Evie's Ark, All Things Animal
One feisty redhead, her two adorable cats, and a whole lot of painting and sewing!
Welcome to Evie's Ark, All Things Animal! Since 2001.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Friday, November 5, 2010

Sacramento Police photo

While researching my family, I came across the Sacramento Public Library's Online Digital Collection. I typed in a family name and was met with this photo!




Title: Sacramento Police Officer Frank Boniface

Date: 1918

Description: Sacramento City Police Officer Frank Boniface poses with a child on his knee in this circa 1918 photograph.

Collection: Sacramento Room Photograph Collection


This c.1918 photo is of my great-grandfather, Sacramento Motorcycle Police Officer Frank Boniface. He and my great-grandmother Veda, who passed away my senior year of high school, adopted my grandmother when her biological family left her in the hospital at only two months of age. My great-grandparent's house, which is currently owned by my uncle, backed up to the original Fairground property which bordered Oak Park.

Click here to see the original image.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Election results

Izzy voted and the results are in... ice cream for dinner!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Halloween catnip toys are back!

Several years ago, I made some catnip toys in the shape of triangles and from Halloween fabric. And they sold like gangbusters! And each October, I get repeated requests to bring back these Halloween catnip toys. So back by popular demand, may I present the Halloween triangle catnip toy!




Each toy measures approximately 3 inches. The shape makes it easy for your cat to toss the triangle up into the air and around the room. Zoey likes to do the bunny kick on hers!




Each Halloween triangle toy is stuffed with a generous heaping of organic catnip. Zoey approves of this catnip. And she doesn't want to share with her sad-faced sister.




The Halloween triangle catnip toys will be available for purchase at this Saturday's Ugliest Dog Contest & Cutest Canine Pageant.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Happy Tails Tour

On Friday evening, I went to the Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary for a meeting. While there, I took the opportunity to show two friends the facility. Along the way, I snapped a few photos of the feline residents.

There are three large glass enclosed rooms at the Sanctuary. The cats are divided into groups by age. As you walk by each room, the cats either greet you at the glass walls or the metal screen doors. This little guy kind of reminds me of Yoda!




We began in the senior room where the cats are ages 8 and older. I really, really wanted to take this old man kitty home with me and just let him sleep out the rest of his golden years on my couch! He even made old man snoring noises!




We then moved to the general population room which housed about 25 cats in a cage-free environment. This free-roaming area allows you an opportunity to see how the cats interact with each other and it gives you a sense of how they will act in their natural environment. It is much easier to get a feel for their personality in this setting, rather than with each animal just shoved in a confining cage.




The cats who live at Happy Tails are at least a year old, while the kittens are fostered in homes. I loved this spunky and playful girl! And my favorite thing about her - the hair between her toes was so long that it curled around her feet when she stood up!




Just chillin'.




We laughed at this cat who hogged three food bowls to himself! And the funniest thing - he didn't eat directly from the bowl; instead he scooped the canned food out with his paw and then licked the food from between his toes! I wonder if he realizes that is the same foot that was in the litterbox...




Ilsa made a new friend in Chi, a kitty who had an upper-respiratory illness. This outgoing kitty is now in one of the private recovery rooms until she can get over her cold.




When we went to leave, several cats gathered at the door as if to say, "I'm going with you!"




If you are interested in adopting a Happy Tails kitty, please visit their website at www.happytails.org.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Photo of the week - Causing trouble

Izzy likes to spend the afternoon sitting on her kitty scratching post and watching out the front window. I had originally thought that she was just trying to keep up with the happenings of the birds and squirrels in her front yard.

























But I've come to discover that she is making faces and sticking her tongue out at strangers as they walk by!

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Say no to drugs!

This is your brain.
This is your brain on drugs.
This is my cat's brain on catnip!


Cracked out Izzy supervises the making of catnip toys by guarding the 1-pound bag of catnip!

Friday, October 1, 2010

Pet Halloween Costume Contest!

Ding! I love it when the clock strikes October 1st! That means it's officially Halloween month! And anyone who is a friend of mine knows that Halloween is my favorite holiday. And what better way to combine my love of Halloween festivities and of animals than to have a Pet Halloween Costume Contest? Here's how it will work:
  • Go grab your camera. Now dress your pet in a silly, scary, or unusual Halloween costume and snap a photo. And by pet, I mean a dog, cat, hamster, iguana, or parrot - any species at all. There's no discrimination here!
  • Next, email a photo of your costumed pet to me at eviesark {at} gmail {dot} com with "Halloween Costume" in the subject line. Include your name and your pet's name, as well as a brief description of your pet.
  • I will then upload the Pet Halloween Costume photos into an album on my Evie's Ark, All Things Animal fan page on Facebook.
  • Now, the fun begins! Encourage your friends to "vote" for your costumed pet! And the pet who receives the most number of "likes" on their photo will win a customized pet pillow from Evie's Ark!
  • The winner will be announced on the Monday after Halloween.

Your pet could win a customized Evie's Ark pet pillow like the ones featured in this photo!















Here's Zoey rocking a rainbow clown mullet wig last Halloween. This cat is all business in the front and a party in the back!

























Happy Halloween from my pets to yours!

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Sacramento is going to the dogs!

Sacramento is "Going To The Dogs" on October 9th with the 1st Annual Sacramento's Ugliest Dog Contest & Cutest Canine Pageant! And I'm over the top with excitement that Evie's Ark, All Things Animal has been invited to be a vendor! I'll have a booth with my favorite dog and cat products available for sale.

Ribbons, trophies, and cash prizes will be awarded to the Ugliest and the Cutest! Free hot dogs will be provided by Top Dawg Restaurant. Pet-themed vendors and artists will have their works available for sale. Animal organization information tables and mobile units will be onsite.

Sponsored by Top Dawg Restaurant and the Del Paso Boulevard Partnership, this community event will promote awareness and benefit our local animal service organizations such as the Sacramento SPCA, Puppy Love Rescue, City of Sacramento Animal Care Services, and Sacramento Area Animal Coalition.






















Sacramento's Ugliest Dog Contest & Cutest Canine Pageant
Saturday, October 9 from 4-8pm
The Greens Hotel
1700 Del Paso Boulevard
Sacramento, CA

For further information, please visit the Sacramento's Ugliest Dog Contest & Cutest Canine Pageant website.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Photo of the week - Lazy days

After all of the hard work that went into the Celebration of Life Event for my friend Danny and the Happy Tails Painting for Paws fundraiser yesterday, I felt like I deserved a day of absolutely nothing! On the agenda: sleep in, take a nap, eat some junk food, watch dumb TV, and go to bed. The cats also had the same idea...




















Monday, September 20, 2010

"Painting for Paws" is almost here!

The "human art" has been turned in, the cat and dog paintings are being framed, and gift baskets are being assembled. The final details for the Happy Tails "Painting for Paws" fundraiser are almost complete!

This annual fundraiser is always a favorite of the supporters of Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary. And here's what you can expect this year. Nearly 40 pieces of art valued at more than $3,000 were donated by local California artists. More than 60 pieces of art were created by cat and dog paws and tails. The animal paintings will be auctioned off this year, rather than a flat purchase price as has been done in the past. So get your bids in before 8pm when that art section closes! And gift baskets, and jewelry, and wine - oh my! It's going to be a fun night!

"Painting for Paws" - A Fundraiser for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary
Saturday, September 25, 2010 from 6pm - 10pm
Pavilions Shopping Center, Fair Oaks Blvd., Near Howe Ave.
Entrance fee: $10 to benefit Happy Tails

A special thank you goes out to the following animal lovers and artists who generously donated to this fundraiser. You make my job so easy and I'm forever grateful!

Ann Tracy
Carlos Villez
Carolyn Hess
Cinder
Evie Turner
Gayle Rappaport-Weiland
Ilsa Hess
Jacquelyn Bond
Jared Konopitski
Juli Nocita
Kate Dana
Kelly Croisdale
Kelly Elizabeth O'Neill
Kim Scott
KimJMartin Dog Photography
Leslie Cobb
Nancy Bradley
Nicolas Caesar
Priya Ramchandran
Stacey Lamothe
Tiffany Dare Turner
Tj Lev
Yelena Kopylov-Alford


"Homeless No More" cat paw painting.




















"Hakofish" created by Cinder.

























Silent auction goodies.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Photo of the week - Crabby kitty!

This is the crabby look I got from Izzy for not only coming home late, but for smelling like kisses from a friend's dogs.

Friday, September 10, 2010

The art is arriving!

Here's a sneak peek at a few of the pieces of art that were dropped off for the "Painting for Paws" fundraiser!


"Asswipe!" by Tiffany Turner.




















"Black Grey" by Priya Ramchandran.

























"Feline Groovey" sterling and copper pendant by Stacey Lamothe.




















"Old Crow" by Kim Scott.

























"Look Behind You!" by Jared Konopitski.




















I'm having such a difficult time deciding on which piece is my favorite!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Call For Artists - Danny Madsen Celebration of Life Event

On August 11, 2010, we lost a beloved friend. For more than 10 months, Danny Madsen fought a hard battle with Leukemia. He passed away quietly on that Wednesday afternoon with his wife Michele by his side. Danny's drive to beat his cancer is an inspiration to all of us to persevere in our lives.

To celebrate Danny's life, his wife Michele invites you to attend a memorial celebration in his honor on Saturday, September 25 from 1-6pm at Beatnik Studios, located at 17th and Broadway. The tribute will feature music, food and beverages, and a silent auction of art. Proceeds from the evening will be raised on behalf of Danny and Michele Madsen and the National Transplant Assistance Fund.

To donate art to the Danny Madsen Celebration of Life Event, please contact Evie Turner at eviesark {at} gmail {dot} com by September 11 for further details.

Thank you.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

"Painting for Paws" artist deadline is approaching!

The 6th annual "Painting for Paws" fundraiser for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary is scheduled for Saturday, September 25, 2010 and will highlight the art created by the cats and dogs of the sanctuary. In addition, there will be "human artwork," a silent auction, complimentary food & wine, a prize drawing and animal-themed jewelry for sale.

If you would like to be a "human artist" for this event, please respond with an email to eviesark {at} gmail {dot} com no later than September 7, 2010 with the following information for the event materials. And artists who donate art to this fundraiser will receive complimentary admission to the event!

Your name:
Email:
# of art pieces:
For each piece, list -
Name of piece:
Medium:
Dimensions:
Value:
Include a Jpeg photo of each piece.

There is no limit to the number of pieces you can donate. Any size and any theme will be welcomed. However, animal related art is always very popular at this fundraiser. Please note that all art work must be to me no later than Tuesday, September 7, 2010. I will hold a drop off time on September 2 and September 7. If those dates are not convenient, you can also mail your art to me prior to the deadline. Contact me for further details.

This event is so near and dear to my heart and I hope that you'll participate. I adopted Zoey while covering this story for a local TV program. So thank you very much in advance for considering a donation to the Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary "Painting for Paws" fundraiser. This event is going to be a huge success because of your support!

"Painting for Paws" - A Fundraiser for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary
Saturday, September 25, 2010 from 6pm - 10pm
Pavilions Shopping Center, Fair Oaks Blvd., Near Howe Ave.
Entrance fee: $10 to benefit Happy Tails


Zoey's painting created in 2009. She used her tail and her paws.




















Izzy's painting created in 2009. She needed an entire bath after this masterpiece!

Monday, August 23, 2010

You had me at, "Mew."

You'll recall that last summer, I went to the Happy Tails Kitten Adopt-A-Thon and fell madly in love when I brought home Izzy. Well, now is your chance to do the same!

Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary will hold its Kitten Adopt-A-Thon this Saturday, August 28 from 10am to 2pm at Extra Space Storage located at 30th & B Street in East Sacramento. All available kittens, ages 12 weeks to six months, will be spayed/neutered, tested, vaccinated and microchipped. The adoption fee is $50 per kitten or $60 for a pair. Bring the family out for refreshments and fun giveaways — and maybe take home a new furry family member!

For more information, visit the Happy Tails website.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Call for artists - "Painting for Paws"

The annual "Painting for Paws" fundraiser for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary is scheduled for Saturday, September 25, 2010. The Happy Tails cats and dogs have been busy painting one-of-a-kind pieces of original artwork with their paws for this year’s fundraiser! Pieces will be matted and framed, and accompanied by a photo and bio of the furry artist so that you can not only buy the paws painting, but you can adopt the artist as well!

In addition, there will be "human artwork" donated by local artists, a silent auction, complimentary food and wine, live music, a prize drawing and animal-themed jewelry for sale.

If you would like to be a "human artist" for this event, please send an email to eviesark {at} gmail {dot} com no later than August 14, 2010 and I will follow up with further details. Artists who donate to this fundraiser will receive complimentary admission to the event.

"Painting for Paws" - A Fundraiser for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary
Saturday, September 25, 2010 from 6pm - 10pm
Pavilions Shopping Center, Fair Oaks Blvd., Near Howe Ave.
Entrance fee: $10 to benefit Happy Tails




Zoey and Izzy – both Happy Tails success stories!




Zoey and Izzy - yin yang kitties!





Founded in 1993, Happy Tails rescues abandoned, abused and unwanted companion animals in the Sacramento area, and finds them safe, permanent, loving homes. All proceeds from the event will benefit Happy Tails, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. www.happytails.org.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Vox Sacramento's "She" art show

I'm thrilled to be a part of this upcoming benefit art show!

Vox Sacramento presents its 3rd annual women's show, "She." This Second Saturday art show, hosted by Byuti Salon located at 1414 H Street in Downtown Sacramento, will be held on May 8 from 6-10 pm and is a benefit for the Sacramento Komen Foundation. "She" showcases female artists from Sacramento and the Bay Area.




"She" features Vox Sacramento artist members: Meagan Moore, Amelia Lewis , Susan Raines, Dawn Blanchfield, Lala Ortiz, Elaine Hudson, Evie Turner, Nicole Roberts, Jill Allyn Stafford, Kathy Blackburn, Deborah Brown, Hilda Tonarely, Kim Brownell, Rachel Young, Ilsa Hess, and Jamie Castaneda.

In addition to the art that will be up for the month of May at Byuti Salon, there will also be artists showing for the evening of the opening reception only. These artists include Laura McCall, Gayle Rappaport-Weiland, Angela Saldana, Erica Yoshino, Brenda Rios, Yelena Kopylov-Alford, Juli Nocita, Joslyn Newens, Heather Shetrawski, and Virginia Dorman, among others.

Artists Jamie Castaneda and Jared Konopitski will create live art that evening. Music includes live performances by Reggie Ginn and others and will begin at 7 pm. Also, a raffle of original art and other items will be held to benefit the Sacramento Komen Foundation. All proceeds go toward Komen. This art show is free to attend and open to the public.

As a part of this fundraiser for the Sacramento Komen Foundation, Vox Sacramento will be walking in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on the morning of May 8. You can support this cause by joining me and the Vox Walk Team or making a donation through my personal page here.

Thank you for your support and I hope to see you on May 8!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Run for your life!

I arrived at home from work this evening to discover that my suspicions are in fact true! Zoey and Izzy are Zombie Cats!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Friday, February 5, 2010

"Let Me Count the Ways" art show

I'm thrilled to participate in Vox Sacramento's upcoming Second Saturday art show "Let Me Count the Ways." This art show is a benefit for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund and will feature music by The Kimberly Trip, Kevin Seconds, and David Houston.

Saturday, February 13, 2010 from 6-10pm
Vox Sacramento at 1931 H Street in Midtown
Live music begins at 7pm
Free and open to the public




Original artwork by more than 35 local artists will be on display. Featured artists include: Jill Allyn Stafford, Dawn Blanchfield, Amy Fort, Christian Cinder, Elizabeth Wocasek, Evie Turner, Krissi Sandvik, Kathy Blackburn, TJ Lev, Jill Matsuhiro, Justin Buell, Susan Raines, Rachel Young, Long Lim, Jennifer Young, Tom Spaulding, Terry Tyson, Catherin Thomas, Andrionni Ribo, Jenvy Fox, Jerome Love, Hilda Tonarely, Michael Perry, Lawrence Rillera, Michele Whitnack, Elaine Shaefer Hudson, Lob, April Fredrikson, Juliana Pfeffer, Tony Allen, Lala, Danielle Searcy, and more.

Guests can also enter a drawing for a chance to win original art or an iPod Touch. Proceeds benefit the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, which provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians with illness, disability, or age-related problems.

The art will be on display through March 8, 2010.