Mon Valley Paws — new name, but still helping animals
By Taylor Brown
tbrown@yourmvi.com
You don’t have to have a four-legged friend to be an advocate for animals in need.
Mon Valley Paws, a local nonprofit organization, will host its first official event next month.
Incorporated last year in the midst of the pandemic, the organization has deep roots advocating for animals in the area.
Formerly known as PuppyUp Monessen, a branch of a national foundation that raised money for cancer research in dogs and educated their owners of warning signs of the disease in their pets, Mon Valley Paws was born from a passion to extend love, compassion and comfort to pets and their owners in need.
President Randy Marino served as the director of the Monessen PuppyUp Walk for years before the group branched out on its own in 2020.
Marino lost his own pup to cancer and has felt a calling to help.
Though PuppyUp raised money for a good cause, the pandemic offered a unique opportunity to expand its outreach and rebrand as a stand-alone organization.
With more than a year of planning, the group is now ready to welcome friends, furry participants and guests to its first event, which will help three different organizations.
Of all funds raised from the upcoming event and other fundraisers, 50% will go to Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs.
Guardian Angels, based in Florida, trains medical service dogs to mitigate challenges for veterans, including post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, seizures, glucose imbalance and mobility issues.
Other money raised by the group will be split between two initiatives, the Mon Valley Paws Shelter and Rescue Grant and the Mon Valley Paws Senior Citizens Grant programs.
The shelter and rescue grant helps supply food for pets to families in need, with support from Pet Supplies Plus in Rostraver Township and other community donors. Since its inception, more than 3,000 pounds of food have been donated to area shelters and families.
The senior citizens grant helps older residents care for their furry loved ones.
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