Paw Prints Project

Repeat - Let's Talk About the Cats

2009-01-12T16:16:00.001-08:00

This post is a repeat from last year BUT I think it is so important, I hope that you will share the information with everyone you know.

Last year in Maricopa County (Arizona) 12, 719 cats were turned into the county shelter.

The GOOD news is that 4,401 were adopted or fostered into new homes.

The BAD news is that 8,141 were euthanized despite the best efforts of the staff and volunteers to find them homes.

Even more heartbreaking - only 165 were reclaimed/returned to their owners.
That's only 1% of all the cats there - made their way back to their original homes.

Buy a collar and id tag for your cat and leave them on her at all times - you never know when she may get out.

Consider getting a microchip for your cat - if he does get out - his collar may get caught on something and break loose.

Please take just a minute and look back over all of these pictures.
There are 100 cats in this post. Statistically - only 36% made it out.
Only 1 out of 100 went back to it's original home!!!

Every single one of these cats was loving, affectionate and intelligent. They were used to people - they belonged somewhere. Please spay and neuter your pets.

If you have the time - please volunteer at your local animal shelter. Please consider adoption over purchasing from a pet store and please - spread the word.

Pet Theft On The Rise!

2009-01-09T16:15:00.000-08:00

Don’t leave your dog alone in your yard for long periods, especially if it’s visible from the street.

If strangers approach you with admiring comments about your dog, don’t share information about his cost or where you live.

Report a theft to police and animal control as soon as it happens.

Keep a current photo of your pet so you can make flyers or posters immediately and post the photo on Web sites.

If possible, hold back some kind of descriptive information about your pet so you can sort out crank calls from serious ones.

Microchip your dogs and cats, and keep microchip registration information up to date so shelters and veterinarians can contact you if your pet is found. A microchip also serves as proof that an animal belongs to you.

A tattoo on the inner thigh is a permanent way of identifying your dog if the tattoo is registered with a tracking organization such as National Dog Registry.

How to protect your dog
Consider GPS for your pet. New GPS collars allow owners to set up a safety zone. If the pet strays beyond it, an alert goes out e-mail and text message. The collars have potential for tracking missing dogs, but they’re expensive at $129.99 and up, and they can be removed by someone who finds the dog and decides to keep it.

Cats, cats, cats

2009-01-08T15:56:00.000-08:00

Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message and get back to you later.” - Mary Bly

Paw Prints Project
The title of this print: "Handful of Love"

Great Works for Great Causes

2009-01-07T08:13:00.000-08:00

I am delighted to be included in an Etsy treasury today. Etsy treasuries are collections of handmade items and artwork selected by fellow Etsy shop owners.

I love this particular collection as it is all related to dog rescue.
To find additional items that support this cause - please check out
this link ETSY and search for the words: dog, rescue, charity...

Check Out Our Etsy Shop

2009-01-06T10:07:00.000-08:00

Here are a few Paw Prints that are available. You can see all the prints currently available in our online shop at Paw Prints Project

I Miss My Brother!

2009-01-05T10:34:00.000-08:00

My brother lives too far away. We weren't able
to be together for the holidays this year and
I really missed him.

I created this from a photo from our childhood.
It was his Christmas present and he really loved it.
We're still the best of friends - wish he lived closer!

Sunday Quotes

2009-01-04T15:10:00.001-08:00

"A cat is a puzzle for which there is no solution." ~ Hazel Nicholson

This print "A Siamese If You Please" is available now. Click on this lick for more information - http://PawPrintsProject.etsy.com

Labrador Retrievers!

2009-01-03T15:59:00.001-08:00

I have had a labrador retriever in my life since I was
about 7 years old. My best friends were my little brother
and my black lab Skip.

Skip lived to the old age of 16 - I'll never forget one
Thanksgiving. We were just getting ready to sit down for
Thanksgiving dinner when there was an angry pounding on
our front door. The neighbor down the street was nearly
hysterical - furiously pointing to our dog (who was laying
right in the middle of our front yard) eating their Thanksgiving
turkey!!!!

The woman had put it out in her garage to cool. Skip helped
himself to a feast, drug it home and had one paw on either side
just having the best meal of his life.

So.... the dog had turkey for Thanksgiving that year - and the
neighbors had ours!!!!

Here are a couple of new portraits of labs - they'll be available
in the etsy shop wwww.pawprintsproject.etsy.com next week.

New Year - New Work

2009-01-02T09:50:00.001-08:00

Here is a new series that I've been working on for
the last couple of months. In addition to the shelter
animals - I've been getting a lot of requests for purebred
dogs. While these guys have happy homes - they're still
going to do their part and 10% of their sales will also
go to support their cousins in the shelter!!

Here are a few of the small breed dogs:

They will be available in the shop update on Monday. Tomorrow I will
post some pictures of the larger breeds in the series.

Happy Jan 2nd to all!

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-01T18:30:00.000-08:00

2009 is here at last. Hoping it's a wonderful
year for you and yours.

Tracy: An Etsy Artist & Her Tale from the Pound

2008-07-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

I'd like to introduce you to Tracy of Artgirlx. She has opened her home and her heart to 3 beautiful rescue cats. In addition to being the "Patron Saint of Cats" - Tracy is also an extremely talented artist.

She has graciously allowed me to share her rescue story and some of her amazing artwork on this blog.

"All 3 of my cats were rescues. 2 of them (pretty, fluffy brothers that look like they are part Maine Coon) were from a litter that was thrown in a dumpster. The guy that found them didn't want to keep the remaining kittens any more and I was worried they wouldn't find good homes. The actual rescue was very convoluted and involved a covert meeting in a parking lot!

And our latest furry rescue was found at a campground we were visiting last winter. Apparently some people think it's ok to dispose of their pets out in the wilderness. This was also a very complicated rescue involving adoption and ferry rides and a final meeting in a parking lot to claim our latest fur baby! They are all very happy and healthy and the brothers accepted their new stripey brother without incident. I have long considered myself the Patron Saint of Abandoned Kitties and would love to have a rescue home some day in the future.

Anyway, since we have moved into this new house they love to hang with me in the studio as it has a great corner window for them to perch and see all the goings-on. That's great and all but what comes with this companionship are; hairs everywhere (landing in the paint), an errant tail knocking something over and constant jumping on and jumping off of my work area. Regardless, home wouldn't be home without one of these fur boys around and under foot.

And now, a Public Service Announcement: Please rescue strays, you can take them to a NO-KILL shelter until they are adopted out, or take one in yourself, you won't regret it. END PSA." - Tracy -

Please check out her wonderful blog at http://smashart.blogspot.com

Then enjoy a look at her online Etsy shop - Artgirlx The shop is filled with very unique handcrafted pendants, orginal artwork and more.

I've fallen in love with her "Home" series. Just click here to view her etsy shop - Artgirlx

"These paintings are part of a body of work that deals with 'Home' and what it means to others.For some, home is a sanctuary, for others home symbolizes something completely different. What does home mean to you?" - Artgirlx

Thanks Tracy -for sharing your love for animals and your amazing artwork.

Quote of the Week

2008-07-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

"Thousands of years ago - cats were worshipped as gods.
Cats have never forgotten this!" - anonymous -

The title of this print is: "Are You Talking To Me!"
It's available now in our etsy shop - Paw Prints Project

Tomorrow - I will be posting new "tales from the pound" from an amazing etsy shop owner - will be featuring her beautiful shop as well.

Stop & Smell the Flowers

2008-07-25T16:56:00.001-07:00

Have a happy weekend......

Murphy says " Don't forget to stop and smell the flowers!"

Stephanie & Nicholai: A Rescue Tale

2008-07-25T10:20:00.000-07:00

I love to share a great rescue story. This tale is from Stephanie and is about her little Lhasa named Nicholi.

Stephanie: "We rescued Nicholi when he was 3 from a Lhasa Rescue. His owner had surrendered him claiming he was too much of a 'guard dog.' The rescue believed that his owner had picked him up and threw him to try to get him to stop barking. He's needed A LOT of love and patience, but rescuing a dog is about the best thing in the world. -If you're ever considering rescuing, do it! Just be prepared for some work in the beginning..and know eventually the love and trust they give you will out way any negative behaviors they came with.

Sure you can post my little guys story on your blog! I think it serves several really good purposes.

First, he's proof that you can get the little dogs at rescues, which for some reason people think you can't do.

Second, I like to point out that you have to research about the dogs breed before you do get them. Yes my Nicholi is cute and little and fluffy, but good lord does he have Lhasatude! That is the whole reason someone abused him. They didn't like that he barked when people came to the door, so she would pick him up and toss him to shut him up.

Lastly, I really think rescues seem to give back even more love than you can imagine once they realize they are in a forever home. Sorry to go on and on, I'm sure this is stuff you already know! I think all people who rescue animals are really passionate about it. Everyone I've met that has rescued always has a great story to tell. Thanks for showing off my Nicholi on your blog!" -Stephanie

Thanks so much to Stephanie for rescuing this sweet little boy and sharing his story.

PS - Check out Stephanie's blog at
http://cabbagesandkings-art.blogspot.com

We'd love to hear your animal rescue tales too!

Wow - What a Treasury!!!!

2008-07-24T10:05:00.001-07:00

I was surprised this morning - one of our prints (The Things I Could Tell You)is included in a beautiful treasury on etsy. This treasury looks like a piece of artwork . It's an amazing collection and I'm really honored to be included.

My thanks to the etsy artist that put this together. Her shop is Cabbages and Kings Art and her work is delightful. Here are a couple of my favorites:

You can visit her Etsy shop by clicking on this link: Cabbages and Kings Art

and you can see our print that she selected at Paw Prints Project

A Guy & His Dog

2008-07-23T12:40:00.001-07:00

I recently finished this commission for the son of some great friends.
It was an absolute pleasure to work on this. This little dog was not treated well at her former home and just showed up on their doorstep one day.

They took her in and cared for her until her owners were found. But Pepper knew better.......she just kept coming back and coming back - and the former owners said - She's yours!!! She's been with her new family for a long time and is one happy little dog.

Here's the final version

We'd love to hear your stories of how your pets adopted you - please leave your comments (send pictures too!!!)

and if you'd interested in a custom portrait of your pet, please drop us an email at pawprintsproject@live.com

Please check out our online shop to view our art work. Paw Prints Project

An Etsy Treasure

2008-07-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

I'd like to introduce to an extremely talented jewelry designer - Creative Treasures by Donna.Donna creates the most incredible pieces - I love looking on her site to see all the beautiful earrings, necklaces, bracelets....

I also love reading her descriptions of each piece - they always bring to mind tropical nights, desert sunsets, glistening winter forests.... Here's an example-

Gaze through the crystal
what do you see
Aquatic Creatures
swimming free
Amber, copper, teal and green
the colors of life
In a Sea Of Dreams...

I am delighted to own quite a few of her amazing pieces. So if it's time to treat yourself or someone special - visit Creative Treasures Shop on Etsy.

Quote of the Week

2008-07-21T14:03:00.000-07:00

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."
-- Unknown

"Looking for Love" 8x10 Limited Edition Print available at Paw Prints Project

They Weren't Too Happy but...

2008-07-18T16:23:00.000-07:00

but it had to be done! Both of our cats - Murphy and O'Malley were due for the annual exam at the vet's office. This includes a very long car ride and
much howling!!!!!

They both received clean bills of health along with their shots. Murphy (the tabby) tried to hide in the trash can, hid his head in my arm and was quite a big baby about the whole thing.

After my post about the cats in the shelter (how only 1% are returned to their owners) I decided to make sure that my boys were protected as best as possible.
To my surprise - O'Malley's microchip was out of date - the phone number was wrong.
and Murphy didn't have a chip - so along with his shots - he got an extra injection today. (so do your pets a favor - doublecheck that all their information is current and up to date)

I will be shopping on etsy tonight for new collars and tags for both boys.
They're home now and the whole episode seems to be forgotten!

....Happy Friday!!!!

Let's Talk About The Cats

2008-07-15T18:32:00.000-07:00

Last year in Maricopa County (Arizona) 12, 719 cats were turned into the county shelter.

The GOOD news is that 4,401 were adopted or fostered into new homes.

The BAD news is that 8,141 were euthanized despite the best efforts of the staff and volunteers to find them homes.

Even more heartbreaking - only 165 were reclaimed/returned to their owners.
That's only 1% of all the cats there - made their way back to their original homes.

Buy a collar and id tag for your cat and leave them on her at all times - you never know when she may get out.

Consider getting a microchip for your cat - if he does get out - his collar may get caught on something and break loose.

Please take just a minute and look back over all of these pictures.
There are 100 cats in this post. Statistically - only 36% made it out.
Only 1 out of 100 went back to it's original home!!!

Every single one of these cats was loving, affectionate and intelligent. They were used to people - they belonged somewhere. Please spay and neuter your pets.

If you have the time - please volunteer at your local animal shelter. Please consider adoption over purchasing from a pet store and please - spread the word.

A Whole New Look from a Talented Designer

2008-07-15T16:55:00.000-07:00

Hello World - what do you think?
The blog has a whole new look and my etsy shop has been
redesigned as well. I had been thinking about a change for quite awhile but it just wasn't coming together.

I am such a do it yourself kind of girl but this time, I wanted a fresh/new set of eyes and ideas. I am delighted to have found this wonderful designer on etsy.

Her shop name is Banner Child and for an extremely reasonable price - she will design your shop banner, avatars, business cards, blog banner and blog layout.

Her ideas were fresh, colorful and original. Here is our brand new business card design:

AND check out the new look for the shop Paw Prints Project

Banner Child offered several options for each project, patiently worked through
my special requests and delivered a final product in a very timely manner.
I highly recommend her work. Thanks Banner Child!!!

PS: She also writes a great blog: Banner Child's Blog

June Volunteer of the Month

2008-06-06T19:58:00.000-07:00

Wow - I really admire this lady!

Shop Update on Thursday

2008-05-21T17:10:00.000-07:00

These new prints will be available in my etsy shop on Thursday.

Summer Adoption Special

2008-05-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Love for Sale!!!! This is a wonderful opportunity for many people to adopt pets. Please click on the picture to enlarge it - this is a GREAT DEAL!!! Our Phoenix summers are so hot and the kennels are filled to capacity. Animal Care & Control is really working hard to find homes for all these wonderful animals.
Check out their website at Maricopa Animal Care & Control

May Volunteer of the Month

2008-05-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

Big Eyes, Big Ears, Big Heart

2008-05-19T22:46:00.000-07:00

This little guy was in the pound last week - so thin, so tiny - how and why do these darlings end up here.

This print is now available in my etsy shop - just go to Big Eyes

Good Week - New Prints Available

2008-05-16T08:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy, busy week - new prints in the shop, setting up a myspace page!! Come and check it out at my space
Here are a couple of the new little darlings available this week.
Come and check out the rest - my etsy shop

New Prints & New Sizes in the Shop

2008-05-14T11:48:00.001-07:00

We're changing things up just a little bit! New sizes in the shop. These portraits just really called for a square format and I am really pleased with how they came out. These are open edition prints and are being offered by $15 each.

The little dog in "Can You Feel My Love" really tugged at our heart strings - she was shivering from head to toe - so frightened. We took her out of her kennel at the pound and spent 30 minutes playing with her in the hallway. She was adopted the next day - whoever took her home - received a jewel!

It's Been Awhile!!!

2008-05-13T15:37:00.001-07:00

Although I haven't blogged in awhile - it's been on my mind. I guess blogging is going to be a lot like exercising for me. Once I get started - I'm off and running - the hard part is that getting started part!!!!

Matt & I have continued our volunteer work at the animal pound. It is kitten and puppy season and the pound is overflowing!! They are running a really wonderful and incredible promotion - because there are so many older cats & dogs available - they're on sale!!!! Can you imagine it - love truly is for sale!!! Cats older than six months - only $25 with shots, vet check, spay or neuter included, Dogs over 40 pounds - only $60

Last night, we were really happy to see so many of the older dogs & cats had on adoption collars.

So - You CAN buy love!!!

Made A Difference

2008-03-11T16:04:00.000-07:00

to this one! Many people have asked us how we can handle volunteering at the pound. The tale of Toby is a great example of the joy that this project brings us. Toby is an eight year old border collie that was fading fast in the shelter. He is a large (overweight) older dog that had a slim chance for survival. He was very sad - depression leads to a lowered immune system which leads to kennel cough which leads to ....euthanasia. Time was critical, so we posted stories about him on http://dogsindanger.com/ and http://phoenix.craigslist.org/pet

Someone saw him on craigslist - here is part of her post: "After seeing this adorable freckle-faced fur baby posted on here numerous times in addition to dogs in danger: Despite the fact our house is "full" and we already have three dogs...I couldn't bare the thought of him sitting there any longer. This boy had been there for over a week and I just knew that his time was running out. I trucked over there today to meet him and let me tell you.. what a doll. He's so mellow, good with my kids. He just wants to be loved. " Aaahhhh - I love a happy ending.

So that's why we do it - it makes a difference - one at a time!!!!

This is One Amazing Lady

2008-03-05T21:01:00.000-08:00

Here is the Maricopa Animal Care & Control Volunteer of the Month. I had the pleasure of meeting Mary Beth on my first training day at the pound. Please click on the picture and read of her dedication to helping animals. Thanks so much for all you do Mary Beth - You are a hero!

To see the many wonderful animals available for adoption in Maricopa County - http://maricopa.gov/pets For a search in your area - http://dogsindanger.com

Hard Night at the Pound

2008-03-04T15:15:00.001-08:00

Last night was truly one of the hardest nights that Matt & I have
experienced at the pound.

It was our regular night to go in and take photos of the adoptable animals to post on the shelter website.

Just look at some of these faces.

Everything from little puppies, kittens to 15 year old dogs and cats - plus everything in between.

Each one reached out for love and affection. They know that time is short and they need every chance to connect with someone who will rescue them.

Our county shelters take in an average of 150 animals per day! They say that you can measure a society by how it takes care of its animals. We are falling short of the mark.

Please spread the word to spay or neuter pets. Please microchip them to increase their odds of being returned if they get loose.

And if you're looking for a new pet - please rescue a dog or cat from the pound - they know you've saved them and love you all the more for it.

2 Great Guys from Atlanta

2008-03-03T13:05:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share with you - last week I completed a custom project for another Etsian - http://apt20designs.etsy.com/ of her 2 dogs - Moses and Henry.

They have the best nicknames -

Trenchcoat Mafia and the Quarterback

I have had a lot of request and suggestions to do custom work. This project was a test and I really enjoyed the entire process. If you enjoy my work but would like a custom portrait of your own pet - I will now be offering custom portraits in my etsy shop http://pawprintsproject.etsy.com

Inspiration

2008-02-26T08:49:00.000-08:00

Here is a new print just added to my shop.
You'll recognize him as O'Malley - the hero of
my last post.

The first picture is his "baby" picture.
Taken a month after he moved in with us.

Title: - "I Was A Wild Boy"

In the second picture, he is all grown up.
He is my daily inspiration and one of the reasons that we started volunteering at the pound.

When I look at his first picture (see the skinny little kitten on the tire - below) and then I look at him now - healthy, sleek, confident (well fed) it's feel really great to know that I kept my promises to him. He's kept all of his too!

Title: "One of The Lucky Ones"

.....the Rest of the Story

2008-02-21T17:05:00.001-08:00

.....and here he is today!

When I was finally able to get close enough to touch him - he absolutely freaked out. I don't think he had ever experienced human touch. He hid behind that dumpster and wouldn't come out for the next couple of days. I just kept on talking away to him when I put out the food (and he kept on eating it after I left!!!!)

But he was a very curious little kitty and pretty soon he was eating out of my hand. We brought him home and it didn't take long for him to fill out. He soon became my shadow and now he follows me from room to room. One of his endearing personality traits - he really studies you - just look into those golden eyes!!!!

O'Malley the Alley Cat

2008-02-20T22:19:00.001-08:00

I am sitting here at the computer tonight with my wild boy O'Malley curled up on my lap - purring his little heart out. There is a storm outside - cold rain, booming thunder, flashing lightning but he knows that he's safe and warm inside with me. He didn't always have it so good -

O'Malley the Alley Cat is one of our rescue pets. He's lived with us for about 3 years. We discovered him when he was 6 to 7 weeks old - living out of the dumpster and scrap tires behind the business complex.

He was terrified of human beings. Every day at 4 o'clock - I would go out to feed him. The first couple of days, he would not come out into the open. But eventually he began to get used to me. I would talk to him and promise him that he would have a good home and that all kittens deserve to have full tummies and lots of toys to play with. Every day, I would put the food bowl closer to where I stood. It took two weeks to get close enough to touch him. I'll finish the rest of the story tomorrow.........................

Funny Face

2008-02-18T23:38:00.000-08:00

This silly little cat is one of the new residents at the shelter. Even though we live in Arizona, it is still winter here - cold and damp - the shelter continually needs donations of blankets and animal beds to help provide some comfort against the chill. I can only imagine what it must be like in other parts of the country where you are going through snow and ice and wind chill factors that make my teeth chatter.

If you have extra blankets, towels, rugs....... please consider donating them to your local shelters to help the animals through the cold.

If you live in the Mesa,Tempe,Gilbert area - we are accepting donation drop offs at our business - just send me an email for directions.

Celebrating a Victory!!!!

2008-02-17T14:04:00.000-08:00

"The Rescue of Lady Gwen"

Here is our latest print celebrating a great victory - it is now listed in our etsy shop - http://pawprintsproject.etsy.com- our thanks to the wonderful person that adopted this sweet girl. You're awesome! Read her story below....

Lady Gwen Is Rescued

2008-02-17T12:34:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, Matt & I took a photo of this incredibly sweet and gentle dog in the pound. She had been picked up as a stray and was awaiting her fate at the shelter.

We named her Lady Gwen and posted her picture on the county adoption website and also on a great site http://dogsindanger.com/- when you have time, please explore this website. They are doing an awesome job.

I was checking out the pets section on our local Craigslist this week and this headline pops out - "Lady Gwen only has until Friday to live!" It was her. The posting said that she had developed kennel cough and was scheduled to be euthanized on Friday unless she was adopted. My heart just broke, I said a prayer for her - she deserved so much more than life had offered so far. Later in the day, I checked on her and found that she had been adopted! Matt & I were thrilled, relieved and encouraged by the news. Never let go of hope!!

Something New to Learn

2008-02-17T11:30:00.000-08:00

The last few months have been a whirlwind of activity - learning new things, juggling projects but it is finally all starting to come together. This new blog in another piece of the puzzle and I hope that it will be a good way to help spread the word about our project.

My husband, Matt & I have been volunteering at our local animal shelter - it is the second largest animal shelter in the country. They take in over 50,000 homeless dogs & cats each year. The work is endless, the need for help is tremendous and we applaud the employees there for their dedication and commitment to these animals.

We have been helping by taking pictures of the adoptable cats and dogs. The pictures are then posted on the county website http://maricopa.gov/pets in the hopes of finding homes for them. And yes, it is hard to not take them all home - some of them really touch your heart. Like the little yellow cat that stood up and wrapped his paws around my neck and didn't want to let go. Please take a look - you may just find a special friend there.

These animal portraits were amazing and I began to work with them to turn them into artwork. I use my digital paintbrush to create pop art prints of these shelter animals. In January, Matt & I opened up a shop on http://pawprintsproject.etsy.com/ offering limited edition prints. Etsy is a wonderful website offering artwork and handmade items from artists and craftspeople all over the world. Please take a look at all the incredible work at http://etsy.com/

We named our shop - The Paw Prints Project and are donating 10% of all sales to the Maricopa County Animal Shelter to help provide comfort and support to the homeless animals.

We'd like to share our tales from the pound and hope that you'll check back often. We'll be posting new stories and offering new artwork every week.