Shop Guilt-FREE: Help Shelter Pets (and Other Rescuees) Just By Shopping

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Ranked #5,946 in Animals, #139,407 overall

Why, How, and Where: You Can Help Critters ... and Feel GOOD About Guilt-Free SHOPPING

Hi, Friends, and welcome -- thanks for stopping by!!!

Sorry I've been away for awhile, I have missed you!!! But we're back in full force, and ready to resume The Mission :) This lens needs a serious face-lift, and I'm ready and willing ... so Let's GOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!!!!!!!

As you already know, I have not created this page to blow smoke up your skirt, so I'll cut right to the chase.  This lens has ONE SINGLE PURPOSE:  To entice and encourage YOU to SHOP at sites where part or all of the proceeds from the items that you purchase are donated to rescued Animals in North American Shelters, Sanctuaries and Preserves.  Trust Me:  It will make you feel soooo GOOD!!! 

If you have visited my other lens, "Click To Help Feed a Sheter Pet: FREE for You, FOOD for Them," then by now you have probably come to the rational conclusion that these poor, desperate, unfortunate creatures are my passion.  And the very first website that I ever visited after learning of the plight of the Hurricane Katrina orphans was this one:  The Animal Rescue Site.

These are Society's most UNwanted -- they are the abandoned, the neglected, the abused, the exploited.  Their innocent lives have been devastated and destroyed due to circumstances far beyond their control, and usually at the hands of the humans who have been charged with their welfare. Shameful betrayal, at the very least, resulting in the needless and often brutal "euthanization" of hundreds of thousands of animals -- pets, barnyard creatures, American wildlife, and imported foreign "exotics" -- every single year -- across just the North American Continent alone. 

That particular lens was created for and dedicated to raising public awareness about these issues.  If just one single person's heart moves him or her to foster or adopt any sort of pet or other needy animal, and restore a decent life for that creature, then "Click to Feed a Shelter Pet" has fulfilled its purpose.

On the bright side, though -- they are not entirely alone.  I thank the Good Lord that there are so many, many rescue organizations working tirelessly -- and usually at great personal and financial sacrifice to their members and supporters -- in the fight to rescue as many of these precious creatures as possible. But these organizations need our help.

And of course, non-profit organizations are not exclusive to the homeless pet nightmare.  There are also many, many other habitat-related, earth protection, wildlife and similar non-profit organizations, as well as human-related charitable associations -- for which I am also thankful. 

CAN'T CHOOSE ???   Then Just Shop, Shop, Shop, Shop SHOP ........ Please Read Just a LITTLE Further... 

Here's What's Here: Table of Contents 

Fight Animal Cruelty -- The ASPCA's Crusade ... Sign The Pledge

1,000,000 signatures are needed ... please help !!!

ASPCA Requests the Honor of YOUR Signature -- PLEASE Take The Pledge 

Please Take The Pledge
1,000,000 Pledges Will Make a HUGE Difference in Fighting Animal Cruelty!!!

Sign The Pledge, PLEASE ... for US ... Many THANKS!!!

Introducing Peggy and Her "Cruelty-Free" Branded J Collections

Aug-Sept. "Cruelty Crusader" .....Brand NEW Feature!!!

You HAVE to Check Out This Lady and Her Crusade -- I DARE you!!!

But I WARN you ... Her video is gonna keep you up nights

Peggy of Branded J Collections, LLC ... and Friend

It's My Humble Pleasure to Introduce to you ... Miss Peggy and BrandedJ Collections, LLC 

Hi, and thanks again for stopping by.

As you all know, the mission of this lens is to encourage great people such as yourselves to shop at sites where proceeds from your purchases are donated to rescued animals. And as I promised, doesn't it make you feel just GREAT?!?!? Of course it does!!!

As I constructed this lens, and added info to it over the past year, a very important factor about merchants escaped my notice. Yes, I'm pretty focused -- which can be a good thing. Except, of course, when one is so focused that something this important is passed by. Guilty as charged, and I am so very sorry. Hopefully, I'll be able to rectify that error -- beginning right here and now.

It has come to my attention that a business does not necessarily have to make monetary "donations" to an effort in order to be making very important and meaningful contributions to that effort. Other types of contributions are certainly worth their very weight in gold. And there are businesswomen and men who make meaningful contributions to Our Cause.

Well, I've just met somebody really special who personifies the merchant I just described, and I would like to introduce her to you. She has kindly and graciously given me permission to feature her wonderful business here at Squidoo. So I'd like for you to meet Peggy J, owner and founder of Branded J Collections LLC. Branded J is a cruelty-free company whose mission is to create awareness of the alternatives to animal cruelty which are available to the cosmetic industry.

I admire Peggy for a number of reasons; however, the one that I think stands out the most is this: She established her mission early on in her career, and maintained it long before her concepts began to be noticed -- and eventually became "popular." She stood her ground then, and continues to do so -- despite the fact that she had to struggle to carve her meaningful niche into industries where the Undisputed King is all too-well known: The Almighty Dollar. Peggy has declared her beliefs boldly from the very beginning, acting upon them to change the business world -- steadfastly undaunted by the high pressures of a money-motivated industry. Peggy was GREEN, long before GREEN became cool.

Here is Peggy's story (with her permission), much as it appears in her profile at PerfectBusiness.com

By the time 2002 rolled around, Peggy already had over 20 years as a hair and makeup artist for the film and beauty industries under her belt. While waiting for the camera to go up at 2:00 in the morning, Peggy, standing in the makeup trailer, heard a whisper: "What do you think happens to animals when they make a make-up brush?"

A little spooked, Peggy looked around at the others mulling about the trailer, to see if anyone else had heard the mysterious murmur. However, nobody looked to be as disturbed by this occurrence as she felt. Now feeling a bit sheepish, she quietly asked a girl standing nearby if she had heard it. Well, the girl hadn't heard The Whisper, but she tried to supply an answer to the question -- with another question: "Um, I think they shave them?" Well, at that moment, Peggy knew from the immediate fire lit within her heart that she HAD to find The Truth, and The Passion was set -- for life.

Her own research quickly revealed to Peggy the hideous Truth, and she says that she was "SHOCKED beyond words." Feeling almost apologetic -- learning that the tools of her trade had caused so much harm to so many animals with no voices, Peggy decided to DO something about it -- rather than just complaining.

So in 2004, Peggy took great pride and integrity in launching her own mission with her cruelty-free company, Branded J Collections LLC. But the journey has not been without peril. As she continued her research to locate the right companies to help her launch this mission, she found herself almost completely alone -- with no allies. She quickly discovered that her greatest adversary would be Big Money -- what she describes as the "driving force" in the cosmetic and fur farming industries.

Peggy says, upon reflection, that she has wondered many times throughout her lifetime why she chose this career. She thinks she has it figured out, though. Add to her passion the many years of education, the opportunities received within the film/beauty industry, and the experience and research abilities that she has gained -- well, Peggy believes that it has all "... come full circle, and has given me treasures that I can now give back to the next generation." I think that Peggy is fulfilling her destiny.

Today Branded J is a premiere company that caters to not only the film and beauty industries, but to you and I as well. It is widely-recognized and respected within those industries for not only superior products, but for maintaining and perpetuating the founding beliefs, philosophy and mission.

Although all of the products that Branded J creates are wonderful -- including makeup, brushes and accessories, it's my personal opinion that Peggy may be proudest of her brushes. She says that no longer are animal fibers necessary to create a great brush. Branded J has produced them using a fiber known as TAKLON, which Peggy believes to be the most versatile, durable and softest fiber on the market today. Not only is this fiber better for our own health -- best of all, it's CRUELTY FREE.

Branded J's motto is: "Living Life Making A Difference, and Creating Beauty That's Cruelty Free." And Peggy's own personal credo: "To grow an idea takes more than money -- it takes Passion to never quit -- PJ"

"There is so much more to this story -- please take the liberty to visit our website at www.brandedjcollections.com and watch our videos -- with WARNING!!!" Please visit PeggyJ's "NO-Fur" -- boldly featured on her BrandedJ Collections website. There's a huge link for it just below !!!

Visit Miss Peggy's Video ... BOLDLY Featured On Her BrandedJ Collections Website ... 

But ONLY if you DARE !!!

I can't say it any more poignantly or eloquently than PeggyJ states right on her website. So I'm going to quote her absolutely verbatim here ...

"WARNING!!! Martha Stewart sheds light on Fur Farming in the United States. What you are about to see is real! PLEASE watch this video with NO CHILDREN in the room. It is extremely graphic and cruel ...

"Many people don't realize that make-up brushes are made with Animal Hair, some people believe that animals are shaved; but the real Truth is in Fur Farming. It is very important to know the Truth so you can make responsible choices and not be deceived by marketing schemes.

"The animals are real, the research is real, and now the moral choice is yours ... Please visit our FYI page for more details ---- PJ"
Join Peggy ... Say "NO" to fur
If you ever doubted the NO-FUR choice... doubt no more.

"I vow to never, Ever EVER again buy an animal hair brush as long as I live. Period. What about YOU ?"

Kritter Hero KUDOS Go to Y O U This Week!

Hoots, Hollers, Tweets, Whistles ... Kritter KUDOS Award to This Month's Animal Champion 

Give This Precious Gift of Life to 10 Shelter Dogs for Only $20

As you already know, we like to recognize Heros with Kritter KUDOS by featuring an Animal Champion.

The featured Champion may be an individual, a group or an organization...an "entity," if you will, which has done or is continuing to do things to promote the welfare of the Animal Kingdom.

Soooooo, without further ado...Let's give it up with Kritter KUDOS -- Hoots, Hollers, Tweets and Whistles (and a drumroll) forrrrr... Y O U !!!

Ever wonder how many pets enter shelters each year? Well, it's a heart-breaking 6-8 MILLION. Yes - EVERY year - and sadly rising. Thankfully, there are great folks out there just like you who either adopt a pet, or support them in some other ways.

You may not think of little minor details like this, but it stands to reason that shelter pets that are well-fed, healthy and properly vaccinated are far more likely to be adopted than those which are not. Vaccination is sooooo important, because as we all know, contagious killer diseases like Bordatella (commonly known as kennel cough) are easily prevented by simple annual vaccination.

The highly contagious Bordatella virus spreads rapidly from dog to dog. Kennel cough. Protecting dogs from this disease is essential for shelter pets, because kennel cough is one of the factors considered when an animal faces possible euthanasia.

This precious gift of life is being made available to you by the fine folks at TheAnimalRescueSite. The "Gift That Gives More" is a mere $20, and will vaccinate 10 shelter dogs against the kennel cough virus. Every dime of your generous donation will be presented to The Petfinder.com Foundation. This grant money is being earmarked to vaccinate dogs in one of their 10,000+ member shelters, rescue organizations or sanctuaries.

You'll receive an emailed link to a full-color, printable certificate of acknowledgement. (Makes a great gift for family, friends or colleagues.) You'll also receive a receipt for your taxes if you are in the United States - because this gift is 100% tax-deductible.

So if you're interested in making a wonderful, life-saving donation - here's a really worthy cause!!! Oh, and thanks in advance for your incredible generosity.

Here's the Link to Donate the Vaccines ...  

Donate $20 For Shelter Dog Vaccines
Your Generous $20 tax-deductible Gift will Provide Bordatella Vaccines for 10 Shelter Dogs.

Hoots, Hollers, Tweets, Whistles... PAST Kritter KUDOS: SAVED for Future Generations 

Just in case you missed the Past HOOTs Features, I'll be saving the links here for you :)

I did not want to throw away the past featured items, so I have created this section for them to migrate to when a new feature arrives!!!
Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy's CRITICAL RESCUE MISSION is to preserve the animals, plants and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on earth by protecting the lands and waters that they need for survival. These folks even go so far as to PURCHASE millions and millions of acres of endangered lands worldwide -- just to protect them and their denizens from the encroachment of mankind. I'm sure you've guessed by now that The Nature Conservancy is high up on my list and in my heart -- right along with the pet rescue organizations.
Remembering Steve, Perpetuating His Legacy
The Crocodile Hunter, Stephen Robert Irwin (Feb. 22, 1962-Sept. 4, 2006) died while filming in the Great Barrier Reef when a stingray barb fatally pierced his chest. He was known by most of us simply as "Steve". This incredible Australian wildlife expert and conservationist was easily recognized world-wide from the popular internationally broadcast TV program, "The Crocodile Hunter", which was co-hosted by his wife Terri Irwin. Steve and Terri owned and operated the Australia Zoo, which was founded by his parents in Queensland.

BOOooooS & HYSSSssssssssES...

Perpetual RANT ..... ALL Animal Cruelty ... Shameful ...

BOOooS & HYSSSsssssES...... Perpetual RANT..... ALL Animal Cruelty ... Shameful ... 

Let's Make ALL Cases of Animal Cruelty FELONIES !!!

Good Afternoon, Friends ...

"Good afternoon" for a new RANT, that is !!! I'm sure that you are as outraged ... livid ... Folks, I'm sure that ALL of us kritter fans are completely TICKED by every single case of animal cruelty.

We've all seen and heard far too many of such hideous examples -- just WHO do these criminals think that they are, anyway???

A man in Florida laughs as he repeatedly dunks his parrot's head in a Margarita in public, and then he gets off without even a fine.

A pit bull in New York is viciously thrown from a 4th story window to the pavement below.

A college student microwaves a frat brother's parrot.

Teenagers break into a local shelter and use baseball bats to beat numerous cats to death. Some of the locals just dismiss it, saying things like, "Boys will be boys."

A technician discovers and records on tape a veterinarian of hitting a cat. He was convicted of animal cruelty.

A couple of teens kill a puppy by attaching an M-80 to his collar and exploding it.

Two teens break into a home on a robbing spree, and microwave the homeowner's parrot.

In Idaho, 36 dogs disappear. Later many of them are found - shot to death.

"So, what are we gonna DO about it ??? I Know ... Do You Think We Could Make Animal Cruelty a Felony?"

Well, Now ... I'm GLAD You Asked That Question  

Let's Make Animal Cruelty a Felony
I know, it says "ParrotParrot" ... but cruelty is a rampant plague to all members of the Animal Kingdom. This isn't JUST about parrots, Folks, so please take a look. You'll find tons of ammo on this site!!! There are links to the First Strike Campaign, to State and Local Government Agencies, current court case files, to the Banner Campaign and a wealth of other information.

Previous BOOooS & HYSSssssssES ... Past RANTS 

Just in case you ever want to drag up some old DIRT to start a new RANT

SIGN THE BUNNY PETITION ... Making PetSmart STOP -- and check out the accompanying blog while you're there.

July 25, 2007 at 11:15 AM -- posted by: bunnies07
Thank you Best Friends for getting involved. PLEASE contact Petsmart to express your outrage at their decision to sell bunnies.

http://www.petsmart.com/global/customerservice/contactUsForm.jsp
Bunny Petition
SIGN THE PETITION -- and check out the accompanying blog while you're there.
Barney's of New York ...Taking the Good Name of WWF in Vain For: $$$
"Promising Proceeds to Charity Brings in Business: Are retailers using charities to get more business? The Barneys New York catalog claimed it would donate some of the proceeds from the purchase of a certain (item) to the World Wildlife Fund. The charity never knew about it ..."
This is the page (in the online Barney's catalog) which I saw featured on the News report -- the screenshot of the page upon which they had boasted the hateful lie.

THANK YOU, DEAR VISITORS ... 

Your Kind Contributions Are Making Such a Difference.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to everyone who has purchased items through this page. We recognize these gifts of yours as true gifts from the heart ... YOU are the KEY -- what treasures you all are!!!

Remember, every cent generated by this Lens (as well as by the new, related Lenses currently under construction) goes directly to an Animal Rescue Charity. And please know that we accept your very generous donations with the utmost of thanks -- on behalf of those who cannot thank you themselves!!!

Too Many Choices -- Can't DECIDE??? Then Just SHOP -- with NO GUILT or REGRET !!! 

Please SHOP at Sites that Rescue and Care For Critters ... Makes YOU Feel GREAT !!! Find Your Favorite Critter Categories BELOW !!!!

Well, as decent and compassionate human beings, our hearts naturally go out to all the creatures, great and small, who are less fortunate than ourselves. But honestly -- who in the world sits at their dining room table or computer screen, with the checkbook open and the credit cards at the ready -- browsing the countless associations to find the charity most worthy of their financial support?

It gives me a headache just imagining that.

So here's an idea that I have which just might help resolve that dilemma for you. Instead of trying to choose one or two charities to devote your hard-earned dollars to, why not, in essence, "flip a coin" ??? Why not just SHOP at sites devoted to rescuing not only shelter pets, but other creatures as well? HOW GOOD IS THAT GOING TO MAKE YOU FEEL ??? (That's what I mean by "Guilt-Free" Shopping!!!)

These non-profit sites always designate at least a portion of their proceeds to the humane health and care of these animals. Many of them donate ALL the shopping proceeds to their designated charity. And of course, many of them are in the business of actively trying to find loving foster or forever adoptive homes for those animals which are suitable for permanent placement.

So the next time you have a particular item in mind, or don't know exactly WHAT it is that you are shopping for -- or like so many, just LOVE TO SHOP -- before you just "Google" it, please take a few minutes to browse sites like the ones I'll suggest to you. You just might learn something, develop a new passion, or just plain feel good about the fact that you are helping to ease the pain and misery of an innocent, helpless creature.

Thanks so much for your infinite patience -- I know that was pretty "wordy" ... but somebody had to say it.

New Igo GREEN Tip of the Day 

(FLASH) ... HEY !!! Lookit THIS ... (FLASH) .... FREE PET TRAINING VIDEOS For You To Upload!!! (by Petfinder.com Pet Rescue) 

I just ran across this tonight while searching for new Shopping Links for you. I just couldn't resist sharing it with you :)

Yes, that's right -- FREE FREE FREE for you to watch and even upload if you want. Dogs, Cats, Bunnies, Guinea Pigs ... and I don't know WHAT all, LOL !!! Quickly view at a click -- and upload if you want -- videos that are instructional, informational, entertaining, funny -- and everything in between!!!

Please copy and paste this link in your browser:
http://www.petvideo.com/
It will take you directly to the videos on this terrific pet rescue site!!!

Here's a cut-down version of the accompanying explanatory introductory text published on the site itself:

"Thanks for visiting PetVideo.com. It is our dream that through the creation of PetVideo.com we'll help owners and their pets strengthen their unique bond. Our first order of business is to launch over 200 training videos that are easy, quick to watch, and fun to do with your pet. New and seasoned pet-owners can work on one behavior, skill, or fun trick at a time and enjoy watching their relationship with their pet blossom. PetVideo is also the engine that drives the new Petfinder.com adoptable pet videos - a lifesaving medium to help adoptable pets put their best paw forward." -- Betsy Saul

These highly interactive videos will celebrate the human-animal bond and, as one would expect from the founders of Petfinder.com and PetsIncredible, will even include a special channel featuring videos of adoptable shelter pets.

Designed especially for pet parents, show topics include behavioral issues, entertainment and lifestyle content, quick tips and much more.

Petfinder is the overwhelming industry leader in pet Web traffic, with over seven million unique monthly visitor sessions and an average stay of over 20 minutes. It is estimated that at least one in every 10 pet homes in the U.S. has a pet adopted through Petfinder.com.

This Week's GREATEST UNIQUE GIFT IDEA ...... Give this Fabulous Gift, and Help Shelter Pets 

Hand-Carved African Animal CHESS SET ... Breath-taking!!! From $43.95

With each Hand-carved African Animal Chess Set purchased, The Animal Rescue Site will fund 28.0 bowls of food for animals living in sanctuaries and shelters.

To see (and order!!!) this magnificent treasure, please copy and paste this link into your browser:

https://shop.theanimalrescuesite.com/store/item.do?itemId=9654&siteId=310&sourceId=726&sourceClass=Category&index=24

It's good to be king! Wild African animals play a starring role in this classic board game of strategy and anticipation. Inspired by the hand-chiseled carvings of the cattle-herding Masai tribes of Kenya, one set of pieces is carved from ivory-colored kisii stone, while the other set is rose-hued.

Since each set is hand-carved, please expect variations in shape and color. Fair trade imported.

PAST GREATEST UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS ........ SAVED for Future Generations 

Just in case you missed the Unique Gift Ideas featured in the past, I'll be saving the links here for you :)

I did not want to throw away the past featured items, so I have created this section for them to migrate to when a new feature arrives!!!
Nature Conservancy
Help protect coral reefs with this unique gift idea from The Nature Conservancy
"RESCUE A REEF" ... Your loved ones will enjoy receiving this personalized gift that helps support a number of Conservancy coral reef projects. Please help to protect our land and water for nature and people by making a tax-deductible donation to The Nature Conservancy today.

New Guestbook 

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  • Reply
    ConnieW ConnieW Aug 2, 2007 @ 6:31 pm
    Nominees are now being accepted for the Chubba Wubba Award of Excellence for the top blogs / websites that display excellence in Animal Rescue and Welfare.

    Please contact http://www.squidoo.com/chubbawubbagirl/
    for more information.

    Thanks,
    Llana Muffin
  • Reply
    Tom_Antion Tom_Antion Aug 1, 2007 @ 11:22 am
    Great lens! Please visit my Bichon Frise Products site. Proceeds go to rescue groups. Thank you!
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