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ABOUT US
For more than 80 years, Animal Friends has continually set – and raised – the bar for humane programming in the Pittsburgh region. Our 75-acre campus is a center of compassion and hope for thousands of homeless pets annually. Our full-service companion animal resource community serves our region by providing tens of thousands of affordable services, and impacting more than 100,000 lives through humane education, pet behavior classes, pet therapy and our pet food bank each year. Animal Friends is proud to continue to save lives … simply put, because it’s what we do.
MISSION STATEMENT
To rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals in crisis, ensure healthy pets through education, advocacy and affordable services, and inspire a community where the animal-human bond is celebrated and nurtured.
VISION STATEMENT
A humane and compassionate future for every animal friend.
FOLLOW US
Editor-in-Chief: Cindy Cole
Associate Editors: Hayley McGuigan
Writers:
Maddie Aicher, Kathleen Beaver, Erin Butkovic, Dr. Donny Consla, Suzanne Denk, Jenny Fuga, Donna Klingelhofer, Dr. Liz Mulhall, Kayla O'Leary, Cecilia Oliveros and Penny Paich-Caraway
Photography: Hayley McGuigan, Abby McNatt, Linda Mitzel and White Deer Photography
Design: Kay Braun at Direct Axis
President & CEO: Kathleen Beaver
ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org
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T-F: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. | S & S: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Howard Ash Animal Wellness Center M-F: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
I am so pleased that this issue is dedicated to our feline friends. I’ve had at least one cat in my life for as long as I can remember. Each one so incredibly different and unique. Each one finding their place in my family. Often, in charge.
Even if you don’t think of yourself as a “cat person” (honestly, I think we are all simply “animal people”), don’t stop reading. This edition is chock full of stories, tips and resources for those with cats in their lives, but it includes just as much about how you can help cats in need through adoption, foster, advocacy, and trapneuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) in your community.
Sadly, there are still far too many homeless cats living on our streets and hidden in our neighborhoods, and far too many still sitting in shelters and rescues awaiting loving homes. Together, I know we can do better for our feline friends.
Speaking of doing better, Pennsylvania recently stepped up to do better for all our companion animals through the passage of Act 146: Protecting Families and Pets in Crisis. This important legislation, which took effect in January, explicitly allows judges to include companion animals in Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders. This is a significant and potentially lifesaving change in the law and a major step forward in protecting both people and animals in domestic violence situations.
Abusers often use pets as a means of control and intimidation, and harming or threatening to harm a pet can be a way to further traumatize and control the victim. Through Act 146, a PFA now can order an abuser to refrain from harassing, stalking, threatening, or harming a companion animal owned by the person seeking protection.
Act 146 is a critical development in Pennsylvania law and one that we are loudly applauding here at Animal Friends. It makes me even prouder to be a Pennsylvanian. Join me in contacting Governor Josh Shapiro and your local representatives to thank them for recognizing that our pets are members of our families, and also deserving of protection and safety.
For the animals,
Kathleen Beaver President & CEO
Community Cat Care + =
By Cecilia Oliveros, Community Resource Coordinator
As many of you know, caring for community cats is a year-round responsibility, but it becomes especially challenging in the winter months due to Pittsburgh’s cold climate. However, there are several ways to increase your efforts in caring for these cats during colder weather. One of the most effective methods is by providing winter shelter.
Animal Friends offers DIY winter cat shelter kits for a small donation. The kit includes a Styrofoam container, gorilla tape, plastic sheeting, and easy-to-follow instructions for building your own shelter. We also have a step-by-step video on our website to guide you through the process. If you're interested in other shelter-building ideas, check out the comprehensive guide on Alley Cat Allies’ website.
In addition to shelters, Animal Friends provides free straw during the fall and winter months. Straw is an excellent insulator and can help keep the interior of your winter shelters warmer and more comfortable for the cats.
Another key aspect of winter cat care is ensuring that food and water don't freeze, allowing the cats to access these vital resources even during the coldest temperatures. A few helpful tips from Alley Cat Allies include:
Serving wet food and water in plastic containers, which are less likely to freeze than metal ones.
Using heated bowls or placing heating pads underneath the bowls to keep food and water warm.
Opting for deep bowls instead of wide ones, as they freeze less quickly.
Alley Cat Allies also offers a fantastic resource on building a feeding station from a plastic tub to help protect bowls from the elements and keep the food accessible.
Lastly, one of the most important aspects of managing a community cat colony is population control. While some people advocate for inhumane methods to reduce the number of cats, the best and most humane solution is Trap-NeuterVaccinate-Return (TNVR).
If you're new to this concept, TNVR involves humanely trapping the cats, taking them to a community cat-friendly veterinary clinic—such as Animal Friends—where they will be spayed/ neutered, vaccinated, and ear-tipped. The ear tip signals to other trappers that the cat has already been fixed. Afterward, caretakers should monitor the cat overnight as it recovers. If the cat is alert and healthy the following day, it can be safely returned to its original location.
By following these practices, we can help ensure that community cats have a safer, warmer winter and are supported year-round.
LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN HELP COMMUNITY CATS
Kitten Season is Here!
By Dr. Liz Mulhall, DVM
When Kitten Season starts, the Shelter Medicine Team is ready to tackle our increased kitten population. All kittens that are available for adoption have been examined, dewormed, have begun their vaccine series and are already spayed/neutered and microchipped.
How do we handle the increased number of kittens that enter our care? The first step is having a highly skilled team. Our veterinary staff members have years of experience. With this tremendous wealth of experience, we have developed efficient and much-needed protocols that decrease the possibility of a bottleneck in the influx of kittens coming into the shelter. Our favorite of those protocols is our High-Quality High-Volume Spay and Neuter (HQHVSN) practices.
What is HQHVSN? It’s a well-researched and safe approach to tackling our pet overpopulation problem, where a veterinary team can spay and neuter a significant number of animals in a single day. The techniques used by HQHVSN surgeons allow for small incisions, efficient surgical techniques, and decreased recovery times. It's a win-win for both the humans and pets involved. At Animal Friends, our dedicated Shelter
Our dedicated Shelter Medicine Team performs up to 25 pediatric surgeries a day during this busy time
Medicine Team, led by our Managing Veterinarian, Dr. Liz Mulhall, performs over 25 pediatric surgeries a day with a single doctor on duty. When we perform surgeries four days a week, those numbers add up fast.
Did you know that kittens in a shelter can be spayed/neutered as young as 6-8 weeks and as small as 2 pounds? While in private practice, many veterinarians have not adopted this practice and may have additional recommendations based on your family’s lifestyle, this is standard practice in HQHVSN shelter medicine. By adopting this practice in animal shelters, we have seen an amazing trend of a
lower length of stay and higher positive outcomes for the cats in our care. We know from the countless surgeons in the veterinary community that spaying and neutering at this age is safe, making the switch for shelter veterinarians an easy choice.
Animal Friends is committed to providing high-quality medical care for the animals in our shelter and doing our part to combat pet overpopulation in our community. Together, with our Animal Wellness Center, our community partners and you - we will succeed in finding a humane and compassionate future for every animal friend.
Meet One of Our Golden Girls
Kaia
By Kayla O’Leary, Adoption Placement Counselor
Meet Kaia! Kaia is a sweet nine-year-old senior girl who came to us as part of our Emergency Board program. She was returned shortly after her owner went into an assisted living community and couldn’t take her along.
Kaia is a very sweet and mellow dog who loves to take slow walks where she can sniff everything and take her time. She’s very social and will put her paws on your lap to be petted. She likes all toys and
despite her age, she is still very energetic and playful. She even rough houses with her toys. She can go home with children 6 years and up. She can not go home with other pets.
Although Kaia is a shelter resident, she spends her weekends in a loving foster home. This gives her a break from the shelter. She’s very comfortable and relaxed in the home, she has a habit of sitting in the fosters seat just as they
get up – she loves a warm seat. She gets excited when she sees her friends, tail wagging and licking at your hands or face.
Although she is reactive to smaller animals, she has met a parrot in the foster home who she slowly became comfortable with. Kaia is looking for a nice home where she can lounge and live the rest of her life in comfort. Could it be with you?
Rosie’s Rule dogs have been outfitted with GPS-enabled collars from Fi Smart Dog Collar. Animal Friends has teamed up with Fi to provide collars for our canine residents who are at an increased risk of becoming separated from their handler and not being safely reunited. Once outfitted with a Fi collar, Rosie’s Rule dogs will keep their collar after adoption along with a one-year subscription to the Fi App – at no cost to their new family!
Petsburgh Magazine sponsorships are a great way to honor or say thanks to a friend or pet. And, they make perfect gifts! If you would like to sponsor an animal, please complete the form to the right.
Rosie’s Rule
Meet Sally! She is three years old and came to Animal Friends as part of a transfer from a partner organization. She is an independent and high energy girl who is still learning her leash manners. She loves the cold weather and will gladly stay outside to dig and play in the snow. Sally loves to give kisses and get petted by her friends. She would prefer a home with no cats and children under the age of 13. Sally could live with another dog pending a successful meet and greet.
Meet Draco! He is a very friendly, wiggly four-year-old boy who is always excited to get attention from the people around him. He’s still learning his leash manners and therefore is harness trained for his walks. He loves sniffing, getting petted and giving kisses! He currently resides at SCI Fayette Correctional Institution as part of our Prison Program, where he is being trained by approved inmates and the guards while he awaits his new home. Draco can go to a home with children 13 years and up and could live with another dog pending a successful meet and greet.
Meet Roger! He is three years old and came to us after being found as a stray. He’s a sweet boy who leans into being petted. Roger is a very sociable, and food motivated, accepting treats easily. He can go home with children 13 and up. Roger would prefer to be the only pet in the home so he can be the center of attention all the time!
Roger sends kisses to Andrea Malvestuto for her sponsorship
Meet Egg Roll! He came to us as a transfer from a partner organization. He can be a little jumpy when first going on his walk, but once he calms down - he’s a wonderful walker. He loves to run in the play yard. He is only two years old, so he still has tons of energy! He can be very wiggly and excited. He would do best in an adult only home where adopters can learn his body language. He could also live with another dog pending a successful meet and greet.
Meet Catwoman! She is five years old and came to us as a transfer from a partner organization. She’s great at walking on leash. She gets very excited and wiggly for attention. She has lots of energy and likes to play with stuffed toys especially if you play with her! She loves to get pup cups - but who doesn’t? She can be a bit selective with other dogs, therefore, she could go home with another dog pending a successful meet and greet. She is able to live with children six years and up but would prefer a home without any feline friends despite her name.
Meet Mamas! She is four years old and is very playful and loves stuffed toys. She’s a very smart pup who loves using our agility play yard, going through each obstacle with ease. She has sensitive skin and since she is harness trained - her harness comes on and off after each walk so it doesn’t irritate her. Mamas would prefer to go to a home where she’s the only pup and all the attention could be on her! She could also go to a home with children 6 years and up.
DRACO
EGG ROLL
MAMAS I’m a dog!
The Heartwarming Journey of Fostering Special Needs Cats Meet Rutabaga and Fennel
By Jenna Fuga, Foster Volunteer
During my years of volunteering at Animal Friends, I’ve embraced a variety of roles, including dog walker, graphic designer, and special events assistant. However, fostering special needs animals holds a unique place in my heart. My current foster cats, Rutabaga and Fennel, have been diagnosed with Myotonia Congenita, a hereditary neuromuscular disorder that impacts their muscle movement, resulting in an occasional wobble as they walk. Despite their challenges, they have shown incredible resilience.
Understanding Their Needs
Special needs pets often need assistance with daily activities like medication administration, behavior training, or mobility assistance. For Rutabaga and Fennel, creating a safe and comfortable space for them was very important to ensure they have easy access to food, water, and cozy spots to rest. Monitoring
their health also became a top priority, as Myotonia Congenita is a progressive condition, and there is still much to learn about its progression.
The Joy of Connection
One of the most fulfilling aspects of fostering these cats has been the bond we’ve formed. Rutabaga is an absolute sweetheart who loves to cuddle and play. His friendly nature makes him a joy to be around, and I often find myself laughing at his playful antics. Fennel is an equally lovable guy who’s more laid back than Fennel and has a knack for navigating and exploring the household with ease. Observing their adorable and humorous interactions with each other and our other pets has been incredibly heartwarming and they bring a smile to my face each and every day.
special animals like Rutabaga and Fennel. Fostering special needs cats is an extremely impactful and fulfilling experience.
The Challenges and Rewards
Fostering special needs cats does come with its challenges. There are days when I worry about their health or wonder if I’m doing enough to support them. However, the rewards far outweigh these concerns. Each small victory—whether it’s Rutabaga investigating a new toy or Fennel curling up next to my feet for a nap while I work— fills me with happiness.
If you’re considering fostering, I encourage you to think about the impact you can have on the lives of
If you’re interested in opening your heart and home to these remarkable animals, please reach out to Animal Friends. Together, we can create a brighter future for these deserving companions.
By Maddie Aicher, Placement Manager
I grew up in a household full of cats, dogs, fish, guinea pigs and rabbits, and always felt that my heart was fullest when my house was also filled with furry (or scaly) family members. So, when I packed up my life and left Philadelphia to move to Pittsburgh for college, I felt as if a huge piece of me was missing as I navigated my brand-new life without an animal companion. I hobbled through my freshman year of school, feeling a bit defeated, and found myself struggling with the thought of returning to school. Sophomore year was even harder, and knowing I needed a bit of extra help, I began searching for ways to help support myself through another year.
That’s when Beethoven entered my life. I found myself at the counter of a SPCA, asking to see their cats, and was instantly drawn to the shaved, gray cat meowing loudly from his kennel in the corner. It was music to my ears. When they opened the kennel to let him come out, he walked over to me with his boisterous meow and hunkered down in my lap, and I knew from the instant we met he was mine. Beethoven was estimated to be 10-12 years old, was deaf, and thin, and had clearly been through a lot in his life. Despite all of this, he was the most lovable (and sometimes grouchy), adventurous, and talkative old man. He loved car rides, making commutes back
The Meows of A Cat Named Beethoven
home to Philly a breeze. He was great in the dorm room, walking on leash from the elevator down to the courtyard or even the Point downtown for some time with his favorite human friends, and my life was instantly changed for the better. He’d do anything for a Churu treat, and despite being deaf, learned sit, paw, and spin with a bit of bribery and some hand signals.
I had an incredible five years with my sweet old man, before cancer took him from me, and the long-lasting impact he had on my life I will carry with me forever. He inspired me not only to look for a career in animal welfare, but to also continue bringing home senior cats and to this day, I’m a sucker for a crusty old kitty!
Senior cats are often overlooked in shelters for younger, healthier cats and kittens. While every cat in our shelter is in need of a good home, our hearts ache for our senior cats who are waiting to spend their golden years with their person. Senior cats are usually settled in their personalities, can still have a ton of life and love left to give, and make incredible companions to those willing to take a chance on them.
While the time you have with senior cats may be short, the impact they will have on your life is tremendous and long lasting. Our kittens always make their way into incredible homes, but it takes a very special type of person to open their hearts and homes to a senior in need.
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
MONDAY, JUNE 9
SUNDAY, APRIL 13
JUNE – AUGUST
MONDAY, JUNE 2
SATURDAY, SEPT. 27
Kitten Enrichment Setting Your Kitten Up for Success
Bringing home a new kitten is exciting! Providing the proper enrichment prepares your kitten for success in their new home. Enrichment means fulfilling the cat’s instinctual needs for scratching, climbing, hiding and hunting through play.
Scratching
Start your kitten off with good habits by providing a sturdy sisalcovered scratching post or horizontal scratcher if your kitten prefers that. Notice where the kitten chooses to scratch and place the scratcher in that area. When the kitten is scratching, direct them to their scratcher with treats, praise, and by making scratching noises on the scratcher with your fingers.
Climbing
As both a predator and prey animal, your kitten needs to see their world vertically. A cat tree placed where the family spends time and/or by a window fulfills the desire to climb and perch.
Playing/Hunting
The most important enrichment is opportunities to hunt through play. Play helps a cat relieve stress, stimulates the mind, and engages their hunting instinct. Provide daily interactive play with a teaser wand. Allow the kitten to follow the instinctual hunt cycle of stalk, chase, hunt, catch, and “kill” the toy as if it was prey. This hunt cycle is followed by eating, grooming and sleeping. Let your mighty hunter have many successful catches of the teaser wand toy, expending energy and allowing them to bite appropriately. (Never use hands to play with a kitten. This teaches them it is okay to bite people and can create a problem when they grow up and the bites are from an adult cat).
Hiding
Hiding spaces like a cat cave or cozy carrier provide comfort to prey animals. Introduce the cat carrier and make it a happy place.
For carrier acclimation advice scan the QR code
Try following the “House Rule.” Never pass a cat toy that is on the floor. Pick the toy up and hide it – behind a door, on a step, up on a chair, peeking out from under a blanket or from under the cat bed. This activity only takes a second and freshens the toys so your cat can enjoy the hunt even when alone.
Provide a variety of toys based on your kitten’s preference. Choose toys to chew, kick and throw! Rotate them regularly to keep them interesting.
Meeting enrichment needs is simple, and it sets the kitten up for success in their new home.
Open Your Heart to Heart
By Kayla O’Leary, Adoption Placement Counselor
Meet Heart! She is a two-year-old Holland Lop who came to us with several other bunnies as a transfer from a partner organization. Shortly after she arrived, we learned she was pregnant and she went to foster to be comfortable and
wait for her babies to come. She had a litter of seven kits which she nursed like the incredible mama she is. Heart is now available for adoption while she awaits her spay day. She has to wait until she’s healed from birth, and we don't want to hold her back from finding a home, so she is available as a foster-to-adopt.
Petsburgh Magazine sponsorships are a great way to honor or say thanks to a friend or pet. And, they make perfect gifts! If you would like to sponsor an animal, please complete the form to the right.
Heart is known in her foster home to be a very loving and mellow bun. She enjoys being pet and even loves getting daily relaxing massages from her foster - so she’s already being pampered!
She’s a big fan of being groomed, and is very playful with toys, even doing a binky or two. She is awaiting both her alter surgery and becoming fully vaccinated for RHD which both have to wait until post birth and nursing. She remains in her foster home while she awaits her future family! She has a big heart and would love to share it with you.
SPADE NEW BUNNIES ARE HERE!
Meet Spade! He is a two-yearold English Spot who came to us as a transfer from a partner organization. He’s a very friendly bun who loves to sit on your lap. He loves playing with toys and will run laps around you before flopping down to rest He loves his greens and even occasional carrot tops! He loves people and loves to explore when he can, giving a few binky’s when he’s very excited.
Meet our adorable baby buns who will be looking for their future home at the end of April. Blackjack, Texas Hold'em, Solitaire, Poker, Go Fish, Bridge, and Canasta!
Get to know our rabbits by coming to our
BunRuns
every Saturday from 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. where their personalities really shine!
No need to sign up in advance, simply stop by our Classroom to see our resident rabbits in action!
Meet Frappe and Macchiato! This bonded pair of buns originally came to us in April of 2023 after a former staff member found them as strays. Frappe and Macchiato tend to keep to themselves, and it takes some time for them to properly warm up to you, and then they may even allow a quick pet or two. They love to lounge and lay together, usually ignoring the other rabbits in the room if there are any. Since they are bonded, they would need to go home together. Frappe and Macchiato are also Extra Loved, which means that a generous donor has sponsored their adoption donation for them
Meet Kuchi Kopi! She is a two-year-old Rex rabbit who came to us as a transfer from a partner organization. She is a very charming and gentle rabbit with a soft white coat that feels almost like it’s a cloud. She loves to roam freely during bun runs and loves to do binky’s when she’s perfectly content. When she’s not asking for pets, she’s lounging around and relaxing on tubes or yoga mats during bun runs. It’s no secret that she’s the friendliest rabbit in the building, and she’s content to ask to be petted by everyone she meets!
FRAPPE AND MACCHIATO KUCHI KOPI
FAQ's about Kittens
By Erin Butkovic, Volunteer Adoptions Counselor
Why is it hard to find a kitten to adopt in the winter months?
Cats typically breed when the weather is warmer and there’s more sunlight. In Pittsburgh, we don’t have as many of these sunny, warm days during the winter months, so adoptable kittens (usually around 8-10 weeks old) are rare. You may have heard of "kitten season"—this happens in late spring and summer when more kittens are born and looking for homes.
Why should you consider adopting two kittens at the same time?
Kittens often do best when they have a littermate to grow up with. Adopting two kittens means they’ll have each other to play with and keep each other company when you're at work or school. Plus, it's a lot of fun to watch them interact and entertain each other.
How do I set up my home to get ready for my kitten(s)?
Before bringing home a kitten (or two), you should create a "settling-in space" where they can feel safe during this transition. Have all the essentials ready— food, water, litter boxes—and of course, lots of love. This designated space helps your new pet feel secure as they adjust to their new home.
My older cat needs a friend—let’s get a kitten. Why might this NOT be the best idea?
While it’s natural to want your older cat to have a companion, kittens are full of energy, and older cats may not be up for the playful antics of a young one. Kittens love to play hard and fast and an older
cat might not enjoy that. This is why adopting two kittens can be a great idea— your older cat can enjoy some peaceful downtime while the kittens burn off their energy together.
Why does my kitten try to bite my fingers when we are playing?
It's tempting to use your fingers to play with your new kitten, but it's important to avoid using them as toys. Biting can become a habit, and as your kitten grows, it might develop into undesirable behavior. Instead, provide a variety of toys like stick toys, small mice, and balls to keep your kitten entertained. Hiding toys around your home also encourages natural play and provides enrichment.
Why doesn’t my kitten want to sit on my lap when I want them to?
Kittens are experts at three things: eating, sleeping and playing. During playtime, they’re not usually interested in cuddling. However, as they get sleepy, they might seek out a warm lap for a nap. Be patient and don’t force your kitten to do something they’re not ready for. Let them come to you when they're in the mood for some snuggles.
REMEMBER: All cats were kittens once, and while adopting one or two can be a lot of fun, don't forget that adult cats can make wonderful companions too.
The Animal Friends Adoption team is here to guide you through the adoption process. Please feel free to reach out or stop by to ask any questions you might have about kittens. If you're up for the joy of raising young kittens, consider becoming a foster. We’re always looking for foster homes to care for litters of kittens until they’re ready to be spayed/ neutered and adopted into their perfect homes.
Lost & Found
By Dr. Donald Consla, DVM
So you found a kitten, what to do next? Finding a lost kitten can be a heartwrenching experience, but it’s important to approach the situation with care and consideration. Before taking any action, check for signs that the kitten may have an owner, such as a collar or tags, and see if the mother cat is nearby. We don’t suggest kitten-napping. Understanding whether the kitten is a stray or feral can guide you in how to best help and ensure its safety.
What to do if you decide to adopt. While cute, it is important to remember that a stray kitten could be harboring many diseases that could be spread to you or your other pets. Use good personal hygiene after handling and keep the new kitten isolated from your other pets for a brief period of time. After a veterinary check-up, you can introduce them to your current pets. Some diseases require direct contact while others could be airborne or travel on their own. Once isolated, provide your new friend with fresh water, a litter box and some kitten food.
Next, call your veterinarian and set up a wellness appointment. Several things will happen at this appointment to start your new addition off on the right foot.
First, a physical exam will be performed. This can identify many common kitten issues such as an upper respiratory tract infection, conjunctivitis, hernia, or malnourishment. Depending on the age of the kitten, a Feline Leukemia and FIV test will be performed. These are two viruses that are more common in outdoor/community cat populations and can have significant long-term implications. Most kittens are born with some sort of gastrointestinal parasite (like roundworms/hookworms). Some of these can be transmitted to humans so make sure to wash your hands. This is most easily treated with dewormer.
Lastly, vaccines will be administered. There are three vaccines we give to kittens. The two core vaccines are Rabies and FVRCP also known as Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Panleukopenia also known as Feline Parvovirus. All cats should receive these two vaccines. The final vaccine we give to cats is the Feline Leukemia vaccine. This is recommended for all cats that go outdoors or could have exposure to outdoor cats and many practices offer it as a part of the kitten
series for all cats and then only booster if the cat's lifestyle warrants it.
The key takeaways here are to:
• Prevent any disease transmission from your new kitten to yourself or current pets.
• Treat any ailments immediately.
• Set them up for success by providing appropriate preventative measures while they are young.
We thank our spay/ neuter sponsors
Danita K. Vitek
Judith Montibeller
Andrea Malvestuto
Rosanne Vanshura
Janice Z. Zahurak
James A Watt Jr.
Lori Baumiller
SPONSOR-A-SPAY ENCLOSED IS MY SPONSORSHIP OF ... $65 toward spay or neuter surgeries OTHER $
A Bundle of Purrsonality!
Bexley
By Kayla O’Leary, Adoption Placement Counselor
Meet Bexley! He is a 10-year-old, almost 20 pound tabby who came to us as an owner surrender when they could no longer care for him. Bexley was diagnosed with diabetes, which our medical team spent time treating until he no longer required insulin.
Although Bexley is now in remission, he must be monitored closely as he could become diabetic again. Because of this, Bexley is on a prescription diet to help
manage his diabetes. Bexley qualifies for our Yana’s Special Feline Fund, so his adoption donation is waived, and Animal Friends will help with expenses related to his diabetes once he is adopted.
Bexley is a very sweet cat loved by all of the staff and volunteers for his spunky and sweet personality. He should be the only feline in his future home as he is quite the charmer and wants you
all to himself. He loves to look out the window and watch the birds and leaves blowing around. He even made himself useful with office duties while living in the medical suite and with staff by editing an email or two! He’d do well in a home where the adopters can keep an eye on him and continue to monitor his diabetes.
To help these special cats find the right families, their requested adoption donations have been underwritten and each of them will be sent home with an individualized starter kit of supplies and other support based on their unique needs.
SPONSOR AN ANIMAL!
Petsburgh Magazine sponsorships are a great way to honor or say thanks to a friend or pet. And, they make perfect gifts! If you would like to sponsor an animal, please complete the form to the right. Send this form with
x $100 FOR AN ANIMAL SPONSORSHIP
I would like to sponsor a ... CAT DOG RABBIT WHOEVER NEEDS IT MOST TOTAL $
Learn more about Yana’s Fund.
GIANA STEWIE
Meet Giana! This five-year-old girl came to Animal Friends via the Humane Investigations department. Giana is an independent and shy gal, so she would benefit from a catsavvy, patient adopter who can give her some time and space to adjust to a new home at her own pace. She has lived with other cats in the past and we believe with a proper slow introduction, she may be able to do so again.
Meet Finn! He is five years old and came to us as an owner surrender. He is a very friendly orange tabby who loves to receive as much attention as you’re willing to give him. He can be a bit shy around new people, but once he’s comfortable - he’s basically a shadow that will follow you around everywhere!
Meet Khloe! She is a senior calico at the age of 13 years young. She originally came to us as part of our Emergency Board program but was surrendered. She is a bit of a princess with a sassy attitude – but of course she wants to be the main princess in the home and be in an only cat household. Once she is comfortable with you, she loves getting pets and exploring. Khloe has limited vision and would need a home that is quiet while she settles in due to her vision impairment.
Meet Demi! Demi is a special three-yearold tabby who came to us after being found as a stray. Why is she special you may ask? Demi is known to be very affectionate and affiliative of pets, love and any type of attention you could get her - and may even take the time to play with a shoestring or small mouse! She certainly doesn’t let her heart murmur get her down, and you shouldn’t either. Demi sends grateful purrs to Judith Rauch for her sponsorship.
Meet Stewie! He is 12 years old and came to us as an owner surrender when his previous owner was no longer able to care for him. He can be a little shy at first, but if you go slow and let him go at his own pace, he will soak in all the pets he can get. He is looking for a home where he can spend the rest of his golden years and rest.
Stewie meows “thank you” to Bob H. Nagel for his generosity.
Meet Crock! He was part of a mass surrender of roughly 55 cats in July. These cats in general became known as our 'C-Cats' as they all were given names starting with the letter 'C.' Upon their admittance, many of these cats were very frightened and needed extra time to adjust before they were able to begin opening up. He is rather shy and would likely do best in a home with older children to adults.
KHLOE
DEMI
CROCK
FINN
WELCOME!
Welcome to Animal Friends University, home of the region’s most exciting selection of courses offered for, about and, sometimes, even with your pet.
To view our complete course catalog, visit ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/AFU
Classes fill quickly, so we encourage you to register online. If you have any registration questions, please contact Donna at AFU@ ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org
Cancellation Policy
If a class/event must be canceled due to insufficient enrollment, refunds will be issued. Notice of cancellation by a student must be received no later than three business days prior to the class/event in order for a refund to be issued.
Weather-Related Class Cancellations
Registered guests will be contacted by email/text in the event of inclement weather. Otherwise, class will go on as scheduled.
Including: Sniffari – an off-site sniffing adventure! Check out Thinking OutsideTheCage.org/DogTraining.
NEW PUPPY?
Join us for AF 301 Kinderpuppy class –have fun with your pup while learning!
• Socialization with people and pups
• Relationship building with puppy and family
• Positive reinforcement, reward-based training techniques
• Puppy-raising advice by experienced, certified instructors
KinderPuppy
For puppies who have had their second DHP vaccination and are 20 weeks of age or younger. Small breed and/or shy puppies may attend until 24 weeks of age.
Topics: Basic Manners, Household Manners, Leash Manners, Fun and Games for Puppies
Puppy Manners
For puppies ages 5-9 months.
Basic training for the older puppy will include household manners, manners for interacting with new people and places and playtime to increase dog-to-dog social skills. Cues to be taught include sit, down, come, walk nicely on leash, wait politely, drop it and leave it.
Companion Dog Manners
For dogs who are both people- and dogfriendly and 9 months or older.
This first level class gets your dog started with the cues of sit, down, stay, coming when called and loose leash walking. Laying a solid foundation with these skills is the key to living happily with your four-legged friend. As well as good manners, class discussions will give you an understanding of why dogs do the things they do and how to build a strong relationship with your dog.
SEMINARS
April Chaos to Calm: Understanding and Helping Your Leash Reactive Dog
Leash reactive dogs are those who overreact to typical things in the environment– dogs, people, animals, cars – while on a walk. Join us for ideas to manage and begin to modify your dog’s reactive behavior. We will explain and demonstrate techniques that you can use on walks, discuss dog body language and help you to understand your dog’s emotional state which causes reactivity. Please note that we cannot provide a personalized behavior modification plan at this class but will provide information and resources.
May Are You Listening? Your Dog is Speaking to You! Canine Body Language One of the best things any dog owner can do is to learn how to listen to their dog. In this class, we will teach you how to “hear” what your dog is saying through a variety of body language cues from their nose to their tails. We will explore the different vocalizations of dogs - decoding barks including excitement, warning, fear and frustration. To register, check out ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/ DogTraining.
WORKSHOPS
Including: Come When Called and Leash Manners. Check out Thinking OutsideTheCage.org/DogTraining.
PET CPR AND FIRST AID
This class will teach you lifesaving skills and knowledge to enable you to be there for your pets when they need you the most! Topics include, but are not limited to, rescue breathing, bleeding protocols, choking management, heat/cold injuries, bites, stings, poisoning, seizures, fractures and limb injuries. The class size is limited to 15 students to allow for individualized instruction. Certification provided upon completion of class. Tuition fee includes all training materials, training certificate and light refreshments. A portion of the proceeds from this class benefit Animal Friends residents. To register, visit ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/ AdultClasses.
BUN GROOMING
To participate, your rabbit must be fully vaccinated for RHD. Visit ThinkingOutsideTheCage. org/Events to schedule your appointment!
AprilOpening 1st!
Register Online at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/AFU or scan the QR code.
DOG SOCIALS
For dogs 4 months or older who are both people- and dog-friendly.
Check website for schedule at Thinking OutsideTheCage.org/DogSocials
Teacup Hour
A special time for the tiny dogs to play and for their people to mingle at our Outreach Center. This social is also suitable for other small dogs who prefer a less-active play style.
Small Dog Social
Join other small dogs and their people for an hour of social time. Dog play increases social skills and provides lots of exercise and fun for the small dog crowd!
Select andWednesdays Sundays
BASHFUL BUDDIES
This class is targeted for shy, non-reactive dogs 6 months of age or older. Please see below information on pre-requisite requirement of phone consultation.
LET’S GET OUTSIDE WITH OUR DOGS!
Check out our outdoor classes including Agility, Levels 1 & 2, Rodeo Dog and Hiking Hounds at ThinkingOutside
DOG TRAINING CLASS SCHOLARSHIP PLAY YARD RENTAL
Our public play yard rental season opens Tuesday, April 1st – no joke! Consider a seasonal membership as a gift for a dog lovin’ friend, family member or for yourself. For more details, please go to ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/ PlayYard.
In this class, we will explore a variety of exercises to build confidence in your shy/ fearful dog. We will include meeting new people, confidence in new situations and making positive associations with vet visits and grooming activities. This is a six-week class – please bring your dog to ALL six classes!
Pre-req: phone consultation to determine if this class is a good fit for your dog and training goals. Please contact Donna at AFU@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org to inquire about a phone consultation; please provide a phone number contact.
In partnership with Edgar Snyder & Associates, we are pleased to offer scholarships for AFU Dog Training Classes! To apply for a scholarship, please visit EdgarSnyder. com, search under Kris Letang Charities. Email sbotts@edgarsnyder. com if you’re interested in applying for a scholarship and let them know how your dog could benefit from an Animal Friends University training class. Please include ‘Animal Friends Scholarship’ in the subject line. Scholarships will be awarded quarterly.
Kitties & Kiddos: A Purr-fect Match?
By Penny Paich-Caraway, Community Programs Manager
Bringing a new feline friend home isn’t just a chance to expand your family, it’s an opportunity to teach your child empathy, compassion and responsibility. Teach your child to care for cats by demonstrating how you show love and respect to your feline family members. Invite your child to get involved in dayto-day responsibilities such as gentle grooming, playing and feeding. These are all great bonding opportunities to help them get along.
Two of the most important things you can teach your child about interacting with a cat is how to ask for the cat’s consent before touching them and how to understand their body language.
This will help them understand when your cat is friendly and ready to play, and when they’re scared or want to be left alone.
By enabling choice through consent testing and understanding/respecting feline body language, you can promote kind interactions, build trust, and foster a priceless friendship that will last for many years to come.
What is the Cat Consent Test?
It’s simple! Just follow these three steps:
1 POINT Stay low to the ground. Place your hand out, with one finger extended, to see if your cat wants to approach.
2 PET If the cat doesn’t approach, allow them their space. If they do approach and “boop” your finger with their nose or forehead, pet them three times on a favorite spot (such as their head, neck, and back) and then stop.
3 PAUSE Wait to see if they initiate contact again by leaning in for strokes or rubbing against you. If they do, they are giving their consent to continue! But it’s important to pause every now and then to read your cat’s body language. You can teach your child about what a cat might be saying by using this chart:
Graphic
Our Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank is in need of donations.
Every can or bag helps. Scan the QR code for our wishlist.
Caryl Gates Gluck Resource Center
Howard Ash Animal Wellness Center
562 Camp Horne Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Saving lives. It’s what we do.
By Maddie Aicher, Placement Manager
A New and Sweet Life
Sugar
When Sugar arrived at Animal Friends back in November it was easy to tell that this poor girl had been through a lot. She was thin, dirty, but most notably had enlarged, painful white and red eyes protruding from her head, that were causing her significant pain and discomfort. Our Medical team got right to work and made the determination
that Sugar’s eyes could not be saved, resulting in a double enucleation (removal of both eyes). Sugar went into a foster home while she recovered, and despite just having major surgery, was sweet, affectionate and rather good at navigating without eyes. We are unsure how much sight she had before, given the terrible state her eyes were in, so she was already pretty used to navigating her world blind.
We thought during her time with us that Sugar may benefit from a friend and attempted to bond her with a few different kittens. Despite her liking them, the other kittens could tell Sugar was a bit different and were not interested in becoming playmates with her. However, we knew there was a kitty out there for her that would become her bestie!
That’s when Allison arrived looking for a companion for her recently adopted
kitten (former AF alumni “Cockleshells” now Mila). After meeting with Sugar, Allison knew she would be a perfect companion for her kitty at home. After some time at home, we received an update that Sugar, now Evie, was doing amazing, and that she and Mila had bonded and were now besties! “We just wanted to update you on Sugar (now Evie). She is doing fantastic. She is having a blast with big sis “cockleshells” now Mila.” said Allison. “Evie is the favorite at the vet’s office. She gets lots of extra visitors when she goes in for her shots. Everyone wants to give her a cuddle.”
We are so grateful that we were able to help Evie during her time with us and that she is doing so well in her adoptive home.
