Adopt Gods Kritters
Block Number: 93“ADOPT GOD’S KRITTERS”
By Ginger Todd
The McDowell Quilt Trail installed its 93rd block on July 8, 2011, by McDowell Quilt Trail volunteers Mike Lucas and Jack Raker at Kozy Kritters Inn & Doggie Day Care located at 3201 Old Highway 221 South in Glenwood. The hosts Susan and Rick Menard had a strong interest in being a part of the trail.
After reading an article in the McDowell News supplying contact information, they took action. Susan knew she wanted the block to be themed to the dogs and cats she boards and she wanted to incorporate the bright, happy colors that adorn the inside kennels. With the aid and ideas of Mike Lucas, a unique block design was created titled “Adopt God’s Kritters.”
The Menards moved to McDowell County in March of 2006 from St. Petersburg, Florida, after Rick’s retirement. Susan, an independent insurance agent, at the time had harbored thoughts of opening a dog care business, and after volunteering with Merci Animal Rescue. Mercy Animal Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose motto is “people helping pets, one pet at a time.” The foundation consists of a team of volunteers whose mission is to save the lives of a portion of these destitute and often ill or injured animals. The volunteers provide good care by fostering them in their homes in hopes of finding a safe, loving, and lifetime match through adoption.
Susan Menard, through her volunteer work, became aware of the tremendous need in McDowell County. Although Kozy Kritters Inn is not a rescue operation, it does offer the option of kenneling a pet when needed, in lieu of letting it run loose. Susan continues to work with the rescue operation when she can, and helps by fostering animals until adoption.
“Adopt God’s Kritters,” a colorful 4’ x 4’ quilt block, incorporates a variation of the “snail’s tail” quilt pattern. The center of the block is comprised of four cats, each facing in a different direction in the primary colors of blue, green, red and yellow with their ears detailed in contrasting colors. The cats’ tails curve together in the spiral “snail’s trail” pattern. A depiction of a dog is located in each corner of the block in a clockwise direction. The bodies are shaded in gray, black, white, and brown, with the ears and face detailed in opposing colors. The cat and dog scene rests on a sky-blue background.
After the installation, volunteer Jill Lucas, Chairperson of the McDowell Quilt Trail, presented a Certificate of Authenticity to Susan and Rick to proudly display. This newest block on the McDowell Quilt Trail is certainly appropriate for the Kozy Kritters Inn, and a must see.
