PHOTO BY AIDAN MCCLAIN

Senior dogs of Pittsburgh can obtain more support thanks to their furry friends who attended Anthrocon this past weekend.

Each year, the annual convention — now in its 18th year in Pittsburgh — raises money for local charities. The furries this year donated more than $100,000 to Gray Paws Sanctuary, which is located in White Oak and focuses on fostering and housing senior dogs. Gray Paws Sanctuary is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

The Anthrocon donation marks a new record for the convention, almost doubling last year’s donation to the Rabbit Wranglers of $52,000. Since the convention began in 1997, the furries have raised more than $547,000 for charities. 

Gray Paws Sanctuary founders Darla Poole-Brescia and Joe Brescia started the organization to provide care for senior dogs so they can live life to their fullest. According to their website, the couple even moved away from their Victorian home to help the dogs who struggled with movement, instead purchasing 3 acres and building a single-story home so the pups could move more easily. 

“It was a true example of how everyone is so kind here and so committed to helping this charity,” Poole-Brescia said at the event.

Gray Paws Sanctuary offers three programs to assist senior dogs: the Sanctuary program allows senior dogs to live with Darla and Joe, The Forever Foster Care – Medical Coverage Program places senior dogs with local families, and the LOYAL Program offers financial support to help owners keep their dogs healthy and in their own homes. 

Their Facebook page frequently posts updates on dogs in the sanctuary and those eligible to be fostered. Donations can be made on their website.  

This year, Anthrocon, held from July 4-7 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, had a record-breaking attendance of 17,639, with 3,371 participating in the Fursuit Parade on Saturday, Downtown. In 2023, 13,600 furries attended the convention.

Jilian Musser’s reporting is supported by the Pittsburgh Media Partnership.