This sweet boy makes me happy...

I was blessed to do a transport for this boy and I fell in love... Story forthcoming... But, today I miss him and want to snuggle him!!!

if you haven't figured it out...

I am taking a break and assessing where I want to go in the new year. I have been working on a number of blog posts, and trying to get them just right, but they aren't there yet. My involvement in animal rescue has become increasingly important over the last 3 months, and I want to reflect that here; but, I don't want to turn my back on these sweet lil orphans in Eastern Europe, or my desire to adopt in a few years. Finding a way to make it all fit is what's holding me up. Till I figure it out, I am taking a break.

Much love,
Elizabeth

November Gratitudes - Day 29 (animal transports)

Today I am ETERNALLY GRATEFUL that I have the opportunity to participate in animal transporting. I have struggled for quite some time to figure out a way to save homeless animals. Let's face it, at 4 cats in an apartment for 2, I am maxed out. But, animal transporting has allowed me the opportunity to help sweet homeless animals as they make their way to their furr-ever home. I just love it, and I love these sweet animals!

November Gratitudes - Day 16 (Patrick)

Today I am grateful for Patrick. Patrick is a dog who was found in a trash bin in New Jersey earlier this year. He had been tethered to a staircase for weeks and had been allowed to starve to near death (since he was a pit bull). Thank goodness he was discovered by a trash worker and was rescued.

I am thankful because he was rescued, but also because his case opened my eyes to the vast number of abuse cases that occur here in the US every year.

Sure, my life was so much easier and peaceful before, but now I know the truth and get to help fight the nasty truth.

Ronan Update!

I just received an updated photo of one of the precious dogs that I was blessed to transport last month... here is Roman in his forever home! This is what it is all about!

Animal Transporting

So, a couple of weeks ago, I signed up for animal transporting. Basically, I get to help "at-risk" animals move from high-kill shelters to rescues in other states. Since I really can't do fostering (I am already over my max for cats), I thought this would be a neat way to get involved in helping animals who need a second chance. This past Saturday I took part in my first transport. It was awesome!

The next two photos are of Courage (#1) and Ronan (#2) when they were pulled from their shelters in North Carolina. Ronan was set to be euthanized the following day.

My leg of the journey was from Corbin, KY to Dry Ridge, KY. First, I met up with Ronan and Courage (transported by Connie and her friend) in Corbin.

Connie giving the dogs one last drink. Courage is the dog that looks like she is smiling at the camera.

Me, getting a few snuggles in with Courage and Ronan before we took off. Courage is in the red collar and Ronan is in the blue collar.

Both dogs were super excited to get into the car. They loved exploring their new setting and looking out the window.

I love both of their tongues in this picture, especially Ronan's super long tongue!

Ronan looks like he is smiling as he looks out the window!

Lil miss, aka Courage, settles into her spot very easily!

Even though Ronan probably had 20 pounds on Courage, he still allowed her to sit on the backseat while he settled in on the floor... I think he just wanted to be closer to the action (me).

Eventually the excitement was too much for Ronan and he fell asleep just like Courage did. He slept with his head on my armrest so I could occasionally scratch his head and snout.

Here I am saying goodbye to Courage and Ronan in Dry Ridge, KY. They continued on their way with Amy.

Ultimately, Courage and Ronan traveled two days from North Carolina to Illinois. It was an amazing experience watching them move from certain death to life with a family. It was great to be part of this experience and I can't wait to do it again!

Day 29-3 Wishes

I've been a little lax in finishing up the 30 day blogging challenge... since I only have two days left, I may as well get them done today!

3 Wishes:
1. Harsher punishments for anyone who hurts an animal. It is unconscionable that animal cruelty is not taken more seriously in the eyes of the law. Only when those who hurt animals are sentenced to jail time, will people take these crimes more seriously.

2. That my family would come to know Jesus. I will not call out specific people, but there are people that I regularly pray would come to know Jesus.

3. That sweet Oksana would find a family. I hope and wish that there are hearts stirring out there, and that someone would step forward and declare that she is their child!

Day 28-Something that stresses you out

I am EXTREMELY stressed out by the idea of animals that are being abused or mistreated in any way. I love animals so much and the more I get involved in animal cruelty awareness, the more I know about the inhumane ways they are treated. Animals are not objects, they are not unfeeling, they are not disposable. They think, they feel, they love, they adore, they desire human affection, they depend on human kindness, they are God' precious gifts to humans and it SICKENS ME that more people do not understand or care about animal welfare. I encourage everyone to dig deeper into animal cruelty case files, into the truth about animal testing facilities, into the lack of laws protecting animals who are beaten, killed, made to fight, raped, or starved to death. Our laws are deplorable, and need to be re-evaluated. Trust me, if you dig deeper, and actually educate yourself, you will never be the same. Yes, you will come face to face with some truly evil humans (monsters), but you will think twice about the way you live your life, and that's a good thing. Our animals depend on us. They are voiceless, and we have an obligation to speak for them.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Momma cat gets spayed!

So, I have a really soft spot in my heart for cats. I would love to rescue every one I encounter, but know that I can't. I am fortunate enough to live in the apartment building farthest back in our complex, thus out of the line of traffic, and there is a family of cats who the neighbors all love and feed. In the 14 months since I have lived there, I have seen her give birth 3 times. So, I decided, enough is enough, it was time to get her spayed. Thus far, she has trusted me enough to let me pet her and hold her (briefly), so I used her trust to capture her and get her to the humane society to be spayed. That was yesterday.

I love her dearly, and plan on releasing her once she is healed, but oh is she mad!!! Anyway, I am happy because I don't have to see her 6 lb. body birth any more babies.

Here are two pictures of her hanging out on my car... she used to do that pretty often. Time will tell whether she forgives me enough to do so in the future.

Day 12... What I believe...

There are a lot of things I believe, but I think I'll just do a list of sorts, kind of like a Top Ten of sorts! :-)

1. I believe in God. I love Jesus and wish I were a more faithful servant than I am. I have given my life to Christ, and look forward to spending my eternity in Heaven.

2. I think that people who abuse or hurt animals through neglect or physical violence deserve harsher punishments. Animals are so amazing, and when I hear of animals being treated poorly it breaks my heart, and makes me wish I was alone in a room with the perpetrator.

3. I don't believe that you need to birth a child in order for you to be a parent. In fact, the entire idea of feeling more connected to your child through DNA seems a little silly to me. Loving and caring for a child is far more important than physically birthing a child. No judgment on those who birth their own children, I just don't get the "one of our own, and one through adoption" phrase. Um, what???

4. I am an American and I think I live in the best country in the world. Sure, we have our issues, but I am so proud and happy to be an American.

5. I believe that everyone should learn to swim. Despite the safety considerations of not being able to swim, I would hate for anyone to miss the joy of swimming. When I dive in the water, I instantly become relaxed and just feel at peace. Plus, there is no greater joy than floating on a raft or tube on a hot, sunny day!

6. I believe that we all have an obligation to give back something to society, especially those of us who have experienced good fortune in our lives. I am not saying only those who have extra money need to give back, we can give of our time, energy, effort, etc. Those are just as important, and there are a lot of great organizations and charities out there who need the help.

7. I believe that people who claim not to be cat-lovers have never owned a cat. They are amazing animals and don't just sit around waiting to scratch and bite you. They are incredibly intelligent, and very aware of your emotional and physical health. They can be your best companions through anything.

8. I believe the internet is an amazing tool for connecting people, but worry that it de-sensitizes us and makes people do and say really mean things because they don't have to physically look someone in the eye or live with the results of their actions.

9. I believe that we should all strive to live outside our comfort zone. Sure, living in your bubble is easy and pleasant, but only when you go beyond that bubble can you effect actual change on the world.

10. I believe that everyone needs to take a week every year for themselves. No work, no internet, no phone... just time with family to relax. I went years without time off and was miserable. It's amazing what a week off will do for the other 51 weeks in the year.

I guess that's a start to what believe...

Day 6 = A Picture of Something that Makes You Happy

This sweet girl (the cat, not me) is named Tabitha and I took her in and found her a new home. She lived at the apartment complex where I used to live, and after months of getting her to come near me, I snatched her. She was extremely feral when I started with her. In fact, she lived in my bedroom away from my animals, and I was so afraid she would attack me in my sleep, that I slept on the couch. That said, after about 5 months, she found a forever home with a co-worker of my sister and she became quite the snuggle bug... and filled out pretty nicely as I've heard. :-) Sadly, there was another cat at that same apartment complex that I was not able to capture. I often remember Rufus, as I called him, and hope that he made it, although the life of a street cat is tough, so I am not overly confident in that outcome. Either way, through my patience, I was able to make a difference in the life of sweet Tabs-magee, as I used to call her. She was/is such a sweet cat who just needed someone to take the time to care for her.

Oh, and by the way, I did eventually get to sleep in my bed again, although it was about two months that I spent on the couch. She was worth it, though.

Day One (30 Day Challenge)

Alright, so here's today's part of the blogging challenge..

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts I am going to link back to my introductory post since it was just written 6 weeks ago... no need to re-write that part! But, here are my interesting facts:

1. I LOVE spicy foods. Seriously, I eat the hottest salsa, order my Thai food as "Thai Spicy" (which usually gets a follow up "are you sure?"), and I add hot sauce to just about anything I can think to. Love it!

2. I am terrified of needles. I have been known to kick the nurse, run from the nurse, hyper-ventilate, and cry... all within the last 5 years. Seriously, I am terrified.

3. My favorite color is yellow. I think this is because it reminds me of the sun and summertime.

4. The last two concerts I have been to are James Taylor and Snoop Dogg. I think this sums up my music interests pretty well... totally eclectic!

5. I totally need to see Australia before I die! Big Barrier Reef - yay!

6. I am slightly obsessed with reality television. I have no idea why, but it makes for some good people-watching!

7. I am a pescetarian, which means the only kind of meat I eat is seafood. Side note: I can usually tell when I am about to get sick because I will crave a Whopper. I usually respond by taking an iron pill, but what a strange thing to crave.

8. My favorite book of the Bible is Ephesians.

9. I am a super fast showerer. I was on swim team when I was younger and got used to showering in a few minutes. I can be in and out in 3 minutes and still get everything done that I need to. My water bill is really low! :-)

10. Tomatoes are my absolute favorite vegetable to eat. I usually have canker sores all over my mouth all summer from the acid, but it is totally worth it.

11. Despite my fear of needles (see #2), I somehow managed to get a tattoo. I have a Michigan "M" on my upper right shoulder blade. Did I mention that I am a UM alum? Love, love, love my Wolverines!

12. I am passionate about animals and get really upset when I hear about animals being abused.

13. I don't know for sure what color my hair really is. I swim too much, and have dyed it blonde and auburn so many times, I just don't know. I like being able to pick out my hair color! haha!

14. I gave up eating out for lent. It has been 27 days and I have 19 to go, not that I am counting. :-)

15. My favorite season is Summer. Gotta love all the sun, being able to swim outside, and not having to bundle up before I leave the house!

Thanks for reading!