If you’re a regular reader of this newsletter, you know that I love dogs, and that my wife and I are the proud pet parents of two completely weird and lovable pit bull mixes, Wade and Marvin Diesel, both of whom were adopted (separately) from Home at Last Dog Rescue in Montgomery County.

Both guys came from South Carolina and bounced around a bit before finding their forever home with us. Wade, in particular, had a very rough go of it. We were told he was found chained to a fence, missing a lot of fur. Right now, he’s snoring loudly and sleeping soundly on a comfortable couch about 10 feet away from me.

I bring this up because October is Pit Bull Awareness Month, which is an effort to educate the public about the inaccurate stereotypes regarding “pit bull” type dogs—misconceptions that often leave these dogs passed over and languishing in shelters.

The York County SPCA is one of many animal shelters and rescues across the US advocating on behalf of pit bulls. They’re hosting a series of events this month to connect the community with adoptable pit bull-type dogs and working to erase those negative stereotypes.

“Pit bulls aren’t even a recognized breed, but a name given to dogs that fit a common type of characteristic,” said Steven Martinez, Executive Director of the York County SPCA. “(They’re) mixed-breed dogs that share similar physical traits, including American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and mixes of those breeds. Because of this broad label, many dogs are inaccurately identified as pit bulls based on appearance alone.”

Martinez added that “larger stays (in shelters) and high barriers to adoptions often because of a stigma and every dog is an individual and must be treated that way so many pit bull type dogs are family friendly and loyal and resilient pets who deserve fair opportunities.”

I can attest to that.

If your family is looking to adopt a dog, check with your local animal rescues and shelters to see what kind of events they’re holding during Pit Bull Awareness Month.

READ: Pit Bull Awareness Month looks for the best in dogs and people

Patrick Berkery

Senior Newsletter Editor, The Keystone

In Monday’s newsletter, we wrote about the Western Pa. supermarket chain Giant Eagle’s decision to drop prices on more than 300 items, which inspired us to ask:

What’s your grocery store of choice and why?

Here’s where you’re shopping (and why):

“We shop at three different grocery stores most of the time to keep the prices low. Our primary store is the local Aldi, mainly due to prices. When that store doesn’t have what we need we often go to the local Lidl to get it. Some items that we regularly buy aren’t available at those two stores, so we go to the local Grocery Outlet store for deals that can’t be beat. If none of those stores have what we need, we shop at the local Weis store. Sometimes, to buy something special we occasionally go to Hennings or Landis in Harleysville. They are the stores where you can still find Pennsylvania Dutch delicacies.”

— Doug, Lansdale

“My favorite store is Aldi. I think it has the best prices. It doesn’t always have everything that I want but the prices are good.”

— Sherry M., Lehigh Valley

“I’m a Walmart and Sam’s Club shopper, with the exception of produce which I buy at the local farm shop when possible. I’ve compared prices and if they carry items I generally buy, such as store brands at the local Tops, Giant Eagle, and Wegmans, Walmart beats them. I buy most of my meats at Sam’s Club, package them into the portion size that I use and freeze them.I know many people consider Walmart almost evil, but, with the economy the way it is, my conscience is clear.”

— Donna, Erie

“I mostly shop at Gerrity’s, though less these days due to high prices and changes to rewards programs. I also shop at Shop Rite and Walmart for delivery and value.”

— Maureen, Moosic

“My fave supermarket is Wegmans for its large selection and quality of meats and produce, although some of the other grocers are less expensive.”

— Keith, Allentown

Tell us where you’re getting your groceries and why. Reply to this email with your answer, and please let us know where you live!

Pa.’s spookiest experiences

Some guests are terrified, and some are delighted during a visit to Shocktoberfest in Sinking Spring, Berks County. (Shocktoberfest)

Pennsylvania is a haunted paradise for those who are all-in on the spooky season stuff.

Want to get the daylights scared out of you? You’ve got nationally-recognized haunted experiences to choose from like, Shocktoberfest in Berks County and Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia.

Want to take in some haunted history? You can take a tour with Civil War Ghosts in Gettysburg.

And if you’re looking for a more offbeat spooky season experience, there’s The Haunted Mine in Allegheny County and Erie’s Eeriebyss Factory of Terror.

Our food and travel writer, Kalena Thomhave, has the details on these and other Pa. haunted attractions.

READ: Pennsylvania’s best haunted houses, ghost tours, & spooky experiences

• According to a new report, Shell’s petrochemical complex in Beaver County has fallen far short of financial expectations for the region. Get the details in this story.

• The FBI reportedly analyzed phone records of more than a half dozen Republican lawmakers as part of an investigation into efforts by President Donald Trump to overturn the results of the 2020 election, including Pa. Congressman Mike Kelly. Find out more here.

• A Lancaster County lawmaker is pushing back against local camping bans that he believes criminalize homelessness. Get the story here.

• Some 25 Pennsylvania counties are currently under a drought watch. Find out what it means and if your county is on the list in this story.

Who doesn’t love a black cat during spooky season—especially one that’s in need of a forever home?

Twelve-year-old Jackson was brought to the shelter when his previous owner passed away. This sweet boy enjoys pets, attention, and relaxing with his people.

Jackson is available for adoption at the Lancaster Center for Animal Life-Saving. (Lancaster Center for Animal Life-Saving)

Interested in welcoming Jackson into your home? Visit the Lancaster Center for Animal Life-Saving at 2195 Lincoln Highway East in Lancaster, or contact them online here.

If you’re involved with a Pennsylvania animal shelter/animal rescue and would like to have one of your adoptable pets featured, feel free to email us at info@keystonenewsroom.com.