The 13 Project Needs You!

It all started a few months ago on Facebook. I "liked" a local animal shelter's page. I didn't realize it at the time, but they post pics of dogs and cats that are, as they put it, "urgent". It means they are on death row, that their name is coming up next on the euthanization list if they are not adopted or rescued very, very soon. The shelter and volunteers post pics in the hopes that people will help either by sharing the pic on their own fb page, adopt the animal, or pledge money in hopes to attract a rescue group to take the animal. The more pledges an animal has, the more attractive it is to rescue groups. How can I see these urgent posts and just turn a blind eye?

This particular shelter also has an album on their page of the animals whose status is PTS (put to sleep). I would sit and look through the album literally in tears. These animals end up at shelters through no fault of their own. It just breaks my heart to look into their eyes and see how scared they are. I so badly want to help these animals but feel helpless and powerless to do so. This is a viscious cycle where one animal is rescued but ten more are lined up to take it's place at the shelter. So, I can choose to do nothing, or I can choose to do something knowing that I can't help them all, but I can help some.

And this inspiration comes from Serena over at Pretty Fluffy. She has started the 13 Project. "The 13 Project is a Pretty Fluffy initiative that involves 13 acts of kindness towards animals before 2013." Just come up with a list of 13 ways that you can help animals.

Here is my list:

1.  Donate a portion of proceeds from my shop, LeeLu Creations, to an animal charity.

2. Share adoptable animal pics on Facebook.

3.  Make a donation to a rescue group to help save an "urgent" animal.

4.  Donate old towels, blankets, and sheets to the animal shelter.
5.  Donate dog and cat food to the local shelter. I coupon so I snag deals when they are on sale.

6.  Go through Buffy and Chi Chi's toys and donate any gently used items.
7.  Donate a couple of old cell phones I have to ARFP. They are able to recycle them and get money.

8.  There is an amazing group in my area called Project Pearl. They work with the Forsyth County Animal Shelter by taking fun pics of the animals that are available for adoption. They clean them up, make 'em purty (haircut, etc), dress them up (jewelry, hats, bows, so fun!) and take their pics. This has been highly successful. I want to consider finding time to volunteer with them. I'm afraid that I'll fall in love with only every animal!

9.  Repurpose an old dog calendar into gift tags to raise awareness about shelter animals. Donate a portion of the sales.
10.  ARFP is collecting books. Donate books for their annual book sale.
11.  Do the "Daily Click" to donate food and care to homeless dogs and cats over at The Animal Rescue Site.
12.  Continue to spread the word on Facebook about anything animal!
13.  Share and promote The 13 Project!

Now, what's on your list?

10 Reasons Why Dogs Are Better Company Than People

10. My girls are always happy to see me when I get home from work. When I walk through that door after being away it’s like a party. Cue the music!

9. They don’t criticize my driving or use the imaginary passenger brake. They just love being along for the ride.

8. They never change the TV channel. WeTV Bridezillas marathon all Sunday long? They’re cool with it.

7. They love my cooking-even when I don't.

6. They don’t mind it when I bring home more beads and crafty goodness.

5. They let me sleep in.

4. They are happy to go wherever I go, whenever I go. No questions asked.

3. They don’t care if the house isn’t clean and in fact, are happy to clean up after me. Spill something? They'll have it cleaned up in sixy seconds or less.

2. They keep their opinions to themselves.

1. Unconditional love and faithfulness.

Meet My Girls:

ChiChi

Just look at that sweet little face, but don't let it fool ya!

Buffy

She's really old (ancient in people years!!) and has a severe case of the cherry eye. It's gotten much worse the older she gets but I'm afraid to put her through surgery.

What can you add to this list?

Random Things...Wednesday Edition

Just a few random things from me to you.

1.  Have you had these? Pecan Crowns from Weight Watchers. I'm always on a diet and these were on sale at my local grocery for .89! Normally they are almost $3/bag so I snagged a few. And they are pretty good. Great for a quick chocolate fix.

2.  Have you seen this vintage travel bar from GingersGirl on Etsy? Fan-freakin-tas-tic! You can take the party on the road with you-just promise not to get crazy until you get to your destination. It even comes with a deck of playing cards. It's a party in a box.

3.  I'm secretly a fan of the Jersey Shore. I want to turn away but just can't.

Please don't think less of me.

4.  I'm going to see these guys in concert in July. I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Donnie, I still love you!

I don't care so much about the BSB but I am still lovin' my NKOTB!! Aahhhhh! (Insert school girl scream here.)

5.  I'm planning a wedding and have discovered so many resources on the net. I like The Knot, and The Broke Ass Bride (insert my pic here). Do you know of other websites or resources that might be helpful? I really need ideas geared towards a budget because I will only do this once and I'm not trying to spend a couple years salaries on one day.  It amazes me how much people are able to spend on their weddings. I was watching Rich Bride, Poor Bride and this one couple spent over $50,000 on their wedding! Wow!

6.  Speaking of which, you can win this BOA yoga bag or this organic scarf courtesy of  The Broke Ass Bride. It's easy, details here. And if you haven't checked their website out, do so! It's hilarious!! Great for laughs even if you're not planning a wedding.

7.  Did you know that your pooch can also tie the knot? I just found out also! I wonder how that works...

Do you think they write their own vows? Check out some of the furry nuptuals here.

6.  I am so craving this right about now....

Get Your Daily Fix of Cuteness Right Here!

Ok, so, I'm a sucker for a sweet face, especially when puppies and kittens are involved. I came across the most fantastic website called The Daily Puppy. From a brief glance, it's a resource for dog lovers. Some of the dogs in the photos are adoptable, other already have a forever home. Just a daily fix of cuteness! Check it out! (If I'm not mistaken, all the pups I show below are adoptable!)  Such sweet faces-how can you resist?

http://www.dailypuppy.com/