Last month, I received an Etsy convo from Jane Morgan, a volunteer at the Cocker Spaniel Rescue of New England (CSRNE), about donating an item or two to their annual Joey Fund Auction.

What is the Joey Fund? The Joey Fund was established in 1997, named after a beloved rescued Cocker Spaniel who was found roaming the streets of Somerville, Massachusetts, in the bitter cold of Winter.

Shortly after a good samaritan took him in and cared for him, it was found that he had an orange-sized malignant tumor growing on his underbelly. It is comforting to know that thanks to his devoted foster mom and generous donations from CSRNE members, brave little Joey lived his last 3 years as active and happy as possible.

The Joey Fund has assisted in the care, treatment and adoption of close to 100 cocker spaniels with serious medical problems.

This year, CSRNE’s 11th Annual Joey Fund Benefit Auction will be held at the Holiday Inn in Boxborough, Massachusetts, on Sunday, October 19, from 11 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

This event includes a yummy boxed lunch as well as fun activities and exhibits, such the Cutest Pet Contest, the Arf Gallery, Gourmet Barkery and much, much more. Please go to the CSRNE website for further details.

If you can’t be there personally to share in all the fun, there’s an easy and convenient option to make a donation. WOOF!

I was moved by Joey’s plight and after checking out the organization, decided this was a terrific cause indeed. I hope their auction is an enormous success!

The following are photographs of the pieces I created especially for them.

The piece above, “RUBINO ORO”, features wonderful “natural” toned glass bones handcrafted by favorite Lampwork Artist, Janet Crosby.

I added artisan made pink and gold Lampwork beads. These beads are gorgeous in person and make a lovely accompaniment to Janet’s bones. The rest of the components are made of sterling silver.

The other two pieces are necklaces featuring terrific paw print Lampwork bones that were generously gifted to me by Janet. In addition to Janet’s bone bead, the “CARAMELIZED NECKLACE” on the left, is made of Mother of Pearl, excellent quality Grade A Tundru Sapphire, Swarovski Crystal, Karen Hill Tribe and sterling silver components.

“BASIC BLACK”, the necklace on the right, includes a microfiber suede cord, Swarovski Crystals and sterling silver.

All packed and ready to ship, each piece includes a signed description and is boxed ready for gift-giving.

Thank you to everyone - new and loyal repeat customers who placed bids and supported Paws, and to those that helped promote it by word of mouth, by email and on their websites - particularly -

Janet Crosby, one of the best people I have had the privilege of knowing, whose kindness and generosity knows no bounds;
Lori Flanders, a new glass artist for me, who enthusiastically plugged Paws on her website and generously offered more bones for every $5 that Bone Appetit sold (up to $50 - schweeet!);
and last but certainly not least,
Chessnoid, my bestest friend and #1 supporter for the last 20 years, who I’m very very fortunate to have in my life.

Your generosity and support means the world to me. With your help, we were able to raise awareness, raise a little money for two terrific non-profits, all the auction winners got some great deals, a few puppies n’ kitties will be enjoying new toys n’ treats, and all the pet-lovers can feel great wearing their bling, knowing that 100% of the money they paid for it is helping someone somewhere, and possibly saving lives.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you everyone.

Love your best friend, grab yourself some great deals for a great cause!

And check out these funny pups at Chessnoid’s blog.