One sure way to unravel (pun intended) from knots in our yarn is to seek out a feline or canine friend. Knitters and crocheters can reward our furry soul mates for the solace they provide with the gift of hand-knit sweaters and accessories. Some non-knitters might find this odd. Why spend hours and hundreds of stitches on an animal? Why not? We knit for our human friends so why not put our sticks together for our four-legged companions? I daresay it was more gratifying to give my old dog a bone than to present some (and only some, most people are appreciative) persnickety humans with a hand-knit item. Here's a (somewhat) less subjective reply: In 2005 US New and World Report published an article titled, "The Pet Prescription." Its subtitle was, "See Spot run. Then see Spot lower your blood pressure and boost your immunity. Really."
Really indeed. Isn't a handknit item worth the rejuvenation of body and spirit these creatures provide?
If a knitter has the time and inclination to show her love with a knitted doggy sweater, I say more power to her. My friend Erika did just that. She crocheted the dog coat shown in the picture for her "grand-dog" Ike. Ike shares his home with his human companions Toby and Amy. Erika said she enjoyed the sweater and it was easy to finish. Ike seems perfectly pleased!
Knitters and crocheters what say you? Are projects intended for four-leggeds now in your queue?
4 comments:
being a life-time animal lover, I'm in full agreement of knitters making short haired dogs warm with their projects -- lucky Ike. I'm very much against dressing dogs (or any pets) up -- that's really for human benefit BUT I do feel it is a good idea to have sweaters or coats for dogs for those chilly times or wet days. I guess I'm for the practical rather than the silly :)
I remember reading an article and then seeing a brief news story about 2 years ago in which a group of ladies who gather to knit projects for the needy took on a project to benefit penguins. They knit them little jackets because the penguins had been involved in an oil spill and the resulting 'cleaning' necessary stripped them of all their natural oils. The penguins were beginning to die of hypothermia so the ladies took the project on to warm the penguins! I thought it was a great project.
Diane
PS: I lost your email and wanted to respond about the question you had regarding my environment column and getting kids involved.
Hello Diane and all animal lovers!
I, too, fall on the practical side of pet-wear. In another post, I'll have to report on those who knit for rescue dogs and other working dogs. It's a fascinating story!
Diane, I'll email you now, as well. Thanks for writing!
To all my friends out there: Keep writing, knitting and enjoying life!
I think that knitting/crocheting projects for animals is a great idea. I completely agree with the opinion that many people have about not dressing dogs in clothes becuase it looks cute even though the animal really is being somewhat tortuned by wearing these garments. However, I remember I used to have a golden retriever dog who every night every winter would push through my half opened bedroom door. She would snuggle with me and keep me warm after I would kick off all my blankets. Every night, this demonstration of affection would occur. If my dog was still alive today I would be more than happy to return the favor and keep her warm just like she did to me all those years.
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