Galleria of Mt. Lebanon to hold Shop & Adopt a Pet Rescue Event
Susan Castriota will be at The Galleria mall's first Shop & Adopt a Pet Rescue Event slated for noon-6 p.m. Nov. 23. The USC author and illustrator will read and sign copies of her latest book, "Wilson & Bella's Christmas Wish."
Gunner
Belmar
Harley
Lexi
Petey
Chico
Everybody’s waiting for the man with the bag, and it won’t be long as The Galleria of Mt. Lebanon kicks off the 2014 holiday season with Santa’s arrival at 5 p.m. Nov. 20. Just a few days later, jolly ol’ St. Nick will be joined by dogs and possibly a few cats from area rescues at the mall’s first Shop & Adopt a Pet Rescue Event, slated for noon-6 p.m. Nov. 23 on the lower level.
“The event,” said Gina Mercorelli, general manager of The Galleria of Mt. Lebanon, “grew from a single inquiry to a huge holiday happening that has the makings of an annual event.” The mall has held dog events in the past, but Mercorelli said they were AKC-related, and featured pure bred dogs represented by their local dog and kennel club.
Five local animal shelters – event sponsor Animal Rescue League Shelter & Wildlife Center, Angel Ridge Animal Rescue, Western PA Humane Society, Animal Friends and Washington PA Humane Society – will be on hand, showing pets available for adoption and answering questions to help homeless animals find their forever homes. Animals such as Harley, a cat found at a well site who was brough to Angel Ridge by a good samaritan, and Chico, a shepherd mix who was the last dog left in a shelter that was closing. Pet photos with Santa, sponsored by Healthy Pet Products, will take place from 5-6:30 p.m. on the upper level of the mall, and Santa will hand out Naughty/Nice certificates, personalized for each pet and signed by Santa himself, to all pets that stop by to see him. Westminster Pet Ministry will be in attendance, as will Camp Bow Wow and Bone Appetite Barkery. There will also be classes about responsible pet ownership.
In addition, Upper St. Clair award-winning artist and author Susan Castriota will be on hand from 2-4 p.m. to read and sign copies of her newest book about pet adoption, “Wilson & Bella’s Christmas Wish.” Castriota said the book – the sixth in the Wilson’s Wondrous Tails series – teaches children responsibility and compassion.
With Christmas just a few days away, Wilson and Bella receive a note from their feathered friend, Rudy Garland, urging them to help find shelter-bound Holly a foster home. And so the adventure begins as the two sing Christmas songs, feed reindeer, bake Christmas cookies, ice skate and connect with friends on their quest to help Holly.
Wilson, who is 9, will accompany Castriota to the event and Holly, a 12-year-old shepherd/lab mix may also attend. However, 8-year-old Bella, who Castriotta said is the shy one, will wait for them at home.
Castriotta said the book is filled with “charming, vibrant illustrations” and that each page has a tale about the meaning of Christmas – friendship, generosity, hope, togetherness, tradition, celebration and joy. “Children will learn about fostering animals, and how providing a temporary home for a pet alleviates overcrowded shelters and helps to transition a pet into their ‘fur-ever’ home,” said Castriota.
“The Galleria is excited to work with so many rescues to find permanent homes for pets, especially during the holidays,” said Mercorelli. “This event is the perfect blend of community, art and fun.”
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, dogs of all shapes, sizes and ages can be found in a shelter. About 25 percent of those dogs are purebred, with the rest being different one-of-a-kind mixed breeds, most of which already have the basic social skills needed to become a wonderful addition to any family. Many dogs end up in shelters by no fault of their own – a death in the family, illness, divorce, a new baby or a sudden move.
“I can’t think of anything more rewarding than teaching children the joy and rewards of adopting or fostering a pet from a shelter,” said Castriota.
For more information, visit www.galleriapgh.com. A second Pet Photo Night is planned for 5-6 p.m. Dec. 14.