[Chameleon]

Hello! This is for all the animal lovers/crafters out there! Ever notice how around the holidays you get phone calls from charities? Ever notice how they're all HUMAN charities? What about all the homeless animals? If you have a craft (crochet, knit, weave, sew, or even if you don't have one, but have wanted to try one), and, as most crafters do, you have a stash of materials that you look at and ask yourself " when did I get this?", put those scraps to use! Every year, millions of animals find themselves in shelters due to owner neglect, family death or relocation, or just simply getting lost and brought in. They're in little metal or concrete cages and though the staff do try their best, they aren't given the love and attention that they deserve/need. I'm including a few links for the snuggles, cuddles for kittens, and hugs for homeless animals projects. The goal of these charities is to provide homeless animals with a bit of comfort. Be sure to contact your local animal shelter to find out their policy on bedding donations, such as fibers preferred and colors ( some may prefer white so they can bleach the bedding). Sorry if this got in the wrong forum. Have a good day all!

www.crochetpatterncentral.com
Patterns are listed under pets

www.knittingpatterncentral.com
Patterns are listed under pets

www.crochetkitten.com
Pattern for pet snuggle and mat. Also includes project fliers in PDF format.

http://www.snugglesproject.org
Bunch of patterns!

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

*most of these patterns are for cats, but the flat rugs and mats could probably easily be modified to pooch size by increasing the number of stitches and rows.

[Alty]

Great idea and great post.

[ChihuahuaMomma]

I love it!!

[starbuck8]

Great post! Can I also add that there are usually craft fairs and trade shows, as I'm sure you all know. The spring, summer, fall, and winter ones. Quite often, there will be a booth for the SPCA, or another shelter in your area.

Here is an absolutely simple thing you can do to help raise funds for the animals. Every year I make those little bows for the dogs hair, also the bandanas. I also am a floral designer, so I make a few arrangements to donate. It costs so little to buy the supplies and make them. All you have to do is call your local shelter, and ask when their next fund raiser is, and tell them you would like to make your crafts for them to sell, to raise money. Sometimes a little sure helps a lot! :)

[Chameleon]

Most shelters also usually need the following items:
Bleach
Cat litter
Food bowls
Water bowls
Cat food
Dog food
Newspapers
Old towels
Old blankets
Old throw rugs
Collars
Leashes
Dog toys
Cat toys
$$$
Volunteers
Laundry soap
Rubber gloves
Shelters could probably also use those little carpet samples that look like rugs, but I'd call and ask first.
Odoban for pets (again, call and ask)
Disinfectant (see above)

Look up your local shelters website and they might have a list posted.

[starbuck8]

Good list, and I'll add one more thing. Volunteer dog walkers, for those who need to leave their dogs for long hrs, the elderly, and the disabled, etc.