By Nancy E. Hassel, LIPetPlace.com

Recycling to help animal shelters

Most Long Islander’s are accustomed to recycling their plastic and glass bottles, newspaper, aluminum cans and some are even composting. But what about items that you throw away that could be used by our local Animal Shelters? You might be surprised to learn some of the items that are being thrown into our landfills may make a nice warm bed for shelter cats and dogs. In speaking with Joanne Daly of the Town of Islip Animal Shelter she said they could use the following items: newspapers to be used in place of cat litter; clean used blankets, sheets and towels; play pens; and is specifically looking for (2) wooden toy chests. One for storage of dog toys and the other to store leashes. They could also really use dry cat food and puppy food.

What about if you are not a pet owner at all, yet you clip coupons every Sunday? Some local non-profit animal rescue organizations like Forgotten Friends of Long Island (http://www.forgottenfriendsoflongisland.org/Wish_list.html ) and Last Hope Inc. (http://www.lasthopeanimalrescue.org/wish-list.htm) could really use cat and dog food, treat and supply coupons, to help deter their costs. So why not clip the pet coupons and mail to them in, especially if you are not using them.

Other items that are needed range from donating your used car, to used but clean dog and cat carriers and crates, old furniture for “real life” rooms at private animal shelters, to something as simple as used tennis balls. And to help beat the heat kiddie pools in good condition, a dog in a kennel all day long this summer would appreciate a dip in a cool pool.

So if you want to donate, but don’t have the budget to contribute monetarily, there are always ways you can help, and be green while doing so. Call your own local Animal Shelter to see what they may need – it might in your recycle bin or about to be tossed out.

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