Welcome to 22reasons

Meet the Animals

Our hearts have been touched by many amazing animals. Click on the below links to meet some of our favorites:

• 22 Rescued Bunnies

• Nicholas – Asian elephant

• Dulary – Asian elephant
• The Sheldrick Orphans - African elephants
• Maalim - Little black rhino
• Lolita (aka: Tokitae) - Orca whale

More of our friends are introduced below. Every animal and their story is featured on GREETING CARDS we have for sale in our store.

DOGS
	Dante: This cozy bear of a dog was headed for an animal shelter when my friend Marianne decided to adopt him. His family of ten years fell on hard times and had to move into a homeless shelter. They posted Dante’s photo on Face Book in search of a better option for him. Thankfully, Marianne read his story and came to his rescue. Now Dante has his second loving family and his favorite blue blanket from home.
	Fraulein Fannie: For ten years this beautiful German shepherd lived alone on a concrete backyard patio. After a miraculous escape and some time in a local animal shelter Miss Fannie was adopted and given a new lease on life. The fountains of the Italian Water Gardens in Hastings Park, Vancouver are one of her favorite places to go. At the grand old age of 15 she plays with the streams of water, reclaiming her lost childhood with delight!
	Hounder: This homeless beach dog wandered the island of St. John for over a year before he was taken in by my friends and relocated to the United States. He spent the rest of his life at their side enjoying their constant companionship and …tennis balls. Hounder loved settling down with a brand new ball to meticulously peel the fuzzy skin off. Photo by Richard Dooley – Hounder’s Dad
	Lula: This adorable dog was found underweight and roaming west of Tucson AZ with her front teeth knocked out. She was probably going to be used as “bait” to train dogs for fighting except she got away. Now Lula shares a loving home with a couple of cats who not only welcomed her, but tolerate her toothless nibbling of them as she affectionately relishes their companionship. Photo by Richard Dooley – Lula’s Dad
	Odd Couple: These pound puppies were rescued years apart but act like they’ve known each other forever. Classie Dane is wary of Goose’s puppy teeth as they enjoy some rough and tumble moments during their play dates.
	Wei Wei: This dear little homeless Chow dog was living under Interstate 95 for over 2 years. Thankfully, a compassionate citizen noticed her and managed to save her from the danger of the freeway. Initially skittish and shy, Wei Wei was quick to warm up to loving care…including her spa makeover at Chez Bow-Wow! Now adopted, Wei Wei enjoys the safety and comfort of her new home.
	Clutch: This itty bitty pound puppy was bottle fed in foster care from the day he was born. Adopted, adored and named after a rock band, Clutch is proving to be a smart little sweetheart who can turn a quiet room into a party! Photo by Heather Williams – Clutch’s Mom
CATS
	Mr. Sand Dune: This homeless cat was wandering the dunes of Long Beach Island NJ until my friend Ponce’ decided to take him in. Neutered and relocated to Lafayette Hill PA, Duney now wanders the woods of the Wissahickon and proudly announces his return with many meows as he steps through his door.
	Yoda: This crazy looking kitten was found perched on the wall of my brother’s family home in Merida, Mexico. My sister-in-law was determined to ignore her instincts and NOT adopt this gato feo! Named by their boys, this large eared baby made his way into their home, their hearts and eventually into their car for the drive back to the United States!
	Mickey: This homeless cat was neutered and relocated to my neighbor’s barn to serve as their “mouser” but he was quick to discover my cat door and make himself at home on my couch! Mickey was a love and a self-appointed guardian, patrolling the property daily, keeping watch over me and our four legged family.
	Slidell: This box loving Maine Coon cat was rescued after Hurricane Katrina, sheltered and cared for by Noah’s Wish disaster response team in Slidell LA and then adopted by a volunteer (me!) when he remained unclaimed. Sli was the coolest cat, fun, friendly and full of personality…he always managed to make me smile.
CHIMPANZEES
© Reproduced with Permission from Save the Chimps	April: This happy faced ape was rescued from a barren back yard cage. People who raise chimpanzees as pets inevitably learn they become too strong to control. With few options, these wonderful wild animals end up confined in a cage, zoo or laboratory. Thankfully April was moved to ‘Save the Chimps’ where she lives free; roaming a 3 acre island of grassy hills, playing on climbers and enjoying the company of other chimpanzees.
© Reproduced with Permission from Save the Chimps	Gromek: This chimpanzee was captured in Africa when he was a baby and use in the US Air Force space program. After years of service he was moved to Coulston Laboratory in New Mexico – a grim bio medical research facility. Fortunately, ‘Save the Chimps’ rescued him and brought him to their sanctuary in Fort Pierce, FL. Gromek is a loyal member of his chimp family and together they enjoy their freedom.
© Reproduced with Permission from Save the Chimps	Jeannie: This fluffy faced beauty spent most of her life in a bio medical research lab where she was subjected to numerous experiments and left isolated in a concrete cage. Thankfully Jeannie was rescued by ‘Save the Chimps’ and brought to their sanctuary where she lives free; roaming a 3 acre island of grassy hills, playing on climbers and enjoying the company of other chimpanzees.
© Reproduced with Permission from Save the Chimps	Melissa: This brave chimpanzee suffered for over 15 years in bio medical research labs. Records show she was anesthetized at least 225 times; underwent 13 liver biopsies, 16 bone marrow biopsies and gave birth twice. After surviving all of that and tolerating the relentless isolation and confinement, Melissa is finally living a life with freedom at ‘Save the Chimps’ sanctuary in Fort Pierce, FL. She was reunited with her son Elway and together they enjoy the warm Florida sunshine!
© Reproduced with Permission from Save the Chimps	Nuri: This 44 year old beauty is one of the oldest chimps born in captivity. Bred for bio medical research, Nuri was subjected to all sorts of experiments and as a result she has permanently bent knees. She spent years isolated in the dreadful Coulston Foundation’s concrete “dungeon” where she would scream out in anguish when the lights were turned off. Thankfully, Nuri was rescued by ‘Save the Chimps’ and embraced her new life of freedom with courage. She has chimp friends and enjoys her beautiful island home.
© Reproduced with Permission from Save the Chimps	Stella: Her face says it all! After years of suffering in a biomedical research lab, this sweet girl was rescued by ‘Save the Chimps’ and brought to their sanctuary of beautiful islands homes. Now free to be a chimp with other chimps, Stella is peaceful and content, enjoying the company of her best friend Geraldine and relaxing in the warm Florida sun.
OTHER
	Best Friends: This bare-chested beauty named Wild Bill was paired up with Polla, a 60 year old Amazon, when he was rescued by my friends in 2006. After years of living alone and plucking his chest to alleviate anxiety, Wild Bill purposely stood with his back to the wall so he could see who was coming into the room (hence the name). Polla took a liking to this little cowboy and offered him comfort and love by always tucking him under her wing…life wasn’t so scary now!
	Nicholas: This 16 year old Asian elephant was born in captivity and raised to perform in a circus. After years of harmful training and confinement he was fortunate enough to be moved to PAWS sanctuary in California. Now free to roam around, Nick chooses to spend most of each day playing with his water fountain.
	Silus & Levi: This mother and daughter bun took a lifesaving detour from the animal auction in Lancaster PA. Rabbits raised and sold for meat or the pet trade are typically treated inhumanely - as nothing more than a commodity. Rescued and relaxing side by side; Silus and Levi enjoy hopping around together, digging burrows and munching on organic greens.