I think I know why she told you not to use poly for the animal beds. It is because when they get washed they are washed in HOT water, and dried on HIGH heat. This can cause the poly to lose its fluff factor. When I have done blankets for the shelter I have used old cotton bath towels I pick up from goodwill as batting. They are inexpensive, and hold up very well to extreme washing ! I have never had trouble FMQ these with a large-ish stipple, but I would avoid anything too complex. As for the poly batting use it in quilts !! Use it in wall hangings, use it in anything you need batting for !