LAKELAND K9 BARKERY "CHRISTMAS STOCKING FOR DOGS"

Hey all you good doggies - here's another gift to make your holidays yummy! Lakeland K9 Barkery has donated this glitzy Christmas stocking full all kinds of canine happiness! The stocking included Gingerbread Dog Treats, Variety Dog Treats, Chicken & Sweet Potato Dog Treats, Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Treats, a 48" long red leash decorated with bones, a couple packages of poo bags, and a mini basketball! This gift also includes a reindeer stuffy! For more info visit the Barkery's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lakelandk9barkery/

MILITARY ENGINEER COLOURED "SCARF & TOQUE"

This warm and soft hand-knitted toque and scarf are in red and navy blue, apparently the colours of military engineers! So, obviously this would be the perfect gift for the military engineer in your family - or anybody whose favourite colours are red and blue! Donated anonymousely.

LINDA GOYMER "PAIR OF RED SQUIRRELS"

Linda Goymer is a well known photographer about town - in fact, she's taking pictures of pets with Santa this Saturday at Pet Valu! She obviously likes red squirrels, because she donated a few photos of the cheery little rodents, including this matching set! Just the thing for a room in your house that needs some happiness - your kid's room, the family room - heck, I'd put 'em in the bathroom because sometimes you need cheering up in there! For more info, visit Linda's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LCGimages/

LINDA GOYMER "HAPPIEST SQUIRREL EVER"

I chuckle every time I see this photo. I mean, come ON. Isn't this the happiest squirrel you've ever SEEN? Maybe it's the happiest face, period. Happier than Shirley Temple with a sugar overdose. Obviously this squirrel has nuts! Why else would be be so happy? I think you should buy this happy squirrel photo by Linda Goymer, and hang it somewhere you'll see it many times a day - and every time you see it, you'll just have to grin back. Hard to be grumpy with this happy dude around! By the way, Linda is taking photos of pets with Santa this Saturday at Pet Valu. If you have a squirrel, by all means, bring him! For more info, visit Linda's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LCGimages/

LINDA GOYMER "DEW ON LEAF PHOTO"

Darn it all, I find it practically impossible to take photos of art behind glass because the light in the shelter stinks! Actually, I'm sharing my space with a big litter of pooping kittens, so, yeah, it also literally stinks in here. But I digress. What I'm trying to say is I had a hard time taking a photo of Linda Goymer's brilliant close-up of a leaf with dew droplets on it. Honestly, it's a magnificent photo - especially when you're not seeing me in the reflection!! You'll have to trust me that the photo is beautiful. Cause it is. Thanks for the donations, Linda! For more info, visit Linda's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LCGimages/

LINDA GOYMER'S "DINNER FOR TWO"

This photo by Linda Goymer is so lovely! It features two birds sharing lunch. I don't want to say what kind of birds they are, but I suspect they're some kind of swallows. As for lunch, whatever it was looked very colourful! A beautiful close-up photo, framed and ready to hang in a place of honour. Thanks, Linda! For more info, visit Linda's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LCGimages/

ORBITING TRENDS "RUSSIAN COLLECTOR PLATE"

OK, so, have you ever tried to explain what the Kama Sutra is to a teenager? I don't recommend it, cause now my face is the same colour as the red tablecloth I've been using as a photo backdrop. (Cause I'm all professional.) Anyway, one of the teenagers at the shelter came in to the room I was working and picked up a collector plate donated to us by Orbiting Trends. "What's this?" she asked. Innocently. I explained that they were collectors plates which are plates that are so fancy, you can't eat off them. So really, why are they plates? "No, no, what's the picture?" she asked. I hadn't really looked at them yet, but a quick glance reminded me of the drawings in the classic book from India, the Kama Sutra. She didn't know what that was. "It's a book," I began, "with drawing of every se.... every sexual ... um... you know ... position." She was appalled, more because there's an actual paper book of such things, when there's the Internet, but also I'm an old person, basically a strange old person, talking about you know what. I think I was more embarrassed than she was. Which brings me to this plate, which has absolutely NOTHING to do with the Kama Sutra, because it was painted in Russia by Russian artists, who are all dressed with nothing wonky going on. It's a plate. with a woman, and some rabbits, and it's from The Bradford Exchange and comes with a certificate of authenticity. But the description is all in Russian, so I honestly don't know what it's about. But it's cute. And it's PG. So buy it! :) Also, it comes with a $20 gift card to shop at Orbiting Trends. For more info, visit Orbiting Trends Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/orbitingtrends/

ORBITING TRENDS "MATCHING RUSSIAN COLLECTOR PLATE"

This plate goes with the plate I just posted. This one also has nothing to do with the Kama Sutra, but it has some English, so there's that. Also, there's a $20 gift card to shop at Orbiting Trends! https://www.facebook.com/orbitingtrends/

NICOLE MBANEFO & MARK FITZSIMONS "FRAMED BUTTERFLY PRINT"

Nicole and Mark teamed up to create this donation (and one almost like it). Nicole ordered a vintage scientific print featuring the world's butterflies, and her husband Mark created a frame for it using repurposed pallets, varnished in a warm mahogany shade. The frame is beautiful, and so is the artwork - you and the kids will have fun identifying what butterflies they've seen, and what ones they'd like to see! Thanks Nicole and Mark!

NICOLE MBANEFO & MARK FITZSIMONS "FRAMED BUTTERFLY PRINT 2"

This is a matching butterfly print created by Mark and Nicole. It's got different butterflies, of course, but it will look terrific hanging with its mate. Thanks guys! You do great work!

LAKELAND K9 BARKERY "CHRISTMAS STOCKING FOR DOGS"

Hey all you good doggies - here's another gift to make your holidays yummy! Lakeland K9 Barkery has donated this happy doggie Santa Christmas stocking full all kinds of canine happiness! The stocking included Fruit Lover Variety Bag, Pineapple Peanut Butter Dog Treats, Peanut Butter Candy Cane dog treats, Fresh Breath dog treats, a 48" long green leash decorated with bones, a couple packages of poo bags, and a mini soccer ball! This gift also includes a monkey stuffy! For more info visit the Barkery's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lakelandk9barkery/

EMMTEE JEWELRY "TWO PAIRS EARRINGS FOR SENSITIVE EARS"

Megan Timm has donated several pieces of jewelry to this auction, including these two pairs of faux stone earrings (one pink, one green) with nickel-free, lead-free gold-tone metal, that is safe for even the most sensitive ears. Megan has been making the bigger earrings for a while now, but the smaller ones are BRAND NEW and she is offering them to auction shoppers before anyone else! The bigger earrings are about 1 cm wide; the smaller ones are about .75 cm. For more info, visit Megan's Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/EmmTeeJewelry

HEATHER'S HUGABLES "CHAIN MAILLE BRACELET"

There are more than 300 rings in this chain maille bracelet! Amazing! Heather Hamilton of Heather's Hugables fashioned this pretty bracelet in elf-weave silvery toned aluminum. A perfect stocking stuffer! For more information about Heather’s Hugables, e-mail hhugables@gmail.com or find Heather on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.hamilton.7355079

MARIE GAGNON'S "THIRTY-ONE SWAP-IT POCKET"

Check out this pretty purse/bag from Marie Gagnon and Thirty-One Gifts. It's called a Swap-It Pocket and here's why you'll love it: With 3 interior elastic pockets, 3 interior pen pockets and 2 side-zip pockets, the Swap-It Pocket is a fabulous way to organize small items. From small tablet and smart phone accessories to receipts, gift cards, planners, and more, this essential organizer can travel on its own or fit neatly inside select bags to keep contents squared away. Pairs beautifully with the Little Dreamer, Demi Day Bag and City Chic Tote. Key features: Polyester, 2 exterior side compartments with zipper closure, 3 interior elastic pockets, 3 interior pen pockets, Snap tab closure, Approx. 6.25”H x 9.75”L x 3”D. Marie has also included a Hang-It-Up Key Fob: Never forget where you put your keys again or spend frantic moments searching through your bag or purse for them. The Hang-It-Up Key Fob attaches to your key set with a lobster clasp. Use the clasp to attach to your favorite bag, tote or thermal and the D-ring to attach your keys for easy access while on the go. Annnnd she even included a fancy nail file! Nice package, Marie! For more info visit her website Consultant639-840-3112www.mythirtyone.ca/mariegagnonAnd or her VIP Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/129099251060619

SUPER MARIO CHARACTERS FIGURINE

Oooh, I remember being hooked on Super Mario. It was when Nintendo was the hot tamale on the video game block, and I played Super Mario every chance I could. Those were the daze when I was happy and carefree ... oops, I'm digressing again. Super Mario is still a hot commodity, and kids big and small will love this super-collectible Super Mario Characters Figurine. According to Amazon, it's a rare 2010 Promo figurine statue from Club Nintendo - of which only Platinum Members could choose to buy it. It comes in a "block" box, just like the ones Super Mario is always punching! And, according to Amazon, this statue sells for $199!!!! Not to mention that it doesn't ship to Cold Lake! Donated anonymously, this precious figurine will delight Super Mario fans of all ages - even crusty old farts like me! Thanks for this awesome donation! This is the link to Amazon so you can see for yourself it's worth: https://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-Super-Mario-Ch…/…/B004HL3XI4

EAST 18 DECOR "CAN'T TOUCH THIS WOOD SIGN"

How brilliant is this? A line of friendly cactuses (cacti?) with the slogan "can't touch this." Shannon Newlands (who runs East 18 Decor with her boyfriend, Taylor) has a wonderful imagination, and I'm kinda tickled with this all-wood sign, which is framed with wood. Plus, it gives you a Hammertime ear worm for the rest of the day! Can't touch that! For more info, visit the East 18 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/east18decor/

WHAT SHOPPA-PAW-LOOZA IS ALL ABOUT

 As I write this, on Oct. 3, 2017, the Lakeland Humane Society Shelter is seriously overcrowded - perhaps as crowded with homeless cats and dogs as it has ever been since it was founded in 1999.

Eighty cats are packed into a space that normally accommodates 25 - every single room of the shelter has several cats in portable kennels. The dog kennels are overcrowded as well - there literally isn't any more "room at the inn." The animals keep coming in and somehow LHS finds a way to provide them with warmth, medical care, food, and love.

Every cat and dog that comes to LHS is spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, dewormed and made as healthy as possible before they are put up for adoption. This is a shelter where every animal has a home for as long as it takes until they find their furever family. No time limits are placed on these precious lives.

Pets are adopted at low prices that don't even cover the cost of spaying or neutering, never mind anything else. All this work is done courtesy of the goodwill of people who donate to the Lakeland Humane Society. Without them, and without fundraising events like the annual Shoppa-Paw-Looza Online Aucton, we wouldn't be able to help 600+ animals every year. Our vet bills alone are approximately $55,000 every year.

Good news, though: LHS is getting closer to being able to build a desperately needed new shelter. Not only do we need a bigger shelter, but our current one is hopelessly outdated and beyond repair.

Last year we raised nearly $15,000 through Shoppa-Paw-Looza, but we're hoping 2017's version will be twice as successful.

Because we're not running a gala this February (for a variety of reasons, including the economy and increased competition from other galas), we're hoping all the people who usually donate to the gala's silent auction will instead generously donate to Shoppa-Paw-Looza.

The Shoppa-Paw-Looza Online Auction (which takes place on Facebook) begins Nov. 30, 2017 and will carry on until all items are auctioned off - it could last five days or more!

Any and all NEW items are welcome! Businesses are encouraged to donate items that will appeal to a wide range of holiday shoppers. Individuals are encouraged to buy/make items that shoppers can't resist!

I sincerely hope you find it in your heart to help the hundreds and hundreds of homeless pets who need our help. Please help us make this year's Shoppa-Paw-Looza the BEST auction EVER!

             - Cathy Olliffe-Webster, Online Auction Organizer. 

P.S. - Just to be clear, all the items on this blog were sold last year and the year before. You'll have to wait until November to see what's in store this year!

All donations may be dropped off at the Lakeland Humane Society, 6220 50th Ave. in Cold Lake, Alberta. If you can't drop them off, please call us at 780-594-1896 and we'll come pick them up!

You can also mail or courier your items: Lakeland Humane Society, PO Box 202, 6220 50th Ave., Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada, T9M 1P1.

For more information about Lakeland Humane Society:

Website: http://www.lakelandhumanesociety.org/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lakelandhumane/

Last year's auction page: https://www.facebook.com/events/671847489659872/?active_tab=discussion

 Mission Statement

In cooperation with local communities, the Lakeland Humane Society provides a safe haven for animals, while promoting responsible pet ownership, a concern for animal welfare, a compassion for all living things and their environment, and a commitment to make a difference.

Affiliates

The Lakeland Humane Society operates independently of all other animal organizations and humane societies. We are members of the Alberta SPCA and the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies.

The Alberta SPCA does not operate an animal shelter but does enforce the animal protection laws in the areas of Alberta other than Edmonton and Calgary. The Lakeland Humane Society does not have the right to enforce laws so all complaints are forwarded to the Alberta SPCA or the RCMP.

Canadian Federation of Humane Societies acts as an information source to many of the humane societies across Canada.

The City of Cold Lake, MD of Bonnyville No. 87 and the Village of Pierceland are responsible for Animal Control. This includes picking up strays and answering domestic animal complaints. The Lakeland Humane Society is not responsible for Animal Control.

Please be aware that the Lakeland Humane Society does not receive any part of donations or funding sent to these organizations.

WELCOME COLLAGE

WELCOME COLLAGE. Love this! It’s such a modern way of saying “Welcome!” This matted, framed photo collage features super arty and chic black and white photos, each with a letter in it - put together, they say a warm welcome to all guests in your home! Very well framed, behind glass, this is a quality item. Again, I apologize, I don’t know who donated this item, but I appreciate their generosity very much.

'EVERY DAY IS A GIFT' SIGN

EVERY DAY IS A GIFT SIGN. Isn’t that just the truth? This homey, folk-art style sign has the words “Everyday is a Gift” in swirling script. It’s nicely matted in a brown and gold-toned frame, and would look perfect in anyone’s family room. It’s approximately three feet wide and 8 inches deep. Thanks to whoever donated this! We have so many items that just arrived - if you let us know who you are in the comments, we can thank you properly!

FUNKY BUTT'N TEA TOWELS

EMBROIDERED TEA TOWELS. I know so many kitchen buffs who would absolutely love these embroidered tea towels from Cassandra Newton of the Funky Butt’n. The white one has an embroidered expression that says “Bakers Gonna Bake,” and the green one has a sassy cupcake that’s saying, “Bite me!” There’s a plasticized backing on the back (!) of the towels that will disappear upon first washing. Thanks, Cassandra! For more information, find the Funky Butt’n on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheFunkyButtn/ or visit the shop at 5015C 50th Ave. in Cold Lake. Or you can call (780) 594-3611.