Red Collar Pet

As seen on the Today Show and the cover of the Wall Street Journal!

You may have heard of the Red Hat Society. It’s an organization of mature women who see age as something to celebrate by enjoying life and having fun. At Animal Friends, dogs ages five and over, cats age six and over, and bunnies older than 5 years are Red Collar pets. These older animals are ready to put the past behind them and enjoy life.

Within the heart of every senior animal lies the singular desire to be loved.



About the Red Collar Society

Age, as we know, is just a state of mind.  And Animal Friends is hoping to plant a seed in your mind, and in your heart, that will encourage you to consider adopting a pet who’s been around the block a few times - and is ready to go again!

Often, older animals make the most delightful pets.  They have sown their wild oats, climbed the furniture, scratched the curtains and had their housetraining accidents.  They have lived and learned.  They’re ready to settle down in a loving home and experience the happiness and security they so richly deserve.  And unlike youngsters whose still-developing personalities can be a mystery, it’s easier to identify their characteristics and select a pet that will fit perfectly into the family.  They’ll tell you whether they like children and other animals, and there are fewer unpleasant surprises.

At Animal Friends, dogs ages five and over, cats age six and over, and bunnies older than 5 years are Red Collar pets.  Like their human counterparts, these older animals are ready to put the past behind them and enjoy life.  Many have been with one human or family all their lives, until death, illness or an unavoidable circumstance leads to an untimely separation.  Others have stories we’ll never know, discovered as strays or victims of unfortunate situations.  All have endured some hard knocks, and often come out of it grateful just to be alive, and wanting to feel secure and loved. 

While some older pets, like some older humans, are content to snooze in a sunny spot, others are raring to go, playful and full of fun.  Age, as we know, is just a state of mind.  And Animal Friends is hoping to plant a seed in your mind, and in your heart, that will encourage you to consider adopting a pet who’s been around the block a few times - and is ready to go again!

Adopters of Animal Friends’ Red Collar animals receive special benefits.  A letter, proclamation, and a coupon for discounts in our on-site retail shop will accompany your new pet to celebrate a new start.  Adopters will also be mentioned in Animal Friends’ publications as the heroes they are, for providing a forever home to an animal who truly needs a second chance.  

  

Can't Sleep?

Tune in to KDKA radio, 1020AM, early Monday morning to hear Joanne talk about some of our wonderful Red Collar animals who await adoption. You'll hear Joanne between midnight and 2:00am.


Read the Happy Tails

"After years of struggling with making a commitment I finally placed my contact information on Animal Friends' website to be called if a small dog became available for adoption.  On the morning of October 15, 2008 I received an email from Animal Friends that they had a possible match for me.

They attached a bio and picture of Cody, which intrigued me. The dog resembled an Eewok from the Star Wars movie! I made arrangements to visit that evening after work and the little guy came home with me that night. 

Cody has a pretty vague history but what we do know is that he is a 10 year old Lhasa Apso with a few health issues. He has spent a lot of his time in shelters. Animal Friends took him in on September 15, 2008.  He has been such a great friend and companion, learned all of his commands and has socialized nicely with most of the neighborhood dogs.  I am so grateful for the time and attention Animal Friends adoption specialist provided to me and Cody.  He is the joy of my life and I am hopeful to have him in my life for at least several more years."
- Colleen Snyder, Sewickley, PA


Red Collar Society pet: Turtle

"I had been looking for an addition to our family for a few months. On Saturday, July 17, 2010, my husband, our 2 sons, who are ages 3 and 1, and I visited Animal Friends to take a look at the dogs.

First of all, were we completely taken aback by how absolutely gorgeous Animal Friends' facility is. It is truly amazing! When I walked up to the Adoption desk, the Counselor told me about Toby Jr., a 7-year-old Dachshund who was approved for all ages. We decided to meet with him.

Liz, our Adoption Counselor, Liz, walked back with us and gave us a lot of information before bringing Toby Jr. into the room. You would never guess he is 7 years old if you met him. He still has pep in his step! We took him home with us that day.

The first day was an adjustment, but I called and talked to an Adoption Counselor who eased my fears. Let me say I absolutely, positively could not be happier. Toby Jr., who we have renamed Turtle, is just the best dog ever! He is everything I wanted in a dog and then some.

He is a part of our family, and my only sadness is that he hasn't been with us for the last 7 years. He definitely has set the bar high for our next four legged family member! Sometimes  I swear he thinks he's a cat. If we can't find him, sure enough the big lump under any given blanket will be Turtle.

We absolutely adore him, and will cherish him for the rest of his time with us. Thank you Animal Friends!
-The Churchfield Family: Brian, Jessica, Cole, Evan, and Turtle


Some of our Red Collar adopters have submitted their happy adoption tales. Read their touching stories here.


A Round of "Appaws!"

Animal Friends' Red Collar Society is blessed to have the talents of volunteer Siri Espy. Siri composed our Red Collar Society proclamations and wrote the informative piece for the Red Collar Society website. Animal Friends owes great thanks to Siri Espy for helping us get this program off the ground.


Meet the Red Collar Pets


Click to view all of our adoptable dogs, cats, and rabbits.

 

 

 

 

 

Life Guard

Within the heart of every senior animal lies the singular desire to be loved. 

Congratulations to the 1000th Red Collar Society adopter, Amy Kapusta, who adopted Dakota, a 6-year-old Beagle/Bluetick hound!

Welcome to the 31 August Red Collar Society adopters:

Karen Anick and Anna, her 8 ½-year-old Bichon Frise
Clare & Ray Baer and their Chocolate Lab mix, Sassy Sue
Andrew Barbour and his 6-year-old Chocolate Lab, Sequoia
Christine Campbell and her 5 ½-year-old Shih Tzu, Wanda
Heather Campbell and Big Mac, her 7 11/2-year-old black kitty
Keira Carranza and her 7-year-old Chihuahua, Chico
Lynne Connor and her 6 ½- year-old Beagle mix, Kia
Charles Covey and Rooney, his 5 ½-year-old Beagle
Justine Dzon and Smidge, her 6-year-old Miniature Pinscher
Mindy Elias and Boomer, her 6-year-old Great Pyrenees
Frank Funk and O’Smiley, his 5-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier
Sue Gillespie and Henry Lynn, her 6-year-old gray & white kitty
Anna Marie Gire and her 8 ½ -year-old Beagle mix, Roscoe
Megan Huchko and T-Bone, her 10-year-old Beagle
Rebecca Jay and her 8-year-old Cocker Spaniel, Romeo
Allison Mathis and Silly Billy, her 6-year-old Yellow Lab
Sue McElroy and her 4-year-old Rhinelander bunny, Hayden
Ruth McGaw and Chloe Marie, her 8-year-old Tortie
Garry McGrath and Rosemary, his 14-year-old German Shepherd
Amanda & Tom Mihailoff and Buds, their 6-year-old Basset Hound
Stephen Misko and his 4-year-old English Spot rabbit, Farfell
Terrie Mittner and her 12-year-old Beagle/Lab, Bob Dylan
Anthony Pienkosky and his 7-year-old Chocolate Lab mix, Millie
Maureen Puskar and her 4-year-old Harlequin bunny, Milk Dud
Rachel Rameley and Chattanooga, her 7 ½-year-old gray & white kitty
Kathy Reck and Mr. Brutus, her 10-year-old Akita/German Shepherd
Al Riedl and his 7-year-old Chocolate Lab, Rowe
John Romza and Syrus, his 7-year-old German Shepherd
Audrey Sohier and Chloe Bowie, her 11 ½-year-old brown tabby
David Wahl and O’Fallon, his 6-year-old Pit Bull Terrier
Natasha & Richard Williams and their 5-year-old Beagle, Nancy

 Red Collar Society Tag

Did You Get Your Tag?

Members of Animal Friends' Red Collar Society now receive "Official Member" tags for their pets' collars! If you are a member and haven't received yours yet, call 412.847.7031.

 

Contact Us

To learn more about becoming a member of the Red Collar Society, contact
Ann Cadman
Health & Wellness Coordinator
412.847.7031
wellness@animal-friends.org


Please help!
 

 

 




Animal Friends

Pet Adoption & Resource Center | 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 | 412.847.7000
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