In September 2009, we held a contest in the Namaste Love group on Ravelry.com. Participants were asked to donate hand knitted dog sweaters in exchange for a raffle ticket for a chance to win some Namaste products (1st, 2nd, & 3rd place winners were awarded). We received 20 sweaters in total and last week we visited the West Valley Animal Shelter in Chatsworth, CA to make the donation.
The staff at the shelter were expecting our arrival and they were helpful and willing to introduce us to some of their dogs that they thought might enjoy or especially appreciate a sweater. We all hope that the promise of a gifted handmade dog sweater to go along with the dog who needs a home might just sweeten the deal for a potential pet owner…. After all, who can resist a well-dressed mutt!
I’ve been begging my husband to let me bring one home since we went….. Still begging. Anyone have a great argument for why 3 dogs is better than the 2 I already have? I’m open to suggestions 
Here are just some of the many sweet faces we met at the West Valley Animal Shelter:
So many faces just like these ones staring from the inside of their cages- and they all just want to come home and be loved.
And here are some cuties wearing their brand new sweaters!
The new owner of a beautiful purple sweater is Rachel. She’s over 10 years old and was so happy to show off her new look! The employees at the shelter told us she’s a staff favorite for her sweet disposition. We hope her new sweater will help her find a new home- she’s been here awhile.. 
Above is “‘Pinky”. She’s super sweet and we all fell in love with her. The shelter employees believe she was a victim of being restrained with wire as evidenced by the circumferential scars around her ankles. Pinky is about 2-3 years old and would make a great addition to a home with space to play. We hated to see Pinky go back in her cage, but she was hard to miss in her bright new sweater- hopefully her new owner will find her soon.
Here’s another sweet friend who is about 8 years old and was unfortunately involved in dog fighting prior to being found abandoned and brought to the shelter. She’s a timid girl who likes to cuddle and she shyly modeled her new sweater:
And then back in her cage she went- hopefully not for long.
This adorable little guy was found left for dead after being attacked by another animal. We donated a sweater to him and as soon as he heals up more and the drains are removed from his neck, he’ll be able to wear it proudly.
We don’t want to make anyone sad by sharing our photos and some of the dogs we met through the donation. The truth is that there are hundreds of animal shelters everywhere that are overcrowded with so many orphaned animals. They only want a loving home and a second chance. Keep this in mind before you visit a local pet store or breeder; these guys at the shelter are needy, ready, and willing.
Until our next dog sweater donation, Namaste..