Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine

09/20/2025

Coming by tomorrow, the digital release of our fall Issue for our 14th year Anniversary edition!

09/17/2025

🌟A Note from Cross Your Paws Rescue 🌟

There was a time—not so long ago—when people believed the way to teach children was through harsh discipline, even physical punishment. Thankfully, society has grown. We’ve learned that children thrive through love, guidance, and positive reinforcement, not fear.

The same is true for our dogs. Training methods have evolved, and science has shown us that fear-based or painful tools—such as choke chains, prong collars, and shock collars—do not build trust or strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Instead, they can cause serious harm: crushed tracheas, burns, anxiety-driven behaviors, and a lifetime of fear.

Every major animal welfare organization—including the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior—opposes these devices. Many countries have already banned them altogether because they are considered cruel.

Here in Pennsylvania, anyone can call themselves a “dog trainer.” There are no tests, no required schooling, and no oversight. That means it’s especially important for pet parents to ask questions and think twice if a trainer suggests something that doesn’t feel right in your heart.

Training should build trust, not pain. Just as we’ve moved past outdated and abusive methods in raising children, it’s time we do the same for our dogs. Look for certified trainers and behaviorists who use positive reinforcement, compassion, and science-based methods.

At Cross Your Paws, we believe every dog deserves to learn in a safe, respectful, and humane way. 💙🐾

KLN 16814
We are a 501(c)(3) 💯% volunteer-based rescue and rely solely on donations. Please consider helping us save lives.

09/17/2025

Shoutout to Homer Nine and Sons, Inc. for their generous delivery to the shelter! To celebrate the Dog Days of Summer, Homer Nine and Sons donated five pounds of food for every service call they received from July through August, and this final donation came with some extra dog treats! Pearl (A065492) is extra grateful for all the snacks she gets. Thank you for everything you do!

09/16/2025

It's a Win-Win!

Every ticket purchased provides care, shelter and second chances for animals in crisis
Supports our community outreach programs
Fuels Animal Friends’ lifesaving mission
It’s a total win-win.

Get your tickets now: $20 each or three for $50 to boost your odds.
Winners will be drawn live at our Black Tie & Tails on Sept. 27 — streamed on Facebook. You don’t need to be present to win.

Your ticket saves lives — every dollar supports animals in need.
Inspired by this year’s theme, Pawp Art — it’s rescue, with a pop of color.

You can purchase tickets in three different ways:

By mail:
Send cash or a check made out to Animal Friends and include the following items:
Name
Phone Number
E-mail Address
Quantity of tickets
In-person:

Stop by our Welcome Center located in the entrance of the Resource Center.

Over the phone:
Call us at 412.847.7051 to pay with a credit or debit card.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Development Team at [email protected]

09/16/2025

09/15/2025

09/14/2025

09/14/2025

🌟It’s a BCHS Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Alyssa! 🌟

Alyssa Bombalski has been with the shelter since September 2024 after working with her neighbors to ensure the safety of the stray animals on her street. She says dog training is one of her favorite activities; it’s taught her the patience to meet animals from all walks of life—including one of her favorites, Dempsey!

“I would say 1000% go for [volunteering] if you are someone who has a passion for animals—especially shelter animals,” Alyssa says. “It is SO very rewarding.”

Alyssa, thank you for everything you do!

Looking to make a difference in the lives of our furry friends like Alyssa? Sign up for a Talk and Tour or contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Kayla Zizak, at [email protected] today!

https://beavercountyhumanesociety.org/shelter-talk-and-tour/

09/09/2025

Did you know we have a thrift store?

New items arrive daily, so there is always something new at the BCHS Thrift Store! Our store offers a wide selection of clothing and accessories, housewares, home décor, vintage items/collectibles, toys, games, books, and furniture.

Whether you are looking for great value, high-end fashion, or simply the Thrill of the Hunt, you will be amazed at the selection our store has to offer. Weekly color tag discounts, senior citizen, college student, and military discounts, plus a variety of sales add even more fun to your shopping experience!

Every time you shop at the Thrift Store, you are making a difference in the lives of our shelter animals, as 100 percent of the proceeds from sales at the store go to the Beaver County Humane Society!

For more information, follow BCHS Thrift Store!

Thrift store page: https://www.facebook.com/BCHSThriftStore

09/09/2025

Murphy & Martha 💞

09/08/2025

Pet parents, show us your stars!

Enter them in our Pawp Pour-trait Contest. Winners will be featured on a limited-edition beer can brewed by Acclamation Brewing!

Contest runs through Sept 30, but why wait?
Enter now: https://www.gogophotocontest.com/pawp-pour-trait-contest