We need help! Update on latest pet food drive, whistle kits, and Protect Trans Kids projects

The past few months have been a whirlwind as we’ve deftly moved from whistle kits to an urgent need to relocate the pantry, then came a rescue by a generous neighbor, and tried very hard to get Gertie running. In the midst of this frantic pace, our supply of pet food ran low while demand […]

Remember Everything

Gertie Goes Viral on WTAE, WPXI, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

We are very pleased to have had media coverage of our pet food pantry (and Gertie!) during a tough time. Please take a look. Local journalism is so important.

After Five Years, Today I Held My Cat Spencer Cassadine for the First Time

Black cats

Spencer came into my life with great reluctance and a lot of fear in March 2021. I trapped him, his brother, and their mother on the Northside. His mother, Helena Cassadine, was a shy little thing who was gorgeous. Stefano DiMera is a friendly, sweet cat with a ginormous personality that belies his teeny little […]

Pittsburgh Pet Food Pantry Closes After Landlord Intimidates Volunteer About Housing Security – Part One and Two

This has been a nightmare. The landlord of the space where we store the food for the Dr. John P. Ruffing VMD Pet Food Pantry has forced our hand. We have to remove all of our items by Wednesday, June 17. We’ve been storing the food in the actual second floor pantry of a volunteer’s […]

Our pet food pantry is so much busier now, we really need your help

This past weekend was our first delivery to seven local food distros. We sent five small bags of dry cat food and five small bags of dry dog food to each disto – 70 bags total. Based on preliminary feedback, Braddock will need an additional 10 bags each month. Each distro is collecting information on […]

Mayday, mayday, mayday. We need pet food, whistle kit makers.

This is actually quite urgent so please read. During the month of April, 30 new households registered with the Dr. John P. Ruffing VMD Pet Food Pantry. We also forged a partnership with the food bistro in Homewood to provide pet food for 12 of their families. Last night, I learned that two other food […]

“Is she in the shittier?” And other things women say.

Over the weekend, I attended an event staffed by dozens of volunteers, mostly women. As things wrapped up, one woman was looking for another specific person. She was standing with her legs firmly planted to support her frame as she sorted through something or another on the table in front of her, a pair of […]

Her Name was Charlie: the Kitten Who Died Suddenly

We are not a rescue, but we still end up with random cats that we try to help. Carl was adopted by a volunteer. Archimedes was adopted by other volunteers and a board member. Peyton was adopted by Marie. We have one kitten we are fostering (sort of) for a bit to help someone out. […]

Successful winter cat shelter workshop builds community while helping caretakers

We had great time yesterday at the Betty White’s Birthday Winter Cat Shelter Workshop, Over 20 neighbors got together at Allegheny City Brewing on the Northside. Owner Amy donated the space and provided complimentary beverages. Nearby Bistro-to-Go sent coffee (January weather) and cheesecake bites (Betty White reference.) The good news outcome – we collectively made […]