The Minnesota Quilt Show continues into the weekend down at the DECC, bringing unique designs and soft fabric. One non-profit quilting organization from Florida is looking to honor canines in law enforcement.

Carolyn Bluhm, the K-9 Quilts of Honor Co-Founder says the mission started during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“The dog living next to us was a working dog for our sheriff’s office. He retired and there was no way that they could actually honor him at the time. There was some challenges going on and they couldn’t honor the dogs,” Bluhm said. “When that happened, I came up with this idea. I drew up a design and the handler liked it. And we got to honor him in October when he retired in June.”

Bluhm also says the quilts made by the non-profit are not just for dogs who retired from law enforcement. Quilts have been made for dogs who have died in the line of duty, or performing above and beyond in their role.

“It’s growing like leaps and bounds. I didn’t have any idea that it was gonna take off so quickly. It’s gone to Canada, it’s going to Australia. I’m working with different areas to be able to develop a program there,” Bluhm said. ‘”When you have a group of people that have the hearts of quilters to be able to share that with them and they can share with their local community. It gives, it’s warm and fuzzy all the way around.

For more information about the K-9 Quilt of Honor you can read more here. Also for more information about the Minnesota Quilt Show at the DECC you can read more here.