G. and her friend are working on a service project for the Animal Refuge League in Westbrook this winter.

We visited the ARL last week so the girls could learn more about all the ways kids under 13 can help the animals at the ARL (you have to be 13 years old and accompanied with an adult to work directly with the animals).

Of course the girls loved every animal there - from the cats to the dogs to the bunnies, hamsters and gerbils. Apparently a larger than usual number of bunnies are at the ARL right now so the girls spent some extra time in that room cooing over them all.

G. absolutely loved Mr. Pipsqueak (who was anything but small). But after last summer's incident with a rabbit that leaped out of her arms, used her face as a springboard and scratched her cornea on the way to the ground (and required a trip to the ER), we have a ban on adopting bunnies at our house.

G. and L. liked the "kitty castle" idea they found online and decided to make some, not only for the ARL but also for their own cats.

We asked for boxes from the produce manager at our local Hannaford and were given as many as we could carry out of the store.

The girls decided to stack the 'castles' to make a kitty 'hotel' instead.

And although the cats are posing for this shot that G. took, our cats really do enjoy hiding out in those boxes.

If your kids like making crafts, the ARL has a list of fun crafts you can do at home and drop off at the shelter.
Check out "Comfort Crafts"