Husky-golden retriever mix fetches Greensburg's 2nd annual pet ambassador title

Midnight will be leading the way Oct. 28 when costumed folks march through town in Greensburg’s Halloween parade.

The 4-year-old husky-golden retriever mix earned that honor Thursday when she won the title of the city’s official pet ambassador during the Greensburg Night Market.

Owned by Gene and Tiffany Kowalewski of South Greensburg, Midnight made the first cut of 1o finalists from a field of 14 dogs and two cats that were nominated for the title, It was the second annual contest organized by the Greensburg Business and Professional Association and the nonprofit Greensburg Community Development Corp.

Popular votes by downtown Greensburg shoppers, for a $1 donation each, determined the winner and two runners-up.

The Kowalewskis adopted Midnight in 2020 from HEAL Animal Rescue in Youngwood, a no-kill center that will receive part of the event proceeds.

“She has the energy of a husky but the love of a golden,” Tiffany said. “It’s such a perfect mix.”

“She has the goofiness of a husky every now and then,” Gene said.

One of Midnight’s favorite games is to fetch snowballs.

“The cold climate is definitely her domain,” he said.

The popular pup also likes ice cream treats and frequent trail walks at places like Twin Lakes Park, east of Greensburg.

“When we’re on the trail, every person we pass she has to play with,” Tiffany said. “She loves affection and she loves to be around people, so we thought she would be the perfect ambassador.”

The Kowalewskis are originally from Mount Pleasant, where Gene works as a custodian for the local school district and is vice president of the Mount Pleasant Area Historical Society. Tiffany is on the staff of a local urology lab.

In return for putting her best paws forward to represent the city, Midnight won a basket of treats, toys and other pet products sponsored by Greensburg’s Petagogy shop.

“I’m so excited,” said Amy Zimmerman, who hosted Midnight at her Greensburg shop, The Shepherd’s Keeper at Kinderhook.

A prize basket sponsored by Greensburg’s K. Vet Animal Care went to the second place pet contender: Charlotte, an English cream golden retriever owned by Deb Zimarowksi of Hempfield.

Placing third was Scout, a golden retriever owned by Mallory Mansour of Unity.

The contest was open to any pet living in the Greensburg-area 15601 ZIP code.

Midnight donned a yellow bandana to signify her new role.

She took over ambassadorial duties from Guaje, a Rottweiler-coon hound mix that won last summer’s inaugural contest. Guaje is owned by Renee Hertzog of Greensburg, a member of the city police department office staff.

Amy Beeghly, president of the Greensburg Business and Professional Association, suggested the contest may be shifted to earlier in August next year, to avoid the back-to-school rush and help promote increased participation.

There were more than 50 nominees in last year’s competition.