Great Nonprofits

Allison Park, PA

North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO) located in Millvale was there to help those devastated by the floods that nearly destroyed their community several years ago. NHCO has not yet tired in its quest to help those in need-- even old dogs! As I surfed the web I came across a wonderful volunteer, Maria Christina, via her link on the Animal Friends website trying to honor the dying wish of a transient woman Maria purposed to help. That wish was to keep "Midnight Blue", the dog owned by that transient,-- her one and only companion in life & the only soul that stayed faithfully by her side when everyone else shunned her-- alive. I saw Blue and he looked pitiful. Who'd adopt this near-death, depressed, underweight, lame, tumor-filled 14 year old? ME! I drove from Sewickley Heights to pick up Blue from a dear woman in the South Hills who had him for only 80 hours before realizing she couldn not keep him. I immmediately took Blue to Dr. Maro, my Holistic Vet up in Chippewa, where he had a full work up and holistic therapies and was found to be in fine shape even though he was about 110 in people years! Several days later and 24/7 at my side, Blue realized he wasn't going to move again and began to perk up. He had surgery and continues therapies and is now very active, very handsome, very funny, very much loved and very SPOILED! He travels with me to friends' houses and makes himself at-home and endearing. My expectations with NHCO & Animal Friends was FAR EXCEEDED!!! I wanted info and ended up with a love story. When NHCO gave its word it was kept and it met the needs of the community in ways that go beyond paperwork. Maria kept her promise to someone who died for something that can't even speak for itself. Who'd have ever noticed if NHCO gave the body of the transient woman to the coronor and put the dog down? Only Maria's own heart would know. That's why I know NHCO is a GREAT non-profit. At her own expense, Maria provided for Blue's care because his "first mom" trusted Maria would do so. Now Maria can say "mission accomplished" because Blue has a loving home, a wonderful Vet, lots of chewies, an oversized stuffed featherdown chair and blankie from which to watch TV while waiting for one of his homecooked meals to be served. He's my ol' boy and I know Blue knows I'm his new mommy. THANK YOU NHCO!