My Story…
I'm excited to share that 2026 will be my first involvement with the Pittsburgh Marathon weekend festivities. I'm pacing myself - 5K this year, 1/2 marathon next year. Long-term, I'm hoping to complete the full Marathon in 2028.
Why Animal Friends? 3 years ago, I found myself stuck. Despite being comfortable in life, I started feeling restless and dissatisfied. After a troubling diagnosis, I ended up losing my sense of self and purpose. After much prayer and soul-searching, I took a leap and focused on volunteering.
I was familiar with the "Adopt Me" signs at the bottom of the hill just before the cute little bridge that travels over the rippling creek before the road winds up the hill to the mysterious woods beyond. That's all I knew about this organization.
At the Animal Friends volunteer orientation, I was asked with which species I'd prefer to work. Having grown up with pet rabbits, I gravitated to their care.
And I loved it right away!!! Bonding with the rabbits, eagerly waiting to see who would get adopted, the friendly people. I attended Bun Runs, started bunny grooming and fostering. I was hooked. I met the clinic staff (TOTALLY AMAZING!!!!) in the wellness center.and supplemented rabbit time with volunteer administrative tasks. After 1 year, I was hired as a part-time Program Assistant in our affordable veterinary clinic. I love my job, my co-workers, and feel passionate that I am making a difference.
When I'm not working at Animal Friends, I continue to volunteer there. I have a 17-lb Flemist Giant rabbit named Peanut who is a Certified Therapet. (Shout-out to the rest of my fur family - Banana the pug, Roxy the chihuahua, Reigns the Rex rabbit, Deadmau5 the cat and Serenity the cat). I'm a bunny groomer and also help out with off-site events as much as I can.
The Animal Friends organization speaks for the voiceless - it emphasizes the importance of community, in a time when it's so desperately needed.
I recognize that times are tough. Anything you can donate is appreciated. Your donation WILL help save lives!!! Thank you!
"Saving one animal will not change the world, but for that one animal, the world will change forever."
Description
Thank you for being a big part of the Animal Friends mission.
Animal Friends envisions a humane and compassionate future for every animal. They aim to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in crisis, ensure healthy pets through education, advocacy, and affordable services, and inspire a community that celebrates and nurtures the animal-human bond. They are driven by the core values of being solution-driven, resourceful, compassionate, and committed to integrity and excellence. Your efforts help to support our many programs.
- Rescue and Rehabilitation: We rescue animals in crisis and provide necessary medical care and rehabilitation to prepare them for adoption.
- Adoption Services: We help rehome animals by matching them with loving families.
- Education and Advocacy: We offer educational programs and advocate for animal welfare to ensure healthy pets and responsible pet ownership.
- Affordable Services: We provide affordable veterinary services through their Animal Wellness Center.
- Community Engagement: We inspire and nurture the animal-human bond through various community events and programs.
🐾 Donate Here: Animal Friends - Donate
Your support means so much to us—and to the animals whose lives we can change together. Thank you for being part of this mission.
P.S. Every dollar counts! Let’s make tails wag and hearts happy
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| May 01 | Amanda Huss | Undisclosed amount |
| Apr 30 | maria richardson | $32.80 |
| Apr 29 | Anonymous | $25.00 |
| Apr 28 | Alexandra Konetsky Smith | $27.48 |
| Apr 27 | D.Ball | $27.48 |
| Apr 27 | Jennifer Vickers-Bodnar | $27.48 |
| Apr 27 | Debra Smith | $75.00 |
| Apr 27 | Sue Strait | $43.45 |
