Brandy and Val

If you don’t know already, our mission at BRANDY AND VAL, LLC is “to do good where good is needed” and not only do we donate a portion of all our sales to animal rescue causes throughout the Country, but we also blog about them to promote awareness.  We hope that through our prodding, those out there who sit on the sidelines will find a cause that interests them, get up and do something to help make the world a better place for all of us!  This week, there are three that are worthy of our mention.  They are not in any order of importance as we deem them all important!

A friend has discovered that it is SPECIAL EDUCATION WEEK.  I could not find any information about this online, but, regardless, he eloquently pointed out the importance of continuing, supporting and funding these programs.  Brandy, Val, their dad and I are active participants in a pet therapy program working with autistic children and so this topic hits home with us.  In addition, I was inspired to write and publish the Brandy and Val book series by a little boy named Zachary who is afflicted with Prader-Willi Syndrome.   As my friend so eloquently put it,  Children with special needs only want what we all want: to be accepted. Can I make a request of anyone willing to post this and leave it on your status for at least an hour? It is Special Education week, and this is in honor of all children made in a unique way and who learn a little …differently, but love with all their hearts.

October is BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH and there are events, fundraisers, merchandise for sale and companies participating and donating funds to help stamp out breast cancer.  Even the NFL is in the act—lots of pink was on the playing field this past Sunday to promote awareness.  Estee Lauder is also a big supporter through its’ foundation, too and who, by now, hasn’t heard of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation with their amazing walk/run fundraisers?!

I’ve recently been introduced to UP FOR PUPS, an organization comprised of artists using their varied talents to promote animal advocacy.   If you are an artist and want to find a way to join, have a great idea to execute, then contact them.  If you want to go to an event, check out their schedule. Best of luck to this new startup!  As a functional potter, I’m excited to explore the possibilities of contacting my fellow artistic friends and seeing how we can help.

Last, but DEFINITELY not least, October is ADOPT A SHELTER DOG MONTH.  Need I say more?  Brandy and Val are two of the very many lucky former shelter dogs who received a second, third (or more) chance.  The shelters are filled with such wonderful, loving dogs and cats.

Mini even has pink pads and a pink nose!

Aren't we handsome?

OK, I’m partial to dog books, especially funny ones and ones that have cute pictures of mans best friend.  I also love books that “give” back in some way to those in need or requiring extra love and care!  So, here goes my one and only plug for why Brandy and Val books and toys make great gifts:

100% of profits go to animal rescue

IN THE FEEL GOOD CATEGORY:  Brandy and Val books and toys donate a portion of sales back to animal rescues in our community and nationally.  100% of profits from BRANDY AND VAL’S SPECIAL STORY are donated to the shelter we adopted the dogs from: Fortunate Pooch and Lab Rescue.  Other rescues and pet sanctuaries we donate to include:

• Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
• Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary
• Animal House Shelter

The books were originally written for a child afflicted with Prader-Willi Syndrome and, therefore, a donation is also made to The Prader-Willi Syndrome Association.

We're fun to play with

IN THE ENTERTAINMENT CATEGORY: They’re for toddlers (ages 3-5 is perfect) so they have to be cute, amusing and fun!  The books use actual, unstaged photos of Brandy and Val in action that children can relate to, especially if there is a pet in the family.   Brightly colored pages hold their interest and the tabbed pages make it easier for little fingers to turn the pages.  The plush toys that look like the dogs are cuddly and kids can use their imaginations to make up their own stories about Brandy and Val.

THEY’RE EDUCATIONAL: The simple themes in each book can be opened up for further discussions.  Topics like sharing, being a family, healthy eating, pet adoption, to name a few and, along with the Mini-Brandy and Mini-Val toys, the stories can be “acted out.” Color and shape recognition can be taught since each page is easily identifiable with a single predominant color and most pages have one or two primary shapes in their layouts.

OTHER NIFTY STUFF: Brandy and Val books and toys are easily put into a tote for travel!  Keep your kids occupied at restaurants, on planes, wherever.  Books are compact 4 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ and toys can be squished in anywhere.  We are also affordably priced.

We have lots of Favorite Things