Animals coming in and out of the Humane Society & Shelter SouthCoast in Dartmouth are about to get a little more comfort and care thanks to a big donation made by residents at the Cedar Dell assisted living facility.

Throughout the month of February, a group of seven residents met regularly to sew and collect supplies to make dog and cat beds, blankets for the pets, and catnip toys.

“We did things of all different sizes,” said Claire Martin, one of the crafters. “This will go to their forever homes.”

Along with crafts for the animals, group members also assembled a stock of cleaning and grooming supplies for the staff at the Ventura Drive shelter.

“This way it makes their lives just a little bit easier,” said Tabitha Rogers, an employee at the assisted living facility. “I’m very proud of these ladies.”

While the project was a lot of hard work, it also proved to be a time to reminisce about past pets.

“I had a dumb dog, but it was a nice one,” seamstress Lillian Machado said with a laugh.

Fellow resident Diane Cambra explained that this was not the first time the group has worked to help the shelter. 

They conducted a similar drive last year, but were unable to craft as a group due to the pandemic. With vaccines arriving and transmission rates receding, Cambra said the group was happy to get back together in person this year.

“And God forbid we sit down and do nothing again,” Cambra joked. “This way we could take our time and have fun with it.”

Donations will be dropped off at the animal shelter on Feb. 28.