News
The Love Bug Project
December 18, 2008, 11:26AM MT
By Danielle A Engle
Thanks to a network of ingenious and mischievous animal companions in Minnesota, California and Indiana, two groups of seniors and their animal companions are some of the recipients receiving a special holiday treat in the Minnesota Northland.
Thanks to a network of ingenious and mischievous animal companions in Minnesota, California and Indiana, two groups of seniors and their animal companions are some of the recipients receiving a special holiday treat in the Minnesota Northland.
Posted by Danielle A. Engle, Best Friends Network Volunteer
Graphic by Ginny Schumacher, Designs by Ginny
This year winter seems bent on reminding those of us in the Minnesota Northland that this is a cold wintry climate. This reminder led to a very interesting e-mail from a former puppy mill momma named Spirit and her two feline siblings, Lucy and Jazz, to their paw pal, Henry jm, the three-legged cat of Henry’s World and his bipod canine girlfriend, Tink of Tink Again.
Spirit, Lucy and Jazz were fretting over their less fortunate paw friends in Minnesota. They sent Henry and Tink photos of the snow and shared their worries about their less fortunate friends. Together, they called upon their other network friends Ernie and Burt of Sophisticated Dog, Gino, Tripper, Lucy and Hank of Chuck and Don’s Pet Food Outlet and others for ideas on how to help their less fortunate friends.
This ingenious group of animals came up with a plan for their humans to do something creative with stray bits of yarn, bags of treats, toys and other animal companion items that would bring some holiday warmth and good cheer into the lives of their less fortunate friends. This is how the Love Bug Project originated.
Love Bug Project Events
On Saturday, December 20, two events are taking place with seniors and their feline companions in the Southwest metropolitan area. With volunteers from the Love Bug Project, these special people and their animals are celebrating the holiday season in class this year. With limited mobility and the faltering economy, it is difficult for many seniors and other individuals to shower their animal companions with treats and toys this holiday season. Thanks to some ingenious animals and their human companions, this won’t be the case this year!
The volunteers will come bearing gifts for animals. The gifts include thick, warm hand- crocheted pet Afghans, a mini tote bag with cat treats, toys, catnip, a special Christmas ornament and more. Attending the event is Meghan, an 11-year old who, with the help of some friends designed holiday greeting cards for the residents and their cats.
Henry and Tink Take to the Skies Again
Henry and Tink are taking to take to the skies once again to deliver double sided fleece blankets to animals in foster care at St. Francis of Assisi Animal Rescue in Forest Lake, Minnesota. St. Francis of Assisi is an all volunteer, no-kill rescue organization that is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating homeless and abused dogs and cats throughout the community.
Some special needs and rescued animals at various organizations are receiving pet Afghans as they become available. The volunteers, sponsors and participants of the Love Bug Project are happy to have the opportunity to make a positive difference this holiday season.
Love Bug Project Fundraiser
In celebration of her upcoming 10th birthday, Spirit obtained a sponsor to raise funds for her rescuer, Janice Lee and Adopt-a-Pet of Buffalo, Minnesota. For each dog or cat scarf, up to 50 scarves, ordered from Sophisticated Dog with a Love Bug Project note, $5 will be donated to Adopt-a-Pet. To place an order:
• Visit Sophisticated Dog and select Scarfs from the menu.
• Upon reviewing the offerings, send an e-mail as indicated on the web site and include a note, Love Bug Project.
• After your order is processed and payment is received, the donation will be made.
2008 Sponsors & Participants
There are many sponsors and participants to thank for making this project possible in such a short period of time. They include:
Henry jm of Henry’s World
Tink of Tink Again
Ernie and Burt of Sophisticated Dog
Ginny Schumacher of Designs by Ginny
Gino, Tripper, Lucy and Hank of Chuck and Don’s Pet Food Outlet
Barb Mares, crafts person & foster dog parent extraordinaire in memory of Lula
Spirit, Lucy and Jazz of SLJ Craft Emporium
Amanda Ladyha, Project Coordinator & Animal Rescue Volunteer Extraordinaire
Kathy Reynolds, Project Design Coordinator & Volunteer
Meghan, Heather, Ashley & Kayla, Cards & More
How you can help
If you would like to learn more about the project or make a donation, send an e-mail to Spirit.
Stay tuned
Watch the skies for Henry and Tink this holiday season. Last minute donations and any remaining from the first delivery will be loaded in the sled and delivered to other recipients. You know what they say, “You never know when or where the love bug will strike!”