Inspiration for so many paintings. My protector, teddy bear, official guest greeter, rabbit hunter, squirrel chaser, therapy dog. Angel Dog. You are missed, every day.
Thank you, for choosing us.
We loved every single moment.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Monday, October 14, 2013
On Judging an Outdoor Art Show
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| "Crater Valley, El Valle, Panama" copyright Ed Obermeyer used with permission |
I recently wrote about my experiences jurying two art shows in a gallery setting. This weekend I had the honor of judging and selecting winners for an outdoor art festival. And wow, was that a different beast entirely. In the gallery shows, I not only juried in the art, I chose the winning pieces. The art surrounded me, so I could compare. I had only the art to speak to me. In the outdoor show, the artists were juried in by someone else. I had an entire booth (aka "body of work") to peruse and the artists were there to discuss their work. Then I moved on to the next booth. Comparing work was difficult, as each booth was a separate environment.
Once I accepted the request to judge the Ocean View Art Show, I knew that my main goal was to meet and listen to each artist tell me about their work. At first, I thought the show would be no more than 80 participants - 64 were already juried in by the time I touched base with the show organizer. This show quickly grew to just over 100 artists. hoo boy.
I'll back up a bit and explain the outdoor show process. Artists apply, usually sending in a jury fee and a booth fee in the event they are selected for exhibit. Most of these shows are sponsored by organizations that either promote the arts, promote a non-profit, or are run by for-profit businesses. The fees generally are used for award money, to pay the judges, for advertising, site rent and expenses, then what is left is given to the non-profit or is salary to the for-profit business. Artists make their money by selling their art. Some outdoor fests will take a percentage of sales, but that's rare and often in lieu of a booth fee.
As an exhibiting artist, one of my pet peeves has always been the aloof judge who walks by my booth and never bothers to enter and see what I actually do. Much of the time I look up to see the "judge's dot" placed on my name card and have no clue what the judge even looked like. I understand taking a quick sweep of the festival, but I have always thought it to be rude for a judge to pass by an artist without even a hello. In shows where there is more than one judge, there is no excuse. I have always respected the judge that takes even just one moment to make eye contact with me and at least see my work close up. Passing by a booth is the equivalent of judging art on-line...the nuances and workmanship may be hidden or overlooked. I set myself up with a goal that, as the show grew, began to seem unattainable. I can tell you I fretted the night before, dividing the number of artists by hours in the show to figure how much time I had to spend in each booth. I didn't think I could do it.
I also knew from my show days that the work would be incredibly varied - and I wasn't disappointed. It's like comparing apples to kiwis to bananas to pumpkins. Fine craft was included, and none of those could be lumped into any one category. The wood carvers, metal smiths, felter, glass blowers and potters had to be considered equally with the painters, sculptors, jewelers and photographers, to name just a few of the categories. Challenging is an understatement.
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| "Think. No Evil." copyright Kate Negri used with permission |
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| "Think. No Evil." copyright Kate Negri |
I arrived about an hour early and casually walked the show. It gave me a chance to be incognito and see some of the work quietly and gather some first thoughts about what drew me in. Of course, not everyone was set up, but that wasn't a problem. I'd see everyone officially later. Thankfully, I had an assistant for the day, who kept track of the time, artists, comments I made, her own thoughts and the paperwork for our trek through the show. Tonya turned out to be a great match for me and shared my enthusiasm for meeting and greeting. Often, I was able to take a closer look at the work while listening to the conversations she was having with the artists. Later, when I had to narrow down some choices, it was helpful to learn she'd had much the same thoughts as I.
Thankfully, I WAS able to see and chat with each artist, even if briefly. The ones that drew me in, that I wanted to know more about, are the ones I considered for awards. Their works were unique, skillful, consistent. Most of the artists were very willing to share their techniques or process with me. (Note to artists: Don't go seeking out the judge, put your arms around the judge or tell the judge how many awards you've won unless asked. It's quite distracting and inappropriate.) Most artists had personal stories to tell about why they create as they do. I loved listening to the elder gentleman explain about his walking sticks (each one was entirely different) as well as learning more about a certain jewelry making process from three of the artists. A young man with a varied display of blown glass intrigued me as did another young man who created intricately detailed paintings of outer space using cans of spray paint. One potter created her own glazes and one jeweler created sculptural faces using precious metal (silver) clay. Photographs ranged from heavily manipulated to straight-up, shoot-to-print images. Narrowing down the awards to just a few artists is not an easy task with so much variety and talent. In the end, I had to select, so those works that stayed with me the most and made an impression each time I made my rounds were the ones that I eventually chose for awards. Not every one will agree with my choices and that's to be expected. But I can say that although not every artist that deserved an award received one, the ones that did receive awards deserved them.
Here are links I had for the winners. (although some of the links are to Facebook posts and may not be retrievable)
Thank you to Ed and Kate for giving me permission to post their images on this blog.
Kate Negri - Best in Show - Felting
Ed Obermeyer - First Place - Painting (acrylic)
Pamela Hill - Second Place - Painting (oil)
Geoff Coe - Third Place - Photography
Nate Avery - Honorable Mention - Glass
Tracy Anderson - Special Recognition - Painting (acrylic)
Monday, September 23, 2013
My Big Dog
My big dog is not well. You can't tell by looking at him.
Until he begins to move.
On a bad day it's difficult and trying, exasperating really. Hard for others to watch. Sadly, his condition is much like having human ALS and will not improve. So we count each day as a blessing and hope we have the strength to say good-bye when it's time. We've had that talk with his veterinarian already.
It just seems like yesterday we went through this with our Gracie. It was only a few months after her death when Eugene began his decline. We suspect it won't be long before he won't be able to get up at all. We watch the days and compare them, to be sure his good days outnumber the rough ones. And when they don't any longer, we'll have to make that awful decision to end his life before his body becomes a burden he can no longer carry.
Eugene has been an extraordinary dog - a therapy dog, a watch dog, a gentle giant that never left my side if he could help it. We were once filmed for an episode of Virginia Currents during a therapy visit. He never met a stranger, but didn't take kindly to perceived threats and he'd put himself between me and another in a heartbeat, in the gentlest way, just in case. He loved to ride in cars and still does, loved being anywhere we were and still does. Eugene, as my friend Polly will say, is magnificent. So we celebrate the time that remains.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
On Jurying an Exhibit - Part III - Talking with Artists
When I accepted the invitation to jury and judge two simultaneous art exhibits in July, it didn't occur to me at the time that I might be accosted by artists rejected from the shows. And, whew! thank goodness I wasn't. I DID have a few noteworthy conversations with several of the artists following the awards presentations on opening night. Here are a few:
After presenting the awards for the "Reigning Cats and Dogs" show, we moved to the gallery on the other side of the building to present awards for the bi-monthly All Media show. One gentleman in particular was staring at me, listening intently. I found it a bit disconcerting. As he introduced himself, and we shook hands, I realized who he was and I knew what was coming next. "I would like to know why you did not accept my painting into the show. Do you know my painting?" "Yes, I do. I know exactly which was your painting." I proceeded to describe it. and explain.
This gentleman is a realist painter - a trompe l'oeil artist. Which means "to fool the eye." This type of painting can appear as if you can touch and move the objects around. His pieces are distinct - usually on board and, painted as if on wood, the backgrounds are often dark and LOOK like wood. I've never seen him show a bad painting. Although (in only my opinion) it was not one of his stronger paintings, there was nothing wrong with it. In putting the show together, it simply didn't fit in. If he'd had more than one, or had there been another group of similar pieces, no doubt I would have included it. It remained as an option until the last rounds of elimination. It simply did not work in the exhibit as it evolved. He seemed satisfied that I did know his painting and could express honestly why it wasn't included. I am sure he disagreed. I saw him later in front of my wall of art in the gallery, scrutinizing my own paintings. I would have done the same thing. It made me smile.
My next chat was with a gentleman who created an amazingly complex piece with multiple layers. A ghostish figure resides in the center, and the corner edges of the piece were intentionally cut off. Quite crudely. I almost eliminated the piece because of that, but everything else was so thoughtfully placed, I knew it had meaning. I honestly thought the creator was a college student. Instead he was a 70+ retiree who loves making art. Indeed he confirmed the sharp edges were meant to be part of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed talking with this animated man filled with ideas.
The next encounter caught me off-guard. It was the first place winner of the animal show, Jeanne Minnix. This is her work :
I had just left the gallery after chatting with Mel Talley, 1st place winner of the all media show. He shook my hand and thanked me, then laughingly told me "You must have been in a very dark place when you selected this exhibit." To see what he means, you have until September 9th to see the show at Crossroads Art Center. This is his work:
So back to Jeanne. I heard my name called as I walked back to my studio. My head was filled with thoughts from talking about the show I'd just left, so I didn't connect who she was. I did, but my brain wouldn't transition to carry on a sensible conversation about her piece. It was a little awkward as we exchanged hellos. It wasn't until later that it all clicked and I was back in my own studio. What I would have said was " I loved your work and am fascinated with your process. Let's go take a look." I would have enjoyed talking to her with her painting in front of us, to learn more about it. A lost moment I regret. I hope we meet again.
The last encounter was with a fiber artist. Milica Decker. I chose her necklace, "Peaceable Kingdom," for an honorable mention in the "Reigning Cats and Dogs" show. Because I had at one time been a fiber artist of sorts, doing weaving and quilting, I had appreciation for her piece and how perfectly it was put together. Little did I know her story, until my friend Sarah and I found her selling her woven jewelry at a table near my studio.
Later, Milica realized the piece might be able to help those in hospice, or their families, after learning of another person going through a grief issue. Although the original is long gone, she had photos and the explanations she'd written for the gentleman who bought the original. Milica put together a packet and donated it to Hospice care, to share with anyone dealing with grief whom it might help. A full circle and lovely story about how one woman's emotional journey translated to art.
I would have known NONE of this had I not paid attention to her necklace in the first place and then stopped to talk with Milica at the end of the evening. The ability of art to heal, to soothe, to entertain, to speak, is universal.
To those who believe that judging an art show is about "picking the pieces you like," my experience has been quite the contrary. I would not choose to live with most of the works I chose for the shows, but I appreciate all of them. From the rough "outsider" tiger painting, to the found assemblage, to the exquisite colored pencil rendering of a single dog, and many others that didn't make it to exhibit.
All in all, this was an enlightening experience for me and one I'd not hesitate to take on again.
After presenting the awards for the "Reigning Cats and Dogs" show, we moved to the gallery on the other side of the building to present awards for the bi-monthly All Media show. One gentleman in particular was staring at me, listening intently. I found it a bit disconcerting. As he introduced himself, and we shook hands, I realized who he was and I knew what was coming next. "I would like to know why you did not accept my painting into the show. Do you know my painting?" "Yes, I do. I know exactly which was your painting." I proceeded to describe it. and explain.
This gentleman is a realist painter - a trompe l'oeil artist. Which means "to fool the eye." This type of painting can appear as if you can touch and move the objects around. His pieces are distinct - usually on board and, painted as if on wood, the backgrounds are often dark and LOOK like wood. I've never seen him show a bad painting. Although (in only my opinion) it was not one of his stronger paintings, there was nothing wrong with it. In putting the show together, it simply didn't fit in. If he'd had more than one, or had there been another group of similar pieces, no doubt I would have included it. It remained as an option until the last rounds of elimination. It simply did not work in the exhibit as it evolved. He seemed satisfied that I did know his painting and could express honestly why it wasn't included. I am sure he disagreed. I saw him later in front of my wall of art in the gallery, scrutinizing my own paintings. I would have done the same thing. It made me smile.
My next chat was with a gentleman who created an amazingly complex piece with multiple layers. A ghostish figure resides in the center, and the corner edges of the piece were intentionally cut off. Quite crudely. I almost eliminated the piece because of that, but everything else was so thoughtfully placed, I knew it had meaning. I honestly thought the creator was a college student. Instead he was a 70+ retiree who loves making art. Indeed he confirmed the sharp edges were meant to be part of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed talking with this animated man filled with ideas.
The next encounter caught me off-guard. It was the first place winner of the animal show, Jeanne Minnix. This is her work :
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| "Hound" copyright Jeanne Minnix, used with permission |
I had just left the gallery after chatting with Mel Talley, 1st place winner of the all media show. He shook my hand and thanked me, then laughingly told me "You must have been in a very dark place when you selected this exhibit." To see what he means, you have until September 9th to see the show at Crossroads Art Center. This is his work:
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| "Life Force" copyright Mel Talley, used with permission |
The last encounter was with a fiber artist. Milica Decker. I chose her necklace, "Peaceable Kingdom," for an honorable mention in the "Reigning Cats and Dogs" show. Because I had at one time been a fiber artist of sorts, doing weaving and quilting, I had appreciation for her piece and how perfectly it was put together. Little did I know her story, until my friend Sarah and I found her selling her woven jewelry at a table near my studio.
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| "Peaceable Kingdom" copyright Milica Decker, used with permission
I introduced myself to Milica and she began her tale by thanking me for the award. As she correctly noted, fiber artists don't often receive accolades for their work. She then proceeded to show me her process, along with a book of photos of many of her pieces, along with the work she had on her table display. One of the pieces in the photo images had quite a story and history.
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This work, a series of three, The Trilogy of Tears, was created after the death of Milica's husband, in order for her "to finish the grief cycle and find closure." Each was in the shape of a tear, the Tear of Grief, the Tear of Remembrance and the Tear of Joy. (Her story and explanations are long, so I'll not retell them here.) The pieces were sold together to a friend of Milica's, to give to the girlfriend he'd broken up with, because she was unable to cry. This man wished for his former love to understand how important it was for her to cry.
Later, Milica realized the piece might be able to help those in hospice, or their families, after learning of another person going through a grief issue. Although the original is long gone, she had photos and the explanations she'd written for the gentleman who bought the original. Milica put together a packet and donated it to Hospice care, to share with anyone dealing with grief whom it might help. A full circle and lovely story about how one woman's emotional journey translated to art.
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| "Trio of Tears" copyright Milica Decker, used with permission |
I would have known NONE of this had I not paid attention to her necklace in the first place and then stopped to talk with Milica at the end of the evening. The ability of art to heal, to soothe, to entertain, to speak, is universal.
To those who believe that judging an art show is about "picking the pieces you like," my experience has been quite the contrary. I would not choose to live with most of the works I chose for the shows, but I appreciate all of them. From the rough "outsider" tiger painting, to the found assemblage, to the exquisite colored pencil rendering of a single dog, and many others that didn't make it to exhibit.
All in all, this was an enlightening experience for me and one I'd not hesitate to take on again.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
On Jurying an Exhibit - Part II - Winners
I recently had the honor of jurying and judging two simultaneous art exhibits. The previous post explains the beginning of that process. This is Part II - Selecting a Winner.
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| copyright Jeanne Minnix - used with permission |
First place was awarded to "Life Force" by Mel Talley.
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| copyright Mel Talley - used with permission |
Granted, all of this is my interpretation. But the artist did with photography what any good artist does - manipulated his materials and made color and compositional choices to convey a message...a message vague enough for interpretation, strong enough to evoke a response. Wow. Just wow. Had this piece been tiny, or colorful, or the size of the subjects been changed, or framed differently, it would read as an entirely different work. I think (my opinion) that often those who judge art don’t take the time to look and really see what is going on. I understand the limitations of time and space dictate how one may decide on a winner, but each artist typically makes thoughtful and critical decisions about their work all along the way, and those artists deserve more than a passing glance.
Part III coming soon. Conversations with two of the artists following the awards presentation.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
On Jurying an Art Exhibit - Part I
I just had the distinct honor of judging an art exhibit. Two actually. One was an all-media exhibit, the other a themed show. Both included awards, and I had to select the winners.
I was tickled to be asked. It wasn't my first time jurying a show, but the all-media exhibit is the largest show to date that I've done. Deciding what goes in and what stays out isn't as easy as it may seem. Unlike what one friend jokingly expressed, I don't get to just "choose what I like." Not if I'm taking it seriously, and for the sake of the artists who enter a show, I owe them that much. To take the time to look at their work and honor what they have created. What I did do was choose what spoke to me, on some level, after the formal elements, technique and style was considered. I didn't necessarily "like" each selection, meaning I might not go home with it, but each piece had merit and was worth including.
The reality is, I had a limited amount of time and space. So the first round I spent eliminating anything that was poorly done....rough edges, incomplete passages, bad framing, sloppiness, damaged work, etc. Artists, take note: if you wonder why your work isn't accepted repeatedly, these are issues to check and double-check.
The second round was to choose the pieces that were without question going in. These are the pieces done perfectly, work formally and/or draw me in. Usually these are the ones that become the "winners" and place for ribbons and prize money.
Lastly is the time consuming part...choosing the rest. This is where a lot of fine work has to be sent home, simply because it may not fit the gallery, or it doesn't have a place to fit cohesively into a show. Or perhaps the technique is perfect, but doesn't connect with the viewer (in this case, me.) Or it connects viscerally, but is poorly done for any range of reasons. Or perhaps it's just too much like the other 4 pieces right next to it and has no personality of its own. This is where, if you are an artist entering a show, you want to present your best. Best work, best presentation, best technique, best choices. As a teaching friend quite recently said in a presentation of art history, "If you are doing work for self-satisfaction, well, then maybe it needs to stay home." (his entire commentary on that was quite hilarious and too detailed to include here, but you get the drift.) We do a lot of things for our own satisfaction that just needn't be shared with others. Be sure your art is ready to share.
Even more important than all of the above is making your art yours. Different, not for the sake of being different, but to speak from within you. Find your distinct palette, or subject or technique. I looked at probably a dozen landscapes, even after eliminating quite a number of others. I had to put them all in the same place, to compare them, because quite honestly, many were so similar they could have been done by the same artist. I needed some to "step forward." Many were beautifully rendered paintings, but I couldn't keep each. And what a dull show they would have made, had I kept them all. Again, at this point, elimination had to be done due to space constraints, so the ones that stood out from the crowd in some way, yet also worked within the context of the rest of the show, were the ones that made this exhibit. (by the way, one of the landscapes was put on hold and possibly sold opening night.)
The second exhibit was themed, "Reigning Cats and Dogs."
I noticed the quality of entries for this show was incredibly high...there weren't too many pieces that were eliminated. Again, see above - sloppiness, bad framing, etc. were factors. Because this show was in an even smaller space, I had to eliminate some beautiful pieces due to size. Also, thankfully, several artists entered two pieces, so I was able to include what I thought was the stronger - even when both were excellent.
Part II coming soon. I'll talk about the process of selecting a winner. And my thoughts on "winning" when we speak of art.
Part III - I'd like to share my experience/interaction after opening night with two of the artists.
I was tickled to be asked. It wasn't my first time jurying a show, but the all-media exhibit is the largest show to date that I've done. Deciding what goes in and what stays out isn't as easy as it may seem. Unlike what one friend jokingly expressed, I don't get to just "choose what I like." Not if I'm taking it seriously, and for the sake of the artists who enter a show, I owe them that much. To take the time to look at their work and honor what they have created. What I did do was choose what spoke to me, on some level, after the formal elements, technique and style was considered. I didn't necessarily "like" each selection, meaning I might not go home with it, but each piece had merit and was worth including.
The reality is, I had a limited amount of time and space. So the first round I spent eliminating anything that was poorly done....rough edges, incomplete passages, bad framing, sloppiness, damaged work, etc. Artists, take note: if you wonder why your work isn't accepted repeatedly, these are issues to check and double-check.
The second round was to choose the pieces that were without question going in. These are the pieces done perfectly, work formally and/or draw me in. Usually these are the ones that become the "winners" and place for ribbons and prize money.
Lastly is the time consuming part...choosing the rest. This is where a lot of fine work has to be sent home, simply because it may not fit the gallery, or it doesn't have a place to fit cohesively into a show. Or perhaps the technique is perfect, but doesn't connect with the viewer (in this case, me.) Or it connects viscerally, but is poorly done for any range of reasons. Or perhaps it's just too much like the other 4 pieces right next to it and has no personality of its own. This is where, if you are an artist entering a show, you want to present your best. Best work, best presentation, best technique, best choices. As a teaching friend quite recently said in a presentation of art history, "If you are doing work for self-satisfaction, well, then maybe it needs to stay home." (his entire commentary on that was quite hilarious and too detailed to include here, but you get the drift.) We do a lot of things for our own satisfaction that just needn't be shared with others. Be sure your art is ready to share.
Even more important than all of the above is making your art yours. Different, not for the sake of being different, but to speak from within you. Find your distinct palette, or subject or technique. I looked at probably a dozen landscapes, even after eliminating quite a number of others. I had to put them all in the same place, to compare them, because quite honestly, many were so similar they could have been done by the same artist. I needed some to "step forward." Many were beautifully rendered paintings, but I couldn't keep each. And what a dull show they would have made, had I kept them all. Again, at this point, elimination had to be done due to space constraints, so the ones that stood out from the crowd in some way, yet also worked within the context of the rest of the show, were the ones that made this exhibit. (by the way, one of the landscapes was put on hold and possibly sold opening night.)
The second exhibit was themed, "Reigning Cats and Dogs."
I noticed the quality of entries for this show was incredibly high...there weren't too many pieces that were eliminated. Again, see above - sloppiness, bad framing, etc. were factors. Because this show was in an even smaller space, I had to eliminate some beautiful pieces due to size. Also, thankfully, several artists entered two pieces, so I was able to include what I thought was the stronger - even when both were excellent.
Part II coming soon. I'll talk about the process of selecting a winner. And my thoughts on "winning" when we speak of art.
Part III - I'd like to share my experience/interaction after opening night with two of the artists.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Pet Rescue and Zoe
I've learned a lot about rescue in the last 5 days. I had to. My nephew's American Bulldog, Zoe, is in need of a new home.
This is Zoe. I know. She looks just like any one of my paintings of big-headed dogs. She's beautiful.
She's also a loved and loving dog. Most of the time. Until, as we say in the south, she gets a bee in her bonnet and then she decides to take it out on her big brother dog. As a friend put it, "she acts like a butt-head." Or as a contact in rescue put it, " it's not uncommon behavior with this breed." Hmmmm. Tell me more.
Dog aggression and human aggression are not the same thing. Apparently, these 30 second, sporadic spats are just what they are, spats. However, and this is WHY Zoe needs a new home, she is a large, 70 pound pile of muscle. And so is her companion dog. So when they go at it, even for a spat, it gets costly, not to mention dangerous and scary. And there is a toddler in the house.
This has been a tough time for Zoe's humans. The toddler is nearly 3 years old. Zoe is excellent with their child. Beyond tolerant. They also have a baby due to arrive any moment. Their energy, time and funds have to be redirected towards their growing human family. Zoe could use some good old-fashioned home-schooling, and we've received lots of offers for advice, training and help. We appreciate every offer, but it's past that stage now, for us. But NOT for someone else IF THEY WILL ADOPT HER.
So why don't I take her in? Of course you want to know. Because, as much as I'd like to, my own household contains 3 large dogs, one elderly and feeble that requires a good deal of my time. Currently my schedule revolves around his needs now, plus I have other commitments for my time and I travel. A feeble dog is a target for a bully dog. He cannot defend himself. If timing were different, yes, I could try and make it work.
What we really need is a place for Zoe to be a dog. Preferably without other dogs, although she's never shown signs of aggression to other dogs, except her own brother, which she has learned she can beat up on when she feels like it. Yep, she's a bully. Humans do it, too. Sometimes human siblings bully one another growing up, but that doesn't always translate as dangerous to society.
My nephew has been completely honest about Zoe. He is also concerned that his child, or any child, might be in the wrong place at the wrong time. As I said, aggression to humans is different, and Zoe has never shown any, but my nephew wants it clear that her attacks on her brother dog have them worried. He rightly has placed his family's needs first.
I know, hard to believe with what I've written when you see her sleeping with her big brother. As my nephew says, the attacks are sporadic, 99% of the time all is well, and typically Zoe loves her buddy. Yes, he wishes it were different, but if Zoe has no home to go to soon, she will have to be euthanized. We can be judgmental all we wish, but the bottom line is, Zoe needs a home or she dies. In his defense, he has been trying to place her within his network for a long while. And he has chosen humane euthanization over sending her to a kill shelter or risk having her go to just anyone who may abuse, fight or otherwise have no clue about her breed and her needs. He and his wife deserve kudos for that. This isn't a last minute, panicky decision here.
Which leads me to rescue.
It is disheartening when you are consistently told no.
Most of us don't have the time or contacts to find the right rescue - although dozens exist.
Rescues are full. They seem to stay full, all the time. Most aren't set up to deal with a dog that has an aggressive streak, no matter how good she may be. Kenneling this dog in the wrong environment will worsen her issues. Training could likely end those issues. Shoot, it's possible away from her buddy, she'll never have them again. We don't know.
Rescues pull from kill shelters, including aggressive dogs, but don't seem to wish to take a dog from a home, in spite of the fact it may also be killed, but at least humanely. Again, space is the issue, usually. Or having a foster who can blend this dog into their current pack. The word "aggression" tilts the scale. It is frustrating. Understandable, but frustrating. I don't begrudge any of the shelters for refusing us. It is what it is. Too many dogs, not enough homes.
Persistence is what helps. I've been nothing but persistent. I don't know our odds for getting Zoe a home. I've been thrilled to have good advice, and a local rescue group has Zoe on Petfinders now. I've overloaded my facebook posts with Zoe. My FB friends have been sharing my posts and photos. I have another rescue contact willing to help with transport should we find a placement. If I had given up after the first few declines, I wouldn't have that. Even so, the odds are against us.
Rescues are nearly always non-profit, run by volunteers who make NO money and work tirelessly. After just these past few days, I have an even greater appreciation for their dedication.
We need time, but don't have it. Zoe's humans are on overload. And as I've noted, there is no space for her. Zoe is 5 years old, spayed, crate-trained, leash trained, knows commands (but can be hard-headed.)
If you are inclined, please share this.
Adopt Zoe
Update - 8/22/2013
The baby arrived in July as expected. Zoe and her companion dog are being kept in separate quarters in the home. Zoe's humans have had a consult with a trainer, who determined Zoe needs to be in a one-dog household.
The elder dog in the house is not Zoe's litter brother, and was in the house long before Zoe arrived. Zoe was not a rescue or breeder dog - but came to this family via friend of a friend. So there is no where to "return her."
Yes, every imaginable rescue has been called, from SPCAs to Bully Rescue Orgs. to Cesar Millan. I'm not kidding - I have no fear in attempting to find this dog a home. About 50 % of the groups contacted have not even responded. (including Cesar Millan's) The others have turned us down....re-read above about that. New suggestions come periodically and we try them as received, if we haven't already. Zoe will not be sent to a pound or overfilled rescue where she will become lost in the system, become dangerous or worse, be adopted to fight. Many will disagree, but euthanasia is sadly, horrifyingly a better choice.
Every being in this house is currently a prisoner, relegated to one portion or another depending on which dog is where. It is no way for animal or human to live and unfair to both dogs.
I've learned that everyone has an opinion. Many have suggestions. Most people are kind, helpful and thoughtful. The bottom line is - Can you give her a home? If not, will you share this post? I'd love for the next update to say Zoe has a home!
Update - 9/17/2013
Zoe has found a forever home. Or at least it looks that way. A lovely person found her face on Petfinders and Zoe is currently living with her new human and slowly adapting to a new life. It isn't easy, but Zoe is safe, and while her former humans miss her the house is now calm and the older dog is showing signs of relief.
A new blog post about Zoe's new life will appear soon - after everyone has had time to settle in. A separate blog about rescue options and things I've learned is in the making.
This is Zoe. I know. She looks just like any one of my paintings of big-headed dogs. She's beautiful.
She's also a loved and loving dog. Most of the time. Until, as we say in the south, she gets a bee in her bonnet and then she decides to take it out on her big brother dog. As a friend put it, "she acts like a butt-head." Or as a contact in rescue put it, " it's not uncommon behavior with this breed." Hmmmm. Tell me more.
Dog aggression and human aggression are not the same thing. Apparently, these 30 second, sporadic spats are just what they are, spats. However, and this is WHY Zoe needs a new home, she is a large, 70 pound pile of muscle. And so is her companion dog. So when they go at it, even for a spat, it gets costly, not to mention dangerous and scary. And there is a toddler in the house.
This has been a tough time for Zoe's humans. The toddler is nearly 3 years old. Zoe is excellent with their child. Beyond tolerant. They also have a baby due to arrive any moment. Their energy, time and funds have to be redirected towards their growing human family. Zoe could use some good old-fashioned home-schooling, and we've received lots of offers for advice, training and help. We appreciate every offer, but it's past that stage now, for us. But NOT for someone else IF THEY WILL ADOPT HER.
So why don't I take her in? Of course you want to know. Because, as much as I'd like to, my own household contains 3 large dogs, one elderly and feeble that requires a good deal of my time. Currently my schedule revolves around his needs now, plus I have other commitments for my time and I travel. A feeble dog is a target for a bully dog. He cannot defend himself. If timing were different, yes, I could try and make it work.
What we really need is a place for Zoe to be a dog. Preferably without other dogs, although she's never shown signs of aggression to other dogs, except her own brother, which she has learned she can beat up on when she feels like it. Yep, she's a bully. Humans do it, too. Sometimes human siblings bully one another growing up, but that doesn't always translate as dangerous to society.
My nephew has been completely honest about Zoe. He is also concerned that his child, or any child, might be in the wrong place at the wrong time. As I said, aggression to humans is different, and Zoe has never shown any, but my nephew wants it clear that her attacks on her brother dog have them worried. He rightly has placed his family's needs first.
Which leads me to rescue.
It is disheartening when you are consistently told no.
Most of us don't have the time or contacts to find the right rescue - although dozens exist.
Rescues are full. They seem to stay full, all the time. Most aren't set up to deal with a dog that has an aggressive streak, no matter how good she may be. Kenneling this dog in the wrong environment will worsen her issues. Training could likely end those issues. Shoot, it's possible away from her buddy, she'll never have them again. We don't know.
Rescues pull from kill shelters, including aggressive dogs, but don't seem to wish to take a dog from a home, in spite of the fact it may also be killed, but at least humanely. Again, space is the issue, usually. Or having a foster who can blend this dog into their current pack. The word "aggression" tilts the scale. It is frustrating. Understandable, but frustrating. I don't begrudge any of the shelters for refusing us. It is what it is. Too many dogs, not enough homes.
Persistence is what helps. I've been nothing but persistent. I don't know our odds for getting Zoe a home. I've been thrilled to have good advice, and a local rescue group has Zoe on Petfinders now. I've overloaded my facebook posts with Zoe. My FB friends have been sharing my posts and photos. I have another rescue contact willing to help with transport should we find a placement. If I had given up after the first few declines, I wouldn't have that. Even so, the odds are against us.
Rescues are nearly always non-profit, run by volunteers who make NO money and work tirelessly. After just these past few days, I have an even greater appreciation for their dedication.
We need time, but don't have it. Zoe's humans are on overload. And as I've noted, there is no space for her. Zoe is 5 years old, spayed, crate-trained, leash trained, knows commands (but can be hard-headed.)
If you are inclined, please share this.
Adopt Zoe
Or better yet, if you have a place and time
for a new pet, consider giving her a chance.
The baby arrived in July as expected. Zoe and her companion dog are being kept in separate quarters in the home. Zoe's humans have had a consult with a trainer, who determined Zoe needs to be in a one-dog household.
The elder dog in the house is not Zoe's litter brother, and was in the house long before Zoe arrived. Zoe was not a rescue or breeder dog - but came to this family via friend of a friend. So there is no where to "return her."
Yes, every imaginable rescue has been called, from SPCAs to Bully Rescue Orgs. to Cesar Millan. I'm not kidding - I have no fear in attempting to find this dog a home. About 50 % of the groups contacted have not even responded. (including Cesar Millan's) The others have turned us down....re-read above about that. New suggestions come periodically and we try them as received, if we haven't already. Zoe will not be sent to a pound or overfilled rescue where she will become lost in the system, become dangerous or worse, be adopted to fight. Many will disagree, but euthanasia is sadly, horrifyingly a better choice.
Every being in this house is currently a prisoner, relegated to one portion or another depending on which dog is where. It is no way for animal or human to live and unfair to both dogs.
I've learned that everyone has an opinion. Many have suggestions. Most people are kind, helpful and thoughtful. The bottom line is - Can you give her a home? If not, will you share this post? I'd love for the next update to say Zoe has a home!
Update - 9/17/2013
Zoe has found a forever home. Or at least it looks that way. A lovely person found her face on Petfinders and Zoe is currently living with her new human and slowly adapting to a new life. It isn't easy, but Zoe is safe, and while her former humans miss her the house is now calm and the older dog is showing signs of relief.
A new blog post about Zoe's new life will appear soon - after everyone has had time to settle in. A separate blog about rescue options and things I've learned is in the making.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
It's Mid June!
Summer solstice arrives soon. The longest day. I wish there were more.
This past month I've been working with my web master to redesign my website. I knew an e-commerce site was needed to make my art available as prints to anyone interested. Yet I also yearned for control of which images went up on the site, and the ability to take them down or add new ones on a whim. So we met in her dining room/office, since Sherry works from her home, and reviewed the possibilities together. After many emails and suggestions and web examples were passed back and forth, we decided, at least for now, to use Fine Art America (a website for artists) to give me control of the things I had to keep up with, and she linked it to the updated website that she maintains for me. Now, when you go to my website, it'll have a link to my available art, from which you can order prints or notecards.
Maintaining a website is time consuming and so I have always had Sherry as my webmaster. I like this new combination where she can deal with the technical issues and I just upload or remove my images.
When you have a few minutes, check it out. Yes, more images will be loaded ( I have over 200 to get on there!)
And if you really want to know more about Webmaster Sherry, you can visit her site, too.
This past month I've been working with my web master to redesign my website. I knew an e-commerce site was needed to make my art available as prints to anyone interested. Yet I also yearned for control of which images went up on the site, and the ability to take them down or add new ones on a whim. So we met in her dining room/office, since Sherry works from her home, and reviewed the possibilities together. After many emails and suggestions and web examples were passed back and forth, we decided, at least for now, to use Fine Art America (a website for artists) to give me control of the things I had to keep up with, and she linked it to the updated website that she maintains for me. Now, when you go to my website, it'll have a link to my available art, from which you can order prints or notecards.
Maintaining a website is time consuming and so I have always had Sherry as my webmaster. I like this new combination where she can deal with the technical issues and I just upload or remove my images.
When you have a few minutes, check it out. Yes, more images will be loaded ( I have over 200 to get on there!)
And if you really want to know more about Webmaster Sherry, you can visit her site, too.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Mama
Happy Mother's Day.
That was a typical response from Mama. Two others: "Just because...." usually followed by "I don't," and every mother's response "Because I said so," laid just behind the first one. My mother was never very forthcoming or verbose when it came to that sort of thing. Communication for her was direct and simple. To the point. At times, it didn't serve her well - she often came across to those who either didn't know her, or to those whose feelings were easily touched, as insensitive. Perhaps she was. But, to her credit, she rarely ever meant to be. She simply spoke her mind, as she would call it. "Telling the truth."
Mama wasn't the easiest woman to grow up with. She could be critical to a fault and held high expectations of her children. There were times when I was young I thought she felt and believed we should be mind readers and KNOW what she wanted.
For all of her shortcomings, Mama had many wonderful attributes. She was a good mother who adored and loved all of her children. She tried to love us all equally, but I think that is a difficulty for any mother. All children are not made alike. At any rate, she attempted to treat us equally and that was the best she, or any mother, could be expected to do.
Mama enjoyed having our friends over to the house when we were young. She had a way of being there and being absent at the same time. She could be a lot of fun and she had a great sense of humor. I know she loved to dance and played bridge, poker and golf. She was good at the two latter. I don't know about the former. Mama had a good many friends, many who drove miles at their elderly ages to attend her funeral. I was overwhelmed with the numbers who showed up to pay their last respects.
Mama's last years were hard. She had been divorced from my father a little over 30 years. She never really forgave him for leaving, but she was still hit hard when he died. His presence in our lives, and hers, is another story entirely. Mama lived alone in her condo when she began having health issues. Health issues she kept from her children, mostly because she didn't want to be a burden and partly because of her fears of being dependent and in a nursing home. Mama was a cancer survivor of 13 years when she passed away unexpectedly. She'd beat the cancer, but couldn't beat the ravages of time on the body and brain. Even then, though, she remained a very pretty lady who still loved her family.
To say I miss my mother is simply not enough. Mama would leave it at that. I cannot. The death of my mother has been the most difficult, emotional upheaval of all the things I've ever experienced. It made me much more aware of the positive influence her life had on me, rather than focusing on the regular bickering that was our habit. I wish every day that she was back. That I could have a few do-overs. That I could say some things more gently and not say other things at all.
When I look in the mirror these days, I see a lot of my mother looking back. I favor my father as well, but I have my mother's body, her eyebrows, her tenacity, her directness and her hands. The highest compliment anyone can give me is to say, "You remind me so much of your mother." Good and bad, I love that. I love her. I miss her every single day.
This is my mother.
Her name was Charlotte Lorene. She hated her middle name.
I remember asking her why. "I just don't like it."
That was a typical response from Mama. Two others: "Just because...." usually followed by "I don't," and every mother's response "Because I said so," laid just behind the first one. My mother was never very forthcoming or verbose when it came to that sort of thing. Communication for her was direct and simple. To the point. At times, it didn't serve her well - she often came across to those who either didn't know her, or to those whose feelings were easily touched, as insensitive. Perhaps she was. But, to her credit, she rarely ever meant to be. She simply spoke her mind, as she would call it. "Telling the truth."
Mama wasn't the easiest woman to grow up with. She could be critical to a fault and held high expectations of her children. There were times when I was young I thought she felt and believed we should be mind readers and KNOW what she wanted.
For all of her shortcomings, Mama had many wonderful attributes. She was a good mother who adored and loved all of her children. She tried to love us all equally, but I think that is a difficulty for any mother. All children are not made alike. At any rate, she attempted to treat us equally and that was the best she, or any mother, could be expected to do.
Mama enjoyed having our friends over to the house when we were young. She had a way of being there and being absent at the same time. She could be a lot of fun and she had a great sense of humor. I know she loved to dance and played bridge, poker and golf. She was good at the two latter. I don't know about the former. Mama had a good many friends, many who drove miles at their elderly ages to attend her funeral. I was overwhelmed with the numbers who showed up to pay their last respects.
Mama's last years were hard. She had been divorced from my father a little over 30 years. She never really forgave him for leaving, but she was still hit hard when he died. His presence in our lives, and hers, is another story entirely. Mama lived alone in her condo when she began having health issues. Health issues she kept from her children, mostly because she didn't want to be a burden and partly because of her fears of being dependent and in a nursing home. Mama was a cancer survivor of 13 years when she passed away unexpectedly. She'd beat the cancer, but couldn't beat the ravages of time on the body and brain. Even then, though, she remained a very pretty lady who still loved her family.
To say I miss my mother is simply not enough. Mama would leave it at that. I cannot. The death of my mother has been the most difficult, emotional upheaval of all the things I've ever experienced. It made me much more aware of the positive influence her life had on me, rather than focusing on the regular bickering that was our habit. I wish every day that she was back. That I could have a few do-overs. That I could say some things more gently and not say other things at all.
When I look in the mirror these days, I see a lot of my mother looking back. I favor my father as well, but I have my mother's body, her eyebrows, her tenacity, her directness and her hands. The highest compliment anyone can give me is to say, "You remind me so much of your mother." Good and bad, I love that. I love her. I miss her every single day.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Squirrel Release - Squirrel Rescue Story Part Four
Update 4/30/2013
Scroll to end of this post.
Young Squirrel came home this morning.
My friend Sarah arrived shortly before 8 a.m. to witness the event. Shortly after 8, Melissa arrived with two volunteers. The squirrel was covered by a blanket inside in a towel-covered crate.
At the same time, a mama bunny was feeding her babies in the back yard at the base of the tree the sibling squirrel had clung to after I carted the sister off to rescue. So we calmly walked around the other side of the yard and Melissa set the crate down at a tree near the back of my property.
Melissa removed the towel, opened the crate, removed tiny containers of food and water, plus the blanket, then stepped back. At this point we had 5 people in the back yard, two of us with cameras, and a squirrel that didn't seem inclined to leave.
Scroll to end of this post.
Young Squirrel came home this morning.
My friend Sarah arrived shortly before 8 a.m. to witness the event. Shortly after 8, Melissa arrived with two volunteers. The squirrel was covered by a blanket inside in a towel-covered crate.
At the same time, a mama bunny was feeding her babies in the back yard at the base of the tree the sibling squirrel had clung to after I carted the sister off to rescue. So we calmly walked around the other side of the yard and Melissa set the crate down at a tree near the back of my property.
Melissa removed the towel, opened the crate, removed tiny containers of food and water, plus the blanket, then stepped back. At this point we had 5 people in the back yard, two of us with cameras, and a squirrel that didn't seem inclined to leave.
Melissa walked back and tilted the crate. Young squirrel clung to the walls of the crate, but eventually leapt out, then onto a nearby tree. We expected her to climb up, but instead, she clung and watched us. I could see her chest heaving as she breathed. Then, she leapt down, onto another tree and back off, then over to the fence and into the neighbor's yard. Last we saw, she was hanging on that fence before disappearing into that wooded back yard.
Success. This young squirrel had a traumatic start on her road to independence. We've done what we could, now it's up to her.
Latest photo of the teen girl squirrel below. I've continued to see her off and on. My neighbor asked how I knew it was her. Honestly, I didn't know how to explain. So I went out to take a photo and sure enough - see the scar? Near her shoulder blade. Of course, I can't see that from a distance. A connection? Some subtle characteristics? Makes no matter. Sometimes you just know.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Squirrel Rescue Story- Part Three - Richmond Wildlife Rescue
I "friended" Melissa Stanley on Facebook several years ago after we met briefly at an event sponsored by an animal welfare group we were both supporting at the time. I believe it was Joey Stanley, her beloved mutt who had his own page, who sent the friend request. Melissa was actively involved at the time with raising awareness about canine cancer, since Joey had been stricken and was a survivor. I was showing and selling my art at an event to raise money for a local canine cancer awareness group. As years passed, Melissa began posting about wildlife rescue as well. The next thing I knew, she was on her own, raising funds with the dream of opening her own facility to not only rescue, but house and rehabilitate the injured. So I "cyberstalked" and checked on her posts now and again. This girl was going to make it happen.
And so she did. I wish the facility had been opened when I rescued a Cooper's Hawk off of I-295 after it careened into the corner of a tractor trailer.
At any rate, the Richmond Wildlife Center and Animal Services of Richmond opened very recently in the Midlothian area of metro Richmond, making it accessible to nearby counties. And not too soon for my injured squirrel. The facility is on the second floor above the Winterfield Veterinary Hospital. The use of the space is generously donated by the landlord of the building. Although they are not affiliated and are completely separate entities, Winterfield does generously donate the use of equipment if needed, and their reception staff will notify RWC when a rescue client arrives. Donation is the key word I heard over and over when talking with Melissa. This 501 C-3 operates on the generosity of others. I'll get back to this at the end of this post.
I asked Melissa about the two names - Richmond Wildlife Center (the business entity) and Animal Services of Richmond (the corporate name.) In short, this allows the facility to be a full-service practice which provides service not only to native wildlife, but also to non-native (exotic) species that may be kept as companion animals. For example, the young squirrel would be the former, the Pekin duck and Mute Swan that were rehabilitated earlier this spring would be the latter. While she is in no way "in competition" with local veterinarians, many do not service exotic animals, so this gives those animals in distress another option for care.
Once I had the squirrel ready to go, I loaded her in my van and headed to the center. I had been on the phone several times with Melissa during the rescue attempts, but my call kept dropping (thanks Verizon!) At least we were able to communicate well enough to know I was doing the right things or have her direct me with instruction, and finally to let Melissa know I was on the way once I was able to contain the youngster. Which, by the way, quoting Melissa, "Comparing her to a human, she is a rambunctious teenager and very wild now. She is technically classified as a juvenile here in our center."
When I arrived, I'd been requested to leave the squirrel in the car. Since the rescue facility is on the 2nd floor of a veterinarian office, it wasn't a good idea to risk mixing domestic and wild animals. Melissa also had told me to keep the car ambient and quiet, to keep the stress level down if possible during the ride. Once they assessed the size of the squirrel, they very quickly were able to move her to critical care. First I filled in a page with basic info, who, what, where, how, basically. The entire transfer could not have taken more than 5 minutes and I was on my way home.
What impressed me was 1. how calm Melissa and her volunteer were and 2. how organized they were. I was handed a business card with a patient i.d. number so I could check on the squirrel. And that I did. Melissa very nicely handled each of my questions with direct answers and not once did she treat me as if I was intruding on her time. Considering it is spring and she and her volunteers are incredibly busy, that speaks volumes. Our goal has been the same - either humanely euthanize the creature if she could not be helped, or nurse it back to health and bring her home.
I will add here what Melissa has told me about the care of the squirrel at the facility. "Your squirrel on arrival was put under anesthesia and her wounds were cleaned thoroughly. She was scrubbed with betadine and her deep wounds were flushed with sodium chloride. She did very well during the procedure and she was on pain meds for several days and on antibiotics for 14 days. We had to hand feed her twice a day as her lower incisors had been knocked loose. This was no easy task and required 2 people and thick safety gloves in order to feed her.
She was moved outdoors several days ago to begin the acclimation process. She is still on schedule to be released tomorrow, weather pending."
So, there ends Part Three of the squirrel rescue story. Can you imagine feeding a wild squirrel with gloves? I have nothing but admiration for the determination of those who do this type of work and volunteering.
Depending on how the release goes, I may post a Part Four. I will do a follow-up at the very least.
Now, back to donations. As with any non-profit, Richmond Wildlife Center depends on the generosity of others. Melissa speaks well of her corporate sponsors as well as the local veterinary community for their donations of time, personnel and equipment. I plan to offer a donation, and based on what I've experienced with this squirrel, I know it will barely begin to cover costs. But a little is better than none. For anyone interested in donating, go to this portion of the website for Animal Services of Richmond more information.
Or simply write a check to either Animal Services of Richmond or Richmond Wildlife Center and mail it to :
Animal Services of Richmond
P.O. Box 14694
Richmond, Va 23221
And so she did. I wish the facility had been opened when I rescued a Cooper's Hawk off of I-295 after it careened into the corner of a tractor trailer.
At any rate, the Richmond Wildlife Center and Animal Services of Richmond opened very recently in the Midlothian area of metro Richmond, making it accessible to nearby counties. And not too soon for my injured squirrel. The facility is on the second floor above the Winterfield Veterinary Hospital. The use of the space is generously donated by the landlord of the building. Although they are not affiliated and are completely separate entities, Winterfield does generously donate the use of equipment if needed, and their reception staff will notify RWC when a rescue client arrives. Donation is the key word I heard over and over when talking with Melissa. This 501 C-3 operates on the generosity of others. I'll get back to this at the end of this post.
I asked Melissa about the two names - Richmond Wildlife Center (the business entity) and Animal Services of Richmond (the corporate name.) In short, this allows the facility to be a full-service practice which provides service not only to native wildlife, but also to non-native (exotic) species that may be kept as companion animals. For example, the young squirrel would be the former, the Pekin duck and Mute Swan that were rehabilitated earlier this spring would be the latter. While she is in no way "in competition" with local veterinarians, many do not service exotic animals, so this gives those animals in distress another option for care.
Once I had the squirrel ready to go, I loaded her in my van and headed to the center. I had been on the phone several times with Melissa during the rescue attempts, but my call kept dropping (thanks Verizon!) At least we were able to communicate well enough to know I was doing the right things or have her direct me with instruction, and finally to let Melissa know I was on the way once I was able to contain the youngster. Which, by the way, quoting Melissa, "Comparing her to a human, she is a rambunctious teenager and very wild now. She is technically classified as a juvenile here in our center."
When I arrived, I'd been requested to leave the squirrel in the car. Since the rescue facility is on the 2nd floor of a veterinarian office, it wasn't a good idea to risk mixing domestic and wild animals. Melissa also had told me to keep the car ambient and quiet, to keep the stress level down if possible during the ride. Once they assessed the size of the squirrel, they very quickly were able to move her to critical care. First I filled in a page with basic info, who, what, where, how, basically. The entire transfer could not have taken more than 5 minutes and I was on my way home.
What impressed me was 1. how calm Melissa and her volunteer were and 2. how organized they were. I was handed a business card with a patient i.d. number so I could check on the squirrel. And that I did. Melissa very nicely handled each of my questions with direct answers and not once did she treat me as if I was intruding on her time. Considering it is spring and she and her volunteers are incredibly busy, that speaks volumes. Our goal has been the same - either humanely euthanize the creature if she could not be helped, or nurse it back to health and bring her home.
I will add here what Melissa has told me about the care of the squirrel at the facility. "Your squirrel on arrival was put under anesthesia and her wounds were cleaned thoroughly. She was scrubbed with betadine and her deep wounds were flushed with sodium chloride. She did very well during the procedure and she was on pain meds for several days and on antibiotics for 14 days. We had to hand feed her twice a day as her lower incisors had been knocked loose. This was no easy task and required 2 people and thick safety gloves in order to feed her.
So, there ends Part Three of the squirrel rescue story. Can you imagine feeding a wild squirrel with gloves? I have nothing but admiration for the determination of those who do this type of work and volunteering.
Depending on how the release goes, I may post a Part Four. I will do a follow-up at the very least.
Now, back to donations. As with any non-profit, Richmond Wildlife Center depends on the generosity of others. Melissa speaks well of her corporate sponsors as well as the local veterinary community for their donations of time, personnel and equipment. I plan to offer a donation, and based on what I've experienced with this squirrel, I know it will barely begin to cover costs. But a little is better than none. For anyone interested in donating, go to this portion of the website for Animal Services of Richmond more information.
Or simply write a check to either Animal Services of Richmond or Richmond Wildlife Center and mail it to :
Animal Services of Richmond
P.O. Box 14694
Richmond, Va 23221
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