DAR members deliver handmade toys to Companions Animal Center | Coeur d'Alene Press

Companions Animal Center dog Chaos greets Daughters of the American Revolution Lt. George Farragut Chapter member Sandra Wayman with kisses Friday as DAR members deliver 120 handmade dog toys to the nonprofit in recognition of Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. DEVIN WEEKS/Press

Companions Animal Center Development Director Vicky Nelson checks out handmade fleece dog toys delivered Friday to the nonprofit by Daughters of the American Revolution members for Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. From left: DAR Lt. George Farragut Chapter member Lynn Talbot, Nelson and DAR Regent Michelle Fansler.

Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution Lt. George Farragut Chapter met Oct. 19 for a Day of Service to make fleece dog toys for Companions Animal Shelter as part of the nonprofit's Service to America initiative. From left: Lynn Talbot, Stephanie Keaty, Michelle Fansler, Patty Stills, Kathy Swanson, Donna Seil, RJ Banks, Renee Evans, Carlene Litz, Debbie Bryant, Sandy Wayman, Lori Norris, Janet Borek and Esther Miller.

HAYDEN — An adorable, adoptable 3-year-old brindle pit bull-corgi mix named Chaos greeted friends from the Daughters of the American Revolution Lt. George Farragut Chapter with friendly canine kisses Friday afternoon.

The ladies stopped by Companions Animal Center in Hayden to deliver 120 handmade fleece dog toys DAR members made for Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, annually recognized the first full week of November to honor shelter animals and the humans who care for them.

According to Chaos, the DAR gifts were much appreciated.

"When they get adopted out, they'll take one to their new home," said DAR member Lynn Talbot, a co-chair of the chapter's Service to America Committee.

"This was just an idea that all ladies could do together," she said. "We thought because National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is in November, it was a perfect match for us to do this project in October. Something new for us."

DAR members met Oct. 19 to make the toys using kits with pre-cut strips of fleece. Some members brought materials home to continue the operation on their own.

"That's why we have so many," Talbot said. "And it was so well received by everybody."

The toys were delivered in a box decorated with photos of DAR members' canine companions enjoying their own freshly crafted fleece toys. Toys will accompany Companions Animal Center canine adoptions as supplies last.

"This is a nice little 'welcome to your forever home' gift," said Patty Stills, Talbot's fellow co-chair.

"We're celebrating with them that they're bringing this pet home, and it has a home now," Talbot said.

Talbot started this project during a time of COVID-19 social distancing when the DAR members could not be together in person but still wanted to do something for the community.

Companions Animal Center Development Director Vicky Nelson said the shelter sometimes receives handmade pet items from the community.

"But we've never had this many before, so this is amazing," she said.

The no-kill shelter currently has over 50 dogs waiting for their forever homes. More than 100 animals have been adopted so far this month, Nelson said.

Through the Service to America initiative, DAR members are encouraged to become involved in projects that serve their communities, from working with their local Veterans Affairs hospitals and making care packages for U.S. troops stationed overseas to supporting their local nonprofits.

"We're all about community," said Kathy Swanson, vice regent of the DAR Lt. George Farragut Chapter. "This is a reflection of the heart of our ladies."

DAR is a nonprofit, non-political volunteer women's service organization that promotes patriotism and preserves U.S. history.

Any woman 18 or older who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership.

Info: dar.org

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