Sending Greeting Cards and Notes: A Lost Tradition?

This year, 2011, the United States Postal Service is a Gold Sponsor of the LOUIE Awards. The LOUIE Awards are called the "Academy Awards" of the greeting card industry. They are awarded once a year by a panel of industry experts, including retailers, manufacturers, and the media.

"The U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 150 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes, making it the perfect partner for the LOUIE Awards, whose focus lies in celebrating the importance of sending or receiving a handwritten card or note through the mailbox as we exist in the digital age," according to Gift Shop Magazine.

Are you someone who keeps up the tradition of sending greeting cards and handwritten notes through the mail? The last time you received a greeting card or handwritten note in your mailbox, how did it make you feel? Don't forget that feeling because someone you know wants to experience that great feeling as well.

The next time you want to surprise someone -- for any occasion, or for no occasion at all -- do so with a greeting card or handwritten note. It is the least expensive gift you can give that just may be kept forever.

Receiving a greeting card or handwritten note in the mail sure beats receiving a bunch of bills in your mailbox. Don't you agree?

Labor of Love Dog Rescue Bracelet

Finding meaningful gifts for dog rescue workers is tough. How can you ever thank such a dedicated person for rescuing, fostering, caring for, and then finding a loving forever home for dogs? How do you ever thank a shelter worker for their dedicated work on behalf of animals of all kinds?

Those who tirelessly work helping animals are a special breed. There really aren't sufficient words to express gratitude. These compassionate people are honored with our Labor of Love Dog Rescue Bracelet.

I came across this haunting sentiment today that makes me cry every time I read it.

For all animals that are overworked, underfed and cruelly treated;
for all wistful creatures in captivity that beat their wings against bars;
for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry;
for those that must be put to death . . . and for those who deal with them,
ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words.

~ Albert Schweitzer

Thank God for pet rescue and shelter workers. I hope in my lifetime I get to see that their services are no longer needed because the world will have come to realize that animals are living, sentient beings with feelings, who can feel pain like humans do, and whose lives are just as important as every living being on this earth.