New Castle News

Breaking News

Local News

Related Photos

  • The way it’s supposed to be done: Reggie makes the jump. Sam Luptak Jr.

    06.jpg

Related Links

Discussion

October 29, 2012

Photo Gallery, Story: Organization battling canine cancer holds first fundraising walk

Sam Luptak Jr. New Castle News

NEW CASTLE — Dozens of dogs and their owners turned out Saturday morning to help battle canine cancer.

Some of the hardier souls and their pets participating in the 2 Million Dogs Puppy Up! Walk took a two-mile stroll outside in the rain and dropping temperatures. Others chose to do their laps inside, but either way, they all accomplished the same thing — raising money and awareness of a disease that strikes between 4 and 8 million companion animals each year, according to the 2 Million Dogs’ website. Most of those animals, the website says, never receive adequate care or treatment.

The Puppy Up! walk — the first to be held locally —  took place  at the Y-Zone in Neshannock Township. Dozens of dogs and their owners participated in the day-long event, which also included agility contests and demonstrations, vendors, food, a DJ, demonstrations by a police dog and a host of other activities aimed at the canines and those who love them.

Organizer Micki Handte was ecstatic for the turnout, especially in light of the inclement weather. She explained that 2 Million Dogs began when Luke Robinson walked with his dogs more than 2,000 miles, from Austin, Texas, to Boston to raise awareness of canine cancer. During that walk, he determined that if he and his dogs could walk 2,000 miles, then he should be able to inspire 2 million people to walk their dogs two miles to do the same nationwide. The group grows toward that goal each year.

Deanna Nocera, a New Castle resident and local attorney, walked with her dog, Zoey, who is just the type of dog that this activity benefits.

Zoey began limping five months ago, Nocera said, and “We thought it was a torn ligament.”

After several vet visits, and rounds of X-rays, Nocera received the devastating news.

Zoey had osteo-sarcoma, or bone cancer. The dog’s right leg was amputated and she began chemotherapy.

“I had never heard of cancer in dogs,” Nocera said. “I was fortunate enough to be able to do all this. I feel horrible for those who are not able to afford to do it.”

In spite of the cost, Nocera never questioned the value or worth of all that has gone into saving Zoey’s life.

“She is still happy, healthy and playful,” Nocera said. “She exhibits no signs of being sick. She is very loyal. She is not suffering.

“I am thankful for every day with her. She is my best friend and owns a very big piece of my heart.”

Handte, who also lost two dogs to canine cancer, noted that the money raised from these events helps to fund studies that are searching not only for the cure, but causes of cancer.

“Why do dogs get the same cancers as humans?” she said. “The goal is preventing cancer in human and canine alike.”

(Email: ncliving@ncnewsonline.com)

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Local News
  • Gibbs.jpg Making a Difference: For Reatha Gibbs, making money comes in a distant second to serving God

    How many times have you been offered a raise, only to turn it down? Never, maybe? Reatha Gibbs has — on more than one occasion, in fact. And she says she will do it again if the opportunity — and the need — present themselves.

    June 17, 2013 1 Photo

  • 01.jpg Father’s Day 2013: With Dad turning 90, Presnars wade through streams of special fishing memories

    When John Presnar was born in New Castle in 1923, few could have guessed that 90 years later, he’d still be fishing for trout in local streams. Even fewer would have imagined that John’s two sons, Mark and John Jr., would accompany him each opening day for the past 50 years.

    June 16, 2013 2 Photos

  • Soni1.jpg Soni’s Season: Neshannock grad reflects on playing major college baseball

    It was late afternoon Monday by the time the Sansones embarked on their bittersweet drive to New Castle. Florida State second baseman John Sansone had just completed his exit interviews with coaches following the previous day’s loss to Indiana, the Cinderella team that eliminated the vaunted Seminoles — on their home turf, no less — from an NCAA Super Regional.

    June 15, 2013 2 Photos

  • Ted_2.jpg One of county’s oldest veterans still on a mission

    Life’s been a fascinating ride for Theodore “Ted” Adamczyk, one of Lawrence County’s most decorated World War II veterans. In dire circumstances, where death was often in the air, Adamczyk responded with a confidence and calmness that inspired those around him.

    June 14, 2013 2 Photos

  • gavel.jpg Wilmington OKs new roof, street paving

    New Wilmington Borough will replace the municipal building roof and pave three streets this summer. Council awarded a $42,312 contract for the roof job to CBF Contracting of Sligo, Pa. CBF was the third-lowest bidder, but was the lowest bidder that met all requirements, according to Larry Wagner, council president.

    June 14, 2013 1 Photo

  • Ellwood.jpg Ellwood City to unveil community plaza

    A two-story wallside water fountain highlights the landscaping of the Ellwood City Community Plaza. The concert and farm market venue, in the 500 block of Lawrence Avenue, will celebrate its grand opening June 22.

    June 13, 2013 1 Photo

  • Farmers market bill moves forward in Senate

    A bill to ease the burden on farmers market vendors has been sent to the full state Senate for consideration. The measure, approved by the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, would allow the Department of Agriculture to issue a single, statewide license to the owner of a mobile retail food facility.

    June 13, 2013

  • Offices closed for Flag Day

    Some offices and agencies will be closed tomorrow in observance of Flag Day. Among them are:

    June 13, 2013

  • Movie.tiff Lease signed for Warner theater reconstruction

    Warner Film Center and Refresh Dental have signed a 20-year lease with options to renew. The agreement clears the way for the non-profit Warner organization to locate in 3,000 square feet of the building at the Cascade Center at the Riverplex and begin Phase I of the recreation of the Warners’ first permanent theater.

    June 12, 2013 1 Photo

  • Club, city spruce up North Street

    Many may not realize that the trees along North Street were planted in memory of New Castle citizens. Lately, the sidewalk where these flowering trees have stood for more than 30 years has been littered with trash and ignored.

    June 12, 2013