Spring brings warmer weather and happier people. It is also a huge birthing season for many animals on this planet. Animal rescue shelters fill up fast and supplies run out in a hurry. This is where your spring cleaning project comes into play. Locate a pet shelter in your area and find out which items in your “time to throw out pile” are on their wish list. Some rescue organizations exist only in homes of dedicated volunteer rescue workers, such as Save Our Strays in the Tampa Bay area. Any friend of helpless homeless animals could use a break with extra supplies!

Items on the wish list from Save Our Strays, for example, include: cat carriers, canned kitten food, kitten milk replacement and bottles, pet stain and odor remover, scoopable clay litter, stamps, envelopes, and thank you notes. Many groups send out newsletters with a published list of their needs. If your items are not on the list but you have a hunch it would be helpful, give them a call. If you are wondering about the old towels and sheets or newspapers for recycling, just ask.

Voila! Your house is clean, you did a great deed, and the animals will be thrilled.