Lovebirds ACEO Card by thebluewindmill

Nothing says "sweet shelter" and "comfort" like a nice, pretty branch to land on (if you happen to be a bird, that is)! And what is more "cozy" than a fellow companion bird (wink, wink)? So, here's to the Sweet Shelter and Cozy Comforts found in this ACEO by thebluewindmill! I volunteer as Challenge Leader and give to the EFA's COTM!

Lilac Scented Cat Pillow by catcalls

This little pink and gray pillow by catcalls is filled with a lovely lilac scented sachet to help bring the fragrance of spring into your home. It can be used in a closet, thrown into a drawer, or tucked into the corner of a favorite chair. The cats are hand drawn with an original design.

I am a supporter of my local shelter, Rescue Village, and donate whenever possible to their fundraisers. I also support the Feral Kitten Rescue Project by sending cat toys and donations when ever possible. Recently, I am the very proud new owner of a 3 month old guinea pig that I 'accidentally' found while writing about Petfinder's Adopt the Internet Day for my blog. $2.00 of the sale from this pillow (and the sale of the other pillow) will go the current month's charity.

2 Little Owls ACEO by SharonFosterArt

This ACEO by SharonFosterArt features two little owls cozy in their nest. Nice and warm with room service from Mama Owl - who could ask for anything more?

I recently donated items to the Columbus Lowndes County Animal Shelter for the fundraiser to build the new shelter. The items donated included 10 new Halloween costumes for dogs among other items. I also painted 2 watercolors for the Friends of Rabbits in Huntsville, AL and 1 has already sold (Yeah!). I agreed to donate to the Palm City, FL Rabbit Fund Raiser and sold an ACEO for Cedarhill.

Wool Lamb Toy by yarnmiracle

Nothing can get much cozier than a woolly lamb, like this charming creation by yarnmiracle! His fleece are from the cozy, happy sheep of another Etsy seller (shadysidefarmstudio) and his stuffing is equally snuggly and predator-friendly eco-wool. He will definitely keep you warm on a rainy night.

Yarn Miracle Animal Update:
Daisy (our current foster dog) is off on an overnight auditioning a new family. Daisy being Daisy, I am sure her potential family has had NO sleep at all because she is SO EXCITED to be there. Y'all cross your fingers that they love her anyway - she loves their big fenced yard.

William Henry reports that the kitchen trash can is still delicious. He loves the edges of Ellie's phony bologna sandwiches. Without mustard, please. I'm glad they don't go to waste.

Birdhouse Stoneware Bead by bitsofclay

The singing of the birds this month not only signals the beginning of Spring, but also the time to clean out the birdhouses for new nests to come. This sweet bead by bitsofclay celebrates the homes of birds everywhere as spring approaches.

I volunteer as a rabbit rescue. I keep the rabbits at my home, take care of their daily needs, see to their medical needs including spay/neuter, and hopefully adopt them to forever homes. Today I have 13 rabbits in my care. 10 are for adoption and the other 3 are under medical care.

Doogie Treat Bone Pillow by AubreyMade

This bone pillow by AubreyMade is customized with the doggie's name and promises to comfort any canine pet. It offers a sweet, personal way for your pup to enjoy his or her home and space.

15% of animal related listings goes to the Team EFA COTM. I also feed stray cats in my home.

Quilled Dragon Shadow Box by fairycardmaker

Many moons ago, I was once told that my dragons are unique and interesting and that I should find ways to incorporate them into a greater work, like mobiles or other room decor. I have finally done it! This shadow box quilled dragon monogram by fairycardmaker is my first foray into home decor. I'm glad my adventure was spurred on by Team EFA and our "Sweet Shelter and Cozy Comforts" team challenge.

10% of the proceeds of this item will go to the Southern Ontario Animal Rescue which is a small registered charity who rescues, fosters and finds homes for dogs.

I teach card-making and other paper crafts on a volunteer basis for the Southern Ontario Animal Rescue (SOAR). Having grown up with pets, I really wish I had more time in the day to keep one of my own. Since I can't, I try to help in what way I can. A portion of my class fees and a portion of some items in my shop are donated to SOAR to help dogs in need.

Small BarkingDogBlanket in Waikiki Coral

For the lucky pampered furry one, whether at home, in the car or traveling, he or she will always feel cozy with their coral blanket from BarkingDogBlanket.

I am a finance/business major and never did anything creative until my blankets. My husband and I work together in our photography business; he the creative one and I the business one. Until I started making blankets for my late "Rockie" I didn't know I could create anything. Being able to help animals through my blankets has been such a gift.

I love animals, especially the abandoned and lonely ones. I volunteer at both our local shelters on Oahu, OahuSPCA and Hawaiian Humane Society, with my time, monetary donations, and gifts. Yesterday I was at HHS helping with the 150 puppy mill dogs that were just recovered in the largest puppy mill bust in Hawaii. Hopefully this travesty will bring awareness to this issue and bring about improvements in our animal protection laws here in Hawaii. Also, I am working with OahuSPCA on designing a pet product that they will be able to sell at the shelter and events and make 100% off the sales :)

I support also ECOTM, EMAR BooBooZoo on Maui, United Animal Nations, Farm Sanctuary, SeaShepherd Conservation Society, and PigsPeaceSanctuary. Every little bit helps!

Vintage "Home" Tags by EllaQuaint

These charming tags by EllaQuaint fit right in with the Sweet Shelter & Cozy Comforts challenge, as they depict a nest, a family home for birds.

I volunteer whenever I can for small rescue groups by giving basic health care, such as vaccinations, nail clipping, arranging for neuter appointments, etc.

I also donate a percentage of my sales to various rescue groups.

Home Sweet Home Dog Collar by hollywoofstyles

Each pet out there deserves to having a loving and sweet home, just like the homes represented on this sweet collar by hollywoofstyles.

This spring you can find us at festivals in the Atlanta area working with the Rescue Me! Animal Project. We donate a percentage of our sales at each of these events.

I Know What You Did Print by JenniferLynnProducts

This photo by JenniferLynnProducts, though, altered, is of a barn. As we all know, any number of animals might seek shelter in a barn, both wild and domestic.

Because I have a full house, my work with animals at this time involves helping with rescues where I don't have to take an animal in. I am involved by sharing information and spreading the word on rescues that . I also donate goods and money when I am able.

On the Border Cards by terikor

"On the Border" by terikor depicts two Border Collies enjoying the cozy close comfort of one another. In thinking of the March challenge theme of "Sweet Shelter and Cozy Comforts", I had to pick the words "Cozy Comforts" in picking an item from my shop that fits this theme. What is cozier than two canine friends sharing time together?

To me, giving back in any way I can to those animals that play such an important part of my life gives me the greatest pleasure. My art would not thrive without those animals. I am thrilled every time I sell an original piece of art or one of my art products enabling me to give back to animals in need no matter how much it is. Getting the thank you notes from the various charities I donate to means a lot because I know I have helped in a very small way.

Love My Dogs Full Apron by AstridNicoleEtcetera

Aprons, being worn by the homemakers in our family, go back as far as I can remember. They remind me of the cozy, sheltered feeling I always had living at home as a child. I send a wish that every child and pet experience those same feelings, which is why I made this apron by AstridNicoleEtcetera.

Astrid, our dog and Etsy shop namesake, came to live with us in December, 2006 at the age of two. Our goal is to help the homeless pets she had to leave behind live a dignified, comfortable life while they wait for their own forever homes. We hope our donations of money and items for the animals and staff help to achieve these goals for the Santa Cruz Humane Society in Nogales, AZ.

Tumbler Toys by jessicalynneart

A house isn't a home unless a pet has his or her one favorite toy to rely on. I created these tumbler toys by jessicalynneart when James Dean began to tear through his toys like a little monster. When I adopted him he came home with me accompanied by one pitiful little elephant toy whose leg was falling off and whose eyes were hanging on by a thread. Poor "Elly" just couldn't go on any longer, and after buying several toys that JD tore through, I had to do something to keep him entertained and to keep me from running out to grab a new plushie every few weeks.

I pulled out my stash of polar fleece and made these toys with knotted edges instead of stitching. It has been over a year since JD started using his first tumbler toy, and it still hasn't been torn open yet. It has quickly become his favorite toy to toss around while he is playing with his brother, Ringo. I just love seeing him nap, all curled up in a ball, snuggling his tumbler. It's small comforts like these that make puppy life just a bit more special.

I currently donate at least $1 from every item sold in my shop to the Pug Rescue of New England (PRoNE) or the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA). My favorite way to help animals is by blogging about my own dogs, shelter animals in need, and other pet-related posts so that others can share in my love and respect for animals. I am also the Team EFA challenge blog volunteer who posts all of your lovely entries each month :]

Who's The Boss Print by thoseparasoldays

This drawing by thoseparasoldays was made specifically for Etsy For Animals's Monthly Challenge. The challenge for March is "Sweet Shelter & Cozy Comforts"; a stool may not seem very comfortable but often it seems as though what a cat looks for, more often than not, is some elevation - even a little helps!

I take care of the cat colonies around Costa Blanca, Spain.

MAR 2011 EFA CHALLENGE: Sweet Shelter & Cozy Comforts

EFA's Monthly Challenge theme for March is

- Sweet Shelter & Cozy Comforts -

"depict homes or things for the home, us or 'theirs'"

The Circle by Arlene Pace

Once I was a lonely dog, just looking for a home. I had no place to go, no one to call my own. I wandered up and down the streets, in rain in heat and snow.

I ate what ever I could find, I was always on the go. My skin would itch, my feet were sore, my body ached with pain and no one stopped to give a pat, or gently say my name. I never saw a loving glance, I was always on the run, for people thought that hurting me was really lots of fun.

And then one day I heard a voice so gentle, kind and sweet, and arms so soft reached down to me and took me off my feet. No one again will hurt you" was whispered in my ear.
"You’ll have a home to call your own where you will know no fear”
“You will be dry, you will be warm, you’ll have enough to eat”
“And rest assured that when you sleep, your dreams will all be sweet”.

I was afraid I must admit, I’ve lived so long in fear. I can’t remember when I let a human come so near. And as she tended to my wounds and bathed and brushed my fur,
she told me ‘bout the rescue group and what it meant to her.
She said, ”We are a circle, a line that never ends”.
“And in the centre there is you protected by new friends”.

“And all around you are the ones that check the Pounds,
And those that share their home, after you’ve been found”.
“And all the other folk are searching near and far”.
“To find the perfect home for you, where you can be a star”.
She said, “There is a family, that’s waiting patiently,
and pretty soon we’ll find them, just you wait and see”.
“And then they’ll join our circle they’ll help to make it grow,
so there’ll be room for more like you, who have no place to go”.

I waited very patiently, the days they came and went.
Today’s the day I thought, my family will be sent. Then just when I began to think It wasn’t meant to be, there were people standing there just gazing down at me. I knew them in a heart beat, I could tell they felt it too. They said, “We have been waiting for a special dog like you”.

Now every night I say a prayer to all the Gods that be. “Thank you for the life I live and all you’ve given me”. “But most of all protect the dogs in the Pound and on the street”. “And send a Rescue Person to lift them off their feet”.

This story was found at the Australian Animal Protection Societ

http://www.aaps.org.au/poems/poems.html

I think this story is so sweet and shows what a wonderful thing it is to provide shelter for a stray animal ! So once again, tip your hat to the lovable furries you live with and enter this month’s challenge !

If you are an EFA member & would like to submit an entry, please convo our Challenge Volunteer, Jess of jessicalynneart, with the following information:

1. PROViDE the link to an item in your shop that fits the theme or has been created for the theme.

2. EXPLAiN how you think the item fits the monthly Challenge theme

3. TELL US a bit about your work/donations/volunteer work with animals or animal charities

4. TiTLE your convo with the name of the MONTH and the word CHALLENGE, for example: JANUARY CHALLENGE.

One more important step:

5. TAG your Etsy listing with the monthly Challenge theme tag:

teamefashelter

and be sure to ALSO keep your regular team tag in place, either: team efa' or team efa cotm if it will benefit our cotm program.

Submit your entries asap... remember that the first 16 qualifying entries will be automatically entered into our Monthly Challenge Competition where the winner is awarded a free advertising slot with EFA !

FEB CHALLENGE COMPETiTiON: Companion Corner

'Team EFA February Challenge Competition ' by thebluewindmill

This is EFA's February's challenge competition treasury for "Companion's Corner", pay homage to your furry companions !

It consists of the first 16 entries of our monthly challenge and will be posted on the challenge blog where each visitor will have a chance to vote for their favorite item... The Voter can be found at the bottom of this blog page

The winner will get a free one month advertising slot on either the EFA blog or the Challenge blog, winner's choice, for the following month!

My Little Joker (8x10 matted... AlexWijnen $25.00	Hello Dog Handmade Card - 15... fairycardmaker $4.25
Classic Teddy Bear / Checker... AubreyMade $26.00	Love Unspoken Dog and Child ... QueenBe $
carrot colored rabbit finger... knitbyvalerie $15.00	custom valentine collage pet... PetCollage $24.95
Commissioned Pet Portrait - ... BrazenDesignSt... $75.00	Hamster Mixed Media Stamp P... thefrogbag $9.00
Loyal Companion Dog Art Note... terikor $12.50	Haute Dog Reversible Bandana... AstridNicoleEt... $
Matching Dog and Human Rainb... jessicalynnear... $45.00	Wild Thing Grrrrr Humorous P... cocoNme $50.00
Ellie Smiles - Pet Portraits MyPhotoArt $40.00	Cat Hair Pin. Tabby Bobby Pi... EllaQuaint $5.00
ACEO Hi from the Animals pri... SharonFosterAr... $4.00	Plush Dachshund - Rupert Ruf... DogBarks $28.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.

REMEMBER TO CAST YOUR VOTE... scroll down to the bottom of the blog page !

Two Wolves Original ACEO by thebluewindmill

This beautiful ACEO from thebluewindmill has a wonderful background story that is shared below. I serve as challenge leader for our team.

In 1995 fourteen wolves were transported from Canada to Yellowstone National Park as part of a wolf reintroduction plan. The reason that the U.S. had to get wolves from outside of the country is because there were no longer enough wolves in the country to accommodate the plan.

Wolves are a keystone predator, meaning that without them nature falls out of balance and other species of animals are then adversely affected, as was the case in Yellowstone. According to official records, 1926 was the last year that wolves were killed in the national park. Due to the absence of wolves, the numbers of elk, as well as other large prey animals multiplied and spiraled out of control, decreasing the new growth of vegetation such as deciduous woody species like upland aspen and riparian cottonwood.

Furthermore, coyotes moved in filling the void that the wolves had left, but they were not equipped to control the large animal prey and also had a negative effect on other species such as the red fox.

In the winter of 1996-1997 the last 17 wolves were released into Yellowstone as part of the recovery plan.

Without our wild comrades, our ecosystem was thrown out of balance; and it took nearly three decades, an estimated cost of “$200,000 to $1 million per wolf”, and scores of dedicated workers to restore this balance.

Defenders of Wildlife reports:
“Today the Yellowstone ecosystem, which includes the park itself, plus parts of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho, is home to almost 800 wolves in more than 50 packs.”

A great success story for our wild companions!

Information found at the following websites:
Yellowstone Park Wolf Reintroduction Plan
Wikipedia Article on Wolf Reintroduction
Defenders of Wildlife News Release

Cat Hair Pin by EllaQuaint

This hair pin from EllaQuaint is a lovely way to show your love for kitties! The pin features a cute tabby that fits right in with the companion challenge.

I volunteer at Pet Adoption Fairs, take in foster animals, and participate in the trap, neuter, and release program.

Plush Dachshund by DogBarks

How often as a child I would play with my stuffed animals! They were far more than just toys to me; they were my true friends and companions, just like this dachshund, Rupert Ruff & Raggy, by dogbarks is. My stuffed animals came for rides with me in the car, to the doctor's, the relatives', the playground, and then to bed with me at night. I was sure that they "came alive" while I was asleep and wandered the house getting into all kinds of mischief! I can't imagine a childhood without these wonderful stuffed companions!

My work with animals includes giving both financially and by donating items to my local shelter, as well as donating to Chriss over at the feral kitten rescue in Oregon. I also have several shop items designated for EFA charities, including 10% of this sale.

Ellie Smiles Print by MyPhotoArt

This print by MyPhotoArt features Ellie the smiling dog. Ellie needed a new home and we found each other a year ago. Her shyness and fear has been replaced by exuberance and joy. She smiles all the time! I wish the same freedom for all animals - to know love. It opens the door and allows their true personalities to shine.

I help animals by giving a minimum of 10% of all sales to local animal sanctuaries and no kill shelters. I am also discussing a photo campaign with them where I take studio quality photos of the animals in need of forever homes and try to really capture their personality. I hope this will help them find the loving homes they yearn for.

Hi from the Animals ACEO Print by SharonFosterArt

Hi from the Animals is an ACEO print by SharonFosterArt that features a few of the wonderful animals that can be companions.

Shelters need all the help that they can receive. I donate newspapers, towels, old blankets and sheets to our local animal rescue. This helps save cash for needed items like food and medicine. And I have a big sack of cat toys to take to Cedarhill Animal Sanctuary (that is, if it will ever stop raining)!

Wild Thing Puppy Necklace by cocoNme

Who doesn't love a goofy silly puppy like the one that adorns this necklace by cocoNme? They are furry, four-legged, bundles of joy that make wonderful companions for single persons and are also welcome additions to families. Aside from being warm friends, when you need them, they give you true unconditional love. Pet Therapy Dogs are especially a comfort to patients with cancer and other debilitating diseases and to the elderly.

I've been involved in art since childhood and have been making jewelry since 2004. My golden retrievers, who were both shelter dogs, inspired me to combine my jewelry-making with my love for animals. Since 2005, I've donated a percentage of my sales to the ASPCA, HSUS, Habitat for Humanity, SCGR Rescue, GRCGLA Rescue, and the NCCF (canine cancer - which both my dogs died of). I've also donated some finished jewelry to several animal rescues for fund-raising auctions.

Hamster Mixed Media Stamp Pin by thefrogbag

Sometimes small critters don't get the same acclaim as larger ones when we think of "companion animals", but they can be just as much fun and provide just as much enrichment to our lives. Hence, I have chosen to celebrate the humble hamster with this stamp pin by thefrogbag!

I'm the Facebook Fan Page curator for EFA, and I donate 20% of the sales from my shop to the Tapir Preservation fund. They do amazing work not just for tapirs, but for all the world's rain forests that shelter tapirs! I also live with a total of 8 rescued animals.

Haute Dog Reversible Bandanna by AstridNicoleEtcetera

This bandanna by AstridNicoleEtcetera is a great accessory for dogs that celebrates the monthly challenge as it reminds us that our canine companions come in all shapes and sizes.

Shortly after adopting Astrid in 2006 from the Santa Cruz Humane Society in Nogales, AZ, we realized that we wanted to 'give back' to the shelter for the joy that Astrid brought into our lives. Since April of 2008, we have been crafting bandannas and collars for dogs and donating the net profits to the shelter that gave Astrid a home while she waited for her forever home with us.

Classic Teddy Bear by AubreyMade

We all know that a teddy bear is a great companion for children. Nearly every child has a bear to snuggle up with, and this checkered bear by AubreyMade is a new friend just waiting to find a great forever home!

I donate to EFA's Challenge of the Month (COTM) and give food to stray kitties.

Carrott Colored Rabbit Fingerless Cuffs by knitbyvalerie

These cozy fingerless gloves from knitbyvalerie feature a modified version of cable-knit rabbits that were found in a vintage pattern. Rabbits are very near and dear to my heart and February is national adopt-a-rabbit month (as decreed by the House Rabbit Society at rabbit.org). February also kicks off the Make Mine Chocolate campaign to keep people from giving live rabbits as gifts for Easter.

I have 6 rescues in my home and I have successfully encouraged friends to adopt from shelters. While I work hard for all homeless animals, my heart belongs to the bunnies!

Loyal Companion Dog Note Cards by terikor

"Loyal Companion" was an easy choice for terikor when it came to choosing an entry for February's Monthly Challenge "Companions Corners". The title of these note cards says it all. The Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) is known for its loyalty to its owner and human companion. Therefore this breed is the perfect loyal companion.

My canine companions are Lexi, Gabi, Zoe and Keli, who through their love have taught me so much. There devotion has inspired me to give back to both my breed and all dogs through my art. Pastel is my favorite medium to convey my love of animals especially dogs. I donate a percentage of proceeds from art sales to various rescues around the United States.

Custom Valentine Collage by PetCollage

Can you feel the love?! This lovely work by PetCollage is a sample custom Valentine's Day collage

I give a percentage of sales to the Red Door Shelter in Chicago. They are the only shelter here that rescues rabbits as well as cats and dogs, and I even saw a duck there once. It is a fantastic place! that is a tribute to the relationship between Lisa, my niece, and her dog Ziggy. She found him wandering the street in Ann Arbor, MI. At the time, they saved each other.

Matching Human and Dog Hat Set by jessicalynneart

This hat set by jessicalynneart shows just how special the relationship between humans and their companion animals can be. Normally the only individuals one sees dressed alike are young twins. The hearts of our animals are much like twins to our own hearts. We are incomplete without them, so we do all that we can to connect with them. These hats keep both you and your pup (or your cat, if your cat likes hats) warm so that you can snuggle up together in the cold weather and enjoy looking like the most adorable aliens around. This set is absolutely one of a kind, as I do not plan on ever making another like it!

I rescued my pug, James Dean, from the Pug Rescue of New England after graduating high school in 2008 and ever since that day I have become increasingly more involved with volunteering for rescues and trying to help people become more aware of the number of animals that need to be adopted. I currently donate at least $1 from every item sold in my shop to the Pug Rescue of New England (PRoNE) or the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA). In my spare time, I am a volunteer dog walker for the MSPCA and I also volunteer my time at special events and fundraisers. My favorite way to help animals is by blogging about my own dogs, shelter animals in need, and other pet-related posts so that others can share in my love and respect for animals. I am also the Team EFA challenge blog volunteer who posts all of your lovely entries each month :]

Original Pet Portraits by BrazenDesignStudio

The animal companions with whom we share our lives can mean the world to us. An original, hand painted portrait by BrazenDesignStudio is a beautiful way to celebrate a cherished pet or remember those we have lost.

It's my aspiration as an Artist to help animals with my talent. I donate proceeds from the sale of my artwork to numerous causes such as the BC Interior Horse Rescue Society, the Equine Outreach Horse Rescue, The Gentle Barn, The Okanagan Small Dog Rescue, and The Albertan Bulldog Rescue Society just to name a few!

My Little Joker Print by AlexWijnen

Dogs, especially small lap dogs, make the most perfect animal companions! What better way to share some fun with your furry companion than to play dress-up like this pug in a print by AlexWijnen.

$5 of the sale of every 8x10 print and $7 of every 11x14 print is donated directly to the Oregon Humane Society, a non-profit near and dear to my heart since that’s where we got Tucker, our two-year-old little Golden Retriever. I do a lot of in-kind donation work in the form of graphic design for OHS (creating their quarterly magazine), as well as make annual financial contributions.

In addition to Tucker, our family also includes 9-year-old Pogo, a black lab/newfie mix and, up until last week, 13-year-old Cooper, a collie/shepard mix (sadly, he suffered internal bleeding last Wednesday and we had to let him go...). Our family also includes our kitties Pluisje and Coco.

Love Unspoken Dog and Child Vintage Fabric Collage by QueenBe

This lovely collage by QueenBe represents this months challenge theme by showing how much children love dogs and dogs love children. They are the best companions for each other. The wall hanging is made from all vintage items.

I am currently donating 10% of my monthly shop sales to the ASPCA.

Hello Dog Handmade Card by fairycardmaker

For the Companion's Corner challenge fairycardmaker shows that friends come in all shapes and sizes. This hello greeting card has a white dog greeting a little purple butterfly. The dog is my very own original paper die cut design.

15% of this dog card will go to the Southern Ontario Animal Rescue (SOAR) which is a small local dog rescue in my area. I also teach card making and paper crafting workshops for this charity.