Christmas arrives early for rescued pups in White Oak

By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com

Christmas came early Saturday for a pack of rescued dogs in White Oak.
Three brothers — Chase and Ty Kretzler and Presley Buttermore, all students of the Quaker Valley School District — gave up their own Christmas presents from their aunt Katie Comisak to make sure the dogs at Dolly’s Dogs of Paws Across Pittsburgh have a merry and bright holiday season.
Many of the pooches at Dolly’s Dogs live with disabilities.
But, under the care of Diane Raible, who runs the Dolly’s Dogs nonprofit rescue, foster and adoption agency, the canines have been given new life and an opportunity to prove that they are not defined solely by their disabilities or health conditions.
Katie, a Saltsburg resident who learned about Paws Across Pittsburgh and Dolly’s Dogs via social media, thinks Raible is “an Angel.”
And Raible’s care of the animals inspired Katie to come up with a creative way to show her nephews that “giving is better than receiving,” while also treating the dogs at Dolly’s to a Christmas extravaganza.
The many dogs at Raible’s White Oak home jumped, panted, barked and pranced with joy Saturday as Katie and her nephews entered their play area with large Christmas-themed bags and boxes trimmed with beautiful bows.
And pooches like Alia, a pointer mix that was rescued from Armenia and has a muscle condition in one of her hind legs, were filled with joy as they got to squeak and chew Christmas-themed toys, such as a stuffed Santa, a shark wrapped in Christmas lights and wearing a Santa hat, and a giant cinnamon roll topped with holly.
Naomi, a treeing-walker coonhound who had to have her back legs amputated after suffering negative side effects from heart worm treatments, proved her love for squeaky toys as she quickly darted around the room ensuring she got a chance to squeak each and every toy, stuffed or rubber.
Dolly, for whom the rescue is named, found more joy in scooting around the room to greet and score a rub behind the ears from each visitor.
“She’s a social butterfly,” Diane said of Dolly.
The family also brought supplies like puppy pads and dog treats, as well as diapers because some of the dogs that have had their hind legs amputated or, like Dolly, don’t have use of their hind legs and use a wheelchair, require diapers.
“I found her rescue and was amazed and wanted to help because you don’t see a rescue that helps dogs like this and that gives them a chance,” Katie said.
“I wanted to do something where they felt like they were giving back, she said of her nephews. “I feel like Christmas is a time for giving, not really for receiving, so I wanted to do something for the animals. They don’t have a voice, and I just thought it would be something we could do together as a family.”
Presley, who at 7 years old is the youngest of the three brothers, found great joy in playing with a gaggle of seven shepherd/terrier mix puppies that were scurrying around the basement, getting a chance to socialize with people and other dogs before they get picked up for adoption.
Raible said she makes it clear to those adopting puppies in the days and weeks leading up to the Christmas holiday that “puppies are not Christmas presents.”
She said puppies are living, breathing beings that require looking after, special care at times and love,among other things.
She has a strict policy of denying any requests to “hold” a puppy for adoption until Christmas Eve or Christmas.
But Raible said puppies, and the other dogs at Dolly’s Dogs, need plenty of playtime and a chance to socialize with adults, children and other animals.
Plus, they love dog toys.
That’s why she was enthused to give the pups a chance to play with the family and the other dogs Saturday.
And she admits that all the extra playtime Saturday meant the dogs would sleep well.
“I think they’ll be done after this,” Raible said with a laugh as the puppies one by one cuddled up and took a nap.
“Thank you guys so much for being so generous,” Raible said to the family. “It really means a lot.”
Chase, who was joined by his girlfriend Brooke Chisholm, said playing with the puppies was “heartwarming” and made him feel happy.
“I feel great because I love dogs,” Chase said. “The more I’ve seen, it just makes me feel happier. I just love seeing the dogs and that someone is caring for these dogs.”
“Dogs need the same things we do,” Ty said. “Dogs need love. We need love. We need presents. Dogs need presents.”
“The love animals just like I do,” Katie said of her nephews. “They have huge hearts, each of these boys.
“This was a great idea. I asked them if they want to do it again next year and they said yeah.”
“What an amazing day,” Raible said. “What makes this extra special, instead of receiving presents this year, these guys decided to donate what they would receive for gifts to Dolly’s Dogs. … They were all so excited and enjoyed the day a lot! Special thanks for such a heartwarming gesture.”
To learn more about Dolly’s Dogs, visit the Dolly’s Dogs at Paws Across Pittsburgh Facebook page. To learn more about how to donate to or volunteer for Dolly’s Dogs or Paws Across Pittsburgh go to www.pawsacrosspittsburgh.com, where information about how to become a foster parent can also be found.

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