Elkhound memorial
A memorial service to honor a Norwegian elkhound and to raise awareness about dog attacks is set for 1 p.m. Sunday at the Frick Park Environmental Center, 2005 Beechwood Blvd., Squirrel Hill.
Four Paws Elkhound Rescue is holding the service to support the family of Tonka in Lively, Ontario, Canada. In January, the 8year-old Norwegian elkhound, tethered in his yard, was attacked by two dogs running loose. The dogs had attacked Tonka in July. He survived serious injuries from the first attack but died after the second one.
“We got in touch with his family to see what we could do to help them,” said Georgeann Reid of Munhall, who started the local rescue last October with her husband, Dennis Williams.
They suggested a memorial to raise awareness, Ms. Reid said. Although Canadian authorities had investigated the first attack on Tonka, they returned the dogs that attacked to the owner.
Tonka’s owners believe that stronger laws are needed to protect dogs and people from dangerous canines.
Go to www.FourPawsElkhoundRescue.com for more information, and pictures and bios of dogs available for adoption.
Four Paws has planned an “Invasion of the Snow Dogs” June 10 in South Park. Huskies, malamutes, samoyeds and all dogs that love the snow are invited. There won’t be snow, but there will be a parade, vendors, games and rescue dogs.
Free pet expo
Mary Frances Martin and Elaine Mayowski are instructors at Xcel Canine Training Center in Bethel Park. When two of their dogs died of cancer, they decided to do something to help other dogs.
They’ve put together a bringyour-own-dog Pet Expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 6 at the West Alexander Fairgrounds, 116 Route 40 W, West Alexander, Washington County (15376).
Admission is free, but donations will go to the Chase Away K9 Cancer Fund. The event will include raffles, games and baked goods. There will be demonstrations of obedience, rally and agility, and a dog photographer will be there.
Since 2006, the Chase Away K9 Cancer Fund has raised $882,000 for cancer research. The fund has the following tips for dog owners:
Take 10 minutes once a month to look for lumps, bumps and swellings, including inside the mouth; go to a veterinarian if you find anything suspicious; keep a record of any growths; watch for unusual behavior, including a change in appetite or attitude.
Corvettes for Pets
The May 7 Indoor Spring Vettes Show in Latrobe includes an auction that benefits Action For Animals Humane Society. Adoptable animals from the Latrobe shelter will attend.
The show is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at B&D Creekside Activity Center, 501 Ave. B, Latrobe.
Corvette registration is $15 the day of the event or $10 in advance. Go to www.ccwp.org to register. That covers coffee and doughnuts, dash plaques to the first 100, goodie bags, door prizes and raffles.
Proceeds from a ticket auction will benefit Action for Animals. Corvette exhibitors are asked to bring something from the shelter wish list, which includes writing pens, clipboards, blue Dawn dish detergent, toilet paper, paper towels and nonclumping cat litter.
The wish list includes Purina Little Bites Dog Food and Purina Dog, Cat and Kitten Chow.
Volunteers needed
Orphans of the Storm shelter in Kittanning needs volunteers to spend time with puppies, kittens, dogs and cats. The next volunteer orientation program is 66:45 p.m. May 8 at the Kittanning Library, 280 N. Jefferson St.
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and need to RSVP by emailing animalpal1@gmail.com or calling 724487-0011.