Mother's
Comfort
Project
Sewing handmade beds and toys for shelter animals — with love, skill, and community.
Beds Made With Love
Mother's Comfort Project was launched in 2009 by Rheda S. Brandt, mother of Rational Animal founder Susan Brandt. What began in New York City has grown into a multi-chapter initiative bringing volunteers together with makers spaces, instructors, sewing machines, fabrics, and notions to sew comforting beds and toys for shelter animals.
Animal shelters can be cold and noisy. Giving dogs and cats a handmade bed soothes them, making them more likely to sleep better and fight off illnesses that can run through shelters. Every animal we've met gives thanks in their own way — lovey eyes, waggy tails, purrs and licks.
We have delivered more than 50,000 handmade beds to dozens of animal shelters and rescue organizations — and our goal is to sew and deliver thousands more. We also make catnip toys, giving cats a boost and some fun, and making them look more perky for potential adopters.
Every bed carries our signature patch featuring our founder's late grandmother, Fannie Shapiro with a Baltimore Oriole — so animal caregivers know they are receiving quality, durable, machine-washable beds and toys made with care.
In Loving Memory of Rheda Brandt
Creator of the Mother's Comfort Project
Rational Animal Founder Susan Brandt, with Rheda Brandt and Ambassador Sadie Blackstar.
How It Works
We Coordinate Sewing Teams
We bring together volunteers, teach sewing skills, and provide humane education to schools, charitable businesses, and individuals.
Beds Are Made With Care
Each bed is sewn with quality batting and fabric, then marked with our signature Fannie Shapiro patch — a guarantee of durability and love.
Delivered to Shelters
Finished beds and catnip toys are delivered directly to animal shelters and rescue organizations so every animal has a cozy place to rest.
Where We Operate
Mother's Comfort Project currently operates chapters in three locations. Want to start a chapter in your area? We'd love to hear from you.
Support This Project
Funds go directly to cover our costs of batting, sewing machines, sewing machine maintenance, storage, and catnip. Every dollar makes a real difference for shelter animals.
Make a Tax-Deductible Donation