OHIO TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- The Fourth of July holiday is one of the busiest times of the year for lost dogs at
the Animal Friends shelter in Ohio Township, Allegheny County.
WTAE Channel 4's Ari Hait reported that vacations, open windows, outdoor activities and the loud noises of fireworks often result in pets running away from their homes, and many of them may be euthanized at shelters if they can't be reunited with their owners.
Nineteen such dogs were saved from that fate on Wednesday morning, as Animal Friends held its second annual "Liberation Day" rescue. The animals arrived from shelters around the Pittsburgh area.
"These are pets that would be facing euthanasia if we didn't go in and rescue them and give them a second chance," said Jolene Miklas, of Animal Friends.
Related Video - July Fourth Fireworks Dazzle Downtown PittsburghAnd every second chance comes with a new name. Animal Friends is working with
Operation Troop Appreciation to name the rescued dogs after Pennsylvania soldiers who were killed in the line of duty.
Each pup was also given a physical exam and a quick bath. Barring any unforeseen problems, they will be available Saturday to be reunited with their previous owners or for adoption into a new home.
"It feels amazing," volunteer Erin Butkovic said. "It's wonderful to be able to see these animals come in here, get rehabilitated and get re-homed."
As much fun as the Animal Friends folks have on Liberation Day, they also say there's an easy way to make sure they don't have to do it any more. Tags that show a pet's name, address and owner's phone number should be put on the dog's collar, so the animal can come home if it gets lost.
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