ALL SMILES
Chicora resident Carlee Boltz loves her dog, Cash, a 14-month-old Australian shepherd.
She said the pup's health is important to her, so she decided to bring him to an event Saturday that focuses on health-related issues for dogs.
“They're like family,” said Boltz, 22, of pets.
The third annual Paws for Health on Saturday drew big and small dogs and their owners to DeWalt's Health Food, located at 205 S. Main St. in Butler.
Dogs also had a chance to have their nails trimmed by a professional from a local dog day spa and be blessed by a priest from St. Paul's Catholic Church, while their owners were able to learn about pet health from a variety of vendors.
Donations received at the free dog-centered party benefited Nittany Greyhounds, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of retired racing greyhounds and placing them into responsible, loving homes.
Martha Steckel of Nittany Greyhounds gave her dog, Teddy, a 7-year-old fawn greyhound, a pat.
She has owned him for about three years, which is the same amount of time he has been retired from racing. She has two other greyhounds at home.
People usually think greyhounds are hyper and have coarse fur, Steckel said.
However, they are soft, quiet dogs that can be described as a “45 mph couch potato,” she said.
Events such as Paws for Health benefit the organization by raising awareness, boosting education and adoption efforts, and also help to pay for medical expenses and transportation, she said.
Jackie Irwin of Nordic Naturals provided information about Omega-3 nutrients, a fatty acid found in fish oil.
The benefits of Omega-3 for pets are identical to those for humans, Irwin said.
Omega-3s are not produced by the body, so dogs and cats must obtain them through their diet or supplements, she said.
The nutrient supports a pet's brain development, joint health and eye development, which are among the benefits, she said,
“As they age, the Omega-3 will help,” Irwin said.
Irwin recommends people also give their dogs high-quality dog food and exercise, she said.
