Bits and Pieces

I made the notebooks above using some of my scrap paint backgrounds and my Zutter (current favourite tool) for the binding. Quick easy and satisfying.

The bag on my left is a "Just because ..." gift from my friend Ky and her Mum. It is a bag which folds down into a pocket on the front and is one of a collection they have made for the Animal Protection Society fundraiser. I am so blessed to have received this, and in a work week that has had some particularly difficult times it was especially nice to come home to. The dollies there will appear listed in my Etsy just as soon as I get time.

This wonderful copper (and you know how much I love copper) collage is my INKrediblyRt Mystery Muse gift from Vanessa. I keep running my fingers over that embossed background.

I couldn't resist this picture of Phantom and Harvey - but I get the impression Harvey wishes I had :)

I am hoping the shame of having a blog photo up revealing my dirty windows might also make me clean them...I will let you know how I go w ith that one.

Enjoy the weekend.

How Much is that Mummy in the Window?

This pretty dog wanted me to to take her home...

This fellow was so well behaved, and I am grateful because if that tongue had headed for me instead of cleaning his own face I would have needed a towel!

How much is that Mummy in the window? ...or at least that is what I imagine these dogs are saying as they turn themselves inside out trying to get the attention of each possible new home that walks by. The dogs at APS have individual kennels with indoor and outdoor areas; these are small when compared to a home or backyard but clean and safe. Whenever possible all the dogs are walked everyday and they are also let out into a couple of large grassy runs to play. Newer and less social dogs are let out alone, others in groups to play. These are wonderful conditions for a shelter, but they do not compare to the life my little Archer has, rides in the car, walks on the beach and through bush, a tiny piece of my apple as I sit typing this.

When I visited last Monday there was a shortage of volunteers but two students were sweeping the outdoor area, a volunteer had been in to help with the cleaning and walking and Clare was running from task to task, her grand daughters tell me Clare always runs at APS and is always at APS. While I was there Clare was organising the adoption of a little Westie who had found his forever home, phoning for donations of meat – needed by Wednesday, overseeing the students and more. There are many volunteers at APS giving anything from a couple of hours a fortnight to several days a week and more. Thank you so much to all the amazing ladies and man.

It takes a special person to work with these dogs, and volunteers are always needed. As soon as there is space dogs are rescued from the local pound and other sources then vet checked, sterilised (if needed) and hopefully rehomed. There is a lot of work involved in running a shelter and people are needed for all sorts of jobs.

Some dogs have been there a very long time, others like the Westie, had only stayed briefly. All are needy.

See this precious dog press against the fence, it was so very hard to walk away.

Please consider donating time, money or goods APS.

A Special Place ...

While in Perth I visited the very special shelter Harvey was chosen from. This shelter houses 65 cats and 25 dogs – at any time, plus kittens, and is staffed by some amazing volunteers. I took the opportunity to let some of the wonderful ladies know how well Harvey is progressing. A couple of ladies told me about their surprise when they saw Harvey’s name on the list of re-homed cats, you can imagine how that made me feel. I took the opportunity to take lots of photographs at APS (The Animal Protection Society). This is a no-kill shelter and is always in need of volunteers, funds and donations.

This young cat was very affectionate, I seemed to find it wrapped around my legs everywhere I went, look at the gorgeous colours: ginger, black and white.

As I wandered around patting and clicking two of the ladies apologised that the lawns were due to be cut, however I delighted in the cats playing in the lush grass. On Monday there was an elderly lady sitting in the cat enclosure with her grand daughter, they spent a happy hour patting some very grateful cats, another ‘smile’ on the inside picture. Meanwhile one volunteer was raking through the sandy areas and litter trays (no more detail needed there) and another was washing food bowls. Looking around it was clear that these cats had lovely clean bedding, healthy coats and a safe environment.

However, none of the beautiful animals in these pictures have their own food bowl, heater to lie in front of or human to cuddle. I was, of course, more than tempted by several of the cats and wanted to bring them home with me, so I resisted asking (or checking) gender but I did fit in as many cuddles as possible, which may explain why I looked a little hairy when I arrived at Annie’s, oops.

Monetary donations can be made through the APS website and are tax deductible in Australia; these can either be general donations of take the form of a pet sponsorship – some of the long term residents (such as my Harvey) have benefited from this type of gift in the past. Both the website and blog are updated fairly regularly with pictures of the animals who are looking for forever homes.

Look at this old puss waiting on the table to be petted, so sweet and needy but dignified too.

The animal side of APS is headed up by Dawn’s lovely Mum, Clare; I will blog them later and perhaps you will find some of my other cat photo's appearing in the coming weeks.

This adorable old cat woke up when I took its photo, and I am so glad, because we enjoyed a long smooch and cuddle, just one more?....