HELP A BROKEN ELBOW AND HEART TO HEAL!!!!

You all know I have all but Patented the $5 dollar donation drives in the past.

WELL HERE WE GO AGAIN!!!!

 

ALRIGHT BOYS AND GIRLS--get those wallets out and let’s make this happen!

 

MEET MOLLY!!!!!

MOLLY HAS A HOME TO GO TO!!! BUT WE GOT TO GET THIS VET BILL TOOK CARE OF AND GET THIS BABY BACK ON HER FEET!!!

HERE"S HER STORY:

As many of you know I am not one to ask for a lot, but we have a super sweet 4 month old female brindle pit puppy. She was brought in today with a broken right elbow that with surgery and the right foster she will have a long happy life. Funds are limited right now but I know that we can help her. Her vet bills are going to be a little over $600, If you can help please make the donations to Animal Hospital @ 931 647-1696

 All of you who know me!! PICK THIS UP AND SHARE IT

 I AM CHALLENGING YOU!!!! (leather glove to the face, etc)

 FIVE DOLLAR DONATIONS!!!  Gve up that pack of smokes or your big fancy coffee and help this baby out!!!

CALL THE NUMBER OF THE VET HOSPITAL AND DONATE OVER THE PHONE!!!! Donations to Animal Hospital @ 931 647-1696

That's straight to the vet boys and girls--no way anybody is getting snookered.

 DON"T MAKE ME CALL YOU!!!!  Get on the phone NOW!!!

 Five dollars can set this beauty on the road to a good life with a clean bill of health!!

 DIG DEEP BOYS AND GIRLS!!!! And if the Lord moves you to give more--CHIP IT IN!!!

TOGETHER WE CAN DO ANYTHING!!! SO DO IT TODAY!!!

 

The REAL Story of Rudolph

I received this in an email from a very dear friend. It touched me very deeply, as I can so easily identify with it's origins. I just wanted to share it with our Dogwood family.

The True Story of Rudolph

A man named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night. His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing. Bob's wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears. Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be different for Bob. Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938. Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined to make one - a storybook! Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling. Who was the character? What was the story all about? The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose. Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there. The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print,_ Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer_ and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph. That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book. In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller. Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn't end there either. Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore , it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry. "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas." The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing.

A PLEA FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT DOGWOOD

 

 

GET ON THE WAGGIN': THE RESCUE WAGGIN NEEDS YOU!!

 

 

 

Rafi Johnson as she works to correct the vanalism done to her rescue vehicle last weekend. Someone poured sugar water into her gas tank, cauing terrible damage to the engine.

 

 

Christmas time has a special effect on people.  Maybe it’s the change in the weather. Maybe it’s the green holly and silver garlands that dress every window and tree trunk.  Perhaps it’s the smell of peppermint candy and baking cookies. Whatever the stimulus, Christmas time makes a heart grow two sizes and begin to feel a special love and peace.

But even the spirit of Christmas can’t change all hearts.   

On Saturday night, December 8^th, someone poured sugar water into the gas tank of the rescue vehicle used by Willies Happy Endings Animal Rescue in Woodlawn TN.

Willies Happy Endings is a nonprofit rescue that provides older animals a place to “retire”. Shelter founder and animal lover, Rafi Johnson, has helped many animals with illnesses and handicaps live out their golden years in love, comfort, and in a place they can call home. Johnson has also reached out to other animals in need, volunteering at the Clarksville Animal Control, and working diligently with other rescues to help animals find that forever place in someone’s heart.

It is unknown at this time why the Nissan XTerra, lovingly called the “ WHE Waggin” was vandalized.  But the effect of the damage has rippled outward in dangerous ways.  What started as a mean prank and act of stupidity by some careless person or persons unknown almost cost Rafi Johnson, and her two young children, serious injury.

After leaving her Woodlawn home and attempting to enter the highway, the vehicle died, causing the brakes and steering to lock up. Johnson was unable to brake at a stop sign and rolled out into oncoming traffic that was traveling at the disabled vehicle at 55 mph.

The WHE Wagin, escaped collision by the grace of the good Lord and no one was hurt.

But now, the WHE Waggin needs extensive repair. Johnson has already placed over four hundred dollars toward fixing  the vehicle, but it will need more work to run correctly and be brought back to its previous durability.

The vehicle known as the WHE Waggin is more than just a set of wheels. It is a symbol of hope in the animal rescue community. 

The yellow SUV has provided transport for countless pups and kitties, abandoned in empty houses or dumped along roadsides.  This vehicle has provided many of what Johnson calls “Freedom Rides” for the animals she has saved from certain destruction at Clarksville Animal Control. Not only does this vehicle provide escape for condemned animals, but it provides the vital daily transportation for rescue business.  Vet visits, picking up donations of food and litter, and countless other tasks are done in the WHE Waggin. 

But of all of its functions, the most important is that of carrying precious cargo to forever homes and places in the heart.

What I’m asking of you today is simple.
I am asking for you to join me in donating FIVE DOLLARS to the repair of this vital tool that supports Willies Happy Endings.

I’m asking you to GET ON THE WAGGIN!!!

Donate FIVE DOLLARS. That’s all.

 If you have a HUNDRED, I’m not going to poo poo you away.

But FIVE DOLLARS is all I’m asking.

How about this? I’ll get the ball rolling with TWENTY! (Done)
 Made via gofundme or paypal to the Willie Happy Endings site and earmarked for the WHE WAGGIN FUND.

You can also call and donate directly to North Stewart vet clinic at 931- 232-9900.

You can find all of these methods at their  website: http://www.willyshappyendings.org/

Christmas is a time of miracles. Together, we can help this shelter back on its wheels so that many, many more freedom rides and forever home drives can be given to those in need.

 

 

 

CHRISTMAS COLORING BOOKS FOR SALE

Available for the first time--the first DOGWOOD PROJECTS published item---a Christmas Coloring book called
"Here comes Santa Paws--Christmas in Fur Town"

This is a HAND DRAWN coloring book (by yours truly) with a full story and activities.

So this is actually a child's story book that you can read to your kids, allow them to color the pictures, and then enjoy over and over. They get to decide what colors go into their own personal story book, and you can have the joy of reading it with them.

The book is printed on white paper with a full color cover (pictured above) and bound with a comb binding so that little ones can open the book flat and never have to sway the previous page while they color--or bend the spine out of shape.

The coloring books are $8 dollars each--and will make great stocking suffers or gifts.

What am I doing with the money???

Well- like any business--I have to put the money spent for printing back in the bank. But my hope is to sponsor an animal for adoption or possibly for spay/neuter, or whatever needs done. I'm not going to get rich off this --but some little fur legged waif will benefit.

Come on people--you know me.  There's no way an animal or two or however many won't benefit from anything I try to do.

If you would like to order a book--or look at some sample pages--please email me at bastory1969@bellsouth.net or shoot me a private message on my Facebook page.

I will print your order, bind it, and let you know when I will be mailing it. Then you can send your payment.

Hope that everyone out there has a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AQUA CAT!!!!

Two years ago, I was cleaning in the middle room of the front building at Cats Are Us. I usually had a job of cleaning in the back building, but poop is poop, no matter what room you’re in. We were short handed, and I volunteered to take on an extra space.

Cats Are Us was always therapy for me. Dogwood had lost one of it's own just a few months before, our beloved Pearl, to Feline Leukemia.  Being at the shelter was comforting to me. My little girl used to put her little pink paw on my cheek , almost as a reassurance that whatever life was bringing us at that moment, that everything would be alright. I missed her terribly, and I longed for that comforting touch.

We had adopted little Bart after Pearl left us. He was a tiny thing when he first came to Dogwood--but we soon remedied that!!  But he was still the lone feline of our little fur covered oasis. I had always hated the fact that Feline Leukemia had kept Pearl a lonely kitty.  Better Half and I had discussed the possibility of getting  Bart a friend, but hadn't done anything about it.

As I worked, in that middle room, I kept hearing a little voice chattering away behind me. I was reminder of sweet Girlsy, the little talker who used to keep me company in the back room at Cats Are Us.  She too had crossed the Rainbow Bridge that year.

This room held many felines, and after hearing the talk for awhile, I was a man on a mission to find it. I finally looked to a large cage that sat in the back of the room. One dark, fluffy boy who sat on the bottom of the enclosure looked at me wide eyed, as if to say, “It wasn’t me pal.” 

But I heard the chatter monkey again, and bent down to look into the darker top of the cage.   On a high perch in the upper corner of the cage sat a beautiful white feline with faint orange tinted fur, orange tipped ears, gorgeous blue eyes…and a very active mouth.

I opened the door very carefully as not to scare the little one. But I shouldn't have worried. The white beauty sprung into my arms and began to purr like a boat motor. He curled into my arms, cupping his head under my chin as I rubbed his belly.  I was elated. He looked so much like my lost baby, with his white fur and blue eyes.

Then, out of nowhere, he looked at me with those beautiful blue eyes of his… and placed one tiny little pink footed paw on my cheek.

The tears welled up in my eyes, and I felt a tiny piece of my heart revive.  He just held that paw on my face, saying, “It’s OK”.

Needless to say, he became both my third shadow, and Bart's new best pal at Dogwood. We named him Sebastian, and he has both comforted and entertained us ever since.

Today marks two years since that little white and orange soul reminded me that, even though we lose someone special, we can still find the ability to love others.  

Happy Birthday my sweet little water loving boy!!!  May God bless you as you have blessed me!

 

 

 

HOWL-A WEEN IS HERE!!!

Well, the gang at Dogwood at all set for trick or treating tonight.

Lucy, the reigning queen and matriarch of our pack, has chosen to dress as a moody, middle aged hag---in other words, she will be going as herself this year.
All kidding aside, it's been a rough month for the old girl. She has had both a bladder infection and suffered from a parasite. PILLS PILLS PILLS and BILLS BILLS BILLS!!!!
I am tempted to dress her up as a canceled check to the vets office.

Charlie, my sweet, docile Eeyore of the group, is planning a really ingenious little get up. He's going as a horse.
He figures, since he eats like one, he may as well start playing the part.
Anybody have a used saddle I can rent for the night????

Hines the rat terror (I mean terrier) is going as security guard.
He'll be guarding the food bag from Charlie.

Daisy is going as an escaped mental patient. We don't call her crazy Daisy for nothing!
Problem is, I can't find a thunder shirt with arms that tie IN THE BACK!

Little Linus the lion hearted, who will celebrate his first Halloween with our little troop this year, is going as the Peanuts character that he was named for.
Since he drags his kennel blanket all over the place, I see that as irony!

Bart the cat, otherwise known as EL BARTO, will be swashbuckling his way through the house, probably via my new drapes.  I've GOT to stop letting him watch those Errol Flynn movies!!

Sebastian, my little water loving kitty, will be going out for candy in his flippers and snorkel gear.
What can I say? If the swim fin fits--wear it!
At least if it rains--he's ready.
I think he is the one Dogwood resident who might be up for more tricks than treats.
When I came into the bathroom this morning, he was already rolling toilet paper off the roll in preparation.
Bad Water Kitty!

Better Half and I will be taking this little mutt-ley crew door to door to let everyone know that we love and adore our kids,
and that we are ABSOLUTELY NUTS.
I guess we could go as Daisy's cell mates in the padded room. But how would I hold a leash from behind my back???

But that's what it's all about--having SAFE FUN and being together.
Remember that this is one holiday where pets do suffer at the hands of humans who can be not only cruel, but deadly.
 So keep your fur kids in check this All Hallows Eve.

I know my kids will be OK. The roughest fight we will have tonight is to decide who gets to ride shotgun.
Ever tried to calm five dogs and two cats in a PRIUS?????
Oh the Horror! The Horror!
From all of us at Dogwood--a very SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!