Melissa O’Connell
It started with a single inspiration. Four and a half years ago, Eileen Smulson, founder of Operation Blankets of Love, adopted Ginger, an all-American terrier poodle, from a local animal shelter.
She noticed the animals were shivering in their cages. That is when she came up with an idea.
“I was at a local pet store and I saw a sign that said ‘blankets and towels needed,'” said Smulson, whose organization collects blankets and towels for homeless animals awaiting adoption in shelters.
In January, Smulson founded Operation Blankets of Love. Within a few weeks, she had 15 donations and 600 within a few more weeks. Now, she has collected more than 17,000 donations.
Pierce College can be a pilot program.
“College kids can make a difference in saving homeless animals by donating blankets and towels,” Smulson said. She also goes to elementary, middle and high schools to teach pet care and responsibility. In return, kids can donate blankets. I hear some have even donated a custom photo blanket.
Animals are able to use the towels and blankets for all sorts of reasons. Dogs that haven’t seen the outside world use blankets for hiding. Terry-cloth towels are useful for drying animals and for arthritic dogs that are not comfortable lying on cold concrete floors.
Captain Jan Selder, district manager of West Valley Animal Services, said, “I can’t stress how important it is for the animals to have blankets or a bed. It makes them more comfortable and in the end, more adoptable.”
Some of the college-based organizations Smulson would like to see involved are the Veterinary Technology Program, sororities and fraternities and the Associated Students Organization.
There are no groomers on staff at Operation Blankets of Love, so the animal-grooming class offered next semester at Pierce may be able to help this program greatly.
“I think this is a really good idea because most foundations ask for money when it comes to animals, and Smulson is collecting blankets,” said second-year student Tara Bahri. “I have a doggy that I got from the pound two years ago and I wish Operation Blankets of Love was around for my little Choloe.”
More information on Operation Blankets of Love is available by contacting Eileen Smulson at (818) 402-6586 or by e-mailing her at [email protected].
Captain Jan Selder introduces one of the center’s rescue puppies. As the manager, Selder helped Eileen Smulson bring the blankets and towels to the center. ()