Hi, Everybody! We've just made a donation to the Marion County Animal Shelter in Mullins, SC, for Arnold (ID #112184) a handsome coonhound mix. But we also wanted to give them a bit of attention: They are one of the poorest shelters in the south, located in an area that has unemployment of over 20%. The shelter itself is an old tobacco barn with dirt floors. They are in desperate need of donations.

Paws to the Rescue, founded in 2006, started out by saving animals from euthanasia in overcrowded shelters. Since, they have been awarded a contract to manage the Marion County Animal Shelter. The Director, Jen Nall, is doing everything she possibly can to not only save these dogs and cats, but to transform the shelter to a no-kill rescue. I imagine it is a very steep mountain to climb. And, unfortunately, they can't do it on the funding they receive alone. However, since taking on MCAS, Paws has heated the shelter, ensured all animals receive medical care vaccinations on intake, and provides emergency care.

We hope to continue supporting Paws as it transforms MCAS - so that it will soon be simply a pit-stop on the way to forever homes.  

If you'd like to further help out, know that many of their most in-need dogs and cats are not yet ready for adoption and, therefore, not on their PetFinder page.  Donations can be made here, or reach out to see how you can best support their efforts.  And, as always, thank you so much for Le Canot Rouge love - your purchases really make a difference.

We are in love times two! Firstly, with The Wildlife Center in New Mexico: they take in up to 1,200 orphaned, ill and injured animals annually. They rehab them and then release whenever possible. Those that cannot be released are given sanctuary either at TWC or through a partnering organization best suited to the animal's needs. This year is looking like a record year for animal intakes at TWC, so any donations of food/bedding would surely be appreciated ♥.

Annnnd secondly, via The Wildlife Center, we are crazy in love with the little guy we are currently sponsoring. His name is simply The Beaver and, not surprisingly, he is a beaver. A very cute one, too. Only 5 weeks old when rescued during a drug raid (I know, wha??) he is now safe and sound, spending his days as a beaver should. Thank you for your Le Canot Rouge purchases, they allow us to make these donations and we love you for it.

To sponsor your very own backwoods buddy (they rescue everything from bears to elk to coyotes to bats to eagles to raccoons to deer.....), zing 'em an email - they are wonderfully sweet and incredibly appreciative.

(beyond adorable photo by Kerrin Grant)

Reading our most favourite feeds this morning, we spotted an extra special one from the most wonderful Will over at Bright.Bazaar.  In addition to his regular scoop, chock-a-block full of tasty-like-the-weekend goodies, he's made mention of lecanotrouge.  Love! 

We relish the colour and creativity he showcases on his blog, and are delighted that he's got his eye on us, too.  For all sorts of fantastic ideas and inspiration, swing by and check him out - while there, make sure to note the code for 10% savings on your lecanotrouge purchases over the next two weeks.

Thanks again, Will!

Barkley McClure, Pileated Woodpecker: a bird of few words, a bird of many words.  He is not one to talk simply for the sake of talking.  Instead, Barkley only speaks when he has something to say that he has thought about; that he feels will make a difference.  But, he also loves to listen.  And when he's doing the latter, you can almost hear the gears turning in his head.  Philosophies shifting, ideas forming.  His eyes sparkle like sunshine on the lake in his utter delight.

But, despite his love of company, Barkley is also a bit of a nester.  He loves perching in the front window of his beautifully carved and comfortably appointed home rather than galavanting around town.  This, understandably, would have made visiting with his friends difficult, but they had an idea.  One day, a day quite a long time ago, they all joined together - for their own benefit as much as for his - and built a radio station within the tulip poplar tree that Barkley calls home. 

From the very moment he first sat down at the mic, Barkley was transfixed.  To his absolute joy, and to that of the community, CBRK broadcasts 35 watts at 104.5 Mhz on the FM dial.  It is idea-changing radio, and Barkley wouldn't change a thing.

Barkley McClure Pileated Woodpecker:  Now looking fine on our A7 Greeting Card, A2 Note Card, and 2" x 4" Folded Gift Tag.