Studio 47 Portraits hosts successful ‘Pooch Playoffs’ gallery exhibit benefiting Mon Valley Paws

The fun competition was a fundraiser for Mon Valley Paws, a volunteer, nonprofit organization devoted to helping animal rescues and shelters.

For the MVI

Studio 47 Portraits hosted the 2026 Pooch Playoffs Gallery Exhibit on Thursday at the River House Cafe in Charleroi, bringing together pet lovers, community supporters, and local rescue advocates for an evening celebrating dogs while giving back to a meaningful cause.

The event featured gallery-style displays of the 16 dogs photographed for the Pooch Playoffs competition, a bracket-style fundraiser benefiting Mon Valley Paws.

Studio 47 Portraits owner Jennifer Codeluppi takes a photo with Shelly Miller of Donora holding the portrait of her dog, Mamma, at the gallery exhibit. Submitted

During the event, Studio 47 Portraits presented a $1,500 donation to Mon Valley Paws, a volunteer-based nonprofit organization that collects donations and distributes funds and resources annually to local animal rescues throughout the Mon Valley region.

“This event is about more than dog portraits,” said Jennifer Codeluppi, owner of Studio 47 Portraits. “It’s about bringing the community together to support local rescues and the incredible work Mon Valley Paws does for animals in need.”

Mon Valley Paws Director Randall Marino praised the partnership and event experience.

“Speaking on behalf of MVP, we want to thank Jenn selecting us as her charity and the generous donation,” Marino said. “The event was professionally organized and all participants were well satisfied and enjoyed the competition. Mon Valley Paws is honored to partner with Studio 47 Portraits and looking forward to making this an annual event.”

Marino also joined in the fun by enrolling his service dog, Albany, into the competition. Albany, an 8-yearold Lab mix from Monessen, regularly visits schools and nursing homes throughout the Mon Valley area.

“As a dog owner that had a pet entered into the Pooch Playoffs, Jenn worked with us every step of the way in the fun-filled competition, and her professional skills shined,” Marino added.

Albany was ultimately crowned the 2026 “Ulti-Mutt” Cutie Champion after receiving the most votes in the competition.

Shelly Miller of Donora entered her dog, Mamma, in the competition and stopped by the gallery exhibit to view all the portraits on display. Miller said Codeluppi “went above and beyond” and was thankful to be part of the fundraiser. Miller shared that Mamma was found tied to an abandoned home in McKeesport and now has a forever loving home. She was excited to have her dog’s portrait included in the exhibit, showing that abandoned and rescued dogs do have a chance at a wonderful and happy life.

Studio 47 Portraits is a boutique portrait studio specializing in custom family, senior, and pet portrait experiences, creating heirloom-quality artwork for clients throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region.