I’m asking that you support “Talking Animals,” and me–and, really, WMNF!–in our Fund Drive show Wednesday, Oct. 4, 11am-Noon ET–but, ideally,  BEFORE then!

As always, we have Exclusive Thank You Gifts for those who donate on  behalf of “Talking Animals”…

For example, one pair of awesome tickets to see Aerosmith, at Amalie Arena, on Oct., part of  the PEACE OUT The Farewell Tour, with The Black Crowes. Celebrating their 50th anniversary, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members Aerosmith have sold more than 150 million albums around the world, and produced a long string of hits and memorable songs, including “Janie’s Got A Gun,” “Livin’ On The Edge,” “Love In An Elevator,”  and “Sweet Emotion,” among many others. The band has broken numerous boundaries, including becoming the first rock band with a massive commercially successful hip-hop collaboration with Run DMC on “Walk This Way” and the first hard rock band to appear during a Super Bowl Halftime Show with their 2001 performance. This Tampa stop on their “Farewell Tour”—with special guest The Black Crowes—is nearly sold out, and a while ago, even the nosebleed section started being offered as “verified resale tickets” and by brokers, for $300 or more.  Good seats on the floor look to be going for $1500 to upwards of $3000, and beyond. Yet, I have a pair of amazing tickets—On the Floor, Section 6, Row 13, Seats 3 & 4—for a great price… You can pledge for these seats–see a fantastic show by a fantastic band, on an historic tour– all while supporting “Talking Animals” and WMNF.

Also, a weeklong stay at a HAWAIIAN CONDO–an ocean-view, one bedroom, one bathroom unit on the island of KAUAI in Poipu Beach, on the island’s sunny south shore.  Not long ago, the condo was remodeled, with a new kitchen, new bathroom, and more. Still, those who’ve stayed there–including WMNF listeners and programmers–might argue that the condo’s best feature is the balcony, on which you can sit and (depending on the time of the year) see whales, dolphin, or turtles–or a stunning sunset. Pledge now, and you’ll have an idyllic week in paradise to look forward to. All while supporting WMNF!    ALREADY PLEDGED FOR!!! 

 Other nifty Exclusive Thank You Gifts include:

* Comedy is hugely important to “Talking Animals”–we’ve included a piece of animal-related stand-up on each show, since we launched the program 20-plus years ago. And we’ve had comic-minded guests, from Lily Tomlin to Triumph The Insult Comic Dog. One of our faves, Maria Bamford–the best comedians out there, like Patton Oswalt, consider Maria the best comedian out there–has just published a book, “Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult: A Memoir of Mental Illness and the Quest to Belong Anywhere,” which has drawn rave reviews and is already a NY Times bestseller. Bamford–a longtime Pug enthusiast (she writes about her beloved Pugs in the book)–has donated three copies of “Sure” to help “Talking Animals” in the fund drive. You can see the cover below.

*Bodega cats are as essential to New York City as the subway! They’re cute to look at, but their purpose is to keep mice out of bodegas (small neighborhood grocery stores), which are mainstays of NYC culture. Now, NY-based Kinstler Puzzles is showcasing Bodega cats in a new 1000-piece puzzle. Kinstler is a fine art online puzzle shop that showcases the vibrant modern art of emerging and established artists. NY artist Simone Johnson is the gifted portraitist, capturing bodega cats at work—and we have a few of the puzzles to offer as thank you gifts for supporting “Talking Animals” and WMNF. You can see the puzzle art below.

* Wham-O, the company responsible for such favorite children’s (and adults’!) toys as the Frisbee, Slip N Slide, Hula Hoop, Superball, and Boogie Board, this year celebrates its 75th Anniversary. And to mark the occasion, the company has released the Wham-O Houndsbee 75th Commemorative Frisbee Dog Toy. In addition to representing an important historical artifact, this special Frisbee is super fun to play with–for dogs and  humans! That’s why we’re offering it as a Thank You gift. You can see a photo of the Frisbee below. 

* If you’re a fervent cat lover–and/or have a cat lover at home or at work–you can’t go wrong with this purr-fect apron! It’s covered with whimsical illustrations of all types, and colors, of cats: Siamese, calicos, Persians, tabbies, and more, on durable poly/cotton twill. One size fits most–apron has a big front pocket, neck loop, and back ties You can see a photo below. 

* Not be outdone, the canine contingent has demanded that we also offer a dog apron in this fund drive. It’s a beauty! As a further alternative to the cat apron–with its beautiful, white background–the dog apron has a navy-blue background, adorned with images of cute puppies. This, too, is a one size fits all, or most. Some of its amenities include a tool loop next to the pockets, fabric waist ties, and a tab on the reverse side for hanging up the apron. Made of nice mid-weight canvas. You can see a  picture of the apron below, and pledge for it.

* It’s summer time–warm in some places, blazing hot in others. So here’s a great way to keep your dog(s) cool, happy and hydrated: This Collapsible Pet Water Bottle & Bowl Combination is compact, yet holds 18 ounces of water, is safe and lightweight, made of HDPE stock, the water bowl is produced with food standard silicone; it is BPA free and has no smell. It is ecologically friendly and recyclable. This bottle/bowl is not only ideal to take on walks, but great for the beach, hikes, and other activities where your canine companion might work up a thirst. You can see a photo below. 

* A special 12-ounce Stainless Steel Double Wall Insulated Tumbler/Coffee Mug, emblazoned with CANINES AND CAFFEINE MAKE ME HAPPY, surrounding an illustration of a dog wearing sunglasses–on both sides of the mug. Perfect for a Dog Lover, & perfect gift for one. You can see a photo below. 

* The LILLY BRUSH, what many feel is the best, most effective device for removing pet hair from clothing, carpet, cars, couches and other furniture. It’s labeled a “Pet Hair Detailer,” but whatever you call it, the Lilly Brush works great! 

 * The current TALKING ANIMALS T-SHIRT, royal blue, with a fantastic front design by artist extraordinaire Ramin Nazer. You can see the shirt, front and back, below. Many have been pledged for, but we still have some shirts in most sizes.

That hour of our fund drive show on Oct. 4—from 11-Noon ET that day–is the only time our show will be “credited” with your donation.

If a pledge comes in afterward, it could be credited to another show, but you can give beforehand… how ’bout now? Read more…