Paws in the Park & Vendor Show

On an overcast Saturday morning at the Monessen City Park Walking Track, the atmosphere was ablaze with the anticipation of the gathering of pets and their owners to partake in a day of enjoyable fun and entertainment. The vendors were anxious to illustrate their merchandise, and the variety of food trucks had their menus prepared in anticipation of their customers.

After completing the registration, the many stops along the trail offered chances for the auction baskets, yummy Sarris Candy to purchase, chances on the upcoming golf ball drop, the latest logo T-shirt for Mon Valley Paws were displayed, The Rainbow Bridge and Michael’s Ovation offered collars in remembrance of pets, the Kid’s Zone, Kristen’s Beauty Salon, Boso’s Lawn Care, Joseph’s Nursery Photo Display, The Smooch Your Pooch, The Wishing Well, Andy Balko’s Caricatures, Monessen Hilltop Firemen, Resonate Yoga and so many more.

The Pup Arena enticed the many dogs and their owners the chance to be selected as best in their category in the pet contest. The judges Elsa, Lynn and Officer Joe expressed how difficult it was to select the chosen winners. Newly added to the Pup Arena was the Doogie Dash which proved to be hilarious and exciting as the dogs ran to their owners at the finish line. Officer Joe Spinola and K-9 Duvall were on hand to answer any questions regarding their roles in providing security to the community. Elsa Getz addressed the crowd with valuable information on dog training. The Pup Arenas events concluded with the blessing of pets by Father Mike from the Epiphany of Our Lord Church.

The Pet Supplies Plus Shelter and Rescue Village housed partnered rescues, Hound Haven of Lone Pine, All But Furgotten, Bridge to Home Animal Rescue, and Drew’s Crews who successfully had six dogs adopted!! Last year’s rescue Southwest PA Pugs with Special Needs were also represented among the vendors. Pets Supplies Plus was on hand to distribute samples and answer questions. The Cool Zone donated by Matt’s Ice offered refreshing water and water pools for our furry friends.

Hound Haven of Lone Pine

Drew’s Crew Wild at Heart

Bridge to Home Animal Rescue

All But Furgotten Humane Rescue

The event concluded with the announcements of the basket auction and half the take winners. We wish to thank the many sponsors who assisted in making the day successful! The city workers who assemble and prepare the park, the vendors, the volunteers, the shelters and rescues, the security, the participants but most of all the community for coming together, despite the weather, making the day fun and gainful so Mon Valley Paws can continue their mission. Let us not forget all the furry, four legged, tail wagging, tongue licking, fun loving dogs and oh yes, their owners too! Hope to see you again next year.