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First Pet Tail Video Awards raise the 'woof'
Posted on 04/28/2010
By TOM EVANS Times Staff Writer STAMFORD -- The first-ever Pet Tail Video Awards were a howling success, based on the raucous ovations given to the winners in several categories last Friday night at the Avon Theatre. Held as a benefit for Outreach to Pets In Need and Stamford Animal Care and Control, the PTVAs drew a couple hundred animal lovers for a silent auction, the award presentations, and a champagne reception afterward at BUtterfield8 restaurant and bar down Bedford Street from the theater. Mayor Michael Pavia said he has always had a soft spot for animals, as dog ownership earlier in his life "has morphed into two kitty cats with my wife and two daughters." "I've been looking forward to this since (event organizer) Heather Scutti invited me more than four months ago -- before I was elected," Pavia said. "I'm an animal lover, and I really want to get behind this event because the Stamford Animal Shelter is in real need. All the money OPIN raises at this event will be contributed to the shelter for medical care, to produce adoption events, and for pet-owner training for pets in need." Pavia presented the Volunteer Appreciation Awards to Alexandra Perimenis, Cissy Asktrolko, Andreas Fuchs and Carla White. The first three recipients each have more than four years of volunteer service with OPIN and SACC, while White has given more than two years to those two organizations. "Events like this are a passion of mine," Pavia said. "They bring a spirit of service into Stamford government. The response has been overwhelming, and both corporations and small businesses in Stamford can't do enough for these groups. I hope to help in any way I can. My door is always open. I'm inspired to do anything I can for the cause, for the movement, and especially for the animal shelter." Best Real Life Tail went to Sonia Lieto of New York for "Beau Relaxing," Best Musical Tail was won by New Yorker Karen Wells for "OPIN Etude," and Best Belly Rubbin' Comedy was captured by Chelsea Dunaway of New York for "A Journey Through Cinema." In the Best Short Tail category, Steve Zaragoza of California won for "My Best Friend -- A love That Will Never Die," and Best Pawformance was garnered by Ron Scutti of Connecticut for "Canine Discrimination." Jonathan Lawrence, president of OPIN, got involved with the organization by chance, but not by accident. "In 2003, I was walking by the Stamford Animal Shelter, when one of my OPIN board members was playing with a dog at the shelter," Lawrence said. "I asked 'how's he doing?' and she said this is his last day. I knew what she meant, and I also knew he was too good for (euthanasia). Now I have three more rescue dogs, and it's wonderful to see the smiles they bring. I wanted to something more 'official' and the Pet Tail Video Awards became that something." Laurie Hollywood, manager of SACC, was succinct in her request for help for the shelter and OPIN. "Every little bit helps, and there's a home for every animal," Hollywood said. OPIN and SACC, over the past three years, have developed and deployed highly successful animal welfare programs including: Medical care; low-cost microchipping; low-cost spay and neuter services; free dog training; and countless hours of care, cleaning and feeding of SACC animals, and most recently a domestic violence safe-pet foster program. "We make sure animals impacted by inter-personal violence are preserved," said Rachelle Kucera Mehra of Stamford's Domestic Violence Crisis Center. For more information on OPIN, visit www.opinpets.org. For more information on SACC, visit www.cityofstamford.org/animalcontrol.
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