Friday, September 28, 2012

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!



(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,




12 comments:

  1. This is an excellent idea! I wish I could adopt them all, but sadly I can't so making snuggles for shelters is the next best thing.

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  2. I'm going to give the shelter a call today to find out their needs and specs. Our fur-kids have been rescued as well, even our diva Bullet.

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  3. Oh Padsworth, you are so very thoughtful. I'll definitely help make some comfy beds for animals living in my local shelters and donate them in your name.

    SewCalGal
    www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

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  4. We donate to our local shelter. Such a great cause. Thank you for sharing at the The Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop xo

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  5. I would love to see another picture of the huge white pony. Er, I mean, the doggie. heehee! Will contact the shelter to see what the needs are here. p.s. How's the duck population these days?!
    Love,
    Thing I

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  6. I volunteer at a wildlife shelter. Everything that has fur gets all kind of fleece blankets (in a very tiny size) to snuggle in. The baby birds get fleece nests too. For the squirrels we have little fleece pockets that we tie to the side of their cage and they all curl up in like a hammock. Anyways, I've never made any items myself but thought I would share (although obviously I should start sewing up some items for them!) The point was that wild animal shelters have a need for blankets and "softies" too :)

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  7. The shelter near us keeps a wishlist on line that includes urgent needs items. I always try to give what I can, but can you believe I have yet to knit them and cage blankets? eeeeeps

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  8. I make blankets for our shelter. Jan from Sew and Sow Farm sent me here.

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  9. Glad to find you... Sew and Sow Farm sent me over

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  10. Glad to find you here---Jan at Sew and Sow Farm says hi!! One of my New Years resolutions will be to start making blankets for our local shelter!

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  11. Hi! Jan from Sew and Sow sent me over--glad she did!

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  12. Neat site, Jan from Sew and Sow Farm sent me over!

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