Blazin’ Yarn

Abby Albright just turned 20. When she was six, she learned to crochet from her grandma, a skill that would weave its way into the fabric of her life in ways she never imagined. Her journey, though, truly started with a tiny, trembling ball of fur named Sparkles.

When Abby was nine, she rescued Sparkles, a scruffy Schnauzer - terrier mix, from a local foster family. Sparkles, with her big, hopeful eyes and perpetually wagging tail, sparked something in Abby – a fierce protectiveness and an overwhelming desire to help animals in need. It wasn't just about adopting a pet; it was about providing a safe haven, a warm bed, and a full belly to creatures who had known only uncertainty.

That spark ignited a flame. When Abby turned twelve, her family, seeing the passion burning in her eyes, helped her become a volunteer with the Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) shelter. The cacophony of barking, the plaintive meows, the sheer number of animals needing homes – it was overwhelming, but Abby didn't flinch. She dove in, ready to make a difference.

Seven years and countless furry faces later, Abby and her family had fostered over 150 pets. Puppies with wobbly legs, kittens with eyes barely open, senior dogs with matted fur and gentle souls – they all found temporary refuge in the Albright home. And that's where the crochet came in.

Initially, Abby crocheted simple blankets for the foster animals, soft, comforting squares of yarn that provided a sense of security. As the number of fosters grew, so did the need for supplies. Food, Pee pads, toys, other supplies– the costs mounted. That's when Abby had an idea.

She started crocheting more than just blankets. She made plushies, toys, shawls, and more. She sold them at local craft fairs and markets, her creations becoming popular for their charm and the story behind them. Each sale, each brightly colored plushie or cozy shawl, directly contributed to the care of her fosters. The money wasn't just going into her pocket; it was going towards kibble, pee pads, and the endless parade of chewed toys and scratched furniture that came with fostering so many animals.

And it all started with a little dog named Sparkles, a spark that ignited a young girl’s passion.