Baby, It's Cold Outside!

The end of 2017 is upon us. In less than 48 hours we will be ringing in 2018. Where does the time go? It seems like it was just the Millennium with everyone so concerned about all the horrific things that were going to happen. We survivied!

This year much of the United States will enter 2018 under a blanket of frigid weather. I look outside as I write this and see a beautiful sunny day. Cold but the weatherman promises much colder weather by midnight on December 31, 2017.

As human beings, we can take whatever actions we need to stay warm and safe. For those people who are homeless or lacking a warm home, there are places and people to help. However, there is a segment of creatures who are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Our animals.

I have a few requests to make:

1. If you have a non-human member of your family, PLEASE be sure they are warm. Keep them inside or do whatever you can to be sure they are warm. Hey, my chickens are in my garage. Weather in the single digits is dangerous for all beings.

2. If you see an animal in distress, find out who can help or do something yourself. How would you feel if you were outside in this cold?

3. Finally as it is the end of the year, consider a gift to a rescue group before midnight December 31, 2017.  Almost all rescue groups are classified as a  501(C)(3) which entitles you to a charitable deduction on your taxes.

I have a few rescue groups that get monthly donations throughout the year. Some of these groups get funding through grants and have a huge following. One rescue that I support is not that fortunate to get grant money and has a much smaller following.

The Shannon Foundation in St. Clair, Missouri could greatly benefit from your donation. How about signing up for a monthly donation. Do you realize if 20 people signed up for a $10 donation a month that would be an additional $200 a month in increased funding for the beautiful animals at this rescue. 

Please check out this organization and KEEP YOUR PETS WARM AND SAFE!

http://www.theshannonfoundation.org/

Here are a few photos of some warm and cozy residents of The Shannon Foundation. 

Tilly & Betty Beagl

Grimm

Nathaniel

Happy New Year!

May this coming year of 2018 be one of Peace and Blessings to one and all.

Mareda

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

'Twas the Night Before Christmas and all through the house, 

not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas would soon be there.

These are some very familiar words heard by many at Christmas. As an avid lover of animals, I often wonder if there is an excitement within each of them at this time of year as well. I know of many furr babies who are involved in gathering gifts for children. Abigail (American Hero Dog 2017) and her sister, Tala, are two rather famous furr babies in Florida who have used their fame for good. Hundreds of children will receive gifts after a hurricane devastated their homes earlier this year. Two furr babies who truly know what this season is all about. 

Then there are those furr babies who give us love and joy just by being who they are.  I think of my Rasha snuggled under the covers on a cold, snowy day in St. Louis.

Her gift to me is love and laughter and that is enough. A precious soul who was rescued from "who knows what."  

There are many others who have had lives that were anything but good.  Many of them live at The Shannon Foundation in St. Clair, Missouri. This is their "forever" home and probably the best one they have ever had.

These beautiful beings of light are together after years of horrific abuse or neglect or just being too damn old. Those who they trusted to take care of them failed; however, there is a place that has not failed them and caregivers who love them and care for them 24/7, when the weather is nice or nasty. 

As this is the season of giving, I am asking all who read this to check in with their heart. Please consider giving to The Shannon Foundation (http://www.theshannonfoundation.org/) Give so these animals can continue to wake up to food, excellent medical care and maybe a treat or two.  They are well cared for now and have always been but anyone who has a non-human family member knows how costly medical care can be. 

Help those who cannot help themselves at this time of year. Remember...

Love is the Reason for the Season. 

Happy Holidays to One and All!

May your New Year be filled with Peace and Blessings!

Mareda