Here is my third and final painting through the Paint Your Pet class at Painting with a Twist:  Loki!

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The Chase Community Giving contest is on!  From September 6 –19, you can vote for the charities that you want to see receive grants from Chase. The 196 charities with the most votes will share in $5 million in grants.  Please vote for Austin Pets Alive here!

“If you want to test cosmetics, why do it on some poor animal who hasn’t done anything? They should use prisoners who have been convicted of murder or rape instead. So, rather than seeing if perfume irritates a bunny rabbit’s eyes, they should throw it in Charles Manson’s eyes and ask him if it hurts.” ― Ellen DeGeneres*

Yes, it’s still happening.  Innocent animals all over this nation are being unnecessarily and brutally tortured.  And you – yes, YOU – can make it stop!  Please make a conscious effort when shopping and only purchase from companies that do not test on animals.  Not sure where to start?  Use this amazing guide of cruelty free companies like I do to help with your shopping choices.

*Side-note:  While I appreciate the sentiment of the quote, I really don’t appreciate Ellen DeGeneres since she is a spokesperson for Cover Girl… a company that still tests their makeup on animals.  I will not respect her as an animal activist until she stops taking money from the very companies she claims to protest.  Wise up, Ellen!

I think this is the coolest thing:  a necklace imprint of your pet’s nose!  Dog noses are much like snowflakes and our finger prints, no two noses are alike and therefore are unique to your family pet.  And who can resist those little cat noses?  So cute!  Here is where you can order to get your very own.

I finally caved and brought home my first batch of kittens for 2012:  Terrin, Tippa, Tink, Tossa, and Terilyn.  A rowdy group of playful and goofy kittens, they are hilarious to watch when at play.  They are already getting close to two pounds, so I won’t have these furballs for too long, but as always – fostering, no matter for how long or how often, helps save lives so check with your local shelter to see how you can help out!

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I have recently painted both my dog, Montague, and my cat, Amelia, at painting classes with Painting with a Twist.  I will admit, it is a little stressful since I am not in anyway artistically gifted and I really wanted the paintings to turn out somewhat decently.  However, I had an amazing time and now own two (soon to be three, I don’t play favorites with my fur babies!) paintings that I will treasure for years to come.  I definitely recommend it!

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Strut Your Mutt has made its way to Austin.  Best Friends is hosting their annual walk and festival in Austin on September 29 and I have joined the Austin Pets Alive! dog pack for the event.  My page is raising pledges for the adorable and very deserving dogs and cats of Austin and I’m very excited about both raising my goal of $250 and enjoying the event with Montague.  Check out my page here and please consider a donation – any amount helps!

Thanks!

Yes, it exists and is absolutely amazing.  I am not in anyway looking to get married anytime soon, but if a man presented this to me I would be inclined to say yes to his proposal… now where are the Star Trek, Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, and Firefly engagement rings?

Amelia Riedi passed away in the early hours of June 18.  As if she knew I wanted to be with her when the time came, Amelia waited for me to come home from being out of town before it was time.  I will miss her adorable nose, amazing perseverance, and sassy attitude – she taught me so much and I am beyond grateful I was able to be her mom, even though it was just for a few months.  Rest in peace, sweet Amelia, and know you are loved and deeply missed.

Remember back in March when I adopted my office cat, Amelia, as a hospice situation due to her failing health?  Well, she is still kicking and more spunky than ever.  Please enjoy my official family photo of my three fur babies!