The Foster Year in Review

This year, I began fostering with Social Tees Animal Rescue Foundation in the East Village (I had done on-site volunteering with them previously).  Below are the little ones who have come through my home on their way to their forever ones. 

Here's Reece.  She was so cuddly and cute and full of wonderful puppy energy.  She was with me for about a week, during which time I also had Rusty. 

Here's Rusty.  I LOVED this little guy.  He had so much personality and energy - after Reece went to another foster home, I had him for about another week.  I fell in love with him and wanted to keep him, but I knew a puppy would always find a good home...so I let him go...

Here is Reagan - who may or may not have been Reece's brother.  He was only with me for a couple of days (I got him at the same time I got Rusty) and then had to go to the vet to recover from some sort of bug.  He was a very good looking pup. 

This is Buddy.  He was...challenging.  I had him for about 10 days and worked really hard to do some basic training.  He was a bit stubborn, but I managed to make some progress with him, which I was very proud of - thank you, Cesar Millan!



This is Alfie - my foster failure...I ended up adopting him.  He was on the kill list at ACC with matted hair and bad teeth, but Social Tees pulled him and got him the care he needed...he got a second chance, and I got a great new friend.



This good looking shadow poodle is the biggest cuddle monster - so calm, so sweet.  I had him for THREE WEEKS...and then my sister adopted him.  Hurray!  Mickey got to stay in the family!

And this is Klaus!  My last foster for 2012.  He is going to his forever home tomorrow night!  The poor little guy was found emaciated, tied up outside with fur missing and stained paws.  Social Tees rescued him, and his super personality really came out with just a little love.  He's been with me for over 10 days, and I love the pup.  He is an awesome little guy who will be well taken care of for the rest of his life.



Happy holidays, everyone.  May we all know good health, warm homes and lots of love and kindness. 

ThanksLiving 2012 in Pictures

Last month, I attended ThanksLiving dinner at Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary for the fourth year in a row.  While it's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate, eat amazing food and have a great time, it's also a reminder that the killing season is upon us.  For those of you who aren't vegan, take a moment during your holiday meals to think about the suffering that led to the "food" on your plate.  And then if you think you might like to choose compassion for your New Year's resolution, ask me how: going vegan is easy-peasy, and I can help you veganize your favorite recipes and provide you with some awesome new ones. I'm helpful like that!

Meanwhile, here's a recap in pictures of my Amazing Food Adventure.  Thank you, Kevin Archer, for the delicious meal!  

The bus trip to Woodstock.

Chilling out.

Growin' my feathers back! 

Live entertainment.

Pumpkin pie soup.

Jenny Brown - co-founder of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.

"Beyond Meat" with 40 cloves of garlic, cornbread stuffing w/ pecan & figs, cranberry compote, winter greens medley.

Desserts by Vegan Treats!  That chocolate mound is a peanut butter bomb, BTW.

Paella

It's been almost a year since I've posted - I've been remiss!  But then, I didn't feel I had much to blog about...until now!  I've just returned from my latest European vacation, and this trip included an overnight excursion to Valencia, Spain - home of Paella.  Now, I didn't think I'd be able to find a Paella I could eat, but...

When we first arrived in Valencia, we took an afternoon wine and snack break at Palo Alto in the historical center.  When the wife of the chef (and I assume restaurant co-owner?) found out we were vegetarian, she invited us to make a reservation that evening, and her husband would make a veg paella for us.  So we did!  And boy, was it worth it.  This was no ordinary vegetable paella - they went all out with amazing ingredients.  Two words: trumpet mushrooms.  Need I say more?

When the salad came out, we knew we were in for a treat.  If the salad was this good, the paella could not disappoint. 

Then, the paella arrived.

Not a green pea in sight!

The after paella picture, I think, tells the whole story.

Oh, and did I mention that we had the entire back terrace area exclusively to ourselves?  In 70 degree weather?

Don't hate.