Top 5 things to watch in NW Philly this week

Here’s a look at what’s to come on NewsWorks this week:

1. Three Germantown Friends School students recently launched a campaign to connect every U.S. veterans suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with a medical service dog. With nearly a half-million treated for the psychological disease in 2011, it’s a tall task. But the brothers are determined to succeed. Check back Monday to learn more about their effort.

2. Nearly a year after allegedly murdering his wife, Gregory Mitros will next week appear in court for the start of his trial. The Manayunk resident is facing a third-degree murder charge for the result of a Monday afternoon tussle. Check back Thursday for the details.

3. NewsWorks will also be in court next week for the preliminary hearing of Chandrakant Parekh. The East Mount Airy-based dentist was recently arrested for allegedly selling prescriptions for painkillers and possibly treating patients while high on crack cocaine. An investigation by the Pennsylvania Attorney General led to the take-down of Parekh.

4. Pet-A-Palooza is back. The second-year festival, to be held Saturday, will feature all things “pet,” including a pet parade, silly pet tricks demonstration and information sessions. NewsWorks will be on hand to cover all of the animal love through photos and a story.

5. West Mount Airy Neighbors will meet with officers with the 14th Police District next week to discuss recent crime trends in the leafy neighborhood. The regularly scheduled Police Service Area 3 meeting will take place at Germantown Jewish Center on Thursday.