By Nancy Young
Enquirer contributor

HAMILTON - Stray, abandoned and abused dogs picked up by the Humane Society of Hamilton have something nice waiting for them, courtesy of senior citizens.

When the dogs are taken from the streets or abusive situations, they make the transition to a new environment calmed by a "comfort blanket."

"It's like an adoption blanket," said Joan Long, a social worker with Senior Citizens, Inc., which operates the Hamilton Senior Center. "We want to give the dogs something warm to rest on instead of a concrete floor after the trauma of being brought into a strange environment. It is truly a 'comfort' for canines."

Long's initial plan was to personally make one doggie blanket at a time. That is, until she shared her idea with Glenna Schmidt, crafts leader at the Hamilton Senior Center.

"We are always looking for crafts for our seniors, and many of them already knew how to knit and crochet," Schmidt said. "Others wanted to learn a new skill and creating doggie blankets was the perfect opportunity."

An anonymous local resident, whose recently deceased wife was an avid knitter, donated hundreds of skeins of yarn.

Visitors to the Senior Center, including Theresa Savelli, are enjoying the project. "I am finishing up my third blanket, and am soon going to turn my attention to making blankets for homeless people," the lifelong Hamilton resident said.

With winter approaching, the seniors are also making blankets for humans.

The canine project has made Long's own dog, Webster, a local celebrity. Webster visits the Senior Center every Thursday, modeling a blanket, and making himself available for petting sessions. He has now branched out and will soon begin visiting similar centers in Fairfield and West Chester.