Friends of Jupiter Walk raises $6,500
Thirty happy dogs pranced and wagged their tails as they accompanied 70 people on a walk. What could be better than a group outing in Boyce Park on a glorious spring day? But the paws of the 5-pound guest of honor seldom touched the ground. He was carried in the arms of the people who love him.
The Friends of Jupiter Pet Walk Sunday raised more than $6,500 to benefit Northcentral Maltese Rescue Inc. Donations included $2,500 from the Alcoa Foundation.
“Jupiter was a bit overwhelmed” by the large numbers of strangers, said Nicole Orlando of Plum, who held him during the event. “But he did just fine.”
“His sister thoroughly enjoyed it,” Ms. Orlando said of her other Maltese, Penelope, 2. “At one point there were a few other Maltese hanging out in a circle.”
Jupiter, 5, was adopted 18 months ago by Ms. Orlando and her husband, Dustin Feher. They fell in love with him on the Internet, even though rescue volunteers told them “he might never be a normal dog.”
The little dog lived in horrible conditions the first four years of his life in a puppy mill in Montana. When he arrived at their home, Jupiter was fearful, anxious and had multiple behavior problems, including biting. He didn’t snuggle and wouldn’t let anyone pick him up.
He’s come a long way since then. He recently learned to snuggle, he can be picked up and
carried and “his personality continues to evolve and improve,” Ms. Orlando said.
Penelope, who has been loved and well-treated for all of her life, loves Jupiter and has helped him learn how to be a happier dog, the couple think. Ms. Orlando, who works as an occupational therapist, organized the walk to help the people who help dogs like Jupiter.
’Tis the season for dog walks and other events where you can take your dogs. Look for them in this column and on the websites and social media sites of animal shelters and rescue groups. Then sign up and go. You won’t regret it.
Pablo, our family’s cocker spaniel, attends some of the events and is always thrilled to be there. You meet wonderful dogs and wonderful people, you get some fresh air and exercise, and your money goes to a good cause.
There will be a second Friends of Jupiter Pet Walk next April, Ms. Orlando promises. Chances are good that the ever-evolving and improving Jupiter will be happy to be there.
Go to www.facebook.com/friendsofjupiterpetwalk to see pictures from the event. Send email to friendsofjupiter@email.com for more information. Go to to malteserescue.homestead.com to see pictures of Maltese and small mixed-breed dogs available for adoption.
Flea market
The East Pittsburgh Police Fund for Abused and Neglected Animals is having a flea market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. next Saturday at the East Pittsburgh Community Center, 506 Bessemer Ave., East Pittsburgh (15112).
Money raised will be used for food, shelter and medical care for animals rescued by the East Pittsburgh Police Department. Items accepted for sale include books, CDs, DVDs, games, toys, bedding, kids clothes, jewelry, dishes, shoes, purses, furniture and sunglasses. Organizers cannot accept adult clothes, computers, televisions, stereos or any electronic devices.
Donations can be dropped off 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the borough office on Linden Avenue or at the police station at any time.
B-I-N-G-O!
Bow Wow Bingo for Animal Friends is described as “upscale bingo” with a buffet dinner from Monteverde Catering and beer, wine and “tail-wagging prizes.” The event is next Saturday at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center, 3579 Masonic Way, Ross (15237).
Tickets are $75 per person and must be ordered in advance at www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org or by calling 412-847-7055. Bingo cards are $10 each or three for $25.
Pancakes for Paws
Chow down on pancakes and sausages on May 3 to benefit the Washington Area Humane Society. Food is served from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at American Legion Post 902, 48 Western Ave., Houston (15342).
There will be raffles, baskets, gift cards, pet supplies and a big 50-50 raffle. Tickets can be purchased at the event or in advance at the shelter at 1527 E. Beau St., Eighty Four (15330), at washingtonpashelter.org or by calling 724-2227387.
Card party
At the Hearts for Strays Spring Luncheon, you can play Hearts, 500, Scrabble or any game you wish to benefit Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley, New Kensington. It’s also OK to play no game at all.
May 6 is the deadline to make reservations for the party that will be May 16 at the Magnolia Room in Creighton. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. and lunch is served at 11:30 a.m.
Tickets are $28 per person and can be ordered at www.animalprotectors.net or by calling Val DeSanto at 724-3390623. Tickets cannot be purchased on the day of the event.
The event includes an auction, 50/50 raffle and door prizes. In recent years, 160-175 have attended, Ms. DeSanto said.
Animal Friends grant
The Animal Friends shelter in Ohio Township has received a $20,000 Heart to Paw grant from Big Heart Pet Brands — the parent company of brands such as Milk-Bone, Kibbles ’n Bits and 9Lives. The grant will help cover the cost of more than 350 surgeries at 12 low-cost spay and neuter clinics.
Big Heart will be a Compassionate Corporate Partner during Animal Friends’ “31 Days of Compassion” in May. Special events are planned, starting from 6 to 8 p.m. May 7 with a “Mutt Mob” of shelter animals greeting Pirates fans from the Renaissance Hotel, across the Clemente Bridge to BZ’s Bar & Grill.