We Believe in Fairies!

Be on the look out because you never know when a Fairy Hobmother will visit you!
Who is the Fairy Hobmother you ask? Well, she (and sometimes he) is from Appliances Online and flies around the blogosphere granting wishes to people who comment on posts like this one. Last Thursday we commented on our friend Ann and Duke's blog and we were happily surprised to discover an email from the Fairy Hobmother (aka Jennifer) that our wish was granted!

We wished for a donation to Senior Dog Rescue of Oregon because I am a senior dog and Mommy always feels so bad that other senior dogs don't have a loving furever home like I do. She wishes she could give all dogs (and kitties) a furever home but since she can't, this organization does wonderful things in our community helping senior (and not so senior) dogs find their furever home. That's why we were so happy to have our wish granted! The Fairy Hobmother donated $40 to this worthy organization! Yay!

What do you wish for? Just tell us in your comment and you might be visited by the Fairy Hobmother too!

Hope all your wishes come true!
Sadie

Friday Features

Welcome to Friday Features! Since today is the Blog for Change for Animals day, I'm highlighting shops and artisans that donate a portion of their proceeds to animal charities which of course includes my shop! Be sure to click the shop name for more great items to help animals! I hope you enjoy my picks and remember, Be the Change for Animals!

Wild - Handcrafted Tiger Striped Lampwork Glass and Wood Beaded 14K Gold Filled Earrings by BeadedTail Mishkat For The Fabulous Animal Rescue Project by FARP More Than Life Magnet by danacarol My Positive Thoughts Become Positive Reality - Ecofriendly Spiral Notebook by thisisit
Pink Dachshund Zipper Pouch with Polka dots and Pocket by DogBarks d'ARTANGAN RUMBLEPURR For The Fabulous Animal Rescue Project by FARP

Spreading the Word

The reason my mom and I decided to sell jewelry through our BeadedTail shop was to raise funds for animal awareness causes. Each month I donate the proceeds from our shop to a worthy animal charity. In October the chosen charity was Alley Cat Allies and I want to share what I've learned from them about feral cats and bring awareness to issues resulting in the deaths of countless cats every day. Here are some of the things that we need to be aware about:

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  Over 70% of cats are killed in our nation’s animal control pounds and shelters. That number jumps to virtually 100% for feral cats.
  


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  A revolutionary change in shelter practice and policy is needed that protects the lives of cats, and there is a movement pushing for change.
  


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  There are multiple programs that are a humane method of care for all cats, including affordable, accessible spay and neuter services available to everyone and Trap-Neuter-Return programs for feral cats.

The issue of feral cats is very near and dear to my heart because the alley behind my husband's and my first house was home to many feral cats. Of course I befriended several of them and one even was brave enough to come into our house but didn't want to be touched very much. Our two kitties, Reebok and Panther, were actually orphaned feral kitties that we found in the alley and raised from the bottle into adulthood. We lost Reebok to cancer in 2001 and Panther was 18 years old when she passed away in 2006.

What I have since learned from the information provided by Alley Cat Allies is that if anyone had taken those feral cats into a non-no kill shelter thinking they were helping the cats by getting them off the streets, there would be no chance of adoption and the cats would be killed. The reason being is that shelters handle adoptable cats and one that is afraid of humans certainly doesn't fit that criteria.

I just want to spread the word and let people know that feral cats do not belong in animal shelters. If you come across some feral kitties that you want to help, please check out Alley Cat Allies website for information. Together we can educate others about the need for Trap-Neuter-Return programs to reduce the cat population and keep feral cats out of shelters. We can make a difference and save lives!

From the archives - You've Come A Long Way Baby!

I first posted this on May 1st, when I was just getting started on my blog. Since I had very few readers at that time I thought I would revive it again so that my new readers can see how Sadie came to be a part of our family.

This article from January 2001 tells of the rescue of 40 adult Huskies and six litters of puppies from Banner County, Nebraska. Our dog, Sadie, was one of the puppies rescued by the humane society. She's the brown puppy in the picture.

My mom was living in Nebraska at the time and heard the story of these dogs being rescued. She called my husband and me in Colorado and asked if we wanted to adopt one. Well, that was an easy decision, absolutely! Mom was the first one through the door at the humane society the next day to put our name on the list of adopters. Luckily she was first and was persistant in calling them regularly because soon after the court hearing allowing the dogs to be adopted, another raid on a Yorkie puppy mill in Nebraska caused all the Huskies except two to be sent to other shelters throughout the region since the humane society needed room for the newest rescuees. The humane society called my mom and told her we could adopt a puppy, the other puppy pictured was adopted by a shelter employee. We were extremely lucky to welcome Sadie into our home and she has been living like royalty ever since!

Although Sadie was rescued early and now lives the good life, we have to speak out on behalf of the animals who are still living in cruel and neglectful conditions. Puppy mills have got to be shut down. Education is the key and once people know the horrible conditions animals are subjected to, it can no longer be swept under the rug. There are many responsible breeders out there but the ones who are not, have got to be stopped.

Our BeadedTail shop features many bracelets with animal awareness ribbons to show your support and we will donate a portion of the proceeds to animal awareness causes. You can also link directly to the ASPCA via the widget on the top of our blog and donate to their fight against animal cruelty and neglect. Support your local shelters too by giving money or your time or adopting a wonderful, loving furry friend. Thank you for helping us make the world a better place for animals! =^..^=

Listing and Updating in our shop!

Between my day job and reading everyone's wonderful blogs in my spare time, I hadn't got much done in our BeadedTail Etsy shop. Well, last weekend I made new items and updated photos of some of our bracelets. Below is an example of what I've been doing:

I found these Vintage Lucite cat face beads in one of my favorite bead stores a few months ago but hadn't figured out just the purrfect way to showcase them. I decided to make earrings with them and just love how they turned out. I made some using red coral beads too and will be adding them to our shop soon.

I call these new earrings, Dos Gatos.





This For the Love of Animals - Red Tigers Eye Awareness Bracelet has always been one of my favorites. I updated the photos to hopefully show off the beauty of this bracelet more accurately. Photos are something that is always a work in progress for me.

Red Tigers eye and silver is such a beautiful combination. As always, a portion of ALL sales from our shop goes to animal awareness causes!

We're making tails wag one bead at a time!

Doing what I love...

I have been searching for ways to bring attention to our Etsy shop so have been working on keeping this blog up to date while also trying to keep uploading new pictures into flickr and recently have signed up for Linkreferral and entrecard. I also need to work at my day job and find time to keep creating new jewelry. My mom is my shop partner but has recently undergone hip replacement surgery so I just want her to get well and not worry about anything shop related so I was feeling like I was spreading myself too thin when I finally realized something that I should have a long time ago: Do what you love and things will fall into place.

I have found that I don't look at my blog as a promotion tool but as a fun way to connect with other people who share the same interests as I do. With Linkreferral I have found many blogs, websites and even other Etsy shops that I would never have come across before. With entrecard I have found the most interesting blogs I've ever read, mostly written by or about pets (yes, pets can write blogs!). I love reading all the blogs, especially the ones about cats since they all have such unique purrsonalities.

I guess what I'm saying is that although I love creating jewelry and want to sell it in order to raise money for animal charities, the main thing about this whole new internet world I've entered is that I'm enjoying it and having fun and getting to "meet" people, and pets, from all over the world.

Once I realized that I'm doing everything because I enjoy it and not because I "have" too, things are starting to fall into place. We sold two items in our shop last Saturday and I also got this wonderful review on Linkreferral which makes everything I do worthwhile:

"We heard so much claims about exclusive designs particularly in the field of jewelry; but it is hard to find them in real life, particularly jewelry for animal lovers are either too loud, or miss the essential element of sophisticate design. This etsy store never claims to offer unique or exclusive design, but in reality it does so in style. Animal figurines are so finely blended that while animal lovers will take pride in wearing those, the fashion cautions trendy generation will also find them brilliant fashion statement. Above all, when we get to see that a part of revenues will go to charity, it inspires us more to hit the 'Add to cart' button. Keep it up. I'm really moved by your extraordinary collection. I liked your "Sitting Pretty Kitty" design. Excellent artwork. "

I look forward to working on my blog and I love reading the comments I get. I also really enjoy reading other blogs and finding new and interesting sites. I will keep creating new jewelry and listing it in our shop and eventually the sales will come but in the meantime, I thoroughly love exploring the internet world!

Speaking up for the Animals

This ASPCA commercial absolutely breaks my heart every time it comes on. I can't stand to watch it and I cry every time but yet I know the message needs to be heard. We have to speak for the animals who can't speak for themselves and we MUST help to stop animal cruelty. Supporting animal awareness causes is the reason we opened up our BeadedTail shop so although it's hard to watch, I felt I had to help spread the word of the plight to animals in need. Thank you for caring for the animals.

We're in a treasury!

EnchantedFoundlings included our Pink Cat's Eye Animal Awareness Bracelet in a treasury of animal lovers! We are so honored to be in a treasury - especially one for animal lovers! Be sure to check it out and click, click, click! It expires at 10am EST, Wednesday.

Thank you EnchantedFoundlings!

What is your Passion?

Such a simple question, but not always such a simple answer. A few years ago my hair stylist asked me "what is your passion?" I was stumped. I'd never been asked that before nor had I even thought about that before so I didn't have an answer for her. I've thought about that question quite frequently since that day and I have changed many things in my life as I learn to live more in the moment rather than just going through the motions. I wanted to find what truly made me happy and follow that path wherever it took me. I did this for many reasons, one of which is that I didn't want to change stylists so I didn't want to go back for a haircut and still be passionless!


One passion I've always had, but didn't recognize it as such, is my love of animals and my desire to help end cruelty, neglect and homelessness for them. This realization was the inspiration behind our Etsy shop. My mom feels the same way about animals as I do and we were looking for ways to help animal causes after hearing horrible stories in the news last summer about animal cruelty. We love making jewelry so the combination of being able to indulge our creative side while helping animals was a perfect match. We can honestly say we are passionate about what we do and feel fortunate to be able to do our part to make this world a better place for animals.

In case you haven't been asked in awhile, ask yourself periodically "what is my passion?" You may already know your passions and incorporate them in your daily life and if so, that's fantastic! For others, it will lead to soul searching and a desire to find out what truly makes you happy. It may be quite a journey, as I am finding out firsthand, but it's worth it to live your life with passion!

Hot weather tips for pets

With many parts of this country reaching 100 degrees already this summer, it's a good time for reminders about hot weather care for pets. This list is from the ASPCA's website and is a good thing for everyone to read each summer to keep our fur babies happy and healthy.

- A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must; add to that a test for heartworm, if your dog isn't on year-round preventive medication. Do parasites bug your animal companions? Ask your doctor to recommend a safe, effective flea and tick control program.

- Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle—hyperthermia can be fatal. Even with the windows open, a parked automobile can quickly become a furnace in no time. Parking in the shade offers little protection, as the sun shifts during the day.

- Always carry a gallon thermos filled with cold, fresh water when traveling with your pet.

- The right time for playtime is in the cool of the early morning or evening, but never after a meal or when the weather is humid.

- Street smarts: When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog standing on hot asphalt. His or her body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.

- A day at the beach is a no-no, unless you can guarantee a shaded spot and plenty of fresh water for your companion. Salty dogs should be rinsed off after a dip in the ocean.

- Provide fresh water and plenty of shade for animals kept outdoors; a properly constructed doghouse serves best. Bring your dog or cat inside during the heat of the day to rest in a cool part of the house.

- Be especially sensitive to older and overweight animals in hot weather. Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs such as bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, Lhasa apsos and shih tzus, as well as those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

- When walking your dog, steer clear of areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. And please be alert for coolant or other automotive fluid leaking from your vehicle. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste, and ingesting just a small amount can be fatal. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if you suspect that your animal has been poisoned.

- Good grooming can stave off summer skin problems, especially for dogs with heavy coats. Shaving the hair to a one-inch length—never down to the skin, please, which robs Rover of protection from the sun—helps prevent overheating. Cats should be brushed often.

- Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.

- Having a backyard barbecue? Always keep matches, lighter fluid, citronella candles and insect coils out of pets' reach.

- Please make sure that there are no open, unscreened windows or doors in your home through which animals can fall or jump.

- Stay alert for signs of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting and drooling and mild weakness, along with an elevated body temperature.

Jasper!

Jasper comes in so many lovely varieties that I always tend to gravitate towards them in any bead store. I have made many bracelets featuring jasper that are currrently listed in our shop. Today I listed a Winter Jasper and Heart bracelet with Rhodonite accents .

For an offer only to our blog readers, we have a special on ANY bracelet in the Jasper section of our shop. If you convo us before any purchase and mention this blog special, we will change the listing so you receive FREE shipping on your Jasper bracelet. This special will end at 5pm Pacific Standard Time Wednesday April 30th so we must receive your convo prior to this time.

As always, a portion of the proceeds from every sale will go to animal awareness causes. We're making tails wag one bead at a time!

I Love Cat's Eye Beads!

I just love cat's eye beads, not only because they have the word "cat" in them, but because of the dimension and color of these gorgeous beads. My mom made beautiful cat's eye beaded earrings with sterling silver accents and I listed them in our shop recently. Pictured here are the Black Cat's Eye Earrings and Purple Cat's Eye Earrings which are two of my favorite colors.

We have many cat's eye bracelets and several necklaces in our shop too. Our first sale was one of the first purple cat's eye bracelets I made for our shop. I was wondering which item would be the first to sell so it was very exciting to see one of my favorites that I made be the first to go to a new home! In honor of our first sale, I donated $50 to the ASPCA since the true reason of our shop is to raise funds for the prevention of animal cruelty and raise awareness of animal causes.

Hopefully we'll have more sales soon so we can keep the money going to worthy causes! Donations can also be made directly to the ASPCA by clicking on the widget at the top of our blog. Thank you for helping us help the animals!

Animal Awareness is more prominent lately!

Thanks to Oprah's show on puppy mills, I have been seeing more news about animal awareness causes and I'm so glad that people are beginning to talk about the issues so near and dear to my heart. Education is the key to stopping these horrible puppy mills from breeding animals into conditions no living creature deserves to be in. When we lived in the midwest, more people were aware of puppy mills since many are located in the heartland of America, however, when we told people in Oregon that our dog was rescued from a puppy mill, they didn't know what we were talking about. Thankfully it's now more known what some breeders have been doing to dogs sold in pet stores. With education and awareness comes the beginning of the end for animals suffering unnecessarily. With Oprah's lead, hopefully more loving animals will be adopted from animal shelters across America!

Another problem in need of attention is the animals left behind in the mortgage foreclosure issues hitting many families these days. This morning on the CBS Sunday Morning show, Ben Stein had a report bringing awareness to the innoncent animals left behind when people abandon their homes. Here's a link for his important report: http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=4029476n

One day I hope we have no more homeless animals and certainly no abused animals. Together we can make it happen! To show support of animal awareness, we have bracelets with ribbons (as pictured) available at http://beadedtail.etsy.com

Adding all the time!

Our Etsy shop continues to grow as new items are added weekly. Yesterday I listed this black cat's eye bracelet with paw toggle that mom made. It sure is stunning and will be a great addition to someone's jewelry wardrobe!

We sure hope to get our first sale soon and of course much more! We are very committed to making quality jewelry for animal lovers and to raise funds for animal awareness causes. Tax season is taking most of my time these days but I try to make new jewelry on the weekends. Mom is working on creating more too so we are just going to have so much variety here soon!

Much thanks to our fellow Etsyians on their help whether they knew it or not. There is so much information and a feeling of community in the forums and I spend a lot of time in the fora getting tips to help improve the look of our shop and promotional ideas.

I also spend a lot of time finding new and wonderful shops! The talent on Etsy is amazing and my wish list is long! I have purchased items already and each one was even better than I expected. I am proud that we are part of such a great group of artists!

Anyway, stop by and peruse our shop. We have beautiful jewelry for you and we make tails wag one bead at a time!