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More than a dozen Pleasanton senior residents have been meeting with San Ramon high schoolers over the past few months to hand-tie blankets that they then donate to puppies at a local pet adoption program.
Melody Chen — founder and president of Love and Second Chances, the adoption program based in San Ramon — told the Pleasanton Weekly that not only do these blankets mean a lot to her and her organization, but they also have a real impact on the dogs who go through their rescue.
“The blankets have been amazing because a lot of these dogs come with nothing,” Chen said. “The blankets go with them to foster homes and leave with them to their forever homes.”
The groups of senior residents from Stoneridge Creek Senior Living Community and high school students from California High School in San Ramon first met in March and have been meeting once every month since then, according to a press release from public relations specialist Chelsea Wilson.
“The Love and Second Chances organization holds a special place in the hearts of many Stoneridge Creek seniors who have adopted fur babies from the organization,” Wilson said in the press release. “As a pet-friendly retirement community, the residents will bring their dogs for the blanket-making sessions.”
Linda Godbier, one of the seniors who takes part in the program, told the Pleasanton Weekly she originally heard about the blanket-making event and what piqued her interest was the fact that not only did it seem like a fun time — which it has been for her — but there was a purpose behind it.
Just on the first day of making the blankets, Godbier said the groups were able to make over two dozen blankets to donate to Love and Second Chances.
She said apart from the high schoolers being a delight to work and chat with, she has enjoyed being able to help them achieve their goals of helping out dogs in need of blankets.
Godbier said she doesn’t know how much longer the program will last, but as long as they keep offering it, she will continue to help.
“I’ll do it just because I enjoy … doing it with the kids,” she said. “Especially because the kids have a purpose and if we didn’t show up to help them, whatever they’re striving for wouldn’t be accomplished.”
Apart from giving the blankets to foster dogs, Chen said the organization also gives the handmade blankets to people experiencing homelessness who have pets. She also said if the blankets are torn or become loose, they are then recycled into toys.
“Their program to work with the senior community is such an inspiring one that brings two communities together to make a difference,” Chen said. “The effort of the students makes a huge difference in rescue and we are so proud of the dedication and compassion from this program and those involved.”
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