Winter is often the bleakest and dreariest time of year. Even with the thickest layers, venturing outside during the winter months is no easy feat.
But we're not the only ones who feel this way. Our own pets also need protection against the cold — especially if they have thin coats!
Many charity organizations have come up with ideas to keep homeless shelter animals nice and cozy this winter — like this shelter in Tennessee who has been collecting old sweaters for their dogs.
However, for the past seven years, one woman in England has gone above and beyond to help chilly canines…
She has spent more than a total of 4,000 hours knitting cozy sweaters, scarves, and winter wear for the pooches at her local greyhound shelter, and has even shipped her knits to dog owners all over the world!
"There are so many dogs that won't be re-homed this Christmas, so for many of them it's the only gift they will get," she said.
Scroll further to see her wonderful, fuzzy designs, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Jan Brown, 52, has one of the most unique jobs in the world.
Ever since she quit her day job three years ago, she has become a full-time sweater knitter for abandoned dogs.
To this day, Jan has spent more than 4,000 hours knitting hats, sweaters, and scarves for homeless and abandoned greyhounds.
The Sunderland, England, native started hand-knitting adorably cozy winter wear in 2008 for dogs at Greyhound Rescue Northeast, a small family-run shelter.
Jan has knitted more than 300 items of clothing for the pooches at the shelter — a family of retired racing greyhounds, whippets, and lurchers.
“I can’t think of anything I would rather do than knit woolly clothing for dogs,” she told The Metro.
With her website, Knitted With Love, Jan is selling her knits to dog owners and lovers all over the world.
She then uses the profits to offer a steady supply of winter knits to rescue shelters across the U.K.
“Jan’s been absolutely amazing for us — she’s saved us a lot of money that we need to spend on vet bills for our greyhounds,” said Kerry Elliman, of the Birmingham Greyhounds Protection.
“Greyhounds have very thin fur so they really feel the cold during the winter, so my gifts help keep them warm during walks,” said Jan.
As with previous years, Jan gets especially creative during the holidays. Right now, she’s knitting Santa Claus outfits, fuzzy antlers, and festive hats.
“It’s really sweet seeing them in their festive Christmas jumpers, and it’s giving much needed help to the rescue centers,” said Jan.
Click here to visit Jan's website if you'd like to see the knit designs!
Please SHARE if you think all dogs deserve to be warm this Christmas!
