Bike riders: pass service dogs with care
So far, Darla is not spooked or stressed about the bicycles and continues to do her job, cheerfully and competently. But Mr. Jakubowski worries about it every day, and so do the people who love them.
City and suburban sidewalks are used by many pedestrians, including people with disabilities, people with small children, and ones who may not be attentive enough or agile enough to get out of the way of speeding bikes. Mr. Jakubowski thinks the problem has steadily gotten worse as bicycles — and companies that rent them at hourly rates — have become increasingly popular.
Here’s my plea to bicyclists: If you must ride on sidewalks, please announce to pedestrians that you are behind them and going to pass them. Service dogs usually walk on the left of their partner, so let them know you will be “passing on the right.”
Animal blessings
Pets will be blessed at 2 p.m. Sunday at St. John Fisher Church, 33 Lewin Lane, Churchill (15235). The blessing will be near the St. Francis shrine in the parking lot. Free refreshments for people and animals.
Haunted Trail
This sounds way scarier than haunted houses: The Beastly Haunted Trail will be held 7 to 10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday in October to benefit the Beaver County Humane Society.
The trail is on the shelter grounds, 3394 Brodhead Road, Center, and features live actors and special effects. The entrance fee is $10, cash only. It may be too scary for young children, but kids under 12 can come if accompanied by a parent. Please leave your pets at home. Information: www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org/beastlyhaunted-trails.
Pupalooza
At Pupalooza, dogs can bob for hot dogs, jump through musical hoops, and participate in a treasure hunt and a bubble chase. The free event is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. next Saturday in the south parking lot at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2040 Washington Road, Upper St. Clair (15241).
There will also be rescue groups with adoptable pets and a noon appearance by Ranger, the bloodhound puppy who is the newest member of the Allegheny County Sheriff K-9 unit. Go to westminster-church.org for the full schedule.
Dogs and Hondas
West Hills Honda is going to the dogs next Saturday when adoptable dogs from Animal Friends visit the motorcycle and ATV dealership from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The dealership is handing out free cider and doughnuts, but it is hoping you will donate at least $1 to the Ohio Township shelter. Donate $5 or more and you’re entered in a drawing for a $100 gift certificate. The address is 209 Moon Clinton Road, 15108.
“Our employees really light up when a customer brings his or her dog into the store,” said owner John Bergman.
Golden retrievers are raised by the family of finance manager Anthony Verduce. His mother, Candace Verduce, has raised more than $25,000 for the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study conducted by the Morris Animal Foundation.