Comfort for Critters

         Fall 2026

   ~ Critter News ~

Welcome Fall! 

I am personally so very excited about the cooler weather arriving in the Midwest. I hope wherever you are, you're happy with what's coming your way! I've been doing a lot of talking to shelters and volunteers this summer. Some of it has been emails, or Facebook polls, but the best information is still the face to face conversations with some of the best souls on the planet!

I've been hearing a lot of about the current economy and it's effect on the animal sheltering industry. If you're interested in reading about what I've learned and ways to help, please check out my writing on Substack. It's completely free and just my way of passing along to others, all the good, bad and ugly that I've learned after almost 20 years working in this area.

As the weather cools down, crafting goes up, so I wanted to remind everyone of some of the tools available to volunteers. This website has free patterns available for knitting, crochet and making tied fleece blankets. I replace the patterns with new ones from time to time, so be sure to check back. 

If you live in the area of Glen Ellyn, IL I have lots of free yarn to share with volunteers as well. A couple of very generous supporters have purchased brand new, colorful and large skeins for me to distribute. I keep the storage bench, outside our main door, stocked up with 6-8 bags of yarn for volunteers at all times. Email me via the website for the address, and then stop by 24/7 to help yourself!

I can't close this issue without thanking everyone, once again, for all your help, encouragement and support! Please know that in this crazy world, we are making a difference every day to shelter pets and more!

Wishing you a fun & relaxing Autumn,  

Linda

Together we donated 1,805 blankets in July, 1,702 blankets in August and another 1,577 blankets in September. In total, 5,084 homeless pets at 123 shelters in 41 states were comforted by you this past quarter! Here are the happy recipients of your creativity and caring:

From the Hart County Humane Society in Hartwell, GA:  "Thank you for your generous donation of blankets! Because you care, dogs and cats who are homeless and suffering will be rescued, cared for with your creations, and adopted into loving families. Your gift helps us to care for our furry friends in a unique way. We are so grateful for your support!"

From the Wadena County Humane Society in Wadena, MN:  "Thank you for the blankets you sent to our shelter! We greatly appreciate all your kindness. Thank you so very much!"

From Magicats in Buhl, ID:  "This year is quickly turning into the largest kitten season in our history! Your generous donation is crucial to the care we give. Thank you ladies for helping our kitties with your beautiful blankets!!"

From the Worcester Animal Rescue League in Worcester, MA:  "Thank you for your generous donation of handmade blankets! We truly appreciate your kindness and compassion for supporting our mission to care for animals in need. This donation helps give these pets a great chance at a great life. On behalf of our staff and animals, we thank you so much for supporting our cause."

From Tails Humane Society in DeKalb, IL:  "Thank you for your donation, we rely on support from generous donors just like you! Your blankets are already making a real difference for pets like Muscat, Pinot Grigio and Rose. These siblings came to us after being born to a stray cat in a garage. Thanks to you, they'll never know life on the streets and received what every pet deserves! They have comfort, safety, and a hopeful future ahead. Thank you so much!"

From the Baltimore Humane Society in Reisterstown, MD: "Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our animal shelter! We serve thousands of animals each year and your support is crucial to our success. Your support means the world to us at BHS. We are grateful to receive your blankets!"

Animal lovers are typically open about their appreciation for all cats and dogs which cross their path. A walk around the neighborhood, or through an area forest preserve, will produce many delightful encounters with dogs of all shapes and sizes. In other cases, you may be visiting a friend who has a new dog they are eager for you to meet.

Whatever the circumstances, there truly is a protocol which should be observed. You may not be aware of these guidelines, but the dog likely is! By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll know when it’s okay to approach a dog on a walk, or if they are signaling to you that an encounter would be problematic. You’ll also know what to avoid doing, to help you win over your friend’s new best friend!

What not to do…  The number one thing well-meaning people love to do, but which dogs hate, is “the hug”. You may be able to get away with a hug, given to your own dog, but almost all dogs simply do not want to be hugged by strangers. It truly doesn’t matter how cute, fluffy or small they are. Hugs are simply not “their thing!”

For a dog that’s completely new to you, it’s really best to avoid eye contact, and instead to direct your gaze a bit lower, into the dog’s chest area. It seems weird, but will make them feel less threatened by you. Again, no matter how small and cute they are, picking them up and staring into their cute little face is not a good idea if you’re a stranger.

What to do…  The best idea, when you’re in the area of a new dog (on a walk, or at a friend’s home) is to let them approach you at their own pace. Feel free to speak calmly and confidently to the person on the other end of the leash, or to your friend in their home, for a minute or two. This allows the dog to read both your verbal cues and body language, to determine if they should move away or approach you. Dogs do look to their companions to tell them who’s a stranger and who’s a friend. If their companion likes you, they probably will too. Whatever they decide, don’t take it personally!

If the dog does approach, turn sideways just a bit (rather than facing them head-on) and let them sniff you. You can extend your hand, but a closed hand is a lot less threatening (especially if you don’t know their history). Once they’re sniffing away at your hand you can give them a few pets. Despite what many people do, it’s best to avoid their head, and instead pet their shoulder, chest or back. In addition, it’s also always best to avoid going anywhere near their rear-end.

When to stop… It’s also a good idea to know the signals a dog will give off, when they’ve just had enough! Again, don’t take it personally, since they may be just too tired for more interaction. If a dog starts to back away, or just steps back and turns away from you, that’s a clear sign that they’ve had too much “communication”, at least for now. Remember that it may take a few meetings before the dog is comfortable with someone. That’s okay, and quite normal.

When not to approach…  A dog that is open to interaction, usually looks relaxed overall, with a gently wagging tail. If the dog has its head down, ears back and tail lowered (or worse, tucked between their legs, even if its wagging), it’s best to leave them be. If they are licking their lips a lot, or you can easily see the white parts of their eyes, that’s often a clear sign of stress. These stressed-out dogs are not necessarily mean or aggressive, but if they are scared and being overly submissive, they could react out of fear.

The more you practice these techniques, when you meet new dogs, the more comfortable they will become. Once you see some of these signs in your own dog, they will be easier to spot in the new dogs you meet. When you learn to “read” what they are communicating (in the only way they know how), every interaction, and everyone is better off!

I hope you enjoy reading these from your fellow volunteers. I know their sentiments will sound familiar! At CFC everything we do is focused on helping pets and supporting the great shelters and rescue groups who help them too! 

• "All of the many cats that have been in our home have come from some sort of shelter/rescue. I make blankets for my cats, and want to make them for those in need as well. Oh, and dogs, too!" ~ Patty C. in Casa Grande, AZ

• "I am an animal lover who is handicapped and retired. I understand that all creatures need comfort, especially those in the transition stages of life. I use my time to try to give a little bit back to my community as well as offer some love and care to the shelter animals in my own little way." ~ Susan K. in MA​

• "I hope a blanket can comfort the shelter animals. So many animals are in need of good homes, so I hope a blanket can give them some comfort and enjoyment until they get that good home." ~ Denise T. in Douglasville, GA

• "Knowing that our dog is warm and safe and loved, I can only hope that the blankets I make bring warmth and joy to the pets in need!" ~ Nancy O. in Bloomingdale, IL

• "We adopted our two kitties from the shelter I gave my blankets to. Wanted to give back! Loved looking at the kitties on colorful blankets so I can understand how they could make the cats look sweet. Also nice to send them home with a blanket they are already feeling comfortable with!" ~ Karen C. in Sherwood, OR

• "We adopted two cats from separate shelters. We loved them dearly and had them for many years. I volunteer at a shelter and see so many sweet souls that need loving homes. Knitting blankets is a small way for me to share love with them." ~ Debbie R. in Manitou Springs, CO

• "I wish I could bring them all home with me but since I can't, I enjoy making something an animal can take with them when they get adopted. In the meantime, while they wait on their furever person, at least they have something soft and comfortable to keep." ~ Denise T. in Lawrenceville, GA

• "Pets deserve comfort and love above all else, and anything I can do to try to help them feel that, brings me joy and warmth. Hopefully it brings them peace of mind and I hope that one day they will find a forever home. And this is also a good way to alleviate my yarn stash too!" ~ Cassandra W. in Elbow Lake, MN 

• ​"I have three cats that make me smile every day. I wish all pets had humans that loved them as much as I Iove these crazy fur babes!!" ~ Beatrice C. in Poughkeepsie, NY​

• ​"I have made blankets for two years now and every time I do a drop off I come away with a warm heart, knowing I have helped the fur babies in a small way. I can't bring them all home with me ... my hubby says I am NOT going to be a 'Crazy Cat Lady' " ~ Linda R. in Urbana, OH​

I've been a companion to a few large, medium and small dogs, so I know firsthand that a bored dog can quickly turn into a naughty dog! Chewed shoes, shredded paper towels, endless barking, digging, and most other unwanted behaviors are often less about “bad dogs” and more about dogs with energy that has nowhere to go.

Experts in animal behavior agree that dogs need both physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. In fact, many trainers believe mental exercise can tire a dog out just as effectively as physical activity. A 15-minute sniffing session or puzzle game can sometimes leave a dog more satisfied than a quick walk around the block.

That’s because dogs experience the world primarily through their noses. Scientists estimate that a dog’s sense of smell may be tens of thousands of times more sensitive than ours. So when your pup stops at every mailbox, bush, and fire hydrant during a walk, they’re not “wasting time”, they’re gathering information. Health status, size, sex, emotional state, and more can all be communicated through scent. It’s basically your pooch’s chance to “read the morning paper” and catch up on everything happening in the neighborhood!

Of course, life sometimes gets in the way of those long adventures. Bad weather, busy schedules, illness, physical limitations, or the changing seasons can all reduce the amount of time we spend outdoors. But dogs still need enrichment, especially during those quieter stretches. In fact, when physical exercise is limited, mental stimulation becomes even more important. The good news is that you don’t need expensive equipment or hours of free time to keep your dog entertained and mentally engaged. Sometimes the simplest activities are the most exciting. Check out these ideas to help chase away the boredom blues:

Rotate the toy collection - If you’re anything like me, your dog has more toys than you have shoes! Instead of leaving every toy out all the time, pack half of them away and swap them every week or two. To your dog, it’ll feel like getting brand-new toys all over again. (FYI, I also did this with my kids when they were young, and it worked like a charm!)

Move toys to different rooms - Dogs notice changes in their environment. If your pup has a favorite toy, leave that one where they like it, but move other toys around the house occasionally. It creates little surprises and discoveries throughout the day, which we all enjoy!

Take them along for the ride - Most dogs absolutely love car rides. If you’re heading through a drive-through, dropping mail at the post office, or making a quick pet store trip, bring your furry co-pilot along. The changing scenery, smells, and excitement provide wonderful stimulation.

Try interactive puzzle toys - Food puzzles and treat-dispensing toys encourage dogs to problem-solve and think. Many dogs learn quickly, but even figuring out the puzzle for a few minutes exercises their brain in healthy ways.

Play the “Find It” game - This is one of my favorites! Hide treats, or even pieces of your dog’s regular kibble, around the house and encourage them to “Find It” using a familiar command and gesture. Your dog will get to use their nose, their brain, and their natural hunting instincts all at once.

Change up your walking routine - Even if your walks are shorter than usual, try taking a different route, crossing to the other side of the street, or visiting a new neighborhood park. Small changes create exciting new smells and experiences. Again, something we all love!

Use a Kong toy or slow feeder - Stuff a Kong with treats, canned food, peanut butter, or part of your dog’s regular food. I've found that freezing it can make the challenge last even longer. Dogs often spend quite a while happily chewing and working to get every last bit.

Teach new tricks - Never believe the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” You absolutely can! Whether it’s “shake,” “spin,” “touch,” or learning the names of toys, training sessions keep dogs mentally sharp and help strengthen your bond.

Create a backyard scavenger hunt - Toss treats into the grass and let your dog sniff them out. Even a simple game like this taps into their natural instincts and provides enrichment.

Turn mealtime into playtime - Instead of simply placing food in a bowl, scatter kibble across the yard, use snuffle mats, or feed small portions during training games. Making dogs “work” for food in fun ways keeps their minds engaged.

Schedule a doggy playdate - If your dog enjoys other dogs, a safe playdate with a canine friend can provide wonderful physical and social enrichment.

Teach the names of objects - Some dogs love learning the names of toys. Start with favorites like “ball” or “bear,” then ask them to retrieve specific items. It’s impressive how many words dogs can learn over time.

Give your dog a spa day - Quiet bonding time matters too. A gentle brushing, ear scratches, belly rubs, or even a relaxing paw massage can be deeply comforting for your pup, and surprisingly calming for you as well. I've always done this monthly with my pups, though it does include their heartworm medications and a nail clipping!

Create a window-watching station - Many dogs love observing the world outside. A comfy blanket or bed near a window can provide hours of safe entertainment, especially for curious pups.

A final note is to never underestimate the power of simple companionship. Studies have shown that spending time with dogs can lower stress levels and increase feelings of happiness for humans, and our dogs (or cats!). If you asked your dog, they'd say that you  are their absolute favorite person, their entertainment committee, and their safe place all rolled into one. So whether it’s a long walk, a game of “Find It,” or simply sitting together on the couch after a long day, remember that your time and attention are some of the greatest gifts you can give. In the end, love itself is the very best boredom-buster of all.

Once you make blankets:

• Local volunteers are encouraged to drop off their blankets to a shelter near them since we support over 40 shelters in the Chicagoland area (see our list of shelters here)! We also encourage you to stop by our homebase in Glen Ellyn, IL to pick up a bag or two of free yarn, for your next batch of blankets!

• If you're outside of our area, please check our "Animal Shelters We Support" page to find a shelter in your state. Then ship your blankets directly to the shelter or drop them off. Please let me know how many you donate, via email or by using our website form.

• Patience is a plus! CFC is a small organization, with just one staff member! I do reply to every email, but it may take me a few days.  ​Thank you!

243,943 blankets donated so far!

Support our mission with the purchase of our pattern books: Crochet for Critters & Crochet for Your Comfort. Each book has 30 crochet patterns that are perfect for pet blankets. They also tell the story of CFC and why crafting helps the crafter, along with the pet! 

E-books here!

Paperback "Crochet for Critters" on Amazon!

Paperback "Crochet for Your Comfort" on Amazon!

Or check out a fun T-Shirt!

If you'd like to keep up-to-date on our mission, follow us on Facebook (or Instagram) and join our Facebook Group, "The Comfort for Critters Team".  

We share what we're working on, pet & craft humor, and tips & tricks for making beautiful blankets. It's a private group that stays 100% positive, 100% of the time! Please join us!

"Minnie Mouse and Loki want to thank you gals for making the Good Mews kitties blankets to enjoy and to take home when they get adopted. We appreciate your generosity so much!"

Good Mews Animal Foundation

Marietta, GA

Sometimes all I want to crochet is the simplest pattern, using a stitch I've done a hundred times (actually about a hundred thousand!). That's why I put together this pattern. It also represents the most common way I craft any pattern, which is using two strands of yarn to make the blanket super thick. With two strands I find an "N" crochet hook is just perfect! I hope you'll give this pattern a try and enjoy its relaxing simplicity!

Click here to download the Fade Away pattern

• Updates on our mission
• Craft ideas & patterns
• Pet information
• Animal shelter updates
• Easy ways to help pets
• Lots of "thank you's"!

We're slowing down a bit on adding new shelters, as we try to keep sending blankets to the shelters already in our program.

It helps so much when volunteers keep me updated, so please always let me know if you're donating blankets to a shelter on our list. Thank you so much!

Ellensburg Humane Society

Ellensburg, WA

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Joint Animal Services

Olympia, WA

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Mercer Animal Control Center

Harrodsburg, KY

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Paw Project of Georgia

Lawrenceville, GA

Have questions?

Check out our FAQ page!

We are now donating 1,000+ blankets regularly every month, which is awesome! It's also A LOT of blankets to filter in and out of my house every month. 

With this in mind, we're asking all volunteers to please donate your blankets directly to a shelter right in your own area. If you don't see one near you on our list, I can help find one for you, and will do all the work getting them signed up. If you choose a shelter from our website list, I can promise you that in-state shipping will be less costly than sending them to me. I do ask though that you let me know, so that I can update my records!

Benefits of donating your blankets locally:

• Cheaper than shipping them to Illinois (if you're out of state)!

• You can email them for a tax receipt and possibly write off the donation (please check with your tax professional).

• You'll also get to hear just how much the shelter staff appreciates the blankets Thank you!!!

3s139 Sequoia Drive 

Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Linda Kastiel Kozlowski Founder & Owner

Info@ComfortForCritters.org

~ Our Mission ~

To comfort all the animal shelter pets we can't adopt (but wish we could), and to be a blessing in the lives of every volunteer, supporter & shelter worker.