I have always loved animals, and wanted to do something to help the less fortunate creatures of the world.  When I moved to Pittsburgh, I found this wonderful shelter just down the street, and after my oldest dog passed away, I found time to volunteer there.  It can be heartbreaking sometimes, especially seeing a long-term resident still there, day after day, long after the younger and prettier dogs have found a home.  But more often than not, I leave with a smile, knowing I did just a little bit to brighten the day of a homeless dog, and hopefully helped to give them the skills they will need once their family finally finds them.  Sometimes they even let me photograph at their events....