On February 6, 2026, our front yard became a neighborhood pizza station, a gathering place, and—most importantly—a way to support animals in need. The first Pizza for Paws brought neighbors, family, volunteers, and rescue animals together around a simple idea: something we love doing can become a way to help.
Inspired by Pharaoh and Pluto
The inspiration came from our two rescue dogs, Pharaoh and Pluto. They have enriched our lives for nearly sixteen years and taught us how deeply an animal can become part of a family and the meaning of home.
Pizza for Paws grew from wanting to honor that experience. I love making pizza, and we wanted to turn that enjoyment into something our neighborhood could share while supporting the people doing rescue work every day.
Choosing Paw Parent
All donations from the event benefited Paw Parent Animal Sanctuary, a nonprofit, no-kill rescue in Lancaster dedicated to rescuing and caring for homeless dogs and cats and helping place them in permanent homes.
A couple of weeks before the event, I visited the sanctuary and met its founder, Isabell Csaki. Seeing the work in person made the purpose of the event tangible: animals receiving care, safety, and another opportunity to find a family.
A front-yard pizzeria for an afternoon
We set up a gourmet pizza station around an oven that reaches approximately 900 degrees Fahrenheit in about half an hour. The dough was fermented for more than 48 hours to develop flavor, and the menu gave neighbors several freshly made pizzas to enjoy.
The pizzas were free. Guests were invited to make voluntary donations, and every donated dollar from the event went to Paw Parent. Some guests asked whether I catered birthdays or sold the pizzas. I do not—but it was a wonderful compliment to the food and the care behind it.
A neighborhood showed up
We were grateful for a strong turnout from our neighborhood and members of the Paw Parent community. Together, the event raised $2,290 for the sanctuary.
The number matters because it represents practical support. Just as meaningful was the atmosphere: people meeting one another, sharing food, learning about the rescue, and spending time with animals looking for homes.
The possibility that began with Greta
Paw Parent brought adoptable animals and set up a tent at the event. No adoption was completed that day, but one introduction may continue beyond it.
My brother-in-law and his family met Greta, a beautiful husky who was available for adoption. They already share their home with an Australian Shepherd named Little Rock and are considering adopting Greta as his companion, tentatively around Labor Day weekend. Until an adoption is finalized, it remains a hopeful possibility—but it is exactly the kind of connection an event like this can create.
Making it a neighborhood tradition
The success of the first event convinced us that Pizza for Paws should continue. Our hope is to host it at least twice a year, with the next gathering tentatively planned for early fall if the weather cooperates.
Future dates and beneficiaries will be confirmed before they are announced. The lasting commitment is simpler: keep bringing people together, keep supporting responsible rescue work, and keep helping animals who need another chance.
Learn more about Paw Parent and its adoptable animals
A front yard, a hot oven, generous neighbors, and two rescue dogs who inspired it all—that was the first rhythm of Pizza for Paws.