When visiting Firetower Animal Clinic in Winterville, pet lovers will likely find themselves drawn to some special magnets, which are not only decorative but also benefit an animal rescue organization.

The whimsical magnets stand out because of their bright colors and various animal shapes, including turtles, seahorses and fish. But the decorative pieces are also noteworthy for being made from recycled drink cans.

Winterville resident Brittany Dail, who has been an active volunteer with the North Carolina Chapter of the Mid Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League since 2008, is part of a group of volunteers who have been making the magnets since September of 2010.

“We use a Sizzix machine to make them,” Dail explains. “There are different die-cuts and we use those to cut them out. Depending on the magnet, we then add the beads/jewels.”

In Pitt County, the magnets are available at Firetower Animal Hospital; Dail relates she is very appreciate of Firetower’s help with selling them. They can
also be found on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ncmagdrl?page=1. Each magnet costs $3.

“They sell great,” says Dail.

Dail likes all dogs but she's drawn to the Great Dane rescue because of the breed's lighthearted nature.

“They will always put a smile on your face with their goofy personalities,” Dail says.

In addition to her volunteerism and caring for her own pets—including two rescued Great Danes—Dail works full time at Ward and Smith, P.A. as a records clerk and is enrolled full time at Pitt Community College in the Paralegal program.

The busy volunteer and others also recycle feed bags to sell on Etsy.com.

“If anyone would like to donate any bags, we can always use them,” Dail related. “We clean and cut them and then add handles and they make great tote bags! We use anything from dog and cat food bags to horse, goat, chicken, bird and rabbit feed bags.”

To donate feedbags or to purchase magnets, contact Dail at 252-717-3996.

MAGDRL was organized in 1979 and serves the Mid Atlantic states. It is a 501(c)(3) corporation that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes neglected, stray and surrendered Great Danes. MAGDRL has have anywhere from 40-70 Danes in foster homes. Visit www.magdrl.org for more information.