QUILT AUCTION
~~~~~~~~~~~CALLING ALL QUILTERS!~~~~~~~~~~
The HSNWIA is holding its first annual Quilt Auction on June 22, 2008 at the Roof Garden in Arnolds Park. Viewing starts at 10:00 a.m., lunch can be purchased from 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. and the Auction starts at 1:00 p.m. It is sure to be a fun time with the terrifice Dick Long taking the bids!
Why is the Humane Society of NW Iowa hosting a quilt auction, you may ask? Here is why-
"While the leaves swirled wide circles on the sidewalk, dark ominous clouds skittered through the leaden sky, and the chilly rain continued to pelt at the windows outside, sixty to seventy elderly men and women gathered in a large, cozy room, at Hilltop Care Center, to await our visit. Some had waited for weeks and had gotten there early, (treats in hand!), to ‘get the best seat’. For others, it was their first time and, after hearing about it from their tablemates during supper, did not want to be left out of the fun. Then, there were those who were not really sure where they were going- or even where they were- but had been brought our of their rooms by gentle hands and loving hearts, to experience something that would hopefully bring back a happy memory of times long past and make them smile. All were anticipating this event.
When we arrived, with kittens and puppies in tow, we were greeted by a huge array of happy faces and even applause! Everywhere I looked I saw smiles. Elderly men and women in wheelchairs and with walkers began to roll closer to their furry visitors and outstretched arms offered treats and snuggles.
As we moved through the crowd of excited residents, the fragile arm of a 97 year old woman, half hidden beneath comforters and blankets on her rolling bed, reached out to touch and stroke the velvety ears of a tiny lab puppy. I watched as her eyes opened in wonder when the pup acknowledged her hand with his cold little nose and a gentle, enduring ‘kiss’. The bed-ridden woman broke into the first smile anyone had seen from her, in weeks. According to the aids, it had been even longer than that since she had opened her eyes and acknowledged her surroundings.
Another, a grandfather confined to a wheelchair, wheeled his way up to a young German Shepard, Mix breed pup. The pup, recently rescued from a horribly abusive situation, had come into the shelter as a shy, distraught, half- starved, six month old dog in desperate need of love and kindness. After weeks of constant, gentle care from the shelter staff, this young pup was making his ‘debut’ back into the world, with our visit. The gentleman, a robust man with a huge personality and a gentle, loving heart, had also experienced his share of struggles early in life. Even now, in his eighties, no family ever visited him as they were all ‘too busy’ or lived too far away. Other than his ‘Hilltop family’, he was all alone. This gentle giant must have sensed the pups’ need for love and eager desire to please, for when he leaned over in his chair to stroke between the little guy’s soft ears, the two immediately locked eyes and hearts. It was not long before the shy, timid dog was in the arms-and nearly on the lap- of the lonely man. I stood by, leash in hand, as tears of joy flowed freely down the man’s cheeks. I could have sworn I saw the puppy cry too as I dabbed at my already wet eyes. Man and dog were inseparable during our entire visit.
Also that day, one tiny orange and white kitten found a ‘home’ in the arms of a new resident, a feeble grandmother who had had to leave her two precious cats to the care of her family when she moved into the nursing home. The transition had been a difficult one, for both she and her loved ones, and the tiny woman had not ventured out of her room, except for meals, since she had moved in. It had been a very sad time and the staff and family were becoming concerned for her health. The nursing staff knew how much her beloved pets had meant to this lady, and they hoped our visit would bring her some much needed joy. Now, this petite, white haired grandmother, dressed in lavender and antique lace, refused to part with her tiny companion. The kitten had happily curled itself up on her ample bosom and purred itself to sleep, while the sweet woman hugged it’s tiny, warm body and serenaded it with songs of her childhood.
At the end of our visit, the people begged us to stay and did not want to relinquish their furry friends. The animals did not want to leave either!"
These gentle, older souls are our family; our mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers. Once, not so long ago, they awoke everyday to a life full of activity, hope and promise. They had their own homes and spent their lives caring for us. Now, these cherished family members have transitioned into the unwanted, yet necessary, confinement of wheelchairs, walkers, and even rolling beds. For most, this is the most difficult thing they have had to accept- they can no longer care for themselves and must rely on the care and loving kindness of our elder care facilities and their capable staff.
Every month, the Humane Society of NW Iowa receives calls from Nursing homes and Assisted Living Communities all over the six county area that your shelter services. The Directors and Nursing staff are asking- PLEADING with- us to bring in animals, some on a weekly basis, to visit and minister to their residents- your family members and friends. These Directors recognize the health benefits pets provide, and how essential animals are to the emotional, mental- and especially the physical health of our elderly. So do you, and so do we. We WANT to help these other elderly communities, in addition to Hilltop Care Center, but do not have the staff to do so!
By bidding on and purchasing a quilt, you will be helping us to reach out and provide these much requested ‘Pet Therapy Programs’ to more of the Assisted Living and Nursing facilities in your six county area, as well as bringing Pet Education programs to the schools. You will be making a difference and bringing joy to hundreds of your elderly friends, children and family members. Please help us - to help them.
To donate quilts, please contact Susan Jones at: 712-337-3196
or the Humane Society of NW Iowa at: 712-338-2738.