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.
Ive 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 Valentinos 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 Westmorelands 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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Ive been very blessed to have people in my life who will help and support
this cause, said Candy. One dog in particular changed Candys 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 didnt
see her for what she was, but Candy did. Dogs dont 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 animals 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
Contact Candy at 724-925-2555 or email at
cvalentino@platinumsalonspa.com
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