Now that it’s 2013 it’s time to wrap up my journey with the 13 Project.

Several months ago Serena from Pretty Fluffy had invited me to join The 13 Project, a wonderful initiative to get involved and help animals! So I put on my cape and decided to be the best hero I could to help the animals in need!

Incase you missed it….

THE 13 PROJECT

The 13 Project is a Pretty Fluffy initiative that involves 13 acts of kindness towards animals before 2013. The goal is to embark on a list of 13 achievable and worthy goals before the year is out.

To join, all you have to do is come up with a list of up to 13 ways you can help animals before the end of 2013. You don’t need to be a millionaire, you don’t need to have a website, or be a member of a rescue organization … all you need is the desire to make a difference. Any little bit helps!

I’ve spent the last few months working on completing my goals, and although I squeezed a few of them in at the very last minute, I love to think I helped make a difference.

My goals for the 13 Project….

1. Make a charitable contribution to some of my favorite rescue groups, as I have done for the past several years, through the help of sales of my paintings and artwork that my friends the Painting Ponies have made.

The Painting Ponies and I made some donations to The Chincoteague Pony Rescue and The Main Line Animal Rescue this year to help some of the animals searching for their forever homes. I like to think that every little bit helps, and I’m happy to use some of the funds from the sale of my products throughout the year to help some of the rescue organizations.

2. Get my photo taken with Santa at a place that donates the profits to rescue groups like I have done for the past 3 years.

I went to visit Santa at my Vet’s office this year in which the proceeds benefited the Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Fund for the animals.

3. Promote some local rescue group events to all of my followers through Facebook. I have shared a few rescue events with my fans so far, but hope to share even more!

4. Purchase some toys from Planet Dog, where 2% of my sale goes to the Planet Dog Foundation, an organization that helps fund the training and placement of service dogs.

Mom and Dad got me some new toys from Planet Dog for Christmas this year! I’m so happy that through the sale of these items I was able to help some very special service dogs.

5. Share some of the available adoptable dogs (like I have done in the past) at the local shelters with my followers. I shared a few of the adoptable pets at my local SPCA, and I hope to continue to share some of my four-legged friends that are in search of their forever homes.

6. Donate some of my old towels to a local animal shelter. I took a trip to the Chester County SPCA and donated a big box of unwanted towels and blankets.

7. Create Holiday Greeting Cards for my Etsy Shop and donate a percentage of the sales to animal shelters. My 2012 Holiday Greeting Cards donate 2% of all the proceeds to the Main Line Animal Rescue.

8. Promote responsible pet ownership and encourage my readers to spay/neuter their pets.

This particular goal may have slipped through the cracks just a bit, but consider this my public service announcement for 2013! Please spay and neuter your pets! I got the good old snip snip when I was 6 months old and I encourage you to do the same for your pets. We have so many animals that are in need of loving homes, and by having your pet neutered you are doing your part to cut down on the population of dogs in shelters. Check out these great reasons from the ASPCA as to why it’s important to spay and neuter.

9. Donate some of my outgrown sweaters and jackets that I no longer use to a rescue group that can use them for shelter dogs. I sent a donation of sweaters and jackets to the Dachshund Rescue of Bucks County & New Jersey to keep the rescue dachshunds nice and warm. I encourage you to do the same!

10. Create a new page on the blog that highlights ways you can involved and help rescue animals, shelters, and good causes.

Just under the wire I’ve launched a new page on my website! You’ll find my giving back link at the bottom of the blog, which features tips on how you can get involved with helping the rescue animals and how I give back myself.

11. Purchase some Rescue Chocolate as Christmas gifts that donates 100% of their profits to animal rescues.

Mom helped me purchase some rescue chocolate which I happily wrapped and gifted to my friends and family this Holiday season.

*image via Rescue Chocolate

12. Try to promote more products on my Friday Fetch feature that donate a percentage of their sales to animal charities. Since I joined the 13 Project I am happy to say that just about every feature on Friday Fetch has helped out a rescue group/cause with the sale of their items.

13. Encourage others to get involved with the 13 Project! I’ve been pinning and sharing the 13 Project with all my fans!

I hope to continue my efforts with this wonderful project, because there is always something that can be done to help the animals that we love.

And to all the animals out there looking for forever homes I send all my love. xoxo.