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