hArLeM ShAkE ReVoLuTiOn!!!

The Strydom Family joined the Harlem Shake Revolution!!!

Give it up for...

Me, my kids, my sister and my husband... what a fun evening this was!

Enjoy!

If you decide to join in please post your link below and consider adding a link to ours ;)

Monica x

Homeless man returns $$$ engagement ring to owner

An internet campaign to raise money for a homeless man who returned a diamond engagement ring to a woman after it fell into his cup has so far raised nearly $155,000 with 6540 donations as of 6:40pm today.

There is still 79 days to go until the fund closes, initially the target was just $1,000 but the response has been amazing as this story has gone viral around the world.

The kind action of the homeless Billy Ray has restored many people's "trust in human kind", he has shown many that honesty still exists.

Billy Ray was raised by his grandfather - a God fearing reverend

The campaign was set up by the fiancé of Sarah Darling, who accidentally dropped her engagement ring into Mr Harris’ cup while giving him spare change.

Mr Harris discovered the ring about an hour after Ms Darling gave him the money and, although he says he knew it was incredibly valuable, he decided to hold on to it, rather than cash it in.
“The ring was so big that I knew if it was real, it was expensive,” Mr Harris told local television station KCTV, before adding that he’d had a hunch the owner would return for it and so decided to keep it safe.

Mr Harris, who usually sleeps under a bridge, said that Ms Darling returned to him very upset two days later after trying to find him the previous day to no avail.
He told KCTV: “She squatted down like you did right there and says ‘Do you remember me?’ And I was like ‘I don’t know, I see a lot of faces’. She says ‘I might have gave you something very valuable’. I said ‘Was it a ring?’ she replied ‘yeah’ and I said ‘Well I have it’.

Ms Darling described the find as a miracle, specially as the ring had sentimental value and the couple plan to pass it on to their daughter one day. Her fiancé Bill Krejci was so moved by Mr Harris’ kindness that he set up a GiveForward.com donation page.

Originally set up to raise $1,000 for Billy Ray, intentioned for the couple's friends and family to donate, it has now reached an amazing amount.

Raised by his grandfather, a God fearing reverend, Billy Ray was educated with principles and character which he keeps to this day. Most people would have pawned the ring straight away.

Bless him, a real honest person.

You can find Billy Ray Harris' Give Forward donation page here http://www.giveforward.com/billyray

Monica xx 

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ABDUCTION

THROUGH A RAPIST'S EYES

It seems that a lot of attackers use some tactic to get away with violence. Not many people know how to take care of themselves when faced with a situation of abduction. I hope you don't ever find yourself in such a scary situation but I think everyone should read this especially females.

WHAT ABDUCTORS LOOK FOR...

Through a rapist's eyes! A group of rapists and date rapists in prison were interviewed on what they look for in a potential victim and here are some interesting facts:

1] They also look for women using their cell phone, searching through their purse or doing other activities while walking because they are off guard and can be easily overpowered.

2] The number one place women are abducted from / attacked at is grocery store parking lots.

3] Number two is office parking lots/garages.

4] Number three is public restrooms.

5] The thing about these men is that they are looking to grab a woman and quickly move her to a second location where they don't have to worry about getting caught.

6] If you put up any kind of a fight at all, they get discouraged because it only takes a minute or two for them to realize that going after you isn't worth it because it will be time-consuming.

7] These men said they would not pick on women who have umbrellas, or other similar objects that can be used from a distance, in their hands.

8] Keys are not a deterrent because you have to get really close to the attacker to use them as a weapon. So, the idea is to convince these guys you're not worth it.


9] These men look to find women alone in their homes too, they don't have to take you anywhere to abuse you, it's less dangerous than having to take you somewhere. So make sure while you are home to have everything locked to prevent intruders.

POINTS THAT WE SHOULD REMEMBER:

1] If someone is following behind you on a street or in a garage or with you in an elevator or stairwell, look them in the face and ask them a question, like what time is it, or make general small talk: can't believe it is so cold out here, we're in for a bad winter. Now that you've seen their faces and could identify them in a line- up, you lose appeal as a target.

2] If someone is coming toward you, hold out your hands in front of you and yell Stop or Stay back! Most of the rapists this man talked to said they'd leave a woman alone if she yelled or showed that she would not be afraid to fight back. Again, they are looking for an EASY target.

3] If you carry pepper spray (this instructor was a huge advocate of it and carries it with him wherever he goes,) yelling I HAVE PEPPER SPRAY and holding it out will be a deterrent.

4] If someone grabs you, you can't beat them with strength but you can do it by outsmarting them. If you are grabbed around the waist from behind, pinch the attacker either under the arm between the elbow and
armpit or in the upper inner thigh - HARD. One woman in a class this guy taught told him she used the underarm pinch on a guy who was trying to date rape her and was so upset she broke through the skin and tore out muscle strands the guy needed stitches. Try pinching yourself in those places as hard as you can stand it; it really hurts.

5] After the initial hit, always go for the groin. I know from a particularly unfortunate experience that if you slap a guy's parts it is extremely painful. You might think that you'll anger the guy and make him want to hurt you more, but the thing these rapists told our instructor is that they want a woman who will not cause him a lot of
trouble. Start causing trouble, and he's out of there.

6] When the guy puts his hands up to you, grab his first two fingers and bend them back as far as possible with as much pressure pushing down on them as possible. The instructor did it to me without using much pressure, and I ended up on my knees and both knuckles cracked
audibly.

7] Of course the things we always hear still apply. Always be aware of your surroundings, take someone with you if you can and if you see any odd behavior, don't dismiss it, and go with your instincts. You may feel little silly at the time, but you'd feel much worse if the guy really was trouble.

FINALLY, PLEASE REMEMBER THESE AS WELL....

I know you are smart enough to know these pointers but there will be some, where you will go "hmm I must remember that" After reading, forward it to someone you care about, never hurts to be careful in
this crazy world we live in.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do it.

2. Learned this from a tourist guide to New Orleans: if a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you.... chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car: Kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit
(doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc. DON'T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU CLOSE the DOORS, LEAVE!

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:

a. Be aware: look around your car as someone may be hiding at the passenger side, peek into your car, inside the passenger side floor, and in the back seat. (DO THIS TOO BEFORE RIDING A TAXI CAB).

b. If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.

c. Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work, and get a guard /policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot).

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP IT! It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked "for help" into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

I'd like you to forward this to all the women you know. It may save a life. A candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle. I was going to send this to the ladies only, but guys, if you love your mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, etc., you may want to pass it onto them, as well.

Send a link to this to any woman you know that may need to be reminded that the world we live in has a lot of crazies in it and it's better to be safe than sorry


M x

I Love You

Love is not just for Valentines', its for all year around!

Share a smile today it might just make someone's day...

Would you do such a disgusting act?

Ronald is Julia's friend, he came in just recently. I want to share Spanish Stray Dogs' Letter to him with you as it's so sincere and moving.

"Dear Ronald, We are so sorry that life has been so cruel to you. 

Ronald please understand you are safe now nobody will hurt you now. 

We want you to know that not all humans are wicked and that there are many humans in the world who love dogs like you and would be so disgusted to know what has happened to you. 

We know that you were living on a street as a stray and that somebody kind was feeding you. We know that an argument broke out between the residents on the street and that some people that lived there disagreed that you should be fed. So they decided to burn you didn't they. It wasn't your fault Ronald. They burned you because they are evil wicked people, not because you are a bad dog. 

Ronald you are a very good dog you always have been. 

We know now you are in great pain yet still you show no hatred towards humans. Ronald please trust us when we say we want to help you and that we will find you a family to love you. 

Please don't die yet Ronald because we want to show you that you can have a happy life. Ronald we love you so much. Love from all the volunteers at Spanish Stray Dogs."

This is terrible, how could someone be so cruel as to not want someone else feed a poor dog that is on the streets fending for itself, let alone set fire to it? I wish I lived near this person, I would terrorised them and taunt them that they would think they were going crazy with their guilt. I know if my grandfather had seen this happening he would have knocked out the person who did this.

How can people be so heartless?

This is why I am raising funds for Spanish Stray Dogs to save Julia and dogs like her and Ronald.

Dogs have feelings just like you and me, you wouldn't like to be and feel abandoned and abused would you?

Monica x

If you feel disgusted by these terrible person's actions please share this post, your small action could help save a defenceless animal like Ronald or even Ronald himself!

Dad gives toddler cannabis

A super controversial topic, should marijuana be legalized?

A father in desperation gave his 2 year old son medical cannabis. An example of the risks parents take to save their children's lives: Their son Cash Hyde was diagnosed with a stage 4 brain tumour, he nearly died more times that they could count, doctors said he wouldn't make it past the night many times and then look what happened...

Because of the wonderful success with Cashy,  the whole family set up

http://www.cashhydefoundation.com

After writing this article I found out that

unfortunately little Cashy's tumour came back two years later, for full story please visit the foundation website above, but what you will read will be upsetting.

 Cashy's family soldier on helping other children with Cancer.

M x

Grabbing a Bargain to save Julia!

http://www.justgiving.com/SavingJulia

My Funny Bunny is doing various auctions on facebook to raise funds for saving Julia, the funds go straight to Spanish Stray Dogs which help many other dogs like Julia, so every penny goes to saving these helpless creatures like Rea, Rasha and Ronald.

Here are some of the auctions as of today, please do donate as much as possible!

If you want to donate just out of the goodness of your heart to save Julia and for nothing in return then please do so on her Just Giving page here or TEXT JULI60 £your amount to 70070.

 

Thank you so much M x

WIN an A4 Hand Drawn Portrait of your Pet!!

Win an A4 Hand Drawn Portrait of your Pet, worth a whopping £55!

We are raising funds for Spanish Stray Dogs' Julia! Read the full story here

To buy a raffle ticket please donate £3 directly to the charity on our Just Giving page here or click below

On your comment with your donation please say "PET PORTRAIT" & make sure you tick where it says to disclose your email to Monica (so I can email the winner!).

If you want to buy more than one ticket, just donate the total amount for the tickets you want and say how many entries eg. you donate £9 say "3 x PET PORTRAIT".
Thank you for your help and please share!

Monica x

Prize is kindly donated by www.petportraitsonline.co.uk ( https://www.facebook.com/CraftyLittleSewAndSo ) and it is their responsibility to provide the prize to the winner.

LETS SAVE JULIA THE PODENCO!

Julia is a Podenco who was found roaming the streets of Spain, having to fend for herself and eating scraps where she could find them. She has now been in the Spanish Stray Dogs shelter for almost 1 year & a half, which is longer than most.

Julia is a very shy dog, feels alone & sad at the shelter.

But she is one of the luckier ones, having no family and feeling alone isn't exactly lucky, but read further and you will find out why...

The Canary Islanders who hunt with podencos often treat their dogs terribly, keeping as many as fifteen in a small cage and feeding them irregularly and infrequently.

Hunting Dogs Squashed Into Cage www.occupyforanimals.org

At the end of hunting season many hunters abandon their animals, some even breaking their legs or gouging their eyes so they don't go back; some kill them outright, often in by hanging them. Females are not spayed and unwanted pups are usually killed via drowning, gunshots or just abandoned!

If you would like to ready more, please visit this page at occupyforanimals.org as some of the images I wanted to show you are too strong for children so I felt I couldn't put them on here, when you visit the link above please make sure that young children are not present.

A Starving Podenco Stray - www.occupyforanimals.org

What would a podenco choose? A life in Spain in a short chain,  existing in the burning sun,  with hardly any food or water and abused, or a forever home abroad?
He only hunts for 12 to 25 days...whereas adopted to a life with love, care and attention, food every day, nice walks and its own soft and warm bed.

I am looking to raise £350 to save Julia from the shelter and let her blossom into her real self by being in a loving home as part of the family :) 

The whole family is waiting for her... we just need to raise the funds for her so she can be on her way to her new and better life!

The £350 includes transport by road from Spain to the UK, the cost of castration/spay, passport, blood tests to screen for diseases, all vaccinations, microchip, de worm and de flea treatment.
I have just called my local vets and they quoted me £114 for spaying a bitch her size! So £350 for all that for Julia is well worth to save her! 

Please help us getting Julia to her new loving home.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now!



RAFFLES & AUCTIONS TO HELP RAISE FUNDS:

WIN an A4 Hand Drawn Portrait of your Pet here!

AUCTIONS by My Funny Bunny of children's and adults items!

If we are able to raise more than the £350 Julia needs then it will go towards the care of the other animals at the shelter, so nothing will be wasted.

Thank you for reading and please share.

Monica xx

PS. My grandad used to feed so many strays in Portugal. I miss him so much. x