be green and rescue.

Many of you know (and may be sick of hearing) about my passion for rescuing animals.   As long as I can remember, I have had this inner ache for all creatures, specifically dogs.  When I was about 10 or so, my parents decided it was time to add to our family.  We took a visit to the local SPCA and found a well tempered dog, named Kita.  She was hours away from being euthanized.  Just to think that this dog, who fetched the newspaper for my mother every morning, would of been killed because her time at the pound was overdue.  We never had a discussion about rescuing dogs, it was just something that we did. This simple trip to the local SPCA turned out to be a valuable lesson to me, which I am sure my parents didn't realize at the time.

As soon as my husband and I lived in a home that was dog-friendly, we were dedicated to adoption.  We visited the local humane society every Saturday morning in search of our next family member.  Today, 6 years ago, we came home with a lab mix that we named Maisey.  She was 1.5 years, abused and very timid.  Since then, she has been the joy of our lives.

 

Maisey, of course, isn't perfect. Either am I.  Adopting a dog or any other animal comes with baggage.  I wasn't sure we could train her to walk without pulling, or not being timid around men, or not aggressive around her bones or not chasing pizza delivery cars.  Many of those bad habits are still there, but that is her personality and we embrace it.  

Maisey is a family member and is treated like a family member.  Many think I am crazy for taking her for car rides with me every where I go, that she sleeps in our bed, that I brush her teeth, take her to the dog park, feed her yummy scraps of steak.... but I don't care. Whew, I said it. Laugh at me, but my dog is my best friend.

My friends, consider adoption.  It is a rewarding experience that you will never regret. Of course, there are horror stories out there about people who adopt a dog and it ends up being a disaster. It happens, but don't give up. To me, the pros of adoption out weigh the cons.  

Everyone wants to jump on the "green" bandwagon.  Shopping with reusable bags, buying hybrid cars...why not consider adoption as being "green" too? 

Recycle an animal, instead of buying one.

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Check out my pet jewelry!  On sale until Saturday at midnight!

Dakota Dog Tag

Rescued Tag

New Designs {SALE}

I have been enjoying the slower pace of summer, which gives me more time for creating new designs.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Bird Cage Necklace

 Simple, sweet and just adorable!

Hang three birthstones from the bottom.

HURRY, on sale now until Friday for $30.

Alicia Necklace

These rectangular tags have been hammered on the edges for a touch of rustic.  A sweet heart charm finishes it off!

ALSO on sale until Friday for $32.

polaroid.

Remember the polaroid camera?  The waiting, the shaking....then poof, there is your photo.  Well I found this amazing app from my friends blog (check out her awesome etsy shop).  I've been having fun (wasting time) this morning with this app.  Try it out, you will be addicted in no time. I promise. 

Do you have any fun apps to share?  I would love to waste more time.

Soldier reunions {and SALE}

So yeah, I haven't figured out yet how to post an actual video, but the link below will have to do for now.  Take some time to view part ONE and TWO of these soldier reunions.

Have your tissues handy!

Video of Soldier Reunions

My brother Andrew with his wife Laura

 I experienced this joy when my twin brother came home from Iraq in March.  I felt like I could hug him for hours. Just touching him, making sure he is in one piece is something my entire family has waited a year for.  I stumbled upon this video showing soldier's reuniting with children, mother's, dogs, father's, wives and husbands. All are experiencing that joy of FINALLY hugging their soldier. 

Make sure to check out my Military Necklaces!  

And guess what?  All four styles are on SALE now until Sunday :)

back to reality....

My husband and I just got back from our favorite place, Owls Head Maine.  We relaxed, read books, ate tons of cinnamon rolls from the general store, kayaked, collected sea glass and heart rocks, shopping and more shopping.

 The little red cottage still holds a ton of memories.  Here's a picture of the cottage where my husband and I met 13 years ago.  Still looks the same.

I enjoyed some QT with my niece and nephews.  They are growing up too fast!

Silas (Si Si, Si Guy)

Jesse (Jesse Boy)

Karis (Kare-bear)

I also enjoyed playing with my new Canon camera.  I specifically enjoy shooting people, but I did take a few still life shots.  I will learn with time how to use this fancy dancy camera, but for now, I am having a blast!  I also love editing them just as much in photoshop.

So these are just a few of the shots I took with my new cam!  Now I need to get back into my studio and start catchin' up on orders.

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Have you gone on vacation this summer?  If so, where to?  Does it have any special memories like the little red cottage does for me?