 | Leave a Comment

…HAPPILY EVER AFTER

A More Confident Reese - photo courtesy of Gillian Woods

A More Confident Reese – photo courtesy of Gillian Woods

My little Princess Reese has been a part of our family for six years and (for the most part), she is a very happy girl.  The first two years were a challenge and incredibly slow going while we earned her trust and worked to bring Reese out of her shell.  We took her to a small puppy training group for socialization, and she completely shut down.  Reese would not move let alone participate.  Having Henry – a confident, happy dog as an example helped immensely.  Henry was such a great example for Reese; I credit him with ninety percent of her recovery. We’re a package deal as Reese won’t be without Henry.  Wherever we go, we go together; Reese comes with Henry for his trips to the vet and visa versa.  Reese sits beautifully on the sidelines and watches while Henry performs at agility class.  Reese has even come to accept, and not shy away from Henry’s classmates and their people.  Although certain situations make her uncomfortable, and she shakes and shivers, we see improvement in Reese, each and every day.

There are still times we have to move slowly, and Reese will scurry away when we approach.  If we want to give her a fuss, we get down on our knees and sometimes even our elbows.  Reese lets us know her comfort level, and once we reach that level, she will walk over to us.  If Henry comes along to steal the attention, it speeds Reese up.  Other times, she will run right to us and wag her tail and bark to get us to chase her!  For a dog that didn’t know toys, she is OBSESSED with her ball and playing fetch.  We’re still working on the return part as she doesn’t bring the ball directly to us.

Rehabilitating an animal is not an easy task, and not everyone is in a position to do so.  If you are able and willing to make that commitment, it is incredibly rewarding to see the transformation.  By exercising patience and encouragement and showing her unconditional love, Reese has become a darling, sweet and at times very cheeky little dog.

Every animal companion deserves to live happily ever after.

 

Puppy Mill Prison

What do you dream of little one?

What causes you to cry out in your sleep and your little body to twitch?

I gently caress your back

you flinch briefly, before relaxing just enough to stop grinding your remaining teeth

You are safe now little one – you are home

I watch as you settle and wonder

‘how is it possible these places still exist?’

a nightmare for dogs – a puppy mill prison

I whisper softly ‘I love you.’

you respond with a sigh

a deep, full-body sigh, releasing the demons that haunt you

What do you dream of my little one?

I lie next to you – comforting you

I also dream;

I dream of freedom for your friends and your family. 

I dream of the offspring taken from you – sold in pet stores or at markets

I dream of a day when puppy mills no longer exist

I dream the law will protect the innocent

I dream of mill dogs running free, their paws knowing the softness of real grass

I dream of healthy, happy dogs – each knowing love

What do you dream of one?

I whisper softly ‘you are safe.’

You are free from your puppy mill prison

S. L. Parker

 

Photo of Reese taken by Gillian Woods
Gilly Face Photos

Categories: FOR A CAUSE Tagged: Awareness, Puppy Mill Dogs

NO NAME VS. BRAND NAME

April 6, 2015 | 26 Comments

WHAT’S IN A NAME? 
Everything!
sarah window 2 (yellow)

in·di·vid·u·al·i·ty
noun

  • the quality or character of a particular person or thing that distinguishes them from others of the same kind, especially when strongly marked
  • separate existence

i·den·ti·ty
noun

  • the process of the development of the distinct personality of an individual
  • the condition of being oneself or itself, and not another
  • condition or character as to who a person or what a thing is
  • the state or fact of being the same one as described
  • the sense of self

Branding is a practice used to mark livestock as property in order to identify the owner in cases of lost or stolen property. Techniques include marking livestock with fire-heated irons as well as freeze branding, tattoos on the inner lip or ear, ear tags, ear-marking, paint branding and microchipping. Some methods are more humane (less terrifying) than others and, in fact, prove beneficial. For example, Eartipping is a universal sign that a feral cat has been spayed or neutered and makes the task of monitoring or managing a colony much easier. The procedure of removing/cutting approximately a quarter-inch off the tip of the cat’s left ear in a straight line is done while the cat is anesthetized for spay/neuter and healing is rapid. Microchipping is a simple procedure. A veterinarian injects a microchip which is about the size of a grain of rice, beneath the surface of the skin between the shoulder blades of your cat or dog. The process is similar to a routine shot for humans and does not require anesthesia. The bottom line is this; livestock is considered property as are the animals we consider ‘domestic’ companions.

The traditional cowboy captured and secured an animal for branding by roping it, laying it over on the ground, tying its legs together, and applying a branding iron that had been heated in a fire. Modern ranch practice has moved toward use of chutes where animals can be run into a confined area and safely secured while the brand is applied. Two types of restraint are the cattle crush or squeeze chute (for larger cattle), which may close on either side of a standing animal, or a branding cradle, where calves are caught in a cradle which is rotated so that the animal is lying on its side.

final 1 (1)

Does my tattoo make me less desirable? In the leather industry, a branded ‘hide’ is considered to have a ‘defect’ and is therefore less valuable. As well as different types of branding, the marks may be located in different areas such as the side or rump (butt branded).

When I mentioned my idea for a tattoo, my husband argued that I should not choose such a highly visible area for the ‘artwork’ and would I please consider a less obvious part of my body to mark. My response:

No, absolutely not

 

For years I have considered getting ‘inked.’ Not obsessively but I love all forms of art and the idea of ‘self-expression’ in such a committed manner. I was open to the idea. The reason I hadn’t gone ahead with the procedure was that I really could not think of anything I felt that committed to. Yes, I’m married but my husband and I both consider ourselves to be two separate pieces of a puzzle; together we make each other stronger and better individuals. I don’t need to wear his name on my arm. If I was going to get a tattoo, it would be something that meant something to me – something very personal to me. And, with most things in life, if you keep an open mind and live in the question – for however long it takes, the answer will come.

closeup2

I have been lucky to have animal companions with me throughout my life’s journey thus far. I’ve had pet snakes, rabbits, raccoons, goats, ponies, a bird, a hamster and of course, cats and dogs. I’m the girl that won’t say ‘no’ – to helping animals in need. I once took a basket of baby squirrels to a rescue organization after their mama had been hit by a car. Only certain shelters will take ‘wildlife’ so it was a bit of a drive to the nearest centre that would accept them. Upon my return home, I had three people from the area show up with baskets of baby squirrels who had also lost their moms. The weather had been unusually mild and for a longer period of time. This confused ‘the birds and bees’ and as a result, there were more squirrels. Most people would leave these little creatures to whatever Mother Nature had in store for them. I was glad these few people knew I would help them and did their part to ensure they found their way to my door.

I love animals with all my heart and will do whatever I can to protect them.

As a volunteer at various shelters, I see the challenges the workers face; overpopulation and crowding of stray and unwanted pets, lack of funding, illness which is easily spread and costly and time consuming to manage. Shortage of staff and volunteers as well as not having enough time in the day, add to the challenge. Staff will often stay late to try to catch up. Volunteers that are able to foster, and walk dogs, and cuddle and socialize animals are essential to the welfare of the animals that end up at shelters. Surrendered and stray animals arrive faster than staff members are able to process paperwork for them. Comfort and safety are the main priority however shelter animals often remain nameless and are assigned a number until such time as they are given a name.

pig

A name makes us relatable. It is a personal form of identity. In some cultures a name carries great significance and tradition and presenting someone with their moniker is cause for a party. For example, some European Cultures recognize ‘Name Day.’ Unlike Birthdays which are usually celebrated by close friends and family, Name Days are widely celebrated. Based on religious traditions or historical events, first names are assigned to a day of the calendar.  For example, the Name Day for Michael is September 29th, the day The Church Feast of Saint Michael is held.  In Greece, Name day is considered to be more important than a birthday.

Sadie is not my birth name; it is a nickname or ‘pet name’ given to me by friends.

As a profile photographer at my local shelter, I feel privileged to help choose a name for a cat before their profile is created online. My heart breaks each time I see animals online, referred to by their processing number or simply by their size, age and gender.

Seriously, who wants to be known as a LARGE ADULT FEMALE?

 

cow hug

I will see this ‘mark’ on my arm every day. It will be an affirmation of sorts; a reminder of what matters most to me. Every person can make a difference. No act of kindness shall be considered too small or insignificant. I must do what I can, whenever I can. I must do something.

cows (1)
Thank you Sam at Blackwood Tattoo
http://www.blackwoodtattoo.com/

Thank you Brenda and the team at The Wishing Well Sanctuary for allowing Gillian and I to visit your beautiful farm and meet these amazing beings http://www.wishingwellsanctuary.org/

Gillian Woods – whom I look forward to working with on ‘The Awareness Project’ (see tab above).  Thank you
https://www.facebook.com/gillyfacephotos

 

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/individuality

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identity

 

Categories: ADOPTABLES, RESCUE GROUPS & SHELTERS Tagged: Awareness, Rescue, Rescue Organizations

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