DogFriendly.com's Dog News

Lovable Yorkshire Terrier joins Meteorologist Ron Trotta to forecast for the Rhode Island coast and lead pet-friendly events

New York City’s own Schmitty The Weather Dog will be barking weather reports this summer as “Weather Dog in Residence” at the pet-friendly Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel & Spa. The loveable Yorkshire Terrier is known for her unique weather “pawcasting” and she’s bringing her talent to the coast of Rhode Island. Schmitty will also oversee the hotel’s “Mutt Mocktail Hours” on the Great Lawn with “Doggie Brew” beer for the pets and “Salty Dog” cocktails for owners.

Meteorologist and ABC News weather producer Ron Trotta is acting as “human interpreter” during Schmitty’s weekday weather reports, which can be viewed online at Hyatt Regency Newport’s website, at Schmitty’s own site, as well as on Facebook and Twitter. The hotel’s new Activities Director, Daniella Giorgio, will be part of the action, leading activities with Schmitty and living up to her nickname as the hotel’s “Director of Fun.”

“We’re thrilled to have Schmitty The Weather Dog as our summer guest,” says Hyatt Regency Newport’s General Manager, John Karchner. “Schmitty and Ron will be an entertaining source of weather and what-to-wear information for our visitors, guests and area residents too.”

Schmitty isn’t the only animal drawn to the hotel’s pet-friendly ambiance. The hotel’s mascot and goose-chasing Border Collie named Darby will join in hosting “Mutt Mocktail Hour,” and every four-legged guest in attendance will leave with a Hyatt Regency Newport Doggie Bag.

Schmitty has more stories to tell than just the weather. Weighing nearly five pounds, the pooch earned fame posing for Schmitty’s New Yorkie™ Greeting Cards to help raise money for the families of firefighters who lost their lives as heroes of 9/11, with profits donated to the Uniformed Firefighter’s Association Scholarship Fund. Now through DOGS WHO CARE, a non-profit started in response to Hurricane Katrina, Schmitty raises funds to help pets in need find loving homes.

Schmitty’s weather career started on her 8,000-mile BARK THE VOTE campaign during the 2008 presidential election, with the dogcaster and Trotta reporting on the “climate of the election” while visiting animal shelters to get out the vote.

Along with daily online weather updates, Schmitty and Trotta have been invited to report the weather for the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York, the NYC Pet Show, and Woofstock in Toronto, California. A portion of the proceeds from Schmitty’s New Yorkie™, Schmitty The Weather Dog™ and BARK THE VOTE™ products go to DOGS WHO CARE to help pets in need.

Hyatt Regency Newport rates start at $199. For reservations or information on additional activities, please contact Hyatt Regency Newport at (401) 851-1234, or visit www.newport.hyatt.com

Nationwide Program Helps Shelters Adopt Out more Healthy Pets & Opens Revenue Channel

Flexcin International, the makers of Flexcin with CM8™ joint inflammation supplement for people and FlexPet with CM8® joint supplement for dogs, has launched a new nationwide FlexPet Shelter Program to help pets have a better chance at getting adopted and open a new revenue source for shelters.

Dogs, cats and pets of all ages often experience weakened joints from injury, damaged cartilage or even a natural aging process itself. Pets with damaged or injured joints feel more of their aches and pains, reducing their energy and diminishing their chances of a successful adoption. The FlexPet Shelter Program aims to give these pets a chance to put their best paw forward to make a lasting impression on an adopting family.

The FlexPet Shelter Program works in two ways:

1) Shelters provide joint-weakened pets with the FlexPet with CM8™ supplement to promote optimal joint mobility so they can feel healthier and happier, giving them a better chance to get adopted.

2) A FlexPet resales program where up to 50 percent of their FlexPet sales goes toward fundraising for the shelter. Once adopted, the shelter can also sell a FlexPet maintenance package to the new owner, keeping the pets healthy for a long time and giving the shelter an additional revenue source.

“Ultimately this is a complete win-win-win scenario because pets have a better chance of getting adopted, families can maintain their new pet’s health, and shelters can take advantage of a new source of revenue,” said Tamer Elsafy, CEO and founder of Flexcin International. “It’s heartbreaking to see the number of pets that continuously get passed by for adoption when all they need is a chance to feel better and showcase a loving personality.”

Flexpet with CM8 is a patented compound that is clinically proven to promote optimal joint health in dogs, cats, horses and other pets. The combination of all-natural ingredients in Flexpet is especially designed to nourish the joints, support stronger cartilage, help stimulate the lubricating fluid in the joints and increase total mobility.

Any shelter interested in joining the FlexPet Shelter Program can sign up by visiting FlexPet4Shelters.com.