: About Me

Hi, my name is Raven and I'm a yellow lab.

I have long been pondering the conundrum of whether or not I should "come out" to the internet community. On one paw, I feel compelled to be a spokesbitch (yes, that's the politically correct term) for my species and my breed. Canines in general, and we labs in particular, are so often stereotyped as simpleminded creatures for whom fetching a stick is a significant intellectual achievement. Were I able to dispel such misconceptions, I would feel that I had truly contributed to the canine community. On the other paw, I have been rather dishonest in how I have presented myself, often taking the life experiences of my pet human and writing about them as if they were my own. (Playing "therapist" and listening to humans drone on about their petty concerns is but one of many burdens we labs carry without complaint.)

So, dear reader, I offer my most sincere apologies if you feel slighted by this revelation. I felt it necessary to deceive you so that my words might be read, my voice heard as something other than a series of barks and whimpers. Had I revealed the truth about myself initially, I believe that my work would not have been judged by its own merit. In the mind of the reader, the image of my adorable pink nose and comically floppy ears would have overshadowed the messages I intended to convey. In the best of all possible worlds, one's appearance would never color the perception of one's work. However, unlike Voltaire's philosopher-clown, Pangloss, I do not believe we live in the best of all possible worlds. Prejudice casts its ugly shadow everywhere and we labs are often deprived of our well-earned moments in the spotlight.

The recent Helium newsletter finally tipped the proverbial scales and brought my vacillations to an end. I decided that yes, I would post my picture for all the world to see. It is my genuine hope that other labs will be inspired to follow suit. I leave you with a thought borrowed from Dr. Martin Luther King:

I pray that one day, all we be judged not by the color or amount of their fur, but by the content of their character.

My passion is ...

Providing companionship to my pet human.

I know too much about ...

finance, philosophy, science, technology, and fetching things

My parents always told me ...

stop playing with my tail or I will bite you

My childhood ambition ...

I must confess that it was my misguided and superficial dream to be a show lab.

My favorite memory ...

My pet human left a jar of peanut butter within reach while she went to work.

Why I write ...

My attempts at vocal communication are interpreted as barks, and hence the written word is my only method of self-expression.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

Anything my pet human leaves within reach.

My first job ...

Family dog.

My best moment ...

Finally revealing my true identity.

My inspiration ...

My pet humans, nature, the smell of fresh garbage and filthy clothes.

Personal Finance > Spending & Saving (Other) How to give to charity without spending anything

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In the current economy, many of us feel we can't afford to be as generous as we were in better economic times. This means that our favorite charities are experiencing an even sharper financial crisis of their own. In order to keep non-profit organizations functioning, we need to find ways to give to charity without putting undue strain on our own finances. Here are a few ideas for contributing to your favorite charitable organization without spending money. 1. Clean out your closet. Charities such as the DAV or Salvation Army always need donated items to stock their thrift stores. If you h...

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