Rescue Reveal – FORA

Between a complete lack of internet air time and my phone refusing to download photographs, I find myself abysmally late with this post.  

Great staff at FORA, happily sitting on the pile of food and dog baskets delivered

However, late or not, FORA (Friends of Rescued Animals) most certainly deserves a reveal.  They are a wonderful Pro-Life shelter, situated in Luipaardsvlei, Krugersdorp.  They look after 320 dogs and 120 cats at any given time.

One of FORA’s cutie pie kittens, playing silly buggers for the photograph

This beautiful, extremely loving and talkative girl is looking for a wonderful home

I’m just too chilled for a photo shoot

To quote them, their goals are to “provide the very best for all the animals in our care, ensuring they receive food, shelter, medication, sterilization and above all to offer all our animals the chance of a new life in a loving home, and if they cannot find a home, that they are guaranteed a home at the shelter for the rest of their days.”

The grounds at FORA, aiming to give shelter animals the best life possible

Just a gorgeous couple of sweetie pies we are!

Hey, come check out my own personal swimming pool!!

These are goals at which they are succeeding famously well.  Their animals are given exceptional care.  Staff and volunteers work tirelessly to provide them with the best possible life and opportunities to find loving forever homes.

A FORA volunteer, providing this very loving and gentle dog with a walk and lots of attention

My brother is here as well but he was giving me a hard time, so I’ve become the “office dog”, although I quite like the wheelbarrow as well

On the 24^th October (see, I told you I was painfully late), I slowly (my car was laden with rather heavy food) negotiated my way through the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg, to make the delivery.  The staff at FORA are wonderful and welcomed me with open arms.  They gave up their valuable time to show me around every inch of their facilities from arrival areas to sick bays and everything in between, whilst I clicked away at every photo opportunity that presented itself.

 

I came in having lost my eye but FORA fixed me all up and, although it might not look great, I am a happy, sweet, blur of a tail wagging dog (that blur around my bottom really is my tail wagging that fast).

 

Just give me a second, I’m sure I can squeeze out to say “hello”

Hey there, photograph me! I’m sure I’m the most beautiful!

If anyone is thinking of getting a pet, I strongly recommend that you consider adopting your furry friend from FORA.  If you wish to find out more about them, or believe that you can help in any way whatsoever, please hop onto their website HERE.  FORA are currently running at the maximum capacity and, in order to provide space for additional animals in need, current cutie-pies need to be adopted out.  Of course, not everyone is in a position to adopt an animal but you could make a difference by donating money, food, blankets or volunteer time.

And to end off – there’s nothing quite like a cute bunch of kittens

Irresponsible Mothers and Child Pregnancies

Yes, I am an irresponsible mother.  We’ve suffered the first child pregnancy in the family’s history and it’s a shocker! 

Has anyone else suffered the sheer, colossal embarrassment of one’s child, having supposedly been surrounded by a warm and loving family who provided clear and sound moral guidance, suddenly falling pregnant at an absurdly young age?  I’m quite sure I cannot be the only one who believes that the home environment should have negated such a disaster.  I am equally sure that all parents, whose children have brought such disgrace upon the family, suffer the same whiplash thought of attempting to keep the embarrassing situation hidden.

The thought most certainly crossed my mind.  “Tell no-one!” I said to myself.  “What will they think of me?” I wondered.  Best not be lambasted for my poor parenting skills, especially out in public, on the internet.  But, I fear, as my own mother so poignantly pointed out, I’m far too much of a chatter-box to keep such things secret and, as such, I hereby lay bare the nasty truth of it all, awaiting the tyranny of my sorely neglected readers.

Pixels, the baby child of the family, fell pregnant!  There it is, in all its horror.  I said it.  My beautiful, sweet child allowed a street kid, nonetheless, into her home and did the unspeakable.  A subject on which I shall refrain from elaborating because it is, well, unspeakable.  Surfice it to say that, although I may appear to be a truly irresponsible mother, I had booked for her to be spayed but found, to my dismay, that the appointment needed to be altered to a pregnancy test.

Of course, as is the case with all prematurely “grandmothered” mothers, seeing the perfect, most adorable offspring, has changed shock into adoration and love.  As such I find myself inexplicably forced to subject everyone to photographs of my stunning grandchildren and their utterly fantastic mom who, even at such a tender young age, has proven to be the most perfect and responsible mother I think I have ever seen.  I am so incredibly proud of her and cannot fault a single thing she has done, through child birth to her skills through the first 3 days of the babies lives on the planet.

Welcome to the world, my lovelies!

A Cuddle of Kittens

Bath Time

1 day old – sleeping in my hand

Just got to love those faces!

 

The lightest of the gingers

 

3 days old – ultimate cuteness

 

Rescue Reveal – ARK Animal Centre

My most humble apologies for being so scarce of late.  It appears the cell phone companies are quite particular about payment.  Silly really, considering they are making a sweet fortune without my measly little amount. 

Fear not, however, as a small thing such as a complete and utter lack of communication facilities is highly unlikely to stop me.

So, plowing on regardless, I’m pleased to reveal to you ARK Animal Centre.  They are an utterly fabulous organisation with, of course, a pro-life policy for all the animals in their care.  They take on puppies and pregnant moms and work tirelessly to ensure that all are healthy, happy, loved, exercised and receiving any medical care required.

An Ark puppy – most definitely loved (well, who wouldn’t?)

They have recently moved to a new property, purchased by the owner, for the dogs, by selling her own home.  Now there’s someone who definitely puts the welfare of the animals before herself.

Much loved Mom, although she refused to open her eyes for any photographs

Ark Animal Centre are based just passed the Fourways/Dainfern area on a wonderfully large property, allowing them to provide the dogs in their care with fantastic walks and stimuli.  This is definitely a happy bunch of dogs and puppies who, I am sure, are delighted that the owner gave up her home to move them to such a great property.

Such a gentle lass – she’ll make someone a most wonderful pet

This last weekend was far more successful than my previous fundraising exercise and I would like to thank the wonderfully generous Blairgowrie residents, the Blairgowrie Spar, Brightwater Commons Flea Market and the awesome people who donated money and food as well as those who supplied me with items to sell at the flea market.

Some super sized bags of dog food, kindly donated

With the help of everyone above, I was able to deliver cash, dog food and a staff care package (the all important tea and snack break items vital to the wellbeing of overworked shelter staff), to Ark Animal Centre.

Staff Care Package plus extra dog food. When working in these shelters, you’ll not believe how important your tea break is. It’s just as important to keep the staff happy as it is the animals.

The cat items received were kindly delivered to Cat A Holics, by my long suffering father who was instantly put to hard manual labour and general work both over the weekend and today, with deliveries.

Puppy Play Time

I now have a permanent space at the Brightwater Commons Flea Market in Randburg and shall be stationed there every Saturday and Sunday.  My stall is a White Elephant for the Animals affair and I sell anything and everything that is donated.

Running for my cover. Save me from those big bullies

Anyone out there finding themselves in the area over a weekend – I would be utterly delighted to meet you.  Anyone who has been storing goodies in their house, such as books, jewelry, ornaments, toys, stationery (truly, anything cluttering up your home) – we would be eternally grateful for the donation of these unwanted items as, the more we sell, the more we can help the shelters.

Play time sure is exhausting!

Gone to the Dogs

Well truly, it’s about time a few dogs got themselves back on this blog.  Little character infused kittens seem to have been taking over recently.  So, we’ll give you some pics from the Vereeniging & Districts Kennel Club open show.  They kindly agreed to me having a table to raise funds for the shelters. 

Fund raising was, well, a rather dismal affair but it’s hard not to have fun at an open show.  We didn’t get in any money but we did get to run around, taking photos of blog friend look-a-likes and we got a whole lot of our new brochures out.  Let’s hope that the kind souls who now have them, choose to fill in the all important debit order form.  Anyone out there, reading this to see if their dog made the blog, your generosity could make all the difference to the less fortunate pups out there.  Even the smallest monthly donation helps and, if you truly have no spare cents at the end of a month, then flea market items (those bits and bobs creating clutter in your house) are always very much appreciated.

Right then, enough bribery and on to some look-a-likes and general cuteness.

Being an Open Show meant is was, yes, you guessed it, open – to all breeds and, even better, ages.  That meant we got to see both puppies and child handlers.  Who can resist cute kids and puppies?  So, first up, 2 adorable and beautiful children with their equally adorable and cute puppies

 

And not to forget our friends.  This one is for Raffles 

And Misaki.  Well, fine, it’s not a Malamute but a Husky is pretty darned close

And Mollie.  Yes, again, not really a Mollie dog but close, at least in colouring

Oh and, guess what, we even found an Easy impersonator.  Just look into those eyes and tell me there’s not trouble coming.

Then a bunch of cute little Grey Hound puppies, just to add to the cuteness factor

And how could we do a post without having some nudity involved.  A Chinese Crested is always good for and this pic will have to be dedicated to Doggy, not only because he rather likes posts with nudity but also because he insists that he wants to steal Pixels from me but would have to shave her.  Thought I’d let you see what a nude animal might look like.

Plus a Collie for our Meadow friends

And, not to forget our lovely Litchi Love.  We at least managed to find a dog that shows her what she was supposed to look like, even if she failed.

So, even if the fund raising didn’t go as well as others, we had a wonderful day out.  Not the best set of photos but certainly fun taking them.

Who do you think is the best Look-A-Like?

Rescue Reveal – Kent Animal Shelter NY – Courtesy of Finn & Charley

If you don’t already know Finn & Charley, I highly recommend that you pop over there immediately!  It’s hard, at the best of times, not to fall in love with Golden Retrievers but these two are truly special.

Phenomenal Finn

They epitomise the generosity and love the makes our Blogoshere so amazing.

Charming Charley

Many of you know about Savannah’s Mom’s efforts to save Leo, a very sick cat.   To help raise funds, the magnificent Mollie & Alfie ran an auction.

The fantastic Finn & Charley chose to bid on an item, not for themselves but for other rescue animals, highlighting a truly wonderful shelter.  How sweet is that!  Of course, Goldens are so sweet by nature that we really weren’t surprised.

Torrey – available for adoption 

They want to highlight Kent Animal Shelter in NY.  They were so impressed by the shelter that they immediately felt the need to gain them more exposure.  Obviously, there’s exposure happening anyway, as the animals are predominantly naked but we are not talking that type of exposure here!

Trooper – available for adoption

Being adopted themselves, Finn & Charley feel strongly about Pro-Life organisations, such as Kent Animal Shelter, who ensure their animals are given as much time as necessary to find their perfect “forever homes”.  No animal in their care will be euthanised unless incurably ill.

Penguin – available for adoption

Kent Animal Shelter has been running for over 40 years, caring for, loving and re-homing thousands of abused, abandoned and homeless animals.  They provide a happy and tranquil place, on a scenic property near the Peconic River.  Animals receive exercise, love and expert medical attention.  They even run Pet Therapy Programs and strive to educate people regarding pet care, leadership and compassion by working with local schools and groups.

Daria – available for adoption

Their vision is greater than the animals in their care, as they reach out into the community, sharing knowledge and providing low cost spay/neuter programs.  They have even gone so far as to start a Retirement Home Program for cats.

Scooter – available for adoption

If you are ever thinking of a adopting a pet, or feel that you can help them in any way, Kent Animal Shelter comes highly recommended and is certainly worth a visit.  They typically have about 100 animals available for adoption.

Abbey – available for adoption

They can be found at 2259 River Road, in Calverton.

Our eternal thanks to Finn & Charley for highlighting this wonderful organisation.  Give them a High Five everybody!!!!

PS – all photographs courtesy of Finn & Charley and the Kent Animal Shelter

Monday Mischief – How to Bug Big Brother!

Yes, we’ve ascertained that Sabre is fairly fond of little Pixels.  However, no matter how cute you may be, there are certain sibling duties which need to be performed.  Annoying big brother is a vital skill to acquire.    

“Big Brother Bug” is a great game and crucial to boredom avoidance.  It is particularly effective if you can find Big Brother already ensconced in a nice, deep slumber.

Step 1 – Pat him on the head to wake him up

Step 2 – Pretend it wasn’t you.  Try to embellish your face with the most innocent of expressions whilst looking the other way.

Step 3– Give his toes a good sniff.  If nothing else, the tickle of your whiskers should help wake him.

Step 4– Get distracted by his now wonderfully swishing tail

Step 5 – Do the unthinkable.  Sniffing his…um…nether regions is sure to get his attention

Step 6 – Receive a good clobbering for that gesture

Step 7 – Go in for the neck (I’m sure you’ve seen your big Lion cousins using that tactic to great effect)

Step 8 – Break free of the inevitable wrestle hold (Mommy Lions never explained that consequence on Animal Planet).

Step 9 – Great, now you’ve got his attention and can settle in for the ultimate huggle bunnie sleep with big brother.

Even Sabre is powerless to resist the charms of Pixels

To begin with, he was far from impressed.  Remember, Sabre is my ultimate Baby Boy.  He believed this to be his universal right and took to Pixels much like an ostrich takes to flying.

Of late, however, I see even his resilience has crumbled.

Come here Pixels! I need you for sleep time

These photos may be poor but they are irrefutable proof that even Sabre likes the idea of cuddling and touching her when sleeping.

Getting ready for the cuddly curl-up

The cuddle begins

Kitty Cuddle Complete!

As we begin to regain our credit giving strength, our gratitude to the following, for their tireless efforts in tweeting and facebooking Pixels competition attempts, needs to be shared:

Mollie & Alfie

Misaki

Please visit both these sites, as they are on a most awesome mission, running raffles and auctions to raise funds for Leo, who’s story can be found on Savannah’s site.  Please support them in whatever way you can.

Credit Relapse

Credit is due to so many and we’ve relapsed terribly.  This might be due to the cuddly nature of Pixels, whose love for sleeping in her Mom’s arms, just like a baby, distracts us from actually typing.

Tell me if you could type out thank you notes with this cuddle bunny in your arms!

Right, these arms of Mom’s look perfect for a good sleep

Get ready for it! Sleep is coming.

Ah yes, here it is!

Fold your arms like an angel. Close your eyes and snuggle into Mom’s arms for the best sleep ever!

So, belated credit and eternal thankfulness go to:

Serenity in the City
Princess Zena
Dogs N Pawz
Cats & Co
My Three Moggies

They all reblogged and shared our desperate attempt to win a competition for the shelter animals. Truer examples of the spirit of togetherness that our blogosphere exhibits, would be extremely hard to find.

There are still many more, deserving of our gratitude. We shall attempt to stay awake in future and post suitable acknowledgements. This, of course, remains to be seen but, on step at a time

The War we Lost but Gained

True, the title makes little sense and yes, we did lose the war.

What do you mean, I LOST? I’ll make my eyes go squiff and hang my ear in shame!

This is sad with regards to assisting the shelters with food but, fear not, we’ll find other ways to help them.  What is more important is what we gained.

Really!! That many peopled helped? Amazing!

The number of people who selflessly jumped in and helped, voting, emailing, reblogging and sharing on twitter and facebook was quite dazzling.  In truth, we feel more like winners due to everyone’s generosity than we ever could getting a prize.  Your friendship and dedication warms the cockles of our hearts (strange term but seems entirely appropriate here).

Well, you’d better get started with Thanking them all!

With such a vast quantity of people, having gone way beyond the call of duty, it would be unfair to list everyone in one post.  So we’ll start, today, by thanking 3 of these gallant and charitable hero’s and continue the list, through the week, in an attempt to show our gratitude.

Today’s insufficient thanks goes to:

Sand Spring Chesapeakes, who reblogged for us not once, not twice but THREE times.

Doggy’s Style, always there to when you need him.  Always willing to help and go the extra mile.  He reblogged TWICE for us.  You remain, always, my competition mentor extraordinaire.

Animal Couriers, the best pet relocation experts of all time who, somehow, in the midst of dealing with innumerable animals in their care, find time to reblog and help others.

Please go and visit each of these wonderful sites and give them your support as my only way to begin thanking them for their help.

Tune in for our next post for links to further incredible and delectable sites who’s generosity knows no bounds. 

South Africa is at War!

Oh alright, not the whole of South Africa but the Cats of South Africa are at war!   Fine, obviously not all the cats are at war.  That would be absurd and frighteningly noisy. 

OK, two kittens, in South Africa, are at war!

This is our final plea!  A desperate last stand!  The lives of kittens in Animal Shelters depends on this!

Not so ladylike but definitely comfy

Pixels is still in the competition for Cutest Kitten.  She’s cracked 1st place a couple of times but the other kitten then rallies up over 100 votes in a matter of minutes.

Pixels will donate her prize to the Animal Shelters most in need of kitten food.

Ask not what the kittens can do for you but what YOU can do for the kittens!

Apparently, sleeping upside down is the way to go

The competition ends on the 19^th.  We need YOUR votes.

I know most of you have already voted, shared and reblogged but, if you know of any other warriors who could come to our rescue and swell the ranks for this final battle, the orphaned, neglected and homeless kittens of South Africa would be eternally grateful.

Every adult and child, armed with an email address, can force the enemy into retreat.

Can you do headstands whilst you sleep?

To join the war, click on the link below, enter your email address, rate the photograph as 5 Stars and Send!

Click here to Help Pixels win the War!

2 seconds of your time and 1 years supply of kitten food for the abandoned little love bugs.