The third annual Pasta de Rescue was a huge success. This is the first year we had our wine tasting event and everyone seemed to head for the wine when they first arrived.  The presentation was absolutely beautiful.  Teri Lewicki from TGIF’S did the wine tasting presentation and had on hand, information on all the wines there
As usual, we had a wonderful crowd and as always, many of the same faces since the event began.  The food as always which was done by Frank Viggiano was simply delicious and as everyone headed back for seconds, we knew that we once again had a hit on our hands

This year for the first time, we presented a volunteer with the William Harrison Hanson Volunteer of the Year award. Named in memory of Bill Hanson, who was a wonderful, loving, caring, man who enjoyed his family and friends but most importantly his two Goldens. He was an advocate for the animals and sadly passed away three weeks before last year's Ryley's Run 5k run and fun walk.

This year's winner was Lynne Burns, a wonderful addition to Ryley's Run, who owns Pondview Kennels and also is the animal control officer for Stephentown. She is a devoted wife, mother, and good friend to Ryley's Run who works tirelessly with her husband to help whenever needed. We could not have voted for a better choice to receive the first year award.  Congratulations Lynne. Well deserved.

The University of Albany Softball Team once again came through with their delicious homemade desserts.  These girls and their coach Chris Cannata, have been a part of Pasta de Rescue since the onset and we cannot ever thank them enough.

This year we also had the Colonie High School Key Club volunteers who handled our silent auction and Chinese Raffle and did an amazing job for us and we thank them and hope they will think about coming out to Ryleys Run 5th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday June 12 at the University of Albany.

We had many great raffle prizes and silent auction items but the hit of the night was the week’s stay at a condo down at Pine Knoll Shores on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. Two bedroom, two baths and a wonderful beach along with a wonderful condo and golf courses near by.

All in all it was a wonderful night and once again we would like to thank the Albany Elks Lodge 49 for donating their ballroom to us.

It was a good night of fun, good food, good times, and all for a great cause.
Each year the event gets bigger and bigger and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year and hope once again we see even more folks.

Ryleys Run and Golf 4 Goldens ventured forth to a new venue this year and once again a smashing success followed. Playing at the prestigious Evergreen Country Club we had nearly a full field of players and rescuers play in the third annual tournament. Joe Bove, owner and pro at Evergreen, had the course in magnificent shape and did everything possible to make sure everyone had a memorable outing. GRROWLS Golden Retriever Rescue Operated With Love Statewide – was the selected rescue for donations and the recipient of this years proceeds. All of the past “ringers” were in attendance along with fresh new faces ready to help in the name of rescue. From the very first drive to the very last putt everyone was laughing – OK, there were a couple of grumbles over missed shots – smiling and furthering the cause of Rescue.

Once again the Albany Sheriff’s Department made a generous donation to the event along with Farm Family Casualty Insurance which allowed Golf 4 Goldens tpass along even more money to GRROWLS. After the play was done a marvelous dinner was provided by Evergreen as everyone put in bids at the Silent Auction. A 50/50 raffle was held as well with the winner donating the money back to the event. As the day was winding down there was a change in the winners circle as well. The 2 time defending champions from the Correctional Officers were dethroned this year by the infamous “Hibernian Boys” – albeit by only a stroke!!!! So next year we’re sure the Correctional Officers will have the Hibernian Boys in their crosshairs. Kudos go to Amy Haines who won BOTH the Closest to the Pin AND the Longest Drive in the Womens Division. Mike Holmes won for Closet to the Pin in Mens Division, and Bob Haines won Longest Drive. Next years event has already been scheduled fore September 25, 2010, back at Evergreen Country Club and their beautiful course. The only cloud on the day was the sad news that Max, the 15yr old beagle who was the Grand Marshall at this years Ryleys Run, had gone to Rainbow Bridge to heal & wait for the reunion with Fran & Joe. From all of us at Ryleys Run & Golf 4 Goldens please know our thoughts are with the both of you.

How can the feeling of Golf 4 Goldens be summed up? How can the good will provided be measured? How can the positive influence for Rescue be weighed? Very simply put, it can’t. Those that donated time, money, effort & love do so for one reason – to help the dogs. May we all be blessed once in our lives with the feeling of devotion and unconditional love that comes with truly be bonded with these animals. To sum it up best we borrow the words of Trixie Koontz, Dog and packmember at Rainbow Bridge.

“Running in meadows! Swimming in lake! Chasing ball! Squeaky toys! Tug toys! The loving hand! The scratch behind ears! Cool water for thirst! Kitchen and all their smells! Visitors come to play! The human voice & gentle word! Ears to hear with! Eyes to see! Tongue to taste! A heart big enough to hold it all – the wonder, the mystery,

With tears in our eyes and sadness in our hearts we here at Ryley’s Run say farewell to the beloved Max, a fifteen year old Beagle who has been at every single Ryley’s Run since the beginning.

You always knew when Max arrived with his family because the bark was distinct. The first year we had our event, Max made it known to all who attended that he was there and the event could begin. Each year he came with Fran Rapazzo and Joe Cavozos, his devoted owners.

This year he was named Honorary Grand Marshall and he led the walkers at the start. We were all so thrilled to see him there. We knew he was not doing well. But he endured.

We say a fond farewell and will see you again at the bridge Max. Go and run free sweet boy. You have earned your wings and you will be missed by all.

The sunrise was beautiful and the morning was majestic as we set up early for the 5k run and fun walk. As time passed by, it was evident that this was going to be a good day. The dogs began to bring their owners in and the vendors were all set up waiting for those wagging tails to show their owners their favorite foods and treats and toys. There will be more to follow along with a montage later in the week; but how do you say thank you to everyone who not only participated but to those who worked so hard to make this event a success and for the vendors who took the time to come out and to the rescue groups who brought their adoptees for everyone to see.

Also to Meredith McNeil and Joel Silverman and the NYS Police K9 Unit and to Dr.Pam Serba who showed people that holistic medicine is really a great alternative. The message was clear yesterday. It was all about the dogs. So thank you to everyone who came out either to walk, or run or set up a booth or just stopped by to fill the truck with bottles. To the many volunteers, I say thank you. To those who missed it this year, see you next year on Saturday June 12, 2010. See you there.