I don't think it's any surprise to those who have been following this blog for any amount of time that I have a deep and abiding love for animals. In fact, I like them more than I like most people. Yes, I mean that. Unfortunately, not many people share this sentiment and as a result, thousands of animals are left to live out their lives in shelters, or worse, be put down because no one wants to take a chance on a black cat, or an older dog or a big dog who looks scary but is actually a sweetie pie who would be your best friend ever.
For obvious reasons we can't adopt a dog right now. But when the time comes (and I shudder to think about it because that'll mean Dakota has left us), I know the first place I'm visiting to find my next buddy dude or cutie patootie - the Oakland SPCA or the Milo Foundation.
In the meantime, I continue to donate to animal-related charities and activities. This time, it's one that I have a personal connection to. My friend Jessica - who I've known for YEARS now (we planned our weddings together over the Internets) - is a vet in San Diego. She's also a very popular blogger known for her hilarious reenactments of client conversations with her trusty Barbie and Ken dolls.
On a more personal note, when Miles was sick last year she was the friend I needed to cry to and get second opinions from. She never made me feel bad about milking her for free insight, something she does for hundreds of other people like me who find themselves in sad pet situations.
Since she was such a help to me - both as a vet and a friend - when I heard she was doing a 24 hour blogathon to raise money for a local animal shelter I knew I was going to donate some money. And then I saw that she would also be giving away prizes during the blogathon and I thought, "I can help out there as well!"
So, for the first local (to me) person who donates $50 to her blogathon and is interested, I am willing to do a 1 hour family photoshoot, just in time for Christmas cards or what have you. Don't worry, I'm not some goofball nutjob with a point & shoot (although at times I am). I've actually done this a lot, and here in the Bay Area, it's cheaper than you'll get with any of the professional photogs. Hell, it's cheaper than those assholes at The Picture People.
Interested? DONATE NOW.
