Magda turns 9!! We HEART DC Animal Rescue League!!

Magdalena turns NINE tomorrow...crazy! 

We talked and talked and talked about what we should do this year for her birthday

and after much consideration--she struck gold with the perfect idea!

She would invite her friends over to make dog chew toys and cat beds out of fleece;  

and then we would see if we could deliver them to a local animal shelter. 

Instead of presents, she would ask the girls to bring donations for the shelter..

and then MAYBE, just maybe-- if we were lucky, 

we could take a tour of the facilities and hang out with some of the animals.  

It all happen--just like that...beautifully!

First, we stocked up on A LOT OF FLEECE (above) and had cut it all up before-hand for the girls.

We got the instruction for fleece dog chew toys here.

And the idea for the cat beds here.

This was a great activity for the girls...they chatted and braided and tied knots.

Very fun and productive!

After every girl made one cat bed and a couple chew toys each, we had a very impressive stash!

After a quick lunch of grilled cheese and tomato soup, we were off to a local shelter.

The Washington Animal Rescue League!!

A totally awesome and amazing place!!

About WARL: Founded in 1914, the Washington Animal Rescue League is the oldest animal shelter in Washington D.C. Its mission includes rescuing, rehabilitating and finding homes for animals who have no where else to go. The League also supports animals through affordable veterinary care, community outreach and education. Learn more about the Washington Animal Rescue League at www.warl.org.

We were greeted by the Leagues's incredible Brittany and amazing James--

who divided the girls up into 2 groups and took them on the tour.

First Stop: The Cats..some cats were just hanging out or snoozing out in the open--which was so nice to see them be able to be out in the open and free.  Some were hanging out in their "cat condos" 

Dexter, below, with the pink tag was going to his forever home the next day--YAY DEXTER! 

(below) This was the best part...

This is the cat bed Magda made.  

This is Magda giving her cat bed 

to Aidan, the black kitten.  

This is Magda feeling pretty proud..

It doesn't get much better than this!!

(below) The shelter had just received 30 animals from South Carolina the day before our visit.  This is one of the sweethearts from that group...she wasn't quite cleared to be cuddled, 

but, boy--did we sure want to!!

(left) The cat pantry! (right) Touring the cat condos.

When the tour was done, James and Brittany brought us into the community room, 

where they would bring out 2 different dogs for the kids to play with.  

First up: Zeke.  Total puppy! He LOVED the chew toys...and he loved Luca!

Next, the much adored Tembler.. (Timblur...Temblr??  Not quite sure on spelling)

This little guy was SO AWESOME...

he was a little shy at first, but then started prancing around like a little circus dog.

  

He was like a miniature shepherd...or as we like to say:

a shepherd crossed with a chihauhua!  

Tembler was a BIG hit!

(Thanks James!!)

We finished off the partay with a little chocolate cupcake and some WOOT-WOOT.
(Karaoke ensued...)

Overall, a really great party and the kids did some good as well.

Awesome!