ALL MY CHILDREN's Julia Barr (Brooke) is embarking on a new project. She has taken original artwork created by her husband Dr. Richard Hirschlag and turned them into a series of note cards featuring pets.

"They are sweet," shares Barr. "They're all real animal companions, not only that we've had, but our friends have had or still have. It's a lovely compilation of all of these pet companions."

It all began because of the couple's shared adoration of animals and Hirschlag's artistic ability. "My husband had done a drawing of our dog — who since passed away — Nell," explains Barr. "He's very artistic. After we adopted our current animal Lucy, he did a digital picture of her standing, looking straight up at him in our kitchen. She had a little white on her nose and he titled it "Got Milk?" And then he did a drawing.

"From that point on, he would do the drawing and then he'd take a picture and just for fun, make a note card. We would send them to people for thank yous or I'd give note cards to friends. And all the sudden people were going, 'If I send you a picture of my pet, will you do it?' (Laughs)"

Barr is very excited about her newest project to benefit animal organizations. "It's one of those things that just has tremendous appeal, even as a gift. People are tremendously affected by animal companions in their life."

Funds from the project will be donated to benefit animal organizations around the country. The cards are available at www.daisynotes.com or via phone (919-544-8491). For more information, visit www.juliarosebarr.com.