Home-to-Home Adoption Program: Geno, Sidney and Jake

June 6, 2023

Meet the city kitties. Found in an abandoned lot across the street from PPG Paints Arena, on 5th Ave in downtown Pittsburgh—hence the Pittsburgh Penguins themed names—these kittens were destined for more than life in a concrete jungle. Plush, pampered … →

Posted in Animal Friends News

Ask the Vet: How Can I Know if My Pet is in Pain?

June 6, 2023

By Dr. Donald Consla, Lead Wellness Veterinarian This question is so important to be able to answer as a pet owner. Oftentimes, most of the pain that our pets experience can go unnoticed but not out of negligence. Animals simply … →

Posted in Animal Friends News

Chronic Kidney Failure in Cats

June 1, 2023

By Dr. Donald Consla, Lead Wellness Veterinarian As cats age, there are several diseases that are more commonly seen in this species like hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus and alimentary lymphoma, just to name a few. One condition that many are familiar … →

Posted in Animal Friends News

Motivators

May 23, 2023

By Veronica Rigatti, VSA-CDT, Canine Behavior Specialist  When using positive reinforcement training, you reward your dog for doing a behavior that you like or want. In turn, that good behavior will likely repeat itself. But you need to make sure … →

Posted in Animal Friends News

Dog Adoption Floor Closure FAQs

May 22, 2023

Our Dog Adoption Floor recently underwent necessary renovations, and during this time, it was closed to public access. Our staff witnessed positive behavioral changes among our dog population and after careful thought and consideration, Animal Friends has decided to permanently … →

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The Healing Power of Pets

May 18, 2023

By Cecilia Oliveros, Community Resource Coordinator  As mental health has become a focus in our society in the wake of a global pandemic, finding ways to effectively treat and manage it is more important than ever. Mental health issues affect … →

Posted in Animal Friends News

A Legacy of Compassion

May 9, 2023

By Liz Moser, Development Coordinator If you have visited Animal Friends’ campus, you have surely seen our signs hanging proudly, designating our shelter as the Caryl Gates Gluck Resource Center. The Resource Center was named in honor of the late … →

Posted in Animal Friends News

Home-to-Home Adoption Program: Ruby

May 8, 2023

Meet Ruby. She is an only child with a big personality. She’s always on the look-out for her next adventure which could include bolting up and down the stairs at mock speed, batting around toy mice, chasing balls and play … →

Posted in Animal Friends News

Visiting the Vet: Tips for Decreasing Your Cat’s Stress

May 1, 2023

By Suzanne Denk, CSB-C, Dip.FBST, Animal Enrichment Specialist Routine wellness visits to the vet are necessary but can be traumatic for you, your cat and even for other animals at home. Here are some tips to keep the next visit … →

Posted in Animal Friends News

Home-to-Home Adoption Program: Quinn

April 26, 2023

Quinn is a lovable little fellow. He loves laps and is an absolute purr machine. He gets along great with other cats. Quinn would love a home with another younger cat as he is very playful and energetic. If interested, … →

Posted in Animal Friends News

Let Them Sniff!

April 26, 2023

By Suzanne Denk, CSB-C, Dip.FBST, Animal Enrichment Specialist Perhaps the most important enrichment we can provide for our dogs is to let them sniff. That means sniffing every mailbox, lamp post, bush and blade of grass if that’s what is … →

Posted in Animal Friends News

What Volunteering Means to Me …

April 13, 2023

By Kristyn Miller, Volunteer Program Manager According to the Meriam Webster dictionary, a volunteer is “a person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service.” For the 1,945 active and dedicated volunteers at Animal Friends, being a … →

Posted in Animal Friends News

Weaving Lifesaving Services

April 12, 2023

Meet Angel.  Hoarding was all Angel knew. Transferred to Animal Friends after being rescued from a large-scale hoarding case, Angel spent the majority of her seven years living in a hoarding situation. Beyond the overcrowding and filth, Angel had another … →

Posted in Animal Friends News

Meet Our Cover Star: Gator

April 4, 2023

The second of two winners of our cover star auction item at last year’s Black Tie & Tails was Kevin McCluskey, who is no stranger to getting the opportunity to have his beloved pet’s face showcased to the public! Gator, … →

Posted in Animal Friends News

Home-to-Home Adoption Program: Eleanor

April 4, 2023

Eleanor is a sweet, affectionate cat who loves attention and cuddles. She loves people and is extremely loyal and loving. As soon as you come home from work, Eleanor will greet you at the door, and she is always so … →

Posted in Animal Friends News

Buns and Blooms

March 27, 2023

By Jade Perry, Behavior Specialist Got a green thumb? As springtime approaches and the weather warms up, you may want to start thinking about what to plant in your garden or what to pot in your home. If you have … →

Posted in Animal Friends News

Humane Legislation Wins: Next Steps and How You Can Help

March 22, 2023

By Tara Czekaj, Animal Friends Humane Legislation Committee Member The Pennsylvania General Assembly 2021-2022 Regular Session ended on December 31 with several wins for animals, but there is still a lot of work to do – both at the state … →

Posted in Animal Friends News

Home-to-Home Adoption Program: Willow and Baby Ruby

March 20, 2023

Think Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli, Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson, Lisa Bonet and Zoe Kravitz. Well, this mother and daughter duo Mama Willow (2 years) and Baby Ruby (3 months) may be a little less famous but are arguably … →

Posted in Animal Friends News

Kindness Corner: Five Freedoms for Every Animal Friend

February 23, 2023

By Lindsay Woge, Humane Educator At Animal Friends, we are thinking outside the cage. And, we love animals as much as you do! While we hope to give as many cats, rabbits and dogs as possible a chance to find … →

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Home-to-Home Adoption Program: Peanut

February 20, 2023

Peanut is a very sweet little girl who was pulled from the street in pretty bad shape. She was nearly starved and very weak. Peanut is a survivor. She more than doubled her weight in 3 weeks and is very … →

Posted in Animal Friends News