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Donate Old Blankets and Towels to Animal Shelter Rather than Toss Them

December 6, 2011 By: Anna9 Comments

Dogs Like Dorothy Needs Blankets and Towels at Animal Shelters

Dogs Like Dorothy Needs Blankets and Towels at Animal Shelters

How many of you have torn towels or blankets?  Do you throw them away or use them as rags?  The other day I noticed that one of the blankets that my kids use had a huge hole in it.  Large enough that their entire bodies could shimmy through it.  Sewing it back together was not happening.  However, I knew who could benefit from my holey blanket.  Dogs and cats at shelters.

The ASPCA estimates annually there are 5-7 million cats and dogs in shelters.  What a sad piece of information.

Why Do Dogs Love Blankets

I had a dog growing up name Beau Beau (pronounced “bo bo.”)  If you can guess from the name, he was a french poodle.   Well, Beau Beau loved to snuggle in my parents’ bed although he had his own dog bed.  I am sure Beau Beau’s snuggling had nothing to do with the fact he was part human according to my mother.

I never understood why dogs in general like blankets.  Better yet, I never understood why dog shelters are always asking for towels, blankets, and sheets for dogs.   What I gleamed from some dog sites was the following information:

  • dog shelter floors are cold cement.  Who wants to sleep on that?
  • dog like to burrow since it makes them feel secure
  • some young dogs like to nurse on blanket

This all now made sense why dog shelters like Operation Blanket of Love in California request these items.

My Torn Blanket.  Wouldn't a Dog Love it?

My Torn Blanket. Wouldn't a Dog Love it?

I took my holey blanket over to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in New Jersey.  How could I tear up the blanket to make rags.  The Center gladly accepted my gift and said the dogs and cats will love the blanket.

In fact, most shelter accepts lots of other donations, including money.  For example, see St. Hubert’s wish list.  I am sure it is very similar to shelter near you.

By the way when you are dropping off your dog donation, consider adopting a dog or cat. Dorothy in the above picture needs a home.

Where Can I Find a Shelter?

Listed below are some of the databases that I found in different areas of the world.  If you know one that I missed, please add it to the comments.

  • In the United States:  AdoptAPet.com.
  • Canada:  Adopt an Animal Canada
  • Europe:  No Kill Shelters
  • Australia:  Cat World (The site lists shelters for both dogs and cats.)

Join the Conversation:

  • Do you have blankets or towels to donate?  Have you ever donated blankets or any other items to an animal shelter?
  • Does your animal love his or her blanket?
  • Have you ever adopted a dog or cat from the shelter?  Tell us about the adoption.

Similar Posts:

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  • Recycle Yoga Mats Through RecycleYourMat
  • Fundamentally Dog: Wear your Pooch Love T-shirt Proudly
  • Building Supply Salvage Centers—Where a Bargain Lessens Your Carbon Footprint
  • Alfalfa: How to Dry and Preserve for the Backyard Gardener.

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About Anna

Anna Hackman is the editor of Green Talk, and owner of The Naked Botanical and a avid (okay obsessed) gardener. She also loves video and podcasting and hosts Green Talk TV and Green Talk Radio. Her most important role is being a mother of four boys.

Chat with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest , and Google+.

Comments

  1. 1

    K.C. Gleaton says

    December 6, 2011 at 9:28 am

    That’s a good idea!

    I live in NJ also and will look for a shelter today!

    Reply
  2. 2

    Solar Alchemy says

    March 8, 2012 at 4:19 pm

    I love this post! And while you’re dropping off your old blankets and towels, adopt a dog or cat.

    Reply
    • 3

      Anna@Green Talk says

      March 8, 2012 at 9:32 pm

      Solar, exactly! I have old torn sheets I need to give to them too. Anna

      Reply
  3. 4

    Richard says

    August 25, 2012 at 12:43 am

    Never ever thought about it. Will look for old blankets and give it to my cat for shelter 🙂

    Reply
  4. 5

    Randi says

    June 7, 2016 at 11:37 am

    Great idea! I was wondering if they would like comforters as well. Is there a place in Brooklyn where I can drop these off?

    Reply
    • 6

      Anna@Green Talk says

      June 10, 2016 at 7:37 am

      Randi I am sure they would love comforters. I would just google a dog shelter in your area. When I put in dog shelter and brooklyn in my search button, Google immediately came up with 3 listings. Anna

      Reply
  5. 7

    bernadette says

    October 30, 2017 at 6:53 pm

    t have 3 comforters and a blanket in good condition would like to donate if you can use

    Reply
    • 8

      Anna says

      November 15, 2017 at 9:35 pm

      Bernadette, I am simply a blogger. Try to find a dog shelter near you. That will gladly take your blankets. Anna

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Was Atch Homes | 5 Top Tips for Recycling Your Household Waste Above and Beyond the Usual says:
    August 20, 2016 at 5:08 am

    […] explained via the Green-Talk  website, whilst people might no longer have a use for old clothing, blankets, bedding and even table […]

    Reply

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