By Linda Wilson Fuoco / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
May 9, 2015
Old dog flea market
Super Duper Flea Market for the Old Dogs wins my vote for the most unusually named fundraiser, and it benefits a unique cause.
The event is 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. next Saturday at 2828 Broadway Blvd., Monroeville (15146). Proceeds benefit “abandoned senior dogs” who live in the Gray Paws Sanctuary.
You can come to shop or come to sell. Suggested donation is $20 to set up a table, and you can keep your profits or donate your items to Gray Paws and they’ll sell it. (No furniture, please).
Gray Paws Sanctuary is actually the North Versailles home of Darla Poole Brescia and her husband, Joe. They currently share it with eight old dogs. The oldest is Brandy, 16, a white husky/chow mix. She’s been with them since November 2013 when her owner took her to an Ohio shelter to be euthanized rather than have her treated for arthritis and a skin condition.
The Brescias got her the needed veterinary care, and Brandy is happy and doing just fine.
“This is a sanctuary. They will all stay here until they die,” Mrs. Brescia said.
Paying for their care “is entirely dependent on donations and what Joe and I pay out of pocket.” Veterinary bills last year were $5,000.
Why do they do this? The couple just have a soft spot for sweet old dogs, and their mission is to give them love and a safe haven for the last months — or years — of their lives.They get the old dogs from shelters and rescue groups.
They’re looking for property to create a “real” sanctuary where they could help more old dogs. Donations can be mailed to Gray Paws Sanctuary, 211 Arlington Ave., North Versailles, PA 15137. This is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
The next fundraiser is a June 6 golf outing at Rolling Fields in Murrysville. Go to www.facebook.com/GrayPawsSanctuary or graypaws.org for information.
Pet Tales appears weekly in the Saturday Magazine section. Contact Linda Wilson on her Facebook page, lfuoco@post-gazette.com or 412-263-3064.