How I Spent my Birthday

I took a day's leave from work and...

Went for an early morning walk.

Hint of sunrise

Got spoiled (flowers from Angie and the camera from mom & William).

Enjoyed some pampering at Pumula Beauty Salon.

Donated a pint of blood at the South African National Blood Service. There was also good news at the blood bank in that my health has improved quite a bit since the last time I donated in 2010. From nearly failing the iron test, and taking close on 45 minutes to fill the bag I was in and out in 30 minutes.

Then mom and I bought some blankets, bowls, collars, leads, food and harnesses and toys and donated them to the Kempton Park SPCA. We then volunteered for a few hours at the sanctuary, mainly walking the dogs, feeding them dog biscuits and giving all the dogs and cats some love. It really is sad to see that so many pets are without homes but they are in good hands at the various rescue centres around the country.

Thereafter we had some tea and cake at the Mugg & Bean.

Then ended the day off with dinner at Fahrenheit.

I had such an awesome birthday, and loved giving back to those in need. I challenge everyone to support a worthy cause on their own birthday. It does not matter how small the gesture, it will make the world of difference to those affected and effected.

There was also good news at the blood bank in that my health has improved quite a bit since the last time I donated in 2010. From nearly failing the iron test, and taking close on 45 minutes to fill the bag I was in and out in 30 minutes.

Thank you to everybody that wished me, I loved reading each and every message and chatting to the callers.

Here's to the start of a fantastic year!

Please Support - Santa Cause for Paws

A new charity drive was created earlier this year: Santa Cause for Paws.

How it works:

Members of the community pledge a dog (puppy)/ cat (kitten) box containing the following items:

Something warm: This could include a blanket or a jersey.

These do not have to be bought – they could even be handmade! You can even wrap your other goodies in the blanket and make that the item you hand in.

Something yum: Please include a tin or packet of food AND a treat of some sort.
For dogs, bones, dog biscuits and other brand dog treats are great! Please avoid rawhide
treats and cow hooves as these pose a risk of choking as shelter animals are not supervised at all times and bigger dogs are able to break pieces off which might cause harm. For cats, any brand of treat is ideal for our feline friends!

Something useful: Please include something that will be useful to your pledged cat or dog.
This could include a collar, tick and flea shampoo, a collar, Bob Martins, a food bowl etc.

Something fun: All animals like something to play with!
This could include a ball, cat-nip toy,
squeaky toy, etc. There are many toys available for cats and dogs, but please do avoid toys with buttons and items that can be swollowed.

Something for staff: Optional.
Please note that this is entirely optional, if you'd like to add something for a worker at the shelter, we will remove these items and place them into packs for the staff who work so tirelessly caring for all the animals whilst they wait for their forever homes. Items can include biscuits, chips, chocolates, bubble bath products, toiletries or any other item you would like to donate. You may also place a small donation of R10 into the box which we will use towards gifts and goodies for the staff members.

Completed boxes are dropped off at the specified collection points on the relevant days and thereafter distributed to the shelters.

The original pledge target was 500 boxes, but due to an overwhelming response that target has been increased to 1 500 boxes. As it stands (currently), the total is 1 024 boxes but with some increased exposure through social networking and word of mouth I have no doubt that the target will be reached shortly.

For those who do not have the time or resources to make up a box, a financial donation will also be greatly appreciated. A cat or dog pledge box can be compiled for as little as R100 each, but if that is out of one's budget, any monetary amount will be accepted.

For more information, please go to the website or "like" their Facebook page "Santa Cause for Paws".

Please support this initiative as the animals need our voices to speak on their behalf. As per the website "The greatest gift one can give is the gift of love".