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Cortlandt Manor resident Liz Peterson launched the program through her “Dancing For Animals” organization in March after getting permission from Rational Animal, which founded the initial MCP program. Over the years, Rational Animal has sewn more than 6,000 beds for shelters in the Greater New York City area.
Now, with sponsorship from Yorktown Height’s Fabric Mart, MCP Westchester is rapidly contributing to that ever-climbing total. Peterson and company have sewn more than 400 beds and 300 catnip toys.
The supplies have gone to shelters throughout the county, including Adopt-A-Dog in Armonk, Little Orphan Animals in Peekskill, SPCA in Briarcliff Manor, Westchester Humane Society, Pets Alive Westchester, Mount Vernon Animal Shelter, It’s Reigning Cats & Dogs in Mount Kisco, New Rochelle Human Society, Mid-Hudson Animal Aid Sanctuary, and, most recently, Yonkers Animal Shelter.
“This stuff is really what these shelters need,” Peterson said. “The beds are easily washable, foldable – and they’re bright and happy. It sounds silly, but in a shelter, that can really make a difference, especially for the people who are walking into these shelters. Our items are made with love. There’s such great energy behind this project.”
Peterson first approached Fabric Mart owner Linda Speidell and manager Erin Brophy about sponsoring MCP Westchesters sewing sessions in January. Things moved forward quickly from there.
“I come in here all the time and when I decided to start MCP Westchester, I thought, ‘Hey, I’m going to see if Linda and Erin want to get involved,” Peterson said.
The answer was a resounding yes.
“We’re a sucker for a good organization and a great cause,” Brophy said.
Three sewing sessions have been held in Fabric Mart so far. Though the actual sewing of a bed can be “as quick as 10 minutes,” Peterson said the process leading up to each session requires much more time than that.
She hopes the products they’re making catch animal lovers’ eyes and create a domino effect amongst those interested in volunteering and joining the cause since it’s “ripples that make a wave.”
“The goal of this program is to promote volunteerism and raise awareness for the issues animals in shelters face,” Peterson said. “This project is a wonderful way to have fun but know you’re making a difference at the same time.”
For more information about MCP Westchester, visit Rational Animal’s website and Dancing for Animal’s website. To get directly involved, you can reach Peterson at 914-737-2228.
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