Online Auction in Honor of Birds

Born Free USA is holding their annual Fly Free Auction in honor of National Bird Day, which falls on January 5, 2010. The bidding starts on January 5th and will run until January 16th.

Money raised from the auction will help fund parrot conservation scholarships for Guatemelan college students. There are fewer than 200 scarlet macaws left in Central America, and there is hope that the students can help save populations of parrots.

PJ Publications and Gifts is a proud corporate partner of BFUSA and is happy to donate merchandise to this worthwhile charity and auction.

Bid, have fun, and help save parrots. :)

More Designs of Laurel Burch Socks Available

We've recently added several new Laurel Burch socks to your line. Some of these new designs include Mythical Mares (pictured to your left), Dog and Doggie, and Molly the Angel cat. We have even more sock designs for cat, dog, and horse lovers.

Laurel Burch socks are not only vibrant and colorful, but are comfy on your feet. A real treat!

Value Sets for Animal Lovers

We are re-introducing Value Sets on several of our animal-themed merchandise. We used to offer a set of our colorful parrot totes, and plan to have more sets available to you.

Currently you can purchase a couple of designs of Laurel Burch socks, as well as the Music Pets Love series for cats and dogs as sets.

This is a wonderful way to get value from your purchases. For instance, if you purchased the cat CD and DVD separately, the cost is $13.95 each, but as a set the cost is just $23.95.

We love being able to offer these special values to you.

All the best for a wonderful new year!

Espe Bags on Sale

Our Cat "Whiskers" bag and Chimpanzee "Tutu" bag, both by Espe, are now on sale. Our regular price for each bag is $54.95 but for a limited time we are offering them for $39.95 each, while supplies last.

If you love Espe bags, this is a great time to buy. Their designs are limited and once sold out, will not be available.

Espe bags are 100% cruelty free.

We also have other new animal-themed items recently listed on our Sale page, including items from Far Fetched, Zarah, Sienna Sky, Laurel Burch and more.

Animal Lover Holiday Jewelry on Sale!

I hope you are having a joyous Christmas.

In case you want to get a head start on after-Christmas treasure hunting, we have our fantastic animal-themed holiday merchandise on sale.

Some of these items include our darling Santa chihuahua and dachshund earrings by Sienna Sky, Santa doxie pin by Zarah, Santa kitties, the Santa with bunnies kitchen towel by Marjolein Bastin, plus other fun items.

The Truth About Some Animal Rescues and Sanctuaries

I think people who devote their lives to rescuing and rehabilitating unwanted and neglected animals are heroes. Most of them do this work for the right reasons. Unfortunately, there are so-called "sanctuaries" that operate with unscrupulous motives. And they manage to dupe well-intentioned supporters. You've probably read or heard about one of these "sanctuaries" that use their status for profit and gain.

A few days ago I received a newsletter put out by Foster Parrots, a parrot sanctuary located in Massachusetts. Operated by Marc Johnson and Karen Windsor, these folks are definitely some of the good guys. I was pleased, and not at all surprised, to see that they are accredited by The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) whose supporters include organizations such as Born Free USA, Humane Society of the US, and ASPCA.

If you are a rescuer, care about, or have an interest in rescuing and rehabilitating neglected animals, I recommend checking out their website. Aside from finding a list of accredited rescues and sanctuaries, they have informative articles and resources.

Still time to Shop in Time for the Holidays

If you're still looking for a gift for the animal lover in your life, there is still time to shop. Although we are sold out on several items, there is still fabulous merchandise available. But please don't wait too long, as the window of opportunity to still receive your gift on time is getting shorter.

We can ship your order directly to the recipient if you'd like, and will even include a gift card at your request. Most of our jewelry comes presented in an attractive gift box. These are free services and we are happy to do this for you.

FlyFree: World Parrot Trust's New Campaign

Parrots are one of the most endangered groups of birds in the world, much of this due to the wild bird trade. If you've heard the stories and seen the images, you know how horrendous this practice is.

Fortunately, there are groups such as The World Parrot Trust to help put a stop to the wild parrot trade and to aid in their rescue, rehabilitation, and release back into the wild - where they belong. The WPT has stepped up their efforts with a 12-month campaign called FlyFree, partnering with conservation agencies that work in the field.

Please visit the WPT's FlyFree page to learn more about their efforts, see photos and make a donation.

Shop Early to Avoid Out of Stock Merchandise

As of this writing, several of our animal-themed items are already out of stock, many not available again until 2010. Some of this merchandise includes the Yak Pak Hedgehog backpack and handbag, and the Sienna Sky sea otter earrings. We only have 1 Espe Dog Fave tote bag in black still available.

We still have plenty of other fantastic items available, but please don't wait as some of these are being scooped up fairly quickly.

New Animal Lover Merchandise on Sale

You are likely being inundated with emails, ads and commercials from stores touting their Black Friday sales. We have yet another Black Friday sale to add to your shopping list - but this one is special because it's geared toward animal lovers. We just added new animal themed merchandise to our Sale Section. You will find deals on merchandise from designers like Sienna Sky, Kirks Folly, Laurel Burch, Far Fetched, Zarah, Yak Pak, and more.

Our sale items tend to go fast and will be on sale for just a limited time. Why not take this opportunity to stock up on gifts for that animal lover on your list - or for yourself - without breaking the bank?

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and happy shopping!

Free Gift Services

Just a quick reminder:

Most of our animal lover jewelry comes attractively gift boxed. Larger items can be gift wrapped. We also offer attractive cards - holiday, birthday, or blank - at your request. We can even include a personalized note if you'd like.

These are FREE services from PJ Publications and Gifts. We offer them to our valued customers during the holidays and all year round!

Start Planning Now for National Bird Day

The next National Bird Day is on January 5, 2010. It's a day set aside by Born Free USA and the Avian Welfare Coalition to reflect on native birds as well as on the treatment of exotic companion birds. If you love birds and want to help make an impact in your community, check out the National Bird Day website.

It is full of ideas and ways, both big and small, for you to get involved - from sending a virtual e-card to hosting a bird art show. Even if you don't have a lot of time, you can help. We were able to get a Mayoral Declaration in Madison for National Bird Day several years in a row.

What are your plans for National Bird Day?

Pollyvision DVD for Parrots from World Parrot Trust

We are thrilled to now offer Pollyvision, a DVD made especially for parrots. It is from the World Parrot Trust, an organization dedicated to the welfare and conservation of wild parrots all over the world. Because these tapes were acquired directly from the WPT, part of the proceeds directly benefit the organization.

Pollyvision includes footage of wild parrots performing natural behaviors. Some of the parrot species you and your bird will see are African Greys, Cockatiels, Cockatoos, Macaws, to name a few.

WPT made this DVD to enhance the lives of captive parrots, although we think you will be just as intrigued with the visuals as your bird is.

New Items on Sale and Clearance

We just added new items to our Sale Section, including Laurel Burch, Far Fetched, Sienna Sky, and Halloween merchandise. There are 2 pages of great deals with temporary markdowns.

If you're looking for even bigger bargains, check out our Clearance Section, where animal themed merchandise is heavily discounted. These items are on closeout and have limited supplies.

New Jewelry for Animal Lovers

We've been busy adding new animal lover merchandise to our store, most recently a collection of pins and earrings for animal lovers. Several of these include a holiday theme, like our black cat with Santa hat earrings you see pictured here.

Other themes for the holidays include skating penguins, a cardinal with holly, and a white cat with Santa hat.

We've also added more bird lover jewelry, which you can now find on two separate pages. These include bluebirds, cardinals, woodpeckers, and a group of birds, pictured here.

These pieces are hand enameled and gold plated. I think you will love the detail and color as much as we do.

New bag for science fans

Another new bag we've added to our collection - a Science tote bag. If you're into science, you'll recognize the different symbols, including a partial table of elements, the moon, E-mc2, a fossil, and more.

Very roomy bag and made of 100% cotton canvas.

New bag for bird lovers

We're introducing a new bag for bird lovers, with various species of backyard birds gracing both sides. Included are the Cardinal, Bluejay, Bluebird, Woodpecker, and many more backyard bird favorites.

The tote bag is made of 100% cotton canvas.

Espe Chimpanzee Tutu tote bag now available

Monkey lovers will flip over our new Tutu tote bag by Espe, featuring a chimpanzee wearing a ballet outfit.

Aside from being stylish and fun, the bag is nice and roomy and is made of polyurethane - all cruelty free materials.
This bag ships free as does any purchase you make from us that totals at least $50.

We also have a matching Tutu wallet.

Free Laurel Burch cosmetic bag with purchase

For a very limited time, we are including a FREE Laurel Burch cat-themed cosmetic bag with your purchase of just $30 or more. You can buy anything on our website; it doesn't have to necessarily be Laurel Burch merchandise. We can't take requests but you will receive one of the lovely bags pictured above. The bags value for about $7 each.

Just enter BLOGLB in the promo code box when you check out, and we will take care of the rest. This offer expires on October 23, 2009.

If you are reading this blog post after the offer has expired, please consider registering for the PJ Publications and Gifts newsletter on our website. Just look for the red and blue Macaw on the far right side and click on Join Now. We send these and other fabulous offers to our subscribers. Don't miss out!

We've lowered our shipping rates

We've lowered our shipping rates even further. The most you'll pay to have an order shipped to you from PJ Publications and Gifts is $5.00! And of course, shipping is still absolutely free with orders of $50 or more.

You will receive the same quality packaging, much of it from recycled materials. And we will continue to ship your orders fast.

Take a look at our new shipping rates.

Now offering Laurel Burch jewelry

I am thrilled to announce that we are now offering Laurel Burch jewelry. We have Laurel Burch cat-themed pins and earrings, as well as one of her horse pins. We do plan to add more to our collection.

These pieces feature cloisonne workmanship with either a gold or silver shiny finish. The earrings have either 14k gold-filled earwires or surgical steel posts. The jewelry is colorful, vibrant, and well-detailed, just what you'd expect from the artwork of Laurel Burch.

Even More Website Improvements

We've made even more changes to the home page of the PJ Publications and Gifts webstore. You will now see category boxes like this one, that when clicked, will take you to a page where you can shop for handbags, jewelry, home decor items, and more.

Please feel free to share your thoughts on these new changes.

Last Day for Born Free USA Online Auction

Today is the last day to bid on items to benefit Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute. Several items were overbid on within just a couple of days of the start of the auction. This doesn't surprise me. Animal welfare people are an awesome bunch - they know their money is going to a great cause. There are still plenty of items with plenty of bidding room too.

Born Free USA Auction Now Live

The Born Free USA united with API fall auction started on October 1st and will run until October 14th. They have some fabulous prizes in a wide range of categories including art, handbags, jewelry travel getaways and many more.

This is the perfect way to get started on your holiday shopping while supporting an organization that does so much for animals.

Real Bats are in Trouble

With Halloween just weeks away, images of bats are starting to proliferate. In reality, bat populations are in trouble, namely those located in northeastern states. A deadly virus called white nose syndrome is responsible for the death of an estimated one million bats.

You can learn more about this crisis, about bats, and about the work of an important organization called Bat Conservation International. You can even adopt a bat for just $15 and receive some goodies in return.

Halloween Treats for Animal Lovers

Animal Lovers: Our Halloween themed jewelry is sweet, but is guaranteed not to put on any pounds.

We have Halloween cats, like the pair of Sienna Sky Witch Cat earrings shown here, as well as bats, like this Bat with Onyx necklace by Wild Bryde.



Why not give yourself a treat that will last for Halloweens to come?

Improvements to the PJ Publications and Gifts Website

We've made it even easier to shop for your favorite animal lover gifts and accessories. Now when you go to the PJ Publications and Gifts website, you will see a more streamlined category section on the right side of the page. You can search by Animal, Special Collections, or Sales and Outlet.

If you click on Bird Themed Gifts under Gifts and Accessories by Animal, for example, you will be directed to a page where you can look at Bird-themed handbags, jewelry, socks, home decor items, or DVDs and CDs.

I hope you enjoy this new feature and welcome your comments.

New Animal Themed Merchandise on Sale

Look for new animal themed items on sale, including our penguin backpack, animal totes, jewelry, and fan pulls. In case you haven't seen it, we also have a clearance section where these items are on closeout and offered at rock-bottom prices. Supplies are limited on these items.

Humane Society Offers 25% Discount on Classes

If you've ever considered a career advocating for animals, you may be interested in groundbreaking education programs now being offered by Humane Society University, an arm of the Humane Society of the United States. You can earn an undergraduate degree or graduate certificate in various disciplines, including animal studies and animals policy and advocacy. Courses are offered both online and on site.

HSU is offering a 25% discount on tuition for all class for its Fall Term II, which starts October 24, 2009.

The Laurel Burch 2010 Handbag Collection is Here!

Attention Laurel Burch fans! The 2010 handbag collection has been unveiled and we have many of the new styles right here.

This collection offers many more designs than those in the past. The bags are are awesome, and many have wonderful features that were missing in previous years.

One of these is the inspirational pattern that lines several of the new bags.

While many of the bags have retained their canvas feel, others have new and softer textures.

These bags are made of cotton and are a fantastic value. I think you will be pleased.

Coupons for Online Shopping

If you love to shop, you may want to take a look at RetailMeNot, a clearinghouse of thousands and thousands of coupons. You can access coupons for all kinds of merchandise, including clothing and jewelry. The site also has a section for printable coupons, an active online community of coupon clippers, and a newsletter.

I found out about this site through ECMTA, a professional ecommerce organization I belong to. Several of my fellow members have coupons on RMN - as do I.

I am not getting paid anything to tell you about RMN. Just wanted to pass it on. Enjoy!

Labor Day and Fair Trade Accessories

Finding affordable, well-made jewelry, handbags and other accessories that are made in the United States is tougher than it used to be. Yet some of the companies we are proud to work with, manufacturer their work right here - companies like Sienna Sky, Wild Bryde, and some Kirks Folly.

It's important to us that the US-based companies we work with, who do part or all of their manufacturing overseas, use fair labor practices. Some of these companies, like Far Fetched, are members of the Fair Trade Federation, an organization working towards equitable trading partnerships.

I hope you're enjoying your Labor Day!

New Eco Jewelry Collection at PJ Publications and Gifts

We have added an Eco Jewelry Collection to our website, stocked with necklaces that help you profess your love for the earth.

Included in the collection are necklaces with the following designs: Tree Hugger, Close to My Heart (pictured to the left), Nurture Nature, and Celebrate Life.

All the necklaces from our eco jewelry collection are from Far Fetched, member of the Fair Trade Federation.

Espe Cat and Dog Bags Back in Stock

Great News! We received the Espe cat and dog tote bags today and they are now back in stock.

We also have added 2 more Espe wallets: The monkey wallet, featuring a tutu-wearing Chimpanzee, and the short dog wallet in black.

If there is a particular Espe design you like that we don't carry, just let us know and we will try to special order it for you.

Just added - Wild Bryde Animal Jewelry

We've just added new Wild Bryde jewelry to our animal lovers collection of jewelry and accessories - including a Panda Bear necklace, Panda Bear earrings, Squirrel earrings, and Baby Deer with Wildflowers earrings.

I think you'll love our Wild Bryde collection as much as we do! Each piece is meticulously hammered with a special tool that creates subtle light-reflecting facets. They are finished in either 14k gold plate or rhodium (a silver alloy). The earwires are 14k goldfill or sterling.

Wild Bryde has been creating animal and nature-themed jewelry since 1980 and is made in the USA. They have an enormous collection of jewelry, and as always, if you like something you don't see in our store, we will be happy to special order it for you.

Special orders on gifts for animal lovers

Is there an accessory or item you want that you don't see on our website? We do special orders and will do everything we can to get you that item. Sometimes this is not possible if the manufacturer has discontinued the item or it's out of stock. But chances are, we can accommodate your request.

There is no additional charge for this service and no need to prepay unless it's a huge order.

We carry merchandise from a variety of top-notch designers, including Far Fetched, Zarah, Sienna Sky, Laurel Burch, Wild Bryde, Espe, Yak Pak and more.

We are ready to help. Just ask!

Hope for the parrots of Bonaire?

In the current issue of Audubon Magazine is an article - which is available to read online - about the Yellow Shouldered Amazon Parrot of Bonaire, an island in the Caribbean. The article goes into depth about the challenges this parrot species faces, namely the politics of poaching and the love-hate relationship islanders have with the birds.

Bonaire's economy is based largely on water-based ecotourism - it's a big scuba diving and snorkeling destination - which gives islanders strong incentives to conserve their water-based resources. The hope is that this philosophy can be transferred to mainland-based ecotourism, with an emphasis on bird watching.

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species categorizes the Yellow Shouldered Amazon Parrot as Vulnerable, a classification which falls between threatened and endangered.

If you are looking for an eco-adventure and want to travel to Bonaire, the article provides some informational links.

The article is lengthy, but worthwhile reading.

Update on Espe Cat and Dog Tote Bags

I got word that the Espe handbags will be shipping again at the end of this month/early September. Please check the PJ Publications and Gifts website for availability, or better yet, reserve your bag now. These bags are fun, functional, and the designs are limited editions - replaced each year with new designs. When they're sold out, they're gone for good.

We also have the matching wallets. The long cat Whiskers wallet in black is pictured to the left.

Pale Male and Other Awesome Nature Photos

While perusing Marie Winn's website, I found a link to PaleMale, a website run by photographer Lincoln Karin. Pale Male is the name of one of the Red-Tailed hawks upon which Red-Tails in Love is based.

The photos on Lincoln's site are breathtaking. Updated just yesterday, there are photos - in amazing detail - of pollinating bees, a butterfly and a dragonfly. Photos of the beloved Red-Tails - including several of the hawks in flight - are available for your viewing pleasure too.

Central Park in the Dark book

Today I picked up a copy of Central Park in the Dark by Marie Winn. If it's even half as good as Marie's Red-Tails in Love, then this will be money well spent. The author has a website devoted to her books, as well as a blog and links to other nature-centered sites.

Wesley the Owl is Now in Paperback

I read Wesley the Owl months ago when it was in hardcover. It is without a doubt one of the best books I've had the pleasure of owning - yes, I'm keeping my copy - even among the hundreds of non-animal themed books I've read over the years. Looks like I'm not alone in this either. The book has garnered kudos from reviewers, including other authors and scientists, and readers alike. It's a New York Times Bestseller, LA Times Bestseller, and was chosen as Editor's Choice for Audubon Magazine.

For those of you who are not familiar with the premise, Wesley the Owl is the memoir of biologist Stacey O'Brien and her longstanding relationship with a barn own named Wesley. Part love story, part educational, part entertaining - you'll learn some very interesting stuff about barn owls - and an absolute page turner.

Stacey has a Wesley the Owl website, which includes a blog, photos and a store stocked with Wesley gifts. It's worth checking out.

Buy Bananas for Sanctuary Monkeys

At the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary about 500 monkeys - including Macaques, Vervets and Baboons - consume 200 cases of bananas each month. That's a lot of bananas, and a lot of expense for the Sanctuary. Born Free/API has come up with some creative ways to help raise money for the monkeys' bananas.

Dubbed Banana-A-Peel, the folks at BFUSA have planted a virtual banana tree on their website. Each time someone donates $25 for a case of a bananas, a new banana will be placed on the tree. Last time I checked, there were 26 bananas on the tree.

There are other ways to help feed the Sanctuary monkeys. Called Go Nuts! Go Bananas! BFUSA will send a card to your chosen gift recipient when you donate to this special project. Your gift can be used to purchase either a 50 pound bag of peanuts or a carton of bananas - your choice.

Follow BFUSA on Twitter for updates.

Animal Lover Merchandise on Sale

We have new merchandise on sale for all you animal lovers - including crystal sea-themed jewelry, fan pulls and more.

While you're checking out our sale, be sure to also visit our Outlet Section. This is where you can find animal lover merchandise that is priced very, very, low. These are items that are on closeout, so supplies are very limited.

Some proverbs and quotes may resonate with you more than others. Todays quote, from my Planet Earth day calendar, is one that stuck with me:

A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in. -- Greek Proverb

What is one of your favorite quotes?

New Animal Themed Earrings from Sienna Sky

Sienna Sky recently introduced new designs to its already-fabulous selection of jewelry - and we are pleased to offer many of them to you. Some of the new Sienna Sky earrings you'll find at PJ Publications and Gifts include a Hedgehog, Manatee, a sweater-wearing Dachshund, and Moose with a Cardinal.

We love Sienna Sky jewelry, designed by nature and animal lover Barbara MacCambridge. Their whimiscal pieces, many depicting animals, are made using nickel silver, brass and copper. The earwires are sterling or gold-filled and the surgical steel posts are hypoallergenic. The earrings are lightweight, yet durable.



Sienna Sky's jewelry is handmade right here in the United States. And we price them just right, so you can indulge without breaking the bank. Check out our entire animal lover jewelry collection at PJ Publications and Gifts.

Just In - New Handbags and Wallets by Espe

Espe has outdone itself again. This season's designs are magnificent - and we are excited to carry them.

For a company that has been around such a short time - they debuted in 2005 - Espe has managed to develop a line that is trendy, fun and functional. And best of all, their products are cruelty-free. They produce their accessories using polyurethane, a synthetic "leather" that is durable and soft to the touch.

Espe's designs change every year and they don't carry over. They also have a tendency to sell out quickly. When I recently tried to place an order, most of the animal-themed designs we carry were sold out.

If you're looking for a handbag or wallet with an animal theme - that is fun, functional and fashionable, you will love Espe.

Check out PJ Publications and Gifts to see our new merchandise. Some of the Espe designs we currently carry include handbags and wallets with a dog and cat theme.

Truth in Fur Labeling

You buy a coat or handbag, thinking the lining is faux fur. What consumers may not know is that because of a loophole in labeling law, the product they are buying may be made with real fur. Some garments made with animal fur are exempt from labeling - provided the value is less than $150.00.

The Humane Society of the United States is asking consumers to support the Truth in Fur Labeling Act of 2009, by calling, then emailing, their US Senators and Representative. which would require all garments made with any animal fur to state so on the label.

Consumers have a right to full disclosure. Don't you agree?

Gift with $25 Purchase

For a very limited time we are offering a gift with your purchase of $25 or more. Buy anything from the PJ Publications and Gifts web store - including sale items - and we will include a gift with your purchase.

We can't take requests, but we will do our best to match the gift with your purchase. It might be a Laurel Burch cosmetic bag, pair of Sienna Sky earrings, or something similar.

To redeem, just mention this blog when you order.

This offer ends on July 31, 2009 at midnight (CST).

Walter Cronkite Loved Animals

I remember, as a child, watching Walter Cronkite on our black and white television, reporting the Apollo 11 mission. He was a mainstay on the news for decades, reporting on some of the most important events in our lifetimes.

Aside from being a media icon and legend, Walter Cronkite was also was an animal lover and supporter of the Humane Society of the United States. In 1990, they awarded him with their James Herriot award. Read more about Walter Cronkite's involvement with animals.

Choosing Cruelty Free Accessories

I've been reading, with great pleasure, about how dozens of designers and apparel manufacturers are joining the ranks of fur-free and cruelty-free producers. Whether this is a result of social consciousness or a reaction to public demand - or both - doesn't matter. The important thing is that several of the big players in fashion and retail are making decisions that will save the lives of animals.

It's not as if offering humane choices means fashion and quality are being compromised. Quite the contrary. Many of the cruelty-free designs being produced today are exquisite. The humane products we carry from companies like Espe and Yak Pak are fun, functional and very well crafted - and are often lower priced than their leather and fur counterparts.

If you want to be a better fur-free consumer, you might want to check out the Consumers for a fur free society by Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute. One of the useful areas they have is a list of the big national retailers committed to the Fur Free Retailer Program. The Humane Society of the United States has a similar list of big name fur-free designers and retailers.

One of the best tools we have for helping animals is by being educated consumers.

New Backpacks and Bags for Animal Lovers

Whether you're looking for a backpack for school, a travel bag, or a purse for every day use, you will want to check this out.

We have new backpacks, bags, and totes in all types of patterns and designs - from hedgehogs to horses, and birds to elephants.

One of the brands we carry is Yak Pak. Most of these bags (with the exception of the polyester backpacks) are made of sturdy cotton and feature a wild selection of animal-themed patterns. Our bags are not only fun and functional, but are cruelty free - no animal byproducts. You can see our entire collection at PJ Publications and Gifts.

And remember, during the entire month of July, Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute will receive 20% from

Angel's Wish Auction - Just 2 Days Left

If you're looking to snag a deal while helping to support a worthy animal welfare organization, check out the Angel's Wish Online Auction. They have hundreds of items, from jewelry and gift certificates to collectibles and pet items.

Angel's Wish is a nonprofit organization located in Verona, Wisconsin, a stone's throw from Madison. Some of their most important work includes finding homes for unwanted animals, acting as a resource for animal welfare issues, and reducing animal overpopulation, here in south central Wisconsin. They have a Pet and Resource Center, run microchipping clinics, and offer cat nail trimming sessions.

This is all amazing, but more so when you learn Angel's Wish is an all-volunteer nonprofit. Their annual online auction is one of their biggest fundraisers.

All Purchases Benefit Born Free USA/API month of July

My very first blog post!

What a better way to kick off than by telling you about our fundraiser benefiting Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute. For the entire month of July, 2009, twenty percent from all sales will be donated to this wonderful animal welfare organization - minus shipping and sales tax.

For a small organization with about 17 paid staff, BFUSA/API advocates for animals on a variety of issues including the international wildlife trade and exotic animals kept in captive situations. They also operate the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary, which houses over 500 non-human primates, many of whom were rescued from abusive situations. They are at http://www.bornfreeusa.org

I'm proud to be affiliated with them.