Hello, my name is Dorian Acito. I am pictured here with “my boys,” Tre and Louie. Recently I accepted the position of Director of Animal Rescue Education and Awareness with SCwSG to help pets in need and their owners and guardians. I have spent the last 10 years either volunteering with rescue groups, such as Italian Greyhound Club of America and Greyhound Pets of America, or working in my own pet service business. I greatly love and appreciate pets, especially companion animals for their unwavering love, intuitive knowing, and service to people.
I “met” Diane Dike about four years ago through a dog rescue connection. We both grew up in different parts of Central Florida and adopted Italian Greyhounds, a toy breed of the sighthound family. We exchanged many conversations through e-mails and networks, but it was not until Diane heard about the passing of my beloved second IG, Saucie, that I learned more about her personal story.
As part of her heartfelt sympathy and love for animals, Diane sent a Love Kit – a soft toy version of her service dog, Gracie, and a book of her inspirational story. I was grieving, along with my other dog, Tre, for the loss of our companion of 15 wonderful years. The Love Kit, her story and her encouraging words stayed with me through the difficulties and challenges of the next couple of years.
With the slump in the nation’s economy, I lost work, income and housing. I found it difficult to simply provide life’s basic necessities. Many people today are facing similar circumstances, robbing them of their support and security. But I have discovered that many individuals and groups are willing to help when we share what we have in common, rather than let our differences stand in the way.
People quickly discover that I love and cherish the individual beings of the pets in my care! Animals naturally trust me, and I have watched over many abandoned and rescued animals over the years. To serve as guardian for my companion animals has been my life-long responsibility – and privilege!
Pets have always been a part of my life, even though I had severe pet allergies while growing up. My Italian Greyhounds have been constant companions for the past 20 years -- living abroad, traveling from the West to East Coast, or moving city to city. The question is never if I can or would take my dogs with me on life’s journey, but how?
My mission is to help people and their beloved pets stay together – healthy and whole. Through Second Chance with Saving Grace, I help provide education and awareness about our role as guardians of companion animals. These amazing and versatile creatures teach us valuable lessons and give us their unconditional love. In return, we love and protect them, creating a strong bond that lasts a lifetime. They are a wonderful gift!
