Brooke, a Work in Process

Tanya Amberson's work in process of Brooke. A percentage of Tanya's finished painting will be donated to a medical fund for Brooke. Another picture follows. Note Tanya's trusty art companion asleep under the table.



Above photos copyright Tanya Amberson
Posted by V. Bridges Hoyt

Serendipity!

Serendipity strikes again! On the same day I called True Blue Animal Rescue to ask if Pudding had been adopted, Brooke's owner called TBAR to ask for help in finding the Border Collie a new home. I offered to be a foster parent for Brooke until her forever after home showed up. She met me at the door ready and willing to jump into the back of my Jeep, and we were destined to become pals.

Unrecognized by her previous owners, Brooke was suffering from sarcoptic mange, flea allergies, hook worms and heart worms. As I journal the days Brooke's life ahead, I remind you that PREVENTION of these nasty health issues is much easier and less expensive than TREATMENT of the conditions after the fact. If you can't afford to take care of your pet, then you don't need a pet! See more photos and read more about Brooke's journey to health.

posted by V. Bridges Hoyt, Texas Sauce Art Life

ANIMALS Helping Other ANIMALS

Perhaps you are a family with happy healthy pets enjoying the good life.
I look at our Dalmatian, Lizzie and our cat supreme, Emmi and I see what a loving and happy home they have, the attention, care and love they receive....I do wish it for all animals but they don't all get the happy home so easily.

The potential adoptees that wait for their own forever home sometimes have a difficult road to travel before they find the right family to make their days wonderful.
Last year at this time our beautiful and much loved cat Dinah suddenly became ill and we lost her to the Rainbow Bridge two weeks later. We really miss her, she was the most gentle and sweet girl, and for one so quiet she left a huge hole in our hearts and our daily life.
I think of her so much and it occured to me the best way to remember her and honor her was to use my weekly chance to BLOG for ART HELPING ANIMALS as a voice for DINAH.
I think of it as ANIMALS HELPING OTHER ANIMALS...to bring attention to another animal in need.
To honor her memory I have made a donation to help BROOKE with her veterinary medical treatment (she is a True Blue / T-Bar rescue dog http://www.t-bar.org/) as she heals on her way to her OWN "FOREVER HOME" and that way our Dinah will live a tiny bit more in Brooke's life.

Think of ways you can honor your own wonderful animals by helping those who are in such need.

Every little bit helps. Please visit our charities list featured on the home page of ART HELPING ANIMALS www.arthelpinganimals.com and click that DONATION BUTTON of your choice and let your Animals help other Animals in need. It feels so good!


Image of Brooke copyrighted to artist and foster volunteer V . Bridges-Hoyt ...Dinah copyrighted to Carol Chretien.

Foster Pet Parents Needed

Georgia-currently in a foster home with Melinda Dalke. She is a foster kitten from Salem Friends of Felines in Salem, Oregon. Georgia will be up for adoption after October 10th, 2006

Have you ever thought about fostering a pet? Fostering means giving temporary nurture, care and shelter. It is a wonderful way to help shelters and rescues with the large amount of homeless pets that need care. There are all kinds of pets that need to be fostered-dogs, cats, rodents, horses to name a few.
Foster Pets need a lot of attention and affection. Before you bring your foster pet home please take the time to "pet proof" your home.You will need to remove poisonous plants, chemicals and anything you feel may harm them.
Make sure your foster pet has a safe, warm and secure place to be kept. They need to feel secure and you need to make sure they cannot get free and to runaway.
Take the time to learn as much as you can about caring for your foster pet. Ask the shelter-rescue about any medical issues you need to be aware of. Ask for veterinary information, feeding instructions and discuss what the pets history is. Some shelters/rescues pay for medical care-make sure and ask.
Being a Foster Pet Parent takes a great deal of time and commitment. It is also very rewarding, for you and the pet you are fostering.

Please check with your local shelters, rescues and animal charities to see if they have Foster Pet Parent programs.

Here are a couple of rescues that need Foster Pet Parents-

True Blue Animal Rescue

http://www.t-bar.org/foster.htm

OldDog Haven

http://www.whidbey.com/mvg/OldDog/

Dachshund Adoption, Rescue and Education

http://www.daretorescue.com/

Wildlife and Tree Trimming

It's fall and many of us will be trimming our trees. Squirrels across North America also begin their second nesting period now and that tree your considering trimming may house baby squirrels. So before you begin trimming, check the branches for nests.
A squirrel nest placed high in the branches is usually large with a deep stack of twigs and leaves.

Here is some advice on trimming that you might find helpful:

The Best Pruning is None At All

Once upon a time arborists believed the best way to maintain a tree was to cut out about a third of its interior branches every few years, ostensibly to let light into the canopy and to "tidy up" the tree. But then research in tree care showed that pruning can actually harm trees. Not only does it traumatize them, causing them to expend a great deal of energy to recover, but it also makes them highly susceptible to disease. For these reasons, tree care researchers now say that the best pruning is none at all. Arborists recommend that you prune only to remove dead or diseased wood or branches that may injure the tree by chafing against each other. For aesthetics, you may also cut any branches that cross the center of the tree, but otherwise, just leave the tree as Mother Nature intended.

If You Must Prune
If you absolutely have to prune a tree, be sure to check the area for squirrel and bird nests first. Squirrels nest twice a year from February to May, then again from July to September, and their nests look like a big clot of leaves and twigs caught in the junction of two branches (either near the trunk or farther out on the limb). Bird nests are smaller and harder to find, especially hummingbird nests, so just look for a dark spot tucked among the smaller branches. If you find a nest filled with eggs or babies, leave it alone. Moving a nest can severely hurt the babies' chance of survival, and it may even be against the law. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it's illegal to harm or remove the nests of all migratory and native birds, and most songbirds. So to be absolutely safe, put off pruning until the babies have flown the coop.

The Best Time to Prune
Keep in mind that some seasons are better for pruning than others. For the rest of the United States where there are four bona fide seasons, arborists recommend pruning in the winter (when trees have the greatest reserves of energy stored in their tissues and can cope with the shock of pruning) or in the fall, just after deciduous trees have lost their leaves. In California, however, most trees don't lose their leaves until December, so that's the best time to prune—for the trees and for wildlife. By then, squirrel and bird babies have reached self-sufficiency and their parents have wrapped up their procreation activities for the year. The worst time to prune a tree is in the spring. That's the height of the nesting season for most birds and squirrels, and it's also the time when a tree is directing all of its energy into producing new growth. Pruning in the springtime can not only impede a tree's growth, but also increase its chances of becoming diseased.

There are Some Exceptions
As always, there are exceptions to the rule: dead wood can be removed anytime of the year, and weak shoots that sprout out of existing limbs or old wounds should be pruned in the later summer, after the tree has finished its growth spurt. Just be sure to check the area for nests before you cut. And for the sake of your trees and the wildlife living in them, don't cover the stubs of freshly cut limbs with those black wound dressings. Birds can foul their feathers by brushing up against the goo, and the dressings can make your tree vulnerable to widespread damage by covering up early signs of bacterial infection. Just make a clean cut and leave it at that. Your trees and your wildlife will be healthier for it.

The painting above is for sale now on eBAy. It is titled "Afternoon Snack". 20% of the proceeds from its sale will benefit T-BAR: True Blue Animal Rescue.
R.J. Andreae - proud member of Art Helping Animals

Wire Fox Terriers

I have a special place in my heart for terriers. Terrier tend to be spunky, intelligent dogs that can get into trouble without some human leadership. The first time I took my terrier to a dog obedience training session, I was among several labs puppies. There were no other terriers in the class. The trainer took a lab puppy, placed her in a down position. The lab puppy was precious as she stayed in the down position even though it was obvious the little puppy was thoroughly confused. The other little labs obeyed with various charming responses. I was the only one who had a little puppy so excited that he was bouncing off the ceiling. Needless to say, a "down position" was not going to happen in that environment. I quickly learned that terriers needed some different ways to train them. Luckily I was able to study with an expert in animal behavior and learned how to provide appropriate leadership for my little guy. Terriers are so cute as puppies, but they are often in need of rescue because their families haven't figured out how to apply appropriate leadership. So here are two Wire Fox Terriers in a contemporary painting which is being sold on ebay to provided rescue to those canines who may need a little love and training.

"Wire Fox Pair", Original 11 X 14 Acrylic on Canvas

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220031464253

Sweet William

Sweet William is content just watching the world go by. He doesn't sweat the small stuff and gets along with everyone.

It isn't often you find an animal so good-natured that his name is Sweet William. This tan, white, and black Beagle is very laid back and happy just to hang out with you on the porch watching the world go by. Unlike many Beagles who like to bay at the moon, Sweet William is a quiet boy. He’s willing to get along with everyone, including other dogs, and even cats. Incredibly, this loving animal was found lost on the side of a busy road. He’s currently living at a TBAR foster home but very much wants to find a forever home with a good family. If you are looking for a really special buddy and companion, this friendly boy could be the one. He is already neutered and has his shots, and is ready to go home with you. [quoted from the web site of www.t-bar.org/.
---
Border collie Brooke is looking for a new home. Her people are moving, and they can't take Brooke along. Brooke is almost 6 years old--old enough to have left her puppy ways behind but young enough to make a loving pet. If Brooke doesn't find a new home soon, she'll be out in the cold (literally), because True Blue Animal Rescue capacity is full until another lucky dog finds a forever after home.
---
TBAR (True Blue Animal Rescue) works diligently at finding forever homes for all their foster pets. Watch the TBAR Event Calendar for news of upcoming events including, but not limited to, TBAR Pet Adoption Days in College Station and the TBAR 3rd Annual "Steel Horses Benefit Real Horses" event in Carlos. View scrapbook pictures taken during TBAR's most deserving "Extreme Makeover" by the popular TV program and the "2006 Spring Fling" in Brenham. Events are held in Texas.

Chips Ahoy!

No...not the cookies...but just as wonderful as CHOCOLATE!
A liver DALMATIAN.
Today's Blog is a tribute to the two Dalmatian Rescues that the artists at ART HELPING ANIMALS create for.
SAVE THE DALMATIANS and WILLING HEARTS DAL RESCUE.
These two rescues are on opposite sides of the USA but the hearts that help them are all over the place just like the SPOTS on a DAL.
Both are staffed with dedicated volunteers who do wonderful work and save many a spotted life.
Please take a moment to visit their websites: http://savethedals.org and http://www.dogsaver.org/willinghearts/ to see the animals in need of a forever home.
Today's image is copyrighted to Carol Chretien a painting just off the easel of "CHIP" a rescued Dalmatian who lives with his "Dad" Paul and 2 other rescued Dals. It will be offered for sale soon to support rescue.
I am proud to be a part of the Art Helping Animals artist fellowship!

Helping Horses in Need

Sometimes what we perceive as neglect is very often lack of funds or education. Some would say the best tactic is to remove the animal from the situation. Better yet is to prevent it. Palmetto Equine Awareness & Rescue League,(P.E.A.R.L.), sets up seminars for education on horse nutrition and care, plus has a food bank for those horses whose families have hit hard times and are unable to adequately care for them.
Here is a breakdown of what your doantion can provide:

50lb. bag chopped hay Average cost 11.99 per bag
50lb. bag Senior feed Average cost 11.99 per bag
50lb. bag Junior feed Average cost 8.99 per bag
50lb. bag Sweet feed Average cost 8.99 per bag
50lb. bag Oats Average cost 7.99 per bag
1 bale Quality hay Average cost 3.50 per bale

Sponsor a horse for a week 32.00
Sponsor a horse for a month 128.00

The painting above is for sale now on eBAy. It is titled "Chestnut Mare in Autumn". 20% of the proceeds from its sale will benefit P.E.A.R.L.
R.J. Andreae - proud member of Art Helping Animals

Every Little Bit Helps

Time, money, food, every little bit helps. Animal charities
throughout the world need our help. Every person can do something-donate, volunteer, give food, sponsor rescues, donate needed items. Our animals-wild or domestic-need to be taken care of. Please visit your local animal charities too see what you can do. Here is a list of some of the charities we support and what they need. Please visit their sites to see more of the items they need and ways that you can help.

Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary
Ramah, New Mexico
http://www.wildspiritwolfsanctuary.org/

Wish List
People always ask, "I'm coming out this weekend, what should I bring?" so we made a list of things we always need.

Wolf Loaf ingredients:
White rice (20 lbs)
Ground turkey or ground beef
Shredded carrots (5-10 lbs)
Rolled oats (50 lbs - SW Cash & Carry)

We could also use:
Beef & More dry dog food (Sam's Club)
Frozen chicken
Sponges
Boxes of latex gloves (med, large, extra large)

If you are not planning a visit to the Sanctuary anytime soon and would like to help us, gift cards are always helpful! Here are the stores we shop at the most:
Home Depot
Wal-Mart
Sam's Club

Our Scavenger Hunt:
Heavy duty chipper/shredder
Gas powered lawn mower
Gas powered weed eaters
16' flatbed trailer
60 tons of base coarse gravel
Log splitter
Newer model 4WD 1 ton pick-up with full-size bed

The Wolves appreciate your support!

Cascades Raptor Center
Eugene, Oregon
http://www.eraptors.org/index.html

Wish List
The following are items needed by the Raptor Center...

Food and Feeder Supplies
Science diet feline maintenance
dry/canned dog food
wild bird seed
black oil sunflower seeds
rodent chow
lock freezer bags (1 gal; 1 qt sizes)

Tools
pliers
wire cutters
small chain-saw
chop saw
work gloves
leaf and garden rakes
handsaw

Hospital & Display Caging
plastic airline carriers
Astroturf
doormats
treated lumber (ask us for sizes/lengths)
treated plywood
pea gravel
roofing panels
vinyl-covered welded wire

Interpretive Center/Educational Outreach
current laptop computer
printing of newsletter and literature
original artwork for coloring book
good quality photo copier
digital camera
digital video camera

Treatment Center
sterile insulin and tuberculin syringes
vinyl or formica for counter tops
x-ray machine
ventilation system
sick bird incubators

Cleaning Supplies
paper towels
liquid bleach
laundry detergent
liquid hand soap
household cleaning solutions
garbage bags (33 gal. & tall kitchen)

Services
artwork
printing
photocopying
photography developing/duplicating
landscape maintenance
vinyl flooring installation
construction

We Need Your Help!

OLD DOG HAVEN
Arlington, Washington
http://www.whidbey.com/mvg/OldDog/

These are a few items we could use to help our senior dogs be more comfortable while they are with us.
-Agility Equipment -- used is fine.
Old dogs can learn new tricks.
-Advantage flea treatment, all sizes
-Chew bones labelled "sterilized" -- with or without filling
-SynoviG joint supplement, preferably soft chews
-Foster and Final Refuge Homes!
-A newish color laser printer.

Food:
Nutro Natural Choice Lamb & Rice
Purina Pro Plan chicken (adult or senior)
Canned food, adult -- especially Iams, Canidae, Merrick, or Nutro

A Van--We would be grateful for help in obtaining a van to transport dogs between foster homes, and back and forth to vet visits. We'd be more than willing to advertise any business willing to help on the van itself.

Marine Mammal Care Center at Fort MacArthur
San Pedro, California
http://www.mar3ine.org/aboutmmcc.htm

Wish List
These are the items we need all the time and it's tax deductible

Antibacterial dish washing soap
5/8* heavy duty 50ft hoses
Heavy Duty Blenders
Hose nozzles
Paper Towels
Dry erase markers
Cleanser (comet, ajax, etc)
Bottled water for volunteers
Extra Large Dog Kennels
Copier and printer paper
Dawn dishwashing soap
Welders gloves
Toilet Paper
Bleach non fragrance
Water sealant for wood
Heavy Duty electric stapler
Duct tape
Digital Video Camera
Cable ties
Medical Exam Gloves
Gift Certificates-Home Depot, Lowes, Osh, Office Depot, Staples
Binoculars

Walk The Dog

That is a yo-yo trick and it is also a chance to attend an autumn Dog Walk for Charity.
If you check with your local rescues there are many fall events planned to raise money to help homeless animals...the perfect time of year when the air cools and the Dogs come out to enjoy these fund raising outdoor events.

One local (to me) event is "KATIE'S 4th ANNUAL DOG WALK in ROCHESTER, MA."
This is the fourth year this pro-active young lady has chaired the event. Katie is a dreamer, a planner and a doer...Katie is 13. Her parents, Lisa and Jim, support her in her efforts to help local animal charities by lending a hand to this event.
The past three years have been successful as, not only a "Dog Walk," but in all the canine events at the walk created by Katie to make it even more fun for all involved.
There are prize winning dog events, contests, including the smallest dog, the largest, the best kisser, the best tricks and more!
Best of all she brings people together with their dogs and all kinds of fun breaks loose.

The money will go to local shelters in need of funds. Several town stores support her efforts with sponsorship and it is all good.
Find your own local events to help animals. The rewards are great and wonderful times await.
Image copyrighted to Carol Chretien "Charley" Katie's Basset.

Fall Migration

The weather is starting to cool and the birds will soon start heading south. Thousands of birds of prey make the journey many thousand miles away. There several flight corridors throughout the United States where they can be viewed. This is a very difficult time for many birds. Some hit power lines on their way south. Others may be hit by automobiles. While still others may suffer during storms. For most of the injured, it is their first migration. In bird and wildlife rescues across the US, fall brings with it many injured birds. Places like Sarvey Wildlife Care Center and Cascades Raptor Center will need help attending to these sojourners.
The painting above is for sale now on eBAy. It is titled "The Watcher". 20% of the proceeds from its sale will benefit Cascades Raptor Center.
R.J. Andreae - proud member of Art Helping Animals

Wildlife Awareness

Bird of Paradise Frog by Melinda Dalke

Please view my auction benefiting Sarvey Wildlife Care Center
at the link below.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250028389765

Wildlife is everywhere, animals are not
just in the woods or the jungle. Even if you can't see them, they are there: In the trees, in the woods,
behind and under buildings, underground, and
flying in the sky. With our cities and towns
growing unfortunately wildlife habitat shrinks
and this causes decreased food supply and less safe
areas for the animals to live and raise their
young.

Sarvey Wildlife Care Center in Washington State
takes care of injured and orphaned wildlife. In 2005
they took in 3339 animals. Please take a moment to
visit their site to learn more about them, wildlife
awareness and how you can help.
http://www.sarveywildlife.org/

Making a Difference: Potholes and Airedales

It's amazing how one person making an effort can make a difference.


I was reading the newspaper this morning and stumbled across this article that gave me hope. A North Dakota farmer who had plowed under acres and acres of wetland 25 years ago is restoring the wetlands and prairie potholes. Prairie potholes are places that have the water vital to bird and animal life in the prairie climate. This spring on one stop to a prairie pothole I was able to see Red winged black birds, muskrats, meadowlarks, mud hens, ducks, frogs, and turtles. These little mini environments are vital to the birds and wildlife. A special thank you to a farmer from North Dakota who is restoring wetlands for animals. One person making a difference.

All the AHA artists and all the AHA charities are filled with people who want to make a difference. It does give us all hope for humane treatment for all kinds of animals.

In the spirit of making a difference, here's an 8 X 10 painting of an Airedale escaping through a fence. The painting"Airedale and Fence" is listed on ebay as a charity auction for the National Airedale Rescue.

A Lump In the Throat, Tear in the Eye...

is what I get when I read the success stories of adopted pets.
Reading about the B.O.N.E.S. rescue/foster/adoption story of Lucy, I wish it could be the happy tales endings of every dog or cat waiting for the "forever home" of their own.


Lucy was the 500th Beagle adopted out to a forever home by BONES Beagle Rescue in a 2.5 year period as of Oct 2005...they have gone beyond that mark since! That is, Beagles Of New England States.
Dedicated volunteers have made such a success of this rescue group. But... they can never rest on their laurels. There is no rest as long as there are homeless animals in need.

Coming in October is the 3rd annual OCTOBER BEAGLE BASH that includes the wonderful BEAGLE OLYMPICS! It is the yearly adoption fest for BONES and, if you can judge by past pictures, a fabulous family day event.


You can visit the BONES site at http://bonesbeagles.org for stories, pictures, Beagles available for adoption, and just a wonderful site to return to for updates on their good work!

Painted for BONES rescue are these items on Ebay: the above images is "BUDDY," a BONES Beagle...painting image copyrighted to Carol Chretien 2006.

Live BONES Auctions:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Beagle-oil-original-CHRETIEN-for-BONR-charity-AHAA_W0QQitemZ120027643976QQihZ002QQcategoryZ20158QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Beagle-Holiday-Cards-from-orig-oil-CHRETIEN-for-BONR_W0QQitemZ120028328385QQihZ002QQcategoryZ20158QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Keeping Kitty Safe

We all know that fresh air, a bit of sun and increased exercise is healthy for our pets. But most of us are also aware that the danger of allowing cats outdoors loose offsets any benefits. Cats allowed outdoors have an average lifespan of only 5 years (vs. 15 for indoor cats) due to being hit by cars, injured or killed by dogs or wildlife, rat poison ingestion, diseases caught by fighting with other cats, and nameless other accidents.

However, your cat can have the best of both worlds! Cat enclosures can offer your companion safe access to outdoor areas. These can be very small, cheap and unobtrusive, or they can be extensive additions to a house. Anyone from apartment dwellers with a window or a balcony to homeowners looking to build a permanent structure can provide their cat with an outdoor access enclosure of some type. Read on for more information!

Here are some links to cat runs/enclosures built by others:
http://www.brushyland.com/cats/enclose.htm
http://www.brushyland.com/cats/catrun.htm
http://www.apelia.com/catrun.html
http://www.cat-world.com.au/cat-worldenclosures.htm
http://www.catmax.com.au/
http://www.kvasir.co.uk/new_cat_run.htm
http://www.geocities.com/holmescathy/outdoorenclosure.html
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Park/9857/enclosure.html
http://www.communityconcernforcats.org/Enclosures%20Pictures.htm

Pre-built enclosures you can buy:
http://www.petsamaritan.org/Help/catrun.htm
http://www.cdpets.com/enclosure.html
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/sc_view.cfm?siteid=1&pCatId=7680http://www.just4cats.com/index.html
www.InsideOut4Pets.com (Inside Out for Pets)
SafeCat Outdoor Enclosure

Articles about enclosures/cat runs:
http://www.thecatsite.com/cat_care/care.php?a=enclosures
http://www.catsinternational.org/articles/fun_for_cats/outdoor_enclosures.html
http://www.paws.org/work/factsheet/catfactsheets/enclosures.html

The painting above is for sale now on eBAy. It is titled "Good Morning Bright Eyes". 20% of the proceeds from its sale will benefit Tabby's Place: A Cat Sanctuary.
R.J. Andreae - proud member of Art Helping Animals

Cougars in Montana

Recently in Billings we've had cougar sitings a few blocks from our house. So here's a reminder for everyone what I learned about coexisting with cougars. Pet owners have to be heads up about keeping their family dogs and cats out of a cougar's hungry paws.

Keep vegation trimmed as cougars like to hunt under cover.
Motion lights can help so that you can see when you go out at night.
Do not EVER leave pets or children unattended in areas where there are cougars.
Make sure that your trash is secure.
Do not feed your cats or dogs outside.
Make sure no domestic animal is left out doors at night.

Fall is Coming

Summer is almost done, Fall is coming! The leaves will change soon. It is the perfect time to adopt an older dog, there are so many that need homes. Old Dog Haven in Washington State takes care of many older dogs and is often expensive, but is very very rewarding. Their goal is that these dogs last years are happy and that they die safe and at peace, knowing they are loved. Wouldn't we all wish this for our own pets, and for ourselves? Please take time to visit Old Dog Haven or a local shelter to adopt an older dog or at least donate to help them. Please visit
Old Dog Havens site and make sure to check out there wish list will you are there. http://www.whidbey.com/mvg/OldDog/