How To Be A Better Human By Using Raggedy Old Towels

One man's trash can make a shelter dog's life so much better.

The other day on Facebook, a friend of mine posted a list of “50 Things to Throw Away for Instant Decluttering.” It was a very good and comprehensive list until I reached the part about old towels with holes in them.

My inner dog mom screamed out through my fingers and onto the keyboard in response to her post.

I replied, “Don’t throw away old towels! Donate them to an animal shelter! That's always one of the TOP items on their donation wish list!”

She had no idea, and neither did any of the subsequent responders. I can only assume that most people who aren’t shelter dog supporters wouldn’t know this.

So, I’m here to tell you…DO NOT throw away old towels and linens.

Instead, repurpose them for a good cause. It doesn’t cost you a thing except a leisurely drive to your nearest animal shelter or rescue agency.

Contrary to popular belief, they don’t only want your cash donations. They want the stuff you need to get rid of. In fact, they’ll take other unwanted household items, too.

On the wish list page for the Humane Society, where I adopted Dezi, towels are the very first item mentioned as desperately needed, in bold, right at the top.

A little further down, they’ve also listed old sheets. Just flat sheets, though. Nobody, including humans with actual beds, wants to deal with fitted sheets 😂

Old towels, blankets, and sheets are hard to get rid of. Most second-hand and Goodwill stores won’t take them, but animal shelters want and NEED them.

What do shelters use them for?

• Cleaning up messes.

• Lining kennel floors.

• Drying off wet dogs.

• Warm bedding.

• Whelping mama dogs (giving birth).

Last summer, I donated all the gear from my previous dog that I’d found while going through storage boxes. I had a dog bed, collars, leashes, and toys.

Next time you’re decluttering your home, I encourage you to Google animal shelters and rescue agencies in your area. Most of them have a “Donate” page, and they need more than your money. Some shelters even have Amazon wish lists set up, requiring zero effort on your part.

One more thing. If you must drive there and drop off used goods, I dare you to browse the adoptable animals and take one home. 😉

They say you’ll get your rewards in heaven, but don’t you also want some good juju while you’re still here? We could all stand to earn a few brownie points in this lifetime.

What items do you regularly donate to animal shelters?

Here’s another way to be a better human…