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.

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.

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.