Pupcycled volunteers make dog toys from donated fabric scraps
4/30/2025
Jan Marks holds dog toys made for Pupcycled. The painting is one she created of her son’s dog, Gus.
“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” is a common quote — and one that Jan Marks says applies to discarded clothing that can help dogs in need.
Marks, of Windsor Heights, is currently the Iowa lead for the nonprofit Pupcycled, which was started in California by two high school girls. The girls make dog toys from donated fabric scraps. They collect donated used clothing and sew dog toys together. Once completed, they give the toys to no-kill animal shelters and other rescue organizations.
Marks became interested while living in California. She was on an email list, where she read about rescue pets needing dog toys. She contacted Pupcycled to bring the program to Iowa.
“I wanted to help, and I was talked into it,” she explains. “They didn’t have anyone else.”
Marks is a longtime dog and animal lover. Although she doesn’t have dogs anymore, she still wants to help.
“My neighbors and family members all have dogs. Anything I can do to help, I will,” she says.
So far, Marks has coordinated dog toy-making sessions with various groups. She has reached out to schools for students in need of silver cord volunteer hours. She says a collaboration with students to make the toys is ideal.
“It’s a win-win all the way around,” she says.
Marks has put out a plea for clean, used clothes. Any type of clothing works, but thicker, sturdy material is ideal. One type of clothing that works best for rope-type chew toys are T-shirts. With T-shirts, she teaches students how to make toys, including a lanyard-type tight weave.
“The weave is like those you used to make at summer camp,” she explains. “It’s easy to learn.”
For another type of dog toy, she cuts out various patterns, such as dog bones and hearts, then stuffs them, often adding “squeakers” inside.
Marks says the purpose of Pupcycled is unique. The first benefit is to help shelter dogs out. Often shelters rely on donations and don’t have a lot of money. The second is that it keeps clothes out of the landfills.
“This organization serves two purposes,” Marks says. “Then, when you combine it for a community service effort, you have people donating their time as well.”
Marks is involved because she likes helping animals.
“It’s also great for the environment and shelter. Dogs don’t have enough resources.”
She says kids and other groups are enthusiastic about making the toys, and Pupcycled Iowa needs groups to make even more. Any age group, church or organization can participate in helping to make toys. She also needs donations of clean, used clothing and stuffing materials. She suggests that organizations put out bins to collect items on a one-time basis.
To donate dog toy items, contact jmarks0000@yahoo.com. For more information about Pupcycled, visit www.pupcycled.org/iowa. ♦
