Upcycled dog beds for charity

A LOCAL mother and daughter duo have launched a new project that upcycles old furniture into plush dog beds in an effort to raise money for two canine charities.

All of the proceeds from Kaylee and Tricia Robertson’s Sheltie Shacks will go towards the Humanimal Trust, which aims to combine human and animal medicine, and the rescue organisation Shetland Sheepdog Placement Services of New Jersey.

The Robertsons gather unwanted furniture such as drawers units and give them makeover, complete with a cushioned dog bed and its own photo frame which can be personalised.

The units will then be sold, with everything going to charity.

Daughter Kaylee, who herself has five Shetland sheepdogs and an Alaskan Klee Kai, said the inspiration came when she was looking at dog material online.

“I came across a picture of a dog lying in a cabinet and thought it would be great to make our own, but with our own personal style on it,” she said.

“We’re hoping to make as much money as possible for two charities who are very close to our hearts – the main one being the Humanimal Trust.

“People also have the option to donate to a Sheltie rescue located in America who carry out amazing work on our native breed across the pond.”

The Robertsons are accepting donations of furniture, while they may also buy in some items too.

Anything which they feel will not work or suit the style of beds will be given to social enterprise COPE’s Shetland Home Co. for reselling.

The project is also dedicated to their family dog Flint, who died of bone cancer – a disease the Humanimal Trust is working to battle.