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Buy Jasper Prints at Wildlife Gallery
Jasper. Two years ago as I roamed the Internet looking at information on wildlife and rescue
organizations, I came across the Animals Asia Foundation (AAF) web site and read for the first time
information on the "China Bear Rescue." Having supported wildlife rescue for many years, I was
immediately drawn to what was happening with the "Moon Bears" in China.
Like many others, I had no idea of the great tragedy that was taking place all across China in the name
of medicine. For over twenty years farms had been operating throughout China, milking bears daily for
their bile through rusting metal catheters implanted deep into their gallbladders. Asiatic Black Bears
known as Moon Bears were being kept in tiny metal cages no larger than their own bodies.
Animals Asia Founder and CEO, Jill Robinson MBE, had first discovered the bear farming in 1993. From that
point through tireless negotiations and work with the Chinese government, Jill had finally achieved an
agreement with the Chinese Government that pledges to free 500 suffering Moon Bears with the goal to
eventually close down all bear farms in China. Please visit the
Animals Asia web site for more information.
Since October 2000, bears have begun arriving at the AAF temporary Rescue Center in Sichuan.
The bears arrive in shocking condition needing urgent veterinary attention and care. Often they are
missing limbs, suffer from horrendous infections and are terribly under nourished. Some don't survive
but those that do go through an extensive surgical and rehabilitation program, and are eventually free to play with
other bears for the first time in their lives.
More bears continue to arrive at the Animals Asia facility with the closing of the 31st farm in China.
Construction has begun on a new bamboo sanctuary for the bears that will give them a place to live out
the remainder of their lives romping and playing together.
From the first time I came across this information I have sought ways to help and participate in the
rescue by posting information on my web site, telling everyone I know about it and encouraging donations.
I also made contact with AAF's Media Director, Annie Mather,
offering my services as an illustrator/painter and in 2002, it is my privilege to have been ask to create a
painting of a Moon Bear to be used on cards for fund raising.
In July, Annie sent me a photograph of "Jasper," a beautiful, smiling Moon Bear that had not only
survived a horrendous life on a bear farm but has grown to be a loving, playful bear since coming to
Animals Asia. When I saw his photo it was like I had known him always, I felt an immediate connection
to him. I was pulled in through his eyes and the painting seemed to magically flow from my brush onto
the paper. The result was a bear painting like none I have ever done before.
I am very proud of this painting and very proud to share a brief note that I received from Jill at
AAF.
"What can I say... your painting is beautiful, exquisite and PURE Jasper. I love this bear -
and your portrayal of him is perfection. You've captured his mischievous humor, his kind, kind
personality and his love of all things fun. He's our mee ma ("eyebrow" in Chinese and nicknamed
by our lovely local workers because of his obvious sandy colored eyebrows) - and you're brilliant.
Jasper sized hugs from all of us, Jill."
Jill Robinson MBE
Animals Asia Foundation
For me, this is what it is all about, being able to contribute through my painting to the welfare of animals
no matter where they are in this world. It is easy to loose sight of how animals are treated in other parts
of the world when we are so focused on rescueing abused animals found just around the corner. Animals Asia and
their dedication to the welfare of animals has helped open my eyes to the horrific treatment animals
receive in other parts of the world. Please help if you can. Additional information can be found and
contributions made at the Animals Asia Foundation web site.
In 2006, the original painting of Jasper was auctioned off in Germany to raise over $600 in funds
for Animal Asia. Limited edition prints are still available at the
Wildlife Gallery and a portion of the proceeds goes to Animal Asia.
Eddie. At around the same time I was painting Jasper, I had received a flyer from AAF about dog
and cat abuse in Asia. As I read about dogs and cats being cruelly killed on their way to the dinner
table tears ran down my cheeks. I was stunned. Like many people I had seen news reports about torture
and abuse of animals here in the U.S. but had no idea of what these animals went through in Asia.
Included in the flyer was the story of "Eddie," rescued by Jill from slaughter for human consumption.
Eddie was brought back to Hong Kong where he has become an
ambassador for their "Dr. Dog" program which takes dogs into hospitals to visit with patients as
animal therapists.
Having recently lost my longtime dog companion, Basil, my heart was overwhelmed with the urge to do
something as a way of voicing my support for AAF's program and continued intervention for more humane
treatment of animals in Asia. I ask for and received flyers and a photo of Eddie from Annie. Again,
I could feel the connection. I could see the kindness in his eyes.
I created a painting of Eddie to honor his new life and to give to AAF in hopes that it can be used to
focus attention on his story and help raise funds for their program. I ask that everyone take a few
minutes to go to the
Animals Asia web site and read Eddie's story along with the story of dogs and cats tortured and
abused on their way to the dinner table. While you are there, make a contribution.
Thank you to everyone for listening! There are many dog, cat and horse rescue organizations as well as
wildlife organizations here in Georgia, throughout the U.S. and around the world that could also use
your help. Please be generous with your time and money.
Henry Patton
Laughing Wolf Studio
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