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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

Pawtastic Friends: The Paw Talk – Bogey, Prince and Thor

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 Bogey, Prince, and Thor.

Michael Novelli and Melissa Novelli are dedicated individuals with a shared passion for animal welfare, particularly focusing on homeless rescue dogs. They tell us about two wonderful dogs available for adoption, Bogey and Prince, and one who was recently adopted, Thor. They also  discuss the Pawtastic Friends upcoming Block Party fundraiser as a crucial community event that raises funds for local shelters and enrichment training centers. Melissa sees the fundraiser as a vital platform for community involvement, raising money for local shelters and acting as a voice for homeless rescue dogs. Her perspective is influenced by her volunteer work with rescue organizations and her experiences helping traumatized dogs overcome obstacles. Both Michael and Melissa believe in the power of community support and the positive impact it can have on the welfare of rescue dogs.

Quotes:

“He needs a hero.” – Melissa Novelli

“They’re probably never going to be that type of dog, but they still can be a dog that can live happily ever after. And those two deserve every bit of it.” – Melissa Novelli

“If you have any free time, volunteer. Because not only does volunteering enrich the lives of the organizations that you touch, but it enriches your life and makes you a better person.” – 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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Pawtastic Friends - The Paw Talk

Pawtastic Friends -The Paw Talk- Shadow, Santa Anna & Cane

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. Just listen to how sweet this one dog is! Please 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!
Mike Novelli and Melissa Novelli are the co-founders of Pawdastic Friends, a program dedicated to understanding and catering to the unique needs and personalities of program dogs for adoption. Mike and Melissa believe each dog has its character and requirements, and it is crucial to understand these needs to find suitable forever homes. They emphasize that adoption events can be stressful for some dogs, causing them not to show their best personalities, and therefore, it is essential to meet them in the right setting. Their perspectives are shaped by their experiences with dogs like Shadow, who needs an active household, and Santa Anna, who prefers to be the only pet in a home. Join Tom Fox, Mike Novelli, and Melissa Novelli on this episode of the Paw Talk podcast as they delve deeper into the unique needs and personalities of program dogs for adoption.

Dogs Featured 

  • Shadow
  • Santa Anna
  • Cane

Quotes

“He really deserves to be cherished and loved in a home of his own.”

“Well, sometimes adoption events can be a little chaotic. There’s a lot of barking dogs, there’s a lot of people. A lot of times the dogs are kept in kennels, so they can become a little kennel reactive when people approach. And sometimes their best personality doesn’t come out at those events. I do feel that it’s important to meet a dog in the right setting. There are some dogs that do great at adoption events, but some just do not. And unfortunately, it hampers their opportunities to get adopted.”

“Yeah, this center and this whole program has been changing lives and saving lives.”

Resources

Pawtastic Friends

Categories
Pawtastic Friends - The Paw Talk

Pawtastic Friends – The Paw Talk – Hope, Ryder and Rogan

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. Just 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!

Mike’s perspective on dog training and showing affection in foster care centers on providing older dogs with love, mental stimulation, and socialization opportunities to help them thrive. His experiences with dogs like Hope and Rogan have shaped this perspective, demonstrating his ability to build trust and confidence in dogs and match them with suitable adopters.

On the other hand, Melissa believes in the potential of older dogs for training and showing affection in foster care. Her work with dogs like Rogan and Ryder has shown her the importance of using positive reinforcement to communicate love and build trust. Join Tom Fox, Mike Novelli, and Melissa Novelli on this episode of the Paw Talk podcast as they delve deeper into these perspectives and share their experiences.

Dogs Featured:

  • Hope
  • Ryder
  • Rogan

Quotes:

“Last week, she jumped through the tire, which was a first. She went over the hurdle, and nobody could believe it because she had been so shy and quiet. But when we saw that, Linda’s like, I can’t believe she went through the tire. It was the first time. So it was a big accomplishment for her and one step closer to becoming the confident, beautiful girl ready for her forever home.”

“Sometimes we see when their owners pass away, their spirit is broken, and they’re shut down almost, like giving up sometimes. Dogs have been in kennels for years and have lost their spirit. They have shut down and kind their will to live. But when they come here, you could see this incredible transformation from day one when they have their tail between their leg, and each week the tail comes out, it starts to wag. And you could see small victories that win the war.

“And nose work is almost equivalent to taking a dog for a long walk because it’s mental stimulation and simple.”

Resources

Pawtastic Friends