Community Corner
Misty Pines Hosts Puppy Play Date With a Mission
Families and their pets unite to aid a boy and his dog.
The First Annual Sean and Sophia Dog Social and Expo proved to be a real treat.
Dozens of local canines and their families traveled to Dog Park in Franklin Park on yet another scorching summer day to support a worthwhile cause. The Sean and Sophia Foundation is an organization established to help 7-year-old Sean Forsyth raise the $10,000 needed to adopt and train Sophia, a very special service dog.
Sean, of Wexford, suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism which is generally evidenced by a heightened difficulty with social situations. Enter Sophia, now a year-old Labrador retriever, who will play a vital role in Sean’s therapy by providing him with the loyal companionship he needs.
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Sean’s parents, Jen and B.J. Forsyth, learned about the benefits of service dogs early in 2011 from Jim and Susan Wagner of Perfect Fit Canines. Headquartered in Wilkinsburg, the Wagners’ organization matches specifically trained autism service dogs with clients who need them.
Sophia’s trainer and “puppy raiser,” Misty Pines’ Jeff Woods and Aimee Woods, respectively, custom-tailor the training to each client and have been working with Sophia and her litter mate Sebastian since they were 16 weeks old.
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Encouraged, the Forsyths paid a deposit for Sophia and delighted in the warm interaction between Sean and his beloved dog. However, the cost to train this special pet is steep. So a series of fund-raising events has been scheduled to help the family defray the expenses.
The First Annual Dog Social was first-rate, hosting games, food, raffles, a silent auction and more than a dozen vendors, from jewelry and skin care products to pet photography services.
Cindy Sabol, of McDonald, entertained the crowd with her glitter tattoos.
“I learned about Sean and Sophia online and participated in their last fundraiser, a haircutting event,” she explained. “It was so much fun that I had to come out and show my support today.”
She added that her husband was bringing their dogs later in the afternoon, and that the family was looking forward to meeting the Pirate Parrot, who was slated to arrive at 5 p.m. Sunday.
Lois Kearns is the owner of Beggin Barkery, which creates homemade, wheat-free pet treats. She traveled from her home in Renfrew, PA, to show her support.
While many enjoyed the social inside the roomy, well-equipped lodge, a group of “hot dogs” took the plunge from the pier and opted for a swim in the large pond.
Misty Pines also boasts an elaborate agility course, which offered another opportunity for pets to socialize off-leash in the enclosed play area.
Jen Forsyth, along with friend Rachael Olbeter, organized and tirelessly promoted the event.
B.J. Forsyth thanked all who participated in the fundraiser, including those who offered some pretty impressive prizes. Froggy 98.3 FM donated a guitar autographed by Grammy winner Lady Antebellum.
Pitcher James McDonald donated a Pirates jersey from this winning season, and teammate Jeff Karstens donated an autographed Pirates ball cap and a pair of tickets to a 2011 Pirates game.
And actor/TV personality Mario Lopez (Extra, Saved by the Bell) donated copies of his books, as well as an autographed photo.
The Forsyths and the Sean and Sophia Foundation plan to continue their fund-raising efforts to help other autistic children and families in need. To learn more about upcoming fundraising events, please visit the Sean and Sophia Facebook page, which hosts regular updates and blogs.
You can also make a donation by visiting any Dollar Bank branch and inquiring about the Sean and Sophia Foundation Trust.
