WEB EXCLUSIVE A homemade cat and dog toy-making workshop took place in the Center during Collab this afternoon to be donated to the pet shelter Marin Humane Society.

“I saw this activity when I was researching the Marin Humane Society’s website,” sophomore and event organizer Ella Beard said. “I thought it [seemed] really fun and I wanted to include some people from my school that were also interested in animals.”

Students braided colorful and geometric strips of fleece and cotton during the workshop, resulting in 27 toys.

“I’m really into pets and crafts so I wanted to help out,” sophomore Peyton House said. “This was a good idea of Ella’s because it helps make the animals feel much more at home in the shelter.”

The workshop also helps to bring both animal lovers and creative people together, according to Student life Director Devin DeMartini Cooke.

“This [activity] is particularly fun for artistic people and for people who love animals,” DeMartini Cooke said. “It’s also something positive to do with your friends during Collab if you’re not meeting with teachers.”

In addition to making toys, there are several other ways to get involved with the shelter, according to Beard.

“You can do different training programs and summer camps too,” Beard said. “If you are interested, emailing the supervisors can also give a lot of useful information.”  

Participating in the workshop not only helps pet owners and volunteers at the shelter but also benefits the pets themselves, according to DeMartini Cooke.

“It’s student-led and it’s coming from personal connections of service,” DeMartini Cooke said. “It’s an opportunity to come together as a community and help out both people and pets.”

Gabriella Vulakh contributed to reporting.