There are so many ways you can help out your local animal shelter – and if you’re someone who likes to see exactly how you’ll be helping the animals, then you may be interested to know that donating money isn’t the only option you have.
Many shelters are happy to accept blankets, bedding, toys, food, and other necessities for the animals, and as you can pick the items out yourself, this type of donation can feel a lot more personal.
Some shelters even have an Amazon wish list, with the item you purchased for them going straight to their door.
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Donating items to shelters is a really great way to show you care, and one kindhearted woman wanted to take things a step further!
89-year-old Maisie Green from the United Kingdom has put her own personal spin on helping animals in need: by knitting them their very own blankets and sweaters.
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Masie has knitted over 450 items over the years, and her incredible work has been recognized by the official dogstrust account on Instagram.
Sharing a picture of Maisie standing proudly next to some of her beautifully knitted blankets, they wrote:
“Local dog lover Maisie Green aged 89 years hand knits blankets and dog coats for Dogs Trust Basildon. Over the years she has knitted an estimated 450 items for the dogs at the centre to enjoy. Thank you so much Maisie!”
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Amazingly, it doesn’t take knitting-enthusiast Maisie long at all to fully complete an item.
“I love knitting and I love dogs, so this combines both wonderfully! It takes me three days to knit a blanket and one day to knit a doggy coat,” Maisie told Dogs Trust Basildon.
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It might only take her a short amount of time, but Maisie’s finished pieces are so beautifully done, yet still have the charm and added love that comes with a handmade item.
“It keeps me busy and often I like to knit whilst watching television. I’m delighted to be helping the four-legged residents at the center in some way,” Maisie said.
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As it turns out, Maisie isn’t the only incredible woman who dedicates her time to knitting items for the homeless animals.
83-year-old Peggy Letten, who has dementia and lives at Kathleen’s Lodge care home in Shoreham, United Kingdom, also has a passion for knitting and has created hundreds of blankets for dogs in need.
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“I do it because they’re lovely, lonely dogs. Someone has to love them,” Peggy said. “Every time I knit a blanket, I imagine a rescue dog snuggling on it.”
Her colorful blankets went to Dog’s Trust Rehoming Centre in Shoreham, and as a ‘thank you’ for her amazing work, Peggy was given her very own private tour of the rehoming center.
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She was also awarded a certificate for her efforts.
“We have been absolutely blown away by her efforts and the kindness she has shown towards our rescue dogs,” said Tracey Rae, rehoming centre manager at Dog’s Trust Shoreham, “It’s clear how much time Peggy has put into crocheting the blankets, as there is beautiful detail on every one.
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She added: “They are all very colourful so will brighten up the kennels and hopefully attract some extra attention for our four-legged-friends. With the chill of the winter months starting to creep up on us I know our dogs are very pleased to put them to good use – and they love feeling extra cosy.”
These two amazing women deserve all the recognition in the world!
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