It’s been a month and we are sorting the blankets and the towels. In a box is a beautiful blue and brown lap robe. You can see the love and care it was made with in each and every stitch. As heating becomes more expensive, more couches, sofas and chairs will have afghans and throws across their backs once more just waiting to keep someone warm and toasty.
This year, the animals will be dried and warmed with towels of all sizes and some will have pillows, and some fake fur (in neon orange, lime green and purple and pink) and all will be happy to curl up in blankets for warm winter nights.
The single flannel blankets will wear quickly and well in the Norwich Hospitality shelter. Our hearts were touched this year with this note – - “What a wonderful idea. Hope the blankets help and the towels are for the animals. Also a wonderful thing. Sent with love”
The Leffingwell House Museum and the Society of the Founders of Norwich, CT thank the individuals and organizations that contributed to the 2010 blanket drive and assure all that we will send them on their way to new homes “with love.”
Gratefully yours,
Beryl Fishbone
Congratulations Beryl and those who have done a great service to the 4-legged friends found in the shelter. I’ve been mentioning the drive from time to time, both to friends in the area and back during the early days of the drive on my Sunday Oldies show on WINY-1350AM Putnam (6-11AM, Juke Box Gold with Bill Alley).
Having three beautiful felines of my own – all of them rescues – no opportunity should go by us to help those animals who give so much love, or could do so, if they only had good homes. The past few years of my own hardships and struggles were gently softened by my Connie, Yin & Yang – and Bear when he was with us – a calming of the heart and mind against overwhelming circumstances. Animals have an innate ability to sense things, especially those who are allowed to ‘get close’. It is why programs with pet visits in many senior citizen and extended care facilities show improved attitudes and connection in the residents.
May I add to the effort of those at the Leffingwell and the Norwich Shelter this plea: please, DO NOT abandon your pets should hardship find you having to make that decision. If circunstances prevent you from keeping your pet any longer do all you can to find a good home; better yet, INCLUDE your 4-legged family members in the decisions of relocation, no matter how tough it may be. Having lost so much myself recently due to lack of employment leading to bankruptcy and being reduced to relying on friends for shelter, only recently being somewhat resettled, my decision to keep my ‘girls’ with me was primarily what kept me sane. The routine of being there for them, receiving their purrs and cuddles, did wonders to comfort and assure. Coupled with faith, prayers of others, and tangible things provided by the giving, the action and reaction to the loss helped me endure the trauma, hardships and realities.
To help people and pets I’ve started a single owner effort called Uncle DJ’s Groovy Pet Care which is dedicated to loving care of pets when their pet parents can’t be so attentive or are breaking away on holiday.
Going through changes, no matter how shattering, one can vividly see and understand what remains to help heal and build from disaster. Our animals – often forgotten in their ability to be ‘silently’ strong – are witness to loyalty, steadfastness, and boundless love so often that it can easily be taken for granted. They are God’s comfort, laughter, joy, so close at hand. We need them as much as they need us. May this letter boost adoptions and other kindnesses toward displaced and orphaned pets who await another chance to love on someone.
If you have an amazing pet story be sure to share that with me at the address below and I’ll share that with the Juke Box Gold audience some Sunday morning on WINY Radio.
In service to people and pets,
-Bill, the ‘Cat Dad’ of Connie, Yin & Yang
Cranston RI
groovypetcare@gmail.com