Life with Dylan

Category: wildlife

  • Nutty is a little nutty …

    Yes, we have urban wildlife at our home. His name is Nutty.

    What? You don’t see this every morning at your house?

  • The kindness and generosity of a stranger that I will never forget

    Two weeks ago I received an email from someone I didn’t know. I met them a few days later, for a brief moment, and all I could do was smile and say thank you for your kindness and generosity – this means so much to me. Actually, I think I said thank you about 5 times.

    Here is the email:

    Hi Michelle,
    I just read Dylan’s story in the Newport Beach Independent. I think his dedication to his dreams and concern for wildlife at such a young age is not only admirable but, inspirational.
    Given his passion for Tigers, I have something he might be interested in having. It’s a beautifully framed picture of a tiger (believe it’s a Bengal or Malayan – not sure). It’s a print by a well known artist, Jouve. It measures about 30” x 45 or so.
    It retails for about $140 online. I’ve had it listed on Craigslist for $45 but, frankly that site brings out people who aren’t serious or who make an initial inquiry but never respond back. I thought given the excellent condition and low price, I’d surely find a buyer but, I didn’t.
    I then saw Dylans great story this am…. I’d like to give it to him, or you can give it to him as a gift yourself (doesn’t matter to me), no charge. Given his passion for Tigers, I think he might enjoy having it?
    I’ve attached some pics of the painting. If you think he might be interested in it, please let me know. I’m local in Corona del Mar. Thank you.


    The picture now hangs in our living room.
    Tigre Royal
    I may never see this person again, but I will remember them forever. This gift means more than any amount of money donated for Dylan’s birthday wish because this gift came from the heart. This gift is priceless.
    Pierre-Paul Jouve was an acclaimed sculptor and illustrator – he is known for his depiction of big cats and for illustrating a French edition of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. Some of his work can be seen in the National Museum of Wildlife Art, located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. 

  • 3 simple ways you can help save animals & raise awareness

    Over the years, I have spent hundreds of dollars making donations to various non-profit groups and organizations hoping to make some sort of difference. I went from making the minimum donation of $15 to several places, to now being more specific as to where I donate my money – but that’s another post. My point is that one person can make a difference and you don’t need to spend tons of money doing it.

    Awareness is one of the biggest hurdles faced in animal conservation. Today I am sharing three simple ways that you can raise awareness and help save animals for only a few dollars.

    Even though many of us pay our bills online, there are still times that we need to mail something the old-fashioned way. The next time you buy stamps, ask for the Save Vanishing Species semipostal stamp. (cost is 55 cents)

    This is a first-class postage stamp and all proceeds over the current cost of a first-class stamp go directly to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support the Multinational Species Conservation Fund.

    For more information on what conservation funds are supported by this stamp visit the US Postal Service website.

    Do you love having a unique screen lock picture and wallpaper on your iPhone or iPad? Do you admire great animal photographers? If you said yes, then this next one is definitely for you.
    In November 2011, the San Diego Zoo released the officially licensed digital skins through the iTunes store. For only $1.99 you can purchase this app and have some beautiful wallpapers and images on your phone. The app also includes app frames and shelves.

    Here are some screen shots from my phone –

     

    This is a wonderful way to support the San Diego Zoo and show your love for animals – and I can promise the pictures will being a smile to your face too.

    Another great way to support animal conservation and raise awareness is to follow your favorite organization on Facebook and Twitter. By simply sharing a post or re-tweeting something you find interesting may catch the attention of someone and before you know it a domino effect is in place.

    A few of my favorites organizations that I personally support through membership or direct donations are listed in the right side column of the blog. Looking for some organizations to follow? Take a peek at the pages we support on Facebook or who we follow on twitter. Find your passion – whether it be wildlife, parks, or the oceans and start doing what you can to help.