Categories
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

Categories
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

Categories
Pawtastic Friends - The Paw Talk

Pawtastic Friends – The Paw Talk – Michi, Mabel and Queen

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!

Michael Novelli and Melissa Novelli are co-founders of Pawtastic Friends. Michael, with his deep knowledge of the dogs available for adoption, and Melissa, with her background in assessing and training dogs, both share a positive perspective on the success of Pawtastic Friends in the wreath competition and fundraising efforts. They express excitement and pride in their first-place win in the in-person voting category at the Orleans casino and their overall first-place win out of all 35 charities. Their perspectives are shaped by their experiences and the gratitude they feel for the support they have received, including from a donor who matched donations, allowing them to surpass their goal. Join Tom Fox, Michael Novelli, and Melissa Novelli on this episode of Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk to hear more about their experiences and perspectives.

  • Michi
  • Mabel
  • Queen

Quotes:

“She wants a job, and she wants to do her job the best that she can.” – Melissa Novelli

“It gives them a chance to go and sniff and smell different smells, experience different sounds, and explore. And it gives them a little exposure to the outside environment, a break from their kennel, and a chance to really experience a little realistic life.” – Melissa Novelli

“Get your dog’s flowers and toys. No chocolate. Chocolate will cripple and kill your 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

Categories
Pawtastic Friends - The Paw Talk

Pawtastic Friends – The Paw Talk – Shea, Osso and Jake

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!

Michael Novelli and Melissa Novelli are the co-hosts of the award-winning podcast “The Paw Talk,” which focuses on dog care and responsible ownership. Michael’s perspective on dog care emphasizes the importance of respect and consideration towards dogs, advocating for responsible behavior such as asking for permission before petting a dog and avoiding actions that could lead to bites. His hands-on experience with dog training and passion for dog adoption have shaped this perspective. Melissa’s perspective is centered on providing enrichment and training for dogs to improve their quality of life. Her background in enrichment training and nosework for dogs, as well as her experience with dog adoption and fostering, have informed her views. Join Tom Fox, Michael Novelli, and Melissa Novelli on this episode of The Paw Talk podcast as they delve deeper into the topic of dog care and responsible ownership.

  •  Shea
  • Osso
  • Jake

Quotes:

“She’ll give somebody unconditional love for a long time,” – Melissa Novelli

“Big dogs need love, too. Yes. Big dogs love to give love. Let me just tell you, I’m a big dog fan.” – Tom Fox

Resources:

Pawtastic Friends

Donate to Pawtastic Friends

Vote for Pawtastic Friends at Wreaths of Hope

Pawtastic Friends on Instagram

Pawtastic Friends on Facebook

Categories
Pawtastic Friends - The Paw Talk

Pawtastic Friends – The Paw Talk – Harley, King & Olivia

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!

Michael Novelli and Melissa Novelli are co-hosts of the award-winning podcast “The Paw Talk” and are deeply involved in advocating for the importance of suitable foster homes and responsible dog ownership. Michael, with his experience in a rescue program and a boarding facility, emphasizes the need to control the pet population and discourages breeding dogs, especially pit bulls, due to the overpopulation of shelters. He also highlights the importance of consulting with veterinarians for proper care and recovery after surgeries. Melissa stresses the need for a proper recovery environment for dogs after surgery, the importance of crate rest, and taking precautions to prevent re-injury. She believes in providing suitable environments and responsible care for dogs to ensure their well-being. Join Tom Fox, Michael Novelli, and Melissa Novelli on this episode of The Paw Talk as they delve deeper into these important topics.

Dogs Featured:

  • Harley
  • King
  • Olivia

Quotes

“When I look and I see a dog that started over a year ago and has not had one lick of interest, I think to myself, what is wrong with this world? Something is wrong and we need to find a way to either fix it or start fresh because it’s heartbreaking.” – Melissa Novelli

“Chocolate is very toxic and can kill dogs. It’s one of the worst things that dogs can get a hold of because they can die from chocolate. It’s terrible and you don’t want to go through that.” – Michael Novelli

“King is pure royalty. He  is another dog that’s at the boarding facility. He’s been in the program for over a year waiting, just like Harley. He’s a youngster, probably about two years old now, and he is. always happy. His tail’s wagging. He gets so excited when he sees you.” – Melissa Novelli

 Resources:

Pawtastic Friends

Donate to Pawtastic Friends

Categories
Pawtastic Friends - The Paw Talk

Pawtastic Friends – The Paw Talk – Kane, Oliver & Kenzie

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!

Mike Novelli and Melissa Novelli are the co-founders of Pawtastic Friends, a program dedicated to understanding and catering to the unique needs and personalities of program dogs for adoption. Michael, a recognized figure in Las Vegas for his dedication to rescue dogs, co-hosts the award-winning podcast “The Paw Talk,” where he educates and inspires others about the potential of these animals. Melissa, a dedicated trainer at Paw Talk, has a heartwarming success story with Kane, a scared rescue dog who blossomed under her guidance. Both Michael and Melissa believe in the transformative power of love and training in rescue dogs, as evidenced by their work with dogs like Kane and Kenzie, who have flourished under their care. Join Tom Fox, Michael Novelli, and Melissa Novelli on this episode of The Paw Talk podcast to learn more about their inspiring work with rescue dogs.

Dogs Featured

  • Kane
  • Oliver
  • Kenzie

Quotes

“He looked up to me with his eyes. I could barely hold back the tears because it was just, know, heartwarming.”

“So to see him out and in the fresh air and walking and just like, really, he’s a working dog. He wants to work. He always wants to do something for his treats. He wants to sit, he wants to shake, he wants to give a high five. And he just really is coming out of his shell. He was adopted during COVID so he hadn’t had much socialization, so I think that has a lot to do with it.”

“The more people that know about what we do, the more dogs we can help, the more lives we could change, and the more lives we can save, because that’s exactly what Pawtastic Friends is.”

 Resources

Pawtastic Friends

Donate to Pawtastic Friends

Vote for Pawtastic Friends at Wreaths of Hope

Pawtastic Friends on Instagram

Pawtastic Friends on Facebook

Categories
Pawtastic Friends - The Paw Talk

Pawtastic Friends – The Paw Talk – Alex, Sam and Charley

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 of The Paw Talk podcast, hosts Tom Fox, Michael, and Melissa Novelli share heartwarming stories and provide practical advice for pet owners. One episode discusses the dedication of friends and volunteers to finding a loving home for Alex, a dog who lost his owner to cancer. Another episode explores the deep bond between humans and their dogs, emphasizing the grief and loyalty experienced by dogs when they lose their human companions. The hosts also discuss the challenges faced by larger dogs in finding adoptive homes. In a separate episode, the team discusses the topic of introducing dogs to water, emphasizing safety and understanding each dog’s preferences. The podcast provides valuable insights and resources for pet owners while highlighting the importance of finding forever homes for dogs in need.

Dogs Featured: 

  • Alex
  • Sam
  • Charley

Quotes:

“But it was just amazing how this team really rallied for him.”

“They grieve just like we do, and it takes time to build their spirits up. And that’s what Pawtastic Friends does. It gives dogs hope, and it gives them a new beginning. And that faith that, hey, things are going to change.”

“But safety is number one. Always a life jacket. Even like with humans, wear life jackets and be very cautious of pool covers because if they don’t know that it’s a pool cover and they step on there and they’re not being attended to, all it takes is for a second, just like a child to drown, a dog to drown.”

Resources:

Pawtastic Friends

Categories
Pawtastic Friends - The Paw Talk

Pawtastic Friends – The Paw Talk – Nera, Baz & Gonzo

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 and 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, activities such as yoga and aquatics training, obedience, and agility. This podcast is sure to tug on your heartstrings; listen to how sweet this one dog is! Tune in to hear more from Michael and Melissa Novelli as they discuss their passion for helping needy pups. Get ready for an exciting episode of Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk!

In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the benefits of nosework for dogs, a training activity that builds their confidence and provides mental stimulation. They explain how nose work involves searching for treats or scents and can be done anywhere, even at home. The hosts also share heartwarming stories of dogs like Baz and Gonzo, who found their forever homes after experiencing challenging circumstances. They emphasize the importance of understanding a dog’s needs and conditions when determining the appropriate amount of exercise, as pushing a tired dog can be harmful. The conversation concludes by mentioning an upcoming holiday party to support the facility’s mission of helping dogs change and save lives.

Dogs Featured: 

  • Nera
  • Baz
  • Gonzo

Quotes:

“We call them the super sniffers.”

“And that’s what’s great about this facility: we help the dogs trust people again. We help them build the confidence that’s so.”

“Listen to your dog.”

Resources

Pawtastic Friends

Categories
Pawtastic Friends - The Paw Talk

Pawtastic Friends – The Paw Talk – Athena, Sable, Otis

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 heart strings, 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 explored the importance of being a responsible pet owner and the impact that the media has had on the perception of pit bulls. Tom and Michael and Melissa discussed how to find the right home for senior dogs, how to prevent heat stroke, and the importance of enrichment training at home. They shared the story of Otis, a small dog that was adopted after weeks of training and patience, as an example of the rewards of responsible pet parenting. Overall, this episode highlights the need to provide our furry friends with the best care and environment to ensure their quality of life.

This episode of “Pawtastic Friends-The Paw Talk” is a must-listen for anyone who loves dogs and believes in providing them with a happy and healthy life. You’ll be moved by the stories of these amazing pups and inspired by Mike and Melissa’s dedication to finding them their perfect home. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a dog in need. Tune in now!

Dogs Featured 

·      Athena

·      Sable

·      Otis

Quotes

“It’s like having a kid. If you teach a kid and you ignore them and you teach them bad, they do bad, they become a product of their environment.”

“But once again, the center did what it was supposed to do.”

“Shout out to the ones that believe in the underdog.”

“You don’t have to spend a ton of money on things. You can create your own. Use things around the house.”

Resources

Pawtastic Friends

Categories
Pawtastic Friends - The Paw Talk

Pawtastic Friends – The Paw Talk – Honey, Bryce and Leon

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 heart strings, 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!

Adopting a dog is a rewarding experience that brings joy and companionship but requires thoughtful planning and preparation. In the recent podcast episode of ‘Building Dog Confidence’, Tom Fox, Michael and Melissa Novelli discussed how to create a strong bond between a dog and its owner, as well as the importance of taking precautions to keep dogs safe in hot weather. They highlighted the benefits of enrichment training, puzzles, and treats for building dog confidence, as well as the dangers of pouring cold water on an overheated dog. Additionally, they mentioned the nonprofit organization, Pawtastic Friends, which helps people find the right dog for them and provides resources to help care for their pet. Finally, they discussed the importance of nosework in helping to keep dogs’ minds sharp.

This episode of “Pawtastic Friends-The Paw Talk” is a must-listen for anyone who loves dogs and believes in providing them with a happy and healthy life. You’ll be moved by the stories of these amazing pups and inspired by Mike and Melissa’s dedication to finding them their perfect home. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a dog in need. Tune in now!

Dogs Featured 

·      Honey

·      Bryce

·      Leon

Quotes

“She’s petite in size. She’s a black. Pity. She was at a different boarding facility and just was not doing well. So they moved her over to where we walk, and the volunteers get her out. And she instantly came alive. Loves the volunteers. She loves to walk. She rides great in the car. She is just this amazing dog.”

“It’s the little victories and the encouraging words that cheer him on, like, hey, good job, buddy. Good job. Next week. Maybe he makes it halfway off, and then before you know it, the trainers are sending us videos and pictures like, oh, my God, he went over the a-frame. So it’s the little victories that are the big picture and win the war.”

“Leave your dogs at home. They’ll be fine for an hour or two. You don’t need to take your dogs everywhere, especially when it’s hot, because one bad instance of you taking your dog out could be fatal. It could be really fatal.”

“We always encourage people to go to our website and help out. We are a nonprofit organization, so they can go to Podasticfriends.com.”

Resources

Pawtastic Friends