Pet owners love their ‘angels in disguise’
Animals can bring laughter to a home, and they seem to recognize when their humans need an emotional lift.
Dogs have always been a big part of McKeesport resident Dan Schlegel’s life.
“I know I am looking at the eyes of a saint,” the 70-yearold veteran said of his current collection of pets — two new dogs and seven cats — with emotion apparent in his voice. “I know they are angels in disguise. They saved my life in the sense of spirit and love.”
Like many Mon Valley residents, Schlegel has had a lifetime of heartwarming experiences with pets, often aided by organizations such as Animal Friends that recognize how animals can become treasured family members.
Schlegel has had a dog since he was 6 years old. When he was a young soldier in Vietnam in 1970 and 1971, he adopted a dog, named it Wonder and was upset that he couldn’t bring Wonder back home when his tour was over. Wonder went everywhere with him.
He later adopted Misty, an Irish wolfhound, and BB, a Belgian sheepdog, from Animal Friends, where he volunteered for more than a decade at its former shelter in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. He would run to the shelter on his short lunch breaks, walk some dogs and rush back to work.
Veterans like Schlegel qualify for discounted veterinary care, assistance with pet food and free adoptions through Animal Friends, a safe haven for homeless or abandoned animals now located on Camp Horne Road with a wellness center that addresses physical and behavioral needs. They can work with a trainer to assess the veterans unique needs.
Pets have an incredible ability to lift our spirits and bring joy to our lives. They often surprise us with their playful antics and unique personalities, making us laugh and smile even when we’re feeling down. Their innocence and curiosity about the world can remind us to find joy in simple things.
On a hot sunny Friday afternoon, West Mifflin resident Ashley Fey waited in line at the Agape Center for pet food assistance. The line stretched beyond the sidewalk and past the building’s entrance. The grateful recipients waited patiently and thanked the volunteers as they left.
Volunteers greeted everyone and asked how many pets, what kinds, and if they were on a special diet. There was a box of collars in the grass to take if anybody needed one. Some people were given toys for their pets as well.
Inheriting two cats from her late aunt brought Fey comfort and connection, she said.
“They mean the world to me; they’re my family and like my kids!” Fey declared, her eyes lighting up.
Like many others, she found support through the food assistance programs at the McKeesport Agape Center, ensuring her beloved pets are well fed and happy.
“It really helps a lot,” Fey said, referencing the free food at Agape. “My dog had passed away, and my family was looking for another dog. When we went to pick her up, she was covered in fleas inside a little milk crate in the back of a van, and my dad was like I wish I had the money to take them all.”
So they agreed to give Tyann a better life.
“She’s my little flea ball,” she said.
Fey smiled when talking about her furry friends, “You can leave literally for two seconds into the back yard and as soon as you come back in it’s as if you’ve been gone for years. They’re jumping all over you.”
Fey understands the deep bond shared with her furry friends. “Animals feel when you’re down,” she said, acknowledging the empathy and love animals brought into their lives.
Pets also teach us about responsibility and compassion. Caring for a pet requires time, effort and dedication while helping us develop routines and a sense of purpose. In return, we are rewarded with their trust and affection, which deepens our bond with them.
Patrice Sherrill of Wilmerding and her 10-year-old daughter Aminah are also big animal lovers. They have three cats: Luke, Goldie and Luna. They also are taking care of a stray kitten, Orea, who was named by Aminah. Luke disappeared one day and they don’t know what happened to him.
“They’re like family to us, we love them.” Patrice said. “We have one that acts crazy, but it’s OK. She’s a kitten.”
The playful antics of the young kitten Luna bring joy and laughter to their home, reinforcing the emotional support that pets provide.
“They’re special to us,” Patrice added. “I’m sure other people would say the same about their pets, too.”
“They scratch a lot,” said Aminah, who must play with the 4-month-old Luna a lot because she had dozens of small scratches on her hands, arms and a few on her face.
“Luna is really playful, but she doesn’t know when to stop,” Patrice said, adding that Luna also likes being cuddled and held.
“She likes to lay under you and she doesn’t like to sleep unless she’s touching somebody,” Patrice said.
“She likes when I rub her tummy,” Aminah said.
“And her chin,” Patrice said, “she’s an attention hog!”
“Goldie purrs on me and Luna stood behind me one day with her legs on my shoulders and started meowing,” said Aminah excitedly.
“It was like she was hugging her,” Patrice interjected.
“They’re definitely emotional support. They understand, and when you’re sick, they are close by,” Patrice added.
One of the most profound reasons people love their pets is the unwavering loyalty they provide. Whether it’s a dog wagging its tail excitedly when you walk through the door, a cat curling up beside you on a rainy day or a bird singing its heart out as you start your morning, pets have a unique way of making us feel loved and appreciated. Their presence is a comforting reminder that we are never alone, even on the toughest days.
Randy Marino, a retired educator from Monessen, takes his therapy dog, Albany, to mental health care facilities and nursing homes, but her favorite place to visit is the Mon Valley YMCA child care program. Albany went through special therapy training at Animal Friends.
“Oh man, Albany loves kids!” Marino stated, “ When we hit the YMCA parking lot I gotta be ready to move because she wants inside!”
Therapy pets visits are very beneficial.
“They reduce stress levels, they ease depression and lower blood pressure.” Marino said. “All dogs are therapy dogs to their owners, but some wear a vest.”
Jennifer McCalla of West Mifflin is a photographer and a dog enthusiast. She is a member of Tube City Writers, a program of the McKeesport Community Newsroom, an initiative of the Center for Media Innovation at Point Park University.
This story was first read at the fifth annual Tube City Writers Live at the Carnegie Library of McKeesport on July 31.