July 21st is Craft For Your Local Shelters Day. This is one cause that we are happy to support! Shelters mostly run on volunteers and donations, and are always in need of supplies for their furry wards. If you feel like helping out, why not take time to make something? A Rancho Santa Fe, CA vet lists a few things you can make for your local shelter in this article.
Beds
You really can’t go wrong with beds! You can make them out of old sweaters. Or, make a pillow style bed. Start from scratch by sewing material into a square, with the outsides facing in. Sew the sides together, and leave just a small opening to put the stuffing in through. Pull the material through and stuff it before closing the hole. Done!
Catnip Toys
It’s easy to make catnip toys shaped like mice. You can find lots of patterns online! Of course, Fluffy is quite happy with toys that are shaped like squares, triangles, or, well, anything else. The directions are just like those for the pillow-style bed, just smaller.
Cat Towers
The cat tower is most likely Fluffy’s favorite piece of furniture, and with good reason. It’s a multi-purrpose piece: it acts as a lookout, jungle gym, napping spot, and manicure station. You can make one out of an old bookcase or stepladder. Add planks to provide kitty lounging spots, and then cover it in carpet or sisal rope. If you want to go all-out, you can even make one from scratch using lumber or PVC pipe.
Pull Toys
Many dogs love playing Tug O’ War. You can make a rope toy by cutting any type of material into small pieces. You can use old jeans, towels or tee shirts. Cut it into strips, and then braid the strips together. Next, braid the braids together. Keep doing this until it’s the length and thickness you want, then tie the ends off into big knots. You can also make variations on this by incorporating things like tennis balls.
Tips
Contact your local shelter before making or dropping off things. While the worst of the pandemic is (hopefully) behind us, many places do still have restrictions. Check websites or call and ask what they are and aren’t accepting.
As a provider of veterinary services in Rancho Santa Fe, CA, we are committed to delivering exceptional care for your pets. Please don’t hesitate to contact us anytime!
