A story of Christine, Patty, and Shelley’s love for the animals
By: Johanna Elattar
What do a trip to Ireland, a love for animals, and a creative spark have in common? For three remarkable women in Hornell, New York, the answer is Delightful Doggie Bandanas, a heartfelt initiative that has transformed their passion into a powerful force for good in their community.
What began as a whimsical idea has grown into an impressive fundraiser that not only provides adorable accessories for dogs but has raised thousands for the Hornell Area Humane Society (HAHS). This is the story of how three women—Christine, Patty, and Shelley—stitched together a legacy of compassion, creativity, and community involvement.
The Spark: A Souvenir That Led to Something Bigger
It all started in 2019 when Christine returned from a trip to Ireland with a picture of a dog bandana from a local gift shop. Inspired by the simple beauty of the design, she wondered aloud to her friends, “What if we made bandanas like these to sell for the Humane Society?” It seemed like a small, playful idea at first, but little did they know that this moment of inspiration would lead to something extraordinary.
What began as a couple of prototypes quickly gained traction, and the trio started experimenting with patterns, fabrics, and designs. Over the next few years, their efforts snowballed, leading them to produce an astounding 23,000 bandanas and 7,000 bows. But this wasn’t just about making cute pet accessories. The proceeds from every bandana and bow sold went straight to support HAHS, funding crucial programs like the Spay that Stray and Frosty Fund initiatives, which directly impact the lives of animals in need.
A Community Rallies Behind a Cause
What started as a small, local initiative soon caught fire. People couldn’t get enough of the adorable, handcrafted bandanas, and sales skyrocketed. Patty, a first-grade teacher for 33 years, and Christine, a former guidance office secretary, couldn’t believe how popular their creations had become. The bandanas started appearing everywhere—on Hornell Marketplace on Facebook, in local businesses like St. James Hospital Gift Shop, Harmony Blue, Salon 96, and Brandy’s Cup of Joe. Community members enthusiastically purchased bandanas, often paying through Venmo and PayPal, knowing that their purchases were helping local animals find better lives.
But there was no profit for the three women. Every penny earned went directly into the mission of supporting HAHS. They bought their own fabrics, with no fundraising money used for materials, ensuring that all funds raised could be dedicated to the cause. From purchasing a much-needed cleaning cart for dog kennels to funding the purchase of new, compliant cat cages, the contributions were wide-ranging and impactful.
Numbers That Speak Volumes
As the years passed, the bandanas became more than just a cute item for pets; they became a symbol of what a small group of people, with passion and dedication, could accomplish. By 2025, the trio had raised an astounding $76,000. That figure represents not just the money raised, but the countless animals helped, the countless people who rallied behind the cause, and the bond that the community built through their love for animals.
In 2021, they started keeping meticulous records of their sales, which helped them understand the full scope of their impact. With the help of Chuck, who set up a spreadsheet for tracking, they could see the numbers add up—$824 donated to the Spay that Stray program, $529 to the Frosty Fund, and more. These numbers weren’t just figures on a page—they represented real change, real lives being improved.
Turning a Corner: Saying Goodbye, But Not the End
As all good things must come to an end, so too does the era of the Delightful Doggie Bandanas. The trio has realized that the local market has become saturated, and with the closure of Joanne Fabrics (a key supplier for their materials), they have decided to officially wind down the business. However, they aren’t just disappearing quietly into the night. Their remaining inventory—four bins full of bandanas—will be made available at upcoming events like the Cause 4 Paws fundraiser and a community yard sale. They plan to keep selling their bandanas directly at HAHS, priced at $5 each or 3 for $10, and will continue creating new patterns occasionally. The bandanas come in different sizes, and they’re not just for dogs, but for cats, as well.
But even as they close one chapter, their work is far from done. They’ve vowed to remain a part of the community’s fabric by supporting HAHS with occasional sewing projects for shelter animals in need. The spirit of Delightful Doggie Bandanas will live on through the animals it helped, and the friendships it nurtured.
A Lasting Legacy: Compassion, Community, and Commitment
Looking back on their journey, Patty and Christine feel immense pride in what they’ve accomplished. Not only have they helped countless animals find homes and receive medical care, but they’ve also created a sense of community around their cause. For them, the most meaningful part of their journey has been the impact on the animals and the people who supported them. They’ve been able to help fund programs like Spay that Stray, which addresses the overpopulation of animals, and provide equipment that improves the lives of both cats and dogs at HAHS.
Their legacy is not just in the thousands of bandanas they’ve sewn, but in the way they’ve woven kindness and compassion into the fabric of their community. Their story is a reminder that even the smallest actions—whether sewing a bandana or buying one—can create ripples that make a lasting difference.
As the trio reflects on their journey, they are overwhelmed with gratitude for the community that supported them. “We never imagined it would get this big,” Patty says, a note of amazement in her voice. “But it’s been incredible to see how many people came together for the animals.”
Christine adds, “This started as something small, but it turned into something that changed lives. We’ve sewn more than just fabric—we’ve sewn a bond with the community, and that’s the real success.”
The bandanas may no longer be sold in stores, but the legacy of Delightful Doggie Bandanas will continue to brighten the lives of animals.
Johanna Elattar is a Hornell NY based writer and columnist who loves community stories like this. You can reach her anytime, pitch your story and maybe she’ll work her magic!! americangrrl70@gmail.com
