animal lifeYour pet. Our purpose.

Complimentary September 2015

Tri-State Area Pet News

Inside:Tomorrow we play page 3

Let’s Talk page 5National PreparednessMonth page 10 -11

W

Animal Lifer September 2015 animallifeonline.com 3

Walking with the rest of the pack, I glance down tomake sure she is still with me. She is walking so qui-etly by my side; never putting any tension in her lead.Of course, I always know she is with me. One of thegreat joys of having a dog like her is our walks to-gether. Perfectly in sync, we amble through thestreets, leading the pack of dogs that have joined thisevening’s walk through the streets of Dalton. It is par-ticularly hot this evening and she isn’t exactly apuppy anymore. I reach down and my fingers lightlybrush the top of her head. Her right ear swings backto see if I am speaking to her. I say nothing and wecontinue on. A dog approaches on the other side ofthe street. He is somewhat unruly as he strains againsthis leash and barks at our small group. His owner isbeing pulled along behind him and having a bit oftrouble maintaining control of his canine companion.Lexi, alerted to the commotion, glances towards thedog and then to me. One of the dogs in our packwhines from behind her, becoming somewhat unset-tled herself as this rather unbalanced young dog ap-proaches. The dog across the street lunges against thelead. I quietly say “leave it.” She does. I realize Iprobably did not have to say anything. Sometimes Ithink I give a command just to feel like I have af-firmed what I have already communicated to her non-verbally. I am convinced this is the human in me justmaking sure. Because we need to say things. Shenever needs me to.We didn’t start out this way. I remember her beingthe most stubborn, strong willed pup I had ever at-tempted to train. I had wanted another shepherd foryears, but I had so many reasons to wait. First I was

living in an apartment, then going to school, and thenmy son was too young to train a puppy. When I wasfinally ready, I somehow managed to find myself themost obstinate, independent and willful dog to befound on the entire east coast. To say that she was dif-ficult would be an understatement of considerableproportions. However, we struggled through it all.Housetraining was an abject nightmare. Thank Godfor crates. I still cringe at the thought of my dearsweet puppy diving head first into her very own cat-litter buffets that she used to regularly enjoy. And thenthere were the routine garbage bag inspections thatshe so kindly offered to take on. Seriously, I do not re-call ever telling her this was her job. I suppose that ifI had, I could report that she was certainly performingthe task beyond all expectations. Oh, and I can’t evenrecall the total number of shoes that fell prey to thehunting prowess of Lexi the Pump Destroyer. I do re-member quite vividly that she never did hunt two ofthe same pair. Once she had caught a black open toedpump, another of the same variety simply would notdo: it was now open season on red kitten heels. Walk-ing on a leash in the beginning was fraught with perilfor the poor human who dared hold the other end. Itwas a bit like trying to walk an alligator; or what Iimagine what trying to walk an alligator might belike. Right up the leash she would go, and on to yourhand if you were unlucky enough to have it in theway. Despite what seemed for quite some time to bethe beginning of an extremely tumultuous relation-ship, we both made it through. Perhaps the earlystruggles made us closer or perhaps the work shemade me put in made me appreciate her even more. I

don’t know which, and honestly, it doesn’t matter.We return from our walk and Lexi curls up next to meon the couch and lays her head on my lap. Nine yearsand she still doesn’t know that she simply is NOT alap dog. Seventy five pounds might not be that largefor a German Shepherd, but it certainly is far too largefor a lap dog. I have yet to convince her of thatthough; and I don’t believe that I would want to. Withevery passing year she gets a few more gray hairs inher muzzle and over her eyes. She will still tackle anywalk or run through an agility course with the wildabandon of a puppy, but her recovery time is gettinglonger. She will sleep for hours now.I run my hand over the soft fur of her head. I find ithard to believe that nine years have already passedwith this incredible creature, this animal whom I con-sider my friend. A lump forms in my throat as I thinkabout her getting older and the reality that someday Iwill no longer have her here with me. It is painful toeven contemplate such a thought. I try to push it frommy mind and wrap my arms around her. I want tospend every moment I can spare running beside her,walking with her, and playing with her. I wipe awaythe lone tear that has spilled from my eye and rundown my cheek. Burying my face in her fur, I whis-per, “Tomorrow, we play…”

Krista Wroldson MillerSonsini Animal Shelter

Tomorrow We Play

I find it hard to believe thatnine years have already passedwith this incredible creature,this animal whom I consider

my friend.

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4 Animal Lifer September 2015 animallifeonline.com

Publisher/Owner Kim Arre-Gerber, aladvertising@aol.comContributing Writers

Iris Bass Karen Karlberg Carol LewYoanna Y. Maitre Tobie Petkus Mary Koncel

Krista Wroldson Miller Leea Foran. The Canine MindCirculation, John Depaoli Advertising Sales, Karen Karlberg, Lisa Betkoski, Angela Meglio

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TThanks to a grant from PetSmart Char-ities®, Animal DREAMS has beenvery busy fixing cats in the grant’s tar-get area: Pittsfield. For the very lowcost of $30, cat owners can sign up toget their cats spayed or neutered and ra-bies-vaccinated through AnimalDREAMS. People who are caring forun-owned feral or friendly strays(Community Cats)- can get help forthose kitties too; there is no cost for thecaretaker to spay or neuter of Commu-nity Cats. We’ll be able to offer thisgreat deal until we’ve fixed 500 cats, oruntil the end of May 2016, whichevercomes first.We at Animal DREAMS couldn’t behappier to have funding to make suchan impact in cat overpopulation prob-lem of Pittsfield. But even with fund-ing, we can’t accomplish our missionwithout the support of the people whoown, care for, or know about unfixedcats. If that’s you, call AnimalDREAMS. We want to hear from you!The other day, we received a call fromShyla Vallencourt, a single mother wholives off of Wahconah Street. She hadan unfixed cat of her own, and she caresfor another outdoor friendly cat she be-lieves was abandoned by her ownerswhen they moved away. “My motherand I take turns each month buying fleatreatment for both of these cats”, Shylasaid. “It’s a struggle for me to pay foranything extra. My full time job justabout covers my basic living expenses.For additional expenses, I work anextra 16 hours per week.” When Shylalearned that grant funding would com-pletely cover the spay and rabies vac-cine for the outside cat, “Cowie”, andthe cost for spaying her own cat“Princess” would be only $30, she wasoverjoyed. Better yet, we happened tohave two open vet appointments the

same week. While Shyla was at work,an Animal DREAMS volunteer metShyla’s mother Sandra at her housewith an extra cat carrier; they had a car-rier for Princess, but not for Cowie. Thecats were brought to the AnimalDREAMS’ “Catty Shack” located onthe property of Berkshire Humane So-ciety. The next day, they went to the vetand then back home. “Now that Cowieis fixed, I will bring her inside ourhouse to live,” Shyla said. “I love ani-mals and want to take care of themproperly. This has been such a help tome and to these cats.”If you live in Pittsfield, help us makethis year count. Call us if you need yourcat spayed or neutered, or if you carefor cats that live outdoors. If you knowof someone who cares for communitycats, or if you see a lot of cats in yourneighborhood, you can help by lettingus know. Call 413-997-2287

Carol LewAnimal DREAMS TNR Coordinator

Pittsfield Catfix in ActionAbove: Shyla Vallencourt welcomes her cat home after the vet appointmentBelow: Sandra Vallencourt hands over two cats so they can be spayed

Cowie, a free-roaming cat awaiting her vet appointment

myth & truth about dog behaviorthe canine mind!I’ve been told that I have to show my dog that I’m the alpha or he won’t respectme. If I always go through a door first, and make him wait to eat until I’ve finished a meal will that teach him I’m in charge?No. Respect does not come by using force, intimidation or simply making yourdog wait for things he wants. The idea of “being alpha” is an old concept popu-larized in the 1970’s and long since debunked by modern scientific studies (thoughit has resurfaced on TV shows). If you want your dog to respect you, be a goodleader by practicing the following principles consistently:• Create a strong bond. Take the time to do fun and enriching activities with your dog.

• Set fair and consistent rules and limits. Inspire trust and cooperation. Show your dog how to do what you want and to praise and reward him when he does it.• Teach your dog good manners and Practice those good manners daily.Require calm, focused behavior before you give him whatever he wants.

• Notice when your dog does good things on his own. Praise behavior you like frequently.

• Discourage the behavior you don’t want. Withdraw your attention for annoying behaviors and humanely stop and correct undesirable behavior.

• Be watchful and anticipate your dog’s needs. In all circumstances always minimize stress and help her understand what to do to succeed.

That will create the respect and loving relationship you want.Leea Foran, CDBC, CPTA-KA is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Behavior consultant and owner of Foranimals, LLC in Lenox, MA. For more information: www.trainingforanimals.com or 413-445-8843

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Wthis side of purradise

Iris Bass

When I popped in on August 27, thesign outside Purradise proclaimed thatthe shelter had kittens to adopt...and itcertainly did!Five fast-asleep tiny siblings were

sprawled in such baroque comfort in asingle cat bed that at first I could countonly four, so closely were they inter-woven. With careful study, I was betterable to distinguish them, especiallyonce they shifted, one tiger-stripedcutie belly-stretched against the front oftheir condo. Unusually for shorthairs,they boasted extra fingers and toes, agenetic quirk known as polydactylism.On such small beings, it made themlook as though they had all donnedcatcher’s mitts.I left them to their slumber to check

out several slightly older residents inthe Sunshine Spa. These were roughlythe same age, four months, butmarkedly different in appearance andmood. Anderson, a beautiful buff tabby,paced at top speed, vocalizing loudly.A shelter volunteer offered that he mayhave been missing Tinman and Cow-ardly Lion, the year-old longhairedbrothers I wrote about in last month’scolumn, who had just been adopted out.She said that the Oz twins had not onlybefriended but taken a fatherly attitudetoward the boy, cuddling and lickinghim. Perhaps he was still looking forthem in the area they had shared. Astaffer suggested another reason forAnderson’s cries: his mom, two-year-

old orange-and-brown Ashley, washoused at the far end of the shelter,away from her son. She and Andersonare very close, I was told, but Ashley isso protective of him amid other catsthat for him to share a space with otherkittens, Mama needed to be given atimeout from her vigilance (though theshelter hopes mother and son will finda new home together, the perfect solu-tion). Anderson finally figured out howto calm himself down, climbing deepinside a kitty tree carpeted in the samecolor as his fur, as if to camouflagehimself. When I slowly placed a toywithin his reach, he grabbed and battedit around, his earlier agitation forgotten.Meanwhile, even despite Anderson’sloud meows, brown tiger Eric spent theentire time I was there fast asleep in the

top tier of the porch’s mesh bunk beds.The only glimpse I got of him waswhen his little nose peeped out brieflyas he changed position. For a while,Anderson snuggled into another tierseveral levels below.Eric’s perky, all-gray twin, introducedinto the porch while I was elsewhere inthe building, brought out a whole dif-ferent side of Anderson. With Mamanot there to dictate boundaries, Ander-son repeatedly tackled his playmate—who wriggled free and enthusiasticallycame back for more! When they’d hadenough of that, they chased their wayaround the porch, including an impro-vised game of peekaboo with a fabrictunnel that let Anderson conceal him-self while his friend gleefully poked athim through its various openings. No

longer in distress, Mama’s boy washaving a whale of a time roughhousingwith someone his own age.Back inside at the kitten heap, this

time I counted and recounted, yet sawonly three. Had some accidentally es-caped? No—a closer look revealed thatthey shared several interconnected con-dos, all in a row, shielded from view bya hanging towel. While their threetiger-striped siblings slept on, the twoblack-and-white kittens of the litter hadhad enough of the Land of Nod andcourteously gone off to other chambersto play vigorously with their toys.Likely other Purradise visitors even

during that same day caught this crewin still more facets of their developingpersonalities. Hopefully, whoeverbrings them home will not expect anyof these children to fit a predeterminedmold, but simply enjoy them for thewonderfully unique, independent-minded creatures they are.This series follows the special human-feline bond at Purradise, the BerkshireHumane Society Cat Adoption Centerat 301 Stockbridge Road, Great Bar-rington, MA 01230 (413-717-4244),berkshirehumane.org. Open Wed., Fri.,& Sat. 10–4 p.m.; Thurs. 10 a.m.–6p.m.; and Sun. noon–4 p.m. Iris Bass, coauthor of the Cat Lover’sDaily Companion, shares her Lee homewith five shelter cats.

Kitten Caboodle

Anderson. Photo © 2015 Sheila Heflin.

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Animal Lifer September 2015 animallifeonline.com 7

II was walking around my backyard tryingto come up with this month’s theme, whenI saw it right in front of me. A grey squir-rel was throwing, yes throwing, acorns atmy dog Blossom. It’s that time of the yearwhen wildlife starts to prepare for thecoming of winter. The smart-alecky squir-rel was focused on gathering seeds & nuts,to store in its cold weather den, and did notappreciate Blossom chasing it away fromthe bird feeders. Then I witnessed crazy dive-bombing

Ruby Throated Hummingbirds trying tokeep the competition away from the nec-tar feeder. I use Demerara brown sugar inmine and it seems to be a big hit amongthe hummingbirds. Did you know that themale Hummingbirds have departed fortheir migration to southern locations leav-ing the females and juveniles here to con-tinue packing on the nutrients to start theirown migration?Yesterday I was walking in the hardwoodcanopy about 100 yards from my kitchendoor, when I discovered the largest depositof Black Bear scat I have ever seen. Itmust have been at least 5 lbs. of poop. Idid measure and photograph it by the way.

Bears are searching for protein to pack onthe 30 lbs. a week they must gain in orderto survive the coming winter months. Myhusband saw the big boy earlier in theweek so I knew one was around lookingfor easy food, but I had already removedthe bird feeders from that area.While I took my daily constitutional

along the marsh this past month, I wit-nessed a River Otter floating on his backmunching on cattail stalks to bulk up forleaner times. I also came across the tracksof a young Bull Moose as he traversedaround West Becket most likely lookingfor a mate. On a sad note, I also discovereda victim of roadkill, an Ermine, a beautifulfemale that was already half the way to itswinter coat of pure white. This could bean omen of another brutal winter folks!Till next time, watch for animal signs

wherever you may roam.Karen Karlberg resides in Becket MA with hermenagerie of rescued barnyard & domesticanimals and her husband Mark. She is actively involved in conservation efforts as acitizen scientist, is an accomplished artisanand nature photographer

www.Kattailphoto.com.

out & aboutKaren Karlberg

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The Mission of Berkshire DART is toassist with evacuation and care of ani-mals displaced by natural and man-made disasters. This is done byoperating a pet shelter concurrent withshelters for people during disasters.Berkshire DART also promotes educa-tion, safety and disaster planning assis-tance to animal owners, city or towngovernment leaders, emergency re-sponders and other interested parties.Highlights of DARTs accomplishmentsinclude the procurement of a stockedemergency cargo trailer, funded by theWestern Region Homeland SecurityAdvisory Council (WRHSAC), whichenables volunteers to set up and operatean emergency animal shelter duringdisasters. DART has received dona-tions of a microchip scanner and a de-contamination kit for animals, andcontinues to stock our trailer to ensurethat the needs of animals will be metmost fully in times of community crisis. Berkshire DART held a Large AnimalResponse Group, with a focus onEquines and help a Large Animal Res-cue Training for First Responders thispast summer. Since its inception, DART volunteershave tirelessly responded to disastersthroughout Western MA such as theSpringfield and Monson Area Tornadosand Hurricane Irene. “We can nolonger say that disasters only happensomeplace else anymore” says DaveMelle, long time Volunteer with Berk-shire DART. “This is why we are al-ways looking for volunteers. One ofthe awesome benefits of membership isthe training DART offers, most ofwhich is cost-free. We know that ani-mal lovers will want to help in times ofneed – and it’s important that they aretrained before the emergency strikes –so that they can actually help instead ofadding the chaos”.

“One of the ironic things is that wetrain to be ready for that which we hopedoes not happen” says Director,Corinne McKeown. To help the com-munity and keep volunteers active onan ongoing basis, Berkshire DARTconducts outreach and education atcommunity events and animal relatedinitiatives. DART collaborates withother Berkshire County animal advo-cacy groups, and conducts an annualpet food drive to benefit our fellow animal-loving groups, such as theBerkshire Humane Society and AnimalDreams and many worthy others.Berkshire DART is actively seekingvolunteers to assist in many differentcapacities - with preparedness educa-tion to pet owners, raising funds forequipment or a second emergency response trailer, and to staff emergencyco-shelters in the event shelters must beopened. If you think you’d like to helpanimals and their people during a disaster – we’d like to hear from younow! Please visit www.WMDART.orgfor more information about joining orsupporting Berkshire DART – and fortips on keeping your pets safe duringdisasters. You can also find DART onFacebook.www.facebook.com/BerkshireDART

National Emergency Preparedness MonthSeptember is

- include your pets in your emergency plan!The Berkshire Disaster Animal Response Team (DART) was formedin 2009 under the auspices of the Berkshire Medical Reserve Corpsas a result of a heightened awareness and growing concern for thevulnerability of animals in disaster situations, and the impact a lackof animal emergency planning has had on people and communities.

10 Animal Lifer September 2015 animallifeonline.com

“One of the ironicthings is that we

train to be ready forthat which we hopedoes not happen”

TThrough my active involvement with local, regional, and nationaldisaster animal response and veterinary medical assistance teams, Ihave become acutely aware of a fact often overlooked: horse andlivestock owners/caretakers need to consider what they would do inthe face of a disaster well before one occurs. Consider the most likely types of disasters in your area and the challenges theymight create for your facility: flooding, ice storms, a hurricane, fire, etc. Howwould you respond to each situation?Create a list of emergency telephone numbers including employees, boarders,neighbors, veterinarians, state veterinarian, animal control officers, county ex-tension office, brand inspector, local haulers, state agricultural and veterinaryschools, and local disaster area response teams.Properly identify and mark utility shutoffs (gas, water, and electric) and fire ex-tinguishers. Designate at least two escape routes and a reunion location on theproperty where family members and barn personnel can meet should a disaster re-sponse or evacuation become necessary. Two routes are needed in case one be-comes inaccessible due to unforeseen conditions.Permanently identify each animal by tattoo, microchip, brand, or tag, and takephotographs of each animal from all sides. Include age, sex, breed, and color inyour record of identification. Keep this information with your other important pa-pers (financial documents, insurance papers, and immunization and healthrecords). If not identified at the time of the disaster, paint or etch hooves or usetemporary neck bands or plastic tags on halters or braided into the mane or tail.As a last resort, use non-toxic livestock paint to write on the animals’ sides.

ASSEMBLE AN ANIMAL EVACUATION KIT:• plastic trash barrel with lid • sharp all purpose knife• water and feed buckets • vaccination and health records• leg wraps • wire cutters• tarpaulins • lime, bleach• first aid supplies • portable livestock panels• portable radio and extra batteries • fire resistant (not nylon) leads & halters• duct tape • heavy work gloves• flashlight • have enough fresh water and hay on hand

for at least 48-72 hours

Update information and replace supplies regularly. Also have a small amountof cash, duplicate keys, and personal supplies ready for quick evacuation.Be sure to plan for the possibility of needing to move the animals off the prop-erty when sheltering in place is not possible. Locations that could be used are pri-vate stables, race tracks, fairgrounds, equestrian centers, private farms andhumane societies. Make arrangements in advance with the owner/operators to ac-cept your horses or livestock and be sure to contact them before taking them there.Trailers should be well-maintained (not surrounded by tall weeds with a flattire!) with tow capable vehicles full of gas ready to move them at all times. Ifyou don’t have a trailer, arrange to borrow one well in advance. Be sure to ac-climate your horse to trailering. Depending on the size of your facility, consideracquiring a back-up generator in case of an extended power outage.You may want to designate a neighbor to care for your animals in the event thata disaster occurs when you are away. This person should have a key to your home,

be familiar with your animals, and know your evacuation procedures. Providethem with a pre-signed veterinary treatment authorization letter and waiver of li-ability in case an animal is injured under their care.Get involved with your local disaster response teams. You will become more fa-miliar with the resources available in your area and gain access to invaluabletraining and networking opportunities. Invite emergency services personnel inyour area to tour your facilities to familiarize themselves with the layout and spe-cific needs of your property. Encourage them to learn and practice proper animalrestraint and handling.Practice your plan before disaster strikes. The only thing worse than a disasteris lack of preparation when one occurs. The more we can do to prepare for a dis-aster, the better we can minimize the negative effects.

Dr. Yoanna Maître is the owner of Berkshire Ambulatory Veterinary Services, amobile clinic that provides on-farm medical and surgical care to horses and farmanimals in Berkshire County and neighboring areas of New York State. She isalso a member of the State of Massachusetts and Berkshire Disaster Animal Re-sponse Teams (SMART and Berkshire DART) as well serving as an intermittentfederal employee with the National Veterinary Response Team (NVRT). Contactmaitredvm@gmail.com.

Be Prepared in a Disaster

hoof beatYoanna Y. Maître, DVM, DABVP

Animal Lifer September 2015 animallifeonline.com 11

WWow! You tell people you’re an animalcommunicator and their eyes roll backup in their heads. They don’t believe it.They haven’t experienced it themselvesand think: “are you kidding?” I wouldthink the same thing, only this has allhappened to me. I didn’t even knowthat animal communication existed.When you don’t ask for it, and yet thetelepathy starts, you HAVE to sit up andtake notice. These events started pouring into mefollowing a near-death experience inmy young life which was mystical,magical, and unforgettable— a com-pletely joyful roundtrip.But to answer the question of what ananimal communicator does: We basi-cally LISTEN! We tune into an animaltelepathically (on the inner plane). Forme, what sets the session in motion isthe animal’s human companion wantsto know something. It is this emotionalconnection between the animal and itscompanion that provides the juice be-tween the three of us. I don’t have to bein the same space as the animal. I don’teven have to see him or meet him. I amgenerally sent a picture by email and alist of questions.The ultra-remarkable part is that, whenasked, I also hear from animals whohave crossed over (passed). I am ableto tune into the same energy they hadhere when they were here in their bod-ies and bring back messages to theirloved ones. But getting back to the readings on thisplane: when the animals are on PlanetEarth, humans might have questionsabout their pets’ behavior or ask for anidea about what might be wrong withthem. The pet knows all this. Theyknow what they like to eat, where theylike to eat it, who their friends are, whois upset in the household, who is mov-ing in or out, if it’s too sunny for them in a certain spot, if they need or wantmore exercise or a different kind of itand so on.

So I just tune in through meditation,and in the first part of the reading theanimals are usually SHOCKED that Iwant to talk to them. They becomepleased and start talking or showing methings (telepathically in pictures,sounds and feelings). They show mewhere they sleep or what the litter situ-ation is like, etc. And then they get intotheir food, which they pretty much alldo. If they don’t like what they’re get-ting, they let me know what they want.I heard from a dog who wanted crunchysnacks which he showed me came in apackage with yellow writing. I con-nected with a cat who didn’t like theway her bowl was facing, a cat whowanted running water from a fountainto drink and a dog who wanted herwater changed more frequently. And Ijust did a reading on a bunny whowanted some watermelon. (I found outafter the reading that the rabbit cagewas next to a watermelon patch.)The animals are generous about show-ing me what’s wrong with them physi-cally, where the pain is and if it’s bad.(But as you all know, I am not a vet andcan’t diagnose anything) They show meif they’re sick/or old and if they’reready to cross over. They are very mat-ter of fact about this. It’s not a big dealto them. No emotion at all but they areconcerned about leaving their personshere on this side without them.The one part that they all express isLOVE. And huge gratitude to theircompanions. Boy, we have much tolearn from these beautiful souls.

Linda Clayton has been a pet commu-nicator for 25 years. Clayton’s blog iswww.animalstalk2me.wordpress.com

For more information call: 413 528-5501.

to the animalsLet’s Talk

Linda Clayton

grooming

D ALL ORGANIC-NATURAL DOG & CAT FOOD C

D ASK ABOUT OUR DELIVERY SERVICE C

DLEASHES, COLLARS, BOW

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59 Main Street Lee, MA

413-243-1220www.Meowandgrowl.com

NAIL TRIMMINGcall for date & times

$7 per cat or dog

Dog Wash Stations!SELF SERVE

Barking BeautiesSalon for Dogs & Cats

Staci A. Barrett, Owner18 Years of Experience • Gift Certificates Always Available

165 Water Street, Lee, MA • 413-243-2626

Do You Have the Ultimate Dog?• Full service dog grooming-all breeds• Walk-In nail trims• Self Serve Bathing Station: All tools provided,

just bring yourself and your dog!• Frequent Fido Cards-Get your sixth wash FREE• Boutique filled with unique dog items for dogs

and the people who love them!• High Quality Raw (Oma's Pride & Nature's Variety)

and dry (Blue Buffalo & Nature's Variety) foods.• Special Orders Available Upon Request

Chris & Jennifer Tompkins, Owners/GroomersAmanda Hohman-Manager

Open Tue-Fri 8am-5pm,Sat-8am-3pmCLOSED SUNDAYS

(860)435-83539 Academy Street, Salisbury, CT 06068

Poochini’slocated at Copake Lake,

Craryville, NY518-325-4150 518-821-3959

Top Dog StylingBubbles & Brush

DemattingTransportationdog walking

a La Carte itemsspecial services

Accepting most major credit cardsFully Insured

Member of PSI and ASPCADawn Gardina, Ownerpoochinipetsalon@gmail.com

poochinipetsalon.wix.com/home

K

Kathie Penna's beloved dog Layla was hit by a car onRoute 7 in Lenox, MA over the weekend. She survivedbut has endured a lengthy surgery over in New York tostabilize her front leg that was severely broken. She nowhas 10 screws in her front leg as well a large plate to holdthe bone together. She also endured some facial traumaand had many teeth that were broken in which they hadto remove. She has a long recovery ahead of her and thevet bills are starting to add up. As I'm sure most of youknow, Layla is Kathie's hiking partner and loves runningoutdoors. Due to the long recovery, she won't be doingmuch running/hiking for a while."Leashes for Layla" was formed so that we can do our part. You can customorder a leash for your dog and in return, Kathie will receive 50% of all orders toput towards Layla's vet bills and future recovery. All leashes are made of nylonand are sewn with a decorative ribbon. Swivel hook is 1" and made of nickel andhas a D ring at the top so you can clip on a waste bag. They are 63" from end to

end and are triple sewn. Many colors available! If you don't own a pooch of yourown, consider purchasing one and we will make a leash and donate it to theEleanor Sonsini Shelter (or local shelter of your choice). They are $20 each andall orders must be pre-ordered. We will ship!http://sipnsewparties.com/t/leashes-for-layla

Leashes for

Photo by Melissa J. Bissell

HADDAD SUBARUOpen Mon-Thu 8am-8pm; Fri-Sat 8am-6pm

652 East Street, Pittsfield, MA (413) 997-7272www.haddadsubaru.com

Dog Tested. Dog approved.TM

Animal Lifer September 2015 animallifeonline.com 13

Layla

English Setter

PUPS FOR SALEAKC/FDSB • Ready 9-25-2015

413-655-8245ruscettathomas@aol.com

14 Animal Lifer September 2015 animallifeon-

Never Advertised in

animal life?Your pet. Our purpose

Ask about our New Advertiser Special

Call Kim 413-459-5894

candid momentswoofstock 2015

Beantown Dock Dogs

Photo by, Jim ZelaskoOOn September 19th & 20th, 2015, Beantown DockDogs will becoming to Hinsdale, Massachusetts for the first time!More than 25 competitors from the US and Canada will be traveling to the area to competein the fastest growing canine sport of DockDogs. Dogs will compete in 3 disciplines, Big Air,Extreme Vertical, and Speed Retrieve to see who is the top dog! Big Air is the most popular disciplines, measuring to see how far dogs can jump into a 40 footpool. Extreme Vertical is a little more challenging, as dogs are measured by how high theycan jump to grab a toy suspended over the water. Speed Retrieve is a timed speed swim. Onedog at a time will run 20 feet of the dock, jump into the pool, and swim the length to retrievea toy hanging at the opposite end of the the 40 foot pool. The event would not be possible without some key sponsors. Ozzie's Steak and Eggs Restau-rant, Hillstown Veterinary Clinic, GlycoFlex, Camp Wag a Lot, Veterinary Emergency andSpecialty Hospital, Benson's Pet Center, BJ's Wholesale Club, Merck Animal Health, IdexxLabs, Trustco Bank, Hogan's Leather, and Vibrac. There will also be a long list of roughly 25 Vendors and Non Profit groups coming to theevent showcasing their products and services. A raffle and silent auction will be held over the course of the weekend to help raise moneyfor the Fairy Dog Parents, a local non profit group who helps family's in need with unex-pected vet bills.

Please visit us at beantowndockdogs.com or on Facebook.

Animal Lifer September 2015 animallifeonline.com 15

Martha Pope, PhotographerAny of my clients who have rescued or

adopted a shelter pet receives a 10% discounton all products and packages

www.shaggydogphotography.com

36 Pittsfield RoadLenox, MA

ycc01240@aol.com

II was an unclaimed stray from the Boston area. I made thetrip to the Berkshires because I have a great temperamentand I know I will adopted soon. I am social with everyone Imeet. I have played with dogs and done very well. I did a cattest and was respectful. I ride great in the car. I seem to bemostly house trained. I have only had a couple of accidentsin the shelter. I like to play with all kinds of toys.

Sadi

Sponsored by:

At theBerkshire Humane Society

in the tri-state area

Adoptions

Merrill Road,Pittsfield

info@berkshiremm.com

Kimber is a young, super affectionate girl withvery unique markings. She loves to be snuggledand chase toys. We believe she will do well withother animals and children. If you are looking fora cuddly companion then Kimber is your girl! Sheis going for her spay on 8/17 and will be ready togo home shortly after. We are accepting applica-tions. Stop down and meet her today!

Kimber

Sponsored by:

At theEleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter

Open Mon. - Fri. 7am –7pm, & Sat. 8am – 1pm

413-551-7251 • 450 Pittsfield Rd., Lenox • www.lenoxcathospital.com

Part of the package of becoming a pet parent is assuming the responsibility of

your new family pet in a positive and loving way. As its guardian you must

see that your pet goes to a veterinarian on a regular basis as well as when an illness

or accident demands such a visit.

“

”Dr. Sally Umlauf

16 Animal Lifer September 2015 animallifeonline.com

Friends of Eleanor Sonsini

Animal Shelter

cordially invite you to an

Open House

Saturday, October 3rd, 12 - 5 pm

63 Downing Parkway

Pittsfield, Massachusetts

G e m m aTHIS WEEK’S DOG IS: I am Gemma. I am a young and enthusiastic girl. I have had a fewhomes in my short life and I am looking for someone that will stick byme and stay with me. I am not fully house trained, but I am partiallyand making progress. I love to go for walks and need some play timeto get some of my excess energy drained. I love to play with all kindsof toys. I need sturdy dog appropriate occupiers to get me through mypuppy chewing stage. I have done well with other dogs. I would dobest with kids a bit older, ones that can handle a boisterous pup likeme. I have been a bit nervous for car rides.

214 Barker Rd., Pittsfield, MA • 314-447-7878

Dog of the Week!Each week HADDAD SUBARU will be sponsoring a “Dog of the Week”. If that dog is adopted during that week, Haddad Subaru will pay $50

towards the adoption fee!

D D

D

Adalia

Please call Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter

413-448-9800

36 Pittsfield RoadLenox, MA

ycc01240@aol.com

This handsome man was a beloved family member who hasended up back at the shelter through no fault of his own. Ifyour looking for the perfect companion, who wants to be byyour side at all times, knows all his commands, and behaveslike a dream then Rhino is for you! He is a calm, six year oldbrindle pit with beautiful markings, he walks well on leash, butpulls at times. He is a little over weight, and could stand to hikea few miles.

Rhino

Sponsored by:

At theEleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter

in the tri-state area

AdoptionsIt started when Policefound me wandering thestreets of Brooklyn. I wasfriendly so they took me tothe shelter, but it was a killshelter, too overcrowdedfor another black pit bull,even though their behaviortest showed I was goodwith people and otherdogs. When I caught acold (kennel cough) theyput me on a list. Do youknow what Euthanasia Listmeans? HELP!!! I am only2 years old, 64 pounds,and I really need someleash training and a goodkind foster home now!!

Harriet Koss, Dalmatian Adoption, Inc. 917-670-3892 • email: hckoss@aol.com

Hershey

We are waiting for ourFur-Ever Home

A rescue group took me to a vet to cure my kennel cough and get meneutered. Now I am ready to go but I sure need a foster home now and / ora forever home ASAP. I do not want to end up in the kill shelter again!

Petey�

�

Destiny

�

Destiny is a young beautiful Dalmatian mixwho has it all. She is friendly ( a little shy atfirst) and good with children and dogs. Des-tiny, 2 and 1/2 years old and 52 lbs ishealthy, spayed, and also up to date in shots.We are assisting Destiny's family in theirsearch to find the right home since they areno longer sable to keep their beloved dog.

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289 Dalton AvenuePittsfield, MA 01201

413-443-4949www.allenheights.com

Elizabeth TullettDVM

Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture

Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat. 8-12

Washington State Road, Washington, MA 01223 • www.hilltownsvetclinic.com

Dr. Sharon Lynch, VeterinarianFred Davis III, CVT

Comprehensive Veterinary ServicesLow Cost • Individual Attention

Caring & Compassionate

veterinarians

Treating cattle, horses, goats, sheep, llamasand alpacas at your farm or home

Bilmar Small Animal Hospital• Full Service Hospital• Drop Off Service• Housecalls

Looking for housecalls? Call Dr. Blanchard for details

413-528-1180 • Fax 413-528-1763776 Main St., Great Barrington, MAHours: 8:30-5 Mon.-Fri, 8:30-Noon Sat.

Call for appointment

Dr. Claire BlanchardDr. Donald GulickDr. Hanan CaineDr. Emily Newman

VCA All Caring Animal HospitalConventional & Holistic Veterinary Medicine

Chiropractic & Acupuncture440 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA

413-528-8020www.vcaallcaring.com

Open 7 Daysa week

Fridays till 8pm.

House Calls on

Tuesday!

animal life go-to directoryboardingBowMeow RegencyA Daycare, Boarding & Grooming Facility for Dogs.92 Cook Road, Sheffield, MA 01257Honor S. Blume 413-229-0035www.bowmeowregency.com

Gina’s K-9 Bed & BreakfastQuality care pet sitting in my safe, comfortable home349 Farm Road, Copake, NY 12516Gina 518-329-4675Happy Dog Kennel & Day CareBoarding • Day Care • TrainingCovering, Alford, North Egremont, HillsdaleOld Chatham, Chatham and more!Nora Hayes 413-528-0877The PlayyardDay Care • Boarding • Training88 County Rt. 21, Hillsdale, NYwww.theplayyard.comSusan & George Clark 518-325-9807

groomingHappy Hounds Mobile GroomingAll breeds welcome, Cats too! Natural & Hypo-Allergenic Products. Specialized treatments. Nights & WeekendsJesse Sullivan413-446-8676Email: happyhoundsmobile@yahoo.com

pet storesBensDotter’s PetQuality Foods & Supplies, Raw Diet Specialists. 940 Main Street, Great Barrington, MAwww.BENSDOTTERS.com413-528-4940Chez PetPremium foods and treats. A neighborhood pet supply store with everything you need fora healthy pet. Special orders welcome.Lenox Commons, 55 Pittsfield Rd., Lenox, MA413-637-0800 • www.chezpet.comMeow GrowlAll organic-Natural Dog & Cat FoodSelf Serve Dog Wash Stations!59 Main St., Lee, MA • www.Meowandgrowl.com413-243-1220

volunteerDARTBerkshire Disaster Animal Response Team Reducing risk for pets during disasters and more!Corrine McKeown, Director • www.WMDART.com

rescues & sheltersBerkshire Humane SocietyOpen Tues.- Sat. 10am to 4pm, Thurs Eve. 5 - 8pmSun. Afternoon 1 - 4pm • Closed Mondays413-447-7878 • www.berkshirehumane.org214 Barker Road, Pittsfield, MA

Bluebird Farm Animal Sanctuary413-446-3345

Dalmatian RescueHarriet Koss(917) 670-3892hckoss@aol.com

Eleanor Sonsini Animal ShelterOpen Tues.-Fri. 12 to 6pm, Sat. & Sun. 12 - 5pmClosed Mondays413-448-9800 • www.sonsinianimalshelter.org63 Downing Parkway, Pittsfield, MA

Little Guild of St. Francis285 Sharon Goshen Turnpike, W. Cornwall, CT860-672-6345www.littleguild.org

NE Basset Hound Rescue, Inc.Dawna Hartman, Intake Coordinator, 68dawna@gmail.com, www.nebhr.org(508) 243-3622 MA

NE Pyreness Rescue(toll free) 877-528-0637www.nepyresq.org

PurradiseOpen Wed. & Fri. 10am - 4pm, Thurs. 10am - 6pm, Sunday 12 - 4pm301 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA413-717-4244 • www.berkshirehumane.org

veterinarian servicesAllen Heights Veterinary HospitalDog and Cat GroomingAmanda Bevens, 289 Dalton Ave., Pittsfield, MA413-443-4949Berkshire Ambulatory Veterinary ServicesYoanna Y. Maitre, DVMMobile practice providing quality medical and surgical care for horses and farm animals. Vaccination, strategic deworming,Coggins & health certificates, custom dentistry (hand & Power-float), castrations, dehorning, & more. Serving MA & NYby appointment.www.berkshirelargeanimal.com413-637-2223

North County Veterinary HospitalDr. John C. Reynolds, Dr. Laura A. Eiszler & Dr. Lindsay M. Cermak, DVM’s838 Curran Memorial Hwy, North Adams, MA413-664-4570

veterinarian servicesPittsfield Veterinary Hospital24 Hour Emergency care, animal chiropractic and dental care.John C. Reynolds, DVM, Laura A. Eiszler, DVM, Michelle P. Looney, DVM, Melinda M. Payson, DVM, Carmen A. Swinson, DVM, , Lindsay M. Cermak, DVMHours: Daily Mon-Fri. 8am to 8pm,.Sat. & Sun 10am-5pmwww.pittsfieldvet.com413-499-1580

pet timesA listing of upcoming eventsin the Tri-state area

September 19 & 20thSat. & Sun. 10am to 5pmK9 KarnivalDock Diving, Raffles, Music, Food, Vendors29 Maple St., Hinsdale, MA behind Ozzies.

September 27th • 12:30 pm/shotgun startCRANWELL RESORT GOLF CLASSICto benefit Berkshire Humane Societygo to www.cranwell.com/cranwellopen for more information. (see ad page 14)55 Lee Road, Lenox, MA

September 29th • Tuesday • 5-8pm10th AnnualPasta Dinner at Zucco’s Adults $10, Children $5451 Dalton Ave., PittsfieldAll proceeds benefit Berkshire Humane Society

October 3rd • 12-5pmEleanor Sonsini Animal ShelterOPEN HOUSEStop in see our fresh new look63 Downing Parkway., Pittsfield

October 3rd 10am registration, 10:30 BeginsFall Dog ParadeHosted by North Adams TourismVeterans Memorial Park, ends at Farmers MarketFacebook/North Adams Annual Fall Dog ParadeNorth Adams

October 10th • 4-6:30pmFundraiser EventKumar’s K9 ProgramPaint and Sip with the PoniesLearn How to PaintThe Adams Ale House, E. Hoosac St., Adams413-499-0457

October 17th The Little Guild Run • Walk • ScamperRun and Wag 5KFor more info: www.littleguild.org/runandwag5ksee ad page 11Cornwall, CT

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Convenient Location with Ample Parking

Monday-Friday 10a-6p Saturday-Sunday 10a-4p

BENSDOTTER S PET 940 MAIN STREET, GREAT BARRINGTON, MA 413-528-4940

WWW.BENSDOTTERS.COM

HoundsTooth is coming Sunday, November 1st!

Non-Anesthetic Dental Cleaning Clinic for Dogs and Cats visit www.BENSDOTTERS.com for more information