Pet events
Crafton Doggie Paddle
I think this is the last dog swim of the season — 1-3 p.m Saturday at the Crafton Pool in Crafton Park, Steuben Street. Pay $10 at the gate, which benefits recreation programs in the borough.
Goodie bags and “doggie surprises” will be available, thanks to pool partners Lu Ryan from Howard Hanna, Lisa George from Alcosan, Pet Valu and Friendly Paws Pet Resort. Bring proof of vaccinations and license.
Free cats
Felines 6 months or older can be adopted for no fee through Sept. 15 at the Beaver County Humane Society in Center Township, and kittens can be adopted for $50.
Staff and volunteers have 243 animals, and 187 are cats or kittens. Shelter capacity is 32 percent higher than last year, and BCHS last weekend took in 10 dogs from the San Antonio Humane Society. The Texas dogs were in the shelter before Hurricane Harvey hit, and they were moved out to make way for pets displaced by the storm.
Because of the large numbers of incoming animals, the shelter needs donations of wet and dry cat food and dry kitten food.
Adoption fees are usually $65 for cats and $100 for kittens. Shelters generally invest about $300 per animal for spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, health tests and microchips. Although adult cats are now “free,” adopters are encouraged to make a donation.
Go to https:// beavercountyhumanesociety.org/ adopt to see photos and bios of dogs and cats that need homes. The shelter is open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
Pet memorial service
Sept. 10 is Pet Memorial Sunday, and a local business is offering a free service Sunday at 2 p.m. in Melrose Cemetery, 3060 Washington Road, Bridgeville (15017), behind Warchol Funeral Home.
Speakers will talk about love, grief and recovery. “Words of Tribute” from family members will be read, and people are invited to bring photos of pets that have died. Doves will be released. Light refreshments will be served.
The event is sponsored by Deb Chebatoris of Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation. Information: ccpc.ws/pet-memorialsunday.
Goat yoga
NamastHay Goat Yoga is back on Sept. 30, but classes fill up quickly so you might want to register now.
People stretch and chill out while goats gambol at a farm in Presto (15142) from 23:15 p.m. The class is $20, and part of the proceeds benefit Washington Area Humane Society. Classes are presented by Jen’s Yoga Zen and Have U Herd Goatscaping.
Go to www.eventbrite.com/ e/namasthay-goat-yoga-ticketsto register.
The next goat yoga session is Oct. 21 to benefit Animal Friends. Sign-ups start on Sept. 16
Fall For Animals Festival
The festival in Ford City doesn’t happen until Oct. 7-8, but organizer Sandy Cullen is asking for a head count so she knows “how many chairs to set up.”
At 1 p.m. Oct. 8. the speaker will be Stan Gordon of Greensburg, who has been researching UFO and Bigfoot sightings and paranormal activities for more than 50 years.
The festival is free, but Mr. Gordon’s talk is $5. Call Ms. Cullen at 724-516-2629 to reserve a seat. Go to www.stan-gordon.info / to learn more about Mr. Gordon. There is also a $5 parking fee to benefit 12 rescue organizations and shelters, including Three Rivers Greyhounds, Orphans of the Storm, Grey Paws Sanctuary, Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary, Flying Changes Equine Rescue and Kiski Valley Cat Rescue.
The festival will feature adoptable pets, vendors, a kids costume contest and a Saturday Pet Show. Last year, $7,000 was raised. The event is at the Crooked Creek Horse Park, 467 Crooked Creek Dam Road, Ford City, Armstrong County, 16226.