Shelters across North America are preparing for winter, and three dedicated dog lovers from Vancouver are doing their best to make sure shelter pups stay warm until they find their forever home. Melissa Shaw and her friends Carmela Manno and Rebecca (along with pups Angel and Nyx) have begun #blanketsforshelters to collect blankets for rescues in need.
For shelters with cement floors or outdoor kenneling, the winter only brings greater challenges to the doggy adoption process. “A simple blanket can provide comfort, warmth, shelter, hope and the confidence they need to put their best paw forward with the potential to be adopted,” Melissa told BarkPost.
Melissa and her friends started #blanketsforshelters to use social media in the hopes of encouraging people to donate blankets to local shelters. The response they received was overwhelming. They raised over 1200 blankets in their area in only 2 weeks.
Though Melissa’s operation runs out of Vancouver, “these blankets are not just
staying local but will be shipped across North America to shelters in
need.” Melissa has been in contact with shelters as far as New York and Miami, and is willing to send blankets across the continent.
Last week #blanketsforshelters sent their first shipment to the United States and are anxious to send more. Updates are posted on Instagram accounts @angel_missnyx and @ihelpedsave, where eager participants share photos of their dogs posing with the donations.
“The reason I tell you our story,” Melissa said, “is to share how much a simple gesture can help a pup in need.” A blanket may not seem like much, but a little warmth can go a long way. Donating your spare blankets or towels to local shelters is a small but wonderful way to help dogs who are waiting for homes this winter.
If you’d like to help by doing more than donating blankets to a local shelter, #blanketsforshelters has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for shipping charges. This will allow them to keep the donations going out to the shelters that need them.
You can also direct message @angel_missnyx or @ihelpedsave to notify Melissa of a shelter in your area that could use blankets. And don’t forget to spread the good word by tagging your pictures #blanketsforshelters when you post images of your pups posing with donations!
