THANK YOU, PENNSYLVANIA!

"Love for animals obviously is the driving force behind the Action for Animals Humane Society. The emotion was evident Friday evening at the group's third annual "Love Is in the Air" event at Latrobe Country Club.

An hors d'oeuvres and dessert reception with silent auction preceded a talk by Nadine M. Rosin of Tucson, author of "The Healing Art of Pet Parenthood."

Rosin's long resume includes being a holistic bodywork practitioner trained in BioTouch, deep tissue massage, reflexology and zone therapy; an ordained nondenominational minister; and an artist. She says her most rewarding experience has been as a pet parent.

The book tells the story of life with her beloved cockapoo-terrier Buttons; Buttons' cancer diagnosis at age 8; and the holistic healing approach Rosin used to effect a cure that led to an additional 11 years of life for the spunky canine.

She said another purpose in her writing the book was to offer "comfort, camaraderie and validation" to those going through the grieving process after losing a pet.

Action for Animals board president Kathy Newill apprised the audience of the shelter's ongoing work and upcoming events, including a March 28 cash bash, the yearly Auction for the Animals on May 15 and the Walk for the Animals in September.

"Our shelter is always full," Newill said. "But we're seeing more people having trouble keeping their pets in their homes because of this economic downturn."

She said Action for Animals is responding with an outreach program that includes providing food and vaccinations to aid people in providing homes for their pets. The creation of a pet food bank also is being discussed.

Board members at Friday's gathering included Bernadette Braszo, Rita Whiteman, Laura Guskiewicz, Joanne Bergquist, Dr. Hank Croft Jr. and Gretchen Kuhns.

Among the animal lovers were Dr. Mike and Terry Zorch, Eric and Michele Bononi, Wendy Anton, June Anton, Bea Conn, Paula Maloney, Peg Seabol, Regis and Christine Tomsey, Erick Bergquist and Tina McDowell."

-- Shirley McMarlin