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WALLY’S WEEK NYC - September 23 - 30 and October 1 - 7, 2008
What is it all about? It’s about - Saving lives and giving dogs loving homes -
 The goal of “Wally’s Weeks” is to support SPCAs, Humane Societies, animal shelters and dog rescue organizations.
The person behind “Wally’s Weeks” is Marsha Boulton. Marsha is the author of 10 best-selling books and a recipient of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humor. Marsha’s latest book is Wally’s World: Life with Wally the Wonder Dog.
Wally’s World was published in August by St. Martin’s Press. It is a memoir about Marsha’s life with dogs, particularly her Bull Terrier, Wally - who most resembled a bicycle seat with eyes. For further information click on the Wally’s World tab.
“Wally’s Week” is a portable seven-day event. During any given period, everyone who adopts a dog from the participating facilities in New York - which include Animal Care & Control (ACC,) Bideawee, Animal Haven and the ASPCA - will receive a complimentary adoption “goody bag.” containing a free copy of Wally’s World and a host of useful items supplied by Wally’s Week sponsors including biodegradable scoop bags, eco-friendly shampoo, house-breaking training pads, a chew toy, dog biscuit samples (Wally's favorites were Old Mother Hubbard Couch Potato Lite.) The adopter’s gift bag is intended to help the adopter and adoptee make a smooth transition to their new life.
Marsha came up with the idea for Wally’s Weeks after she was invited to be a “celebrity” guest at a dog show. She looked at all of those show dogs - so pampered and well-tended - just like Wally and then thought about the other end of the spectrum - dogs that do not have loving homes, dogs with special challenges, dogs who need a second chance. Thus the idea for Wally’s Week was born to promote responsible dog adoption, and the SPCAs, Humane Societies and dog rescue organizations that save their lives. ”Wally’s Weeks” are not-for-profit and registered as such in Canada and the United States.
As much as possible, Marsha tries to combine Wally’s Weeks with book readings or writing workshops in local communities, which provide additional platforms and channels to promote responsible dog ownership and adoption. She also partners with bookstores to do book signings where she discusses Wally’s Weeks and displays pictures of dogs that are available from the community’s shelters. Marsha and her publisher supply posters publicizing the event to area pet supply stores and local libraries. They also encourage local media to provide PSAs for which they supply the copy writing. A web site (www.wallysweeks.com) is under development and there will be a blog documenting Marsha’s travels and adventures with Wally’s heir apparent, Bullyhills - Straight No Chaser - call name “Thelonius Monk” - a eleven-month-old brindle bullie.
To support Wally’s Week in various regions St. Martin’s Press and Marsha contact local media about the promotion and Monk and Marsha make themselves available for interviews. Both are experienced talk show guests and Monk is a handful and a ham.
The participating facilities - ASPCA - NYC, AC&C - NYC, Bide-a-wee and Animal Haven are provided with eye-catching posters and handouts. They are encouraged to promote “Wally's Week” on their web sites. Whenever possible Marsha delivers the adoption bags personally and meets some of the shelter’s residents, volunteers and shelter workers. These visits make ideal photo ops. There is no cost involved to the participating facilities - Marsha and her publisher and sponsors provide the participants with the books, adoption bags, posters and handouts. All the participating shelters do is give a bag to each new adopter over the week defined as Wally’s - plain and simple.
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