Valter Maddalon is not your average businessman. This Italy resident has many hobbies and interests including fitness and animal welfare, and he even has a very personal aspiration - which he is about to live out.

An avid running enthusiast, Valter dreams of running in the 2008 ING New York City Marathon. On November 2, 2008, Valter will be fulfilling that dream and feeding his passion for animals as he runs with Team Go Beth O!, a running team dedicated to raise money for North Shore Animal League America, the world's largest pet rescue and adoption organization, in an effort to save pets' lives.

On a recent visit to the United States, Valter stopped by the Animal League located in Port Washington, NY and shared his feelings with us about running for such a noble cause. "I am very excited to be running for all the dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. They need homes."

Valter is the proud owner of his beloved "cane" (dog), Heidi. While he admits Heidi lives the "dolce vita" (the sweet life), Valter wants to help all the pets that aren't as lucky as Heidi. Valter is one of 20 runners on Team Go Beth O! who have generously pledged to run for the animals of North Shore Animal League America. Please Sponsor a Runner and Help Team Go Beth O! make their $262,000 goal to save pets' lives!