The Bluebird Patch

  Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's  soul remains unawakened.    Anatole France The relationship between animals and people is undeniable. Domesticated pets are incredibly adapted to human needs. Anyone who lives with a dog or a cat knows that in the long run pets work out unusual ways to communicate their needs to their owners. My Cocker Spaniel always sneezes two times in a row when my husband comes home just to let him know that I am cooking and it “smells”. He also tends to communicate with his eyes. It's very funny and bizarre at the same way. If he wants something all he needs to do is “point” with his eyes. He always makes sure he establishes eye contact first.   http://nynerd.com/dog-hugs-baby-photos/ It's hard to believe there are people who have never open their homes to a deserving pet. I wish people could understand that pets are a gift to mankind . Pets are not in our possession to be beaten, starved, or murdered. These pets are here for us

"Happiness is like a butterfly. The more you chase it, the more it eludes you. But if you turn your attention to other things, It comes and sits softly on your shoulder." Henry David Thoreau

Cocktails for Cancer Benefiting Camp Sunshine Compound September 8, 2011 7 - 10pm Cocktails for Cancer will be an amazing night of fun with Atlanta’s fi nest Mixologists at Compound, the city’s premier nightclub. Please join us for specially created cocktails you’ve never seen before - you will get to vote for your favorite! The top two Mixologists chosen by you will win cash prizes. Tickets start at $75 each ($65 with a promo code " BLUEBIRD ") and include hors d’oeuvres from Lime Taqueria and a chance to try each of the unique cocktails.  VIP tickets and Sponsorship packages are also available! Click Here To Buy Tickets Now! Or visit http://mycampsunshine.givezooks.com/events/second-annual-cocktails-for-cancer/ About Camp Sunshine   Camp Sunshine enriches the lives of children with cancer and their families through recreational, educational and support programs. Camp Sunshine programs allow kids to share similar experiences and to participate in activities tha

DREAM Dachshund Rescue is an all-volunteer rescue group.We focus on saving dachshunds and close mixes in the Atlanta, North Georgia and Savannah areas. There are purebred dogs in desperate need all over Georgia -- and not just dachshunds! If you are looking for a pet to add to your home, you can search on www.petfinder.com for any breed or size of dog, cat, ferret, or horse -- all in your zipcode and in need of a loving family! Consider Ladybug a sassy little girl, about 8 years young. She is an excellent and steadfast companion. Ladybug's dream home would be with a quiet single person or couple who lives a calm life. She would do just fine as an only dog, too -- all the more attention for her, she says!  Her previous owner suffered a stroke and became unable to care for her. Ladybug's future was uncertain, but luckily DREAM had some space and wanted to give Ladybug her chance at a great life. She is looking forward to the time that she has a home she can call her own

Suddenly, through birthing a daughter, a woman finds herself face to face not only with an infant, a little girl, a woman-to-be, but also with her own unresolved conflicts from the past and her hopes and dreams for the future.... As though experiencing an earthquake, mothers of daughters may find their lives shifted, their deep feelings unearthed, the balance struck in all relationships once again off kilter.  ~Elizabeth Debold and Idelisse Malave

    Whole Foods Market Johns Creek & Whole Kids Foundation™ taking root with local school garden grant program Whole Kids Foundation, in partnership with FoodCorps, is now accepting online grant applications for its first major initiative, the School Garden Grant Program. It will be funded by a six-week, in-store donation drive at all Whole Foods Market stores, including the one in Johns Creek. Donations will also be accepted online at wholekidsfoundation.org from Aug. 17 to Sept. 30. In addition, the Whole Kids School Garden Grant Program, the Foundation and partner FoodCorps will offer $2,000 grants, along with curriculum, resources and mentorship, to 1,000 schools. FoodCorps’ expertise in gardening and its ongoing support will help schools build and sustain their gardens to ensure long-term success. All schools and garden-related nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for grants to support the launch or expansion of school gardens. “We’re excited about the pos

Watch out KFC, Pollo Tropical is here to stay!! Pollo Tropical®, famous for its citrus-marinated grilled chicken and Caribbean flavors, had a successful grand opening today at their new location on Lawrenceville, Ga.  In 1996, Atlanta franchisee Gary Link closed his three Pollo Tropical restaurants, citing unhappiness with the results of the franchise. The concept was probably ahead of its time for Atlanta, said Harold Shumacher, president of The Shumacher Group Inc a restaurant consulting firm. The first 100 customers in line received a certificate for a free Pollo Tropical Family Meal and were entered on site to win Free Pollo Tropical Chicken for a Year! Until now, the nearest Pollo Tropical was in Jacksonville, Florida. According to Vicky Timmer, Region Director for Pollo Tropical, the company's first Georgia location will offer the same great marinated, grilled chicken and made-from-scratch sides guests have come to expect from the quick casual chain, but with an

Beloved Tale of Self-Discovery Charms Audiences The Center for Puppetry Arts presents a whimsical production of The Ugly Duckling from August 18 – September 18, 2011. Adapted and directed by Michael Haverty, the show features music and puppetry, performed live by a two-person cast, and is specially created to engage younger audiences. Based on the beloved classic by Hans Christian Andersen, The Ugly Duckling follows a young bird who simply doesn't fit in with the other ducks in the pond. Helped by some friendly forest sprites, the duckling sets out to explore the wonders of the pond. On his journey, he meets a cast of colorful characters, braves the changing of the seasons, and discovers his true self. With a beautifully created environment full of hidden musical instruments created by Klimchak, Atlanta's percussionist extraordinaire, The Ugly Duckling brings to the stage Andersen's transformative fable about life's often bumpy road. The Ugly Duckling will be pr