Padsworth's Project

Ribbit! Padsworth here, with an announcement for all of you special Lilypadquilting peeps --- especially those of you who participated in the fun of the 2012 Pets on Quilts Show!

All of us here at Lilypadquilting were so happy to read the stories and see the pictures of precious pups and kitties that had been rescued and were featured in our show. Snoodles' studio kitty, Moses, and the huge white pony, er, doggie that lives here are both rescue pets, so that is a topic that is near and dear to our hearts!
We were searching for a way to include some kind of project in our show planning, that would benefit the many shelters that provide "way stations" for pets that are hoping to find their special people and their forever homes.
We've started Padsworth's Project to fill that need!

Precious pups and kitties of all ages come to shelters tired, scared, and maybe even sick. The volunteers at the shelters have their hands full, feeding and caring for these animals. They do their best to make certain that they are clean and healthy, and that someone who wants a pet can come and find that special friend.

But it's not easy to look perky when the kitty below you kept you awake all night. Or if the big dog in the cage next to you just won't stop barking and you're stressed out. Or the cage just wasn't comfy, or it was cold, and you just are not ready to "wow" the folks that come to look you over . . .

The shelters do their best to accommodate the animals' needs, but they still sometimes are sleeping in cages that have only a metal grid in the bottom, or sleeping on the concrete floor of a run, or something like that. And an animal that has gotten a good nights sleep will present better, and have a better chance of adoption!

There are several non-profit groups around the country that have web sites to address these problems. They have ideas to inspire you, and tutorials to guide you. You can make a pad or bed from fabric, or you can knit or crochet. Ribbit, ribbit! It's important to follow their guidelines --- they have experience in what works, and what doesn't!

You see, if you don't make it "the right way" it may come apart when the shelter staff tries to wash and dry it, or it may end up being puppy-shredded all over the place . . .

So, please, check out these sites we have listed here, and follow their advice!

Snuggles Project

Kennel Comforters

(Kennel Comforters even has a video so you can see what they do!)

You will want to check with your local shelter, to see if they accept beds, pads, or blankies, and if they have facilities to wash them. If the first shelter doesn't, then try another! 

We have a new page on our blog for Padsworth's Project, and the linky party there will last all year. We encourage each and every one of you to participate and join the linky party. 

Here's the carrot dangling in front of you! (Wink) For each blankie or bed that you make and donate, put a picture in the linky party. Each donation will earn you two entries in our Pets on Quilts prize drawings next year!  It's a real two-for-one deal! Hoppy froggies! 

Let me and Snoodles know what you think! Will you party with us?

(Linking up today to Katherine's Corner Thursday Favorite Things hop and also to The Jack Chronicles, her cohost!)
Love,