... and it is about darn time. A small sad story and big happy thank you.
The year 2023 was not my favorite year. From the last few weeks of 2022 to late summer, I had more than my share of downs mixed with very few ups. And just when I thought I couldn’t take one more thing, September, October and November looked at what I'd been going through and said, "Here, hold my beer." In December though, slowly but thankfully and with no real work on my part, things started to shift, and I began to experience one of my favorite quotes:
NOTE: Not like my 2023 summer, but more like a walking-the-Rehoboth-beach-boardwalk-eating-Thrasher’s-fries summer. Or a day at the Enchanted Forest summer.
Or any of my favorite memories of summers that were brimming with unbridled, untapped, unlimited possibilities and little control, consequence or care.
So with renewed sparkle and enthusiasm, I decided to challenge myself with something that would not only be fulfilling to me but would also help my favorite co-residents of this broken and beautiful planet. I got on the computer, searched top endangered species, conservations, sanctuaries and rescue sites, and – with the ease and speed and bounce of something unable to be contained or tamed (a.k.a. Tigger) -
JAXRWILD Greeting Cards were born (or hatched, as applicable).
A weekly greeting card bringing awareness to endangered species, nature preserves, animal rescues and sanctuaries.
The first was Snow Leopard. I aimed a little high and I never heard back from the worldwildlife.org, but I love what they are doing, and who knows what will happen down the road. If you build it, they will come … right? Plus, that made me start to think about the smaller/lesser known rescues and sanctuaries that could really use the spotlight and help.
Which brings us to card two, and here is where this crazy half-formed idea started to take shape. I picked Polar Bear (because my heart breaks every time I see them trying to get across the rapidly reducing sea ice, and I wanted to use more of my sparkle paint for snow). So I searched ‘polar bear rescue,’ scrolled down past the big outfits, and came across The Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat – the only facility in the world dedicated purely to the care of Polar Bears. They are in Ontario, currently have three bears (which you can watch on live cams), a gift shop, and even a snow mobile museum! Plus, the nicest and most helpful group of people who really got excited about what I was doing.
Next card - African Elephant (the Forest and the Savannah are now both on the critically endangered list and the illegal poaching continues). So, again, I did my search and found The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. They “provide captive elephants with individualized care, the companionship of a herd, and the opportunity to live out their lives in a safe haven dedicated to their well-being,” and also have live cams, a discovery center and volunteer opportunities.
Which brings me to the card I just published and why I am writing this before I go any further. For my next card I wanted to make something a little different from the ‘exotic’ animals. I immediatley thought of my friend, Roni Reed, who is very involved with Bahamian Potcake rescues. So I reached out to her and she pointed me to Abaco Shelter, where I found this photo and fell in love. I’m sure you can guess why (my guy on the right passed away 12/26/22 - the beginning of terrible/horrible year).
I got permission from the shelter to use Donald's photo for my Bahamian Potcake card, and his story was shared with me: "He was a longtime resident of the shelter. In 2019, when Hurricane Dorian hit, he went home with a volunteer and they ended up keeping him. Donald passed away last year."
While I was doing research for the back of the card, and learning more about these street dogs who have the hardest of lives but shine with the most unbroken spirits, and the humans who work in the trenches, tirelessly - sometimes thanklessly - to share their story and give even just one a better life, a new beginning, a soft place to land, shelter from the storm …
I am blown away by their dedication, energy, sacrifice and commitment. And I am convinced that JaxRWild’s sole reason for existence is to thank them and to help them along by sharing their stories with as many people as possible. And, if you’ve read this far, I am hoping you will do the same.
I'm not asking you to buy any cards (though that would be great), but if you would just check in to see my card of the week and go to the website to read about the incredible work these saviors are doing, and share their stories with your friends, you will be contributing to the magical, behind the scenes, butterfly-effect energy making our world a better place. In the words of one of the greatest senseis of all time:
“If your heart is in your dream
No request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star
As dreamers do”