Winter Winter Winter Winter 2008200820082008

Volume 5

Issue 3

CHRISTMAS Came Early this Year for Pet Friends Thanks to PetSmart Charities®

Whenever you see the PetSmart Charity® signs, maybe you wonder where and who do they help? Is it a national program or do local groups benefit? Pet Friends applied for grant money from PetSmart Charities to cover the cost of a spay/neuter program for families with limited income living in our community. These programs have helped numerous families in the past and also made a dramatic improvement in the lives of their pets. Rescue groups like ours also reap the benefits of the money collected through the PetSmart Charties signs by helping to decrease the numbers of unwanted animals that arrive each year. Imagine our excitement when we received word that we had been approved! PetSmart Charities showed it’s generosity with a grant in the amount of $10,000 !!! “Pet Friends, Inc.’s spay/neuter program is a great example of taking the initiative to improve the local community,” said Susana Della Maddalena, Executive Director of PetSmart Charities. “Targeted programs like these are the key to successful, low-cost spay/neuter in local communities. Cumulatively, they are making a huge impact on pet overpopulation nationwide.” We are excited to begin this program and look forward to helping families who normally could not afford this essential part of their pet’s future health. And we are so appreciative to PetSmart Charities for their extremely generous grant! Both dogs and cats qualify for spay and neuter assistance. With the help of our members, volunteers and you, our readers and contributors, we hope to spread the word about our grant to the people who need help. For more information on who is eligible for assistance, please call 724-863-7722 (#6). The animals who benefit will be the winners! ABOUT PETSMART CHARITIES, INC. PetSmart Charities, Inc. is an independent 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that creates and supports programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues, and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. Since 1994, PetSmart Charities has funded more than $70 million in grants and programs benefiting animal welfare organizations and, through its in-store pet adoption program, has helped save the lives of more than 3.5 million pets. To learn more about how PetSmart Charities is working to help find a lifelong, loving home for every pet, visit www.petsmartcharities.org or call 1-800-423-PETS.

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The future of Pet Friends depends on YOU !!The future of Pet Friends depends on YOU !!The future of Pet Friends depends on YOU !!The future of Pet Friends depends on YOU !! A very special A very special A very special A very special rrrrequest for your help equest for your help equest for your help equest for your help ….….….….

In April 2009, four board positions will open. The future of Pet Friends, Inc. depends on whether these positions can be filled. The positions are: President Secretary/Treasurer Canine Coordinator Feline Coordinator Our working board of Pet Friends, Inc. consists of seven members as specified in the by-laws. Each of these positions is essential to our function as a non-profit organization.

President…… Vice-President/Fundraising Coordinator…..Secretary/Treasurer….. Feline Coordinator……. Canine Coordinator……Volunteer Director ……Public Relations Director. The following positions have been held by the same four people since the beginning of Pet Friends, Inc. Bonnie Raspet: President Lisa Cimbala: Secretary/Treasurer Jeannine Drnevich: Feline Coordinator Ruth Roberts: Canine Coordinator The board and our core of volunteers have worked long and hard to lay the groundwork for what has become a growing viable organization. A huge commitment of time, thought and energy has been given to establish Pet Friends. Our reputation, the quality of the services we provide and the numbers of animals saved, measures our success. The hope that in explaining our situation, we can fill these positions ….. It is critical to the future of Pet Friends. We cannot exist without a board of directors. Taking on a new challenge may seem a bit daunting, but we all work together for the success of Pet Friends and no one is left without support. Our current board of directors would offer guidance and instruction as you learn the position and the expectations of the office. Your time will never be better spent or more appreciated. Please call or email with any questions or for more information. Remember the animals need us and we need you and your new ideas to continue our mission. Sincerely - The Board of Pet Friends:

Bonnie Raspet, President Jeannine Drnevich, Feline Coordinator Becky Vilsack, Vice-President/Fundraising Director Ruth Roberts, Canine Coordinator Lisa Cimbala, Secretary/Treasurer Michele Albert, Volunteer Director

Public Relations Director, OPEN

CatCatCatCat Tales Tales Tales Tales …………………………………………………………...………………….Jeannine Drnevich

Our appreciation goes out to Rise Chontos of In Care of Cats and her dedicated volunteers for their willingness to get involved with the long-standing “cat problem” at the Irwin Manor Apartment complex. Volunteers captured a total of 28 cats from that neighborhood. They were all settled in a cat sanctuary, In Care of Cats.

For those of you who have not heard of Rise Chontos and her work with feral and abandoned cats, she has been an advocate for their welfare for many years. It is clear to her that cats and kittens are unjustly punished for the inhumanity of human beings.

It all starts with one unaltered cat. One or several of your friends, neighbors or relatives may be guilty of starting the cycle. A female cat can reproduce as young as six months and may have as many five or more kittens per litter. Compounding this issue is the fact they can continue to have as many as four or four litters during the spring and summer months. Pet Friends was receiving phone calls as late as Halloween to help with abandoned kittens.

Humans create the problem and the cats are the ones who ultimately suffer. They suffer from diseases, injuries and pure neglect. I have seen an adult cat that was hit by an automobile, his jaw broken and healed, and a portion of his tail that was so necrotic, amputation was necessary. The cracked jaw also warranted the removal of several teeth to enable him to eat properly again. This cat was stray, who not neutered, and approximately five years old. Can you imagine the pain and trauma he endured until he was rescued? He was one of the fortunate ones who now have a second chance. Buddy’s picture appears in this issue of Dede’s Den.

I have seen kittens left in boxes at gas stations, convenience stores and left on the side of road in 20 degree weather. If the cold didn’t kill them, an automobile would. Of course, none of them survived. There was even a case of kitten abandonment at the Rabies Clinic, held last month, at our Meet-A-Pet site. The kittens were left in a carrier in the Cat Room and no one realized they were there for almost two days when a message was received on our phone line they had been left there. Can you imagine their fear of being left in a cold dark room all alone? There was also a case of adults sending a child to chase kittens into the path of oncoming traffic, with the hopes they will be hit and killed. Four of these five kittens did survive only because a kind person stepped in and rescued them.

There are many low cost spay and neuter programs available that would fit almost any financial situation. We all need to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. Please call us at 724-863-7722 for more information on low-cost spay and neuter programs. Kitten season will be here before we realize it.

Please help us help the cat population by doing your part and spaying or neutering your pet.

If you like to make a donation to In Care of Cats, donations may be sent to P.O. Box 373, Elizabeth, PA 15037

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Wish List !!Wish List !!Wish List !!Wish List !!

Cleaners for cat cages at PetSmart Dog walkers at kennel PetSmart gift cards Canned and dry cat food Foster homes for cats Postage stamps Guinea pig cages (for newborn kittens) Mesh play pens for kitten play time Volunteers to transport dogs to Meet-A-Pet 36” collapsible crates Gift cards for Office Max, Office Depot or Staples for administration costs

You can drop off any of these items at the Meet-A-Pet Events on the first and third Saturday of each month at Norwin Towne Square. If you are unable to drop off items at this location, please call 724-863-7722 and we will arrange for pick up.

Did you know Pet Friends can be designated as a Did you know Pet Friends can be designated as a Did you know Pet Friends can be designated as a Did you know Pet Friends can be designated as a United Way Charity where you work?United Way Charity where you work?United Way Charity where you work?United Way Charity where you work?

You must specify WESTMORELAND COUNTY Organization #1381068

Contribution InformationContribution InformationContribution InformationContribution Information I would like to make a contribution for:

General: _______ Cat Fund: _______

SNAP Fund: _______ Dog Fund: _______

Name: _________________________________ Address: _______________________________ _______________________________

Memorial for person or pet:

Phone Number: __________________________ Email Address: ____________________________

Please include address if you wish a card to be sent to your gift’s recipient. Send information and check to:

Pet Friends, Inc. P.O. Box 484 Irwin, PA 15642

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In honor of Deneen Folkmire, from the Katofsky family.

In honor of our girlfriend, Clive Miauer, from Renate Arnzen

In honor of Paul Yenerall's 50th birthday, from Joe & Jeannie Yenerall

In memory of Ginger, from Evelyn and Robert McKelvey

In memory of "Roddy", the wonderful cat and family member of Virginia and Tony Donina, from Terry Mealy.

In memory of all my Poodles, Freddie, Ginger, and Teddy, from Gloria Cipra

In memory of Buzz. We all know you were really human. We miss you and love you still. Mummy, Daddy, Lee, & Jonny.

In memory of Catherine, foster cat of Pauline Simak

In memory of Dee Dee Thomas who loved her 2 "Boys" (Siberian Huskies), from Terri & Ven Krutz

In memory of Diane Hayes, from Jean M. Endeman

In memory of Earl Frye and in thanks to John Evans, from Barbara Martchek

In memory of Gary Bropy, from Caroline M. Hall.

In memory of Gilbert L. Gongaware from the Kim Plan Neighbors.

In memory of Leroy Carothers from Mrs. John W. Carothers

In memory of Linda Henderson's Father, from Bonnie & Jim Raspet and Lisa Cimbala

In memory of Minnie & Paulie, beloved cats of Bonnie & Jim Raspet, from Ralph & Jan Gavazzi and Lisa Cimbala

In memory of my Mom and Dad from Joan Beresford

In memory of our beloved and elegant Cocoa from Ralph & Janet Gavazzi

In memory of our wonderful cat "Goldie", from Shirley & Lynn Zinck

In memory of Pearl Andreko, a regular at our Calendar Party, from Julia Cooper

In memory of Stripe, beloved cat of the Ulyas Family, from Kim & Ray Eicher

In memory of Wendy Cooper Fabyanic, from Julia Cooper

In Memory and Honor Of

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Dede’s DenDede’s DenDede’s DenDede’s Den

All of these animals (plus many more) are available for adoption. Please visit our website at www.pet-friendsinc.com or petfriends.petfinder.com for details on the stories of their lives and how they came to be a part of the Pet Friends Family!

MEET COLBY Lemon and white beagle about 5 years old; friendly and playful. Can you take me home to share your Christmas? Sponsored by: Darlene Yonkovich

BEVERLY

Hello, my name is Beverly. I’m the new kitty at my new foster home. But my other foster brothers & sisters say it’s a great place to be safe until my new family comes to adopt me. Could that be you? Sponsored by: Jodi Kerston

My life as a stray was not too lucky as I must have been hit by a car because most of my tail is missing and my jaw is crooked. I remember even the doctor shaking his head at my injuries. Sponsored by: Elaine C. Zdrale

BUDDY

MEET BEAUTY

Beauty was adopted from a shelter as a puppy, but was given by her owner who didn’t have the time to care for her. She is an extremely affectionate dog, well-trained, walks nicely on leash, and just wants a family to love her. Sponsored by: Darlene Yonkovich

GINGER, SPICE

& TEDDY

We were rescued from being killed by a passing car when cruel children where chasing us into the street. Sponsored by: Tony & Virginia Donina

MEET DALLAS …. Dallas is a good-looking English-type Lab, who is relatively calm and is eager to please. He is a nice dog who likes other dogs and is just learning that people can be fun too. Sponsored by: Charles, Linda & Taz Wurm

MEET MANDI Mandi and her siblings were thrown out on the street by relatives when their owner was hospitalized. Kind volunteers caught the frightened kittens and took them to safety. Sponsored by: Darlene Yonkovich

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Dede’s DenDede’s DenDede’s DenDede’s Den

All of these animals (plus many more) are available for adoption. Please visit our website at www.pet-friendsinc.com or petfriends.petfinder.com for details on the stories of their lives and how they came to be a part of the Pet Friends Family!

Meet JET ….. Jet seems to be constantly happy and playing and also loves to give kisses. He's a ready for training in agility and ready to be a wonderful pet for an active family. Sponsored by: Sandra Keller

WALLY

Wally is a very handsome 13 inch beagle who probably was a hunting dog, as he loves to be outdoors. He is about 2 years old, very friendly and eager to get out and get going. Sponsored by: Virginia & Bennett Houck

MEET DUCHESS

It was my lucky day when a very kind lady saw me on the side of the road and stopped to help me. I led into the weeds to show her my four kittens and we all went home with her to a warm house! Sponsored by: Jodi Kerston

BIANCA

Bianca couldn’t believe it when her family just threw her out to fend for herself. Can you give her a new home?

Sponsored by: Cynthia R. Geig

Shorty is estimated to be about 1 year old. He looks like a giant dachshund, or a lab with very short legs. His personality is outgoing and playful, and he seems to be a happy fellow. He was retrieved from animal control. Sponsored by: Elaine C. Zdrale

MEET SHORTY

Can you believe someone put my siblings and me into a box and just left us in a yard!!! We can’t imagine what would have happened to us if that kind lady hadn’t taken us in and saved us. My siblings are Abby, Jerry and Arnie

OSCAR

Sponsored by: Vennie & Terri Krutz

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Dede’s DenDede’s DenDede’s DenDede’s Den

All of these animals (plus many more) are available for adoption. Please visit our website at www.pet-friendsinc.com or petfriends.petfinder.com for details on the stories of their lives and how they came to be a part of the Pet Friends Family! My brother, Dylan, and I were literally abandoned at the Rabies Clinic. The terrible person, who just left us there, didn’t leave a message until almost two days later that he had done such a horrible thing. We were scared and hungry and didn’t know what was going to happen to us. Now we’re safe with people who care.

MEET MIA & DYLAN

Sponsored by: Jodi Kerston

MEET SUSIE

I really don’t remember life before having a warm place to sleep and lots of food after my foster mom found me in a box beside her house. I love to cuddle and play with all the toys she has for me. Stop by and get to know me! Sponsored by: Jodi Kerston

INTRODUCING SNICKERS! My mom was rescued just in time to have us in a safe and warm house! All five of my brothers and sisters say THANKS to the kind lady who called Pet Friends to help our mom and us! Sponsored by: Darlene Yonkovich

MEET AVA, SAMPSON & QUINN Sponsored by: Jodi Kerston

A panicked phone call had our volunteers jumping into action when we were found all alone in roofing company parking lot – without even a box! We were only a few weeks old then, but look at us now!!

MEET CONNIE Here I am just waiting for that special family to walk through the door at the Meet-A-Pet. I’ve been waiting so long for a special home of my own – could it be you??!! Sponsored by: Diane F. Paulson

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LookinLookinLookinLooking for that Special Giftg for that Special Giftg for that Special Giftg for that Special Gift ??? ??? ??? ???…..…..…..…..

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Michele Proietti Kierski Certified Massage TherapistCertified Massage TherapistCertified Massage TherapistCertified Massage Therapist

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Everyday stresses and pressures are unavoidable, physical and mental well-being need not be overwhelming. Free yourself from unnecessary discomfort through therapeutic massage! Call now or your appointment 724-374-5333 or email mkierski@comcast.net

One Hour Massage: $60 Half-Hour Massage: $35 Gift Certificates available

Christmas Raffle Ticket Christmas Raffle Ticket Christmas Raffle Ticket Christmas Raffle Ticket $2.00 per ticket$2.00 per ticket$2.00 per ticket$2.00 per ticket

Take a chance to win $1,000 on the daily number Number drawn on the evening lottery December 25th See Velma Campbell or any of our volunteers to purchase your ticket

Gift-giving made easy! For that hard to buy for person this makes a perfect Christmas or birthday gift.

2009 Enjoy Books are almost gone!2009 Enjoy Books are almost gone!2009 Enjoy Books are almost gone!2009 Enjoy Books are almost gone!

The 2009 Enjoy Book contains hundreds of dollars in valuable offers of 'buy one get one' for restaurants, pizza, dry cleaning, GOLF, Mellon Arena, ice cream, hotels, car rental, theatres, bowling, car washes, movies and much, much more! In addition, this year over 100 merchants have elected to participate EXCLUSIVELY with the Enjoy Program including: McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Subway, Taco Bell, Lamplighter, Pizza Hut, Seven Springs, Carnegie Science Center, Shop’nSave and The Andy Warhol Museum.

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CA CA CA CASH BASHSH BASHSH BASHSH BASH FOR THE ANIMALSFOR THE ANIMALSFOR THE ANIMALSFOR THE ANIMALS

Saturday, January 17th Lakeview Restaurant, Rt. 30, Greensburg

Benefits Pet Friends, Inc. Benefits Pet Friends, Inc. Benefits Pet Friends, Inc. Benefits Pet Friends, Inc. aaaandndndnd

Humane Society of Westmoreland County Humane Society of Westmoreland County Humane Society of Westmoreland County Humane Society of Westmoreland County

Your ticket includes DINNER BUFFET, free beer all night & door prizes.Your ticket includes DINNER BUFFET, free beer all night & door prizes.Your ticket includes DINNER BUFFET, free beer all night & door prizes.Your ticket includes DINNER BUFFET, free beer all night & door prizes.

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The The The The Backyard DogBackyard DogBackyard DogBackyard Dog

Dogs may not be as visible victims as cats but surely they also suffer at the hands of cruel and uncaring people. They are abandoned, killed, used for sport and often just left to live out their lives in the outer most reaches of the yard. Although there are dog laws intended to prevent many of the crimes that befall these trusting creatures, they still suffer. This is the time of year when the “Backyard Dog” becomes a focus of attention. Usually left without comfort or proper shelter they suffer year round. If you see a dog that needs attention or help, please contact the local humane officer by calling the Humane Society of Westmoreland County at 724-837-3779 or call the abuse hotline at 866-601-7722. This hotline was set up by the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and is staffed by trained PSPCA staff members and operators 24 hours a day, seven days a week. "Animal abuse is a widespread problem in Pennsylvania and is getting worse," State Representative Jim Casorio said. "Too often, family members and neighbors are aware of abuse but do nothing. In addition to the harm that pets and animals that are abused suffer, animal abuse and cruelty often lead to more serious crimes and behavior. I believe it is the responsibility of every Pennsylvania resident to participate in the effort to eradicate animal cruelty and to make sure that people who mistreat their pets and other animals are punished." Residents can also report animal abuse to the PSPCA by e-mailing cruelty@pspca.org. More

information about the hotline and PSPCA is available online at www.pspca.org.

Corrections from Fall Newsletter:Corrections from Fall Newsletter:Corrections from Fall Newsletter:Corrections from Fall Newsletter: We noted that a portion of the proceeds of the Christmas in August Mary Kay Party were donated to Pet Friends. In fact, all of the proceeds were donated, in the amount of $282.00 We apologize for the error.

Shop Online and help Pet Friends Shop Online and help Pet Friends Shop Online and help Pet Friends Shop Online and help Pet Friends There are many online sites that donate a portion of the sales to a charitable organization. These are just a few. If you are aware of other sites, please drop us an email and we will sign up to take part.

www.FullerDirect.com/0847029 www.usbones.com http://www.igive.com/ http://www.tastefullysimple.com

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Become a Member Today!

Address Service Requested

Pet Friends Meet-A-Pet Events and Monthly Meetings Meet-A-Pet’s are scheduled for the first and third Saturday of every month at Norwin Towne Square from 11am to 2pm. Stop by and visit our adoptable dogs and cats and kittens. Watch your local newspapers and check our website for additional events to be scheduled at the Greensburg Pet Smart. Pet Friend’s Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at the North Huntingdon Townhouse from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. It’s the great time to get updates on current events and fundraisers, as well as share information and problem solving. Circle the date on your calendar and stop in.

Pet Friends, Inc.

P.O. Box 484

Irwin, PA 15642

724-863-7722

Email: contact_us@pet-friendsinc.com

Web site: www.pet-friendsinc.com www.petfriends.petfinder.com

NONPROFIT OGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID

IRWIN, PA PERMIT NO. 368