Pawtastic Friends – The Paw Talk

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! In this episode, we feature Luca, Artemis, and Otto. Michael and Melissa are advocates for animal welfare and the driving forces behind the Jordan's Way fundraiser, a pivotal event that ensures the financial viability of their rescue center. Michael views the fundraiser as an opportunity to rally community support, organizing engaging activities like games and challenges to help reach their ambitious $25,000 goal. Melissa shares this enthusiasm, emphasizing the fundraiser's critical role in covering operational costs and the potential impact of businesses matching donations. Both are committed to the broader mission of animal rescue, with Melissa's Foster Initiative Project highlighting the need for compassionate foster homes to transform the lives of dogs like Luca and Artemis. Quotes "Sometimes different is good." - Melissa Novelli "That's what this center was built for—for those moments when you can help change lives." - Michael Novelli It was such a transformation when I was watching on the camera and I saw this dog become everything he could be. I was like, wow, you know, Michael." - Melissa Novelli Resources: Pawtastic Friends Donate to Pawtastic Friends Pawtastic Friends on Instagram Pawtastic Friends on Facebook Jordan’s Way US Tour Jordan’s Way visit to Pawtastic Friend’s in Las Vegas

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! In this episode, we feature Cody, Sweety, and Lina. Dog adoption candidates, especially seniors, hold a unique place in the animal rescue world, offering both challenges and profound rewards to their adopters. They emphasize the need for a holistic approach to adoption, focusing on tailored training programs and the importance of matching dogs with compatible families. Michael highlights the significance of understanding each dog’s unique needs, ensuring that potential adopters are loving and patient families who can provide stable environments. Melissa advocates special care and attention for senior dogs, noting that older dogs like Cody and Sweetie thrive in active and warm family settings. Their collective dedication underscores the transformative impact of thoughtful adoption processes for dogs and their new families. Quotes “For seniors, what I love about our curriculum is they come and they work on balance, they work on mobility, they work on stretching, all things to keep them moving that are fun learning games to exercise the mind.” – Melissa Novelli “It’s A group class where they work on mobility, balance and stability. And so it gives them a chance to keep their body young and they’re mine young.” – Melissa Novelli “Very passionate. And what’s great is it’s fun. Everybody has fun.” Melissa Novelli Resources: Pawtastic Friends Donate to Pawtastic Friends Pawtastic Friends on Instagram Pawtastic Friends on Facebook Jordan’s Way US Tour Jordan’s Way visit to Pawtastic Friend’s in Las Vegas

Welcome to Pawtastic Friends-The Paw Talk. In this podcast, host Tom Fox visits 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! In this episode, we feature Linus, Katniss, and Kanan. Michael and Melissa Novelli return to discuss the inspiring stories of rescue dogs Linus, Katniss, and Kanan. Linus, a senior dog, benefits from aquatic exercises to help with joint pain and muscle strength. Katniss has found a loving foster home where she thrives but needs to be the only dog. Kanan, now happily adopted, had an extended stay in boarding before finding his forever home. The episode concludes with valuable guidelines for dog owners on making the holiday season less stressful for pets, including food safety tips and advice on avoiding anxiety-inducing situations. Additionally, the hosts highlight the importance of donations and available swag on the Pawtastic Friends site to support their life-changing rescue center. Quotes: “If they are afraid, don’t put them in the situation. Don’t set them up to fail.” Michael Novelli “I think it’s important that, you know, there’s lots of ways to celebrate and you can celebrate, you know, with dog toys. I don’t think rawhides. No, rawhides, toys. You should supervise them.” Melissa Novelli “And I’m one with the snacks. But, you know, how about making them their own little holiday dinner, like some boiled chicken and some steamed carrots and some steamed green beans and maybe some pumpkin.” – Melissa Novelli “So like I said, there’s always ways to celebrate. You just have to be smart about.” – Melissa Novelli Resources: Pawtastic Friends Donate to Pawtastic Friends Pawtastic Friends on Instagram Pawtastic Friends on Facebook Pawtastic Friends-Hope for the Holiday

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 feature Jax, Nova and Rome.  Michael and Melissa Novelli are back to discuss the inspiring journeys of three rescue dogs: Jax, Nova, and Rome. Melissa shares heartwarming details about Jax, a lovable three-year-old pit bull, describing his sweet disposition and the joy he brings to everyone he meets. The importance of their Boarding Buddies program, which provides quality time, and essential walks for rescue dogs, is also emphasized. Michael then discusses Nova, a high-energy 13-month-old brown lab who loves swimming and is currently with their partner, Crazy for Paws. As Nova waits for her forever home, the importance of spaying and neutering pets to control the pet population is highlighted. Finally, Melissa shares the happy tale of Rome, a rescue dog who recently found his forever home after receiving confidence-building training, showcasing the impact of their facility and programs. In a heartwarming conclusion, the episode announces a special fundraiser in honor of Melissa's birthday, inviting listeners to contribute to the ongoing support of rescue dogs. Listeners are encouraged to adopt rather than shop for pets, to sponsor dogs, and to share the message to reach a broader audience. Quotes "He is kind of like one of those guys that just happy go, lucky, goes with the flow." - Melissa Novelli "It's not just a simple dog walk. It's just that you're helping this dog on its journey." - Melissa Novelli "When you get those happy stories like that, it makes it all worthwhile." Michael Novelli Resources Pawtastic Friends Donate to Pawtastic Friends Pawtastic Friends on Instagram Pawtastic Friends on Facebook Pawtastic Friends-Hope for the Holiday

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 episode, we feature Queen, Cheba, and Fanta. The annual fundraiser ‘Hope for the Holidays,’ organized by Pawtastic Friends, is a cherished community event to support rescue dogs and raise 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. Their perspectives reveal a deep commitment to animal welfare and community engagement, making ‘Hope for the Holidays’ a heartwarming and impactful event. Quotes: “She’s got that sweet personality, she’s energetic, but she’s also got that spicy side.” – Melissa Novelli “This facility costs about $250,000 a year to run. And we do it on fundraisers and the generosity of people.” – Michael Novelli Resources: Pawtastic Friends Donate to Pawtastic Friends Pawtastic Friends on Instagram Pawtastic Friends on Facebook Pawtastic Friends-Hope for the Holiday

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 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 educating 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

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 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 his transformation from reluctance to engagement and 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

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 feature Hercules, Angelina and Prince.  In this episode we the Fostering Initiative Project is a pioneering effort designed to engage the public in fostering homeless animals by organizing monthly foster fairs and offering diverse fostering opportunities, thereby aiming to save animal lives through temporary and eventually permanent placements with loving families. Tom views fostering as crucial for providing dogs with love, structure, and consistency, which not only benefits the animals but also aids rescues in better understanding them for future adoptions. Michael echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that fostering offers a superior environment compared to boarding, and appreciates the movement's growth through events that encourage public participation. Melissa underscores the project's importance in addressing the crisis of homeless animals, promoting various fostering types, 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

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 feature Dolce, Willis and Nava.  In this episode of Pawtastic 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 Novellis 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 rebuild 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." - Michael Novelli" - Michael Novelli Resources Pawtastic Friends Donate to Pawtastic Friends Pawtastic Friends on Instagram Pawtastic Friends on Facebook

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 feature Luca, Scooter and Hazel. Special needs dogs, such as Luca, Scooter, and Hazel, have overcome significant challenges to find loving forever homes, thanks to specialized care and dedicated programs. Tom Fox expresses a supportive and appreciative perspective on special needs dogs, highlighting their inspiring stories and the efforts made to help them thrive despite their challenges. Michael Novelli focuses on providing special needs dogs with opportunities for enjoyment and better lives, emphasizing the benefits of activities like swimming and ongoing support. Melissa Novelli passionately advocates for the adoption of special needs dogs, believing they deserve a chance at happiness and showcasing success stories that demonstrate their potential for fulfilling lives. Together, these perspectives underscore the importance of compassion, specialized care, and the belief that every dog, regardless of their challenges, deserves to thrive. Quotes "He is doing phenomenal. He loves the water and he really gets around and he's just a little guy." - Melissa Novelli "All it takes is one special person to give that one special dog a forever home." - Melissa Novelli "And that's one of the things, too. Like, once they get adopted, they're just not done. What we do is we set them up for more success and bring the adopter in so they can have some free lessons." - Michael Novelli Resources Pawtastic Friends Donate to Pawtastic Friends Pawtastic Friends on Instagram Pawtastic Friends on Facebook

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

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 Marchy, Eva, and Zeri. Michael and Melissa Novelli discuss how partnerships with shelters play an essential role in the successful adoption of rescue dogs, fostering a collaborative environment where fosters, trainers, shelters, and the community work together to provide the necessary care and training. Melissa values these partnerships, recognizing the importance of working together to achieve a common goal of getting dogs adopted. For Michael, the emphasis is on team effort and collaboration with shelters to effectively promote and network dogs for adoption and he highlights the mutual support and resource sharing that make these partnerships successful. Together, they appreciate the critical role that fosters play in offering a loving environment and participating in training sessions to build confidence, social skills, and trust in dogs, ultimately leading to happy and successful adoption outcomes. Quotes: “It’s just amazing to see the dogs and all they can be, you know, and their journey to becoming their best version of themselves.” – Melissa 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 “If it’s hot and your dog starts panning, that means, you know, they’re stressed, their body stressed. They’re working very hard.” – Michael Novelli Resources: Pawtastic Friends Donate to Pawtastic Friends Pawtastic Friends on Instagram Pawtastic Friends on Facebook

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 Pita, Nora and Lexus. Michael and Melissa Novelli discuss the training progress of two dogs, Peta and Nora, both from the Nevada SPCA, highlighting their behavior and training improvements at the Pawtastic Friends Training Center. They also share the success story of Lexus, the 673rd dog to find a furever home through the program. The episode covers the unique annual block party fundraiser and an upcoming Foster Initiative Project aimed at educating the community on fostering homeless animals. The hosts emphasize the importance of building trust, confidence, and obedience in dogs to prepare them for adoption. Quotes: “Her profile picture, she has one ear up and one ear down. It’s great. It’s just great. I was like, how can you not adopt this dog?” – Mike Novelli “They’re building skills that are going to prepare them for their forever home.” – Melissa Novelli “What’s great about this program, too, Tom, is a lot of times people will go to a shelter and they might adopt a dog. They don’t really know much about it, and sometimes the shelter staff might not know that much about it, but when they come here, we can give them all that information.” – Melissa Novelli “At the end of the day tomorrow, fostering saves lives and it’s free.” – Melissa Novelli” Resources: Pawtastic Friends Donate to Pawtastic Friends Pawtastic Friends on Instagram Pawtastic Friends on Facebook

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

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

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 background 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 you’re 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

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

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

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

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