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Animal Friends of Westmoreland
Set to Open Shelter
By Karen Fetter
Plans are in the works to
create a no-kill animal shelter in Youngwood, PA
thanks to efforts of Animal Friends of
Westmoreland founder and President Candy
Valentino of Platinum Salon & Spa.
It was less than two years ago that Candy began
the research behind the shelter and now with the
help of volunteers and donations, Candy is
looking forward to a grand opening this year.
“I’ve always had a love for animals. The
unconditional love that they offer is like that
of no other. They are such helpless creatures
and need people like us to speak for them,” said
Candy.
The location is set to be on Depot and 3rd
Street in Youngwood. The building chosen
is 8,500 square feet and has two stories.
Candy donated the building to the organization
and is trying to raise money to remodel it to
fit the use of a shelter.
Candy Valentino’s goal is to utilize traditional
as well as non-traditional fundraising to keep
the shelter self-sustaining. She plans to
do this by selling services and products to
customers at the shelter such as pet grooming,
veterinarian services, and pet supplies.
In addition to these plans, Candy has set the
fundraising and event calendar for the year
which includes Animal Friends of Westmoreland’s
2nd Annual Tees ‘n Tails golf outing in the
summer and their 3rd Annual Black Tie & Tails
event in October. However, their current
fundraiser is a pet calendar that Candy created
with images from local dogs and cats that were
submitted from their owners. These
calendars are currently available to purchase by
calling The Animal Friends of Westmoreland at
724-925-2555.
Candy plans to have a groundbreaking ceremony in
March 2008. However, she still needs an
additional $25,000 to complete the remodeling of
the building. The organization is
accepting donations, but would also greatly
benefit from individuals with carpentry or trade
skills that can donate their time and knowledge
for the renovation project.
The Animal Friends of Westmoreland is also
looking for dedicated volunteers and workers
that can help the get the shelter started and
ready to operate after the renovation process is
complete. Candy says they need people to
help clean cages, walk animals, do
administrative work, and to be on the board for
The Animals Friends of Westmoreland.
Another way people can help with the shelter is
through sponsorship opportunities ranging from
$250.00 to $5,000. People or businesses
can sponsor a pet cage, room, or wing on the
newly renovated building. Each sponsor
will have his or her name permanently displayed
at the shelter for years to come.
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“I’ve been very blessed
to have people in my life who will help and
support this cause,” said Candy. One dog
in particular changed Candy’s life forever and
has turned her in the direction of trying to
save other animals. Seven years ago she
rescued a blind dog that she named Puddles.
“Puddles made me see life through her eyes and
it was amazing how much I learned,” said Candy.
The dog was missing one eye and many people
didn’t see her for what she was, but Candy did.
“Dogs don’t judge you, and they accept you for
who you are.” Though puddles passed away
in 2005, Candy has since rescued 3 rescued
Chihuahuas named Gucci, Louie, and Armani.
Despite not having a physical location, Animal
Friends of Westmoreland has been saving animals’
lives for over a year and a half. Along with
volunteers, Candy tries to keep watch on the
status of dogs that are placed in other
shelters, strays and animals that need
placement. Often kill-shelters only hold
dogs for a 24-48 hour period and then they are
put down. The time frame may be longer if
the shelter is not full. Candy explains
that these type of kill-shelters look out for
pet control more than for the animal’s well
being. She makes phone calls, uses word of
mouth, and tries to find that pet a foster or
forever home.
Candy is not only working on plans for the
shelter, but she is also the owner of Platinum
Salon Spa in Youngwood and is a real estate
agent, both of which she feels has helped her
take on this new venture. As an agent she
was able to find the available building, but was
uncertain at first what could be done with it.
But as she was driving home from work at the
salon it occurred to her that instead of saving
one dog at a time she could use this building as
a shelter to save hundreds all year long.
With her professions, Candy gets meet a wide
variety of people every day, helping her spread
the word about animals in need of a home.
In this way, all of her careers are woven
together. Furthermore,
Candy also serves as the President of the
Youngwood Business Association and plans to have
a community workday where people volunteer their
time to the community.
Anyone who is interested in supporting Animals
of Westmoreland should contact Candy Valentine
at 724-925-2555 or email at
cvalentino@platinumsalonspa.com.
Support Animal Friends of Westmoreland
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