Faith

RUBY’S LOVE LETTER LEGACY – The Awareness Project

February 8, 2016 | 30 Comments

LOVE, HOPE & FAITH

Ruby’s Love Letter Legacy

I am incredibly proud to be participating in this ‘non-hostile’ campaign that will most definitely have a huge impact on our Canadian Government regarding legislation about to puppy mills and breeding practices in general. This campaign will also, undoubtedly set an example for others. It is an honour to share information with you – please join this cause.

It all began on April 19, 2012, with a tiny puppy mill survivor named ‘Ruby.’

Ruby changed our lives forever

As a result of living in a cage for six years, Ruby’s health was seriously compromised. Despite best efforts Ruby took her place among the Angels on March 10, 2014.

Ruby’s Love Letter Legacy was created in memory of this darling dog, to close down puppy mills until there are NO MORE PUPPY MILLS in Canada! A serious message, delivered in a peaceful way; a flood of red envelopes reaching government officials arriving in time for Valentine’s Day each year.

So Ruby’s life was not lived in vain, we have made a commitment to educate everyone we meet about the horror of puppy mills. Our next step is to continue to nudge our government officials through letter writing campaigns and not let up until there are NO MORE PUPPY MILLS in Canada!

The intention of this campaign is to change the laws currently protecting puppy mills and backyard breeders and to have puppy mills closed down for good.

Ruby’s team provides all the information needed to participate: names, addresses, sample letters and downloadable letterhead! You supply the red envelopes, and stamps (if required) and as many letters as you can send out!

Please join this cause and share information about:
• puppy mills and backyard breeders in Canada
• inspiring advocacy
• opting to adopt
• discouraging the purchase of dogs from pet stores or online sellers
• researching breeders before buying

WE CAN’T DO THIS ALONE

If you have knowledge or expertise in provincial/territory legislature, please contact Ruby’s Legacy team, so they are better able to convince government officials to put an end to the puppy mill madness!

This campaign was inspired by ‘Lola’s Legacy’ in the USA. Ruby’s team expressed gratitude to Sandra Parker Rouse:

We love your idea and trust it will help Canadian puppy mill dogs as much as your campaign continues to help those sweet being south of our border.

Federal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith is supporting this cause in the House of Commons and will be introducing legislation to bring animal welfare into the 21st Century and HE NEEDS OUR SUPPORT! Click HERE! to view MP Erskine-Smith’s video endorsement of the campaign.

THREE VERSIONS of the letter and an address list are available on Ruby’s Legacy Facebook page (file tab at top of page contains all of the addresses and links to find those you will send to)

STEP 1:

Choose the one/s that applies to you
1) Canadian Letter to Federal PM & MPs
2) Canadian Letter to Provincial MLAs or MPPs
3) International Supporter Letter to PM Trudeau

STEP 2:

Download and Print
• ADD FULL NAME & ADDRESS at the bottom where indicated. Your letter(s) could be ignored without them.
• SIGN
• MAIL on February 8th, 2016 or as close to this date as possible

CANADIANS:
Please send letters to ALL of the following:
1) Your Federal MP (Member of Parliament)
2) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
3) Your Provincial MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) or MPP (Member of Provincial Parliament)
4) Federal and/or Provincial elected officials responsible for Animal Welfare. There are several listed.

LETTERS MAILED IN CANADA TO THE PM & MPs OTTAWA ADDRESS DO NOT REQUIRE POSTAGE! (LETTERS TO PROVINCIAL MPs & MLAs require postage.)

INTERNATIONAL SUPPORTERS, Please send your letters to:
The Prime Minister of Canada: The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau
His address is at the top of the list.

Please DO NOT USE FALSE NAMES OR ADDRESSES and
DO NOT SEND MORE THAN ONE LETTER TO THE SAME GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL

Ruby’s Love Letter Legacy CAMPAIGN DIRECTIONS

Please read campaign directions entirely. A downloadable .pdf file of these instructions is available under the Files tab (on Ruby’s Legacy Facebook page).

If you don’t have RED ENVELOPES, please check DOLLAR STORES, PARTY CITY or STAPLES. As a last resort, grab a RED MARKER and decorate white envelopes with BIG RED HEARTS!

We want to stand out…so make a love filled statement!!!

FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO COMPOSE THEIR OWN LETTERS:

‘RubysLLL-Letterhead’ has been uploaded in .pdf format.

We realize this is an emotional subject but PLEASE refrain from writing aggressive, derogatory and abusive letters, as it’s this behavior we are looking to stop.

• Download and print the letterhead.
• Compose your letter.
• Print to the letterhead sheet.
• ADD YOUR FULL NAME & ADDRESS at the bottom where indicated. Your letter could be ignored without it.

Please join us in supporting Ruby’s Legacy and help save thousands of beautiful souls still imprisoned in these barns.

Thank you,

FINDING JACK

July 13, 2015 | 4 Comments

WHEN THE WAR ENDS, HOW DO YOU LEAVE YOUR BEST FRIEND BEHIND?

A Tribute to War Dogs

Last month, we introduced you to the movie ‘Max.’ Continuing with the theme of War Dogs, it gives me great pleasure to share with you ‘Finding Jack.’ A rare gem of a book written by Gareth Crocker.

I take my time working through a book. I’ll pick it up ‘now and then.’ Finding Jack is a book that captivates the reader early on and is not easy to put down. The short chapters are deceiving; it’s easy to justify ‘just one more,’ over, and again. Immediately, we connect with Fletcher, the main character and learn of the heartbreak that motivates him to sign up for the Vietnam war.

In a world where, understandably, if men survive, many find it difficult to overcome the stress, emotional and more often than not, the physical trauma endured. A dog would be a welcome comrade. Our introduction to Jack is anything but wagging tails and kisses. Tissues required. This story depicts how even the darkest world is made brighter with the presence of a very special dog. Jack not only protected the soldiers in his unit, he boosted morale among the entire base. Except for a few good men, this comradery, lasts only as long as the war.

This beautiful, poignant story is a tribute to the Vietnam war dogs,

many of whom gave their lives to protect American and allied soldiers. Shortly after troops began to pull out of the war, it’s believed the U.S. government ordered that the dogs be left behind. It was proving too expensive to transport them home. They were labeled as ‘surplus military equipment’ and left to fates unknown.

Fewer than two hundred dogs made it home. This beautiful story about loyalty, perseverance, and hope, is dedicated to the dogs that saved the lives of more than ten thousand soldiers.

Note: this novel contains language that may be offensive to some readers.

Gareth Crocker

PUPPY MILL AWARENESS – PART I

May 4, 2015 | 30 Comments

WHERE DO PUPPIES COME FROM? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO DO YOUR RESEARCH PRIOR TO PURCHASING OR ADOPTING A DOG?

Puppy Mill Dog Reese – photo courtesy of Gillian Woods

Of course I knew puppies came from mommy dogs. I was quite ignorant to breeders, breeding facilities, and the OVERWHELMING number of pets that were waiting in shelters and with rescue organizations, for loving, forever homes. I grew up on a farm. My first dog Punchie came to stay with us when my Godparents moved to Japan. Punchie, the dog and Tiger the cat were sisters and became part of our family – no questions asked. Other dogs that had been left behind by hunters found their way to our door and seemingly found their way back to their homes the next day while I was at school.

By the time I had convinced my husband that we should get a dog, I had done a fair bit of research and was confused by the different options for obtaining dogs; breeding facilities (several types), brokers, pet stores and shelters or rescue organizations.

A red flag for me, was the headline on a number of sites that read WE ARE NOT A PUPPY MILL!

Long story short, we found Henry and learned so much about Puppy Mills from the founder of the wonderful rescue organization from whom we adopted him. Thank you Kimberly of Kismutt Small Dog Rescue.

Henry was fairly young when we adopted him. Henry had been surrendered by the owner of the mill due to medical conditions. Sadly, another pup, suffering a similar condition was surrendered too late, and her eye had to be removed. Other than physical illness, Henry was a happy dog – unaffected mentally, by his time at the mill.

Fast forward a year.

We decided Henry needed a brother or sister. Although not a pro by any means, a year with Henry had taught me how to be a dog parent. We learned of Reese, another mill dog in need of a home. The rescue organization felt this little girl needed another ‘normal’ dog for reassurance and to teach her how to be a dog herself. It still brings tears to my eyes when I recall how much Reese needed Henry, and how her big, younger brother brought her out of her shell and did indeed teach her to enjoy life. I credit Henry with ninety percent of Reese’s rehabilitation.

To follow is Reese’s adoption profile, including a video of a terrified, former breeding, Puppy Mill dog. Also, an update from her foster parents (thank you Matt and Erin), and a few words from the founder of the rescue organization that ‘pulled’ my dog and saved her from a bullet.

Please visit us next week for part II – what the law says.

Petfinder Adoption Profile – Joyful Rescues

Breeze Kent (now Reese)

Breed: Shih Tzu [Mix]
Sex: Female
Age: Young
Size: Small

About Me

Breeze was born about February 12, 2008 and weighs about 15 lbs. She is more frightened than some of the dogs she came in with, maybe she was beat for not getting pregnant and that is why the “miller” gave her up so young. She is learning her way around the new world she has to live in. Breeze was released from her duties; expected to produce puppies to line the pet store shelves.

It was one of the worst mills; the dogs lived on wire bottomed cages, never touching their feet to a solid surface year after year. Breeze is just now experiencing fresh air, sunshine, and most importantly – grass. All the simple pleasures we take so for granted.

We do feel she is too timid to go to a home with little, noisey, kids. A note from Breeze’s Foster Mom: “I just wanted to give you an update on Breeze. First of all, she is the sweetest little thing and I am in love with this little cutie after only 2 days!! She is VERY frightened of everything as you know. We have found that she likes to be in a corner of any room that she is in (she is comforted by this). She has a few corners that she has been going to often so we put a blanket down for when she is laying there.

We have been taking it slow with the picking up and handling of her… she is pretty fast when she wants to get away from you.

I stayed home with her all day yesterday and let her have pretty much the run of the house. she was sniffing everything and even picked up a fast trot to chase after Bentley foster parents dog) which made me happy. She has showed some interest in our dogs and even got up on her back legs to sniff at Bella when Belly was sitting on the couch. She sat on my lap for several hours all curled up and had a nice long nap wrapped up in a blanket.

She even came over to me at the end of the day yesterday when I put my hand out for her to sniff and she let me pick her up without running away..needless to say I was ver y happy about that!! We’ve been offering her treats whenever our crew gets theirs but has yet to take any from us.

I’m looking forward to the day when she realizes how good the treats taste. Last night she slept up next to me in bed and stayed curled up with me all night. I think she’s enjoying the comfy couch and bed as opposed to the hard floor or wire bottom. It took her a little while to figure out that she could walk on the blankets and lay on them. She figured out where the water and food bowls are and goes all on her own to get water although she is not eating very much. Im not sure if its because she is just not used to having good plentiful meals or if she is just too frightened to eat when we are around, but I have been offering her food often and I think with a little time this will change.. If we leave her alone with the food she will eat. She has had a few accidents but nothing major and has been going outside. We will continue to work on this while the little angel is with us. Our major focus now is just getting her used to good human touch. We have been sitting on the floor next to her and just talk to her while we pet her.

She is extremely sensitive about us touching her front feet. Her whole body shakes pretty bad when both Matt and I touch her feet. We will continue to work on this as well.

This morning she was sitting in the kitchen with two of our dogs and I was petting her head before I left for work and she closed her eyes and laid down for a rest…it was nice to see that she was comfortable enough to do this. we are looking forward to the day when her little tail will wag and not be constantly between her legs. other than that she is just getting used to all the new sounds and smells and we even caught her staring at the TV when she was laying on the couch yesterday. We feel very lucky that we will hopefully be able to make a difference in her life!!! Matt and I will keep you posted on her progress but we wanted to let you know how the first few days have been.

Founder and Director of Joyful Rescues, Joye Turock has the following to say about Puppy Mills and Mill Dogs:

There are still humans that don’t know what a puppy mill is. They don’t know how it works, they don’t know how badly the dogs are mistreated and what happens to the dogs once they are no longer capable of producing inventory for pet store shelves.

We recently had someone adopt a puppy mill dog from us. The dog was maybe half as frightened as others we have rescued. Even though we took the time to prepare her and provide helpful advice for adjusting the dog, she returned him the next morning saying she had no idea how damaged he was, and that she was unprepared.

Humans can help by not buying from pet stores, no matter how vehemently store owner deny the fact, the dogs being sold as a product in pet shops are from Puppy Mills. No credible, caring, breeder places their dogs in pet stores.

There are many Puppy Mills that sell online – they show everything the consumer wants to believe is true.

Consumer. Isn’t that an awful word when you are talking about the purchase of a living being?

Behind closed barn doors, there is pain, suffering, death, and tragedy. Adult dogs are left behind, in the cages, their babies ripped away from them. The baby pups are barely old enough (by law) to be sold. Hence so many health conditions.

Humans that are outraged by this treatment of our domestic animals need to get involved by contacting their government representatives and work to help change the laws that currently protect the owners of such facilities. Right now, these operations (this treatment) is completely legal in the USA, shame on us!

Please visit us next week. We will review the KENNEL LICENCING BY-LAW provided by THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF GEORGINA.

Thank you Joye and the team at Joyful Rescues for all you do for the animals. Eternally grateful for Reese

http://joyfulrescues.com/index.html

http://www.kismutt.com/home.html

Post Photo of Reese courtesy of Gillian Woods

https://www.flickr.com/photos/gillyface/

I was invited to participate in a ‘Puppy Mill Blog Hop’ for Puppy Mill Action Week. I’m thrilled to be involved in this wonderful project. Thank you, Dolly theDoxie. Please visit the other blogs to learn more about this cause and how together we can make a difference.

www.ThePuppyMillProject.org

www.Facebook.com/ThePuppyMillProject

www.Twitter.com/PuppyMillProj

www.Pinterest.com/TPMP

www.YouTube.com/ThePuppyMillProject

A DOG’S PURPOSE

March 21, 2015 | 2 Comments

Who says only cats have nine lives?

In this beautiful story ‘A Dog’s Purpose,’ written by W. Bruce Cameron, we learn of one dog’s many lives; some lives are brief, and others end tragically. Each glimpse of a lifetime, however, is heart-warming and provides insight touching on everyday, real-life situations lived by dogs we all know or at least know of.

The story is told from the dog’s perspective. Perhaps that is why it is so emotionally powerful. Although there are several laugh-out-loud moments, be warned, this emotional story is a real tear-jerker.

You will want to put this book down several times while ready the story. ONLY to hug your dogs and hold them close

So far, ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ is my absolute favourite book – of any genre. This book is not ‘a loaner,’ you will want to read this book more than once (and I RARELY read a book a second time).

The Purpose of a dog (no spoilers), is to love and to be loved.

Thank you, Mr. Cameron for writing and sharing this book – such a beautiful gift to the world.

it takes a village

October 8, 2014 | 4 Comments

The African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” means the work of raising (and educating) a child cannot be done alone. Rather, the entire community must participate to some extent in the task.

In this case, a group of people (some, complete strangers) came together to work on a project; a children’s book with a very important lesson to teach children – be respectful around dogs. By working together, this group is also helping to make a wish come true. Henry’s wish to teach children how to interact safely with dogs.

I invited two volunteer friends to listen to the story and provide feedback. Graciously, they did so, and their contributions were incorporated, to strengthen the lesson for children, and additional programs suggested which might benefit from book sale profits.

Upon hearing the story, one of the volunteers asked if the characters (dogs) were based on real life examples, and did I have a ‘Merlin?’ I did not. Turns out, there was a dog at the shelter I volunteer at, that had been adopted and renamed……MERLIN! My volunteer friend put me in touch with Merlin’s mom, a Marketing Executive and Graphic Designer. Sarah Kirk-Douglas permitted me to feature her dog as one of the characters in my book, and has also been incredibly generous with other aspects of this process. I could not have done it without her. Sarah has kept me on track, provided invaluable strategies for marketing and promoting the project and kept me focused and positive, during what has been a very emotional and stressful roller-coaster ride.

http://www.eventsbysarah.ca

Sarah’s mom Nadine – an editor was also quick to volunteer her assistance. I have read the words over so many times, having a fresh pair of eyes, and feedback from someone reading the story for the first time was extremely helpful.

The stunning campaign photos were taken by Sarah’s Father in law Garrie, of Nexus Photography. The day of the photoshoot started off cloudy, thankfully the rain held off. Our models (four, and two-legged) connected beautifully (as children and dogs should), and everyone had fun playing, more than ‘posing.’ That feeling translated through the images.

www.igg.me/at/henrysayshello

www.nexus-photo.com

Children and Dogs – Naturally

I would drop samples of paperwork off to Sarah’s husband Craig at his place of work (close to my house), and he would graciously transport the samples back home to Sarah.

Craig’s Grandmother even joined the affair by leading contributions towards the project!

Paul – a member of Sarah’s design team has volunteered his time and suggestions, to bring my vision of a classic, traditional-looking storybook come into being.

www.designanddevelop.com

Ryan at Rayment Collins has spoken with me many times about the project, spending time to research and find the best option to create my classic children’s book. The objective; keeping print costs down so the book is affordable and generate a margin of profit that will be contributed to so many worthwhile causes.

www.raymentcollins.com

Mike at The Drafting Clinic scanned my illustrations ensuring the highest quality image was available for the design team. Mike is taking the best care of my artwork until such time as I am able to make the trip to collect them.

http://www.dccltd.ca/

The incredibly beautiful song used as an accompaniment to the slideshow was written and performed by Curt Carter & Tom Connelley. I had the pleasure of communicating with both gentlemen and granted permission to use the song in collaboration with our project. It was the first song I listened to, and I could not bring myself to choose a back-up song. I would consider that ONLY if they denied my request. Thankfully, they did not. In fact, it seemed as if everything was falling into place – as if it was meant to be. Carter & Connelley are kindred spirits.

These are truly songs from the heart. Without preaching, Carter and Connelley weaves a musical landscape allowing one to feel the beauty and harmony of nature within one’s self. We like to call it “environmental music with a message”.

Curt Carter’s dogs – referred to by his wife as an ‘Australian Cuddle Dog’ and ‘Lazy Boy Retriever.’

http://carterandconnelley.com/

To celebrate the book (prematurely), and as a thank you to (local) friends and supporters, a ‘Launch Party’ has been organized. Again, Sarah Kirk Douglas has lead the way, organizing production of tickets and raffle prizes! There has been no shortage of prize donations and a wonderful group of people purchasing tickets to attend the party.

The Event will be held at Boston Pizza (Keswick, ON) and our MC/DJ for the evening is Manager, Shawn Parkinson. Shawn has a way of getting everyone involved; entertainment and audience participaction. Shawn came up with a number of ideas for the evenings festivities including a buffet meal of pizza, pasta, salads and other menu items – a selection to suit all!

Thank you for the prize donations (at time of post);

HENRY PET PRODUCTS

henrypets.com

FETCHING APPAREL

fetching-apparel.com

STELLA & DOT (independent stylist Amy Lazar Kleiman)

www.stelladot.com/amylazarkleiman

THE HAIR COMPANY SALON

http://thehaircompany.ca

BROOKS FARMS

www.brooksfarms.com

BRENDA’S GIFT BASKETS

https://www.facebook.com/BrendasBaskets?fref=ts

INNOVATEX

www.innovatex.ca

BOSTON PIZZA (Keswick)

www.bostonpizza.com

It warms my heart to know that so many people believe in, and support this cause. I am very grateful to you all.

http://www.afriprov.org/index.php/african-proverb-of-the-month/23-1998proverbs/137-november-1998-proverb.html

TAKE THAT TO THE BANK!

June 15, 2014 | 10 Comments

Use of this beautiful photo is kindly granted by Andreas Holm. Thank you.

Last night, my husband was watching television as I sat at my computer uploading photos to cat profiles. I glanced over at the television momentarily – one of those moments that I can only imagine I will refer to later as ‘defining.’
What I saw was an advertisement, in which a father and son go into a pet store and buy pet supplies, along with…………………………………………………………………A PUPPY!!!

Animal welfare organizations fight every day to bring awareness to the concerns surrounding the sale of pets in pet stores. There are numerous campaigns running to have such sales banned. I could not believe what I was watching, and as a viewer, I felt compelled to contact the organization responsible for the offensive advertisement and make a stand for the cause.

Frantically I typed my message; disbelief, outrage, frustration, and ultimately sadness formed words that rallied together into sentences, and formed an army of paragraphs on the screen before me. Then I stepped back, took a deep breath, repeated the idiom ‘you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar’ over and over in my head before erasing the entire message and starting over. I don’t know why I think of that saying – I’m not a fan of flies!

http://youtu.be/ns6p3zvGkUI

This was the version I sent;

To whom it concerns,

I just watched your television commercial where a man and his children go into a pet store and buy a puppy. I’m sure you will find, after doing some research that the majority of puppies purchased from pet stores come from puppy mills. Your commercial that was meant to make people smile makes me extremely sad. Animal welfare advocates like myself, have been working very hard to educate people and fight tirelessly to ban the sale of pets in pet stores, and have all puppy mills shut down. Your commercial is a step backward.

If you want to win thousands of customers, my humble opinion, is that you should acknowledge this huge faux-paw, and admit your ignorance. Here is an opportunity to educate even more people and do some good for the cause. Northwest Savings Bank would be thought highly of, if you were to donate money, by way of apology, to rescue efforts – the organizations that provide medical care and rehabilitation to the parents of the cute little puppies, shipped, like livestock, to the pet stores that still, in fact, sell dogs.

I have been thinking of how it may be possible to introduce the cause into mainstream media – perhaps you have opened the door. I truly hope you will consider this request and help me make a difference. I’ve also included some educational resources for your review – they are not easy to watch, but this is the reason my peers and I fight.

Thank you for reading this message. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this further.

Sincerely,
Sadie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ki2jeHquJa4&feature=g-vrec

http://www.aspca.org/fight-cruelty/puppy-mills

The response received from Northwest Savings Bank;

Dear Sadie,

Thank you for reaching out to us.
We produced five different television commercials to help support our new MyNorthwest checking campaign. In each spot, we depict a mix of family members, in real-life scenarios, using various Northwest convenience channels, such as online banking and bill pay, mobile banking, depository ATMs and/or our VISA check card, to convey how Northwest can provide customers with better access to their accounts and how our financial products and services can potentially streamline or simplify a customer’s life. For example, in the specific commercial you referenced, we highlight mobile banking and the ability to transfer funds in real-time between various Northwest accounts.
Our company takes great pride in our employees, customers, shareholders and communities we serve. The content of our advertising is never intended to offend any person or group. We recognize that everyone is entitled to their opinions and views and appreciate your feedback.

Sincerely,
(Name withheld)

The last word (to date), from me;

Good morning (Name withheld),

While I’m disappointed, you don’t see the negativity your advertisement is likely to cause, I would like to thank you for your prompt reply.

To be honest, I would not have known what the advertisement was promoting – I was too shocked by the content. I did remember the name of your organization, though not in a positive way.

As a member of various animal-welfare groups, I feel obliged to share with others your stance on this matter.

Sadie

There is such irony in the Northwest Savings Bank slogan ‘Where people make the difference,’ don’t you agree? The term Corporate Social Responsibility refers to a company’s sense of responsibility towards the community and environment (both ecological and social) in which it operates. The reason companies spend billions of dollars on advertising each year, is because it works! We, the consumers are influenced by media. In my opinion, Northwest Savings Bank should have used some of that money and further researched the impact of this message.

One day, in the not too distant future, people will commit time and careful consideration into making the decision to adopt a pet. The convenience of banking methods in a pet store won’t be their priority. You can take that to the bank!

Check back with this site later for details about why this fight is so important as well as information on what it means for puppy-mill and shelter animals.

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/06/05/oshawa_poised_to_ban_puppy_and_kitten_sales_in_pet_stores.html

https://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/help-ban-pet-store-retail-outlet-sales-of-puppy-mill-animals-across-Ontario

http://www.chicagonow.com/raining-cats-dogs/2014/03/chicago-bans-puppy-mill-sales-in-pet-stores/

http://andreasholm.com/shelter-dogs/

Toby Project

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/corporate-social-responsibility.html

A NEW YEAR STATE OF MIND

February 13, 2014 | 2 Comments

In memory of Mena

It has definitely taken me longer to transition into 2014, than it has any of the (many) previous years. A great deal of ideas, projects and happenings in 2013 all seemed to bottle neck towards the end.

That said, I’m not one to execute my list of resolutions at the stroke of midnight. I don’t want to set myself up to fail, and be disappointed. This Ontario girl has done a few polar dips. Enough to have learned that I’m a ‘dip the big toe first’ kind of person (and in much warmer weather, thank you).

I used to look forward to going out to celebrate the New Year. I would dress up and go out with friends, ‘tying one on’ for the last time that year. I would, of course partake of champagne at midnight vowing however to ‘go dry, eat healthy and workout ‘starting tomorrow’. Within the first week of the new year I would update my resume, find my dream job and start out ‘gung ho’ to lose X amount of pounds before shorts season. This would be the year. Then, inevitably, there were distractions and all good intentions dissolved.

Mena in Times Square

Nowadays, my priorities and the time in which it takes to accomplish a task, has changed. I still have hopes and dreams, however I am more realistic and choose a more general approach to achieving them; I will continue to make healthy choices – I would like to try to incorporate more ‘raw’ dishes into my diet each week, I will add an extra weight training day to my workout schedule (somewhere in the week), and I will make more time for my hobbies – balance between work and personal life if balanced, is often precarious. It is important to consider what is done with that time and the quality of time; do I feel I’ve done something because it ‘had to be done’, and do I feel better after it is done? Sometimes it’s best to focus on something else entirely; read, go for a walk or play fetch with the dogs for an hour. Resolutions or daily tasks – I don’t want to just cross things off a list, I want them to matter. What I do, I do with ‘intention’.

On September 11^th, 2001, the world watched in absolute horror and disbelief when two planes, filled with passengers struck one each of the two World Trade Centre towers. Most of us remember exactly where we were – standing helpless as both planes disappeared into the buildings which collapsed to the ground. In the days, weeks, and months to follow, we watched a nation pick itself up, support its fellow citizens and share miraculous tales of hope and survival, amid heartache. Movies such as ‘Reign Over Me’ (Adam Sandler, 2007), ‘Not Since You’ (2009), and of course ‘Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close’ (Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock, 2011) to name only a few, have referred to this event; the experience having life altering effects on at least one of the characters – who, ultimately go through a spiritual awakening and in the process, learn a valuable lesson.

My point is this; why does it take such tragedy to create perspective? Perhaps the families who lost friends and loved ones to tragic circumstances will find a small amount of comfort, in knowing that we have not forgotten, and although there is evil in this world, we are reminded there is also much good. The events of that day, and countless other seemingly pointless tragedies stay with me. I try not to take for granted the opportunity I have to make a difference; somewhere, somehow regardless of the degree. ‘A little at a time, however possible’.

In 2014, I learned of Christine B. and her blog projectlighttolife.com. I was inspired by Christina and her many acts of kindness – ideas that, at the very least make people smile. I haven’t created my bucket list yet. I decided to start with a ‘sand pail’.

‘A single grain of sand is barely visible to the human eye – buckets full will build castles’.

A work of art by sand sculptor Matt Long

Sand Pail List

Donate time, supplies and/or financial support to a local shelter(s):

-Think of fun ways to ‘fundraise’; bake cupcakes or cookies to sell at the office, knit toys and blankets, sew blankets and jackets. Are you, or do you know anyone who is a consultant for Scentsy, Pampered Chef, Lia Sophia, Stella & Dot etc.? If not perhaps you could host a party and raise some money for much needed items. Most shelters and rescue organizations will have a wish list posted on their site.

–Cat cuddling; some shelters are full of residents, and the attendants don’t have the extra time for more than a quick pat on the head or stroke under the chin. Cat cuddlers provide socialization, stimulation and much needed love required. Why not go the extra mile and offer to brush some coats and trim nails. Some cats are lucky to have play areas with scratch posts – most are not.

–Dog walking; This could mean the difference between a dog being adopted or overlooked due to having ‘too much energy’ for a family. Often, it’s very hard during meet and greets for families to properly determine if a dog will be a good fit because they have not had as much exercise as a dog their size requires. That extra half an hour you can spare could make such a difference. It also helps socialize the dogs.

–Taking photos; again due to time restrictions, the photos you see on such search engines are often ‘quick snaps’ taken by shelter staff, in an effort to put a tail to a name. If you have a camera, and are able to spend some time with the animals, you can help them relax and take a photo capturing their true beauty.

–Sponsorship; a number of rescue organizations are raising funds to cover medical bills for animals in their care, or simply to pay for food and basic costs of living.

–Transport; organizations such as Pilots N Paws (Canada and U.S.) organize the transport of animals in order to keep them safe and find permanent homes for them. As well as individuals qualified to fly aircraft, ground transport is also required. Even offering to take an animal from a local shelter to a veterinarian appointment would be helpful.

–Foster; unfortunately not all shelters are ‘no kill’, and offering to care for an animal until a permanent loving home can be found, may be the difference between life and death for that animal or another. It’s not always easy to see them go, but in my opinion, it’s much easier than considering the alternative.

–Support a Cause; unless you are part of the rescue community, there are MANY issues and concerns that are not generally discussed, and most people are completely unaware of. For example; the laws and restrictions regarding Pitbulls and other breeds in different Provinces and States, Puppy Mills and sales of pets in pet stores, Over-population – in part due to ignorance about the importance of ‘spay/neuter,’ different organizations that are desperately trying to number inline, and how they hope to do so. Embrace the opportunity to learn something that will benefit the community and share the information. Some things are difficult to hear but again if you don’t know you can’t help. Then….

–Talk it up; Share the information you learned with others. SHARE THIS POST! Also, keep an eye out for ads posted online or posters regarding lost pets or others looking for a new home. Recommend visiting a shelter or rescue organization. You would be surprised at how love connections are made.

Someone read somewhere that this dog needed a home and then heard from someone that ‘so and so’ was ready to adopt a new dog…….

–Be Vigilant/Take Responsibility; Please don’t ignore a situation if you have a feeling something isn’t right. Any cruelty and neglect isn’t always obvious. Do we not have a moral obligation to report it? Control Officers would rather check something out and find it to be nothing rather than arrive too late to a situation. Do you have a neighbor that seems to always be giving away free kittens, or selling litter after litter of puppies? Be aware of stray cats and contact your local shelter for information about Feral Support. Unaltered pets contributing to over-population is a huge concern leading to the large number of shelter animals being euthanized because homes can’t be found for them. What about a dog that appears to be injured and/or covered in cuts. Please don’t look away. Make a difference.

the sculptures were carved for the Tunnel To Towers Run held each year at ground zero. The event memorializes NYFD Firefighter Stephen Siller.

Building sand castles is more fun when working together with friends; on a sunny day at the beach, the sound of waves and seagulls (they can be a good thing), laughing and working together to create something magical. Who will join me in this challenge? I have chosen ideas based on ‘Animal Welfare’. Feel free to grab a spade and scoop some goodness into this pail (cross one or two items off the list if you aren’t up to the entire challenge), or start your own for any other cause. I’d love to hear about your experiences or ideas to add to the list.

New Year’s resolve, to me is about evolution; strengthening values, learning and developing. I contemplate what has transpired in the previous years. I take time to consider what I would like to accomplish over the course of the next few. What can I do this year that will somehow make a difference? When I’m ready, I take the first step – with a new-year state of mind.

Best wishes for the New Year!

Thank you Matt Long for permission to use images:

www.sandsculptor.com/index.html

www.tunneltotowers.org

Lara Elmayan @ untapped cities photographed the lower manhattan sandcastle:

http://untappedcities.com/2013/07/19/daily-what-18-foot-sand-castle-built-on-water-street-in-downtown-manhattan/

and last but not least thank you Heather for sharing your photo of Willamena:

http://heather-kovar.blogspot.ca/search?updated-min=2006-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&updated-max=2007-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&max-results=27

RUBY’S LOVE LETTER LEGACY – The Awareness Project

LOVE, HOPE & FAITH

FINDING JACK

PUPPY MILL AWARENESS – PART I

Breeze Kent (now Reese)

About Me

A DOG’S PURPOSE

it takes a village

TAKE THAT TO THE BANK!

A NEW YEAR STATE OF MIND

Search

Archives

Categories

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

DIY POWDER ROOM FOR YOUR CAT

SPOT CLEAN A JUTE RUG IN 6 EASY STEPS!

EASY DIY SWEET POTATO TREATS FOR DOGS

LOVE, HOPE & FAITH

Breeze Kent (now Reese)

About Me

Search

Archives

Categories

Recent Comments

Connect with us

Recent Posts