Comfort for Critters

     Spring 2025

 ~ Critter News ~

Woo Hoo - Happy Spring Everyone!

Welcome to our second quarterly newsletter and to Spring! Besides the change in the weather, I know it's Spring because of all the shelters requesting blankets and talking about Kitten Season!

Even though cats can, and do, breed year round, Kitten Season is a time when they're most likely to mate and give birth. Their reproductive system is triggered by the warmer weather and longer daylight. This of course leads to a big surge in kittens being dropped off at shelters! This unique season starts in March or April, and right now it is certainly underway!

With this in mind, I'm thrilled that we were able to donate over 5,600 blankets to shelters all across the US. Our comfort blankets ended up in 44 of our 50 states, which is amazing! All that comfort, and all that "goodness" is going our into the world because of the work, the caring and the dedication of all our volunteers and supporters. I've always found that it's easy to see the problems, like too many lonely unwanted pets in shelters, it's another story to give your time, treasure and talent to help. So thank you everyone, for stepping up and being that "help".

I also wanted to thank everyone for the many emails, and notes via the website forms, that I've been receiving this year, sharing the status of your mental health. I'm hearing that people are struggling quite a bit in 2025 (even worse than during the pandemic) and I'm hearing that making blankets is helping. This brings me unimaginable joy, especially now. I'm going to work on promoting the mental health benefits of any sort of "crafting" via a new feature I'll be posting weekly. It'll be called "Mental Health Mondays" and you'll find it on our Facebook and Instagram accounts. I'll be doing this to encourage people to stay involved, and I'll be doing this to get more people involved. Yes, it's for the pets of course, but I learned a long time ago that our mission is people-focused as well.

My hope for everyone is that they find ways to enjoy each day, even with its basketful of troubles. I hope that everyone takes every opportunity to send "good" out into the world, in whatever way they can. The famous quote by Teddy Roosevelt, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are" rings true today, more than maybe ever before.

In January of this year, one of my favorite things happened....a group of young adults got involved helping the "critters". This time is was a high school class at the Lyndon Institute in Lyndon Center, Vermont. 

Every January the students get a chance to step outside of the typical curriculum and take three weeks of classes from over 100 unique offerings. This "Service-Learning" class was called "Knitty Kittens" and was a companion class to "Paws for Cause," which taught students about the animal sheltering industry and how they can help. 

Knitty Kittens gave students a chance to learn how to knit and crochet, but it did more than that. It gave them a chance to create something not just for themselves, but as a way to help others. The teachers came across the Comfort for Critters website and knew it was a good match!

Through this class, 24 students made a total of 37 blankets over three weeks. These blankets were donated to the Kingdom Animal Shelter in St. Johnsbury, VT and a shelter in Southern California that was housing cats and dogs impacted by the wildfires happening at that time.

I would like to extend a huge "thank you" to Adrienne D'Olimpio, a counselor at the Lyndon Institute, who found our mission and encouraged her students to give back in such a meaningful way!

Together we donated 2,050 blankets in January, 2,013 blankets in February and another 1,543 in March! The homeless pets at 151 shelters in 44 states were comforted by you. Here are the happy recipients of your creativity and caring:

Cats have been weaving their way through human folklore for centuries, leaving pawprints in our stories, beliefs, and yes, even superstitions. From being revered as sacred beings to being unjustly feared as bad omens, cats have played many roles in the human imagination. Here are some of the most enduring superstitions about our feline friends and the surprising truths behind them.

Black Cats: Good Luck or Bad Omen?

One of the most widespread superstitions revolves around black cats. In some cultures, crossing paths with a black cat is seen as a harbinger of bad luck. This belief can be traced back to medieval Europe, when black cats were unfairly linked to witches. People thought witches could transform into black cats to sneak around undetected.

But thankfully, not all cultures agree! In Japan and parts of the UK, black cats are symbols of good luck. A black cat crossing your path might just mean your day is about to get better. Love this! Sailors, too, often kept black cats on their ships for good fortune and to ensure safe voyages. I surely subscribe to this interpretation, especially since my black cat (Jetta) is constantly underfoot!

Nine Lives: Truth or Myth?

The idea that cats have nine lives might come from their uncanny ability to escape danger. Cats are agile, quick, and seem to have an almost magical knack for landing on their feet. While they do not actually have nine lives (despite what some mischievous cats might lead you to believe), their survival instincts and physical flexibility make them seem like tiny, furry superheroes.

Cats and the Supernatural

Throughout history, cats have been seen as both protectors and spooky messengers. In ancient Egypt, cats were sacred and thought to bring blessings to households. The goddess Bastet, often depicted with a lioness or domestic cat’s head, was associated with protection and fertility.

On the flip side, some European myths claimed cats could predict death or act as intermediaries between the living and the dead. A cat staring intently at an empty corner of the room? Some superstitious folks might say they’re watching unseen spirits, but science tells us they’re probably just hunting a tiny speck of dust.

Why Superstitions Matter Today

Superstitions about cats have real-world consequences, especially for shelter cats. Black cats, for example, are adopted less often than cats of other colors, partly due to lingering myths. That’s why it’s so important to debunk these old tales and share the truth: every cat, no matter its color, is worthy of love, care, and a warm blanket to curl up on.

Making a Difference for Shelter Cats

Whatever their color, sometimes cats carry the weight of these old superstitions with them. Whether you’re making blankets or supporting our mission in another way, together we can give them a fresh start, full of love, kindness and especially comfort!

Yes, it’s possible, because I’ve done it. The pile of multicolored bundles of fur, huddled for warmth and snoozing away in my home office, was easy to fall in love with! Of course, everyone has their own reaction to seeing a mouse. Much of it depends on whether it’s scurrying across your kitchen counter or tucked in a pet enclosure with lots of friends. However, the unabashed relaxation in a pile of sleeping mice is something to behold. An individual mouse, with their button eyes and overly large ears, can really be a cutie. And unlike some people, they just get cuter the more you learn about them. :)

For starters, they’re super social. The pet mice I’ve had were always the happiest with some mouse-friends. But be warned, a group of mice is accurately named a “mischief.”  On the other hand, they are clean and even organized. In their enclosures they tend to put their food in one area, they use another part as their bathroom, and a third area to sleep. What’s not to love?

When they’re not cleaning themselves or organizing their environment, they are almost certainly eating. Again, one of my favorite hobbies as well! A typical mouse will eat 15 to 20 times a day. And there’s no picky eaters among mice. They love grains and fruit, but just about everything else. In my home the “wild” mice seem to love the dry cat food, since I find it hidden away in the most unlikely spots (inside attic suitcases!). No wonderful my cats are constantly pursuing them!

All that eating fuels an awesome body too. Of the roughly 30 species of mice in the US, some are only one inch long, while others are seven inches. If the size creeps you out, keep in mind that their tail takes up half of their total length, so their body maxes out at a bit over three inches! Their cutest feature though is there amazing whiskers, which they can use to sense a change in the temperature around them. The whiskers also give them information on the surfaces they are passing over. They often communicate this information to other mice, and “talk” to each other via ultrasonic mouse vocalizations. If that’s not enough cuteness, they boast adorable facial expressions that can communicate their mood with just a “look”. We all know that look!

If you’re not convinced and not yet in love, this may do it. Mice are hopeless romantics. Male mice serenade their chosen mate with their own “song”, as part of their courtship.  They are among the only mammals which are known to sing (whales, bats and sometimes humans, round out the list).

Imagine having an adorable friend that is friendly, clean and loves to chat over a nice meal (of your choosing). They can tell you when the temperature is changing and will even sing you a song. If that doesn’t win you over, then I firmly believe you are just not trying!

As I always say, I get the thank you notes, but they are actually for YOU. As you make blankets, or support our work in any way, please know that you are contributing to a better society and better world. Thank you!

• "You sure know how to make tails wag! Thank you so much for the ADORABLE handmade blankets! Both our staff and animals love them! We especially love to send them out with foster animals because they are so snuggly! Thank you so much!" ~ Hawaiian Humane Society in Honolulu, HI

• "Thank you for your generous donation of beautiful blankets. Our adoptive families love the story behind them! It's so nice to send a little something home with a cat or kitten!" ~ Humane Haven in Bolingbrook, IL

• "Thank you so much for your generous contribution to our animal shelter! Especially during these unprecedented times, your support means so much to us. Thank you again, we are truly so grateful!" ~ Baltimore Humane Society in Reisterstown, MD

• "We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for donating hand-made blankets to comfort our cats. Much like you, all our staff members love animals too. Because of you we can show cats entrusted to us a little bit of extra comfort as they await adoption. We also send each cat home with their special blanket. Thank you for your time, talent, and kindness!" ~ Montgomery County SPCA in Conshohocken, PA

• "On behalf of Heartland Humane Society, I sincerely thank you for the blankets made for the dogs' and cats' comfort. The animals really do like them and they are so pretty. It helps comfort those animals waiting to get a home. Your thoughtfulness to these animals is very rewarding. Thank you so much." ~ Heartland Humane Society in Ottumwa, IA

• "Thank you so much for the beautiful hand knitted blankets that you sent to Community Animal Rescue Effort. The cats are already enjoying them!" ~ CARE in Skokie, IL

For dog lovers, it’s no surprise that our furry companions have fascinating behaviors even when they’re asleep. Watching a dog twitch, whimper, or move their legs as if running during sleep can make you wonder if dogs can actually dream. I’m happy to report that, yes, they do! It’s interesting to explore what dreaming looks like for dogs, what’s happening in their brains during this time, and how their dreams compare to ours.

Do Dogs Dream?

Research confirms that dogs experience dreams much like humans do. Studies on canine sleep patterns reveal that dogs undergo similar stages of sleep, including the rapid eye movement (REM) stage, which is where most dreaming occurs. REM sleep is when the brain becomes highly active, and dreams are most likely to take place.

What Does It Look Like When Dogs Dream?

This is truly the adorable part. Dogs often exhibit clear physical signs when they’re dreaming. While their bodies remain relaxed, you might notice one or all of these signs:

• Twitching: Their legs, paws, or even facial muscles may jerk slightly.
• Whimpering or Barking: Some dogs make quiet vocalizations, like yips or growls.
• Running Movements: Their legs may paddle or move rhythmically as though they’re chasing something in their dream.
• Eye Movement: If you look closely, you might see their eyelids flutter as their eyes dart back and forth, signaling REM sleep.

These behaviors reflect what’s likely happening in their dreams. For example, a dog chasing a ball or playing at the park during the day might relive that experience in their dreams.

What’s Going On Inside Their Head When They Dream?

During REM sleep, a dog’s brain is active in processing memories, emotions, and experiences from their waking hours. Researchers believe dogs dream about their daily lives, including running, playing, sniffing, or interacting with their humans.

Brain activity studies on dogs have shown that their sleep patterns are strikingly similar to those of humans. Specific areas of the brain involved in memory consolidation light up during canine REM sleep, suggesting that dreaming helps dogs process and store information just like it does for us.

Interestingly, smaller dogs, like Chihuahuas, tend to have shorter but more frequent dreams, while larger breeds, such as Labradors, dream less often but for longer durations.

How Does Dog Dreaming Compare to Human Dreaming?

While both humans and dogs dream, there are key differences. Humans often experience more complex and abstract dreams, involving a mix of realistic and fantastical elements. Dogs, on the other hand, likely have dreams grounded in their daily lives and instincts. A human might dream of flying or traveling to another planet, while a dog might dream of chasing a squirrel, digging a hole, or playing fetch.

However, the emotional component of dreams may be similar. Dogs are highly social and emotionally attuned animals, so their dreams likely include familiar people, places, and experiences that evoke feelings of happiness, excitement, or even fear.

Why Do Dogs Dream?

Dreaming serves an important purpose for dogs, much like it does for humans. It helps them process daily experiences by organizing memories. It helps relieve stress as they process emotions, which may reduce anxiety or excitement from the day. It also just keeps them mentally fit. Regular REM sleep supports healthy brain function and learning!

The next time you catch your pup twitching or softly barking in their sleep, remember that they’re likely reliving the joy of a romp in the park or the excitement of a tasty treat. While we may never know exactly what dogs dream about, it’s heartwarming to imagine that their dreams are as happy and full of adventure as their waking lives with us. Dogs truly are remarkable creatures, even when they’re snoozing!

Once you make blankets:

• Local volunteers are welcome to drop off their blankets to a shelter near them or to CFC's headquarters in Glen Ellyn, IL. Please leave your name and email on whatever you drop off, so that I can send a thank you note.
• 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!

212,590 blankets donated so far!

"Thank you for the box of beautiful homemade blankets!!! They arrived right in the middle of Kitten Season. Attached are a few photos of one of our foster kittens inspecting them. Thank you for thinking of the shelter animals!"

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! Every purchase keeps us going and keeps us shipping our free blankets!

E-books here!

Paperback "Crochet for Critters" on Amazon!

Paperback "Crochet for Your Comfort" on Amazon!

"Thank you for the bag of blankets I found on my doorstep today! We, along with our partner shelters in Tennessee and Arkansas will put them to good use.

The picture is a recent foster from Tennessee - found loose and abandoned and seriously pregnant. We quickly got her up here where she quickly gave birth to several puppies. Here she is with her blanket - she insisted on taking it everywhere with her.

I think she is particularly attached to it because even after her puppies were adopted, it retained their scent. A fabulous mom with a very tight bond to her pups and I think the blanket helped her with the transition after their adoption. Moms are always the last to get adopted."

Safe Haven Dog Rescue ~ Wheaton, IL ~

One of my favorite things to do is to read through the comments left on our website forms, by volunteers. They always remind me of all the good that we are putting out into the world and they truly keep me going!

Thank you for taking the time to share what motivates you to comfort homeless pets.

Here are just a sample to enjoy:

• "I want to help every pet that needs a home and also support the wonderful workers at the shelter. They work so very hard and are so appreciative whenever I drop off blankets. I am greeted by their smiling faces and it warms my heart to know I can help in some way." ~ Deborah C. in Newark, DE

• "If I can do just one thing to help homeless pets, which is making blankets to keep them warm and give them a little security, I'm going to do it!" ~ Nancy O. in Bloomingdale, IL​

• "I love to crochet. Making beds for homeless pets is one way I can give back to the community. All pets need love and a home." ~ Diane T. in Fayetteville, AR

• "My best friend passed away last year. He was a big cat lover, he took in strays, and I wanted to do something in his honor." ~ Sarah S. in Philadelphia, PA

• "My heart motivates me to make blankets. Just knowing that I can help comfort an animal in some small way makes it all worth it!" ~ Maria T. in Tracy, CA

• "I feel with each stitch I make, I'm sending love and comfort to homeless kitties!" ~ Lois S. in Toledo, OH

• "I like to crochet when I'm watching TV. It's really heartwarming to know a shelter animal will enjoy the blankets!" ~ Carol M. in Lynchburg, VA

• "I'm a lifelong lover of dogs & cats who loves crocheting blankets for shelter animals. I love the CFC concept & love also transporting blankets made by my quilting and crocheting friends!" ~ Barbara B. & Barbara J. in Madisonville, TN

•  "I love that I am able to crochet blankets knowing they are for a good cause to keep as many fur babies warm and comfortable. Most fur babies love being on your lap on a blanket, where they feel safe and loved. This is my hope for each one, as I crochet." ~ DaleAnn A. in Huntington Beach, CA

• "I inherited yarn from my mom, and I crochet, in part, to keep her kind legacy alive, but also because the blankets help both the helpless and homeless cats as well as the families that adopt them." ~ Kathy S. in Milwaukee, WI​

Since I'm anxious for spring to reach the Chicago area, I thought I'd share this "high energy" pattern. As with all my patterns, it's easy to do and a quick way to work up a pet blanket.

I especially like this pattern because you can switch around the placement of the spikes, add more of them, or space them far apart. You'll end up creating something that's truly one of a kind. Hope you enjoy it!

Click here for the pattern

Even after all this time (18 years in early May) our list of supported shelters continues to grow! I'm happy to add these great groups that care for cats & dogs in their area. If they're in your area, please consider supporting them with your blankets.

Almost There Rescue ~ Phoenix, AZ

Feral Cat Program of Georgia ~ Acworth, Alpharetta, & Cumming, GA

Contra Costa Humane Society ~ Pleasant Hill, CA

Helping Out Pets Everyday (HOPE) ~ Upland, CA

We are now donating 2,000 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 out-of-state volunteers to please donate your blankets directly to a shelter right in your own state!

I can help you find a shelter near 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!!!

If you'd like to keep up-to-date on our mission, follow us on Facebook and join our Facebook Group, "The Comfort for Critters Team".  We share what we're working on, pet & craft humor, and tip & tricks for making beautiful blankets. It's a private group that stays 100% positive, 100% of the time! Please join us!

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

Have questions? Check out our new FAQ page!

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       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.