Norwich Terriers in Montana

I think that Norwich Terriers are an enormously special breed. In honor of my friend Betty's Norwich Terriers I painted three Norwich Terriers waiting at the door. These little guys are terrified of fireworks and want in right now. Fireworks terriorize all kinds of domestic and wild animals, please celebrate the fourth of July with watermelon and leave the fireworks to the Chinese who invented them and manufacture them.

Christmas IN JULY!

Christmas in July is beginning at ART HELPING ANIMALS
Time to dream, time to plan in a relaxed and unpressured way, while thinking cool thoughts this July. Shop to help the animals. Visit the Christmas In July link on http://www.arthelpinganimals.com get ready for some fun pieces of artwork by our artists. When you want something extra special for your favorite animal lover or even well deserved for yourself you will be helping homeless animals at the same time.
Summer is a time when donations to rescues are slow and the animals need a little extra attention. Please shop in July and avoid that holiday crush...you'll be so happy you did! The animals we create art for will be grateful.
The painting pictured here is a little Westie pup ready for the holidays! http://www.artbyus.com/auctions.php?a=2&b=74716 To benefit OLD DOG HAVEN for senior dogs and hospice.

Polar Bears Poised for Threatened Status

On June 14, 36 U.S. representatives sent a letter urging the Fish and Wildlife Service to list the polar bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The best available science shows that the polar bear may go extinct in the next century as global warming melts its sea-ice habitat, and listing the bear will provide important protections to ensure this is not its fate. Please call the representative(s) from your state who signed the letter and thank him or her for supporting the listing of the polar bear!

Save The Dalmatians Needs Foster Homes!

Foster Homes Needed For Dalmatain Dogs. If you live in Southern California and would like to provide a temporary home for a rescued Dalmatian, they need you! Requirements for foster homes include a secure fenced yard with fence at least 6' high, having less than the maximum number of pets allowed by your city and time to devote to training and housebreaking the foster Dalmatian Dog. I urge you to check out there site and dogs that need Foster homes. If you are interested in helping in any way, even if you live out of the area and would like to donate or learn more about them. Please visit Save the Dalmatians and Others Canine Rescue, Inc. at
http://savethedals.org/

Christmas in July!

Art Helping Animals is having a very special Summer sale called
"Christmas in July"

It will feature paintings to help many animal rescues. Christmas will be here soon so
do not wait till you are the last minute when you can find some incredible bargains
now!

Thank you to everyone who has visited the Art Helping Animals website: http://arthelpinganimals.com

Please help support animals in need!

POOCHAPALOOZA DOG EVENT

One of this AHA artists favorite rescues, Old Dog Haven, was seen last weekend at the 1st Annual Marysville, WA Poochapalooza Out Door Dog Event, put on to help raise money for a city-run off-leash dog park.

Poochapalooza featured dozens of pet vender booths, an agility training course, Puget Sound Dock Dog jumping demonstrations, prizes for the cutest ugly dog, wackiest pet trick, best kisser and many other fun doggy activities.



Old Dog Haven reported a good turn out at their booth. Queenie, a 13 year old black lab rescued by Old Dog Haven had a fine time greeting all the event visitors. To learn more about the senior dogs helped by Old Dog Haven please visit www.olddoghaven.org

Love Never Gets Old

OLD DOG HAVEN is a place that gives love and support to canines when they need it most! A true place of the heart.

As they describe in their own words:
Old Dog Haven is a very small group of people with a network of others trying to provide a loving safe home for senior dogs abandoned at this stage of their lives. When we have room, and the means, we take these dogs into our homes; if possible we adopt out those with a reasonable life-expectancy.
We care for the rest as long as they have good quality of life. In addition, we try to assist owners in finding new homes for their senior dogs through our website and referrals.

That means that an awful lot of love shared between these volunteers and the seniors they help.
ART HELPING ANIMALS artists support this charity with art work created for auction and sale.
"Yellow Dog" was painted to assist ODHN in their good work.http://www.arthelpinganimals.com and http://cm.ebay.com/cm/ck/1065-29296-2357-0?uid=293741170&site=0&ver=LCA080805&item=7424528954&lk=URL
As always...thanks for all the support of animals through art!

Freedom

This is a portrait of a red tail hawk that I used to care for. Her name was Davis. She lived in captivity all of her life of 32 years. She was captured by a man who wanted her for a pet and confiscated by Fish & Game. She was then given to the rescue where I volunteered. At the rescue she became an ambassador for her kind, attending many lectures for both young and old. Freedom was the one thing she longed for.
We now have a new charity that both rehablitates birds of prey and educates the public about these magnificent raptors. Please take a look at the Cascades Raptor Center website.
- Robin Joy Andreae

Night Sky Tapir

Sarvey Wildlife Care Center is located near Arlington, Washington. A dedicated organization that helps all types of wild animals by providing rehabilitation and care. They also educate the public on the needs of wildlife and how to create a sanctuary for wildlife. Please take a look at their site and donate to their wonderful cause. http://http://www.sarveywildlife.org/
"Night Sky Tapir"
8 x 10 inch acrylic on canvas board
by Melinda Dalke
Click on painting or link below to go to my auction
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7424064540

Maya

I was a stray with no home of my own. The fields of Washington Co., TX were my backyard but it wasn't safe for me and I ended up hungry and full of heartworms. Thanks to a kind hearted member of True Blue Animal Rescue I was taken to the vet and cured from my heartworms and spayed. Now I'm staying in a kennel at TBAR where I get fed every day and I'm kept safe from the dangers of living in the streets, but I miss running and romping in the open. My dream is to have a safe backyard of my own to play in. I love people and will wiggle my cropped tail when someone comes near. I get along with all other dogs too. I am a striking black/white/tan Aussie mix with pretty blue and brown eyes. Please consider making me your new companion so I can know at last that I've finally found someone to call my own.

See more pictures of Maya at www.tbar.org

Art in Support of TBAR

"New Arrival"



This beautiful original 11" x 14" x 1.5" acrylic painting has been lovingly created on thick gallery wrapped canvas. The sides are painted so it can be displayed either framed or unframed. I have applied a protective varnish to this piece and all my work comes with a signed certificate of authenticity.


10% of this auction will go to the charity organization
True Blue Animal Rescue. To see this painting and other art
supporting this cause please search TBAR on www.ebay.com

True Blue Animal Rescue (T-bar) is a non profit organization dedicated to helping all animals in need. It was created in an effort to educate people about caring for animals and to provide alternative care for animals when their owners are no longer able to support them.

WHEN HEARTS ARE WILLING!

Penny's story came to our attention in the winter of this year.
She was found running loose on a highway in NY, later she somehow jumped from a window or a second floor in the care of those who found her, she injured herself very badly, she needed surgery.

She was rescued by Willing Hearts.
WHDR tells us:
"The Mayor's Alliance for animals was called in and paid for her initial surgeries and vet care. However, They needed a rescue to take her after she was ready to leave the vet clinic where she was. So Penny came to WHDR and is being vetted at VCA."

In April Penny required further surgery and she needed time to get ready for adoption.
Others may have euthanized a dog in this complex situation...Penny won hearts and admiration.

The Art Helping Animals artists jumped on board and began painting to help WHDR with her expenses and get the word out about her needs.
She had a fabulous outcome and now...
Penny was officially adopted June 13, 2006!
Congrats to all those who have WILLING HEARTS and help make a difference...every life counts and that says a lot when a little Dalmatian can matter so much to so many!
Thank you for supporting animals like Penny in need through art! VISIT the www.arthelpinganimals.com website, click the WILLING HEARTS link from the charity list for Penny's whole story and picks.

Disaster Preparedness can Save Your Pet

Hurricane season is upon us once again. Who could forget the images of the poor pets left behind during hurricane Katrina? The old adage "Expect the unexpected" is wise advice when considering natural disasters. From blizzards to wildfires, earthquakes to hurricanes, terrorist attacks to floods, emergencies occur in all parts of the country, which means that everyone should have a disaster plan for their family—including one for pets.
Remember that good disaster planning takes every possibility into consideration. For example, traffic accidents involving hazardous trucks can close streets and neighborhoods many miles away. What will you do if you can't get home to care for your pet? Make plans ahead of time. Arrange for a trusted neighbor who is frequently at home to evacuate your pets if an evacuation order is issued and you are at work. Keep a three-day supply of your pet's food, medicines, leash, veterinary records, and other necessities altogether in a pet carrier that's ready to go.

Here are some important links to learn more about Disaster Preparedness for your pets.

Huricane Preparedness Pet Plan
American Humane Society
FEMA:
Pets: Before and After a Disaster Strikes
Helping Pets
Information for Pet Owners

Montana Corgi Picnic

Corgi Pals is a 16X20 inch painting available on ebay for a charity auction benefiting the animals.

Sunday was the Corgi Picnic. The weather didn't cooperate. We had high winds blowing everything away but the Corgis. These little guys live horizontally and the wind didn't faze them. They were running and jumping and playing. About 65 Corgis showed up inspite of the wind. What amazed me was how well behaved these little guys were. The worst problem was that the wind snatched our words away. Once a Corgi ran to the end of the 5 acre park, he couldn't hear voice commands.

As an art my overall impression was of Corgi eyes and ears. These little guys seem to be all eyes and ears. Large brown eyes twinkling with intelligence and big ears listening for the next activity.

The wind was hard the the vertical humans. Everyone was pretty wind blown and tired by the end of the picnic. But the Corgis has so much fun that were jumping with joy.

National Adopt-A-Cat Month

June is Adopt-A-Cat Month, its the Purrfect time to adopt a friendly Feline friend from one of your local shelters or rescues. There are many cats and kittens looking for loving homes. Throughout the warm spring and summer seasons, animal shelters throughout the country are filled with dozens of cats and litters of kittens.

Owning a cat is a wonderful experience they give tons of entertainment as well as loving companionship. Adopting a cat is an exciting adventure and should be a families decision. Cats take a lot of care-feeding, veterinary costs, grooming and time. They are independent but love people. With proper care a healthy indoor cat can live up to 20 years. Please visit a local shelter or rescue today and find yourself a grateful feline friend.

Be Pet Smart for the coming Warm Season

We are all looking forward to the coming summer and it's longer warmer days. Most of us know we needed to provide shelter and extra care for our animals during the cold winter months but the same diligence is needed during the hot summer weather. Here is a list of things to remember to help keep your pet happy and safe during the dog days of summer.

1)Please make sure outside animals have adequate shade to escape the suns hot rays.

2)Plenty of fresh clean water.

3)Leave windows down in parked vehicles containing pets or better yet, leave pets at home during very warm days.

4)Confine pets in a safe place during fireworks season. Thousands of pets become terrified, lost and injured because of fireworks noise.

5)Regular flea treatments for cats and dogs. Protection from flying insects for our equine friends.

I'm sure you can think of other pet smart summer weather tips to add to this list. We would love to hear them! Please feel free to post them in the comments section.

Thank you!

Father's Day Gift Ideas

With Father's Day nearing, have you thought of how you're going to honor him?
Here are four ideas:
1) Make a donation to his favorite charity in his name.
2) Spend some time with him doing what he enjoys.
3) Help him with his chores.
4) Buy him a unique piece of art that helps the animals.

Wolves in Montana

The question of the future of wolves is always loaded with controversy in Montana. Right now there is a push to delist Wolves from the endangered species protection. What many people in Montana don't realize is that the wolf is directly connected to one of Montana's major industries. There are thousands of people who come from all over the world in the hopes of a glimpse of the wolf packs in Yellowstone park. Yes, the latest studies show that wolves are very popular and are a critical part of the Montana tourist industry.

When I think of the wolves or any of our wildlife that is stressed from human encroachment, I think that it's important to remember "it's their world too!"

Feral Cats In Your Town?

Meet Blackjack Ali, he is one of the feral cats in my neighborhood.There are Feral and stray cats are all over the world, every city, town and every neighborhood, yes your neighborhood too. All of these cats need to be taken care of. The Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon has taken on the task of spaying and neutering as many as they can in Oregon. They go to different cities and towns throughout the state with a 24-foot mobile hospital, designed specifically for spaying/neutering feral cats, it has three separate rooms: a surgery suite with room for three veterinarians to operate simultaneously; a prep area, complete with sink and autoclave; and also an anesthesia room. In addition to being spayed or neutered, each cat who participates in the program, is scanned for a microchip prior to treatment, receives FVRCP (distemper) and rabies vaccines, is flea combed and sprayed, treated for ear mites and other minor medical conditions and has his or her right ear tipped for future identification.
Melinda Dalke
Please visit there site to donate and learn more about them. http://www.feralcats.com/

SDAL Will Have You Seeing Spots.....And Loving It!

Save the Dalmatians and Others Canine Rescue, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to the rescue of Dalmatians from shelters, the promotion of adoptions of shelter Dalmatians and education of the public about the Dalmatian breed. We are appalled at the number of Dalmatians being surrendered to shelters or being picked up as strays by shelters and are doing what we can to alert the public to this tragedy and save Dalmatians' lives. To learn more about this wonderful organization please visit: www.savethedals.org

"Anticipation"

This beautiful original acrylic painting has been lovingly created on 8" x 10" x 3/4" gallery wrapped canvas. I have applied a protective varnish to this piece and all my work comes with a signed certificate of authenticity. This painting is at auction on eBay.


10% of the funds collected from this auction will go to
Save the Dalmatians and Others, Canine Rescue. It and other
art in support of Save The Dalmations can be found on eBay
by searching "SDAL".

A Face to Love ....

I knew it wouldn't take long for this feisty little Jack Russell Terrier to find a forever home. When I met him at True Blue Animal Rescue in March, I could see right away that Major was a high-energy, loving, speedy fast, ball of fur! I was right ... Major has been adopted and found a loving family to give him a forever after home. If you can't have Major, you can have the next best thing--a painting of "A Face to Love" that is filled with personality, available on eBay.

Visit www.arthelpinganimals.com for additional listings of fine art to help other animals in need.