Out & About: Sweet dogs are special guests at Animal Friends bash

Shirley McMarlin | Monday, August 5, 2019 12:01 a.m.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

From left: AFW volunteer Justine Long, AFW board president and founder Candy Valentino holding “Miley,” a Shih Tzu from the shelter, AFW Animal Care manager Bethany Morse holding “Jackson”, a Shih Tzu from the shelter, and AFW volunteer Wendy Fenton gather for a photo during the Animal Friends of Westmoreland “Dog Days of Summer Cash Bash” held at Ferrante’s Lakeview in Hempfield on Friday evening, August 2, 2019.

Organizers from Animal Friends of Westmoreland called their latest fundraiser the Dog Days of Summer Cash Bash — a fitting name both for the date and for the personable pooches in attendance.

Not only did attendees at Ferrante’s Lakeview in Hempfield have a chance to go home with a share of the $4,000 in cash and prizes, they also could have picked up a new best friend.

Greeting guests at the door was Denny, a friendly terrier mix with a white coat and adorable brown splotches around his eyes.

Loving on everyone inside was Chance, an 11-year-old yellow lab, who volunteer Justine Long called “the fan favorite.”

Also on hand were 9-year-old Shih Tzus Jackson and Meile, a brother and sister newly arrived at the Youngwood shelter.

Each table was decorated with a placard containing a photo and information on another available shelter dog. Prize baskets included plenty of pet care products and toys, and one special hockey-themed party bucket donated by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Shelter founder and president Candy Valentino welcomed guests and served as emcee.

Seen: Rich Miller, Bobbie Mohar, Chris and Heather Luczki, Pat Murtha, Janie Sochko, Jeremy and Cindy Aniballi, Dennis and Donna Zundel, Eva Ochap, Bonnie Walston, Robin Baer, Kyla Baer, Dean and Tess Thieler, Dawn Kroik, Patricia Bradley, Josh Lightcap, Roxanne Rubis, Cherie King, Wendy Fenton and Animal Friends animal care manager Bethany Morse.