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Pawtastic Friends - The Paw Talk

Pawtastic Friend: The Paw talk – Chance, Shakira and Hope

Welcome to Pawtastic Friends-The Paw Talk. In this podcast, host Tom Fox will visit with Michael and Melissa Novelli, co-founders of Pawtastic Friends, as well as those who work with them at Pawtastic Friends. Michael and Melissa are dedicated to helping shelter and rescue dogs in the Las Vegas area become more adaptable, through enrichment training and activities such as yoga and aquatics training, as well as obedience and agility. This podcast is sure to tug on your heartstrings; just listen to how sweet this one dog is! Tune in now to hear more from Michael and Melissa Novelli as they discuss their passion for helping pups in need. Get ready for an exciting episode of Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk!

In this episode, we feature Chance, Shakira and Hope.

The annual fundraiser ‘Hope for the Holidays,’ organized by Pawtastic Friends, is a cherished community event aimed at supporting rescue dogs and raising awareness for breast cancer. Tom is particularly enthusiastic about the event’s family-engaging features, such as Santa Claus taking pictures with dogs and local vendors, which not only entertain but also foster a strong community spirit. Michael also highlights the family-friendly nature of the fundraiser, emphasizing its role in educating children about dog rescue and celebrating the positive impact of such initiatives. Melissa underscores the importance of matching rescue dogs with the right families, sharing inspiring stories like Hope’s successful adoption to emphasize the joy these connections can bring. Collectively, their perspectives reveal a deep commitment to both animal welfare and community engagement, making ‘Hope for the Holidays’ a heartwarming and impactful event.

Quotes:

“Unfortunately, you know, some of these dogs get to, like, five, six, seven years old, and people don’t want to give them a chance. And you know what? You should. They have a lot of life left and a lot of love to give you.” – Melissa Novelli

“It can be an important part of the process if the family already has a dog, because I really think it helps both the dog that’s already been adopted and then the one, you’re adopting to, to really help socialize so people not want to think about that and use the facility to do that.” Michael Novelli

“Well, and that’s why we have some education classes before about explaining rescue to kids families. And everybody thinks it’s cool to go buy a dog at a pet store. But the rescues are full of wonderful dogs.” – Michael Novelli

Resources:

Pawtastic Friends

Donate to Pawtastic Friends

Pawtastic Friends on Instagram

Pawtastic Friends on Facebook

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Pawtastic Friends - The Paw Talk

Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk – Otto, Marchy and Alex

Welcome to Pawtastic Friends-The Paw Talk. In this podcast, host Tom Fox will visit with Michael and Melissa Novelli, co-founders of Pawtastic Friends, as well as those who work with them at Pawtastic Friends. Michael and Melissa are dedicated to helping shelter and rescue dogs in the Las Vegas area become more adaptable through enrichment training and activities such as yoga and aquatics training, as well as obedience and agility. This podcast is sure to tug on your heartstrings; just listen to how sweet this one dog is! Tune in now to hear more from Michael and Melissa Novelli as they discuss their passion for helping pups in need. Get ready for an exciting episode of Pawtastic Friends – The Paw Talk!

In this episode, we feature Otto, Marchy and Alex.

Otto and Marchy have both captured Melissa’s heart with their endearing personality and eagerness to learn during their training at a rescue facility. Tom asks about the dog’s potential. Both Michael and Melissa praise Otto and Marchy’s transformation from reluctance to engagement, emphasizing his need for a caring adult home that can provide him with adventures and companionship. Their experiences at the rescue facility, witnessing Otto and Marchy’s progress firsthand, shape their perspective that love, care, and engaging activities can profoundly impact the lives of rescue dogs, highlighting Otto and Marchy as perfect candidates for a fur-ever family.

Quotes:

“At first, he just wanted to go to the door to leave the arena. And then afterwards, he really connected with Jenny and the engagement of watching him be a dog and play with ball and, you know, tug toys and going up and down the ramp and the a-frame and seeing him really absorb all the information she was sharing with him, it was just so awesome.” – Melissa Novelli

“It’s so fun to watch them actually play and, you know, come out of their shell and to really shine their personalities.” – Melissa Novelli

“We don’t charge anybody. We’re just looking to raise some money to, you know, fund our enrichment training center.” – Michael Novelli

Resources:

Pawtastic Friends

Donate to Pawtastic Friends

Pawtastic Friends on Instagram

Pawtastic Friends on Facebook

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Pawtastic Friends - The Paw Talk

Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk – Hercules, Angelina and Prince

Welcome to Pawtastic Friends-The Paw Talk. In this podcast, host Tom Fox will visit with Michael and Melissa Novelli, co-founders of Pawtastic Friends, as well as those who work with them at Pawtastic Friends. Michael and Melissa are dedicated to helping shelter and rescue dogs in the Las Vegas area become more adaptable, through enrichment training and activities such as yoga and aquatics training, as well as obedience and agility. This podcast is sure to tug on your heartstrings; just listen to how sweet this one dog is! Tune in now to hear more from Michael and Melissa Novelli as they discuss their passion for helping pups in need. Get ready for an exciting episode of Pawtastic Friends – The Paw Talk!

In this episode, we feature Hercules, Angelina and Prince.

We also introduce the Fostering Initiative Project, a pioneering effort designed to engage the public in fostering homeless animals. This project organizes monthly foster fairs and offers various fostering opportunities, aiming to save animals’ lives by finding temporary and eventually permanent homes with loving families. Tom highlights the importance of fostering for providing dogs with love, structure, and consistency, benefiting both the animals and rescues by helping them understand the dogs better for future adoptions. Michael echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that fostering offers a much better environment compared to boarding and appreciates the initiative’s growth through events that encourage public participation. Melissa underscores the project’s significance in addressing the crisis of homeless animals, promoting various types of fostering, and organizing educational fairs to boost community involvement and support. Together, their perspectives highlight fostering as a transformative solution for both animals and the community.

Quotes:

“Well, we know where the talker in the group is.” – Michael Novelli

“Fosters are incredible because fosters give the dog love, they give the dog structure, they give the dog consistency as it would be in a forever home.” – Melissa Novelli

“Is the dog the best fit? Is the family the best fit? And that’s with adoption or fostering. You know, we want to set everybody up for success.” – Melissa Novelli

Resources:

Pawtastic Friends

Donate to Pawtastic Friends

Pawtastic Friends on Instagram

Pawtastic Friends on Facebook

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Pawtastic Friends - The Paw Talk

Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk – Dolce, Willis and Nava

Welcome to Pawtastic Friends-The Paw Talk. In this podcast, host Tom Fox will visit with Michael and Melissa Novelli, co-founders of Pawtastic Friends, as well as those who work with them at Pawtastic Friends. Michael and Melissa are dedicated to helping shelter and rescue dogs in the Las Vegas area become more adaptable, through enrichment training and activities such as yoga and aquatics training, as well as obedience and agility. This podcast is sure to tug on your heartstrings; just listen to how sweet this one dog is!

Tune in now to hear more from Michael and Melissa Novelli as they discuss their passion for helping pups in need. Get ready for an exciting episode of Pawtastic Friends – The Paw Talk! In this episode, we feature Dolce, Willis and Nava.

In this episode of Pawtasti Friends: The Paw Talk, Tom Fox chats with Michael and Melissa Novelli about their work with rescue dogs at Pawtastic Friends. They discuss the journeys of several dogs, including Dolce, Willis, and Nava, highlighting the rehabilitation, and fostering processes. The Novelli’s also share the success of their Foster Initiative Program and recent recognition from county officials for their contributions to the community.

Quotes:

“Each trainer works with the dogs to help them rebuild confidence and trust in humans.” – Melissa Novelli

“It might not be the type of dog that you first meet, like Willis, and you’re like, oh, you’re so cute. And then you overwhelm him and surprise him, and he’s not ready for that. It’s too much stimulation. But if you’re willing to come and meet him once and let him come up to you and work at his pace and then gradually move on and each session gets better, then he’s well, well rounded.” – Michael Novelli

“We’re facing this crisis in the community and somebody’s got to do something and that somebody is us and our Pawtastic Friends team.” – Melissa & Michael Novelli” 

Resources:

Pawtastic Friends

Donate to Pawtastic Friends

Pawtastic Friends on Instagram

Pawtastic Friends on Facebook

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Pawtastic Friends - The Paw Talk

Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk – Fanta, Valentino and Will

Welcome to Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk. In this podcast, host Tom Fox will visit with Michael and Melissa Novelli, co-founders of Pawtastic Friends, as well as those who work with them at Pawtastic Friends. Michael and Melissa are dedicated to helping shelter and rescue dogs in the Las Vegas area become more adaptable through enrichment training and activities such as yoga and aquatics training, as well as obedience and agility. This podcast is sure to tug on your heartstrings; just listen to how sweet this one dog is!

Tune in now to hear more from Michael and Melissa Novelli as they discuss their passion for helping pups in need. Get ready for an exciting episode of Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk!

In this episode, we feature Fanta, Valentino, and Will.

Rescue dogs often require extensive training to build their confidence and trust, making the search for their forever homes both critical and challenging. Michael and Melissa Novelli, share a deep understanding of the dedication and patience needed by potential owners. They emphasize the importance of homes that allow dogs like Fanta and Eli, who have had no prior training, to grow at their own pace with continuous support, using Will’s transformation from a dog with severe separation anxiety into a happy pet as an inspiring example.

Michael highlights the unique challenges faced by rescue dogs, such as Eli’s deafness and partial blindness, stressing the need for a supportive environment and the significance of bonding with dogs like Valentino, who requires time and space to trust humans. Melissa underscores the necessity of ongoing commitment from adopters, particularly for special needs dogs, praising dedicated owners like Danny for their unwavering dedication, which helps rescue dogs thrive. Together, their perspectives illuminate the transformative power of love, patience, and continued training in providing rescue dogs with the stability and happiness they deserve.

Quotes:

“A very, very patient homeowners, you know, that are going to be dedicated and committed, that aren’t going to let these dogs down again.” – Michael Novelli

“It’s not just, hey, I’m going to send my dogs to training. They have to share the videos. They have to do promote the dogs, because at the end of the day, the common goal is to get the dog adopted.” Melissa Novelli

“Fanta and Eli have special needs and require basic training to build confidence and trust.” – Mellisa Novelli

 Resources

Pawtastic Friends

Donate to Pawtastic Friends

Pawtastic Friends on Instagram

Pawtastic Friends on Facebook

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Pawtastic Friends - The Paw Talk

Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk – Honey Lemon, Donnie and Nava

Welcome to Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk. In this podcast, host Tom Fox will visit with Michael and Melissa Novelli, co-founders of Pawtastic Friends, as well as those who work with them at Pawtastic Friends.

Michael and Melissa are dedicated to helping shelter and rescue dogs in the Las Vegas area become more adaptable through enrichment training and activities such as yoga and aquatics training, as well as obedience and agility. This podcast is sure to tug on your heartstrings; just listen to how sweet this one dog is!

Tune in now to hear more from Michael and Melissa Novelli as they discuss their passion for helping pups in need. Get ready for an exciting episode of Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk!

In this episode, we feature Honey Lemon, Donnie, and Nava.

The Annual Block Party Fundraiser is a vibrant event hosted by Pawtastic Friends Enrichment Training Center in Las Vegas, aimed at raising funds and awareness for their rescue dog initiatives.

Tom Fox, an ardent supporter of this event, cherishes the community engagement it fosters and appreciates the efforts made to improve the lives of rescue dogs.

Coming from a background of advocating for sustainable support programs, Michael sees the value in the block party as a tool to rally support locally and nationally for their rescue center and their initiatives like the foster program. Similarly, Melissa regards the fundraiser as the centerpiece of their yearly activities, emphasizing its vital role in garnering community support.

With the proceeds going towards vital initiatives such as the foster program, Melissa and her team aim to provide extensive training and aftercare for rescue dogs and their adoptive families, ensuring successful adoptions and secure futures.

Quotes:

“I would probably say no small kids, because she is very active, and she might run them over, be like a bowling alley.” – Michael Novelli

“We like to hear, too, when the transporters are like, I turned down the street and they knew where they were. They were getting all excited. They knew where they were going to pawtastic friends. So, I mean, this place is, you know, it’s a light for a lot of these dogs.” – Melissa Novelli

“I have an idea… our foster initiative project is going to be a new program that we will be implementing with our partners, rescue partners, and shelter partners.” – Michael Novelli

“Watch your dogs when they’re playing with toys. Very important.” – Melissa Novelli

Resources:

Pawtastic Friends

Donate to Pawtastic Friends

Vote for Pawtastic Friends at Wreaths of Hope

Pawtastic Friends on Instagram

Pawtastic Friends on Facebook

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Pawtastic Friends - The Paw Talk

Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk – Denver, Goose and Camacho

Welcome to Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk. In this podcast, host Tom Fox will visit with Michael and Melissa Novelli, co-founders of Pawtastic Friends, as well as those who work with them at Pawtastic Friends. Michael and Melissa are dedicated to helping shelter and rescue dogs in the Las Vegas area become more adaptable through enrichment training and activities such as yoga and aquatics training, as well as obedience and agility. This podcast is sure to tug on your heartstrings; just listen to how sweet this one dog is! Tune in now to hear more from Michael and Melissa Novelli as they discuss their passion for helping pups in need. Get ready for an exciting episode of Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk!

In this episode, we feature Denver, Goose, and Camacho.

Michael Novelli and Melissa Novelli are dedicated advocates for rescue dogs, taking an active role in their selection and adoption processes.

Michael emphasizes the importance of meet and greets in selecting rescue dogs for adoption, believing it sets the dogs up for success in their new homes and encourages a strong bond with their adopters. His experiences working with rescue dogs like Camacho have highlighted the significance of positive interactions and support from the community.

Meanwhile, Melissa’s perspective centers on finding the ideal home for each rescue dog, considering their energy level, activity preferences, and compatibility with children or other animals. Her work with dogs like Denver, a family-friendly pit mix, and Goose, an energetic and playful dog, has demonstrated her commitment to improving the well-being of sheltered animals.

Together, they champion volunteering at shelters and the boarding buddy program to boost the socialization and enrichment of rescue dogs, increasing their chances of securing a loving forever home.

Quotes:

“His disposition, even though it sounds like he’s had a lot that he’s went through, his personality. He’s so loving.” – Mellissa Novelli

“Getting the dogs out gives them a chance to be a dog.” – Michael Novelli

Resources:

Pawtastic Friends

Donate to Pawtastic Friends

Vote for Pawtastic Friends at Wreaths of Hope

Pawtastic Friends on Instagram

Pawtastic Friends on Facebook

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Pawtastic Friends - The Paw Talk

Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk – Cowboy, Dylan and Kane

Welcome to Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk. In this podcast, host Tom Fox will visit with Michael and Melissa Novelli, co-founders of Pawtastic Friends, as well as those who work with them at Pawtastic Friends.

Michael and Melissa are dedicated to helping shelter and rescue dogs in the Las Vegas area become more adaptable through enrichment training and activities such as yoga and aquatics training, as well as obedience and agility. This podcast is sure to tug on your heartstrings; just listen to how sweet this one dog is!

Tune in now to hear more from Michael and Melissa Novelli as they discuss their passion for helping pups in need. Get ready for an exciting episode of Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk!

In this episode, we feature Cowboy, Dylan, and Kane.

Michael Novelli and Melissa Novelli are fervent advocates for pet adoption who dedicate their time and efforts to supporting dogs in need of homes. Michael’s tireless efforts in organizing events to raise funds for adoption centers and his focus on the safe introduction of dogs underscore his belief in the transformative power of pet adoption. He highlights the importance of a supportive community, underscoring that dedication and teamwork can overcome challenging situations to lead to successful adoptions.

Similarly, Melissa’s perspective on the subject is based on her firm belief that, with perseverance and effort, positive outcomes can be achieved for rescued animals. She underscores this through her work in providing necessary care and support for dogs and organizing fundraising events, emphasizing the importance of dedication in ensuring the successful rehabilitation and rehoming of animals like Dylan. Both individuals’ experiences and backgrounds in pet adoption have shaped their perspectives, revealing the transformative impact of dedication and commitment on the lives of rescue animals and their adoptive families.

 Quotes

“Thank you so much for putting Dylan in your program. You really changed his life.” – Michael Novelli

“If they can’t be a Novelli and they can’t come home with me, then I’m just happy that they’re happy living their best life.” – Melissa Novelli

“If you’re dedicated and committed, you can move mountains. And if you have a team, you can even move them a little easier.” – Melissa Novelli

Resources:

Pawtastic Friends

Donate to Pawtastic Friends

Vote for Pawtastic Friends at Wreaths of Hope

Pawtastic Friends on Instagram

Pawtastic Friends on Facebook

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Pawtastic Friends - The Paw Talk

Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk – Baba, Camacho and Rudy

Welcome to Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk. In this podcast, host Tom Fox will visit with Michael and Melissa Novelli, co-founders of Pawtastic Friends, as well as those who work with them at Pawtastic Friends. Michael and Melissa are dedicated to helping shelter and rescue dogs in the Las Vegas area become more adaptable through enrichment training and activities such as yoga and aquatics training, as well as obedience and agility. This podcast is sure to tug on your heartstrings; just listen to how sweet this one dog is!

Tune in now to hear more from Michael and Melissa Novelli as they discuss their passion for helping pups in need. Get ready for an exciting episode of Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk!

In this episode, we feature Baba, Camacho, and Rudy.

Michael Novelli and Melissa Novelli are both passionate advocates for dog adoption, having facilitated the adoption of 661 dogs through their dedicated efforts. Michael and Melissa’s work involves training dogs, coordinating events, and managing the program’s website.

Michael’s perspective on dog adoption stories is one of joy, fulfillment, and dedication, shaped by his experiences of matching dogs with loving families and organizing fundraising events. Similarly, Melissa finds joy and fulfillment in seeing dogs find their forever homes, emphasizing the importance of supporting organizations that work tirelessly to rescue and rehome dogs. Her belief in the transformative impact of adoption stories and the power of community involvement is evident in her unwavering dedication to the cause.

Quotes:

“I think he would be a great hiking partner, somebody that he can go on a lot of adventures with and sniff out all the world has to offer.”

“It’s about the heart that they have and the goals of achieving for each dog, almost like a customized resume.”

“For me, Pawtastic Friends is like going to school. I learn something every day, whether I’m here at the center, whether I’m at boarding buddies, or whether I’m at the salon working and watching through the cameras, I watch from the time we start training till the time we end training.”

Resources:

Pawtastic Friends

Donate to Pawtastic Friends

Vote for Pawtastic Friends at Wreaths of Hope

Pawtastic Friends on Instagram

Pawtastic Friends on Facebook

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Pawtastic Friends - The Paw Talk

The Paw Talk – Emelia McDonald and The Pawtastic Friends Volunteers

Welcome to Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk. In this podcast, host Tom Fox will visit with Michael and Melissa Novelli, co-founders of Pawtastic Friends, as well as those who work with them at Pawtastic Friends. Michael and Melissa are dedicated to helping shelter and rescue dogs in the Las Vegas area become more adaptable through enrichment training and activities such as yoga and aquatics training, as well as obedience and agility. This podcast is sure to tug on your heartstrings; just listen to how sweet this one dog is! Tune in now to hear more from Michael and Melissa Novelli as they discuss their passion for helping pups in need. Get ready for an exciting episode of Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk! In this episode, we talk with Emelia McDonald, a Boy Scout, who for one of her Eagle Badge projects, designed and oversaw the construction of 10 off-the-floor beds for dogs at Pawtastic Friends.

Emelia McDonald is a committed Boy Scout who is working to achieve the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. One of her projects was to design and oversee the construction of special raised dog beds for Pawtastic Friends. Mike views the Eagle Scout project as a testament to the values of community service, leadership, and compassion, which align with the mission of Pawtastic Friends. Melissa appreciates the significant contribution of volunteers like Emelia to enriching the lives of rescue dogs. Emelia sees the Eagle Scout project as a meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact on the community and fulfill the rigorous requirements of achieving the Eagle Scout rank. Check out this great episode of Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk.

Quotes:

“Volunteers, they’re the heart and soul of the organization.” – Melissa Novelli

“It has been really positive. I love my troop. All very supportive of everybody.” – Emelia McDonald

“We just need money to keep funding and changing lives.” – Mike Novelli

Resources:

Pawtastic Friends

Donate to Pawtastic Friends

Vote for Pawtastic Friends at Wreaths of Hope

Pawtastic Friends on Instagram

Pawtastic Friends on Facebook

For Emelia and Troop 103

Troop 103 Blog 

BSA-Las Vegas Council