River, a 4-legged fixture on Grant Street, resigning as Pittsburgh's canine ambassador | TribLIVE.com
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River, a 4-legged fixture on Grant Street, resigning as Pittsburgh's canine ambassador

Megan Guza
| Wednesday, March 27, 2019 5:52 p.m.
River, a golden retriever and Pittsburgh’s Canine Ambassador, submitted his resignation effective April 5.

Pittsburgh’s first canine ambassador is resigning after more than two years of tippy-tapping through the City-County Building in Downtown, according to the pup’s resignation letter.

River, a golden retriever, submitted his resignation letter, dated March 26, to Mayor Bill Peduto.

“My mom has recently accepted a new job, and it’s time fur me to move on to the new paw-fessional adventures,” the letter read.

River’s owner, Katie O’Malley, has worked for the city for about four years, including as Peduto’s communications coordinator and, more recently, in digital communications in the city’s Department of Innovation and Performance.

Thank YOU, Mayor. It was such an honor. ??? https://t.co/m8tsKpLd0r

— River (@PghDogRiver) March 27, 2019

River began his career with the city in October 2016.

The letter thanked Peduto for a “long leash to learn, explore and make new friends.”

“I especially enjoyed greeting visitors, snoozing on your couch during meetings, coffee breaks on Grant Street, sharing lunch with our colleagues and zoomies sessions in the Mayor’s Office hallway,” according to the letter.

River’s resignation is effective April 5.

After 2.5 glorious years as the @citypgh Canine Ambassador, my mom and I are moving on to a new opportunity. Thank you, Mayor @billpeduto, for giving me the best job a dog could ask for. I am fur-ever grateful. ??? pic.twitter.com/mHqnGNAtMG

— River (@PghDogRiver) March 27, 2019


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