Blessing of the Animals

When Jeanette Chaney of Country Design Style suggested a group of pet-loving bloggers get together for an event benefiting shelter animals, I knew I'd want to be involved. 
Having lived with, and loved, many furry rescues over the years, this was a cause after my own heart. The tour involved shopping at a local thrift store which supports an animal shelter and creating a post about how you incorporated your item in your home. 

Sadly the nearest such store was a bit far away from me, but it just so happens there was a fundraiser at nearby Animals in Distress, (a local rescue sanctuary) where I was able shop the "flea-less" market, buy homemade treats and participate in the Blessing of the Animals in their wonderful facility, all proceeds benefiting their four legged friends.The delightful minister blessed the shelter residents as well as the visiting pets and the blessed furry friends received their own St Francis medal.

For more info on the tour and to see the schedule of bloggers click HERE

clockwise from top left: the shelter is nestled in a beautiful park-like setting; a pool for the animals' hydro therapy, Anton; now a happy rescue success; was brought to the shelter ill and unable to walk; in the lobby delightful pet themed goodies and handcrafts for sale all raise money for care of the cats and dogs.

A feline friendly kitty room with steps to a ceiling high glass enclosed kitty catwalk lets feline residents explore from above. Genius!

   

Boo Bear Blessing Keepsake

When our Boo Bear arrived one day in our yard, injured, aging and as we later discovered, deaf, we knew she was ours for keeps but she would need lots of extra TLC. Fortunately, she acclimated quickly to indoor life; she now rules the roost, demanding only certain flavors of food (salmon yes, flounder no), hogging the blankets and holding her own with four other very feisty felines. Though happy, advanced years and a rough start have brought on health problems, so I figured she'd be a good candidate for some divine intervention. Not keen on traveling, and to avoid any unnecessary trauma for all involved, I substituted her photo to be blessed in her absence.

Using the medal Boo Bear received, photos, scrapbook supplies and images from the Graphics Fairy, I decided to create a keepsake for my furry friend.

Shop windows, Venice Italy CPaul2013 background imageitalophiles.com

Just returning from Italy, I used the beautiful and whimsical dolls, cards and puppet theaters I saw there as inspiration. I found a small shop in a side street featuring everything cats! Cats!

I spray adhered the images to sturdier paper board and cut an opening out of the large image, creating a frame for a diorama, leaving about two inches on either side to fold back.

 I added some color accents to the frame image with light watercolor washes and painted in Boo's pupils to avoid a zombie look! 

With the magic of hot glue, I added feather wings and some accents to the frame. Layering the image of Boo with rolled up cardboard as a spacer, created a dimensional effect. I then simply glued the front and back together.

A simple white bow and faux pearl accent the medal

image Graphics Fairy

Though most notably associated with the feast of St. Francis, the Blessing of Animals is a tradition celebrated by animal lovers from a variety of faiths and cultures around the globe and often coincides with 

World Animal Day. 

Catnip tea anyone?

Cardboard Box turns Kitty Suite

  Crazy for Cats? Pop over and see more pet themed projects at   PennyWise's post from earlier this year  Creature Comforts