Jack & Jill - 1 Year Anniversary

 

 

Macy’s Charity Day Shop-For A-Cause

October 17, 2009

Nikki Granat and Nate	Macy’s Fashion Show  Baby from Sex & the City 2008	Java Champion Performer

• 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Tails of Hope appearance at MACY’S PALISADES CENTER, NY.  Join us for FREE fun pet-themed craft projects for children, face painting, two fashion shows, to learn more about comparative and advanced veterinary medicine or to purchase pet-themed items to advance our mission and support our Sponsor-A-PetSM and Pediatrics and Pets Cancer programs.
• 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Chuckles the Clown
• Noon to 12:45 PM Children’s Fashion Show with Performing Champion, Java
• 1:45 PM Nikki Granat, singing sensation, opens Family Fashion Show
• 1:45 PM to 3:00 PM Family Fashion Show with Dancing Dogs--Java, Campbell and Latte
• Meet Tails of Hope Foundation’s Heroes of Hope Dogs
• 4:00 PM Close

 

Donate $5.00 and receive a Macy’s discount ticket from Tails of Hope to save up to 25% off your Macy’s purchases October 17th good at any Macy’s nationwide.*  Proceeds to benefit Tails of Hope Foundation, Inc.  *Note: exemptions apply.

 

 

 

Lillie’s Tribute Story

The Gift of A Year

When Lillie was diagnosed with salivary gland carcinoma last March she was already   15 ½ and living with degenerative myelopathy.  She had survived a nerve sheath tumor, acute pancreatitis, a root canal and back surgery for spondylosis among other medical problems.  She walked with the assistance of a dog wheelchair.  Some might think her guardians cruel to “put her through another surgery”, but tests revealed a strong heart, lungs and excellent blood work and because of her zest for life surgery was approved and saved her life.

Five weeks after her cancer surgery Lillie walked in the American Cancer Dogswalk, NY and seven weeks later in The OctoberWoman Foundation’s Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Walk in Park Ridge, NJ raising money to help pets and people with cancer.  She had so much fun and was so popular that she continued making appearances at formal events visited by over 40,000 people in 2008 and informal appearances attracting thousands more.  She proudly pranced in Macy’s fashion show last September.  In January 2009 she received a Certificate of Merit Award from New Jersey’s Animal Hall of Fame for her outstanding societal contributions.  Lillie brought a message of hope and comfort to children and adults.  She became dear friends with 8 year-old Kaitlin Clutter, Champion for New Jersey’s Children’s Miracle Network, who uses a wheelchair herself.  Kaitlin saw Lillie as a role model who was

… really awesome.  She was very brave and strong and never gave up.  She always had a smile on her face and loved me from the minute that I met her with her kisses.  

Lillie was not “just” a Mascot for Tails of Hope, but served as a Hero of Hope for the program.  Because of Lillie, Tails of Hope was approached by corporate sponsors like Seiko who now sponsors Pops for Pups SM in three states and is considering taking the chocolate charity project nation-wide, Macy’s who invited Tails of Hope to join their charity days in 2008 and 2009, Palisades Center who invited Lillie into the Center to as the “first and only approved dog ever” to provide education to the public about pets with disabilities.  Palisades Center went on to sponsors Pops for Pups SM for the entire month of February while Lillie made multiple appearances to see “see how the project was going”.  Two weeks before her death she mustered her energy to dazzle the children with one last appearance as the children climbed out of their strollers on to hers to give her a kiss.  She beamed. 

On April 13, 2009 Lillie succumbed to the degenerative myelopathy.  She passed away peacefully in the loving arms of her Mom and Dad.

On A Personal note:  Lillie was loved unconditionally by her Mom, Dad and sister Miss Paws (deceased).  She had many two and for legged friends nation-wide.  She inspired all from the time she joined her family 16 years ago at the age of 4 to 6 months after being rescued from the streets of Washington DC during the height of the murder rate.  Every single day of her life she inspired her family, both two and four legged, with her courage, determination, mischief, joy, elegance, gentleness and compassion.  How blessed we were to share this earthly experience with her for 16 years, two weeks and three days.

In recognition:  Lillie’s life was a testament to the successes of advanced veterinary medicine.  Thanks to the following outstanding veterinarians and Board Certified Veterinary Specialists and their dedicated and exquisite staffs Lillie lived a long and joyous life.  In gratitude to: Dr. Rachel St. Vincent and Dr. Victor Rendano of Advanced Veterinary Care Specialty Center, NY, Dr. Scott Linick and Dr. Anthony Loomis of Plainfield Animal Hospital, NJ, Dr. Michael Brown and Dr. Timothy Hatt of Oradell Animal Hospital, NJ, Dr. Stacey Hershman of Natural Vet for Pets P.C., NY, Eddie and Leslie Grinnell of Eddie’s Wheels for Pets, MA and Dr. Donna Manderino and Beth Deutsch of Park Ridge Animal Hospital, NJ.  Her co-Heroes of Hope-Chagall, Jersey, Nathan, Sammy and Watson. Lillie’s life was deeply enriched by her devoted friends who helped her through all her medical experiences by providing love and special treats:  Godmother Rosemary Shahan, Aunt Pamela and Oliver Drake, Gay, Jerry, Snowflake and Gracie Benison, The Cherniss Family, Christen Becker, Kaitlin Clutter, JD her dragster friend, her New Jersey dog walk friends and her boyfriend Samoyed Sammy.

 

Donations:  If you would like to help Lillie continue her good works, please send your memorial gift to:

 

Tails of Hope Foundation, Inc.

P.O. Box 2325

Monroe, NY 10494-7325

www.tailsofhopefoundation.org

845-926-3478 

 

Your tax deductible donation will help pets in need.

American Cancer Dogswalk story

Lillie with her Dad, Mom and sister Miss Paws	Lillie walks in American Cancer Dogswalk, five weeks after surgery to remove a malignant salivary gland carcinoma (May, 2008)
Lillie and Tails of Hope Foundation volunteers sing with Elvis at the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Walk for The OctoberWoman Foundation, NJ (May, 2008)	Lillie at street fair with a little fan, Westwood, NJ, summer 2008	Lillie in Macy’s “Shop for A Cause” Fashion Show with Tails of Hope Foundation  Jr. Ambassador Gabe, September 2008
Halloween as Cinderella’s Coach, October 2008	Lillie, Tails of Hope Foundation Mascot, with Kaitlin Clutter Champion Across America, New Jersey Children’s Miracle Network	Lillie Palisades Center, December 2008
Forever in our hearts Baby Girl

Just Published!

JACK & JILL: The Miracle Dog with a Happy Tail to Tell by Jill Rapport and Linda Solomon

Jill Rappaport, NBC TODAY Show correspondent and Tails of Hope Foundation’s National Spokeswoman for the Jack and Jill Rappaport National Public Awareness Campaign has authored a new children’s book published by Harper Collins this month about her inspiring dog Jack.

JACK & JILL is the true story of an abandoned puppy that Jill rescued.  Together they lived on a farm where Jack spent his days running through fields and playing with the other animals.  Sadly, one day Jill received the news that Jack had bone cancer and to beat the disease, Jack’s leg had to be amputated, with chemotherapy to follow.  The story shows how Jack didn’t let this get him down. With only three legs he was able to still live life to the fullest and his story serves as an inspiration to both children and adults alike.  Jack shows us that everyday is a true gift that must be treasured.

Jill started the Jack & Jill Fund to educate owners about animal cancer and other life-threatening diseases.  The fund benefits the Tails of Hope Foundation and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Foundation.  Because of Jack and “The Jack and Jill Rappaport National Public Awareness Campaign” millions of pet owners around the world are being educated about lifesaving advanced veterinary medicine for pets with cancer and other life threatening illnesses. Royalties from the book are being donated the JACK & JILL FUND of Tails of Hope Foundation and ACVIMF.  Please help Jack save more pets lives by making a DONATION to underwrite cancer care in his name for pets in need.

 

 

 

TAILS FOR HOPE TEAMS UP WITH FiRE + iCE, PALISADES CENTER

  Tails of Hope Foundation announces another new Pops for Pups ^SM partnership!

Recently opened on the 4th level of the Palisades Center in West Nyack, FiRE + iCE Bar and Grill has teamed up with Tails of Hope to offer the delicious chocolate charity lollipops for a donation from April 10 through May 10, 2009.  Donation will help save the lives of beloved pets diagnosed with cancer through Tails of Hope’s assistive program called Sponsor-A-Pet ^SM and by educating the public about advanced veterinary medicine. 

FiRE + iCE will also team with Tails of Hope Foundation’s  by providing a free sampling menu at for a Jack’s Tail of Hope Party Palisades Center Aril 25th for the launch of NBC TODAY Show’s Jill Rappaport’s new book JACK & JILL: The Miracle Dog with A Happy Tail to Tell.  We hope you will join us (see article above).

About Pops for Pups^SM:

The program was developed in 2007 by Girl Scout Gold Award Achiever and Johns Hopkins student, Amanda Reck of Ridgefield, Connecticut, who was later joined by seven-year old Junior Ambassador, Gabe Cherniss.  Gabe began his philanthropic work with Tails of Hope at the age of 4 ¾ to honor his beloved dog, Columbus.  Columbus had been diagnosed with lymphoma, and thanks to Advanced Veterinary Care Specialty Center (AVC), a state-of-the-art veterinary cancer treatment facility in Newburgh, New York, his cancer went into remission allowing him to live out his full life span.  In the fall of 2008, Gabe teamed-up with Amanda to become the face and voice of Pops for Pups^SM.  

Pops for Pups  SM can also be found at Seiko stores in: Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, NY, Elizabeth, NJ, Ellenton and Orlando, FL.  Pops for Pups^SM was featured at the Palisades Center during February 2009.  The pops are donated by Conrad’s Confection. Hartville Chocolate Factory and Amazing Destinations.

If you are interested in sponsoring Pops for Pups^SM please email Tails of Hope or call 845-926-3478.

About FiRE + iCE Bar and Grill

Located on the 4th level of the Palisades Center in West Nyack, FiRE + iCE offers diners the opportunity to create their own delicious entrees in a fun, exciting and interactive environment, as meals are cooked by the entertaining chefs on a 25-foot round grill.

The first FiRE + iCE Bar and Grill opened in Cambridge's Harvard Square in 1997, and has since expanded with locations in seven major American cities, and, international locations are soon to open in Panama City and Dubai.

FiRE + iCE Bar and Grill is open seven days for lunch ($8.95), dinner ($14.95), and Sunday brunch ($11.95); appetizers, beverages and desserts are available for an additional cost.  Hours are Monday to Thursday from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm and Friday and Saturday until 11:00 pm, Sunday brunch from 10 am to 3 pm and lunch and dinner until 10:00 pm.

For more information, call 845 358-3473 or visit www.fire-ice.com

 

 

 

TAILS FOR HOPE TEAMS UP WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES

Tails of Hope Foundation, a charity whose mission is to help companion animals live longer, healthier lives, embarked on a partnership with Palisades Center in West Nyack, New York, and Conrad’s Candy of Westwood, New Jersey.  The Pops for Pups^SM charity program, a fundraiser offering chocolate lollipops for a donation, was featured at Palisades Center customer service desk for the month of February.  Results of this alliance helped raise awareness about companion animal cancer, lead to introductions to potential corporate funders and secured donations for 386 chocolate pops.

Pops for Pups^SM was developed in 2007 by Girl Scout Gold Award Achiever and Johns Hopkins student, Amanda Reck, Ridgefield, CT who was later joined by seven year old Jr. Ambassador, Gabe Cherniss.  Gabe began his philanthropic work with Tails of Hope at the age of 4 ¾’s to honor of his beloved dog, Columbus.  Columbus had been diagnosed with lymphoma, and thanks to Advanced Veterinary Care Specialty Center (AVC), a state-of-the-art veterinary cancer treatment facility in Newburgh, New York, his cancer went into remission allowing him to live out his full life span.  In the fall of 2008, Gabe teamed-up with Amanda to become the face and voice of Pops for Pups^SM.

Linda Blick, a Founding Board Member and long-time customer of Conrad’s explained, “The Pops for Pups^SM program was expanding and our organization was looking for a local chocolate maker to partner with.  I had recently received the store’s Zoe Bar, a favorite candy inspired by JJ’s beloved dog who suffered from cancer, and was delighted to learn the proceeds were being donated to a local animal rescue charity.  This inspired me to discuss Tails for Hope’s chocolate charity project with them.”

JJ Krachtus, Vice President at Conrad’s added, “we take pride in our philosophy of dedicating some of our work to the community.  It helps me sleep better and inspires me to go to work each day”.

For more information or to learn of partnership opportunities, contact Tails of Hope Foundation, at 845-926-3478 or contact us.

About Tails of Hope Foundation:
The organization’s mission is to help companion animals live longer, healthier lives through the implementation of assistance, educational and informational programs. Our assistance programs are aimed at providing help to individuals whose companion animals are suffering from life-threatening diseases. The goals of our educational and informational programs are to advance the state of cutting-edge advanced veterinary and comparative medicine for the benefit of  pets and people diagnosed with  common diseases such as cancer.

About Conrad’s:
Since 1928, Conrad’s Candy has been providing discriminating dessert lovers with only the finest homemade candy and ice cream from the purest, freshest ingredients. When founder Fred Conrad coupled an old-fashioned soda fountain with his homemade candy business to ride out the depression in downtown Westwood, New Jersey, a local tradition was born. With superior quality and time-tested proven techniques of candy manufacturing, Conrad’s uses the finest ingredients for chocolate confections and ice cream. Conrad's Confectionery strives to be a leader in a growing, socially conscious American business environment.

About Palisades Center:

Palisades Center is a four-level shopping center offering "the best of the best, all under one roof". The unprecedented combination of shopping, entertainment, and recreation boasts over 250 specialty shops, a unique ThEATery area with over 15 restaurants, Loews 21-screen movie theatre, a state-of-the-art IMAX theatre and an NHL-size ice skating rink. 

Experience the ThEATery located on Level 4 for an unsurpassed ensemble of restaurants, theaters, and entertainment venues.  Restaurants include the Cheesecake Factory, Chevy's Fresh Mex, TGI Friday's, Stir Crazy, Outback Steakhouse, and many more. When you combine these choices with an AMC 21-screen movie theater and a state-of-the-art IMAX theater featuring 2-D and 3-D movies along with fresh, hip bowling at Lucky Strike Lanes, Palisades Center quickly becomes the areas #1 destination for exceptional dining and entertainment.

All only 30 minutes from New York City at Exit 12 off the NY State Thruway. Open 7 days a week. Call (845) 348-1000 for information or visit us online at www.palisadescenter.com

 

 

 

Celebrating Jack’s Tail of Hope Book Launch Party

Bossy Frog Band Celebrating
Jack’s Tails of Hope

On Saturday April 25, 2009 Jack’s Tail of Hope Book Launch Party was held at the Palisades Center in West Nyack, New York.  The children’s event attracted over 500 supporters who danced to a live children’s concert donated by the Bossy Frog Band along with music by DJ Tony.

The event celebrated the launch of a new book by author Jill Rappaport, JACK & JILL:  THE MIRACLE DOG WITH A HAPPY TAIL TO TELL.  Jill is best known as the Emmy-nominated entertainment correspondent for NBC’s TODAY SHOW  and now serves as their popular animal welfare reporter.  Her new release educates children about embracing physical differences and living a joyous, compassionate, full life.  Jill is also the author of the New York Times bestselling People We Know, Horses They Love and Mazel Tov: Celebrities Bar and Bat Mitzvah Memories.  

Tails of Hope appeared at Macy’s of Palisades Center on Saturday morning partnering with their charity day.  In the afternoon Tails of Hope moved to the H & M Court to host Jack’s Tail of Hope Book Launch Party along with the Palisades Center, HarperCollins, Barnes & Noble of Palisades, the Bossy Frog Band, Camp Unleashed, Fire & Ice Restaurant, Macy’s of Palisades and WellPoint Foundation with Blue Cross Blue Shield. 

Both events were successful in raising awareness about advanced veterinary and comparative medicine, funds that will provide life saving medical assistance for three new pets diagnosed with treatable forms of cancer and support programmatic initiatives.  Macy’s extended a third invitation for Tails of Hope to participate in their upcoming charity day on September 19, 2009. 

Mall guests at the children’s event enjoyed music by the Bossy Frog Band who debuted their new song Step-By-Step SM which has been donated by Jeffery Friedberg to Tails of Hope, DJ Tony of Zen Entertainment, pet themed crafts, games, face painting and support by teen PAW Club of NY and PAW Club of NJ, clown appearances by Chuckles, Squiggles and Cupcakes and pet themed balloon sculpting by Demi. Participating mall merchants included Macy’s, who hosted a children’s fashion show, Fire & Ice Restaurant who provided a sampling of their grilled menu items and Barnes & Noble whose sales staff offered Jill Rappaport’s new book.  A percentage of the book royalties are being donated to Tails of Hope Foundation.

Dedicated volunteers joined Jack’s Book Launch Party from WellPoint Foundation-Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield for the second annual National Community Services Day.  Last April WellPoint Foundation invited Tails of Hope to be the recipient of their first annual National Community Services Day and participated in Tails of Hope’s Riding to the Rescue event held at East Side Custom Choppers in Walden, NY.  Twenty-three employees from WellPoint Foundation-Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield spent the day with the children and their families, while raising awareness to help pets with life-threatening illnesses.  Dorene Thompson, a WellPoint volunteer, said: 

It was an honor to be a part of Jack's Tail of Hope Book Launch Party. You put together a wonderful program. I learned a lot about the organization and felt inspired to share the message with others. My friends and neighbors also enjoyed being a part of the festivities ...Tails of Hope has a new friend in me…please keep me in mind as a volunteer for future projects. 

Tails of Hope Foundation would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all who participated in Jack’s Book Launch Party and to our co-sponsors, event performers, and volunteers for so generously donating your time and talent.  A special thanks for the tireless ongoing efforts of the Tails Team of volunteers who continuously make these events possible.  Your contributions are helping to save companion animal lives nation-wide.

For more information on becoming a volunteer, for assistance with advanced veterinary medical issues or to make a donation please contact us through the website or call Tails of Hope Foundation at 845-926-3478.

About Tails of Hope Foundation:

The organization’s mission is to help companion animals live longer, healthier lives through the implementation of assistance, educational and informational programs. Our assistance programs are aimed at providing help to individuals whose companion animals are suffering from life-threatening diseases. The goals of our educational and informational programs are to advance the state of cutting-edge advanced veterinary and comparative medicine for the benefit of pets’ and people diagnosed with common diseases such as cancer.

WellPoint Foundation:

The WellPoint Foundation is a private, non-profit organization wholly funded by WellPoint, Inc. Through charitable contributions and programs, the Foundation promotes WellPoint’s inherent commitment to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families in communities that WellPoint serves.  

Brought to you by:

Campaign For Month of February at Palisades Center, NY

February, 2009

Lillie Nominated for 14th Annual Animal Hall of Fame

 

Lillie was rescued from the streets of Washington, D.C. in March 1993 at the height of that city’s murder rate.  Lillie was estimated to be four to six months old. She was extremely traumatized.

 

Lillie joined her family shortly after being found.  Although terrified of humans, she still showed a willingness to bond as she snuggled into the arms of her human Dad on her first trip home from the shelter, just twenty-four hours after being spayed.

 

Originally Lillie would steal food from anyone or anywhere and run into the corner to hide while eating it.  She was hyper-vigilant from dusk to dawn which exhausted her and would cause a startle response when surprised or awakened from a deep sleep.  Lillie was a challenge to housebreak.  With time, guidance, and the love of her devoted human and canine family members and friends Lillie began to relax.  We knew Lillie could embrace joy when one memorable day she ran into the backyard, flung herself on her back and made a doggie snow angel while beaming from ear-to-ear and looking to see if we were watching.   She was so proud of herself and we were too.  Finally after five years she was free from her worries and fear.  We cried tears of joy. 

 

Once Lillie felt secure and contented she began volunteering as a therapy dog with her older canine sister, Miss Paws, a seasoned healer (1997).  She visited multiple nursing homes, helping people with Alzheimer’s, cancer and other life threatening illnesses.  She embraced everyone and brought such joy and comfort to humans and companion animals alike, including helping newly rescued dogs feel welcomed like Oliver, a Dachshund.  

 

Lillie is a testament to the advances of veterinary medicine.  She has overcome infantile demodex as an adult (1996), severe allergies (1997), a slab fracture to her tooth resulting in a root canal (1998), multiple eye surgeries (2006), acute pancreatitis (2006), endoscopic surgery to remove a foreign body she swallowed (2006) and, most recently, back (2007) and cancer (2008) surgeries.

 

In 2006 she was diagnosed with spondylosis and a nerve sheath tumor of her right leg.  She had radiation for the tumor (November, 2006) and back surgery for the spondylosis (February, 2007).  By the summer of 2007 she needed the help of an assistive cart which she adjusted to immediately (despite the fears of her parents who had witnessed Lillie’s self imposed paralysis if a hat was placed on her head) with the help of boiled chicken from her “Aunt Pam” and pushes to the back of her cart from her boyfriend Sammy, a Samoyed.

 

By her mere presence and award winning and welcoming smile, Lillie began educating the public about assistive devices.  It is impossible to count the number of people who have approached Lillie crying while proclaiming that they “feel like they murdered their pet” because they didn’t know assistive devises existed.

 

In February of 2008, Lillie began volunteering as an official Mascot and Donor Dog for Tails of Hope Foundation wearing a formal vest, educating the public about advanced veterinary medicine and assistive devises.  She began collecting donations for Tails of Hope Foundation and other non-profit organizations.  The proceeds are used to help pets obtain cancer treatment, to advance cancer research for humans and pets or to educate the public about advanced veterinary medicine. 

 

In March of 2008 Lillie was diagnosed with salivary gland carcinoma and, at the age of 15 ½, had surgery that successfully removed the tumor.  Five weeks later she walked as a Donor Dog and cancer survivor in the American Cancer Dogswalk, NY raising money for people with cancer and for cancer research.  Seven weeks later she walked in the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Walk for the OctoberWoman Foundation to raise money for people with cancer.  Besides meeting her fans, the highlight for her was singing with Elvis!

 

Lillie at the American Cancer Dogswalk, NY	Lillie sings with Elvis at the NY Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer walk, NJ

                                                                                                 

In the past 1 ½ years alone, Lillie has appeared at organized cancer walks, public events, street fairs, Helen Hayes Hospital, pet expos and Macy’s fashion show (September, 2008).  In total, the events have been attended by over 40,000 people.  She has also been featured in a number of news articles and graces Tracie Hotchner’s website.  Ms. Hotchner is the radio talk show host of “Dog Talk” and “Cat Chat” and the author of the Dog and Cat Bibles*.

 

Lillie loves to meet the public and offer them her custom Pawtograph.  She greets each person, adult or child, with a smile that lights up a room.  She waits patiently while abled and differently abled children and adults ask about and examine her wheelchair, pet her and pose with her for photos.

 

Most recently (November, 2008) Lillie had the honor of meeting Kaitlin Clutter, New Jersey’s Champion Across America for the Children’s Miracle Network.  Kaitlin was born with Spina Bifida and has had 12 surgeries in her 8 young years**.  Kaitlin got out of her wheelchair to walk Lillie at the Super Pet Expo in Edison, NJ.  When Kaitlin tired and returned to her wheelchair Lillie, now age 16, pulled Kaitlin around the expo prancing like a proud stead, smiling and running through the convention center with Kaitlin in tow.  Kaitlin has asked permission to raise money to help Lillie with her cause.  

 

 

 

When Lillie was diagnosed with spondylosis, her family knew what to do for Lillie and how to help her have a full and joyous life despite her condition.  Her family couldn’t be more grateful to Lillie for her love, for helping to inspire pet guardians every day, for the funds she raises to help other pets and people, for her courage and her strengthen to live a gracious, selfless life within the limitations of her disability.  When she puts on her vest her face lights-up and her energy level soars at the prospect of meeting others. 

 

Together, Lillie and Kaitlin are committed to educating the public about differently abled sentient beings and the benefits of comparative medicine for both species.

 

For more information on:

• Degenerative myelopathy in pets
• New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association Animal Hall of Fame
• *Tracie Hotchner’s website featuring Lillie
• ** Kaitlin Clutter on MySpace

TM

Melanoma Rates up 50% in young women

     American College of Veterinary Internal Foundation www.acvimfoundation.org
             Animal Cancer Foundation www.acfoundation.org
             Tails of Hope Foundation www.tailsofhopefoundation.org

 

Lion Brand Yarn^® May Newsletter Features

Tails of Hope Foundation’s Blanketed with Love^SM  Program

Volunteer Yarn and Fabric Crafters Eagerly Welcomed With Gratitude

Tails of Hope Foundation (TOHF) is extremely grateful to Lion Brand Yarn^® for featuring our Sponsor-A-Pet^SM and Blanketed with Love^SM programs in their May 2008 newsletter. We welcome gifts made from yarn or fabric (*) including but not limited to:

• Knitted, crocheted, quilted or sewn blankets of all sizes (Knitted and crocheted blankets may include fleece backing. Pattern suggestions are referenced in the newsletter.)
• Fun furry scarves for adults and children
• Pet clothing of all sizes
• Pet toys for all types of companion animals
• Yarn or fabric crafted items of all types, with or without holiday themes, to offer in exchange for donations

Holiday themed items will be especially appreciated for donation offerings at TOHF’s next appearance at the Super Pet Expo convention November 7-9, 2008 which draws an average of 20,000 visitors looking for unique holiday gifts.

* Please follow guidelines for small children.  All yarn crafted items should be washable, have a tight weave and be free of buttons, fringe, wiggly eyes, etc.

Crafted yarn and fabric gifts will be packaged with donated pet supplies and DOGSWELL^® treats and will be sent nationwide to comfort pets undergoing advanced veterinary care for cancer and other life threatening diseases.  Some items such as the fun fur scarves will be offered in exchange for donations to help raise funds to support TOHF’s six point mission plan. 

It is a tradition of our program to include a personalized note recognizing the first name of the donor(s) with each gift package sent.  If you would like to forward an unsealed note for inclusion in the Blanketed with Love^SM package TOHF would appreciate your kindness as will the pet’s family.

Please mail your yarn or fabric contributions to:

Tails of Hope Foundation, Inc.
P O Box 2325
Monroe, NY 10949-7325

Tails of Hope Foundation is receiving a steady stream of calls from across the nation requesting Sponsor-A-Pet^SM support for desperately ill family pets from owners who are struggling to make ends meet and who have exhausted their savings.  Many of the callers have recently been laid off from their jobs and in some cases the companies they worked for have filed for bankruptcy. 

A small financial donation will help offset the cost of package distribution.  Shipping for each Blanketed with Love^SM package costs approximately $20.00 depending on the size of the package and the number of items included.  Every product or monetary contribution is deeply appreciated by our not-for profit organization and by the pets and families who receive them.

Seventy-one million American households have a pet (APPMA).  Given that 47% of dogs and 32% of cats die from cancer or cancer related diseases (Morris Animal Foundation), we have a lot of pets to Blanket with Love. Your gifts will bring comfort to families and their cherished pets who are undergoing life saving veterinary treatments or while in hospice care.  

Tails of Hope Foundation would like to express our sincere thanks to those who have already contacted us and pledged contributions and welcome those joining with us now.   

All donors will be recognized and the states where packages are sent identified on our website, so please stop by our website again soon for updates on the Blanketed with Love^SM project. If you have any questions please feel free to email or call us at 845-926-3478.

With gratitude and warm regards,

Tails of Hope Foundation, Inc.

** Tails of Hope Foundation, Inc. appreciates your tax deductible donation.  Each gift helps advance our efforts toward eradicating life threatening diseases in companion animals, advancing veterinary medical care, supporting pet owners and helping to extend a good quality of life for pets when possible.  We value your partnership.  Tails of Hope Foundation is a registered 501 C 3 not-for-profit organization (Tax ID #20-581169). 

 

TAILS OF HOPE PARTICIPATES IN PINK RIBBON WALK

On May 18, 2008 Tails of Hope Foundation participated in the third annual Pink Ribbon Walk to raise money for andawareness about breast cancer. The event was sponsored by The OctoberWoman Foundation (www.octoberwoman.org) and Park Ridge Animal Hospital (www.parkridgevet.com). The event was hosted by NUS Consulting (www.nusinc.com). We would like to say a very special thank you to the host, sponsors and all who helped make the event a great success! Please enjoy our photo album of the walk. Photo credit goes to: Denise Zelikson, (Caninecamera.com) and Rick Deutsch.

 

TAILS OF HOPE EXHIBITS AT SUPER PET EXPO

Tails of Hope was an exhibitor at this year’s Super Pet Expo (www.superpetexpo.com) in Edison, New Jersey from February 8-10, 2008. Super Pet Expo is billed as the show that has “everything for every pet owner”, and with over 200 exhibitors and approximately 20,000 visitors attending the event this year, that was certainly the case.

Dr. Rachel St.    Vincent meets    disabled pet

Thousands of animal lovers came out to see the many pet products on display, meet the terrific not-for-profit organizations that attended the event, and spend the day with other animal lovers. Tails of Hope spent the entire weekend meeting and talking to thousands of pet owners, and it was terrific! We took the opportunity to educate all those we met about Tails of Hope and about the life-threatening diseases such as cancer that can affect companion animals. We also educated pet owners about the many advanced treatment options that are now available for ailing companion animals and the existence of Board-certified veterinary specialists who can treat companion animals with life-threatening diseases. All this information is part of the Jack and Jill Rappaport National Public Awareness Campaign that Tails of Hope is implementing with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Foundation and the Animal Cancer Foundation. We distributed many copies of campaign-related information at the event, including copies of the very important document “How to Pay for Veterinary Care”.

Dr. Rachel St. Vincent at Tails of Hope’s booth

The pet owners and animal lovers with whom we spoke were very grateful for the information with which we were able to provide them. They were also very grateful that we had one of our Founding Veterinarians, Dr. Rachel St. Vincent, available for two free “Ask the Vet” sessions. Dr. St. Vincent was able to provide much valuable information to those pet owners with whom she spoke, and we thank her very much for sharing her time and expertise!

All in all, it was a wonderful weekend, and we want to thank all of the pet owners and animal lovers who stopped by our booth to chat with us, as well as everyone who made a donation to Tails of Hope to help advance its mission and fund its Sponsor-a-PetSM and Blanketed with LoveSM programs. We very much enjoyed meeting all of you and having the chance to speak to you about our organization. We were truly moved by the love and compassion for companion animals that all of you showed!!!!

TAILS OF HOPE ATTENDS FRIENDS OF SNUFFY EVENT

On January 30th, 2008 at the club Don Hill’s (www.donhills.com) in New York City, the non-profit organization Friends of Snuffy (www.friendsofsnuffy.com) hosted a wonderful event called the “Snuffy Animal Dance” to benefit companion animals. The event was organized by the founder of Friends of Snuffy, Mary Gormley, and benefited three non-profit organizations: (i) Friends of Snuffy, which is dedicated to improving the lives of companion animals and in particular stray animals, (ii) our very own Tails of Hope Foundation and (iii) Animal Welfare Adoption Network (www.awaninc.org), which is dedicated to providing care for animals in need and placing homeless companion animals into loving homes.

Mary Gormley, DJ Logic, Ambassador Gandhi and Linda Blick

The first annual Friends of Snuffy Animal Dance featured DJ Logic (www.djlogic.com), a terrific deejay who kept the music going and people dancing throughout the evening. Over 100 people attended, many of whom joined in the “Sexiest Animal Costume” contest, which was judged by celebrity judges Jon Glaser, a writer, actor and comedian, Laura Craft, a comedian/writer for Colbert Report, Adams Powers, the owner of “Fetch” restaurant, and Alex Gitter, the manager of the Emerson Resort & Spa. The winner of the costume contest, Stacey Solazzo (visible as the lady jaguar in some of the photographs in our photo album from the event), received a free two-night stay for two people at the Emerson Resort & Spa (www.emersonresort.com), generously donated by the Spa for the event. All who attended had a terrific time, and many companion animals will be helped as a result of the proceeds raised from the event.

Please stop by and enjoy the party through our photo album. We would also like to say a very special thanks to Friends of Snuffy, special guest Ambassador Gandhi and the following companies and individuals, all of whom helped make the event a great success!

• Citizens Bank, Newburgh, NY (www.citizensbank.com),
• DJ Logic (www.djlogic.com),
• Don Hill’s nightclub (www.donhills.com),
• Emerson Resort & Spa (www.emersonresort.com),
• Fetch Restaurant (212-289-2700),
• Jon Glaser,
• Laura Craft,
• Lord & Taylor, Paramus, NJ (www.lordandtaylor.com),
• Dr. Michael Rothschild, photographer (www.rothschilddesign.com),
• Park Avenue Hair, Park Ridge, NJ (201-930-0034), and
• The Paw-Risian Bistro (www.thepaw-risianbistro.com).

 

 

 

JILL AND JACK RAPPAPORT JOIN NATIONAL PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

Tails of Hope and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Foundation (“ACVIM Foundation”) are extremely pleased to announce that Jill Rappaport of NBC’s the TODAY show and her beautiful dog, Jack, will represent a national public awareness campaign to be launched by the two organizations in the fall of 2007. The goal of the campaign is to educate the public and members of the veterinary medical community about the importance of the entire Veterinary Healthcare Team, including Board-certified Veterinary Specialists such as Oncologists, in providing comprehensive care for companion animals, as well as the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment for companion animal cancer patients.

Jack, a courageous, loving, and loyal 12-year-old German Shepherd, is a cancer survivor and was featured with Jill on a March 29, 2007 segment of the TODAY show. The segment described Jack’s battle with cancer and highlighted the state-of-the-art treatment options now available for dogs and other companion animals stricken with this disease. According to Darcy Binder, President of Tails of Hope, “This is an extremely important campaign and we are delighted that it will feature Jill and Jack because their story so perfectly represents the campaign’s message.” Diane Levitan, VMD, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Medicine, adds “Jack is alive today because Jill had all the right information and sought out the best possible treatment for him, including from a Board-certified veterinary oncologist. We want to make sure that all pet owners have access to the same information and know all the available options.”

Tails of Hope and the ACVIM Foundation warmly welcome Jack and Jill aboard and are so proud to have them play such a critical part in the work of both organizations. Please take a moment to read about Jack’s story in Jill’s own words.

A DEAR FRIEND BATTLES WITH BONE CANCER

(From Jill Rappaport, TODAY Entertainment Correspondent)

Jack is my beautiful, soon to be 12-year-old, German Shepherd. I found him wandering the streets when he was only six weeks old. He was such a timid little guy, very scared from being abandoned as a puppy.

I already had two dogs, both strays, but could not resist rescuing him. I was in love the minute I saw those gentle eyes…and those ears (one was sticking up as it should and the other ear, still not developed, flopped over). He was so adorable and funny looking. And even though Jack found the most loving home for life, he always remained a rather shy and completely docile dog, which is quite uncharacteristic of his breed. My vet always jokes that Jack is a “Lab trapped in a Shepherd’s body!” But Jack proved just how tough he really is, this past September, when he faced the fight of his life against cancer.

Soon after Labor Day, Jack came running over to me with a slight limp in his left front leg. At first I just thought he was getting a little arthritic, after all he was 11 and a half at the time. So I gave him an anti –inflammatory medication, at my vet’s suggestion, because that had always helped with any lameness issues in the past. Well, almost two weeks went by and I could see he was getting worse. Then one night I looked at Jack’s leg and my heart stopped. There was a slight bulge half way up. I immediately went on the Internet, which can be both a blessing and a curse, and all his symptoms pointed to bone cancer. The next day I took Jack to the vet, and the x-rays confirmed the devastating news. Jack had a tumor.

The vet wanted to send us to a specialist so they could do a biopsy, but I refused. I had been through this hell five years before. I had lost one of my others dogs, Shiner, to cancer in the most brutal way after being forced to amputate his left front leg—(yes, the same leg as Jack’s). I vowed NEVER to put another pet through that ordeal again. So, in my determination to help Jack in the most non-invasive way, I found a holistic veterinarian who had very encouraging results using only herbs to treat all forms of cancer in pets. No such luck for Jack who refused to take the required 24 pills a day. Plus, I could see the tumor progressing.

Determined to find a cure, I took Jack to yet another holistic vet, who had some success with intravenous Vitamin C. I was desperate and praying for a miracle. But while Jack was having the procedure, my worst nightmare became a reality. He fractured his cancer-ridden leg. Just writing that makes me sick to my stomach all over again. As I truly believe everything happens for a reason, this final blow forced me to do what I vowed I would never do again. Amputate my dog’s leg. I had no choice. Otherwise he would have had to be put down immediately and that was just inconceivable to me.

The decision was made more bearable when Dr. Post, Jack’s oncologist and a very special man, looked at my dog and said: “Jill, besides the leg, I can tell by looking that this is a healthy dog. He will be okay!” So, on November 2nd 2006, after extensive blood work, two chest x-rays, abdominal sonograms and a complete bone scan (to make sure the cancer had not spread), we went forward with the surgery.

Jack came through it brilliantly and, thanks to The Center for Specialized Vet Care, I made it through as well. You see, this is one of the only facilities in the country that allows you to stay overnight with your pet, right out of surgery!! It’s appropriately called the Compassionate Care Unit. Let me tell you, that facility is a lifesaver in more ways than one. Just being able to be with Jack moments after he came out of the anesthesia and having his tail wag when he saw me, made me realize I made the right decision.

Then there was the recovery and adjustment to his new body on 3 legs. Every time he fell, I almost went into cardiac arrest. Yet he really got the hang of it quickly, probably because he had only been using 3 legs for some time before due to the painful cancer. Next, Jack had to endure chemotherapy, which I had also vowed I would never put a pet through. But, as I later found out, chemo is quite different for animals than it is for humans. Pets usually do very well, with no noticeable symptom like the hair-loss or extreme gastrointestinal problems. Plus, amputation alone is usually not enough to protect a pet against this dreaded disease.

After everything this tough boy went through, I want to give him every shot at the longest life possible. Six treatments and five months later, Jack made it through.

Even though you never know “if” or “when” cancer will rear its ugly head again…every time he runs to the door with his tail wagging, begs for food, leaps up the stairs, rolls in the mud, plays with my other three dogs, jumps up to kiss the horses on the lips, or cuddles up in my lap snoring away…I know I did the best thing for my precious Jack. And so does he.

From AllDAY, TODAY’s Family Blog, at http://allday.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/03/29/104471.aspx.

JILL RAPPAPORT AND TAILS OF HOPE TO APPEAR AT “SMOKEY’S DAY”

Tails of Hope is pleased to announce that Ms. Jill Rappaport, the national spokeswoman for the Jack and Jill Rappaport National Public Awareness Campaign about cancer in companion animals, will be appearing with Tails of Hope at an event called “Smokey’s Day” on September 16, 2007 in Norwalk, Connecticut. The event is being organized by Dr. Gerald Post, the veterinary oncologist that saved the life of Jill’s wonderful dog Jack, who is the “Ambassadog of Hope” for the national public awareness campaign.

This event represents some very exciting firsts for the Jack and Jill Rappaport National Public Awareness Campaign. It is the first time that Ms. Rappaport will be appearing in public as the campaign’s spokeswoman. It is also the first time that the print advertisements for the campaign will be unveiled to the public, and will in fact be autographed by Ms. Rappaport at the event. The print advertisements feature Ms. Rappaport and Jack, and are designed to educate the public and the veterinary medical community about the advanced treatment options that exist for companion animals with cancer and about the existence of Board-certified veterinary cancer specialists such as Dr. Post that can treat such animals. So we hope that you will all come to Smokey’s Day, meet Ms. Rappaport and get your own autographed copy of one of the campaign’s print advertisements!!!!

There will be plenty going on at Smokey’s Day (which runs from noon until 4 p.m.), including fly ball, agility and police dog demonstrations and a dog parade in which Ms. Rappaport and noted human cancer therapist Mr. Bernie Siegle will participate. Smokey’s Day also benefits two terrific causes, the Animal Cancer Foundation and PAWS - The COSMO Fund, the former of which helps further research into cancer in companion animals and in the field of comparative oncology, and the latter of which helps cover the costs of veterinary care for seriously ill or injured animals. So please come join us for a fun day of animal-filled activities and express your support for these terrific causes and for Tails of Hope.

Tails of Hope would like to express its sincere gratitude to Ms. Rappaport and Jack for representing the Jack and Jill Rappaport National Public Awareness Campaign so beautifully and with so much heart. We would also like to thank Dr. Post and his team (including Ms. Charlotte Lee, Ms. Mary Shaw, Mr. Frank Taylor and Mr. Nick Ceppi) for inviting us to be a part of Smokey’s Day and for all of their assistance in helping us to prepare for the event. Thanks as well to all the terrific sponsors, contributing companies and veterinarians, and exhibitors and performers. We look forward to a terrific day that will help all our companion animal friends! If you would like any further information about Smokey’s Day or the Jack and Jill Rappaport National Public Awareness Campaign, please feel free to contact us at any time. See you on the 16th!

TAILS OF HOPE FOUNDATION AND THE ACVIM FOUNDATION JOIN FORCES TO HELP COMPANION ANIMALS WITH CANCER

With a commitment to making sure every companion animal has revolutionary care, Tails of Hope and the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Foundation (the “ACVIM Foundation”) have joined forces to ensure longer and healthier lives for companion animals.

The two Foundations share similar missions and are focused on achieving many of the same goals. One of these goals is to educate the public and members of the veterinary medical community about the importance of the entire Veterinary Healthcare Team, including Board-certified Veterinary Specialists such as Oncologists, and the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment for companion animal cancer patients. According to Diane Levitan, VMD, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, “The idea of veterinary specialization in areas such as oncology is relatively new, and our two organizations believe it is extremely important for people to know about the existence of Board-certified specialists in this area, as well as about the tremendous advances that have been made in recent years in treating companion animals with cancer.”

The first activity of the partnership is the launch of a national public awareness campaign focusing on companion animals living with cancer. The TODAY Show reporter Jill Rappaport and her dog Jack, a cancer survivor, will represent the campaign.

With this collaborative effort, the ACVIM Foundation and Tails of Hope strive to accomplish more for companion animals with cancer by working together rather than apart, by building a community to care for them and provide resources and information to their owners and to the veterinary medical community. According to Darcy Binder, President of Tails of Hope, “we believe that this is a very unique agreement involving two organizations that have decided to work together for the purposes of benefiting as many companion animals as possible. It is all about the animals and getting them the best possible care. By working together, we can leverage our resources and get vital information to a greater number of people.”

The ACVIM Foundation is a public charitable foundation incorporated specifically to support scientific and educational endeavors in the fields of veterinary internal medicine. The mission of the ACVIM Foundation is to fund animal health studies that lead to new diagnostic, treatment, and prevention techniques, to support the education of new Specialists, and to increase public awareness of advances made possible by the work and treatment options available through veterinary specialty medicine. These three areas reflect the ACVIM Foundation’s most important goal: longer and healthier lives for animals.

This goal of helping companion animals live longer, healthier lives is also the main mission of Tails of Hope. A 501(c)(3) charitable organization, Tails of Hope is dedicated to fighting cancer and other diseases threatening the lives of companion animals and advancing the state-of-the-art in veterinary medicine so that such diseases can be treated and hopefully eradicated. Tails of Hope carries out its mission in a pioneering way by bringing together general and specialty veterinarians, veterinary technicians, experts in human medicine and the public, each of whose participation is critical to realizing its goals.

MS. TRACIE HOTCHNER JOINS TAILS OF HOPE’S PUBLIC ADVISORY BOARD

Tails of Hope is extremely pleased to announce that Ms. Tracie Hotchner has joined our Public Advisory Board. Pictured here with her dogs Jazzy, Billy Blue and Scooby Doo), Ms. Hotchner is the author of the very popular book The Dog Bible: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know (www.thedogbible.com), a comprehensive guide on every aspect of people sharing their lives with dogs. In October of 2007, Gotham Books (PenguinPutnam) will be releasing a companion book for cats and their people appropriately entitled The Cat Bible: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Know. Ms. Hotchner hosts the only two radio shows devoted entirely to dogs and cats. Dog Talk airs on NPR station WLIU which covers Long Island, Westchester and Southern Connecticut. The one-hour live call-in show is also available worldwide on iTunes and via pod cast through the show’s website, www.dogtalktheradioshow.com. Cat Chat (www.catchatradio.com) airs weekly for one hour on the Martha Stewart Living Channel of Sirius Satellite Radio and is also a live call-in show. Ms. Hotchner has also appeared on a number of national talk and news shows, including The TODAY Show, CNN and Oprah.

Ms. Hotchner has extensive writing credentials. As an investigative journalist, she wrote for a variety of national magazines and newspapers on a wide range of subjects – one of which became her first book, Pregnancy & Childbirth (published in 1979 and still in print), which was nominated for an American Book Award and went on to sell over a million copies. That book was followed by Childbirth & Marriage (published in 1988), which had a Doubleday Book Club hardcover edition and received a rare public endorsement by Dr. Benjamin Spock. Subsequently she wrote The Pregnancy Diary (published in 1992 and still in print) and then Pregnancy Pure & Simple (published in 1995).

Her novel, Made in Heaven (published in 1981), was well received and became a selection of the Book of the Month Club.

In addition to being an author, Ms. Hotchner is also screenwriter who lived in Los Angeles for over 20 years and sold many screenplays - the most well-known being her film adaptation of the book Mommie Dearest.

Ms. Hotchner has already provided Tails of Hope with extremely valuable expertise and guidance on a wide variety of issues, and we are very grateful to her and very pleased to have her as part of our team. Welcome aboard, Tracie! And readers, please tune in to Tracie’s shows Dog Talk and Cat Chat to learn everything you ever wanted to know about your dogs and cats!

TAILS OF HOPE’S PRESIDENT AND FOUNDING VET APPEAR ON RADIO SHOWS DOG TALK AND CAT CHAT

Darcy Binder, Tails of Hope’s President, and Dr. Michele Steffey, one of Tails of Hope’s Founding Veterinarians, recently appeared as guests on Dog Talk (www.dogtalktheradioshow.com), an hour-long, weekly radio show devoted entirely to dogs and hosted by Ms. Tracie Hotchner, a new member of Tails of Hope’s Public Advisory Board. Darcy Binder was also a guest on Ms. Hotchner’s other radio show, Cat Chat (www.catchatradio.com), also an hour-long, weekly show that is devoted entirely to cats.

Ms. Binder was a guest on Dog Talk on July 7, 2007 and on Cat Chat on August 1, 2007, and discussed the wonderful story of the students from Paterson School No. 18 in Paterson, New Jersey that raised $900 for Tails of Hope by collecting pennies throughout their school year (for more information about this story, please click here). To listen to Ms. Binder on Dog Talk, please go to www.dogtalktheradioshow.com/podcast.htm and click on the July 7, 2007 show. Ms. Hotchner has graciously offered to devote an hour-long show in the fall of this year to the “Pennies from Heaven” program, and has invited Tails of Hope as well as the students from the school and New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine to appear on the show, so please stay tuned for details about this show! Tails of Hope and Ms. Hotchner have also invited children from across the country to participate in the “Pennies from Heaven” effort, so if you and your children are interested in joining this effort, please contact us.

Dr. Michele Steffey did a fantastic job on Dog Talk on August 4, talking about cancer in companion animals. Dr. Steffey discussed the fact that many types of cancer found in companion animals can respond well to treatment, and that there are numerous advanced treatment options for animals diagnosed with the disease, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Dr. Steffey also talked about the many advanced methods that now exist for detecting cancer in companion animals, among them being biopsies, imaging techniques like CT Scans and MRIs and the use of cameras in procedures such as endoscopies and laparoscopies. Dr. Steffey also emphasized the benefits of early diagnosis and the importance of consulting with a veterinarian if a companion animal owner has any question about their animal’s health. To listen to Dr. Steffey on Dog Talk, please go to www.dogtalktheradioshow.com/podcast.htm and click on the August 4, 2007 show. Thank you, Dr. Steffey and Ms. Hotchner for a great show!

TAILS OF HOPE HOSTS CEREMONY TO HONOR YOUNG VOLUNTEERS HELPING PETS WITH CANCER

On May 30, 2007, Tails of Hope hosted a ceremony to honor 2 incredible young volunteers, Amanda and Gabe, who have done so much to make a difference in the lives of companion animals suffering from cancer.

Honoree Amanda with Ms. Tami Gunsch and Ms. Ernestine Picone from Citizens Bank

The ceremony, sponsored by Citizens Bank of Newburgh, New York, dedicated and officially opened a beautiful four-season meditation garden designed and planted by Girl Scout Gold Award Achiever Amanda, whose cat Pinecone is a cancer survivor. Showing remarkable compassion, Amanda decided to create the garden so that other pet owners sharing the difficult and emotional experience of seeing a beloved pet suffer from cancer would have a beautiful and peaceful place to go after hearing troubling diagnoses about their pets, when struggling to make the right decisions about their pets’ health or while waiting for their pets’ treatment to be complete. Located at Advanced Veterinary Care Specialty Center (“AVCSC”), a specialty care veterinary hospital in Newburgh that treats many companion animals with cancer, the garden was also Amanda’s way of giving something back to the veterinary hospital that saved Pinecone’s life.

Honoree Gabe with Tails of Hope’s President Darcy Binder

The ceremony also honored 5 year old Gabe, who asked his friends and family to donate money to Tails of Hope to help “sick doggies” instead of giving him birthday presents. By his incredibly generous and selfless act, Gabe raised an amazing $464 for Tails of Hope, and presented the organization with a check for this amount at the ceremony. Gabe’s wonderful dog Columbus is also a cancer survivor who was treated at AVCSC.

Tami Gunsch, Senior Vice President and District Manager at Citizens Bank, did a fantastic job as mistress of ceremonies for the event. Also in attendance were Ernestine Picone, Assistant Branch Manager of Citizens Bank in Newburgh, and Rebecca Rende and Hilary Micalizzi from the Girl Scout Council of Southwestern Connecticut. Members of the public, clients and staff of AVCSC and friends and family of Amanda and Gabe also joined in the celebration. The ceremony was covered by Cable 6 TV, a local Newburgh television station, and the Mid-Hudson Times, a newspaper covering the Hudson Valley. Please click here to see the Cable 6 TV Story, and click here to read the Mid-Hudson Times story.

The ceremony was an incredibly special event for Tails of Hope. All of us at the organization have been so truly amazed and inspired by the kindness, compassion and generosity of Amanda and Gabe, and we know that all those who attended the ceremony and heard their stories were also similarly moved. Tails of Hope is so proud to have been able to honor them with such a lovely and well-deserved tribute. It was truly a magical day, and we invite all of you to please take a few moments to look at our Photo Album from the event so that you can share in the celebration.

Mr. George Garbeck, Ms. Kathe Nack and Dr. Michael Rothschild with photography exhibit

Tails of Hope also unveiled at the ceremony the first installment of its photography exhibit entitled “Pets and Cancer: Living, Surviving and ThrivingSM”, curated by retired Vassar College Art Gallery preparator and paper conservator Kathe Nack. The photography exhibit celebrates pets who have survived cancer and are living joyous lives and sharing special moments with the families that love them, and highlights the veterinary health care teams that helped save their lives. The first installment of the exhibit featured Amanda’s cat Pinecone, Gabe’s dog Columbus and Kathe’s own dog Vladimir. A larger version of the exhibit will be hosted by Citizens Bank of Newburgh and displayed at various branches of the bank, as well as at other locations, so please check back soon for more details.

Amanda and her proud family with Dr. Rachel St. Vincent, who saved Pinecone’s life

Tails of Hope would like to express its sincere thanks to all of the very generous donors who contributed to the garden, the photography exhibit and the ceremony, and helped make the ceremony a truly wonderful event and a great tribute to Amanda and Gabe. Each company or individual who donated items for Amanda’s garden will be recognized on a permanent plaque that will be installed shortly at the garden.

Tails of Hope depends on the support of generous companies and individuals such as those recognized below, and we cannot thank them enough for helping to make the dedication ceremony a great success. Congratulations and many thanks to Amanda and Gabe!

Donors

Garden and Ceremony

Corporations and Organizations
Ace Reprographics, Paterson, New Jersey
Brownie Troop 1466, Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey
Citizens Bank, Newburgh, New York
Fedex Kinko’s Copy Center, Nanuet, New York
Home Depot, Newburgh, New York and Danbury, Connecticut
K&A Trucking, Newburgh, New York
Kelly’s Canopy & Party Rentals, Monroe, New York
Lowe’s, Newburgh, New York
Mark Gruber Gallery, New Paltz, New York
Panera Bread, East Middletown, New York
PDQ Printing and Graphics, New Paltz, New York
Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company, Newburgh, New York
PIP Printing, Newburgh, New York
Shemin Nurseries, Greenwich, Connecticut
Walpole Woodworkers, Ridgefield, Connecticut
Words & Pictures, Park Ridge, New Jersey
Individuals
Mr. Steven Aronow
The Cherniss Family
Mr. Bob Cox
Mr. Bart Gannon
Ms. Sue Hughes
Mr. Phillipe Levine
Mrs. Connie Nichols
Mr. Paul O’Donohue
Ms. Juliet Orgill
The Reck Family
Mr. Jeff Rendano
Mr. Stanley Snyder

Photography Exhibit

Ms. Kathe Nack, Curator and Photographer
Mr. George Garbeck, Zillexa Studios, Photographer
Dr. Michael Rothschild, RothschildDesign, Photographer

BROWNIE TROOP 1466 FOOD AND SUPPLY DRIVE

Brownie Troop 1466 and its leaders, Maria Cannizzo and Alison Winston, did a fantastic job organizing a very successful food and supply drive to collect items for companion animals with cancer and other life-threatening diseases, their families and the veterinary hospitals that treat them. The food and supply drive ran from April 23, 2007 through May 4, 2007 and involved the entire Dorchester Elementary School in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. Items such as pet food, blankets, towels and medical supplies were collected. All of the collected items will be donated to pet owners with ailing companion animals and to the veterinary hospitals that treat such animals. Tails of Hope is incredibly grateful to the Brownies and their leaders for all their hard work, and for making a huge difference for companion animals and the families who love them. If you would like to organize a similar drive in your area, please contact us.

PETS AND CANCER: LIVING, SURVIVING AND THRIVING

Please stay tuned for details about our traveling photography exhibit, “Pets and Cancer: Living, Surviving and Thriving™”. This wonderful exhibit is being curated by Kathe Nack, a retired Vassar College art professor, paper conservator and master gardener, who also has a master’s degree in ceramics. Kathe is creating a museum-quality exhibit that will celebrate pets who have survived cancer and are living joyous lives and sharing special moments with the families that love them. Citizens Bank of Newburgh, New York, which is supporting Tails of Hope in many ways, has generously agreed to host this exhibit. The exhibit will be displayed at various branches of the bank, as well as at other locations. We will be posting information on dates and locations where you can see the exhibit shortly, so please check back soon.