Winter is the Time for Home

"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home."
Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky to have that kind of a Hallmark home, though everyone deserves it that's for sure, including our animal friends as well.

This year, instead of buying gifts for Christmas, I made a donation to Pasado's Safe Haven. Even if it's just a small amount, it can go so far in helping to house or feed a neglected or abused animal. They care for hundreds of dogs, cats, and farm animals. Most were abused and neglected and now they can live out their lives in peace and with love. This sanctuary is not government funded and relies solely on donations. Every bit truly does help. If you don't know the story about Pasado's, please click on the link to read about them. In brief; they are one of a few premier animal rescue organizations in the U.S. and rescue as well as rehabilitate animals 24-hour/7. They also prosecute and have won major convictions against abusers! They have a Spay Station - a mobile spay/neuter clinic that travels all over to help end pet overpopulation. And of course they adopt out wonderful animals in need of loving homes.

My cat "Baby"

Because I've loved animals all my life and their unconditional love has gotten me through some very rough times, I wanted to do something that would benefit them directly. I started By Way of Salem for many reasons and I've been blessed having sold quite a few of my pieces. It's so wonderful getting notes, emails and phone calls from people that love your work! Most of the pieces I've created with the idea of selling and of course making money, and maybe quitting my day job. If I had a day job to quit that is...but that's another story...Since I don't have a lot of money, and my house is already full of adopted pets, I thought I would put my art where my heart is - with animals. I will be creating some special pieces with Pasado's in mind, and donate them to this wonderful animal charity where they can sell it in their Sanctuary Gift Shop and keep 100% of the proceeds to use where they see the most need.

Me and Stormy

When I think of some of the saddest, darkest days in my life, my animals were always there for me with unconditional love; to lick my face, or nudge under my arm as I buried my face in my pillow crying my heart out. They gave me warmth and comfort. When I came home from the hospital after my head injury, my one dog Sam, whose the "nurse" of the clan, sniffed and tried to lick my bandage, knowing that I'd been hurt.

Peanut and Sam

Toby
Though I don't have much in terms of monetary wealth these days, I'm a rich woman because of the small joys in life I find everyday. And the greatest joy is from my pets.

May your home be filled with warmth and love this Winter. Oh and animals too :)

Duke

Annie

Freckles

Max & Simba

Blackjack my first horse