Interview with Deborah Green from Bideawee

This month, I’m sponsoring Crochetlist‘s Charity Challenge on behalf of Bideawee.  I’ve self-published a special e-book of crochet stitch patterns that make great pet blankets (with profits to be donated to Bideawee), and I’m working on a few of my own pet blankets to donate.  Today, I’m interviewing Deborah Green, Bideawee’s Senior Manager of Volunteers, Education, and Outreach.  You can find Bideawee online on their website, Facebook, and Twitter.  (Thank you Deborah, for sharing pictures of cats using handmade pet blankets!)

Midori says, “This blanket is mine!”


Underground Crafter (UC): One of the reasons I wanted to support Bideawee with this project is because you operate “no kill” shelters. Can you share more about your Adoption Centers and your humane philosophy?

Deborah: Bideawee is one of the oldest no kill animal shelters in the U.S. and has dedicated itself to helping animals since 1903. It is a private, nonprofit organization that depends on donations and does not receive any money from the government.

Bideawee is committed to providing potential adopteers an unparalleled adoption experience that matches their personality and lifestyle with an animal to create a lifelong bond and an unrivaled human/pet connection. The unparalleled treatment of the animals is assured by the Bideawee Animal Bill of Rights. All of the animals undergo a thorough physical and behavioral examination, are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. All of the dogs are walked 3 times a day to begin learning basic commands, and are socilized with humans and other animals. The time, effort and care that the Adoption Center invest in each animal ensures that a Bideawee pet is seamlessly integrated into the family for a lifetime of happiness.

Clarice enjoying a handmade blanket.

UC: What other programs and services does Bideawee manage?
Deborah: Across our 3 sites (Manhattan, and Wantagh and Westhampton, Long Island) we have 2 Adoption Centers, 2 Animal Hospitals, 2 Pet Memorial Parks, and a dog park; a Loving Legacy program (to ensure your pet spends the rest of its life in a caring and compassionate environment with a foster family if you become unable to care for it); behavior and training classes; pet therapy services by volunteers who share their specially trained animals with people in healthcare facilities, schools, and residences for the disabled; humane education for children; and workshops like pet loss support groups, doga (yoga with your dog) and animal care and behavior.

Duke looks very handsome on a handmade pet blanket.

UC: Not all pet shelters accept handmade blankets. How does Bideawee use the donated blankets?
Deborah: We use many of them in our cat cages (20″ x 25″). We take great care to “decorate” each cage individually. We coordinate the colors of the blankets to show off our cats and their beauty. The larger blankets we give to our dogs to line their beds and snuggle in. Many of the animals reside in Bideawee administrative offices and we use the blankets to cover the furniture and make a bed where the animal can feel at home with his own scent.

Grace snuggling with a handmade pet blanket.

UC: What are some other ways that people can get involved with supporting Bideawee?
Deborah: People can donate money or in-kind materials like food and bedding. They can volunteer to work in the shelter or at events.  Go to our webpage, like us on our Facebook, attend our gala on June 11, get the word out!

Thanks so much for stopping by for the interview, Deborah!

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