The AC&C Cage Comforter Program enlists volunteer sewers to make small comforters and toys for the kittens, cats and small dogs in our care. Our animals love their comforters! The comforters not only ease the stress of our homeless animals, they also help to ease the transition when the animals are adopted, because they take their comforters with them to their new homes. In addition, since they seem so happy lying on their little beds, they are even more irresistible and hopefully have a better chance of being adopted!

Because of the number of animals we care for each year (more than 56,000 in 2001), a great many comforters are needed. We are looking for volunteer sewers as well as donations of material, batting and thread. You can also make a monetary donation earmarked specifically for this project. AC&C is a non-profit organization so your donation is tax-deductible, and you will receive a receipt for tax purposes.

If you can help by sewing, donating or offering suggestions to make this program a success, please e-mail the project manager.

CAGE COMFORTERS SPECIFICATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS SPECIFICATIONS:

Comforters can be made from any type of material except looped fabric like chenille or terry cloth that might get snagged in the animal's nails. They should be a finished size of 12" x 18" , but this can be vary slightly as long as They aren't smaller than that. The comforters can be stuffed with various types of material, but polyester batting works best because it dries quicker after laundering. The batting should be at least 1/2" thick.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut the material to the right size -
   13" x 18" allowing an extra inch around for seams.
2. Fold it in half with wrong side facing out so that it now measures 13" x 19". This saves you from having to sew around all four sides.
3. Sew down each long side.
4. Turn material right side out.
5. Stuff with batting.
6. Sew across the bottom edge.
7. To finish, tack down in each corner and once in the middle so that the stuffing doesn't shift during laundering.

That's it! You have just created a gift of comfort for a homeless animal in desperate need. You have increased her chances of adoption by helping her to relax so she can put on her best face for potential adopters. When she goes to her new home, her little bed will go with her and this little familiar item will help ease her adjustment to a million new and unfamiliar things. You have done a wonderful thing. Thank you!

NEW: If you would like to help create bandanas to increase adoption potential for our animals please create triangular bandanas in the following measurements. Material for their creation can be picked up at AC&C Administrative Offices (11 Park Place, 805 btw Church and Broadway). Sml 14" x 14" square (cut diagonally to make 2), Med 16" x 16" square (cut diagonally to make 2), Lg 18" x 18" square (cut diagonally to make 2). It is best if the edges are folded and sewn under.

For more information please email Nancy Calegar

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