Tony and Lauren Dungy to Deliver Adoption Message to Racing Fans

The Dungy's, who have adopted, previously made a personal appeal for adoption awareness during half-time at the Super Bowl.

This week, Tony and Lauren Dungy will give a personal appeal on adoption awareness before thousands of racing fans. Former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy and his wife Lauren, a native from nearby Edgeworth, will be featured in a 30-second public service announcement slated to air at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the world's largest spectator sporting facility, during the Brickway 400 Super Weekend, according to the Adoption Journey Project. The Dungy's, who have adopted, previously delivered their message during half-time at the Super Bowl.  "Everyone has the chance to do something about the orphan crisis," Tony Dungy said in a news release. "It is relevant to families across the country just like the ones attending this week. But …

• Photos (1)
• Videos (1)

Patch Pet of the Week

Bruce and Josie Are Waiting to be Adopted

These two best friends need to find a home together.

Bruce and Josie are gentle, sweet, 7-year-old Shepherd mixes who are waiting for someone to adopt them from Animal Friends. This brother and sister are easygoing on their leashes and playful without being overly excitable. Bruce especially loves a good cuddle. They currently amuse the Animal Friends staff with their antics in their multi-dog suite. The shelter would love to see these two best friends find a home together. What are you waiting for? Stop by Animal Friends and meet them soon, or call the shelter at 412-847-7002.

• Photos (1)

'Patch Pets' Find Loving Homes

This year Patch partnered with Animal Friends to help find forever homes for several dogs, cats and rabbits. Here's a look at where they are now.

Ever wonder what happened to Mr. McGregor the rabbit? Or Tippy the dog? Earlier this year Patch partnered with the Ohio Township-based shelter Animal Friends to help find loving adoptive homes for a host of animals in need. We're happy to report that many of our furry friends have landed with new families after being featured as the Patch Pet of the Week on our sites!  So to mark the end of 2011, here's a look back on where some of those animals are now. Readers can also check back each weekend to see the latest pet of the week or follow Animal Friends on its new Patch blog.   For more information on adopting a pet through Animal Friends, contact the adoption desk at 412-847-7002 to arrange a meeting, or visit www.ThinkingOutsideTheCage.…

• Photos (14)

Patch Pet of the Week

Charlene Needs a Relaxing, Forever Home

Charlene needs a forever home with someone who understands her special needs.

Charlene was adopted from Animal Friends many years ago as a healthy young dog. She developed insulin-dependent diabetes earlier this year. Her adopter cared for her until recently, when events in his own life meant he no longer could care for his beloved companion, and he returned her to Animal Friends. Shelter staffers have been caring for Char there, and she has been an excellent resident and patient. She is ready to find her forever home with someone who understands her special needs. Char is 10, but she has aged well. She has matured into a lovely dog who still has plenty of energy for walks and play time, yet she is happy to relax and lounge around in down time. Char did not live with other animals in her previous home, but she has …

• Photos (1)

Patch Pet of the Week

Patch Pets: Meet Happy, Playful Dapple

Animal Friends' humane officers confiscated this gorgeous short-haired white cat due to neglect in a hoarding situation.

Meet Dapple, a gorgeous short-haired white cat with beautiful blue eyes. Animal Friends' humane officers confiscated Dapple due to neglect in a hoarding situation. In spite of the challenges in her life, Dapple is a happy, healthy and very playful girl. Once she knows that she can trust you, Dapple is a perfect mix of playful and affectionate. She loves to be scratched under her chin and on her neck, and she sometimes rolls over for belly scratches. Dapple loves people, dogs, and other cats—especially Damsel, Dainty, and Dervish, the cats who live with her. She loves playing with all cat toys, especially wand toys, toy balls, catnip, scratching posts and laser pointers. Please give beautiful, playful Dapple a second look and ask one of the…

• Photos (1)

Patch Pet of the Week

Patch Pet: Rugby Gives Unconditional Love

At 13 years old, Rugby is enormously enthusiastic and has abundant love to give.

Rugby is a lab/collie mix and the most proper, kind gentleman that you will ever want to meet. He will lay on your lap and give you kisses. He will calmly and patiently walk beside you. Most of all, he will give you unconditional love. At age 13, Rugby never expected that his life would be turned upside down. He loved another family for a long time, but they could no longer keep him. Thankfully, everyone at Animal Friends loves him so much that he quickly acclimated to his new life. Although some people think Rugby is a senior citizen, he has an enormous enthusiasm for life and abundant love to give. As an extra incentive to adopt a pet, adoption fees will be waived throughout the month of October. If you think you could be the perfect …

• Photos (1)

Patch Pet of the Week

Patch Pet: Meet Robyn

This lovable 4-year-old beagle-mix might find her perfect home in Moon Township.

Robyn came to Animal Friends with a sad story. This 4-year-old beagle-mix was found all alone living in a high school parking lot. She is a sweet and loving girl who wants nothing more than to find a forever home where she can learn what it is like to be a cherished canine member of the family. Despite her past, Robyn still loves to be around people. When she arrived at the shelter she had a difficult time adjusting to kennel life and spent time in a foster home. Once she settled in there she loved living the life of a family pet and adjusted very well. She gets along well with other dogs, but it is recommended that she be adopted into a home that doesn't have cats. Robyn was part of an Animal Friends field trip to North Park where her …

• Photos (1)