The District's New Non-Profit, Coffee for Canines, Gives Local Dog a 3rd Chance

Eugene, OR, April 16, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Coming right on the heels of the 33 dogs from Los Angeles that are getting a 2nd chance of finding a home, a new barista bar and live music venue that’s about to open in Downtown Eugene called The District, is about to give a Greenhill alumnus a 3rd chance in life. Formerly known as Indigo District, the new owners of The District are donating all of the profits from their barista bar to their non-profit program, Coffee for Canines. One of the owners, Dr. Libby Adams, says she decided to start this non-profit when her own dog became critically ill and she spent a lot of time in veterinarian waiting rooms where she discovered the heartbreaking fact that many people were forced to euthanize their dogs because they couldn’t afford to pay for surgery Adams says, “Now we have coffee with a cause.” She says all of the profits from the Barista Bar will benefit local dogs whose owners cannot afford life-saving veterinary surgery.

Dr. Adams says became aware of the first beneficiary of The District’s non-profit, a six-year-old shiatsu dog named Axel, while staying at a Motel Six in Springfield because it was “pet friendly place” to stay for her and her two dogs. She said, “There was a little canister and picture of the dog at the front desk requesting donations.” Adams contacted Axel's owners, Michelle and Alex Fandino, of Springfield and learned more about their moving story and effort to save Axel. Fandino says she and her husband decided to adopt the dog from Greenhill Humane Society after learning he was on the “Second Chance Program” at the shelter. She said Axel then got sick a couple weeks later. Fandino and her husband administered medical care to him around the clock for two months to nurse him back to health. He recovered. But recently, the Fandinos found out that their beloved pet had cancer, and he needed expensive surgery that they couldn’t afford. “I sit with him on the floor and we pray for a miracle for my baby,” she said. “Axel is not the dog next door he is our family. He is our child and our family would not be the same if the day came that He wasn't with us any longer.”

Now, the Fandino’s veterinarian, Dr. Frickey, with McKenzie Animal Hospital in Springfield, will perform surgery on Axel this Thursday, and Coffee for Canines will be paying for it. “We thank you in advance for taking Axel into your hearts and allowing your foundation to give our Axel his 3rd chance to have the happy life He so much deserves,” exclaimed Fandino.

The District at 13th and Oak is now closed for a dramatic remodel. Blu Clark, a local visual arts designer and personal stylist whose impressive resume includes working for London based Toni & Guy Salon, Barneys and Saks Fifth avenue in Manhattan, NY and a team of designers from Los Angeles are transforming the large venue into a “urban and modern” space so locals can enjoy coffee and free Wi-Fi during the day and music, food and cocktails in a classy atmosphere at night. Adams and the other owners will also continue to cater to the college students with the hottest dance party in town on the weekends, and then attract professionals during the week nights with music, live shows and happy hours.

The grand opening of The District will kick off on Saturday, April 25th for the 21 and up crowd with an electrifying dance party featuring the popular DJ Foodstamp. The District will then make its community debut on Sunday, April 26th with a ribbon cutting ceremony from 1-4 pm with city officials and a MEMA benefit featuring jazz artist, Paul Biondi.

For more information and interviews, please contact Jodi Unruh at (541) 954-1667.

About The District: Formerly known as Indigo District, Libby and Nic Adams and the other owners are transforming the large space at 1290 Oak Street in Downtown Eugene into a new hotspot for people of all ages. The District, will feature a full barista bar during the day with the local roaster, The Wandering Goat along with Portland's Stumptown coffee. Locals will be able to enjoy their coffee and baked goods in the new urban and modern lounge area with free Wi-Fi. The District will then continue to host the hottest dance party in town on the weekends in a safe environment for people 21 and over. The District will also feature open mic, music and several happy hours during the week for locals wanting a more sophisticated and relaxed environment. As a member of the Eugene Chamber of Commerce, the new owners are also excited about helping the City of Eugene revitalize the downtown area with a new, vibrant venue like The District.

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