Saturday, December 29, 2012

Kitty Konversation



Suggested & Recommended by:   Poochville

Thursday, December 20, 2012

The Envelope - a Christmas Story

It's just a small white envelope stuck among the branches of our Christmas tree. No name, no identification, no inscription. It has peeked through the branches of our tree for the past 10 years or so. It all began because my husband Mike hated Christmas -- oh, not the true meaning of Christmas, but the commercial aspects of it -- the overspending, the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma -- the gifts given in desperation because you couldn't think of anything else.

Knowing he felt this way, I decided one year to bypass the usual shirts, sweaters, ties, and so forth. I reached for something special just for Mike. The inspiration came in an unusual way. Our son Kevin, who was 12 that year, was wrestling at the junior level at the school he attended. Shortly before Christmas, there was a non-league match against a team sponsored by an inner-city church.

These youngsters, dressed in sneakers so ragged that shoestrings seemed to be the only thing holding them together, presented a sharp contrast to our boys in their spiffy blue and gold uniforms and sparkling new wrestling shoes. As the match began, I was alarmed to see that the other team was wrestling without headgear, a kind of light  helmet designed to protect a wrestler's ears. It was a luxury the ragtag team obviously could not afford.

Well, we ended up walloping them. We took every weight class. And as each of their boys got up from the mat, he swaggered around in his tatters with false bravado, a kind of street pride that couldn't acknowledge defeat.

Mike, seated beside me, shook his head sadly, "I wish just one of them could have won," he said. "They have a lot of potential, but losing like this could take the heart right out of them." Mike loved kids -- all kids -- and he knew them, having coached little league football, baseball, and lacrosse.

That's when the idea for his present came. That afternoon, I went to a local sporting goods store and bought an assortment of wrestling headgear and shoes and sent them anonymously to the inner-city church. On Christmas Eve, I placed the envelope on the tree, the note inside telling Mike what I had done and that this was his gift from me. His smile was the brightest thing about Christmas that year and in succeeding years.

For each Christmas, I followed the tradition -- one year sending a group of mentally handicapped youngsters to a hockey game, another year a check to a pair of elderly brothers whose home had burned to the ground the week before Christmas, and on and on. The envelope became the highlight of our Christmas. It was always the last thing opened on Christmas morning, and our children, ignoring their new toys, would stand with wide-eyed anticipation as their dad lifted the envelope from the tree to reveal its contents.

As the children grew, the toys gave way to more practical presents, but the envelope never lost its allure. The story doesn't end there. You see, we lost Mike last year due to cancer. When Christmas rolled around, I was still so wrapped in grief that I barely got the tree up. But Christmas Eve found me placing an envelope on the tree, and in the morning it was joined by three more. Each of our children, unbeknownst to the others, had placed an envelope on the tree for their dad. The tradition has grown and someday will expand even further with our grandchildren standing around the tree with wide-eyed anticipation watching as their fathers take down the envelope.

Mike's spirit, like the Christmas spirit, will always be with us. May we all remember Christ, who is the reason for the season, and the true Christmas spirit this year and always.


Fwd to us by Pauline of PaulinesFashions
Sent to her via email by The Daily Encourager





Wednesday, November 7, 2012

The day after yesterday



God works in mysterious ways.
Whatever your stress or concern or fear, give it all up to God.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Puppies!

Friday, October 19, 2012

Handmade Items for Pets


Each weekday, the members of the Pets Jubilee Team on Etsy choose an item to promote from all of the active members. Here are last week's handcrafted items:







Please click on the image to go to the item and click on the name to visit their Etsy shop.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

A Fine Feathered Friend

Baby Penguin meets Human. A video by Joel Oleson

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Too Cool - Dog Hammock

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Rainbow Bridge


Unlike most days at RainBow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All the recent arrivals were confused and concerned. They had no idea what to think for they had never experienced a day
like this before. But the animals who had spent some time waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was happening and began to gather at the pathway leading to the Bridge to watch. They knew this was something special.
It wasn't too long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung heavy and low with tail dragging along the ground. The other animals on the pathway...the ones who had been at RainBow Bridge for a while...knew the story of this sad creature immediately. They had seen it happen far too many times.

Although it was obvious the animal's heart was leaden and he was totally overcome with emotional pain and hurt, there was no sign of injury or any illness. Unlike the pets waiting at the Bridge, this dog had not been restored to his prime. He was full of neither health nor vigor. He approached slowly and painfully, watching all the pets who were by now watching him. He knew he was out of place here. This was no resting place for him. He felt instinctively that the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be. But alas, as he came closer to the Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who spoke softly to the old dog and apologized sorrowfully, telling him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their special people could pass over the RainBow Bridge. And he had no special beloved people...not here at the Bridge nor on Earth below.

With no place else to turn, the poor elderly dog looked toward the fields before the Bridge. There, in a separate area nearby, he spotted a group of other sad-eyed animals like himself...elderly and infirm. Unlike the pets waiting for their special people, these animals weren't playing, but simply lying on the green grass, forlornly and miserably staring out at the pathway leading to the Bridge. The recent arrival knew he had no choice but to join them. And so, he took his place among them, just watching the pathway and waiting.

One of the newest arrivals at the Bridge, who was waiting for his special people, could not understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the pets who had been there for some time to explain it to him.

"That poor dog was a rescue, sent to the pound when his owner grew tired of him. They way you see him now, with graying fur and sad, cloudy eyes, was exactly the way he was when he was put into the kennels. He never, ever made it out and passed on only with the love and comfort that the kennel workers could give him as he left his miserable and unloved existence on Earth for good. Because he had no family or special person to give his love, he has nobody to escort him across the Bridge."

The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?"

As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the all-invasive gloom lifted. Coming toward the Bridge could be seen a single figure...a person who, on Earth, had seemed quite ordinary...a person who, just like the elderly dog, had just left Earth forever. This figure turned toward a group of the sad animals and extended outstretched palms. The sweetest sounds they had ever heard echoed gently above them and all were bathed in a pure and golden light. Instantly, each was young and healthy again, just as they had been in the prime of life.

From within the gathering of pets waiting for their special people, a group of animals emerged and moved toward the pathway. As they came close to the passing figure, each bowed low and each received a tender pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. Their eyes grew even brighter as the figure softly murmured each name. Then, the newly-restored pets fell into line behind the figure and quietly followed this person to the Bridge, where they all crossed together.

The recent arrival who had been watching, was amazed. "What happened?"

"That was a rescuer," came the answer. "That person spent a lifetime trying to help pets of all kinds. The ones you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of such unselfish work. They will cross when their families arrive. Those you saw restored were ones who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are permitted to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor pets that couldn't place on Earth across the Rainbow Bridge. You see, all animals are special to them...just as they are special to all animals."

"I think I like rescuers," said the recent arrival.

"So does God," was the reply.

--Author Unknown


Be a Rescuer - Click below:
Pet Adoption

Monday, October 15, 2012

Handmade Items for Pets & Pet Lovers

Each weekday, the members of the Pets Jubilee Team on Etsy choose an item to promote from all of the active members. Here are last week's handcrafted items: 

 
 
 


Please click on the image to go to the item and click on the name to visit their Etsy shop.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

October is Adopt A Dog Month


Find your new best friend today.  Visit Petfinder.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Handmade Items week of 10/1

Each weekday, the members of the Pets Jubilee Team on Etsy choose an item to promote from all of the active members. Here are last week's handcrafted items:





Please click on the image to go to the item and click on the name to visit their Etsy shop.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Boop for the day...

I give all my Petsjubilee furriends - a boop!


Have a great day!
Diana

Monday, September 24, 2012

Handmade & Vintage Items 9/24/12

Each weekday, the members of the Pets Jubilee Team on Etsy choose an item to promote from all of the active members. Here are last week's handcrafted items:

 

Please click on the image to go to the item and click on the name to visit their Etsy shop.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Celebrate with Debbie

Help us Celebrate today for our teammate Debbie of dlkompare
She made this wonderful treasury (click the picture to go the actual treasury on Etsy) and she wrote:
I want to thank my husband, children and friends for helping me make it to this milestone. On September 20, 2012, I will be celebrating my fifth anniversary of my bone marrow transplant for leukemia. Please celebrate it with me! 


Each picture has some meaning to it. Starting with the picture in the top right as #1, I will share the meanings.

1. Celebrate! 2. Leukemia awareness 3. Stem Cell Transplant awareness 4., 5, and 9. The most important things that carried me through all of this til now. 6. The pattern is Dresden plate, in honor of my donor from Dresden, Germany 7. If you know me, you know how important my dogs are to me 8. You know how important all my pets are to me 10. We were able to go to the Grand Canyon after my transplant. My sister, Gretchen, ran a half marathon that was supporting the Leukemia Society in my honor. Then our families spent a few days together at a place I had only dreamed of visiting. It was an absolutely wonderful experience. 11. This is one of my favorite poems called "Footprints in the Sand" 12. In honor of all the wonderful medical people who took care of me (especially Dr. Michael Farrell, the staff on 7 Main at Shadyside, Dr. Agha, Dr. Raptis and Dr. Jho) 13. I loved sitting outside on the bench at the hospital and at home to enjoy the outdoors and be strengthened by it. 14. The Wolf-to me such a symbol of strength and courage as well as so caring in nature. When I was having a bad day at the hospital, I'd put on my wolf shirt and it was declared a wolf day. This always helped. 15. Being a Girl Scout leader with the most caring, supportive families who rallied behind me with cards, pictures, meals and so much love...I can't say Thank You enough. 16 Pittsburgh-simply being home, enjoying the city and getting some of the best medical care ever

A Teaspoon of Sugar

Baby Hedgehogs By The Spoonful!

Photo credit: Cameron Park Zoo
So adorable!  Visit Polaris, Storm, Magneto & Juggernaut at the Cameron Park Zoo.


Contributed/found by Sue Ann of SamsFurKids

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

For The Love of Wiener Dogs: Squirrel Pawtrol Training Of Bear.

Visit SassySashadoxie's blog:
For The Love of Wiener Dogs: Squirrel Pawtrol Training Of Bear.



and visit her Etsy shop:  SassySashadoxie


Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Too Cool - Dog Water Fountain

Monday, September 17, 2012

Handmade Pet Items 9/17/12

Each weekday, the members of the Pets Jubilee Team on Etsy choose an item to promote from all of the active members. Here are last week's handcrafted items:


InspiredByMocha
Treasury Handmade Heaven


kceknits
Treasury Autumn Colors


KraftyKatsUK
 Treasury Tea Time


PaintYourPoochand
 Treasury Peek-A-BOO!


Please click on the image to go to the item and click on the name to visit their Etsy shop. 

Friday, September 14, 2012

Under Reconstruction

We are working to update our blog so there may be periods without new posts.  Hope to be back to daily posts very soon.

This is Jimmy.
Jimmy's foster dad is Sean from:
Sean and his wife have worked tiredlessly to help Jimmy walk on all fours and have a normal life.  If you know someone who could provide a forever home for Jimmy, please contact Sean for more information. 
If you would like to donate to help with Jimmy's medical bills, please visit his site at


Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Always Remember

See additional photos of 9/11 Memorials by clicking here. 

God Bless
from everyone at PetsJubilee
 

Monday, September 10, 2012

Handmade Pet Items 9/10/12


Each weekday, the members of the Pets Jubilee Team on Etsy choose an item to promote from all of the active members. Here are last week's handcrafted items:








Please click on the image to go to the item and click on the name to visit their Etsy shop.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Handmade Pet Items 9/5/12

Each weekday, the members of the Pets Jubilee Team on Etsy choose an item to promote from all of the active members. Here are last week's handcrafted items:
AnnieKDesigns
CatCalls

CamargoCreations

DianaDesignsNY
FurriPersonal


Please click on the image to go to the item and click on the name to visit their Etsy shop.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Dog Shaming

This website cracks me up!  Dog Shaming is a website where you can send in pictures of your dog with a message shaming her for her strange or rude behavior.  Here are some examples:




This post submitted by Girl About Town

Friday, August 31, 2012

Honesty

This post submitted by Pauline of Pauline's Fashions.

"You may be sure that your sin will find you out." (Numbers 32:23)

Coming home from work, a woman stopped at the corner deli to buy a chicken for supper. The butcher reached into a barrel grabbed the last chicken he had, flung it on the scales behind the counter, and told the woman its weight. She thought for a moment. "I really need a bit more chicken than that," she said. "Do you have any larger ones?"

Without a word, the butcher put the chicken back into the barrel, groped around as though finding another, pulled the same chicken out, and placed it on the scales. "This chicken weighs one pound more," he announced. The woman pondered her options and then said, "Okay. I'll take them both."  

Don't you just love it?

Honesty is still the best policy - and we can be sure of this, our sins/lies will find us out - even if it is eventually!

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to always be honest with myself, with you and with others in all of my dealings. Please forgive me where I have sinned and, wherever possible, help me to put right any wrongs that I have done to others. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
 

Dick Innes
The Daily Encounter
www.actsweb.org