IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS!

From Sharolyn: Rocky has relinquished our blog to me for the next week so I can announce some exciting activities here at Artsy Catsy. We've been very busy organizing new programs, creating new products … and capturing and finding refuge for the mama of the four feral kittens (here, here and here) we most recently rescued, along with two more of her kits.

Artsy Catsy’s mission is to help raise funds for kitties in need by offering artistic creations by cat lover for cat lovers. We’re pleased to announce two new ways to get those funds into the paws of the cats who most need them:

Cat Friends Helping Friends

We've been working with Robyn at the Cat Blogosphere, and we're excited to announce that, as of today, Artsy Catsy will donate 10% of all sales from our blog to Cat Friends Helping Friends to help blogging cats and families in need!

We hope that over time, as we launch our web site and expand Artsy Catsy, this will evolve into a substantial ongoing donation!

The Rescue Farm

As you know, Rocky has forbidden me from hiring any more cat staff members, so it's been a constant battle to find homes for the cats and kittens that we rescue here at Artsy Catsy. A few months ago I discovered the Rescue Farm, a non-profit no-kill rescue working to end euthanasia of adoptable animals. It's an unbelievably lovely organization run by a couple, Jodi (a former v.e.t. tech) and her husband Matt, who have dedicated their lives to becoming the "Best Friends" of the midwest. I've posted a few photos here, with lots more to come.

Artsy Catsy will donate an additional 10% of our proceeds to help the Rescue Farm with their important work.

Although they don't usually accept animals from the general public, Matt and Jodi gave the feral kittens we recently rescued a loving home on their 40-acre Rescue Farm. And this week they'll be welcoming with open arms the very feral mama of those four kittens, along with two more from her last litter. The Rescue Farm works diligently to arrange adoptions for their rescues, but in the case of ferals, they spay/neuter, give them vet care, and provide them with a loving home on their farm. From January through October of this year alone, Jodi and Matt have found loving homes for more than 650 cats and dogs.

I knew the Rescue Farm was a very special place when I met the blind horse they rescued and its rescued seeing-eye cow! I'll be telling you this special story this week, as I post lots of pictures and information so you can get to know the wonderful people at the Rescue Farm and meet some of their rescued animals. And every Friday we'll be featuring one of their kitties who needs a home!

Exciting New Products for Cat Lovers!

The biggest shopping day of the year, the day after Thanksgiving ("Black Friday" ) is almost upon us. To quickly start raising funds for the Rescue Farm and the Cat Blogosphere -- and to help you shop for Christmas without getting crushed in mall stampedes -- starting Thanksgiving evening, we're going to feature some great new gifts and Christmas items for all you cat lovers and the cats you love!

So try to visit us lots this next week, even though it's going to be a busy one for all of us! And please accept my apology for so blatantly inviting you to shop, but we'll use one-fifth of everything you spend to help your kitties and friends!