What:  Scentsy Fundraiser for Pets Come First!

When:  Going on now!

Where:  Go to https://dsigda.scentsy.us/Scentsy/Home and select the Pets Come first party under My Open Parties.

A portion of the profits will be donated to Pets Come First.  In addition to this, Denise is donating a warmer and scents for the Pets Come First adoption center.  Thank you to Denise for this wonderful fundraiser!

This is one of our favorite events, an opportunity to see many adopted PCF dogs and their new families, and a day for us to join in the fun with our many loyal supporters!  The Dog Jog is a wonderful example of how our community comes together to help make a difference one animal at a time. Together we raised over $15,000 in both monetary and donated items.  If you were unable to attend, read what Steve Bauer and Sam Stitzer from StateCollege.com had to say about the event!

Race results are now available!

We are extremely grateful to everyone involved!

• Thank you Deb Warner, President of Pets Come First, for having a passion for animals and giving her heart and soul to the animals each and every day.
• Thank you to the Dog Jog Committee who has spent the last few months of their time in planning this great event.
• Thank you to the Grange Fair Grounds for their facility and working with us to make it a safe event.
• Thank you to Dr. Mark Koshko of Metzger Animal Hospital for being on-site in case of an emergency.
• Thank you to Dave Eggler for timing the race.
• Thank you to Tor Michaels for serving as our entertaining emcee.
• Thank you to StateCollege.com.
• Thank you to our generous and talented photographers:  Trina Bauer of Trina Bauer Photography, Sabine Carey of FreeRanging Photography, Michelle Grove of Redheaded Ninja Photography, and Tori Sulewski of Winglessdog Photography.
• Thank you to all the Top Dogs, Ball Bouncers, Lap Dogs, and Ankle Biter Sponsors who provided monetary contributions, advertisement and printing.
• Thank you to all the Rescues/Vendors who participated in our Pet Fair.  They made contributions by providing refreshments, awards, offering services and helping us to educate the public on animal care and services available in our area.
• Thank you to all the Volunteers who make a difference. They give of their time and share with their families and friends the importance of giving back to their communities, by helping out at the Dog Jog event in all capacities, taking pictures, contacting sponsors, baking treats and caring for our furry friends.

Did you know that you can buy pictures from the Dog Jog? 

Order digital files of the pictures from the Dog Jog and and help raise money for Pets Come First!

• Visit http://orders.freerangingphotography.com to view the pictures taken by FreeRanging Photography and Redheaded Ninja and to place your order.  All proceeds will be donated to Pets Come First.
• Tori Sulewski, of Winglessdog Photography, is donating 50% of the sales of her photos to Pets Come First.  Visit her Dog Jog album at  http://winglessdog.smugmug.com/Pets/2013-Dog-Jog/ to place your order.

Thank you to Sabine, Michelle, and Tori for their amazing photos and for offering to do these fundraisers for Pets Come First!

by Sam Stitzer for StateCollege.com

CENTRE HALL — The Fifth annual Dog Jog 5K Run/Walk was held at the Grange Fairgrounds, in Centre Hall on April 27.

The event is a fundraiser for Pets Come First, a non-profit, all volunteer organization which runs the animal shelter in Potter Township. This event is different from the usual running events, since it allows the participating runners to take their dogs with them on the run. There was also a 1.5K walk for those who are a bit smaller, older, or slower — dogs or people. Prizes from local businesses and organizations were awarded to the top male and female finishers in each category.

According to event organizers, nearly 200 people were registered to participate. The event has grown larger each year since its inception, and Saturday’s good weather attracted a large crowd of both participants and spectators. Disc jockey Tor Michaels was on hand to provide music for the crowd to enjoy. He took song requests from the audience, and the first requested song was, of course, “Who Let the Dogs Out?”

By mid-morning, after registration was completed, the runners — both dog and human — lined up on the pavement at the edge of the Grange Fair midway. Deb Warner of Pets Come First signaled and they were off and running. The course made a five kilometer (3.1 miles) serpentine loop around the southern end of the fairgrounds, returning to the finish line near the Grange exhibit buildings. David Eggler of the Nittany Valley Running Club handled the timing duty, recording each runner’s time.

In about 20 minutes, runners began crossing the finish line. The first human/dog team across the line was Paul Fritzsche and his dog, Bella. One at a time, or in small groups, the others followed, with the human runners often more exhausted than the dogs.

The runners — human and canine — ran the gamut of age and size. Among the youngest runners was 10-year-old Morgan Stover of Spring Mills. She ran with one of the smallest dogs in the event, her tiny Yorkshire terrier Nikki, finishing the race in about 32 minutes. Running with Stover were her two grandmothers and two aunts, making the race a true family outing.

Both dogs and people helped themselves to water and snacks after the run.

Around 11 a.m., the 1.5K (just under a mile) walk began, on the fair midway and followed a loop around the grounds. This gave the smaller and slower dogs a way to get in on the fun.

In addition to the running events, an exhibit building was filled with displays by animal-themed organizations and businesses. Several animal rescue groups were present with displays, and representatives informing the public of their many services and activities.

Many vendors of pet-related merchandise and foods were present, and a silent auction of items generously donated by local businesses was conducted to raise funds as well.

Cartridge World, 233 Northland Center(ONLY) will make a donation to PCF for each recycled ink cartridge and toner cartridge (including laser cartridges) that is dropped off to their location.  Indicate that they are for PCF when you drop them off.  In addition to the Northland Center Cartridge World location, we’re making it even more convenient to recycle your used ink/toner cartridges by adding the following drop-off locations:

-Lyons Kennels (1826 Zion Road, Bellefonte)
-Pets Comes First (2451 General Potter Highway, Centre Hall)
-Milesburg Chiropractic (114 Turnpike St, Milesburg)
-Email info@petscomefirst.com to arrange a pick up for your used cartridges in the State College area.

When: Ongoing
Locations: Cartridge World, 233 Northland Center (ONLY)
Locations listed above.

Thank you to all of our amazing supporters who donated during the Centre Gives 36-Hour Challenge held on May 22 and 23, 2013!  We are grateful to the 92 donors, who donated a combined total of $5,611 and topped last year’s total of just under $3,400!  As soon as we have the final numbers that include the matched funds, we will post the details.   Thank you, also, to the Centre Foundation, which provides this wonderful opportunity for area non-profits each year!

Order digital files of the pictures from the Dog Jog and and help raise money for Pets Come First!  Visit http://orders.freerangingphotography.com to view the pictures taken by FreeRanging Photography and Redheaded Ninja and to place your order.  All proceeds will be donated to Pets Come First. Tori Sulewski, of Winglessdog Photography, is donating 50% of the sales of her photos to Pets Come First.  Visit her Dog Jog album at  http://winglessdog.smugmug.com/Pets/2013-Dog-Jog/ to place your order.

Thank you to Sabine, Michelle, and Tori for their amazing photos and for offering to do these fundraisers for Pets Come First!

This handsome, distinguished fellow is looking for a quiet home where he can lie around and relax.  If you have your own business, he is a laid-back gentleman who would make a wonderful shop cat!  Hermie is ten years old, neutered and up to date on his shots, and patiently waiting to meet his new people!

We are selling Sheetz Coupon Books for $10 each and include Free M•T•O® item, Buy One Get One Free M•T•go!® Sandwich or Parfait, Free M•T•O® Breakfast Sandwich, Free Bag of Fryz, Free Hot Dog (2), Free Specialty Coffee, Buy One Get One Free Nutz, Free Self-Serve Brewed Coffee or Fizz City® Fountain Drink (2), Free Sheetz Donut, Buy One Get One Free Nova Blue® Bottled Water.

When: Ongoing
Time: Ongoing
Location: info@petscomefirst.com

Pitbull Mix: An adoptable dog in State College, PA

Talley is a one-eyed, lovable pit mix available for adoption.  He was found as a stray, so we aren’t sure what happened to his eye or his history, but it doesn’t seem to bother him a bit!  He is a friendly cuddlebug who will make someone a great companion!  So far he has gotten along with other dogs at the adoption center, but if you have other dogs and are interested in Talley, we can arrange a time for you to bring yours for a meet and greet.  Talley is anxiously awaiting his forever home!