Helping the SPCA in Maine
Our final destination of our road trip was to spend a few days at Skylands, my home in Seal Harbor, Maine. After we said goodbye to Jill, who went off to visit her daughter at camp, Hannah, Barbara, and I found many fun and interesting things to do. One afternoon, we attended a fundraising event for the SPCA of Hancock County. Their plan is to raise enough funding to build a new state-of-the-art shelter, adoption center, and community education facility to provide a comfortable and caring temporary home for lost, stray, abused or abandoned animals in the region.
Beneath a tent on a bright and sunny day, there were many booths set up offering products and services to support this cause. It was there that I became aware of the Mount Desert Island Pet Food Pantry, which helps those in need with feeding their pets. There is a growing problem with many people who can no longer afford the cost of pet food and I wanted to contribute something to the pantry. My company has a partnership with Purina and feeding shelter animals and helping financially challenged families with pets is a top priority for both Purina and MSLO. I arranged to send the pantry coupons for 200 free bags of dog or cat food to provide some support for the animals in that area.
And remember that you can help, too! Just pledge to help out at a local animal shelter or help create awareness of shelter pets at www.bemyhero.com. When you do, Purina ONE will make a donation of $5 up to $500,000 towards pets in need. Francesca, Sharkey, and I have already pledged!
This is marvelous, my beloved strays and many others around the world thank you today!
Posted by: The Blushing Hostess | July 31st, 2009 at 4:46 am
I'm going to share the bemyhero.com link with my blog readers! Thanks for sharing.
Jenny Steffens
jennysteffens.blogspot.com
Posted by: Jenny Steffens | July 31st, 2009 at 9:20 am
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This is VERY nice to see.
Don't know if you saw this exact concern TWITTERED to you last week---------
@MarthaStewart--I've been asked to spearhead pet pantry growth nationally through National Cancer Society for Animals. Would you be willing to.......8:59 PM Jul 21st from web in reply to MarthaStewart
@MarthaStewart....donate to the cause? May I submit a formalized request to the appropriate person? Thank you. ajs9:00 PM Jul 21st from web in reply to MarthaStewart
Thank you for reviewing this question, restated here.
NATIONAL CANCER SOCIETY FOR ANIMALS(see FOOD PANTRY comment, THE MARTHA BLOG 7/15)
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Posted by: Andrea Spencer | July 31st, 2009 at 9:30 am
Hi Martha!
Sorry to see the road trip come to an end but I bet it was great to get home to Skylands, yes?
But what a way to end the trip, with an outside "pet" gala such as Hancock County's Fund raiser for the SPCA! What a wonderful plan they have in place for their new adoption center! Their idea to also involve education at the center as well as temporary care is so vital and deserves our praise.
Very good of you, Martha, to help. You are always there to help get the most difficult of jobs done! And the pet food pantry is another much needed resource for help in these hard times.
Have to mention - besides all of the beautiful and cuddly dogs you snapped shots of, especially F&S! - how sweet Lisa Halls daughter, Matilda looks in her photo with a cute painted face!
Martha, it's extravaganzas and efforts of goodwill like this one in Hitchcock County that will bring this country back to win, place and show!
A big fat blue ribbon for you, too! And thanks for sharing with us these very positive and encouraging actions being taken to help balance and resolve so much of this current economic fall-out!
Huh, there yet may be something to those poker-playing dog paintings you see hanging around! Winner takes all! When animals win, so do we!
Posted by: tinay | July 31st, 2009 at 9:53 am
Again, thanks for the blog. I just had an unwanted dog show up at my doorstep. She is so very gratiful and excited to be wanted. She has no idea what she did that was so bad as to be dumped without food, water or hope.
But she has all that now.
Posted by: Margie | July 31st, 2009 at 9:54 am
I'm trying to find where to add you to my Facebook page. Also, I'm a little out of touch -- whatever happened to the Chow dogs?? Enjoyed seeing Dan Hinkley on Thursday's show - he's a local around here!! Thanks!
Posted by: carolyn king | July 31st, 2009 at 2:17 pm
A very timely post for me as we say goodbye today to our sweet rescue dog who has been our faithful friend for 14 years. Cassie has been loyal and loving and our constant companion for all these years---traveling with us, joining any game we could devise, and rarely ever out of our sight--always sleeping nearly and ready to play some more. We will miss her terribly. But we know there are more animals out there who still need a good home when the time is right to again add to our family.
Posted by: MMC in San Diego | July 31st, 2009 at 4:20 pm
I love your consistent commitment to the quality of life and your huge heart for animals, Martha - ALL animals, great and small! Your farm at Cantitoe Corners and lifestyle, in general, are evidence of your knowledge of their value in our lives.
My little Edgar and Mandy were 'pound puppies' (cats, of course) who were picked out by my husband at the time at our local SPCA, and they have proven to be wonderful little friends over the years. (And) with our recent marriage two years ago, we have become an actual family unit, and that's how we view it. As many read thru my faithful and daily posts, my heart is always full with/for my 'boy and girl'.
With my little Edgar's passing yesterday morning on July 30th, and having to say goodbye to my little faithful friend, I'm sure as time goes by and my heart mends, that I will want to seek out another cat needing a secure home, overflowing with love, warmth and shelter from the cold, a never-empty food and water supply, and manymany hugs and kisses on furry cheeks, and/or nibbles on furry ears. ALL of that will be provided - unconditionally.
I think the next time, I will look for a mature kittiekittie, who can provide/receive just as much love as a kitten. They, oftentimes, are overlooked as ideal choices, especially in active families.
=^..^=
"When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another."--Helen Keller
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | July 31st, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Hi Martha,
I don't think there is anything more satisfying than spending time with animals and even more so when it is for a good cause! Your dedication to animal causes is commendable! Trish
Posted by: Trish | July 31st, 2009 at 6:22 pm
What a good time you must have had at this event. You're so kind and good-hearted. It's so nice to see how much you love all the animals.
Posted by: Sherry | July 31st, 2009 at 7:17 pm
I do so love your web site and the way you help out with the animal world. Here in Wichita Kansas have just built a brand new humane society building right next to a new county animal control center. It was very expensive but well worth the wait. The adoption fees are quite high,but considering that they do all the shots and neuter and spay amongst other things it's worth the money. We have needed this for a very long time. To many animal shelters are to old and need replacing with the state of the art facilities. I have a purebred Manx cat that i got from the humane society 11 yrs ago and she's still acting like a kitten which is a trait of the breed and she's very healthy. Plus to top that off i have raised a feral cat from a 3 month old kitten to an 8 yr old lover boy who has saved my life on many occasions over the past 8 yrs.
Sadly i'm going in for a heart operation on the 5 th of august and i know my cats will miss me dearly and i pray i can come home to them really soon. Keep up the good work you do with all these animal organizations Martha,maybe it will get more people interested in this.
Posted by: Victoria Arnold | July 31st, 2009 at 9:25 pm
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PEACE PIPE
A birthday message----------
I know I have been driving my animal causes particularly hard at you for the last month. No response grows a monster effort in me since determination is what I've been bred on, but it looks as though it's been no joy for you either! So as a birthday tip of the hat this year I've agreed with myself to stop clogging your blog with pleas and 'please' and just sing out a daily comment now and then!
As my other birthday salutation to you I have a little Gloucester, Essex, Rockport thing I'll send along. With travel a primary pleasure of yours, Stellwagen Bank should 'take you there'!
I wish you a happy birthday next week and hope that my words along the way have reached you with the heartfelt portrayal of my admiration and love for all you do and for who you are.
I remain convicted to those words as birthdays pass. Wishing you tonight, another BEST.
Andrea and the Weimaraners
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Posted by: andreajetspencer.blogspot.com | August 1st, 2009 at 1:32 am
This one's dedicated to Martha Stewart in honor of her birthday, August 3, 2009. I love you, Martha! Happy Birthday! (...figure you've already started celebrating...hee hee!)
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It's just another day, I thought
More madness in the skies
Life and death seem married now
Their children pull the nets
Simple times have rubbed the raw
and ripeness of our sect
We pack rugs
We run like thugs
We click and hunt and peck
Reaching back with minds that hold
The heart of country green
Whirling flags uphold the night
Blown winds brush by a fool
Our flock denied it's inner word
We trusted all too sure
The sword we drew at Nature's edge
Came twice but once to lure
'Tis country groans, a tall tree falls
It's people own their slots
Simple ways and happy days
Caught up in withered spots
Who can hope? And who can lead?
One must find a rolled-up sleeve
Faster comes a Baker's fare
Dyed and dumped in plastic ware
Time ran out on making hay
Someone sold our dreams away
There, a mended rug lay flat
There, a can of chicken fat
Poke an iron rod straight through!
Wheels that bury Nature's brew!
Touch your hoe and shovel, too!
Brand the sky with corn and hue!
STOP the train to "Brick Wall Station"!
Man the hearts of women achin'!
Children lost to ART-OFFICIAL
Chews a Skittle - takes a pittle
Show again the brightest blue
The plump of earth and morning dew
Keep the best within our reach
The top-shelf ones on 'How-To' teach!
Taste our past of denim blue
Pick and pluck the berries due
NEVER stop the Mending Train
Of Home and Hearth and Living's stain!
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PS. And Martha...since I'm such a song bird (Ha!), one pops up for me that I can see you dancing happily around a mammoth lemon cake adorned with sticky buns - a candle burning in each one - in your Birthday suit!...remember it?, "...Sonny, thank you for the sunshine bouquet...thank you for the truth from A to Z...my Sonny one shines sooo sincere. Sonny, one so true, I love you...I love you..."
Posted by: tinay | August 1st, 2009 at 9:34 am
Oh I loved the pictures, such beautiful animals. The little cairn looks just like mine. Thank you for all you do for animals. You're an awesome lady.
Posted by: Pam from Indiana | August 1st, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Holy Cuteness was followed by Martha Stewart on twitter, but now she's gone! :-S
Posted by: Holy Cuteness | August 1st, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Dear Martha
this is Poopak, I am living in Iran-Tehran, really I wish to meet you ,but coming to US for us is impossible, even I can`t buy your magazines ,which I wish to have them. I can`t watch your TV, just sometimes through satellite and Kuwait TV Channel 2 on that I can see, but Iran Government mostly does`t let us to watch satellite... anyway I love you, and thanks god that I can connect to you through Internet only.
sorry for writing here, I couldn`t find any email address.
regards
Poopak
Posted by: Poopak | August 2nd, 2009 at 1:44 am
For Victoria Arnold - I wish you a most successful surgery and a speedy recovery. Yes, your cats will miss you and will love you even more when you come home. Thanks for all your efforts in helping sheltered animals. Please be in touch and let us know when you are feeling better.
Posted by: Martha Stewart | August 2nd, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Dear AnimalLover Martha, You are the kindest person I know and the most generous. All of the efforts you accomplish for your animals, as well as others, are very much appreciated by all of us who care as much as you do. I always put my lovable animals first and care and provide them with whatever they need. My little Dudley Do Right just got over a urinary infection and now has crystals in his urine. I had to provide him with a new diet food and he is doing well so far. I tell him everyday what a good boy he is and he is happy as a lark. I've never had a dog with these problems but will do everything I need to help him get well again. Thanks aain for all you do and inspire others to do. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | August 2nd, 2009 at 10:34 pm
My goodness Martha...are you getting enough sleep? (Of course the answer is no!) And getting enough to eat? You are barely there in that picture!! Skin and bones! Get some meat on those bones of yours!
God bless~
Amanda
Posted by: Amanda | August 2nd, 2009 at 10:40 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARTHA!
Love and hugs,
--Chris & Gene
Posted by: Chris L. Penturf | August 3rd, 2009 at 5:39 am
Happy Birthday Martha and Peggy. It was so fun meeting you all. Jill and I are still buzzing about the visit. Our Mother is so proud!
Best to you both. Jill and Jolene
Posted by: Jolene McGowan | August 3rd, 2009 at 11:13 am
Hi Martha, this is Juan from Ruby's Diner,
Happy B-day I wish the best for you! dont' drink all the Margaritas :~) Thank you so much for this video this is the best gift I received on my B-day!
http://www.ryanseacrest.com/blog/whats-happening/martha-stewart-takes-on-ryans-green-room/
You are the BEST!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Juan Mondragon | August 3rd, 2009 at 12:28 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARTHA!!!
Posted by: John Agnesini | August 3rd, 2009 at 2:54 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARTHA!!!!!!!from Frank, your pal......
Posted by: Frank J. Saffa | August 3rd, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Hi, Martha. I don't twit or tweet or any of that stuff, but I wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday. So, I'll do it the old fashioned way! I know some of your years have been great and others, well, not so much. Hope this year is SPECTACULAR in every way. Thanks for taking care of the animals.
Love, Elaine
Posted by: Elaine Harned | August 3rd, 2009 at 9:14 pm
Dear Martha,
We were all so happy to see you at the SPCA of Hancock County's Pet Show & Fair in Northeast Harbor! Your photos are great of Francesca and Sharkey too. I'm happy to report that we are now very close to meeting the $2million capital campaign goal, with only $95,000 to go.
Please save the date for the SPCA's Fur Ball in Bar Harbor, Maine on October 11. It is really fun!
Thank you again!!!
Posted by: Bethany Savage Klyver | August 6th, 2009 at 8:01 am
Your photos of the SPCA of Hancock County, Maine's Pet Show and Fair are terrific! We love Martha's enthusiastic support of all of our local organizations here on Mount Desert--she has assisted with land conservation through Maine Coast Heritage Trust, national park interests through Friends of Acadia and now our SPCA Pet Show and Fair which is helping us to complete the fundraising for a new small animal shelter and large animal barn and paddocks to house the needy animals of "down east" Maine. We hope Martha will consider being an Honorary Chair of the SPCA's October 11th Fur Ball Auction and Dinner at the Bar Harbor Club! On behalf of the cats, dogs, goats, horses and many other animals that the SPCA will soon be able to house at our expanded shelter, "thank you so much, Martha!" Dianna Emory, SPCA of Hancock County Campaign Commitee Chair PO 125 Salisbury Cove, ME 04672
Posted by: Dr. Dianna Emory | August 6th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Thanks for posting my earlier comment which I understand is moderated. I fully approve of the comment moderation. Thanks, Dianna Emory
Posted by: Dr. Dianna Emory | August 6th, 2009 at 9:45 am
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What a neatly woven poem by Tinay! Indeed!
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Posted by: andreajetspencer.blogspot.com | August 8th, 2009 at 6:20 am
It was a wonderful event, and great to see Martha Stewart supporting it. She and her dogs lit up the room. Thank you for showing my caricature of the dog on the cellphone. I am honored to be represented here, and to have been able to participate in the benefit for the animals in need of care.
Posted by: Lorraine Herschkorn Arts | August 10th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
I have included Martha's blog about the SPCA Benefit Fundraiser on my new website. The fun continues!
Posted by: Lorraine Herschkorn Arts | August 15th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Hey Martha Thank God you are there helping the animals. I also have pledges to help homeless and abused animals. You are a jewel. Your Fan Mary Caydler from Berwyn Illinois .
Posted by: Mary Caydler | August 18th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Hi fellow Mainer!
The cute bed that Francesca and Sharkey were "eyeing" was made by my husband. He crafts beach and cottage style furniture, right here in Maine, and his company is called Atlantic Coast Wood Designs. I have been after him for years to make dog beds that are just like his regular people beds, but to "dog size" them. He made one for our dogs that matches our bed and is adorable sitting next to the 'big' bed.
If you would like to make your sweeties happy and suprise them with their own beds, I would love to hear from you! You can e-mail me at earthstonedesignsjw@gmail.com. (earthstone designs is the name of my jewelry, and I check it often.)
Hope to hear from you!
Jo Anne Wilkinson
Posted by: jo anne wilkinson | August 22nd, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Wow...I have to have one of those dog beds!! They are sooooo cute! I am so happy to know where I can get one. I'd love to see the colors available. Martha, you should advertise them in your magazine! What a great product, and made in Maine!
Posted by: Linda V | September 13th, 2009 at 6:48 pm