Some WINKS I had to share
- Until June 15th Greentea Design is offering 20% off on any model or design of their Step Chests which I simply ADORE and wish I had space in my house for one. They've created an interactive video to show the versatility of this cabinet system. So go have a looksie (this one is my fav).
- I came across these photos yesterday on Flickr member Eldad Hagar's photostream and my heart melted. Once I read that description under these photos, my heart broke (and I cried, and my sister and boyfriend cried when I sent them the link). You see, Eldad rescues and fosters dogs from local shelters and has created a non-profit animal rescue organization called "Hope For Paws". To try and keep Hope For Paws up and running, they've created a book which is for sale on their website that includes photos of the animals they've fostered, and it's only $9.95. I bought 2. It's so wonderful what they do these poor sick animals that wouldn't have a chance if left at a shelter. I was so touched by the story that I had to share it, despite the fact that it has nothing to do with design. But it does have to do with a big part of who I am, and my love for animals so I had to share this story, and I hope I can get a few people over to their site and buy a book, or 2. (P.S. I just received an email from Eldad (got me tearing up again) who mentionned that Bradley's condition could have been prevented but he was dumped at the shelter by a "backyard breeder" who didn't care enough. Bradley was blind from the pressure to his brain, and likely had the worst headache in the world. Good news though, Eldad captured 2 more stray dogs last night and they are getting the care they need).
- While I'm on the subject of animals, I had to mention the Friends of Abandoned Pets Annual Dog Walk happening here in Ottawa on June 6. I foster my 6th cat through this fantastic organization and my boyfriend fosters his 2 cats through them as well. Last year I was their photographer (see here) and they've asked me to take photos again this year. It was a blast, and there were SO MANY gorgeous dogs (and even a cat in a stroller!). And it raised alot of money and hopefully this year will be even more successful. So if you live in the Ottawa area and you have a dog (or borrow one!) get some pledges and come on out for a great morning stroll. (Their website has all the details).
The doctor had only sad news for Bradley...
We agreed he should go to sleep and not suffer this severe hydrocephalus. (as you can see, his head is weirdly shaped due to a lot of fluids in his head / brain).
I didn't want to let him go yet, so from the vet I took Bradley to the beach, I sat with him, played with him, and I fed him many cheeseburgers and fried chicken.
We sat there for two hours, and after that I took him to the vet's office right on the beach, and he went to sleep forever :-(
It was such a sad day... I cried like a baby for this little guy. Even now when I am typing these words, tears are coming to my eyes...
Reader Comments (42)
Kim, So sorry about Bradley. I am very sad it had to be like this.
You are such a kind person.
i am tearing up reading this. what you did was extremely difficult...i'm so sorry.
Ouch. My heart hurts... How sad.
That was Eldad's story about Bradley from his photo. It wasn't me who rescued him. (Which I am thankful for because I don't think I can go through losing an animal - I've been through that too many times in the last few years).
aww man that sucks.....i feel awful.
Atleast he died with no pain...
Oh thats so sad, what a cute little guy he was.
I wish you all the best Eldad! You are a great person.
Kim: You are a really caring person and I'm so sorry you had to go through this. The puppy gods are smiling on you, I know.
Sorry, I should have addressed my comment to Eldad...
How heartbreaking for you and for Bradley. :( Aww. So cute that you fed him "bad food", though! ;)
My heart goes out to you - you are strong and smart. Bradley loves you forever from doggie heaven. I'm glad you got some time to play on the beach and he got some CHEESEBURGS!! (((hugs)))
I am heartsick & heartbroken! But in the face of tears for Bradley, I can say that I am most inspired and relieved that people as special as Eldad exist in the world, Kim! What a tremendous spirit!
I am in tears at your loss.
I pray for all these darlings of the Divine. They bless us with unconditional love. A loyalty foreign to many humans. We need not only to support those who care for all abused, abandoned & neglected beings, but to foster new attitudes of consciousness. So future generations will come to realize that all life forms - from human to dolphin to tree, are divine & should be treated with love for they whisper this love to us continuously.
I'm so sorry...I got teary eyed reading it.
as an owner of two rescue dogs i empathize with you and am so sorry that bradley could not be helped. you are very kind to have given him a few hours of yummy treats and you definitely made the right decision on not having him suffer. so sad...i'm going to check out the book now.
ok, i just bought the book and i will be posting about this soon.
down and out chic, i love you. thank you on behalf of eldad!!
Miss, Kim...1) well done on "anonymous", 2) went to Audrey & Eldad's site...will be buying the book and blogging about this kind of amazing. (And crediting you, of course!)
Thank you for posting Eldad's story, Kim. And for your work, too, with Friends of Abandoned Pets. Both of you are so inspiring.
Sorry Uncle Beefy, Jo took the nice approach and deleted the comment (and I then deleted mine). Thank you!
I'm very sorry for your loss. You are a very kind-hearted person to be thoughtful for your little friend.
I read your posting, and I understood (your feeling).
I feel for you as I have pups of my own.
Oxo Hugs
Thank you for sharing this; my heart is in my throat; those pictures are making me sad and your story; but your kindness, your willingness to be present, to show care and hard judgment on his behalf; huge hugs to you. huge huge hugs and support.
You are a wonderful person. Bradley was the luckiest pup and went to sleep dreaming about his happy day.
kim, you rock. i'm so glad you posted this.