January 13, 2005

A Special Entry from Golden Mom Rochelle
An amazing 142 folks participated in Polar's Holiday Raffle. The drawing, which was held on January 11th, 2004, yielded  35 winners who chose their desired prizes based on the order of 40 drawn tickets! You can check out the winners below!

Given the generosity of a few folks who made incredibly huge donations to The Polar Fund, in addition to the collective efforts of our many Polar Holiday Raffle participants, Pam covered over $3,200 in costs for Polar's surgery, hospitalization, and temporary post-surgical prosthesis. Folks rallied their support from 30 states within the U.S. (Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington State, West Virginia & Wisconsin), and also from the countries of Australia, Canada, England, Italy, and New Zealand!

I truly believe this was a successful event, helping to achieve all that I could have hoped for and more. I actually had to cut off folks making donations to the fund as I did not want to be hoggish and take in more money than was truly needed. As we all know, there are many deserving and needy Goldens all throughout the world that depend on the charity of others to make it through this life. 

Pam has been providing so much to many Golden rescues for quite some time, and has been quite hesitant in asking for any assistance. That, of course, made this activity that much more special. She received some huge donations, in which no raffle tickets were even purchased, being told to spend the money in any way that she needed. And, due to those donations, we have certainly met all of the monetary obligations for Polar and then some. So, I have told her to utilize the extra funds for her other two Golden kids, who both have cancer and have required continued medical intervention.

Kramer, another special boy, was taken in by Pam in 1999, then given only 6 to12 months to live by the attending vet after a cancerous growth was removed from his mouth. Here, in 2005, a 12-year-old Kramer continues to try and hang on, additionally having lost an eye to cancer a couple years back and now fighting due to a growth on his liver. The jury is still out, though, on whether surgery will be attempted. You can see Kramer swimming with Polar at GoldStock by clicking here. We surely all need to be keeping this special family in our good thoughts, that’s for sure.

On a happier note, thank goodness, I thought I would share the sweetest email that was just received from Pam’s mom, or as she calls herself, Polar’s Grandmother. I knew you would all love experiencing it.

Our 40 Holiday Raffle Items: Total Value of $2,050!

A Sam Connelly Etched Glass Tray ($180 value)  
Winner: Susan of Mercer Island, WA
Artist Sam Connelly, of Anigraphix Animal Gifts and Graphics, has donated a one of a kind original hand-etched tray. The tray is 18" x 12" (interior dimensions). It is a dark brown finished wood with a finish like old leather. Into this tray will be an 18 x 12 inch piece of glass hand etched from your photo with up to 3 animals. Sam will contact the winner about the type of photo that makes for the best etching.

This tray would work well as an alternative coffee table on a large ottoman. And, it is such a wonderful keepsake of a dear friend who has passed to the bridge or as a personal gift. The final etching will measure about 14 x 10 inches. The tray here was photographed with Sam's Goldens to show the comparative size. The sample here (on the left) shows the reproduction from photo to etched glass.

A Pat Sann Portrait Watercolor ($160 value)   
Winner: Kimberly of Rising Sun, MD
Artist Pat Sann, of Perceptions in Watercolor, has donated a 9" x 12" watercolor portrait. The picture, which is not mounted or framed, would be completed from your photo of a child or an animal companion. Pat has been painting for over thirty years, and particularly enjoys painting portraits of children, selecting poses that evoke a sense of a mood or an attitude. I learned of Pat's work from her hubby Clark. This past Labor Day Pat and her husband Clark lost their beloved 8-year-old Golden Tanner due to liver cancer.

An Honest Kitchen Power Package ($150 value)  
Winner: Sallie of Abingdon, VA
The Honest Kitchen has donated a 10-lb bucket of Force, and their Invigor, Sparkle & Perfect Form Supplements. The genesis of the Honest Kitchen was the search for a human grade food that would resemble a home made diet in quality, encompass variety, remain nutritionally balanced, involve minimal processing, and be quick and easy to prepare.

Force is made from 100% human food grade chicken, organic flaxseed, potatoes, celery, cabbage, sweet potatoes, zucchini, green beans, apples, honey, alfalfa, kelp, yogurt, bananas, papayas, basil, garlic, rosemary, vitamins and minerals. Invigor is an antioxidant formula made with Kelp, Astragalus, Hawthorne Berries, Olive Leaf, Spirulina and Watercress. Sparkle, used to support healthy skin and a shiny coat, contains Dandelion, Rosehips, Nettle Leaf, Burdock Root and Nutritional Yeast. And, Perfect Form is made with Fennel, Papain and Papaya Leaf help to combat gas; Pumpkin Seed, Plantain and Pectin to facilitate regularity and firm up loose stools; and Slippery Elm, which is valued for its soothing and emollient properties.

Telescoping Pet Ramp ($132 value)  
Winner: Gretchen of Navajo Dam, NM
Golden Mom, Ida Davis, donated this new ramp which adjusts for many lengths and comes with a one-year limited warranty, is versatile, easy to transport, and has great traction. Constructed with high-impact molded resin, the innovative incline telescopes smoothly on aluminum tracks from 40" to 68". Rubber non-skid feet keep both ends of ramp securely in place, corrugated carpet surface gives pets sure footing in wet and dry conditions, and a built-in handle so there's not need for a carrying case. Since there are no sharp edges, you won't have to worry about scratching your car's interior. The ramp will hold 250 pounds and its overall width is 21".

Hand Knitted Accessory Package ($120 value)    
Winner: Clarice of Hancock, MI
Pat Everhart, Mom to Golden pup Harvey, knit GReat women's size medium ecru socks. They are machine washable (warm water) and can go in the dryer (permanent press). I came to meet Pat and her hubby Bruce this past July 4th when they lost their beloved 5-year-old Golden Charlie to heat stroke. Golden Mom Lisa Ruch knit a set of wonderful his and hers scarves. The ladies scarf was knitted from imported Italian eyelash jeweled toned yarn, the yarn itself over $20 per skein. The men's scarf is knitted with a durable green wool blend used for seaman having to deal with the noreastern winds.

South Shore Orchids $100 Gift Certificate   
Winner: Sallie of Abingdon, VA
Mary Jane Rizzella, has a greenhouse located on Long Island, NY. She specializes in Paphiopedilums and Phragmipediums, commonly known as slipper orchids. Examples of these two genera are shown in the photo. Some Intergenerics, Masdevallias, Mini-Cattleyas and Phaleonopsis are also available.

LeBear Miniature Jointed Teddy Bear ($90 value)   
Winner: Bill of Mastic Beach, NY
Elyse Kilgour, of Lebear Miniature Jointed Teddy Bears, has donated a miniature teddy bear name Thomas. This adorable fully jointed 6-inch little guy, who is definitely ready for lots of winter fun, is a brown mohair with German glass eyes and is fully jointed. He has a red plaid scarf for sledding, and comes with his own sweet little "Blizzard Wizard" sled. And, I am told that this photo does not come even close to how precious this guy is in person!

A Patricia Bartlett One of a Kind Golden Sculpture ($85 value)   
Winner: Pauline of Knoxville, TN
Artist Patricia Bartlett loves creating art of dogs, cats, guinea pigs and other pets and wildlife. She is a sculptor and illustrator that sells on eBay exclusively. Patricia has done artwork her whole life and loves sharing it with others. She has been involved in the "dog world" throughout her and previously sold her work to vendors at dog shows and made trophies for National specialties. Now, she solely provides her work via eBay auctions. This signed 2002 completed piece, donated by myself [Rochelle Lesser], shows a Golden with a prized ducky present, amidst holiday packages at his feet.

A Framed Personalized Golden Cross Stitch ($70 value)   
Winner: Pat of Chandler, AZ
Golden Mom Pam Andress has donated her fingers which will be busy for two months as she creates a Golden Cross Stitch. This finished framed piece will be 8" x 10" and will be personalized with your desired dog's call name when the raffle has concluded.

A Huge 4½ Foot White Teddy Bear ($60 value)   
Winner: Sallie of Abingdon, VA
Mary Jane Rizzella has donated this huge and soft hunk of a teddy bear. This photo does not do it justice. It is perfectly white and incredibly fluffy. And, it is clearly HUGE as the photo shows Mr. Bear with a 12 inch ruler in front of him.
 

A Sam Connelly Etched Glass Candy Jar ($54 value)  
Winner:  Bill of Mastic Beach, NY
Golden Artist Sam Connelly, of Anigraphix Animal Gifts and Graphics, has donated a One of a kind 4" x 5" hand-etched candy jar (perfect for office treats). The jar has two Golden puppies one on the front (¾ view head) and a little snoozer guarding the lid. Etchings are from photos and because they are hand-etched with a diamond burr, no two are alike. Pictures are like a pen and ink drawing only on glass.

Golden Roses Purse & Wallet ($100 total value)   
Winners:  Carolyn of Wadsworth, OH and Patty of Granby, CT
Golden Mom, Naomi Hanes, donated two sets of this adorable purse and matching wallet. Don't you simply love how this Golden he is holding a bouquet of roses in his mouth? One side has rhinestones on the Golden. The same picture is on other side but there are no rhinestones. The top of the purse zippers and has a roomy inside with satin lining and small pockets for glasses or cellphone and a zippered pocket. The matching wallet holds up to five credit cards and two photo IDs. There is an inside zippered pocket and a removable checkbook cover which holds a photo ID. There is also a zipper coin pocket on the back side.

Golden Mom Naomi is a real doll, having donated these Golden goodies as well as many more below. I can tell that her Golden guy, Tbone, thinks she's tops as well!

Lenox "A Golden Autumn" Snow Globe ($50 total value)   
Winner: Linda of Lutherville, MD 
In this original approximately 7-inch high sculpture, Lenox has captured a Golden's pup's energetic spirit and endearing personality. Every delightful detail is portrayed with lifelike realism here. And, the photo does not begin to capture the fun quality to this piece as it is shaken so that the colored snow can fall gleefully among the two enclosed globe puppies.  Donated by myself [Rochelle Lesser], it is a special treat to have a Lenox piece. Since 1889, Lenox has created gifts, tableware, and collectibles for U.S. presidents, dignitaries — and families like yours across America. And, their casual collections in stoneware continue to win awards — and the hearts of collectors everywhere.

Polar Lacquered Tile Box & 6 Cards ($45 value)    
Winner: Cindy of Gardners, PA
Wendy Morrell, donated a Polar prize package, two items from the foundation's Cafepress Store to support cancer treatment for service dog teams. This tile box is perfect for storing jewelry or any keepsake. Measuring 5¼" square x 2 1/8" with a 4¼" tile, this hinged box is made of authentic lacquered Alderwood. The high quality color cards, 5" x 7" when folded, are printed on coated glossy paper.

Handmade Seasonal Wreath ($45 value)    
Winner: Barb of Haslet, TX
This is a representative photo of one of Sandy Armstrong's wreaths made from local North Carolina pinecones. The winner of this special prize can have their winning wreath decorated for any season that is desired, as these pieces can adorn a home year round. The wreath is about two feet wide and is finished with appropriately large theme-related ribbon and other decorations. The wreath furnished for this raffle may vary from the photo, but Sandy guarantees it will be just as lovely!

Black Suede Golden Retriever Handbag ($40 value)   
Winner: Rhonda of Troy, NC
Golden friend, Barbara McKown is donating this gorgeous bag. For folks who frequent Goldstock, this very same purse was donated by Barb this past Labor Day. I received one for a 2003 holiday present and it is quite a treasure. Inside this suede purse (handles & tassel also suede) there is a zippered dividing pouch. There is also a zippered compartment and two more small pockets for odds and ends.

Suzi Beber's Golden Pup Keepsake Box ($40 value)   
Winner: Debbie of Denver, CO
Gifted Canadian artist Suzi Beber, of Smiling Blue Skies Ceramics, created this ceramic box prototype. This adorable box can be used for jewelry or special trinkets. The puppy face cover is just so adorable as it hides many of your little special belongings within. Donated by myself [Rochelle Lesser], this one of a kind piece measures 6" long x 4" wide x 1¾" deep.

Boyd's 2002 F.o.B. Club Kit ($38 value)   
Winner: Dynessa of Princeton, MN
Mary Jane Rizzella has donated a 2002 Boyd's F.o.B. Club Kit. It has never been opened from the box, residing in a closet until I pried it from her fingers, that is. The kit includes 6-inch Plush Bear, Morgan B. Berriweather, who is ready for a picnic with her own picnic quilt that comes with ant appliques! She's accompanied by 4-inch bearstone, Molly B. Berriweather, who's packin' her basket full of picnic treats. There is also a Frolickin' F.o.B. Bearwear Pin which features a Bearstone picnic bear eyein' up the goodies. And, finally, there is a Mini Picnic Basket, so perfect for stashin' little picnic surprises in! The Kit Box, which is shaped like a picnic basket, is the perfect display piece for your club goodies.  

Set of 3 Ganz Golden Toys ($36 value)   
Winner:  Julie of Applegate, CA
Golden Rescue Mom, Carolyn Kreider, donated three Gantz stuffed Goldens (the largest at 9 inches tall & 14 inches long). And, according to Carolyn, these cuties are very, very, baby soft and cuddly. Oh my, they do look they are all longing for some good hugs and cuddles.

Carolyn has been a long-time supporter of the Land of PureGold, her Golden costumes making her babies famous at Wonder-a-Day Golden News. Sadly, she has lost two of her special stars (Libby & Logan) to The Bridge in the last 18 months.

Choice of 'Golden' James Muraglia Art Print ($35 value)  
Winner: Carolyn of Marlboro, MA (selection is First Flight)
Andrea Muraglia donated a choice of two of her dad's 'Golden' art prints. Amazing Grace was created by artist Vincent James Muraglia. It honors the Heroes of 9/11/01 and is dedicated to their memory. It depicts firefighter Rocky Raimondi of NYFD Engine #15, with Golden Gracie, as they symbolize the department's heroic rescue efforts and the spirit of the American people. James had this to say about his painting: “Amazing Grace depicts a very emotional and dramatic moment in U.S history. As an artist, I was reluctant to respond to this tragic event through my work. However, constant encouragement from NYC Firefighters and my family inspired me to do a work which conveys hope, and shows the perseverance of the American spirit. I pray that I have done honor to this event, and to the victims and their families.”

James’ work has appeared in children’s books and his previous painting, First Flight, has appeared worldwide as it captures the innocence and wonderment of the magical first flight. He was known to capture not only the likeness of the subject but also the personality with a charm and style unique to his creative talent. The Amazing Grace print is 18" x 24" and the First Flight print is 24" x 18". Learn more about this artist's life by clicking here.

Aunt V's Wheat-Free Krunch & Rescue Calendar Package ($32 total value)
Winner: Susan of Carlsbad, CA
Vanessa has donated a festive three-pound bag of her K9 Krunch Rice Sticks. Such tasty morsels, they are measured into 1" x 4" sticks that easily break into any size treat for your furry pals.

Golden Rescue volunteer Margaret Blackman donated this touching 2005 Canadian Rescue Wall Calendar. Sold by the Ontario Golden Rescue to raise funds to benefit their rescues, it features over 50 stunning photos of Canada's precious rescued Goldens.

Golden Puppy Train Conductor Handbag ($30 value)   
Winner:  Jannet of Jackson, NJ
Golden Mom, Naomi Hanes, has donated this brand new adorable Golden Retriever Purse. Isn't this little puppy conductor funny, waving to everyone from his toy train? One side has rhinestones on the design. The same picture is on other side but there are no rhinestones. The top of the purse zippers and has a roomy inside with satin lining and small pockets for glasses or cellphone and a zippered pocket.

Golden Retriever Three Puppy Handbag ($30 value)   
Winner:  Patty of Vienna, VA
Golden Mom, Naomi Hanes, has donated this brand new adorable Golden Retriever Purse. Isn't this little trio of adorable Golden puppies sitting and "posing" for the camera just wonderful? One side has rhinestones on the Goldens. The same picture is on other side but there are no rhinestones. There is a magnetic button flap closure. The inside of the bag is lined with black microfabric with two pockets on one side and a large zipper compartment on the other side. These pockets are perfect for glasses or a cellphone.

Dragonfly Mini Flower Vase and Plant Rooter ($29 value)   
Winner: Sallie of Abingdon, VA
Mary Jane Rizzella has donated a new Vermont hand-crafted mini flower vase and plant rooter (made by The Brass Butterfly). What a perfect way to start new plants from old favorites or to display a mini bouquet of flowers. Rooters are really a great way to bring nature indoors. This item package provides you with the decorative frame, glass vase and extension hook. The flowers and vines are not included.

Did you know that one piece of ivy, with the leaves removed from both ends, will root at both ends? What a great way to start a living wreath!

Golden Retriever Ducks Unlimited T-Shirt ($25 value)  
Winner: Carol of Alexandria, VA
Golden Mom, Naomi Hanes, has donated this brand new adorable Golden Retriever puppy with decoy T-Shirt by Ducks Unlimited. The shirt is a 2x sizing but Naomi says they run small so it really would fit a 1x. That sounds like it could make for a nice sleep shirt for a youngster or short adult. 

Golden Goodies ($50 total value)  
Winners: Kathy of Clovis, CA and Dana of Sebring, FL

A Sam Connelly Hand Painted Golden Ornament ($20 value)   
Winner: Peter of Brooklyn, NY
Artist Sam Connelly, of Anigraphix Animal Gifts and Graphics, has donated a hand painted 4" x 3" Golden Retriever ornament. This wooden ornament is laser cut and has a red curled wire hanger.  Sam has been a special friend to the Land of PureGold since our very first activity, a storywriting contest that celebrated the Human-Golden Bond.

Author signed Book: Hero Dogs: Courageous Canines in Action ($20 value) 
Winner: Terry of Parkersburg, WV
Donna Jackson has written five nonfiction children's books and each one has received a number of awards, but Hero Dogs: Courageous Canines in Action is her favorite. The book honors those special Canines With A Cause. Disaster Relief Therapy Golden Nikie is the Hero Dog that she features on the book's cover. In the book Donna details stories from the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, along with tales of everyday hero dogs. Donated by myself [Rochelle Lesser], this book shows the miracles that can happen when devoted animals are here to assist, protect, comfort, and rescue us.

Suzi Beber's Pewter Bookmark ($60 total value)  
Winners: Madelyn of Spring Lake, NJ; Wendy of Broadstone, Dorset UK; and, Karen of Madison, WI
Gifted Canadian artist Suzi Beber, of Smiling Blue Skies Ceramics, has just created a smashing new item. In fact, it is so new that it is not yet even available for sale. This is Suzi's actual initial prototype that has just been completed. This piece includes a Golden puppy head that has been made into a pure pewter bookmark. Underneath the puppy's head is a dog bone, and then a dark blue ribbon is threaded through the bookmark. She has donated three of these marvelous bookmarks for our raffle.

Author and Golden signed and dedicated Mighty Mite Book ($54 total value)  
Winners: Doris of Pt. Pleasant, NJ; Leann of Warwick, RI; and, Carol of London, Ontario Canada
The Dog Who Couldn't Wag His Tail is a book that details the true story about Golden Mighty Mite, so named because he was horribly infested with mites! Abandoned and near death when Linda Adkins found and rescued him, he survived with the help of many generous people. Mighty Mite, now a certified Therapy Dog, has now gone on to do community service.

The winners will be able to provide information so that Linda can dedicate the book (she has donated three copies). Mighty gives all a "Ruf Ruf" hello. And, although he is getting to be an old man these days, he still is downright perky when it's time for a walk or biscuits or kids. Linda almost lost this special guy a few months ago after he had a vestibular attack followed by a small stroke. He has recovered well but has a head tilt and is still a little wobbly behind. Yet, they recently performed a couple of library visits, and Mighty happily showed off his little bag of tricks. What a guy!

English Imported Golden Tea Towel ($16 value)  
Winner: Lylene of Addison, IL
This Irish Cabin Tea Towel, specially printed for The Guide Dogs for The Blind Association, shows an astute Golden reading a book entitled, Training Your Owner: A Step By Step Guide. Amply sized at 28" x 19", it is so adorable to see the names on the books that fill the shelf in this illustration. They include the following: Knitting with Dog Hair, Let Sleeping Dogs Lie, Cat Chasing for Beginners, It's a Dog's Life, One Man and his Dog, Horse and Hound, and The Hound of the Baskervilles. Donated by myself [Rochelle Lesser], this item is imported from England and will quickly become a collector's item as it is no longer in production.

Golden Retriever "Alex" Stretch Pets ($60 total value)  
Winners: Cindy of Newton Junction, NH; Sallie of Abingdon, VA;
and, Carol of Woodland, CA
Dennis Byer of Companion Products has donated three Alex Stretch Pets. These stretches will fit Monitors (Mac's or PC's), CPU Towers & TV's from 14" to 21".  Since each Stretch Pet is only 3" wide, they fit most Flat Screens too with little to no heat retention. The stretch is equipped with a hook and loop tab allowing it's band to open for safety. Out of the blue, Dennis contacted me about this adorable product. When I asked how he came to me in particular, he said he had done a Yahoo search and my page had been near the top one there. Cool, huh?

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