"She came to me four years ago about doing a public safety program, and I said that is done quite often. I suggested she do something that would highlight dogs and the Carnegie Dog Park," said Jack Kobistek, who was mayor at that time.
Ms. Crawshaw organized and executed the Carnegie Dogapalooza in 2015, and she did get the Gold Award.
The event — with dogs as the honored guests — included a pet parade and costume contest. It was so popular with people and dogs that Ms. Crawshaw made it an annual affair on the first Sunday in June.
Now a rising junior at Point Park University, she's putting the finishing touches on Carnegie's fourth annual Dogapalooza, which will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 3 at Carnegie Park on Forsythe Road. There is no admission charge and parking is free.
The number of vendors has grown from 20 last year to 30 this year, said Ms. Crawshaw, who lives with her family in Carnegie while working toward a bachelor's degree in sports, arts and entertainment management.
Pet Supplies Plus will offer free nail trims, Humane Animal Rescue will have low-cost vaccinations and Allegheny County treasurer John Weinstein will sell dog licenses. Hound Haven rescue in Washington County is bringing adoptable dogs.
The parade and costume contest starts at 1 p.m. with prizes for most creative and unique, funniest costume and Pittsburgh spirit.
There will be giveaways, including tickets for free games at Forsythe Miniature Golf, next to Carnegie Park. There will be raffles and donations collected for a dog-oriented cause not yet announced.
The Franktuary food truck will sell hot dogs and fries, and the Wish 99.7 Street Treat Patrol will hand out free snacks.
Carnegie Dog Park has two separate fenced areas where small and large dogs can play off-leash. They can also cool off at the "dog beach," which has three kiddie pools. There is also a free do-it-yourself dog bathing station, with shampoo.
Ms. Crawshaw credits borough manager Steve Beuter and Mr. Kobistek with helping her get Dogapalooza off the ground. They return the compliments.
"Dogapalooza is a big thing," Mr. Beuter said. "Cristy does a fantastic job and the borough supports her."
The dog park, which opened in May 2013, "is heavily utilized and is open to all, not just Carnegie residents," noted Mr. Kobistek, who is now a district justice in Carnegie.
On a recent sunny Sunday, many dogs and owners gathered in the large and small dog parks.
"The dogs here are all so welcoming," said Leeann Alley of Dormont.
Dogs played nicely, with no aggression. The owners — most of them regulars — supervised their pets while socializing and sharing dog stories.
Ms. Alley brings her high-energy 8-month-old puppy, Bailey, to the park for three hours every day. Ms. Alley said a DNA test indicates he is a Chihuahua-poodle mix.
Adopted last fall from Humane Animal Rescue, "this dog changed my life," Ms. Alley said. She served eight years in the Air Force, including deployments in Iraq in 2004 and 2005. "Bailey is like an emotional support dog for me."
