“The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa was honored to be presented with Shelter Dog, part of a 9-dog large scale public art installation by renowned artists Karen & Tony Barone.”
Locally and nationally recognized artists Karen and Tony Barone created CA-NINE (K9), a 9-dog large scale sculpture for public art installations. Shelter Dog is one piece in this amazing collection. In appreciation of the Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa and Animal Samaritans long standing partnership providing dog adoptions out of the resort’s lobby – Karen and Tony Barone have generously loaned Shelter Dog to the Resort for one year.
“We believe art can be a powerful force for good and many of our artworks are realized toward the fulfillment of this mission. We created “SHELTER DOG” to increase awareness of the need to find “forever homes” for “rescues”. We envisioned “SHELTER DOG” sculptures in front of no-kill animal shelters across the Americas. When we became aware of the success the Westin Mission Hills and Animal Samaritans has had with their unique rescue adoption program at the resort, we jumped at the chance to support their efforts.” Karen & Tony Barone
The resort, partnering with Animal Samaritans, took on the mission of finding permanent homes for rescue /shelter dogs. Animal Samaritans reviews each application, performs routine background checks, and conducts an initial phone interview with the adopters before meeting to release our Westin foster dog to its new owner. This program has been extremely rewarding for our rescue dogs, our Westin Mission Hills guests as well as our associates. To date, the Resort has facilitated 156 dog adoptions since the program’s inception in March 2015.
“We are honored to have this wonderful sculpture to celebrate our adoption program and partnership with Animal Samaritans,” said Westin’s General Manager, Tom Scaramellino. “This sculpture is a reminder of the joy our shelter dogs have brought our guests and their new families. Building positive memories during a much-needed time in our lives.” After 6 years the program is still going strong ; a natural fit with our resort and our Westin brand. Bringing our Play Well and Move Well pillars to life in the most fun way possible! We encourage you to stop by our lobby; take a stroll with our current shelter dog and perhaps add a furry friend to your family.
“Our partnership with the Westin has given new life to so many homeless dogs. It takes a special staff of animal-loving employees to make this work, and it works beautifully.” Said Tom Snyder, CEO Animal Samaritans
Animal Samaritans is located in Thousand Palms and operates a no-kill animal shelter that gives dogs and cats second chances to become valued members of Coachella Valley families. In partnership with the Coachella Valley City and County Animal Shelter, the organization works closely with a network of animal shelters, rescue groups, and pet fostering networks to find dogs and cats temporary refuge and permanent homes.
For additional information on the program and the VIP dogs, contact Melanie Stroh at The Westin. The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa is located at 71333 Dinah Shore Drive in Rancho Mirage and can be reached at (760) 328-5955. For more information about the resort visit www.westinmissionhills.com.
About The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa
The recently renovated, Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa is a 512 room, AAA four-diamond resort nestled in the heart of Rancho Mirage. Spread out over 360-acres, the resort offers spacious guest rooms and suites, over 65,000 square feet of meeting space, a championship golf course, an intimate spa, seven lighted tennis courts, three pools, a 60-foot waterslide and multiple dining options including the signature Italian restaurant, Pinzimini. For more information, please visit www.westinmissionhills.com.
