Dogland Dog Park

 

Well, it has been almost a year now that I have not maintained a regular presence in SL, but as of Decenber 15th, I am back, with fresh ideas, and new dogs!

It is time now that I explain, where my I've  been, and how we have managed to keep Dogland running smoothly in my absence.

For the past 12 months, I kept contact with grace Feden, who monitored traffic on a daily basis… and got me in world through timely phone calls, to help  keep things "business as usual".

Dog Seesaw took care of Facebook and VKC Dog Owners Open Chat Group in world, while My wonderful wife, Patty  took care of all other Dogland Groups and our TBI group.

Patty… my sweet Patty… by laptop, or whatever means, she  got me logged in when it was time for serious matters.

Wonderful members of the TBI community like Spiritoflife Edelmann and Cora Heslop kept communications open at the Center and at Dogland.

Danny06 Aya handled regular announcements on all social networks, so that birthday greetings, and news got posted as normal. 

 

I was logged in every day as myself and at night  as my "alt", so that I would not miss out on group happenings! Until now my RL medical, and Community commitment kept  me less than focused… So I watched, and sat quietly, enjoying SL through all of your adventures!

I managed a couple of posts on Network blogs, but was always interrupted by that pesky RL!

 

I of course still have RL health issues.. heck, I was in a prolonged coma 8 years back, and have paralysis and spasticity!

That aside, I am well rested, I have been given a clean bill of health, and am enthusiastic about starting a new year here in SL with my true friends and Family. 

I wish a special thanks to:

Grace Feden

Bethi Catteneo

Dog Seesaw

Danny06 Aya

Kenzie Serrari

wim Arliss

Tinylittleallthat Resident

Spiritoflife Edelmann

Cora Heslop

Sweetbabe1A Lusch for ongoing moral support

and Patritzia Rossini, my wife…

These people along with the many dog owners in the group VKC Dog Owner's Open Chat Group helped me to maintain an ongoing presence, and continued support for activities at Dogland for the past year.

Here's to a powerful new year!

 

 

I came to Second Life at the end of 2006, after 2 years of rehabilitation from the devastating effects of a prolonged coma. I was re-hospitalized in early 2007, and closed my SL account. After returning home in April of 2007, I reopened a new account.
The last 4 years have been amazing. In SL I have learned to function again, and this has spilled over into my real life.
I now owe the Universe a great debt for my fortunate circumstance of staying alive.
It is in SL that I repay the debt. SL has taught me much, and I have learned to create, build, and be a productive part of the lives and learning of other residents.
My goal has been and remains to be to use my land, and Virtual dogs, as a source of success for others. When residents come to my land I make sure that the place is set up, so that it becomes almost impossible not to have a fun interaction with the dogs or many other attractions I have built. A fun interaction leaves the door open for information to slip into ones mind, and anything learned makes the day a success.
I would like to say thanks to many people for believing in my dream.
◊ ~ My biggest inspiration has been the encouragement of my RL/SL wife Patty. She assists me with my in world goals, and gives me moral support when I have doubts.
I love Patty beyond anything I could ever explain.
It was not until after long rehab from the results of my coma that I met Patty. A driver for a city transportation service for the disabled, Patty picked me up one day from a trip to the public library. We fell in love fast. We have been together for over 3 years.
My sweet wife has watched over my shoulder, and through the screen of her own computer, as the adventures of sl have unfolded.
A word of caution to all. When a partner in a relationship is deeply involved in Second life, it can make our loved ones feel "left out". Patty has her own SL account, but she does not use SL in the same way that I do. We all must take precautions, that we do not leave our rl loved ones with less of our attention that they need, or one's SL will become a tender spot in any partnership.
◊ ~ I want to thank my good friends Driftwood Nomad, and Darrly Chang. These 2 guys are the originators of the 1st real SL Dog. D&D dogs allowed me to learn and grow.
My 2 good pals have shown great confidence, in allowing me to direct all of their in world services for them. In return, I recently Invited them to move D&D Dogs to Dogland in Rhoda ( my Dog Park), where they will remain supported by me, and never again pay tier. Read about D&D dogs at: http://www.sldogs.com/
◊ ~ The members of the group Survivors of TBI, have shown me great interest, and have supported their TBI center. They too have a permanent place in world, 3000 meters above Dogland Park.
◊ ~ I have learned much from VKC Dogs creator, Enrico Genosse. Once a good friend, he had me for almost 2 years, help him find the "bugs" in his dogs and system. This learning caused Dogland Park to be the most visited of any Dog park in the metaverse. The popularity of Dogland, and the support that it still gets, caused a rift in the association I had with Mr. Genosse. A gifted creator, he still is loved by me, even though I disagree with his ethics and practices.
I own 10 groups in world, that have loyally supported my goals.
◊ ~ I thank the 2000+ members of these groups with my heart full of love.
*Survivors of TBI
*VKC Dog Owners Open Chat Group
*Dogland Training Group
*Harmonious Society of Peaceful Fist
*Karate-Do
*Dogland Kids
*Working Dog Handlers
*We Love Dogs
*SL Grid Marketing & Advertising
The group Survivors of TBI gives members access to group meetings, 24 hour help line, Skype conference, and group phone conference.
I also spread my word about Dogs, TBI, and SL on the web, on the following websites;
http://www.virtualdogtalk.org/
http://tbisurvivors.yolasite.com/
http://petoftheday.com/talk/member.php?u=23955
http://dogfathervitolorossini.spaces.live.com/default.aspx
http://www.avmsurvivors.org/
http://www.sluniverse.com/php/vb/members/vitolo+rossini.html
http://slhealthy.wetpaint.com/page/Survivors+of+TBI
http://dogfather.wetpaint.com/
http://vitolo.wordpress.com/
http://www.myspace.com/476651647
http://network.associationofvirtualworlds.com/profile/VitoloRossini
http://www.twine.com/user/vitolorossini
http://twitter.com/vitolorossini
http://dogfather-sl.blogspot.com/
http://profiles.yahoo.com
http://www.linkedin.com/profile/
http://doglandpark.ning.com
http://sldogfather.wordpress.com
The first of the links provided above, includes a 24 hour live chat line for talk, assistance, and service, as well as request forms for those who do not wish to interact in live chat.
http://www.virtualdogtalk.org/
http://tbisurvivors.yolasite.com/
◊ ~ I thank the members of the 10 off world (not in SL) Dogland Groups. The members of these groups have regular meetings online, as well as access to email communication, Skype calls, and group phone conference. These Can be found at:
Yahoo Groups - Dogland Dog Owners
ProfilesLive Groups - Dogland Dog Owners
FaceBook Groups - Dogland 's "FaceBook 2nd Life Group"
Facebook Fan Pages - Dogland Dog Park
Wetpaint - The Dogfather
SLUniverse - Dogland Dog Owners
MyPlace - Dogland Dog Owners
2nd Friends - Dogland Dog Owners
Association of Virtual Worlds -Dogland Dog Owners
Virtual World Professional Networkers- Dogland Dog Owners Group

Now let me not forget Linden Labs, and the group of Lindens that see that all is in order in world. They have provided us with a platform to live a second life. A good portion of SL residents are homebound for one reason or another. Physical, emotional, and other variable conditions, can have one staying at home. SL has freed us, and given us a world.
◊ ~ I thank Linden Labs for the world I now inhabit. I thank the governance team for not allowing land bullies to have their ways. They have taken care to investigate every difficulty, and have not yet failed to provide me, members of my groups, and those who are close to me with resolution of abuses and violations of TOS and Community Standards.
◊ ~ AND... If you took the time to read this, I thank you too! You have shown an interest in what is going on in the heart and mind of another.
If in any way I have inspired any soul to use SL as a tool to expand your lives, and feel success...
◊ ~ I Thank the Universe!

 

Most dog groups are owned by the company the makes the dog, so information you get , is "filtered" and sugar coated. They will tell you what they want you to hear. "VKC Dog Owners Open Chat Group" is independent, and sends out great inventions for dogs weekly. We have events/contests. Not owned by a "manufacturer", this group is owned by dog owners like yourself. Being independent, this group will always get you the facts (good and bad) and all update information.

5 de Mayo, the fifth day of May was celebrated in style at Dogland park. I am a big fan of Mexican Culture. The music, food, art, culture, and people are exciting.  Dogland Park provided a taste of all of these things. I live on the Mexico/U.S. border, and have for a long time. I found this transformation of our Dog Park to be easy and fun. Mexican music played on the spacial channel, while residents took turns riding on the Sombrero ride called "Sombrero-go-round". Free tacos, cokes, and beer were served, along with hot red or green animated Jalapeño peppers.  Fiesta Shirts, and panchos were available in a large "kit" full of animations, objects, clothing and more. Everyone wore sombreros, as visitors rode the brightly colored sailboats around the Linden waterways. The people on the beach played maracas, as all of us danced. The "Mexican Hat Dance" was performed by a pack of dogs that had been trained to do this 3 minute long choreographed, multi-dog trick. Mexican edition Dogland Flags flew for the occasion, next to the flag of Mexico. Dogland Boardwalk had it's hot air balloon decorated brightly in the pattern of a mexican woven rug. A number of people got themselves Chihuahua dogs that were already trained, and at special very low 5 de Mayo prices. The party went on all day until almost midnight. Due to the number of VKC Dog owners that requested that we duplicate this event next year, I have had this listed as an annual event.  Thanks all for your support. I had a great time also!

 

In RL I am disabled. My service dog Buster and I have a very close relationship. He is attentive to my needs, and I love him dearly. Buster (American Bulldog) can pick up my cane and on his hind legs, he can return it into my hand. He knows how to retrieve anything that I drop and slip it back into my fingers. When I "space out" for a moment, he licks my face and brings me back. Buster can even bring me my clothing to dress in the morning, and can "fetch" my medications.

I have been privileged in my lifetime to have worked with law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, in the capacity of training working dogs, and working dog handlers.
Since the time that a prolonged coma changed my life, I have had more touching working dog training experiences. I have been lucky enough to work with Service dogs from all walks of the disabled community.
Next time you see a service dog, take a moment to admire them. Take a second to thank God for the dogs that care for the disabled!
Come visit Dogland Park in Rhoda, at: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Rhoda/175/170/28
See some of what we are doing with dogs, for the disabled in SL. The staff of Dogland has clients with visual impairments, emotional needs, and other physical impairments. These clients come to learn about using dogs in sl and in RL.Visually impaired residents can request the latest version of Doglands Akita Guidedog at no cost. Many have extended their RL use of a canine service companion to SL. They have found comfort in this extension in the virtual world.
God bless and protect our Service Dogs!

Poses for VKC Dogs (Updated)

Any of us who has lost his beloved pet knows where I am coming from on this topic. It is devastating, and we never forget, or stop glancing down to see if our old friend is there.
When I came to SL I became a resident of the virtual world. Being homebound, I spend most of my days in world. I early on brought memories with me of things I loved, even though I have these photos here at home in RL. I put a picture of my RL Godmother up at the TBI center that I built for those recovering from Brain injury. The picture is to remind me always of an important person in my life. As a resident of SL, I pass her picture in the hallway of my virtual TBI center more often than I pass the photo at home in RL. Seeing her more often has brought me comfort.
I later put a photo on my SL desk, of my family pets, including the dogs gone by that I loved so well, and ached so deeply over. I found comfort here too, and decided that I should talk to others about the comfort I find in this practice. The response was very exciting, as friends began to upload pictures. Some photos of past pets went on Dogland's Bulletin Board.
I heard your call for a Pet Memorial that was without cost to use, so I added one to Dogland Park. The Memorial Wall is located near the duck pond close to the Dogland Little Theater. There is plenty of room for anyone to memorialize their friends that have passed. Send me a full perm picture of your pet, and write a notecard about them- say what is in your heart. Your pet will appear on the wall the very same day, and will remain there for you and for others to visit, when at Dogland. When your pet's picture is touched, your notecard will be delivered, so that your thoughts about your fuzzy friend can be appreciated by others. This memorial is for anyone who has lost their rl best friend.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Rhoda/164/245/28

After reading about Vitolo Rossini on the web, I got myself an SL account to log into the Virtual Metaverse, to see his work first hand. Vitolo allowed me to join 6 of his groups over the past year, and I took my time in formulating what I would write.

I went to meetings with his TBI group, and I became a Virtual Dog Owner, so that I could attend his classes.

Vitolo is the most amazing man I have ever met. His life has been fascinating, and his Second Life's endeavors easily match what he has done in RL.

Vito, as he prefers to be called, travelled the world with the International Freestyle Karate Association. While at home in the U.S.A, he taught dog handlers for various U.S Law Enforcement Agencies. I poured over articles written, and awards received, that Vito was nice enough to send to me.

Survivors of TBI - Traumatic Brain Injury, have spoken to me at length about how Vito has helped them regain a successful RL, as a result of his guidance and teachings in SL.

I attended classes with my Virtual dogs. These classes are informative, where the dogs are concerned, but Vito takes it so much further. He manages to relate what he is teaching us to our own rl self concept, and has given many hundreds of SL residents the ability to gain confidence and live more content lives.

Over the past weeks, I became a VKC dog owner also. Although he clarified that he has nothing to do with the VKC organization,Vitolo knows these dogs far better than anyone at any of the VKC dog parks. His VKC supplies and creations, are not only free, but are superior in look and function to other creators goods. I watched as he untangled dog issues, that were left unfixed by officials working for VKC.

When the envious creator of the VKC Dogs, Enrico Genosse, took actions to eliminate Mr. Rossini from the "SL Dog Picture", by disallowing him and his close family to receive transfered dogs ( this included a ban from all VKC Parks- to eliminate his being able to acquire even new dogs), I watched as over 300 members all volunteered their service to Dogland Park in Rhoda. These loyal member flocked to Vitolo's aid, and began buying new dogs to fill all of Dogland parks orders. There is now a list that is 3 pages long, of folks that have also volunteered to accept dogs on Vitolo's behalf, so that Doglands special services could continue. These special services include getting dog owners in need of money the best price for their Virtual dogs, and getting potential dog owners with limited funds dogs that are not only fully trained, but at greatly reduced prices.

At one of the TBI group meetings, Vitolo generously gave all present the gift of their own Virtual Dog. Even though I am not a survivor of TBI, he gave me a VKC dogs also, for being a TBI Supporter. The dog had to be passed to me by a third party, due to Vitolo being limited by the VKC creator. 

What Vitolo teaches all who come to Dogland park, is that Success Begets Success. He says that every time you experience a new learning experience, you have racked up a success. These successful interactions that Vitolo provides at his dog park have touched my life as well as the lives of many. I have interviewed over 100 people before writing this article. I interviewed also people that spoke agaist Vitolo. Those that spoke out against him, demonstrated to me typical opinions of those that are jealous of another's charismatic nature. The hundreds that praised Vito, gave him credit for opening their eyes to a more confident successful RL, through his SL teachings.

I was permitted to preview part of an interview with "The Dogfather" as Vito is called. This interview I speak of is being made into a full length Machinina Video, made by one of SL's premiere Movie makers. It's title is to be "Success Begets Success", which is Vito's motto as well as the way he views, and lives his life. Watch for this film, and view it when it is released. I can promise that your life will not be the same.

Dogfather- Vito, the world is a better place for your being here, and SL is a better place thanks to the few unselfish givers like yourself.

Now a word about support. I got the chance to see Patritzia Rossini at the TBI Center above Dogland Park. This is a woman who truly supports her Husband's efforts fully. She volunteers to stay logged in at night, with an IM alert set up. Together they provide members of the TBI group with 24/7 access to Skype contact, group phone conference and more.

To aid the dog owners in the largest Dog Owners group in SL,"VKC Dog Owner's Open Chat Group" ( a group of VKC dog owners that disagrees with VKC group policies, and actions), They have set up a "relay" that functions 24/7 also. All issues that get brought up in group IM get sent by email by a group of 37 volunteers that for the past year and a half have worked in shifts, never once leaving group IM unmonitored. Every single dog issue or question, is read and contact is made within a couple of hours maximum. Even without direct contact to Vito, these owners have their issues solved completely by morning ( usually sooner).

I salute you both Patty, and Vito... "The Dogparents". Your bringing me into SL has prompted me to invite dozens of my friends into SL. The population of SL has grown because people like you exist.

Roland: Hello Vito. My editors and I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity to interview you. You have gained the reputation in world as "The Dogfather", SL's virtual dog specialist. You also have become well known for your work with Traumatic Brain Injury. What exactly brought you to SL in the first place? 

 

Vitolo: I was in a prolonged coma. A couple of years after starting my road to rehabilitation, I was introduced for the first time to a computer. I recalled a friend mentioning SL, and thought that a virtual world might be a great tool in helping me develop cognitively. Once in SL, a friend I met who also was a TBI survivor and I started a group for TBI survivors. He left SL soon after we met, but the TBI group has remained active, and has a center located 3000 meters over Dogland Park. 

 

Roland: Dogland Park. This brings me to my next question. Dogland Park has become very popular. The group that you direct for owners of VKC dogs, based in Dogland is the largest dog owner group in world, and probably the most active. The loyalty of your fans and those that visit Dogland is unequaled. I myself have seen many changes to the area in Rhoda, and it always gets better. How exactly did Dogland come to be, and can you recount it's history for us? 

 

Vitolo: I operated a small 5000 meter dog park named Dogland, and operated out of a 30X30 skybox for the better part of a year. My friend Andji bought land in Rhoda, and named it "Canis Beach" The creator of VKC dogs at that time allowed her a "franchise" for lack of a better word. He let her have a set of VKC dogs, and a Clinic at her Canis Beach. The folks from Turing Isle, as I watched were upset that there was another VKC dog park there, and Andji was made to feel apart from this dog enterprise. I then began to hang around at Rhoda's dog park to help her sell dogs, and to teach classes. I decided to make her dog park the best! As fate would have it, The creator of VKC dogs didn't like giving her the commission he had promised her, and as she began to upgrade the dog park by buying more land, to better it... the older dog parks got less visits... and Enrico Genosse, the man who designed the VKC dog, cut her commission by a very large percentage. Andji was forced to sell her land. She sold her land for the most part to a gal named Aztek Aeon, who promised to keep her land open and dog friendly, and free of advertising and spam. I then at this time bought the VKC Dog Park, and the surrounding land. A year then followed where Aztek at her "Rescue Park" began overbuilding, and covering her area with billboards, and donation boxes. Her manipulation of her Donation meters and boxes always faced into the VKC dog park. The environment became full of lag, and my group members began complaining. To make this story short, after a year long battle and constant harassment, I was able through a VERY large amount of money, and a large amount of pressure, to get Aztek and her "Rescue Park" gone. She then in an effort to ride on the coattails of Canis Beaches popularity, bought a region, and named it "Canis Beach". I went to work fast, and changed over 40 websites to reflect a new name. There are well over 1000 members of my group VKC Dog Owners Open Chat, and there is a smaller group that is only made up of Rhoda's Dog Park Support. This smaller group is 150 member. They unanimously voted on my using my name and the name of my original small park. That was the birth of "Dogland Park-Vitolo Rossini". 

 

Roland: Thrilling recount. Up until very recently you worked closely with the creator of the VKC dog, but you no longer keep a Vet Clinic on your land. Why did you get rid of the clinic? 

 

Vitolo: Getting rid of the clinic was not my doing. Enrico Genosse has for a long time now been under pressure from the folks at the original VKC park at Turing Isle. They found endless things to complain about, the biggest being that they could not keep up with my public relations efforts, or traffic. Enrico Genosse himself was upset that my name was the first name that came to mind when VKC Dogs were mentioned. So he decided to take his clinic and dogs, to "regain control of VKC". 

 

Roland: Fact is , your name is still the first name that comes to mind when any Virtual Dog is mentioned. Has this removal of the Clinic and dogs hurt your work, or slowed down the activities at your Dogland Park? 

 

Vitolo: No. Folks still come often. Buyers of new dogs from all the other dog parks contact me daily, and come to Dogland, to get free supplies, doghouses, dishes, and to have their dogs trained. If anything the removal of the clinic has made the 5 groups come together in a show of support. Folks come to Dogland and see the various breeds there, and they have now begun to pre-order fully trained VKC Dogs from us. A member of the Dogland support team or myself will then instantly run and get them the dog they asked for, one of us trains the dog while another explains all of the dogs functions to the new owners. Class attendance has become larger now as well. 

 

Roland: I did not know that there were 5 groups at Dogland. Can you tell us what the 5 groups are and how they differ? 

 

Vitolo: Sure thing. 

1- VKC Dog Owners Open Chat Group - 1160 members VKC dog owners that support the events and activities at Rhoda. They get free new dog inventions made for use with VKC dogs, and all update information as well as information about new features. This information is delivered unfiltered, and openly, whether approved by the owner of VKC or not. 

2- Dogland Training Group- 150 members This group is comprised of Dogland VIP's. They offer visitors Support and information about VKC dogs, and other SL pets, as well as tours of Dogland and help with supplies, training, dog recovery, and more. They also assist in all event and contest planning. and in the monitoring of the area for undesirable activities. 

3- Working Dog Handlers- 39 members These folks are individuals that use the dogs for various types of working dog activities. The group is comprised of people interested in; law enforcement, military, search rescue, & agility. We have events that include water rescue, fire rescue, search/rescue, bomb recovery/detonation, and of course protection work. 

4-Harmonious Society of Peaceful Fist-22 members A group devoted to exchange and activities involving the peaceful applications in a virtual world, of Martial Arts philosophies. These folks are rl martial arts enthusiasts/practitioners. They are mostly all dog owners as well. Here we study and discuss "Wu Xia". This means martial Chivalry. Doing good for others in order to increase the greater good. Creating better Karma. 

5- Survivors of TBI- 74 members We are either Survivors of Coma, or other Traumatic Brain Injuries... or our friends and family. The group has an RL physician that specializes in the rehabilitation of Brain Injury. There are "TBI Survivors" in the group, and "TBI Supporters". We have 2 Nurses for consultation. We also have two members on call every night and a hotline, for members to reach me or my wife directly 24/7. There are regular outings and activities, and there is a TBI Center located 3000 meters above Dogland Park. It is up high for privacy, and to facilitate frank discussion, with other members, in a discreet environment. We hold phone and skype conferences with members so that they may remain in world, but be assured complete conversation privacy. The members of this group also are almost all dog owners. 

 

Roland: Wow. That is a lot that you have going on there. I have one last question. Why Dogs? 

 

Vitolo: I love dogs. IN RL I was a dog trainer for law enforcement agencies. After my coma, I became involved with Service dog training. I have high energy, and my enthusiasm shows through. So, I use the dogs as a focus point. While the dog owners are distracted by their interest in their dogs... the back door is left open, and information seeps in. A successful learning experience with the dogs, adds to ones self concept, creating a more confident SL. Having more confidence in SL, seeps over into our RL. This occurs through the subconscious. We deposit our "epiphanies" or "Aha! moments" in our minds, and they reflect themselves in our very dreams! this allows us to have dreams of completion, rather than dreams of frustration. We can then face RL in a more confident way... all from success and learning with a Virtual Dog! 

 

Roland: Vito, this has been fascinating! I want to thank you for your time, and I am sure I am not alone, in telling you, "Keep up the good work". What you do in SL for many people is very important!