1. pets
2. dogs

We are Inspired!
Spring
Edition
2015
Dear Readers: You are always so good to us! It must be your love of animals.
Maybe it's your appreciation of our work to save as many animals as we can. Or
maybe you adopted an animal from us, are so pleased, and you want to help
others to be able to enjoy a new addition to their family. Whatever the reason,
we want to express our sincere thanks for your financial support in 2014. But
most especially, we want to let you know how wonderful you were to us in the
month of December. Along with numerous Christmas cards and happy wishes
for the season, we received an overwhelming amount of donations - over
$9,000! We are very humbled by your kindness. But we are also inspired! We
promise to use the funds prudently and resourcefully so we can save as many
animals as possible. With your continued support, 2015 should be our best year
ever! Thank you, so very much, to each and everyone one of you who sent us
money. We wish all of you lots of tail wags, purrs, and licks!
Speaking of being very kind to us, a very special Thank
YOU goes to 10-year old Anthony Bresso who, instead of
getting a present this past Christmas, asked his Mom to
buy food and supplies for our dogs. What a wonderful day
it became when Anthony stopped at the kennel to deliver all
his "presents!" How inspiring you are Anthony! We
sincerely appreciate your kindness.
Anthony isn't our only young volunteer. Through the years,
donations have been made to us when young people have sold
lemonade at their own stands, vegetables from their houses, and
sponsored their own garage sales. School students collected
money, items, treats, toys, leashes, and sweaters for our animals.
Some even made their own dog treats! Students volunteer with us
to earn the volunteer hours they need for graduation. Scout Troops
helped at rabies clinics, did maintenance work at the kennel, and
made cat stands for us. One young man coordinated and handled
the PF web site, Facebook and Pet Finders pages for a block of time.
Others helped at the kennel, worked at Meet-A-Pets, and helped at
PetSmart with our cats. Many of them have volunteered at our
fundraisers. One young lady saved her allowance, went shopping
with her mother, and purchased items for us. Another collects
aluminum cans. We cherish them all - they all inspire us!
But no young person is more precious to us than 15-yearold Keirstin Rotharmel, who has been volunteering for us
since February, 2012. Keirstin volunteers at just about
every fundraising event, cleans cat cages and socializes
cats one evening shift every week at PetSmart, walks dogs
and cleans the dog kennels one to two evening shifts and
one morning shift per week. She provides us with the Kids
Page in our newsletter, and takes care of our Facebook
Continued on page 3
Page 1
Pet Friends News
Pet Friends, Inc.
Board of Directors:
Patti Gamble
- President
Lisa Cimbala
- Secretary/Treasurer
Vickie Kasa
- Canine Coordinator
Suzanne Pierce
- Feline Coordinator
Betsy Walter
- Volunteer Coordinator
Lisa Smith
- Public Relations
Total
2014 Adoptions
102 Cats
and
52 Dogs!!!
2015 Adoptions
(so far)
18 Cats
and
9 Dogs!!!
Pet Friends accepts
donations of cars.
Our 1st donation
brought in over
$665! Call us - we'll
come get it!
Pet Friends is currently in need of a fundraising coordinator to help
coordinate our fundraising activities and serve as a Board Member.
If you are a member with a flair for raising money and would like to
help, please give us a call!
Annual nominations for people to serve on our Board will be held at our April 20th
Volunteer/Membership meeting with elections held at our May 18th
Volunteer/Membership meeting. Any volunteer who has been a member for at least
six months is welcome and encouraged to serve on our Board! If you'd like to seek
election, please come to our April meeting with a friend to nominate you. Board
members are elected to serve for a two-year term.
Pet Friends has SNAP (Spay/Neuter Assistance Program) money!
Thanks to the Bernice Barbour Foundation, we are able to provide
free spays and neuters for people with limited incomes. Income
qualifications start at $35,000 for single income households,
increasing by $1,500 for each additional household member. Proof of
income is required. Please call us if you believe you qualify and are in
need of spay or neuter assistance for your dog or cat!
Our SNAP grant also can help with feral cats. Maybe the following story
will inspire you to help feral cats in your neighborhood!
Pet Friends’ coverage in its last two newsletters of the ever-exploding cat
population presented important information about the homeless or feral cat
problem. At times this problem seems overwhelming, but there is something you
can do to help, as evidenced by two Westmoreland County women.
Sisters-in-law Donna Kohosek and Marian Rudolph, who had been providing food
and shelter for 13 feral cats, skillfully planned and executed the trapping of all in just
three days. With traps provided by, Pet Friends, Animal Rescue League’s (ARL)
Homeless Cat Management Team and several caring individuals, Donna succeeded in
capturing 6 cats in one night. The following day she transported them to the ARL in
East Liberty. A few days later, Marian trapped seven cats and took them to the
same facility. ARL veterinarians spayed or neutered each cat, clipped left ear for
identification, and administered rabies shots for only $30 each. The cats were
returned to their Export neighborhood, where Donna and Marian continue to care
for them.
We encourage you to help curb the number of homeless cats in your neighborhood.
Pet Friends can help by letting you borrow our traps, offer suggestions and even
provide some financial assistance as long as we have SNAP grant funds available.
Give us a call at 724-863-7722 if you'd like to talk about it, get suggestions, and make
a plan. Pet Friends, however, most likely will not have enough volunteers to offer
manpower to physically assist with your efforts.
Page 2
Want to learn about CPR, first aid, care & emergency preparedness training for your pet?
Then make plans to come to our March 16th volunteer meeting! Meet Karen Sable, owner
of Pet Emergency Training, LLC. Karen will be conducting a brief overview of emergency
and safety procedures that could help save the life of your pet.
"Your pets count on you to take care of them. In an emergency, would you
really know what to do? Learn the skills that could save your pet and also
improve the quality of their life!"
Karen will also share information on pet oxygen masks used by firefighters to save our 4-legged friends.
7:00 pm at the North Huntingdon Townhouse building. All are welcome!
Did you know Pet Friends' United Way I.D. number for Westmoreland
County is 1381068? We'd appreciated your support!
FYI: Pet Friends' tax deductable tax I.D. #is 42-1569754
Continued from page 1
page, helps with our raffle tickets, and is often our
photographer. She made our new brochure for us and
makes posters and flyers about our adoptable cats/dogs.
She was Garfield for an adoption weekend at PetSmart,
sold decorated pens to help raise money for Pet Friends,
and was instrumental in revising, updating, and selling our
t-shirts and sweatshirts.
Not only a volunteer, Keirstin adopted a dog from Pet
Friends. She named him Charlie and trained him to be a
certified therapy dog.
WOW!
"Keirstin has shown such enthusiasm, caring, and initiative at a
young age since volunteering with Pet Friends to help the cats, dogs, and fundraising. She has won the hearts of volunteers and
the animals with her abilities and sincere efforts to work with the animals and willingness to do any task on her own or if asked
to handle something. I have witnessed her give comfort to dogs that have been taken in and are scared and confused. With
patience beyond her years she brings the dogs to a point they settle in and become a member of the "pack". Keirstin is a
volunteer who I am proud to know and work alongside of. I look forward to seeing what life and career brings to this
extraordinary young lady." Faye Kuch
Where would we be without Keirstin and how many animals have happy, "furever" homes because of her! Pet
Friends is one lucky organization to be able to have "Keirst" as one of our most active volunteers.
We love you Keirstin!
So Thank YOU Lisa. You're a great Mom and
we sincerely appreciate all you do and all that
you help and encourage Keirstin to do.
We are a much better organization because of
"Team Lisa/Keirstin"! The lives of the animals
you have touched are innumerable!
Special thanks must also go to Keirstin's Mom,
who is not only a Pet Friends' volunteer, but also
serves on our Board as our Public Relations
Director. Without Lisa Smith's support and
willingness to go to all these functions with her
daughter, Keirstin would not be able to pursue
her passion with such vigor.
Page 3
Recap of Recent Events
Irwin Light up Night: On Thursday November 21, 2014 Pet Friends had an
entourage consisting of volunteers, adoptable dogs, friends and family members
participate in the Irwin Light-Up Night Christmas Parade. For such a cold
evening, the coldest it had been in weeks, there was an unbelievable crowd of
people lining Main Street. You couldn’t help but feel the excitement growing as
we paraded down the street. Volunteers Dina and Leah Perri held a banner and
led the procession. Lisa Smith and Keirstin Rotharmel followed behind with Kato
and Bandit, two Pet Friends' dogs that were available for adoption. The dogs
were a little anxious at first but eventually settled in to enjoy the sights and
sounds. Volunteers Alex Yannaci, Stephanie Flambard and Faye Kuch, along with
Faye’s grandson Nathan, were passing out candy to the children and answering
questions about our organization as they walked the parade route. In the event we didn’t have any dogs
or handlers available for the parade we had a backup plan. Michele Albert dressed in a cat costume,
pulled a festively decorated
wagon with a very realistic
life size statue of a hound
dog sitting in it. The dog
caused many adults and
children to do a doubletake. One person not
realizing it was a statue
actually inquired about
adopting it! Fun was had by
all and we are anxiously
awaiting the 2015 Parade!
Burton's Tree: A heartfelt thank you to Burton's Total Pet, its staff, and all the generous and caring
customers who made donations this Christmas Season to
help the animals in our care. We set up the tree on
December 1, 2014 and took it down on January 2, 2015.
Very generous customers of Burton's donated five full
boxes of food, toys, and treats for our dogs and cats!
How very kind of everyone!!!
Thank you Faye Kuch, Lisa Smith, Keirstin Rotharmel,
Pat Lydon, and Nathan Kuch for setting up our Burton's
Tree!
Page 4
Candle Sale: Pet Friends sold Sugar Creek Candle Co. candles in November, 2014.
Sugar Creek Candle Co. is a North Huntingdon company and it was nice to support a
local business. These were soy candles; long burning and clean. We sold 35 candles
and raised $199.94 for our cat fund. A special Thank You goes to Suzanne Pierce
for coordinating this event!
Pet Photos with Santa: We held our first ever independent Pet Photos with Santa on Saturday,
December 6, 2014, at the Greensburg Moose. It was a cold, rainy day but hot chocolate and coffee
helped warm us up along with donuts and cookies to feed our bellies.
Aaron McGregor was our wonderful
photographer, who captured the magical
moments. Photos were $10.00 for a 4 x
6 print with a frame of your choice.
Treat bags were also given to the pets
and the children. A Chinese Auction
and 50/50 raffle was held. Volunteers
enjoyed interacting with the pets and
people who came out to support us,
helping us raise about $300.00. Thank you to the volunteers who donated
the baskets. A special Thank You goes to Suzanne Pierce for coordinating
this event!
Our Annual Year-End Christmas Party was held at
Café Supreme on Monday, December 15, 2014. It was a
relaxing evening out with our volunteers, families, and
friends! It was a night of fun, food, games, and prizes!!
A private banquet area was reserved for us featuring a
buffet, games to test your skills and knowledge, and
prizes for the winners. Family and friends were
welcome.
A special Thank You goes to Brad and Bernadette Grace
for coordinating this event and being their usual
adorable selves by entertaining us for the drawings and
games!
Special note: We did not spend even one penny of our donations for this event! Meals, prizes, and drinks
were all paid for by those attending.
Giving Tree & Raffle: St. Francis Animal Hospital, formerly known as Shrader's Animal Hospital, put
up a giving tree and held a small raffle in December, in their office, to help raise money for our cat fund.
How nice of them! The giving tree raised $77 and the raffle brought in another $35. Thank you St.
Francis Animal Hospital for continuing to help us save cats!
Page 5
Upcoming Events & Fundraisers
Visit our Cats/Kittens
Every day at the PetSmart in Greensburg during store hours
Please call our cat line at 724-863-7722 if you want to volunteer at PetSmart
Visit our Dogs
1st and 3rd Saturdays, Carwen’s Kennel in Irwin, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
2nd and 4th Saturdays, Burton’s Total Pet in Irwin, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Please call our dog line at 724-863-7722 if you can help transport or handle our dogs
Join us at our Volunteer Meetings
3rd Monday of each month, N. Huntingdon Townhouse Building, 7 pm to 8 pm
St. Patrick's Day Lottery Drawing (afternoon and evening Pa. lottery numbers)
$2 per ticket. Each ticket has 2 numbers. Call 724-863-7722 and select option 5
(fundraising) to get tickets.
Our annual Calendar Party will be held on Sunday, April 19th at Circleville Fire Hall.
Doors will open at noon. Tickets for the Calendar Party are $7 per person and include a
light lunch. Tickets for the Chinese Auction and 50-50 raffle will be sold separately at
the party. Come and have some fun!
Tickets are limited so please let us know as soon as possible how many tickets you want
to buy. Please contact Diane Betz at betzdm@verizon.net or call 724-863-7722 for tickets.
Looking for an evening of entertainment?
Make plans to attend our first annual Woofstock!
Saturday, May 2nd, at the Hahntown Fire Hall, 5pm-Midnight.
Tickets are $15 cover charge per person - 5 bands will be playing classic rock, rock &
country music: Nova Cane, Cash Whitley and the Hard Luck Kings, Hugo Down, and The
House Band. Cash bar and food available from the Fire Hall - 50/50 raffles - Chinese
Auctions and more! Call 724-863-7722 for tickets.
Hungry?
Make plans to come to our 2nd annual Cinco De Meowo & Guac-off!!!
Sunday, May 3rd, 2-5 pm at The Ash Club, 119 Harrison Ave, Greensburg
All-you-can-eat taco bar, Guacamole contest, Chinese Auction, Photo Booth, DJ Adam Bomb,
50/50 Raffle. Tickets (21 & over event) are $20 per person. Don't miss out - last year's
event was a wonderful event and enjoyed by all who attended! Call 724-863-7722 for tickets.
Page 6
We are pleased to present Our 2015 Honor Role of Adoptees!!!
Dale
Sylvester
Ginger
Pepper
Dee
Simba
Hallie, Tallie, Chase and
Chance
Bandit
Lizzie
Sidney
Dana
Apollo
Emmie
Sophie
Hanna
Libby
PJ
Claude
Bentley
Princess
Heidi
Mickey
Mouse
BooBoo
Puggle
s
Celebrating the homeless ones now in "Furever" Homes
We send our love……
……give them a hug from us!
Page 7
Dee Dee’s Den
Named in memory of our friend Dee Dee Anderson
Welcome to our sponsorship page. By sponsoring animals, donators help us cover operating costs.
`
Fox
Heidi
Kato
Sponsored by
Karen Ferri
Sponsored by
Isabella Beebout
Sponsored by
Alexandra Beebout
Brandy
Midnight
Honey
Sponsored by
Will & Leeann Steel
Sponsored by
Larry Cunningham
Sponsored by
Larry Cunningham
Madeline
Jasmine
Chloe
Sponsored by
Larry Cunningham
Sponsored by
Weston Yuhas
Sponsored by
Weston Yuhas
Please help us to give these and all of our pets the gift of a good home.
They will thank you a thousand times over!
Page 8
Dee Dee’s Den
(Continued)
If you would like to sponsor an animal, please send your tax-deductible donation, marked “sponsorship” for
$20 (per animal) to Pet Friends, PO Box 484, Irwin, PA 15642. Thank you to all of these sponsors!
Jake
Ruby
Norman
Sponsored by
Hunter Marchand
Sponsored by
Diane Maxymczak
Sponsored by
Diane Maxymczak
Lyla
Mia
Mr. Denny
Sponsored by
Robert Mialki
Sponsored by
Will & Leeann Steel
Sponsored by
Lisa Cimbala
Mona and Tick
Tiffany
Joey
Sponsored by
Suzanne Pierce
Sponsored by
Faye Kuch
Sponsored by
Patti Gamble
Please help us to give these and all of our pets the gift of a good home.
They will thank you a thousand times over!
Page 9
News from our Alumni
Dear Pet Friends:
Randy, now renamed Pascal, (and nicknamed Duper or Paskee) has been doing fine
with us since the summer of 2012. We love him very much because he is so
loveable. Pascal is still happy, healthy, very cute and sweet. He is also very
curious. Thank you for letting us adopt him, as well the care you gave him before
we got him! He does wake us up at 5:00 in the morning sometimes but he is still
very sweet. Thanks for everything!
Elizabeth & Abigal
Dear Pet Friends
Here is a photo of Simba relaxing in his new home. He is such a
good dog and we are loving every minute with him.
Thank-you Pet Friends.
Joe & Cherie
Dear Pet Friends:
We adopted Taz and Sylvie (Dylan and Mia) in 2009. They had been left in a carrier at your
Norwin Towne Square facility for 3 days in the backroom. A man dropped them off but never
notified anyone. They were very timid and unsociable for about 2 years. They came of their
shell somewhat but then we adopted 2 kittens in July 2013. They have really brought Taz and
Sylvie totally out of their shells. It is as if the kittens taught them how to play, trust, and
truly be cats. We love all of them so much. We call them out Kitty Kids!
Thanks, Kim & Dion
Dear Pet Friends
I just wanted you to know that Elmo (aka Dempsey) has
settled in the household nicely and is doing great. Didn't
take him long at all to make friends and play with Pablo
(little dog) and Reina (black cat). They wear each other out.
I'm so glad I adopted him. He always reaches up and pats
my face with those big paws. I wanted you to know that he
has a very loving home. Thanks again for everything!
Linda
Page 10
Good Afternoon Pet Friends,
It is with sad news that I have to share that my family and I have lost
Tyler, a shelter dog which we adopted back in 2008. Tyler passed away
yesterday (1/5/2015) surrounded by his family. Tyler was battling cancer
the past couple months and it deeply saddens me that he is now gone. He
was a wonderful pet and he has opened my eyes to what a joy adoption
can be. I'm sending a check in his memory to support other loving dogs
that are at the shelter too. Thank you! Lindsay
Dear Pet Friends:
Here is an update on a dog that was adopted from you a while back - Lexi (aka
Ivy). Isn't she so very fashionable in her winter coat & boots, coming to
doggie day care at the kennel?
Ronda
Dear Pet friends,
The day after Christmas, we didn't go to the mall to exchange or return
Christmas presents. We went to Suzanne's Kitty Foster Home. There we found
Butterscotch, a 2 year old. Let me just say, it’s a pleasure to adopt an older cat.
She's my third! Her brother Murray is now 12. It's been so fulfilling to watch
her personality appear and how well she and Murray have started to truly enjoy
each other’s company.
She'll definitely keep him young!
Stella seems to know she found her "forever" home as she hops and gallops through the house. Thanks
to Pet Friends and everything they do for our furry friends! And a special thanks to Will and Leeann
Steel for sponsoring Stella/Butterscotch.
Tamara & Chuck
Dear Pet Friends
Emmie is doing great!!! From day one she has acted like this is her
home and didn't let Princess my other cat get to her..... Now they
are friends and like each other a lot.... Emmie has put on some
weight and purrs nonstop.
Rebecca
Page 11
Dear Pet Friends:
Greetings and Happy New Year to you all. Today is the first
snowfall and I'm sitting here watching it come down. Reba is
sleeping on her own loveseat. Earlier we watched an episode of
Dog Whisperer. It brought back the memories of my old Lab
mix Dodger. He passed in May 2011 and thanks to you I got
Reba within a week or so. We weren't sure what kind of dog she
was, some sort of hound mix. Over the years and numerous
breed books we've concluded that she is part Rhodesian
Ridgeback. My one son calls her a Rotten Ridgeback as he
chases and plays with her. Nothing rotten about her though. My other son used her as a babysitter for
his red bone coon hound puppy while he and his wife worked. The puppy is a year now and twice the size
of Reba so he stays at home now. My daughter comes and takes Reba for a walk and my neighbor takes
her for 3-mile jogs occasionally.
Reba is a healthy and happy girl and very much loved. I'm always telling people where I got her and how
great you all are. Keep up the great work. I still enjoy stopping in to pet your pups when I can. Thanks
again from me and Reba.
Cindy
Hi to Everyone at Pet Friends:
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! We can't thank you enough for all you
do. This will be Cub's & Jewel's (known to you as Henry & Hilary) 5th
Christmas with us! We are so thankful they were under your care. We don't
know what we would do without their unconditional love and affection. They
really are such great cats! They love their adopted kitty sister Allie. We
will be adding to our human family in Feb, 2015 and we are making sure our 3
fur babies are well prepared for their new human baby friend!
We hope everyone at Pet Friends has a wonderful holiday and that lots of
animals find their "furever" homes in time for Christmas. Leah & Cody
Dear Pet Friends:
Roxie (on the left) adopted from Pet Friends
(October 2013) with her "brother" Tango in MY
recliner. Are they happy or what?
Thank you for all you do for the animals!
Robert
Page 12
Memorials and Honors
In honor of Jeannine K. Drnevich!
"I remember the first time I met Jeannine. I was rushing with 3 very young kittens and a
sickly mother cat to meet her in a parking lot in Irwin. She saved those 3 young kittens lives.
She also had compassion for the mother cat and gave her sanctuary, in her own home, so
the cat could live out the rest of her life. Momma cat's young life was hard and had it taken
irreversible tolls on her body. She was unadoptable."
After 12 years with Pet Friends, and at least 10 more with another rescue
organization, Jeannine has decided to retire from her responsibilities with Pet
Friends. We're sure she won't completely leave us - just officially, she has
passed on all her responsibilities to our other volunteers. Pet Friends is a much
better organization for all she has done and all she has taught us.
Jeannine served on our Board as our first Feline Coordinator and held that position for 11 years. Even when she
declined re-election, she still worked daily with the cats to help them go from homeless and unwanted to loved and
cherished in their "furever" homes. To accomplish this awesome task, she did so very much. We tried to put a list
together. We probably missed some things, but here's what we came up with:
Served on our Board as our first feline coordinator; reviewed and approved all our adoption applications;
did our Vet checks and our landlord approval calls; reviewed cat bills for accuracy; picked up calls on our
phone line; countless phone calls in regards to people in need of help/counseling/a friendly ear;
fostered and re-homed numerous cats/kittens; volunteered at numerous fundraising events; spent
many of her entire days at PetSmart during their adoption days; spent many hours helping to trap
homeless cats; ensured the survival of kittens as young as a day old by feeding them round the
clock and providing needed medical care; educated people and helped trap cats for TNR; helped with grant
applications, and provided the information for out newsletter's cat page as well as other statistics.
"If it were not for Jeannine, I would not even be involved with this rescue group. A few years ago when an elderly man in my
neighborhood left his house in an ambulance never to return and his family kicked out about two dozen cats and kittens into the
streets. Jeannine was the only one to offer me help. She heard about the cats' plight and called me back. I have never
appreciated something so much in my whole life as the help I received with those cats. Jeannine taught me that when people
call for help they are often upset and desperate and have been turned down and refused help
elsewhere. I was once one of those people. I will try to keep that in mind. Because of her help, I
became active member of Pet Friends. Over the past few years of working closely with Jeannine
and fostering an array of cats and kittens, she has shared with me her experiences and invaluable
knowledge for which I will be forever grateful. She has always been there for me if I had a
question or a concern and she has always been there through the highs and lows that come with
rescue work. I am proud to call Jeannine my friend and I hope to make her proud of me as I try to
follow in her footsteps, though I know I will never fill her shoes entirely!" Suzanne Pierce
Jeannine's heart for cats is about as big as a heart can be. And her heart never got
"hard". Last week, she was unable to save a very young kitten, who she
named Stuart, from pneumonia. You could hear her heart break as she
talked about what she did and how she tried to save him.
Pet Friends' has found homes for over 950 of cats in the past 12 years
and Jeannie has played a part in the health, safety, and adoption of every one of them. Thank you
Jeannine for all the years you shared your love with homeless cats. Please know that you are appreciated
for all you did (and we know you will still do!) to save animals.
Page 13
Memorials and Honors (Continued)
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
God bless all the volunteers and helpers that take care of all the pets, from Patty & Joe Hresko
o In honor of Audrey, Ray, Sydney, & Bentley, from Darlene Macara
In honor of al the Pet Friends volunteers, especially Bonnie & Jim Raspet and their tireless dedication and compassion for
homeless pets, with gratitude, Lori & Rich Hensler
o In honor of all my shelter dogs over the years, Pumkin, Brandy, Mitzi and Trixie, thank you for being there for
them, from Patricia Ravas In honor of Brigid, from Gilbert & Loretta Pastor
o In honor of Cindy & Jodi Wallace, from Lynn Ramage
In loving memory of
In honor of Dad, from Darlene Macara
Patricia Joy Shogan
o In honor of Muschu, formerly Charlie, from Mary Kay Narla. We thank you
who loved and nurtured pets
every day for Muschu!
all her life and loved Pet
In honor of Nicholas & Erica Wolf, my nephew & his wife, as a Christmas gift to
Friends, from Ellen Shogan,
them, from Lois Wolf-Greer
Constance Ribar, Ronald &
o In honor of Pet Friends - Merry Christmas, from Bob & Linda Finlay
Judith Smith, Barry J.
In honor of our little black Lab Heidi, adopted in February 2006. Heidi is doing
McMillion, Jason Shedlock,
great. She loves her baby toys and has a wonderful spirit. Thank you for all that
Lisa Dove, Lisa Hoppis,
your group does to help so many sweet animals, from Dave & Pam Kauffman
Jacob Straus, Terry
o In honor of Roxie & Tango, from Robert Clark
Hastead, Mary Mazanec,
In honor of Sunny, loved cat of Laura Johnson, from Betty Kretchek
Karen Lewis, Ivan Grenier,
o In honor of the Hensler Kitties (Russell, Chicko, & Chloe) from Patricia &
Donald Smith, David &
August Spagnolo
Virginia McCutchan, and
In honor, for a Happy Holiday, of Donna & Jim Kazusko, from Stephanie Katofsky
Cynthia Raffety
o In loving memory of Scooter Maljan, beloved dog of Donna, Paul, Ashley, &
Ali Maljan, from Dale & Diane Peters
In memory of all my loving dogs, from Marilyn Bott
o In memory of all the pets who touched and enriched our lives over the years and in honor of the Pet Friends staff
who work so hard to find "Furever" Homes, from John & Barbara Joyce
In memory of Art Bacco, a true animal lover, from your family - we miss you, from Deana Fry
o In memory of beloved Dachies, Katie, Emma, & Lincus, from Carole Hanlin
In memory of Billy, feline buddy who passed away Aug 2008, from Lawrence Lynn
o In memory of Chippy & Moie, and a thank you to all of you for taking care of
In memory of
our friends, from Patty & Jim Blizzard
Ron "Jimmy" Taborelli, Jr,
In memory of Donald Price, Pooder and Barney, from LaNora Price
beloved son of Ron Sr &
o In memory of Heinzel, beloved German Shepherd of Miriam Houk Cunningham
Kathy and beloved pet dog
In memory of Jason Brickner, our friend's son who died from cancer, from Diane and
"Chloe" - with deepest
Doc Paulson
sympathy, from Joyce
o In memory of Jasper, Linus, & Scrapper - always in my heart, from Judy
Kunkel, Mike & Zora Javor,
Graciano
Dorothy Adragna, Richard &
In memory of Jimmy Taborelli, from Carole Bilesimo
Carol Booth, Flolyd & Jean
o In memory of Leslie Todoric, from Linda Thompson & Marcia Godich
Grosz, and Gary Hoffman
In memory of Lois Brown, my dear friend, and her cat Rosemary, from Lynne Weber
o In memory of my loving dog Buddy, from Eileen Witt
In memory of our beloved dog Checkers, from Amy Swartzlander
o In memory of Raymond Sabol, brother of Marian Beaudoin, from Art & Judy Bisig, Phyllis & Rege Mularski, and Tom
& Janice Ramageand
In memory of Stuart, a very sweet little kitten who's life ended much too soon, from Lisa Cimbala
o In memory of Tasha, Abbey & Snowball, from Marlene Frye
Merry Christmas and a Great BIG Thank You Pet Friends volunteers for all you do for our furry friends in the Norwin
community, from Pam Javor
o Special thanks to Lisa Cimbala & Alan Hill for helping with our dog training, from Bill & Debbie Parker
Thank you for all the wonderful work you do to care for our furry wonderful animals, from The Zadylak's
o To Vicki & all the of the staff, thank you for our beautiful Lab Stormy, she's doing great!, George, Jean, & Stormy
Cassidy
Page 14
Want to Volunteer? Be appreciated – become a volunteer today!
If you would like more information about how you can help Pet Friends, please call, write, email, or return
this form with your contact information. You can help by simply selling or buying raffle tickets, walking a
dog once a week or once a month, or fostering a cat or dog.
Phone: 724-863-7722
Email: volunteer@petfriendsinc.com
Pet Friends
P.O. Box 484, Irwin, PA 15642
Name:_________________________________________ Phone No.________________
Address:_______________________________________________________________
Email Address:__________________________________
On-line Business Partners
If you like shopping on-line, please consider the following on-line businesses as they donate a portion of the sales
to Pet Friends if you list our name as your charity of choice.
1) My Sister and Me: $10 from the sale of each necklace is donated to the shelter or rescue of the buyer's
choice. www.facebook.com/michellebullington.ga or www.etsy.com/shop/chellebullington
2) iGive: Shop online at your favorite stores and select Pet Friends to be your charity of choice to get free
money! www.iGive.com
3) U.S. Bones: Shop online for your pet products and Pet Friends will earn 25% of the value of your order!
www.usbones.com
4) Mr. Chewy's Shelter and Rescue Network: Every visitor to Mr. Chewy's using this link automatically lands on
a special page set for Pet Friends Once you've made a purchase and qualify (1st time customer, 1 per household)
Pet Friends Inc. gets a $20 donation. http://www.chewy.com/rp/1206
5) Bullington Baby: Looking for a way to help shelter animals in your area? $10 from the sale of each Paw Print
necklace will be donated to the animal shelter or rescue of the buyer's choice! Show your love and support for
shelter dogs and cats with a beautiful 15mm sterling silver paw prints charm on an 18" silver filled chain with
lobster claw closure. Please leave a note at check-out with the name and location of your area shelter or rescue.
(Please go to our web site @ http://www.petfriendsinc.com for Bullington Baby's web address)
6) AmazonSmile: Shop at AmazonSmile and they will make a donation to Pet Friends. Visit them at
https://smile.amazon.com/
Page 15
Contribution Information
In Honor of: ________________________
I’d like to make a contribution for:
___ General
In Memory of: _______________________
___ Cat Fund ___ Dog Fund
Pet or Person: ______________
Name: _________________________________
Notes: _____________________________
___________________________________
Address: _______________________________
___________________________________
______________________________________
Gift Recipient:
Phone Number: _______________________
Name: _____________________________
Address: ___________________________
Please include an address if you wish for a card to be
sent to your gift recipient.
Send information and check to:
__________________________________
Please include an address if you wish for a card
to be sent to your gift recipient.
Y
Pet Friends,
P.O. Box 484, Irwin, PA 15642
2015 Memberships are now Welcome!
Want to be a member? The annual fee to become a member is $20. Our members elect the people to
sit on our Board and vote on key issues.
___ I want to become a Member
___ I want to renew my Membership for 2015
Name: __________________________________
Phone Number: ______________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________
Email address: _________________________________________________
Mail to: Pet Friends, P.O. Box 484, Irwin, PA 15642
Pet Friends Mission Statement
Pet Friends, Inc. is a non-profit, all volunteer animal rescue organization whose mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and find
permanent homes for lost and unwanted dogs and cats in western Westmoreland County, Pa. It is our goal to provide for
the medical and physical needs of these animals; to provide educational activities and programs to help end the suffering
caused by pet overpopulation; and to offer educational opportunities that will enhance the lives of people and their pets.
Page 16
It's All About Kids!
SIMPLE DOG BOREDOM BUSTER
1. Get toilet rolls and a container (a box/tupperware or anything that will hold the toilet rolls)
2. Place the toilet rolls inside the container and add your dog’s favorite treat
3. Let your dog figure out how to get the treats out
Page 17
It's All About Dogs!
Some helpful hints if a dog gets loose:
* STOP, DROP and LIE DOWN - When you don't give chase and instead lie down and lie still, a dog will
get curious and will often come back to see if you are okay or to see what you are doing.
* STOP, DROP, and ROLL INTO A BALL - This is curious to a dog, because you are not moving and when
your hands are closely wrapped around your head, they see you as less of a threat and will come to check
you out. This gives them a chance to sniff you and realize it's you, their owner, or to allow you to pet
them and grab their collar.
* RUN IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION - Run away. Some dogs love a good chase. Instead of chasing
them, let them chase you. Even if the dog is not up for a good chase, he may be curious about your odd
behavior and follow along until you can get him into a building, car or someplace easier to corral him.
* SIT DOWN WITH YOUR BACK or SIDE TO THE DOG and WAIT - Some dogs are thrown off by this
odd behavior and will become curious and approach. By sitting down with your side or back to them, you
appear less threatening and they are more likely to approach. Have good treats and place a few around
you to draw them near.
* OPEN A CAR DOOR and ASK THE DOG IF HE/SHE WANTS TO GO FOR A RIDE - Sometimes this
works if your dog is used to going for a rides or going to a dog park.
Although it is no guarantee but at least one of these suggestions have worked
for someone who has lost a dog
It was a frigid day in February, where an advisory was
issued to stay indoors and bring your pets inside. I
received a phone call from a friend about a dog running
around the streets in McKeesport looking scared,
skittish and lost. With the help of a policeman, the
rescuer was able to get the pup in a safer area and off
the road. Getting out of the car with a noisy bag of
treats and getting low, she was able to get the pups
attention. Tossing a little at a time in his direction
without looking directly at him... he started moving
towards her. He may have been a little hungry or really
curious about what she was doing. The rescuer started
talking in a soothing voice to assure him everything would
be okay. As he came to her she slipped a lead over his
head and in the car he went! Police were notified in case
owners called to report. Animal Control was there when
she captured him so they were aware. A few shelters in
the area were called to report the found dog. She went
around the neighborhood but no one came out or was
looking for a lost dog. She asked me if we had room at
Pet Friends. We did. A short time later the Owners
contacted us and Jet was happily reunited!
Page 18
(This fine
fellow…
Pet Friends
knows as
Mikey)
If you find a dog, call the local rescue organizations, police, and
animal control. If you are able, offer to keep the dog, at your home,
until the owner is found. But before you do this, consider this
rescue story my friend Sarah told me. It makes sense; but I might
not have thought of doing this and you might not either:
Sarah was driving in Irwin, on Pa. Avenue, late one cold evening
when she saw a small dog running down the street, in danger of
being hit by a car. She quickly stopped, opened her door, and the
dog jumped in. Sarah knocked at a number of doors but no one
recognized the little dog. She was ready to give up but tried one
more house. The woman didn't recognize the dog either but
suggested Sarah drive around a few blocks in the area - maybe
someone was looking for the dog. Sarah did. A few blocks away
she saw a man walking with a flashlight and a car slowly following.
"Are you looking for a dog?" "Sophie!" the woman yelled. The
woman had been crying and they were so thankful Sarah took the
time to save Sophie and look to see if someone looking for her.
Keep it in mind….just in case!
It's All About Cats!
As 2015 gets under way, we have time to reflect upon 2014 and all the 100+ cats and kittens that were
rescued, fostered and ultimately adopted into loving homes. 2014 was not without its ups and downs,
particularly in the financial department. At this same time last year, we realized our cat fund was
running low. So we planned and executed a fundraiser specifically to replenish the cat fund. It seems
we are in the same boat again this year. Without fundraising and financial contributions from our
supporters, we would not be able to do the work we do.
It is a common myth that rescues do not pay veterinary bills; that veterinarians donate their time and
services. In some rare cases this might happen, but mostly we only get discounted services. The
average discount we receive for veterinary care is 20%, but St. Francis Animal Hospital (formerly
Shrader's Animal Hospital) generously discounts the spays and neuters performed on our fosters on a
shelter or clinic rate, which helps tremendously. Normally the average amount we spend on veterinary
care and meds for each cat or kitten coming into our care ranges between $150-$175, but that goes up
if the cat needs extra veterinary care for illness or parasites.
One thing Pet Friends has become known for is the excellent care we give our cats. Our motto is
"Because We Care" and we mean it! This became evident last year when two of our foster kittens
needed to have emergency life-saving surgeries at AVETS in Monroeville. The bill was nearly $4,000.
We made the decision to save their lives and continue to move forward, even with nearly depleted funds.
If you would like to make a financial contribution to REPLENISH and GROW our cat fund, please send a
check made payable to Pet Friends, Inc. and memo "cat fund". We would so greatly appreciate your
support!
We also appreciate the help and never ending support of our veterinarian partners at K Vet Animal Care
in Greensburg and St. Francis Animal Hospital in North Huntingdon!
Together, we can all continue to make a difference! Thank You!
Another story about helping feral cats:
We responded recently to a call from a woman, Ramona Kinsley, about
kittens behind Denny's in Greensburg. She tried numerous other places
and nobody would help except us. We ended up going to Denny's and
trapping 2 kittens and then later the 3rd kitten. We also ended up
trapping a young stray male that was there and now Ramona is fostering
him. We spoke with the owners of the lot behind Denny's and after
educating them about TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) and why it works, she
agreed to the trapping of the feral mama and papa and will allow them
stay with proper shelter and a feeding station. This is one of many ways
Pet Friends helps the community.
Page 19
Pet Friends
P.O. Box 484
Irwin, PA 15642
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
GREENSBURG, PA
PERMIT NO. 130
724-863-7722
Email: contact_us@petfriendsinc.com
Web site:
Change Service Requested
www.petfriendsinc.com
www.petfriends.petfinder.com
Search for us on Facebook too!
Our Wish List
* Tax deductible cash donations to help with Veterinarian bills *
Animals
Miscellaneous
Treats (Cat & Dog - no Rawhides)
Bleach, Clorox, Pine Sol
Food (Dry or Canned - dog, cat, kitten)
Simple Green Cleaner
Jars of Peanut Butter
Pillowcases
Scoopable Cat Litter
Large Garbage Bags for Cans
Grocery Store Gift Cards
Brooms
Canned Pumpkin-not spiced
Paper Towels
Pill Pockets
Copy Paper & Small Envelopes
Durable Toys, Balls, Kong Toys
Postage Stamps
Cat Beds & Kuranda Dog Beds
Laundry Soap
* Safety, health, and LOVE for all animals in 2015 and every year after! *
The official registration and financial information of Pet Friends may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by
calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement
Page 20