Friday, March 30, 2012

Brunch at Biscotti’s Ristorante, Pawsafe Animal Rescue and an iPhone

On March 31, 2012, from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, Biscotti’s Ristorante will be hosting a fundraiser brunch ($12.00/person) for Pawsafe Animal Rescue.   No, there won’t be any puppies at this event, but there will be over $2,000 of amazing prizes that can be won through door prizes, raffles, silent auctions, and even a chance to win a brand new iPhone 4!  Let’s take a look at Pawsafe Animal Rescue and their motivation for this fundraiser.      

Daine Scuderi  - founder of Pawsafe Animal Rescue  - describes the organization as a “non-profit, canine based, rescue that aims to provide a better life for adoptable companion animals without homes and to assist in the effort to limit the overpopulation of these animals.”  Pawsafe got its beginnings in 1987 when a very pregnant stray cat found residence at a local Department of Public Works (DPW) facility where she could not stay.  A DPW employee tried to find a safe place to send the cat but no one could guarantee that she wouldn't be euthanized.  Eventually, this cat found her way to Diane, and she delivered the cat’s 4 adorable kittens.  Today, due to Diane’s efforts and the dedicated volunteers who support the Pawsafe mission, they are proud to say that Pawsafe has saved the lives of over 6,000 dogs and cats.    

PawSafe’s goal has always been to have a dedicated adoption facility, training center, and, spay/neuter clinic which would be open to the public.  Achieving this goal will offer the group an opportunity to almost triple the number of animals that they are currently saving and allow them to be able to rescue cats once again.  In order to proceed with their dream of opening an adoption facility a minimum of $250,000 needs to be raised.  Thus their motivation for this fundraiser!  

Scott Haines, owner of Biscotti’s Ristorante is excited about hosting this event and to show his support will be donating a percentage of the receipts collected during the fundraiser back to Pawsafe.  He hopes that everyone in the community will show their support and have brunch at Biscotti’s Ristorante on March 31 between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm.   It’s guaranteed to be a fun time for all and maybe if you’re lucky you’ll leave with some amazing prizes.

For more information about Pawsafe Animal Rescue and volunteering opportunities - please visit their Facebook page and “LIKE” or visit their website at http://pawsafe.org.  

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Dog Park Safety - Being Proactive vs. Reactive


Dog Park Safety

How to be Proactive vs. Reactive

It’s a warm sunny day at the dog park .  All the dogs are playing nicely.  Owners are chatting.  When all of a sudden…there’s a fight.   A dog fight.  This time there were no injuries.  However, that isn’t always the case.  Unfortunately, if you have ever visited any one of the 600 dog parks across the United States, you know one of the many risks of bringing your dog to the dog park is a dog fight.  What you may not know, is that owners who are aware of the risks, understand the personality and temperament of their dog, and are able to recognize the signs of appropriate canine play tend to have have a safer and more enjoyable visit.  How can owners obtain this knowledge?  Let’s start at the beginning...

Approximately two years ago, I was approached by a State of Connecticut Animal Control Officer to develop a program on dog park safety.  The goal of this program was to give owners the information needed to keep themselves and their dog(s) safe while at the dog park.  Before designing the program, I spent many hours observing owners and their dogs.  Here is what I learned:
  • Sometimes owners don’t observe the rules of a dog park.
  • Sometimes owners bring dogs who may not be suited for the dog park environment.
  • Sometimes owners don’t know how to help their dog get ready for the dog park.
  • Sometimes owners are unable to distinguish the difference between appropriate and inappropriate canine play.  

Based on my observations it became apparent that pet dog owners needed to have a solid understanding of the following:
  • An awareness of the pros and cons of being in a dog park.
  • To learn which dogs are the best - and not the best - candidates for the dog park.
  • An understanding of how to prepare your dog and what to expect while in the dog park.
  • Be able to identify what appropriate intercanine behavior looks like.

In my webinar titled: Dog Park Safety - How to be Proactive vs. Reactive each of the above topics will be covered.  The goal of this webinar is to provide pet dog owners with the knowledge to keep each visit to the dog park a positive and safe experience.   



Scheduled to be live on 4/1/12