Animals in shelters greatly benefit from affection, and it’s heartening to witness individuals leveraging their talents in innovative ways to support these creatures in need.
Take, for instance, Joan Potters, a 93-year-old resident of San Antonio. Despite her senior status, she dedicates her spare time to crafting snug dog beds for animal shelters. While many seniors pursue crafting as a pastime, Joan’s efforts extend further, providing homeless dogs with comfortable spots to rest their heads.
According to KSAT, Joan has converted her room into a sewing workshop where she diligently repurposes leftover fabric from the Greater San Antonio Quilting Guild to create dog beds. Her efforts are directed towards benefiting local shelters like the San Antonio Humane Society and the Paul Jolly Center.
Recognizing that not all shelters can afford luxurious accommodations for their animals, and that most kennels lack adequate furnishings, Joan’s donations ensure that dogs awaiting adoption have a cozy spot to rest.
“I’m simply delighted to do it for them and to know that some dog will have a comfortable place,” expressed Joan to KSAT. “It brings me immense joy to know that they won’t be lying on cement or a hard surface, especially during the winter.”
In addition to utilizing donated fabric scraps, Joan receives assistance with sewing and deliveries from missionaries associated with the Church of Jesus Christ. She dedicates her efforts to crafting around 30-40 dog beds per month.
Despite the physical demands of her age, Joan, a lifelong dog owner herself, meticulously ensures that each dog bed is both safe and comfortable. For her, the effort is worthwhile, knowing that these beloved dogs will have a cozy spot of their own.
“You can tell they feel discomfort, too. You can see it in their eyes, in their expressions,” reflected Joan. “Even though they can’t communicate with us in our language, they communicate through their expressions, and I just adore them.”
