Embracing one’s own Tikkun Olam, or act of kindness to improve the world, can be a daunting challenge. It has to wedge itself between jobs, kids, pets, life. I seldom come across anyone with time to spare. More often I see people multi-tasking to the breaking point. Or maybe that’s just me.
Des…
I’ve recently come across the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam, and it’s hard to believe that in over half a century this idea has not crossed my path. It describes acts of kindness designed to improve, perfect or even repair the world. It’s often applied to issues that help protect those that are at a…
I’ve always regarded animal shelter workers as some of the best people around. It’s one of the many reasons I’m so thrilled to send blankets out to shelters. These individuals love seeing our creations and then “matching” them to the best pet. They truly care for the cats and dogs as if they were th…
The population inside animal shelters is not limited to just cats and dogs. Although these pets make up the majority of the residents, many shelters take in other domestic pets, including rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and even fancy rats. As we support these shelters, we also support all sorts of “c…
What do prison inmates, middle schoolers, retirement home residents and church groups all have in common? They’ve all made blankets to help homeless pets. One of the many wonderful things about making Comfort for Critters blankets is that it’s something that can be shared with the people in your li…
Every so often people will question my logic in giving beautifully crafted blankets to pets who will likely knead them, chew them a bit and have the occasional “accident” (poop-happens, after all). They warn me that our creations will look worn and ragged in no time. Of course my short reply should…
I’m going to admit something right up front. I’m not proud of it, but I often size people up based on their reaction to Comfort for Critters. When I meet someone new, after they ask the mandatory “do you have kids?”, they usually ask “what do you do?” I’m often tempted to answer “not enough”, but th…
Comfort for Critters began as a small idea, and that’s being generous. To say I thought all this up is greatly overestimating my abilities. It was simply a quiet tap on my shoulder by God, amongst the meows at my local animal shelter. I was given the idea that, “it might be something I should do.” G…
What do you do? I don't mean the opening question at a party which is followed up by "accounting,” or “I'm a mom, I raise kids”. What do you really do? For most of my life I would answer that as my occupation, give a vague reference to my college major, or list out my tasks from the previous week. I…