You can help give beds to shelter pets with this local nonprofit

Shelter dogs and cats have their basic needs met such as food, water, bathroom breaks and shelter, but when they want a soft place to lay their heads, it's thanks to people like Stephanie Hobbs of Project Warmth that they have a nice, fresh bed to snuggle up in.

You may have seen her at Third on 3rd or any number of other Dayton-area craft shows selling her handmade pet collars, blankets, beds, bows and bowties for your beloved pooch. Read on to learn a little more about the woman behind the sewing machine.

Like many college students, Hobbs spent time volunteering, and her volunteer work took her across the continent.

"We would go to Mexico, the Navajo, New York – all these amazing places to do a lot of work in not-so-amazing areas. Touching lives like that became a part of who I was. So when I graduated college and moved back home I was a little lost, and felt like I could be doing more," she said.

After reading Toms Shoes creator Blake Mycoskie's book, Hobbs became inspired to start a business that similarly embodies Mycoskie's "one-for-one" philosophy. The formula is simple.

“For every pet bed and pet mat we sell online and at our shows around Ohio, we donate one to an animal shelter in need. To date, we have donated over 200 beds and kennel mats,” she said.

Jessie Sullivan, Adoptions Manager at SICSA loves Project Warmth's beds and mats.

A thank you shout out to Stephanie from Project Warmth! She donated several handmade kennel beds to the animals at SICSA. They are cuddled up and toasty on this very cold day!

Posted by SICSA Pet Adoption and Wellness Center on Wednesday, January 13, 2016

"SICSA greatly appreciates that Project Warmth not only provides quality, handmade pet products, but also supports the local animal welfare community,” Sullivan said. “In January, we received a large quantity of adorable pet beds from Project Warmth that not only draws attention to our adoptable dogs because of the cute patterns and bright colors, but are also easy to wash and swap out when they get dirty.”

Customers love the craftsmanship and the modern designs and patterns of Project Warmth's products, but it's also clear that the four-legged recipients of these products love them, too.

Want to keep up to date on all of Project Warmth's craft shows? Follow them on Facebook for updates, and check out their products here.

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