Peaceful Moments

Life is so crazy, always so much to do. Once in a while we have to stop ourselves and appreciate what our life is about.
Taking stock of our blessings, seeing the good in our lives, seeing the abundance most of us have instead of the lack, being resourceful enough to make the best of things when we have to or regaining lost ground and picking ourselves back up when it is tough and helping those who can't.
Just being grateful.
the anniversary of the Katrina tradgedy has been observed and it is also a reminder to count blessings everyday and send prayerful thoughts to those in need along with whatever we can do to help.
Have a grateful day.
Today's image is a painting just finished of "Peaceful Moments" copyright Carol Chretien. With a thanks to Art Helping Animals artist Melinda Dalke for her ref photo, used for inspiration, of this Oregonian scene.

Counting the Days

Cottontail Bunny in Repose

Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn. ~Elizabeth Lawrence

It's nearly September, with Labor Day just around the corner. It's funny how we mark time. The green grass of spring, has given way to the tall dry grass of late summer. The days are still quite warm. But there is a slight change in the air. In my yard, the desert cottontails and Jack rabbits lounge in the shade in the freshly dug out earth. They forage in the evening for the dry bits of vegetation left from the scorching heat of the summer sun. The Jacks hold sentinal in the yard as the sun sets. The quail and chukar fly into the safety of our cypress trees. In the late evening, the coyotes start to yip and howl with the new voices of the young pups that have grown up over the summer. Soon great horned owls add to the chorus. Another day has gone by. Another season. Nature has its own way of marking time.

The painting above is one of the cottontails in my yard. 20% of the proceeds from its sale will benefit Sarvey Wildlife Center. R.J. Andreae - proud member of Art Helping Animals

Protecting Puppies

How much is that doggy in the window?

Have you ever purchased a puppy from a pet store, from an on line breeder, from a newspaper ad? Do you know you could have been supporting a puppy mill?

Puppy mills are a business that often mistreat animals. Although there are laws enforcing minimum standards, their enforcement is very limited. One of the problems with puppy mills is that the people running them can sell directly to consumers avoiding the licensing requirements and law enforcement.

A reputable breeder will NOT sell dogs at a pet store. Reputable breeders make sure that that a puppy is a good match for the new family and that the puppy is going to a "forever home".

Please check out the free flyers you can down load about "How to Find a Good Dog Breeder" and "How to Buy a Puppy". These are offered by The Humane Society of the US at the following address:
http://www.stoppuppymills.org/



You can see this auction at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=012&item=220021231716

The painting "Three Airs" shows an Airedale family playing and is on ebay for a charity auction for the National Airedale Rescue (NARA). Healthy puppies need interaction with their mother and their siblings. Between two weeks old and eight weeks old, puppies need to be with their canine families developing their understanding of pack behaviors. After eight weeks they are ready to learn about how to be with their human families. Please don't take a puppy away from it's mother before eight weeks. A reputable breeder will make sure that a puppy has time with their canine family to be socially healthy before they are adopted.

Please Lock Your Car Windows

Did you know that many many dogs have been injured or killed due to electric car windows? They can stand on the control button and open the window (possibly resulting in falling into traffic) or close the window (possibly resulting in a head or neck injury). Please keep your pets and small children safe by remembering to lock your cars electric windows with the master drivers door control.

Thank you and safe travels everyone!

Gone to the Dogs

In today's Blog I want to acknowledge real generosity of spirit and self. Not every animal is guaranteed to be loved and well taken care of ...they all SHOULD ...but they are not all born into it. (Many of the dogs written about in this chapter of our blog were rescued or their people are directly involved in their breed rescues.)

Summer is a time of gatherings and outdoor fun and I had the opportunity to attend a "Dog Pal Party" where guests of the hosts were invited to bring their dogs along, too.
The hosts (wonderful couple, Eileen and Tony) are owned by three Elkhounds and their home is designed to be dog friendly in a major way!
The "Dog House" is a small house (set apart from the main house) complete with heat or A/C & TV. Attached to this little house is a canopied deck and the "Dog Yard" itself, a huge fenced-in grassy area with shade trees, a few agility toys and a thoroughly nice place to sit and visit away from the main house. Only true "dog people" could have thought of this kind of a place for their 3 dogs to spend their days playing and lounging when they aren't up in the family house that is.

For this summer party, this wonderful couple opened their home to a variety of dogs...all shapes and sizes and breeds, Elkhounds, Shiba Inus, GSD, JRTs, Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen, Mastiff, and 5 happy Dalmatians! After meeting and greeting they spent most of the day supervised by their "moms" or "dads" or their "kids" in the play yard. And they had a blast, they ran, played and just had the best time.
When it got warm they took turns dipping in a kiddie pool or they went into the "house" for a little A/C. The resident Elkies generously shared their toys and space.

At the end of the day I was surprised with a very generous donation made by the Dalmatian contingent to the Art Helping Animals charities.
What a way to end a totally fabulous day. Great people, great food & fun, and great dogs!

The majority of these dogs are rescues living wonderful lives with loving families. You can't ask for more.
Images copyright Carol Chretien 2006.

Small Paintings, Big Dogs

This small painting of a rather large dog has been donated to help Great Dane Rescue of North Texas fund their rescue efforts. Presently, they have several danes in need of heartworm medication at a cost of appoximately $265.00 per dog per session. They will be hosting an eBay Auction in the near future with small paintings, termed ACEOs, from various ebay artists along with our very own artists.
It's kind of nice to know that an effort so small can mean so much. That's why I'm proud to be a part of Art Helping Animals. Our art collectively is able to help many animals in need, one at a time.

We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop. --Mother Teresa

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. --Margaret Mead

Horse Education and Horsemanship

Afternoon Sun
by Melinda Dalke
please see at
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250021339249

Palmetto Equine Awareness and Rescue League is a charity dedicated to helping horses. Here are a couple of ways they help.

Education
P.E.A.R.L.® believes it is imperative for people to understand the total responsibility of horse ownership. Equine care takes a lot of time and money. Horses require daily care in order to stay healthy and happy. Those who venture into horse ownership must be aware of this. Purchasing a horse can be relatively cheap. But caring for the horse, including boarding it, feeding it, and giving it veterinary, dental, and blacksmith care, can be relatively expensive. Horse ownership is not a privilege to be taken lightly; rather it should be given as much
consideration as purchasing a home or having children.

Horsemanship
This means many things: knowing how to groom and ride, having an understanding of barn management, learning how to "read" a horse to know if it is sick, scared, or excited. P.E.A.R.L.® believes that with proper exposure to horses and ponies, people can learn what good horsemanship takes. Palmetto Equine Awareness and Rescue League believes that it is important to match the correct horse with the appropriate rider for the sake of both rider and horse.

Please click on the link below to visit their site to learn more
http://www.equinerescuesc.org/index.html

Sharing Our Happiness

I have wonderful news that I'm just bursting to share.

My Husband and I adopted a dog from Old Dog Haven!!

I'd like to introduce you to "Queequeg".

We brought him home last Saturday and are totally in love. He's an 11 - 12 year old Pekingese mix who was found wandering in a hospital parking lot. After not being claimed at the local dog pound he was taken into an Old Dog Haven foster home. He's blind in one eye but it doesn't seem to bother him. His foster mom cut off his beautiful long hair and Pekingese mane so he would be more comfortable in this hot weather. It will be interesting to see what he looks like this winter when it grows back. He's very well housebroke. No accidents so far and always lets us know when he wants to go out. He is very polite about feeding time and waits far back away from his dish while I put his food in. In fact I have to step away from it before he'll go eat.
The cats think he's pretty strange but they're adjusting a lot faster than I thought they would, especially Rosie, our little house princess. He couldn't care less about them which is perfect....although he is fascinated with the chickens and wishes I would let him chase them. They think he is some horrible monster and run and hide whenever he goes up to the fence. LOL!

I would like to encourage those of you who can, to adopt a senior dog. Most want a puppy but there are also many, many rewards to bringing a "used" dog into your home.

Thank you Old Dog Haven, for saving Queequeg and helping bring him into our family!

To Love Wildlife

Wildlife rehabilitation is both rewarding and challenging. It is exciting to know that you can make the difference in the life of an animal. There is a certain thrill to see animals upclose that you rarely get a glimpse of in the wild. There's nothing like the feeling of watching a hawk fly off into the sky, the one you thought that wouldn't make it. The callenge comes in housing the animals properly, feeding them with the best nutrition, exercising them with physical therapy and providing the proper medical care. Along with this work, there must be ongoing protection of the wild spaces these animals depend on. One way to do it is through education. If that weren't enough there is the tremendous challenge of finding the volunteers and the funds to do the work.
Sarvey Wildlife Care Center and Cascades Raptor Rehabilititation Center ,among many others, do all of this and more. And we at Art Helping Animals, with the sales of our art, are providing some of the funds used to rescue wildlife.

"Those who wish to pet and baby wildlife love them, but those who respect their natures and wish to let them live their natural lives, love them more."- Edwin Way Teale

Flea and Tick Season

Going Home
by Melinda Dalke



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Its summer time and very warm outside, perfect flea and tick season. Are you and your pets ready?

There are more than 200 species of fleas in the United States alone. The number one complant about fleas is itching but the real concern is with disease and worm transfer to your pet.

The United States also has over 200 different tick species. Ticks may carry various infectious organisms that can transmit diseases to cats and dogs.

Luckily there are a wide variety of pest control products for our pets: foggers, sprays, dips, powders, dusts, collars, oral liquids, tablets, and liquid one-spot topical treatment. There are new oral products that interrupt the flea's life cycle.
Please contact your local veterinarian for the best choice for you and your pets.

Adopting a rescue dog

I just completed this very special painting of "Tink". I am so excited to send this painting off to Tink's lovely owner. Tink was terribly abused and brought to an animal hospital. One of the hospital employees nursed her back to health and gave her a forever home. Now Tink goes to work with her new companion and rarely leaves her side. When I paint rescue dogs they seem to know how lucky they are. They have a memory of the tough times and they appear to be grateful for their good fortune. Everyone I've talked to with a rescue dog says the same thing, "the dogs know and are grateful for their "forever home".

As Mark Twain said, "If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man. ---

Look to the Skies!

At ART HELPING ANIMALS there is a wonderful educational rescue & charity that we promote and support. The CASCADES RAPTOR CENTER of Oregon has been working to rehab wild birds and release them back to their natural world since 1987.
"Rehabilitation and release of orphaned, sick, and injured wildlife, primarily birds of prey (raptors), using the highest standards of medical treatment and care, and the best facilities possible is what we do.
Our Philosophy - Because we are both an educational and a medical facility , we have some important distinctions to make. We conduct public education activities both and on and off-premises. The Nature Center is open to members and the general public four days a week, as well as by appointment or for field trips and group tours on other days. We also have an annual Earth Day Open House in the Spring, when the whole facility is open to visitors."

They do explain that the injured and ill birds they care for are off limits to visitors, keeping the well-being of the birds first and foremost. Even those who may have found or rescued the injured birds and would like to see how they are doing, are not allowed access, to protect the birds by limiting human exposure, thus ensuring a successful return to the wild when they are healthy again and ready to leave the care of the center.

One of our juried Art Helping Animals artists, Melinda Dalke, has visited the Cascades Raptor Center and has brought us some wonderful reference photos of these regal birds. Offered to assist the Raptor Charity there is some unique work available by the artists of Art Helping Animals. As always, a % of the proceeds from the art sales goes directly to the charities! Visit http://www.arthelpinganimals.com to view the artwork and meet the charity. Today's image is a painting "The Eye of the Falcon" copyright 2006 Carol Chretien.

We're All Connected

"Will you teach your children what we have taught our children? That the earth is our mother? What befalls the earth befalls all the sons of the earth. "This we know: the earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself." - Chief Seattle

For the Love of Dogs

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250016168562
Man and dog have been sharing each others lives since 10,000 B.C.. Dogs
are a wonderful addition to any family, no matter the size of the family or the dog. They are loyal, playful and wonderful friends and companions. There are many purebred
and mixed breeds dogs who need homes. Make sure the dog breed you pick matches your families needs. Research the breeds you like on the internet, at the library or speak
to your local veterinarian for advice.

Here a little information on breed characteristics to get you started.

Sporting Dogs were bred to work closely with people. They are characterized by their responsive nature, and high intelligence. These dogs are well rounded and are perfect for an active dog family and large yard.
These are a few of the breeds-
Brittany Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Irish Setter and Labrador Retriever.

Working dogs were breed to be protectors, helpers and are usually large dogs. Many working dogs are employed to guard property and livestock. They make great family dogs and are protective, they need large fenced yards.
These are a few of the breeds-
Bermese Mountain Dog, Boxer, Mastiff and Samoyed.

Companion Dogs, inclues the Toy Group and Non Sporting Group, are dogs that are of small size and have a gentle nature. These dogs make the ideal apartment pet and are great for families.
These are a few of the breeds-
BullDog, Dalmatian, Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier.

Herding Dogs are active, intelligent dogs. They train easily and are great at agility and other sporting events. These dogs need large yards and lots of excercise. They are wonderful companions.
These are a few of the breeds-
Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Corgi and German Shephard.


Hounds who were bred to pursue game. Some of the fastest members of the dog family are in this group. These dogs are the perfect addition to families who can keep them busy and enjoy the outdoors.
These are a few of the breeds-
Basset Hound, Beagle, Dachshund and Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Terriers contains dogs who come in all sizes, ranging from small to large breeds. They make personable companions and enjoy exploring their surroundings. They do need room to play.
These are a few of the breeds-
Airedale, Cairn Terrier, Schnauzer and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Mixed Breeds, these dogs can have any number of outstanding qualities, depending on the breeds they are mixed with. They come in all sizes and make terrific family dogs.

Please check your local shelters and dog rescue groups to find the perfect canine friend for you and your family.
Here are few rescues to get you started

http://www.savethedals.org/

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

http://www.airedalerescue.net/

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

http://www.bonesbeagles.org/

http://www.malibupetcompanions.org/

http://www.dogsaver.org/willinghearts/

http://www.daretorescue.com/

Harnessing up to help TBAR

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.

View this painting and other art for sale on eBay in support of True Blue Animal Rescue by searching TBAR.

Dangerous Heat Wave

Please don't mind that this warning is repeated again, and again.

Art Helping Animals has posted in the Newsletters past, tips for keeping your animals safe in dangerously hot weather conditions. Read our newletters found on www.arthelpinganimals.com for more information!

Use good sense and do NOT leave your pet in a car. Do NOT leave them outdoors without adequate shade and a good supply of water. Keep a careful watch that they do not get over heated with activity.
Cats will know how to lay low...but make sure their water is fresh and available.
For your Dog: Offer ice chips, cool bath, spritz, frosty paws treats for your dog.
Recipe for making your own version of "Frosty Paws." (a tried and true recipe in my house)

LIZZIE'S FROSTED PAWS
16 oz plain yogurt
2-3 bananas
honey optional
puree in blender
pour or spoon into ice cube trays & freeze
pop out of trays when solid and keep them in the freezer in a ziplock bag....offer as a snack. YOU will be a hit with your dog! P.S. add enough honey or sweetener, or flavored yogurt and you will enjoy them, too!
Photo of Lizzie in Snow copyright Carol Chretien.

Keep Big Cats Wild and Your Family Safe: Pass Haley’s Act

One year ago 17-year old Haley Hilderbrand went to a USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) licensed facility in Kansas to have her senior picture taken with two tiger cubs. Just before the shoot, a 550-pound Siberian tiger was substituted for the cubs. During the photo shoot, Haley was tragically attacked and killed by the tiger and the tiger was then shot. Unfortunately, attacks by big cats are not rare or isolated, nor are USDA licensed facilities that allow direct contact between these dangerous wild animals and the public. More recently, a four year old boy was scratched by a tiger while he sat in an adjacent cage during a photo shoot with a kangaroo. The tiger reached through the bars and sliced the child's head. There are more than 10,000 big cats in captivity in the U.S., many of whom are in facilities licensed by the USDA. Although this license might seem reassuring, the harsh reality is that a USDA-licensed facility can be anything from a fenced-in backyard to a roadside zoo. The USDA lacks authority when it comes to public safety. Not only is the public at risk, but many USDA facilities barely meet the minimum welfare conditions for big cats who are forced to live a life behind cages and in chains. Thankfully, there is now an effort underway to improve conditions for these wild animals and protect the public from big cat attacks. Congressman Jim Ryun (KS) has just introduced "Haley's Act" (HR 5909). Named in honor of Haley Hilderbrand, Haley's Act is a necessary bill that will give the USDA the authority it needs to prohibit direct contact between the public and big cats. Haley's law will also significantly increase penalties for violations of the animal welfare act.
TAKE ACTION:
1. Please email your Federal Congressperson and urge him or her to become a cosponsor of Haley's Act by Congressman Jim Ryun (R, KS). Simply fill in your details below and send the email. Personalised letters are more effective than form letters, so please take a moment to add your own comments to the email. Please also call your Congressperson (phone calls are even more effective than emails). To find your senator's phone number, go to http://www.congress.org/. Simply call and say: "Hi my name is…and I live at… I am calling to urge Congressman/woman…to cosponsor Haley's Act, H.R. 5909 by Congressman Jim Ryun. This bill will give the USDA the ability to prohibit direct contact between the public and big cats such as lions and tigers at USDA licensed facilities. Can you let me know if he/she is willing to do this?"

2. After making your call and sending an email, please pass this alert on to as many people as you know, and urge them to contact their members of congress as well.