Thank you for being such an inspiration to us all in these times of economic strife. Your support of animal shelters hits very close to home for me. We recently adopted a pound puppy, Ginger, who became a heroine when she alerted me to a medical emergency in the middle of the night. She has no pedigree, but is simply priceless to me. To paraphrase a famous movie line: Ginger "had me at WOOF!"

Recently, our local animal shelter announced a program for reducing the number of "owner surrenders" due to economic hardship by giving them bags of food for their pets. So to date, in honor of Ginger's heroism, we have donated over 300lbs. to this program that is making a huge difference in the lives of these pets and their human families. Since we are already acting locally, we will take it to the "global" level by making donations to the two animal shelters you support. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to honor your birthday in such a tangible and meaningful way.

Happy Birthday!

YIPPEE! that feels GREAT and makes me smile SO big(ly?)!!!

what a great idea - donating pet food to families so they don't have to surrender their loved ones. I'll look into that happening here - perfect idea. thanks for sharing it, mint.

btw, I would love to hear stories about where you all donate. it feels SO good to know things like that, and to do it. this will be the best birthday EVER.

btw, north fork women for women fund (nfwfwf) is an organizaion on the north fork of long island that does whatever is needed to support women who are dealing with health issues, loss of income, doctor referrals, rides to doctor's appts, paying utility bills, etc. same is true of helping our women (h.o.w.) on cape cod. the soup kitchen in provincetown makes a tremendous difference for people who live in this beautiful but seasonal environment - offering great meals to those in need, which can mean more money available to pay bills and such. all three do incredible good work and are small local organizations that are very well run. I strongly endorse them all, as well as the animal sheltering sites.


next...?

WOW.... what a generous and thoughtful soul, are YOU, Suede!! I continue to be inspired/touched by your ENORMOUS generosity and vision! How often I'm reminded of the inner warmth/fullness one feels/generates in THE GIVING! Mint Julep, the "torch" is shared, as we ALL band together, "paying it forward", with our actions-of-heart, education and awareness!!

Now, in support of puppy free stores and the truth about pet trade, the following will provide information and adoption options in the LA (Los Angeles) area and nationwide:

www.PuppyStoreFreeLA.com
http://network.bestfriends.org/truth
www.petfinder.com
www.pupsandpals.net
www.littlebowwowrescue.com
www.mollysmuttsandmeows.org

NO MORE PUPPY MILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Those "angel wings", Suede and Mint Julep, WILL continue to grow....

Peace and harmony,
Terri

What a nice thought, Suede. If it would be OK for you, I will make a donation to our local hospice here in town, that took care of my mother in her final days. Hospice made a huge impact on me, and allowed my mother to live as she wished, in full control of her own life, not tied to complicated medical mumbo jumbo in some hospital or nursing home.

See you on the ship!! We are looking forward to this trip very much. See you soon. Ett and Linda