Patterns for Paws

I am very happy to announce that Lily's Friends and Purebred Cat Breed Rescue are joining forces to raise funds to help their programs help animals in need.

Patterns for Paws will be a collection of knit and crochet patterns. Each pattern will be made available for purchase online and receipt via PDF download. The profits will be split evenly between the two organizations.

If you're a designer and would like to donate a pattern, please send an e-mail to ida@knittingpurls.com You don't have to be a professional designer to participate.

Keep your eyes open to this blog for information about buying the patterns and helping the animals.

We're Here to Help

As most of you probably know, parts of Iowa have been hit hard by floods. Some might even say devastated. As a native Iowan, it pains me to see the images coming out of that area.

Among those losing their homes--or who are in danger of losing them--are many pets. Once again we hear stories of people refusing to leave their homes because they are not sure whether pets will be allowed in shelters. Fortunately, some shelters heard the clarion call from the horrific situation surrounding hurricanes Katrina and Rita a few short years ago. But this means that shelters, many already filled to capacity, are finding their resources stretched to extremes.

Lily's Friends, a program of The Lily M. Foundation, Inc., will help. We will be making financial contributions to shelters in the area. In addition, I'm asking for an escalation in making and sending us Lily Pads, the much loved pet blankets we send to shelters and animal hospitals. If you can, please consider donating financially or by sending us Lily Pads. If you'd like to donate funds, you can now do so through PayPal. Just click the Donate button on the right. If you'd like to send Lily Pads, please send an e-mail to ida@knittingpurls.com for the address.

Thank you,
Ida

Tommy's Story

This is Tommy. He lives with me and the furry members of my household. Tommy's parents died in 2007, and their children thought it best that Tommy was put to sleep. After all, he was around 15 years old, diabetic, and had never lived with other animals. Their father had hung on for as long as he could, telling those around him that he had to take care of Tommy. Sadly, his time on earth came to an end and Tommy's fate had been decided--euthanasia.

A cousin and I tried to find a home for Tommy, but for some reason, a geriatric cat with diabetes is not high on most people's adoption list. So he came to live with me. He adapted to the other cats amazingly quickly (though of course there is still the occasional hissing). Tommy's diabetes is being treated, but it's yet to get under control. Yes, he moves more slowly than his new and younger brothers and sisters, but then so do I. Tommy is a very loving cat who loves to sleep on my bed. Often when I look at him I can't help but remember how close he came to not being here.

So what is the purpose of this story? Modern medicine has meant longer lives for humans and for animals. It's not that unusual to hear of a cat living for more than twenty years. It's important for all of us to make arrangements for the care of our pets should we die or become incapacitated. Of course there's no guarantee that our wishes will be followed, but at least someone will know what we wanted.

Write down what should happen to the pets should we no longer be able to care for them. And make sure the person designated as a guardian is willing to accept the responsibility. Make sure that friends and family are aware that you have designated a Pet Care Proxy and where the instructions are placed.

When we take on the responsibility of becoming a pet parent, it's a lifelong commitment. It's important that their futures are secured. Just remember what almost happened to Tommy.