Sacramento's 2nd annual Ugliest Dog Contest!

Evie's Ark will have a vendor booth of pet products at Sacramento's Ugliest Dog & Cutest Canine Contest!

This year, the event will be indoors at the Artisan Building. Vendors, artists, music, and a 4:15pm showing of John Beck & Don R. Lewis' film documentary "Worst in Show" about the annual World's Ugliest Dog Contest held in Petaluma.

Admission is $2 per person. The funds raised will benefit our local animal care service organizations.

And because it's happening on Halloween weekend, there will be a costume contest!

Sacramento's Ugliest Dog & Cutest Canine Contest
Saturday, October 29 from 4-8pm
The Artisan Building
1901 Del Paso Boulevard in Sacramento
www.ugliestdogsacramento.com

Murderous Kitten loves Deftones

I arrived home from work last night to a sleepy kitten curled up on the couch pillows. My first response was to capture the peaceful moment in a photograph. But then Izzy stirred, woke up, stretched, and yawned.




I couldn't help sharing the hilarious photo with my friends. One friend remarked that he thought Izzy looks a lot like the cat on the Deftones album cover. I think he may be on to something there!

My eBay score!

Earlier this year, I posted a photo called 'Men Drinking Beer'. In this photo, one of the men is actually my biological great-great uncle, Gustaf Kujala. I found this image on the Kelley House Museum's website. And it had a related publication listed as "Early Finns of the Mendocino Coast," Mendocino Historical Review Summer 1988. I've spend some time looking for this out-of-print publication.

So today must be my lucky day because I was finally able to locate it thanks to a seller on eBay! It should arrive the first week of October. I can't wait to see what else I discover about my family!

2nd annual Bent Twig art show

I am thrilled to curate an upcoming art show and benefit fundraiser at Vox Sacramento Gallery! The "Bent Twig" art show's opening reception will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2011 from 5-9pm.

The Bent Twig art show will feature a family tree of artists helping artists - an event in which established artists are coupled with emerging artists to display their work side by side. Major and established artists from the Sacramento area are invited to participate in this art show by selecting a newer or relatively unknown artist (their "Bent Twig") to partner with and hang hanging their art next to during the run of the show, thus creating a family tree of support in the local art scene.

Also, during the evening's art show, a silent auction fundraiser will be held to benefit Vox Sacramento. As you may know, Vox just moved into their own space, so expect lots of great things to come there! Please also consider donating art work for the night’s silent auction items.

As some of you may recall, the Bent Twig art show was first held to support Danny Madsen, who a year ago lost his battle with Leukemia. Danny was such a huge supporter of the Sacramento art scene, so it is an honor to continue this art show in his name. Plans are already under way to have the Sacramento BloodSource on hand to host a mobile blood and bone marrow drive during the art show’s opening reception.

If you are interested in participating in the Bent Twig art show and the Vox fundraiser, please let me know.

Forever home needed

About two months ago, my parents discovered that someone had dumped a young momma cat and her four kittens in their neighborhood. My parents have been feeding the cat family and have since moved them into a spare room in their house so that they will be safe, fed, and socialized while they are fostering them.

The four kittens will get their first round of shots today and everyone will be spayed/neutered in about a week. After they receive a clean bill of health, we will be looking for forever homes for the four kittens. My parents have decided to keep Momma Kitty. If you are interested in opening your heart and home to a kitten, please let me know.





Hungry, hungry hippos!




Momma Kitty keeps a protective eye out for her kittens.




Such pretty markings!




"You lookin' at me?"




Big stretch on a full belly!




Look at the yawning kitten in the background!




What a sweet face!

Why I cried today

Today was the first time I have ever seen what my biological grandfather looked like. This photo was found among my late grandmother's genealogy research paperwork. This is John Alexander Kujala holding my father who was only about 3-months-old at the time.

Painting for Paws - Art Call

The 7^th annual "Painting for Paws" fundraiser for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary is scheduled for Saturday, August 20, 2011. 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 11, 2011 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, August 20, 2011 from 6pm - 9pm
Dante Club – 2330 Fair Oaks Blvd. near Howe Avenue
Entrance fee: $20 to benefit Happy Tails

"Unleashed" - No stopping us now!

And here's the mention of "Unleashed" in the Happy Tails e-newsletter!

"Unleashed" - We are on a roll!

Here's another mention of the "Unleashed" art show! Many thanks to Downtowngrid.com for featuring Jared Konopitski's piece in their Second Saturday Art Walk promotions! Click here to see the details.

"The Bunny Who Wanted to be a Bird" by Jared Konopitski.

"Unleashed" art show mention

Our upcoming "Unleashed" art show has been mentioned on A Blog from the Dog House! Click here to check it out. And does this mean that Izzy is in the doghouse?

"Unleashed" art drop off

Tonight was the art hanging for the "Unleashed" art show. I loved seeing so many artists who are eager to support this fundraiser with their art donations - and the pieces are amazing! Here's a sneak peek of a few of the pieces of original art that you will be able to bid on.

I own quite a few pieces of Cinder's art. This new piece called "Catnip" especially makes me smile!




This piece by Cathryn Reynolds, the Happy Tails special events volunteer, is her first attemp at working with acrylics. I so love the vibrant colors!




Here is "Desert Elephant" by Maya Murphy-Cook, my high school friend's 12-year-old daughter. This will be her very first art show and I'm so humbled that she has allowed me to mentor her during the process.




This quilted wall hanging was created by Carolyn Hess, a member of the River City Quilters Guild. She's worked for several local quilt shops creating their display samples. Her work is not only warm, but her attention to detail is meticulous!



You'll be able to bid on these pieces and about 50 more at the "Unleashed" animal art show.

"Unleashed" - A Benefit for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary
Saturday, July 9, 2011 from 5pm - 9pm
Vox Sacramento Gallery located inside the ThinkHouse Collective
at 1726 11th Street at R
Free and open to the public

"Unleashed" - Saturday, July 9

This fundraiser focuses on the bond between humans and animals. A silent auction of original art will benefit Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary.

"Unleashed" - A Benefit for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary
Saturday, July 9, 2011 from 5pm - 9pm
Vox Sacramento Gallery located inside the ThinkHouse Collective
at 1726 11th Street at R
Free and open to the public

Robert Jordan, all the way from Ireland, will delight listeners with his guitar, harmonica, and vocals from 6:30-7:30pm.

Featured artists: Abby - the min pin, Ann Ranlett, Betty Warmdahl, Carolyn Hess, Cathryn Reynolds, Christina Edmondson, Cinder, Evie Turner, Jared Konopitski, John vanDusen, Johnny Dismal, Karen Colbourn, Kate Dana, Kelly Elizabeth ONeill, Kim Brownell, Leslie Cobb, Lori Ann DeLappe-Grondin, Maya Murphy-Cook, Melody Claussen-Furry, Moises M. Castillo, Nicolas Caesar, Oh Boy Cat Toys, Steve Grondin, Tiffany Dare Turner, and more!

Presented by Vox Sacramento, ThinkHouse Collective, and Evie Turner Marketing.

Photo of the week - New dishwasher!

Cheap labor: Izzy earns her keep by learning to do the dishes!

"Unleashed" art show hanging

“Unleashed,” an animal art show benefiting Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary is scheduled for Saturday, July 9, 2011 and will feature art that focuses on the bond between humans and animals. In addition, a silent auction of original art, gift certificates, and pet related items will benefit Happy Tails.

If you would like to be a participating artist who displays their original pieces at this fundraiser, please respond no later than June 30, 2011. Your art can be of any medium and size. However, the subject of your piece must include an animal of some sort. You will be responsible for creating your own art tag for the show. Be sure to include your name, the title of your piece, the medium, price, and contact info. Artists will keep 100% of the sales for their displayed art.

Participating artist are also asked to donate a piece to the Silent Auction area as a benefit for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary. There is no limit to the number of pieces you can donate. Any size and any theme will be welcomed – the silent auction donations do not have to be animal related. Please include the following for each donated item so that I can create bid sheets:

Your name:
Name of piece/item:
Medium/Description:
Stated value:
Include a Jpeg photo of each piece for promotional purposes.

The art hanging for participating artists and silent auction donation drop off date is Tuesday, July 5 from 6:30 – 8:30pm at Vox Sacramento, 1726 11^th Street. If you do not live in the Sacramento area and would like to mail your items to my home, please let me know.

Thanks in advance for your support of the “Unleashed” art show! This fundraiser is going to be a huge success because of your involvement!

"Unleashed" - A Benefit for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary
Saturday, July 9, 2011 from 5pm - 9pm
Vox Sacramento Gallery located at 1726 11th Street at R
Free and open to the public

Presented by Vox Sacramento, ThinkHouse Collective, and Evie Turner Marketing.

"Unleashed" art show

"Unleashed"

An animal art show benefitting Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary

Saturday, July 9, 2011 from 5pm - 9pm
Vox Sacramento Gallery located at 1726 11th Street at R
Free and open to the public

This fundraiser will feature art that focuses on the bond between humans and animals. The proceeds from a silent auction will benefit Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary.

If you would like to participate as an artist or make a donation of goods to this fundraiser, please send an email to eviesark@gmail.com no later than June 30.

Presented by Vox Sacramento, ThinkHouse Collective, and Evie Turner Marketing.

Call for Art - "Unleashed"

When Vox Sacramento asked me to curate an art show this summer, I knew exactly what to do!

"Unleashed" is an animal art show that will benefit Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary. Held on Saturday, July 9, this art show will feature art that focuses on the bond between humans and animals. The proceeds from a silent auction will benefit local animal groups.

If you would like to be a participating artist for this fundraiser, please send an email to eviesark {at} gmail {dot} com no later than June 30 and I will follow up with further details.

"Unleashed" - A Fundraiser for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary
Saturday, July 9, 2011 from 5pm - 9pm
Vox Sacramento Gallery located at 1726 11th Street at R
Free and open to the public

See you there!

Photo of the week - Basket case

Does this basket make my butt look big?

A.W.O.L. Kitten

Each morning when I leave for work, I do a roll call for my cats. You know, just to make sure that nobody spends the entire day shut in the closet. And as is customary with my two, they stand by the back door to meow goodbyes to me. I'm certain that they believe me when I tell that that I'll be right back in five minutes!

But this morning, one kitty had gone A.W.O.L. And the house was eerily quiet. And that can only mean one thing - Izzy is up to no good!

I found her in the bathroom sleeping in a basket of towels, her fat furry butt hanging over the edge. That little trouble maker always makes me laugh! Even when I have to rewash all of the already clean laundry!

Available catnip toys

As promised in the cat toy drive blog posting, here are a few photos of the handmade catnip toys that are currently on hand.

Each heart and star catnip measures approximately 5 inches. These fiberfill toys are light enough to be carried around by your cat and tossed up into the air for play time. They are also large enough for your cat to get a good grip on them when snuggling down for nap time. Each catnip toy is stuffed with a generous heaping of organic catnip.

Red-White Hearts.




Blue/Red Hearts (double sided).




Pink Leopard Hearts.




Blue Stars.




Red Stars.




For the kitties who are into astrology, these horoscope catnip toys measure about 4 inches by 4 inches. They feature your kitty's zodiac sign on the front and purple stars on the back. Each cat toy contains a generous helping of organic catnip!




Don't know your cat's sign? No worries! We've also created a line of catnip toys featuring the sun & moon.




These smaller toys measure about 3 inches by 3 inches and are the perfect size for smaller cat paws. There are a variety of cat characters with their own saying - Fraidy Cat, Psycho Cat, Royal Highness, Princess, and more - with bumble bee fabric on the reverse side. Each catnip toy is stuffed with organic catnip.






The above Evie's Ark catnip toys sell for $3 each. Shipping will be included in that price during this month for the Cat Toy Drive. Just send an email to eviesark {at} gmail {dot} com with the description of the item you would like to purchase. If there is a style that you like, but want in a different color, please let me know. I'll make custom toys for your kitties. Please also stay tuned for more styles coming soon!

And remember - for every catnip toy that you purchase from Evie's Ark, I'll also donate a catnip toy to Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary!

Cat Toy Drive!

Izzy's 2nd birthday is coming up on March 20. And to celebrate, I'm coordinating a cat toy drive! This fundraiser will be on behalf of Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary as my way of showing them my gratitude for blessing me with a kitten who makes me smile every day!

Here's how the cat toy drive will work. For every Evie's Ark catnip toy that I sell during the month of March, I'll match that sale one-for-one with another catnip toy donation to Happy Tails. So you buy 3 Evie's Ark catnip toys for your kitties and I'll ship those to your address - and then I'll also donate a matching 3 of my Evie's Ark catnip toys to Happy Tails. I'll keep a running tally of catnip toys for the month so that you can see how many will be donated to the rescued cats of Happy Tails.




And, you don't have to purchase one of my Evie's Ark catnip toys to participate. If you have gently used cat toys at home, feel free to ship them to me to include in the donations to Happy Tails. Any new or gently used cat toy will help to entertain the shelter's kitties. I'm also collecting towels to bathe the animals in need of grooming and blankets to offer warmth and comfort for the cats.

If you have any questions about what would be appropriate to donate, please feel free to send me an email at eviesark {at} gmail {dot} com. I'll also post a separate blog with the currently available Evie's Ark catnip toys.

Thank you in advance for your support of Happy Tails!

Love,
Evie, Zoey, and Izzy the birthday girl!

Content kitty

"A little drowsing cat is an image of perfect beatitude."

~Jules Champfleury

Valentine's Day Contest

I'm in the mood for a Valentine's Day contest! And here's how you can play along. Go to my Evie's Ark, All Things Animal fan page on Facebook. Look for the contest status update from today. Then leave a comment on that update telling everyone why you love your pet. On February 14, our official contest judge, Izzy, will choose a number to correspond with a comment. That winner will receive a set of three Evie's Ark catnip toys like the one featured in the photo below. Good luck!