Dogs are some of the most important friends in our lives — but unfortunately, not everyone shares the same sentiment.
Many folks end up purchasing pups without doing the proper research and/or move to homes that do not allow animals — and whatever the reason, it sadly can end with dogs being abandoned.
Thankfully, there are shelters for dogs to stay at prior to finding their forever homes, there are foster families who open up their homes to host pups — and some donate their resources to help pay for their treatments.
And then, there are others — we call them saints — who give above and beyond.
Like Maisie.
I Heart Dogs recently shared how “89-year-old Maisie has managed to knit approximately 450 cozy blankets and sweaters for the pups awaiting forever homes at the Dogs Trust Basildon shelter.” She said, “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. 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.”
Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Basildon, Lisa Cooper, added:
“Maisie regularly brings along her knitted donations and we are so grateful for her support. With the chill of the Winter months really starting to creep up on us I know our dogs are very pleased to put the items to good use – and love feeling extra cozy!”
In just one year, Maisie has donated three times to the shelter — and her own family helps her by driving there and unpacking all the hard work she has created for the pups.
If you have been inspired by Maisie and want to help out, we have a few ideas for you!
Donate unwanted household items
Everyone has extra of something lying around — be it bowls or cleaning products — shelters are always looking to continue to keep their spaces both organized and clean, and the items similar to the above would greatly help them!
Volunteer to take the dogs out for a walk
Shelter workers are most likely overworked and so it would help them immensely if you volunteered to take a dog out for a walk. Some shelters even offer volunteers to “rent-a-dog.” While others include overnight visits. It is always a good idea to ask the staff which dogs are the most overlooked for both and then choose him or her to spoil!
Give them a nice bath
Like we said earlier, as shelter workers are usually busy — it is always helps to have help! Especially when it comes to giving adorable dogs soothing baths. Choosing to either bathe or groom a dog can go along way!
Make them DIY collars, sweaters or bandanas,
And if you have a few hours to spare — like Maisie — you can make something from scratch! Be in bandanas, sweaters or durable dog toys — these items can make dogs seem more approachable and therefore help them have a better chance at being adopted.
But at the end of the day, helping in whatever way you can will be much appreciated to both the shelter works and the sweet doggos!
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