Animal Lifeline Pittsburgh

07/30/2025

In March of this year, we unexpectedly lost our dear friend, volunteer and foster dad, Steve Angus. His loss has been overwhelming to all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him. Steve was just the most genuine, unforgettable and caring man I had the pleasure of knowing and we felt so lucky to have him and his wife Robin, as part of our organization.
Over the years, Steve had cared for so many of our most broken dogs and each were healed and mended by his gentle hand and his never wavering patience.
It was if the quote “We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals" (Robert Kant), was written for Steve. He was a wonderful man with a the biggest and most caring and beautiful heart.

In Steve’s memory, his wife Robin donated the very generous proceeds from the sale of Steve’s many electric bikes with an additional 100% match to Animal Lifeline Pittsburgh. This will help greatly in our mission to help other pets in need.
Steve will live on in our hearts and in the souls of all of the dogs he has saved.

07/27/2025

Apply to foster at www.animallifelinepgh.org

07/27/2025

The Bagels Bites (chiweenies) are listed and ready to start accepting applications (Ready to go home after Aug 3rd). You can learn more about each individually by visiting and applying on our adoption page at www.animallifelinepgh.org

We are a 501c3, all volunteer non-profit who relies solely on donations to continue our mission.
Animal Lifeline Pittsburgh
PO Box 18308
Pittsburgh PA 15236

kennel license 16824

07/26/2025

07/25/2025

Look who got his stitches out?!?! He is doing so good now and is almost ready to find his happy forever 🩷

07/25/2025

Virginias Babies will be ready to find their forever homes soon. Keep an eye on our page if you are interested in the absolute cutest Lab mix babies! Www.animallifelinepgh.org

07/25/2025

This is such a great event. Stop by to see what they have going on.

07/25/2025

Establishing a relationship and trust with a newly adopted dog can take time and patience. Not every dog is the same and most we don't know their backgrounds, so we always recommend going slow.

Sharing this funny (but true) take on adopting a pet :)

Adopting a pet? Congrats! You've just picked someone up in your car who isn't great at communicating, just got out of a tough situation, and isn't sure if they trust you yet. Sound familiar? That's because the first three days with a new pet are basically a 72-hour first date.

It's exciting, it's awkward, and it's definitely not the time to start planning your holiday cards or giving them a bubble bath.

No judgment, but some of y'all might need a quick refresher on first-date etiquette. So here's your official guide to early red flags (from you, not them).

🚩 Leaving them unattended like it's no big deal
Imagine showing up to a blind date and immediately getting ditched at a party where you know no one. That's how your pet feels when they're left alone right away.

Bottom line: Don't ghost your new pet. It's day one. Stick close.

🚩 Being too handsy
They're cute. You're smitten. But this isn't the moment for kisses, cuddles, or TikToks with voiceovers. You just met. They don't know your intentions yet.

This isn't a fling; it's the start of something real. Let them come to you. (Consent matters, even in pet parenting.)

🚩 Introducing them to your entire cast of characters
You ever meet someone and they immediately want you to meet their mom? Yikes.

Your pet doesn't need to meet your whole social circle (or animal crew) right away. Let them settle in, one face at a time. Save the group hangs for later.

🚩 Giving them a bath
You wouldn't give someone you just met a bath, and if you would… we don't want to talk about this anymore.

Yes, shelter pets can be a little stinky. But baths are a lot. They're wet, stressful, and weirdly intimate for a pet who doesn't even know your hobbies yet. Leave a few bowls of white vinegar out around the house to absorb odors and give them time to decompress before sudsing them up.

🚩 Taking them on a spontaneous adventure
You are not on The Bachelor. No one wants a surprise helicopter ride on day one.

Keep things calm and close to home. No breweries, dog parks, or road trips. Your pet's just trying to figure out which room has the snacks, don't make them learn a whole new location yet.

🚩 Expecting instant love
Some folks swipe right, go on one date, and expect sparks to fly immediately. The same energy applies to new pet parents who expect instant attachment.

Sometimes it does happen, but more often, it's a slow burn. They might hide under the bed, bark at the fridge, or side-eye you for three days straight. It doesn't mean it's not working. It just means you're still getting to know each other.

💘 The Bottom Line: Love doesn't always strike like lightning. Sometimes, it starts with awkward silences, side-eyes, and mutually agreeing that you won't make any sudden moves. But give it time, stay patient, and keep showing up, and you just might find yourself in the best relationship of your life.

07/24/2025

Where’s our Boston Terrier people??