The Reason I Do What I Do... It's All About The Dogs!

My grand-doggie Winnie tries on Bailey's new sweater!

This week I'll be releasing the free crochet pattern for what I call the "World's Easiest Dog Sweater!" Some of you may not know that I have had a Miniature Schnauzer rescue called Sheila's Schnauzies since the late 1990's, when I first became disabled. During that time, with the help of a few very dedicated volunteers, we have rescued and found new homes for more than 50 Miniature Schnauzers. When I first started in rescue, I could not believe anyone would ever want to get rid of a Miniature Schnauzer – but believe me, they do. 

Since our rescue operates as a nonprofit organization, we rely totally on donations and whatever funds I can raise from the sales of my crochet patterns and finished objects (mostly jewelry pieces I make). By buying one of my crochet patterns at Craftsy.com, or a piece of my handcrafted jewelry at my Etsy store, you might just be helping to pay for a $200 dental surgery for a rescue dog! You just never know. But the need is always there.

Winston, left, with his new friend Bailey (Who is wearing his new sweater,
the pattern for which is coming out later this week!)

The little guy pictured here, Winston, was the victim of tragic circumstance when his elderly mom passed away and he ended up in a shelter, then placed in a new home, and a few months later put back in rescue when the new owners faced financial trouble. It's a story we hear all too often in rescue. 

Due to my health issues, I've had to make some changes. I used to take in dogs and keep them in my home until I could find a permanent placement. In the past few months I've been recruiting volunteer foster parents so that when a dog like Winston comes along, they have a place to go! There are those of us who help animals by directly working with them, but there are others equally important who help these animals by giving of their resources to support those who do! If you are interested in making a tax deductible contribution to our rescue, you may Paypal to: SheilaSchnauzies@gmail.com. Or you can email me at SheilaSchnauzies@gmail.com to discuss your contribution. 

If you're interested in volunteering to work with rescue dogs, the easiest way to find your local rescues is to go onto Petfinder.com and search for a dog in your area in the breed you're looking for. The rescues will be listed on each dog listing, then you can contact them.

Now... back to crocheting... that OTHER thing I do!