South Hills Pet Rescue saves abandoned dogs
When dogs were found in deplorable conditions in September, South Hills Pet Rescue was there to help get them on the road to recovery.
Cynthia Hogan, the organization’s executive director, said that the first pair of dogs they brought in came after West Mifflin police were called to Mon View Heights Apartments in early September.
Officers contacted South Hills Pet Rescue to help. A 2-year-old husky named Nika had given birth, though there were no puppies. Along with Nika, there was also Sonic the pit bull.
“He was probably the sire for the puppies,” Hogan said. “People will mate dogs, sell the puppies and abandon the parents. And that seems to be the case here.”
Later in September the rescue was contacted by Pitcairn Borough police concerning two pit bulls, now named Starsky and Hutch.
Hogan said the two are brothers, and were found abandoned in a cellar.
According to a press release from South Hills Pet Rescue, they were discovered by contractors performing maintenance on the building. Due to their desperate situation, Starsky had attacked Hutch.
“Both dogs were brought to the rescue,” Hogan said.
The dogs continue to undergo veterinarian care and rehabilitation. Hogan said Nika was malnourished and required small liquid meals, and has started to put on weight.
South Hills Pet Rescue is located at 15 Old Route 88, South Park.
The rescue was founded in 2013 by Ashley Rittle and Nick Ferraro. Hogan estimates they help between 300 and 600 dogs every year. They currently have about 60 dogs at their facility.
“We also adopt dogs out pretty regularly. We try to keep as many as we can at any given time,” Hogan said.
Hogan says South Hills Pet Rescue is currently in “dire need” of donations after a parvovirus outbreak among its dogs. They are also always looking for volunteers for special events, as well as for activities like walking dogs.
Those interested in donating or volunteering can visit their website southhillspetrescue.org. The website also provides a list of currently adoptable dogs along with a link to apply for adoption.
The rescue estimates most dogs in their rehab and training program are ready for adoption within three to six months.
They hope Starsky and Hutch will be ready for their new homes by early spring.