T-Shirt Tug Toys for Sheltered Animals
Pioneers in Los Angeles, California devised a clever project to make use of old t-shirts. Rather than disposing of them, Pioneers repurposed the t-shirts to make dog toys for local animal shelters.
Pioneers began this project by collecting numerous t-shirts from friends, family, and co-workers. They then took the shirts and fashioned them into tug toys to soothe sheltered canines.
Being in the shelter is difficult and lonely for homeless dogs. Many arrive stressed and scared, and having a toy to call their own helps them to feel less intimidated. Every bit of comfort they can receive is valuable, and having a toy to chew on to relieve anxiety is very helpful.
For these reasons, the West Valley Animal Shelter was incredibly grateful for the tug toys and the joy they bring to the animals. Later, once the dogs have adjusted to life in the shelter, the tug toys helped the dogs get lots of exercise and provided them with hours of play and enjoyment.
Not only did the project keep old t-shirts out of landfills, it enriched the lives of animals who are often scared and alone. This smart use of an everyday item shows that a little bit of creativity can go a long way in making a difference for both the environment and our communities.