First in-person ‘Woofstock’ benefits Washington Area Humane Society
Harry Funk/Observer-Reporter
Laura Castaneda enjoys a day out with Dexter.
Harry Funk/Observer-Reporter
P.J. Dixon and Amber Leddy take a measurement during Woofstock’s Longest Tail contest. Two dogs tied for the lead at 22 inches.
Harry Funk/The Almanac
Robert Pennington and Ghost take a break in the shade.
Harry Funk/Observer-Reporter
Susan Duffy attends Woofstock with rescue dog Eva.
Harry Funk/Observer-Reporter
A couple of canine cuties enjoy Woofstock.
Harry Funk/Observer-Reporter
Joyce Donovan named her dog after singer Etta James.
Harry Funk/The Almanac
Paul Kazior, left, and Dave Balzama perform with the Ruff House Band.
Harry Funk/The Almanac
Rianna Seighman spends quality time with Willow.
What better entertainment than a band named Ruff House for an event called Woofstock?
Members of the group donated their time and talents for a sizzling set at Mingo Creek County Park, the site of Sunday’s dog-and-human show, so to speak, for the benefit of the Washington Area Humane Society.
Harry Funk/Observer-Reporter
Harry Funk/Observer-Reporter
Lacey Thurner performs with the Ruff House Band.
“This is the first year for an in-person event,” Taylor Duda, the society’s assistant director of community engagement, said. “Last year, we attempted to do it. Everything was canceled.”
A virtual version did take place, but that was no match for this year’s day of fun in Nottingham Township.
Oh, and some colorful birds joined the festivities, thanks to Heart and Soul Parrot Rescue of West Mifflin.
The event featured contests for canines, an agility course and scent trail, more than 30 local pet vendors, food and dessert trucks, and Adoption Row.
“They’re getting treats and getting petted, and hopefully finding some homes,” Duda said.
Woofstock’s fundraising goal was $25,000, and she reported that as of Sunday morning, $20,000 had been pledged toward the humane society’s caring for animals at its 10,000-square-foot no-kill shelter in North Strabane Township.
“We are completely reopened to the public. Anyone can come up and look at dogs, look at cats and do adoptions,” she said. “We’re excited to welcome people back and see faces.”
For more information, visit www.washingtonpashelter.org.
Harry Funk/Observer-Reporter
Harry Funk/Observer-Reporter
Bill Minner and Ruffles, a macaw, attend Woofstock with Heart and Soul Parrot Rescue.