Animal Life E-Version March 2013

March 2013 Complimentary

Animal rescue actively supported by:shel•ter

A place that provides cover or protection; a refuge or safe haven.

[shel-ter]

“Neoma” - Eleanor Sonsini Shelter Pet - Adopted 2/5/13

Animal Inspiration

“Hippie Dawg” by Mikaela Sadlow

story on page 13

The Sonsini Animal Shelter has its very own volunteer photographer, Martha Pope. She dedicates herself to capturing the personality and magnificence of each of our adoptable animals. The animals in front of her participate in the artistic decision of how to put their bestface forward. More often than you'd think, they stick their tongues out. Why is that, we won-der. Maybe some of those floppy-tongued dogs want to show their happy-go-lucky side. Insome case, perhaps they're making a statement about what they think of being in a shelter.Or maybe, they're just trying to stand out in the crowd, hoping that that special person willnotice them and decide to give them a great new life. They just might have a good strategythere; all of these animals have been adopted into loving homes.

I'm Ready For MyClose-up

More oftenthan you’dthink, theystick theirtongues out.

“”

Animal Lifer March 2013 3

Publisher Lisa Betkoski, [email protected]

Contributing Writers

Iris Bass Kayla FullerYvonne Borsody Carol LewYoanna Maitre Lynn WallaceLiz Machaffie Martha Grace

Kim Arre-Gerber, Graphic Designer/[email protected]

Leila DiGirolamo, Online Graphic Designer/Artist

For advertising rates or information call [email protected]

Mail: PO Box 804, Pittsfield, MA 01201www.animallifeonline.com

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Positive Reinforcement Dog Training All Breed - All Ages

The large California town home myhusband and I were sharing with

three cats and the children coming andgoing felt like a full house. The pain oflosing our old Great Dane was hurtingless, were were doing a little traveling,and it looked as though our life stylewas set for awhile.Right about that time a young manname Joe found a puppy at the beach,"barely weaned", he said. Joe's land-

lord didn't allow pets, so the little pupwas given to a friend. The boy'smother said, "We aren't going to haveanother dog", and the little guy wasagain given away. He went to a youngman living in our neighborhood, and bythat time he had a name. It was Cody.It didn't take us long to realize littleCody had a big problem. His troubledyoung companion was abusing Cody.Neighbors complained about the beat-ings Cody was receiving, but this wenton for months until the young man wasconvinced to give up the dog he saidwouldn't behave.In California, Cody may not have hada chance at a new life. This little dogneeded us. Friends kept Cody for usuntil we could sell our town home andmove to a ranch with acres of land in atown that is well-known for its love of

animals. Our friends called Cody "TheHundred Thousand Dollar Dog". Wepaid more than that for our new "doghouse".It took time for Cody to feel safe andloved, but he turned out to be every-thing you could ask for in a dog. Hewas strong and smart. We brought himinto our home with three cats, and itwasn't long before he recognized allthree as his cats. He barked and madea big fuss if a stranger was at the door,and our friends endured having theirbehind sniffed by this big GermanShepherd-Labrador before we all set-tled down for a visit.There is such a thing as a man's dog.Cody and I were close friends, but headored my husband. Cody stayed nextto his chair, and followed his everymove. The mowed the lawn together,walking side by side, up one row anddown another. When the two of themwere in the garage, my husband repair-ing something, Cody supervising,

Cody eyed me with an "us guys are inhere, and we don't want a girl around"look. When my husband left for work,Cody looked sadly out the windowwatching him leave, and when he ar-rived home in the evening Codygreeted him as if he hadn't seen him indays.Cody started showing signs of age.He wasn't quite as agile as he once was,and his eyesight was failing. He livedthe good long life that he deserved withus. He was our assistant, our compan-ion, and our protector. The people thatsay, "It's just a dog" don't know a de-voted friend is waiting for a kind word.We were richer in so many ways forknowing Cody. I like to think that hewas waiting for my husband, and thatthey are still walking side by side.

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In Memory of Two Best Friends

Cody eyed me with an "us guys are in here,and we don't want a girl around" look.“ ”

Our pets are so important to our comfort in our homes. It seems silly, but do we always ensuretheir comfort in our living areas. Some pets have the privilage of sharing the end of the bed withtheir endentured humans. But what about finding a bit of space in the house to dedicate as personalspace for your pet. Finding a comfy pet bed or piece of larger furniture can often give your pet a

sense of independence and is a great way to honor your pet's needs.When choosing a bed, it is important to note if your pet enjoys being in a roomy space or a snug fit.Many pets like the snug fit because it can provide a sense of safety. If so, choose a smaller bed in the styleof your home so that you can both feel good about the new purchase. Pet beds come in a variety of sizesand styles. You can easily find everything from Victorian, through Traditional, Transitional and right oninto Contemporary. If you need a larger space, many people choose an easy to clean piece of furniture: achair or a chaise, to provide the best comfort for pets of all sizes.The most important thing is, of course, to meet you pet's needs. Our pets fill our lives with joy, it seemslike fair play to get them a space they can thoroughly enjoy!Lynn Wallace has been advising pet parents in home furnishing selection and care for Simmons Furniture Inc. since 1999. An

avid pet lover and parent, she has been “FUR” nishing the homes of the Berkshires and beyond with pet friendly furniture and innovative perspectives that creates an environment fit for the lifestyles of us and our furry friends.

Simmons Furniture, Inc. • Allendale Shopping Center, 5 Cheshire Rd., Pittsfield, MA 01201 413-499-017071 Park St., Adams, MA 01220 • 413-743-0123 • www.SimmonsFurnitureInc.com

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Yoanna Y. Maître, DVM, DABVP

hoof beat

Consider the donkey: its compactbody, irresistible long ears, tassel-

like tail, and comical bray make it anendearing member of the equine fam-ily. They are popular around the worldand have been domesticated for wellover 5000 years, serving a wide varietyof purposes: transportation, draft ani-mal, packing, guarding livestock, andcompanionship. The donkey is also known as the ass,a somewhat unfortunate moniker com-ing from its scientific name, Equus as-inus. The male donkey is called a jack,and the female a jennet, or jenny. Theymay also be referred to as burros, theSpanish term for a working donkey, es-pecially out west. Mules are hybrid an-imals produced by breeding a jack witha mare (female horse), while a hinny isthe offspring of the less common prac-tice of breeding a stallion (male horse)and a jennet. Donkeys can range in sizefrom miniature donkeys (less than 36inches at the shoulder) to MammothJacks (standing more than 56 inches atthe shoulder), to anything in between. Mules and donkeys are often referredto as being extremely stubborn. We’veall heard the terms “stubborn as a mule”or “being a jackass”. This is not reallythe case, although many are not trainedas thoroughly as riding horses and cantherefore be more difficult to handleduring unfamiliar procedures. They areintelligent animals and are actually lessinclined to panic than the average

horse. By starting early with consistentproper handling, donkeys and mulescan be acclimated to a variety of situa-tions, including deworming, foot trims,and routine veterinarycare.Donkeys should re-

ceive most of the samevaccinations as back-yard horses, includingthose that protectagainst Rabies, Easternand Western encephali-tis, West Nile, andTetanus. They shouldalso have their teethexamined and floatedregularly, especiallysince they are prone toan undershot jawwhere the lower incisors protrude infront of the upper ones.Donkeys and mules are sturdy sure-footed animals. Their narrow framesand compact, upright feet and hoovesmake them less prone to many of the in-juries and unsoundnesses that horsessuffer from. However, they still needregular foot trims by a well trained far-

rier. Improper nutrition can lead to obe-sity and laminitis (founder). They dobest on good pasture with minimalamounts of grain, and grain should be

lower in protein (10-12%) than manyhorse feeds.Donkeys and mulesshould be dewormedwith ivermectin atleast twice annually,and regular fecalexams should be per-formed to determinethe need for additionaldeworming. Newdonkeys should be de-wormed with iver-mectin before beingpastured with horses

to prevent transmission of the lung-worm Dictyocaulus arnfieldi. Donkeysare the primary host for this parasite butoften show no sign of infections. Inhorses, it can cause severe lung irrita-tion and damage similar to heaves.

The gestation period of donkeys islonger than in the horse, averaging 12

months, though some jennets will de-liver normally after as much as 13months. Castration is performed as inthe horse, but donkeys are prone to ex-cessive bleeding, so complete ligation(suturing) of the spermatic cord and ar-teries is recommended. Donkeys mayalso metabolize the sedatives differ-ently requiring more drugs to achieveadequate length and depth of anesthe-sia. Male mules, although generallysterile and incapable of reproducing,should also be castrated to prevent un-wanted behavior.Donkeys are hardy and make great

work animals and companions. Theyare quite resistant to disease and lessprone to injury or colic, but don’t for-get that they still need basic care justlike your other equine friends, includ-ing vaccination, deworming, dental,and hoof care.

Dr. Yoanna Maître is the owner of Berk-shire Ambulatory Veterinary Services,a mobile clinic that provides on-farmmedical and surgical care to horses andfarm animals in Berkshire County andneighboring areas of New York State

Donkeys – A Real Ass-et!The donkey is also known as the ass,

a somewhat unfortunate moniker coming from its scientific name, Equus asinus.“ ”

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Obesity is not only a problem facinghumans in America. Our pets are

increasing becoming over fed and over-sized with often dire consequences. Take, for example, our dear sweet

Eleanor. One of the more recent ar-rivals to Berkshire Humane Society(BHS), this 8-year-old tabby was sur-rendered when her owners were unableto care for her properly. As a result oftoo much food and too little exercise orattention, her weight soared to almost22 pounds. Ideally, it should be be-tween 8 and 10 pounds. Like many cats with special needs thatcome to BHS – whether sick, injured,or elderly, Eleanor was taken under thecare of Diane Briggs. Officially our ad-ministrative assistant, Diane is alsowidely known around the shelter as the“In-House Foster Mom. “ In the 14years that she’s worked at BHS as astaff member, dozens of cats requiring“extra attention” could be found inDiane’s office before being placed intheir new homes. Eleanor is no excep-tion. Following her fear instincts,Eleanor sought the safety of a closet forher first few days here. Now, however,she has comfortably transitioned tosleeping on one of several beds nearDiane’s desk, surrounded by an assort-ment of scratching posts and toys.And, of course, Eleanor already has anickname. “I call her Ellie May,” ex-plains Diane, “because she’s beautifullike Ellie May Clampett from The Bev-erly Hillbillies.” According to BHS shelter managerCheryl Truskowski, helping Eleanorlose her extra pounds will be a slowprocess that includes placing her on aweight management diet and graduallyincreasing her daily exercise. Althoughany movement is difficult for Eleanorbecause she is so heavy, Diane has cre-ated a her own “Boot Camp” regi-ment—enticing her to move a more

little eachday by find-ing thingsshe’s inter-ested in play-ing with andthen givingher lots ofpets andhugs. “Shenever knewlove,” Dianesays, “so sheneeds thattoo.”

Like many other animal care profes-sionals, Cheryl empathizes that mostcats become overweight because of im-proper diet – too much canned or dryfood that offers little meat protein andtoo many carbohydrates in the form of

corn, rice and wheat. Diabetes,arthritic joint disease, high blood pres-sure, and kidney failure are just some

of the conditions that accompany obe-sity in cats. A healthier alternative,Cheryl explains, is a grain-free diet.Additionally, she encourages replacingdry food with more canned food be-cause it has more benefits as well as re-stricting feeding to specific times of theday instead of free feeding all day.Our goal for Eleanor is find her a lov-ing, permanent home - no matter howlong it takes. And she’s on the rightpath. Surprisingly, a visit to the veteri-narian revealed that she had no majorhealth problems. While staff will bekeeping track of her weight loss eachweek, Diane will continue to buildEleanor’s trust and confidence with herunique brand of TLC. “I always missthem.” Diane says about Eleanor andher predecessors, “but I’m alwayshappy when they’re ready to go.”

Mary A. Koncel is the Humane Educator at

Berkshire Humane Society.

289 Dalton AvenuePittsfield, MA 01201

413-443-4949www.allenheights.com

Elizabeth TullettDVM

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Meet Eleanor, Our Biggest Winner


this side of purradiseIris Bass

When you come to Purradise, besure to take a good look at the

cats facing out of the window. I don’tmean the furry, active ones (thoughthey are certainly cute, too). I’m refer-ring to the oversize painted cutouts thatlive in perpetual suspended animationin the large front bay. These charmingcritters—three adults and two kittens—are the work of local painter SueO’Connell, who is also responsible forthe cheery, inviting color scheme of theshelter’s interior. Sue has long been involved with co-ordinating the capture of strays withSand Road Animal Hospital in Canaan,Connecticut, and now with the Berk-shire Humane Society, Purradise’s par-ent shelter. Some of her “finds” provedinspirational for her creation of the jig-sawed and colorfully painted pieces inPurradise’s window: Sue based theirmarkings on those of members of herown feline family, working from pho-tographs. “These are all rescued catsthat I had—I figured, ‘Why not just domy cats?’” On each cutout’s unpaintedunderside (visible from inside the shel-ter) is not only the artist’s signature butthe name of the cat that served as itsmodel. If she encounters animals in the wildthat are not in obvious distress, Suestudies them for indications of owner-ship or kitty purpose (some cats arequite deliberate roamers, well beyondtheir own backyard, if allowed out). Itcan be a tough call determiningwhether cats that are wearing a collarstill have any viable association withwhatever person put that collar on. Ifthey have straggly or patchy fur, or areravenously hungry, or show signs of ill-ness or injury or homelessness, she’lllikely step in. Those she determines aretrue strays may be lured with food, orperhaps captured with the use of a hu-manely constructed Havahart trap ifthey are too mistrustful to allow her totouch them.

“You kind of get to know when a cat isa stray,” she said...though once in awhile, the resourcefulness of her res-cuees comes as a surprise. She recalled,for example, one fellow who requiredserious medical attention. He joined herhousehold while he was healing, mix-ing well with the other cats on thepremises, including romping outsidewith them on her property, but withoutventuring beyond it. But then, one day,he was gone. Later, she found out heactually did have a home, to which hereturned voluntarily after he was well(though he did stop by once after-ward—she feigned a wave—as if tojust say hello.) Perhaps his owner had-n’t been as attuned to his health issue,and he’d instinctively sought out Sue tofigure it out!

Many Purradise cats are rescued cats,brought in by a variety of concerned in-dividuals like Sue. They are checkedout carefully regarding both health andpossible ownership, then spayed or

neutered, before joining the adoptionpool. Whatever hardships these crea-tures may have endured prior to theirrehabilitation, the attention they receiveat the shelter is only prelude to thehappy life they should expect with you.Surely there is a sunny window some-where in your home, begging for theenhancement of these fully dimen-sional, loving beings!

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).Open Wed.–Fri. noon–6 p.m.; Sat. 10a.m.–4 p.m.; and Sun. noon–4 p.m.

Iris Bass, coauthor of the Cat Lover’sDaily Companion, shares her Lee homewith five shelter cats.Count the kitties in the window! Photo © 2013 Sheila Heflin.

These charming critters—three adults andtwo kittens—are the work of local painter

Sue O’Connell,“ ”We help pets and their owners live happy, harmonious lives together. With nearly 40 years of expertise, we understand your situation, your pets, and we have the safe solutions to solve even the most unique challenges.

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Their Place in the Sun


Olivier (Part II)

for the love of the horseAnn Jamieson

When the Brentina Cup was announced, it fit right in with the trackLiz and Olivier were on.“ ”When Fizzy was nine, Liz became

a working student for LendonGray. Gray loved the horse. DespiteLiz’ youth and lack of expe¬rience, shetold her, “You can’t decide when youget your great horse. When you get himor her you go for it.”Liz took Fizzy to Gray’s Youth Dres-sage Festival, where they competed atthe Prix St. Georges Level. The pairperformed a clean sweep of theirclasses, winning the test with a 69,while Liz won the equitation class(scoring 92) and the written test (with a90). It was, Liz says, “a great week-end!”Liz didn’t compete Fizzy in Young

Rider competitions because she wantedhim to progress at his own pace. Be-sides, they had in¬ternational goals inmind! When the Brentina Cup was an-nounced, it fit right in with the track Lizand Olivier were on. The program wascreated for up and coming riders from18-26 who were not ready to be pro-fes¬sionals yet. The idea was to spot-light riders who would be the future ofthe sport, to make sure they didn’t getlost by com¬peting with the “Debbiesand Tunys and Stefans”!Qualifiers for the cup would be held atdesignated shows, among them OxRidge, Saratoga, and Westbrook. Two“S” judges would officiate. Competingat the Intermediaire II level, riderswould need at least a 60% average fromtwo shows to qualify for the finals.Liz had no expectations for the event.With little funding be¬hind her (Fizzypaid his way to the qualifiers throughhis breeding fees) she had little experi-ence showing at that level. Yet she gota 62% at the first qualifier. The judgesfelt that their test had been too conser-vative, too underridden.Liz wasn’t about to let that happenagain. She knew what Fizzy was capa-ble of and that it was only she who de-termined how high he could go. She

stepped up to the plate, let out the stopsand the pair won the next qualifier witha 68 %. She and Fizzy ended up withthe number one qualifying average inthe nation.And, as Liz says, he “came out with a

smile on his face every time.”Now they were qualified for Gladstone,on their way to the Brentina Cup!That was when Liz started feeling sick.

She was exhausted, totally drained. Afriend told her she might have mono.No, she insisted, she couldn’t. It wasjust a flu or something passing. A visitto the doctor proved the friend wasright. She had mono.

She couldn’t ride, she was so drained,so sick. But she was qual¬ified, whatwas she going to do? Her mom steppedin and rode Fizzy, keeping him ready so

if Liz recovered enough at least hewould be fit.It wasn’t until the last possible mo-ment that she could leave and still makeit toGladstone that Liz decided she couldgo. And that was when she discoveredhow far they had come.This horse that she “butted heads

with,” this horse that she did¬n’t wantto ride, gave his all for her. He was “agenius, just amaz¬ing.” He “carried methrough the test.”Coming out, Liz was in tears, it hadbeen such a lovely test. Lovely, sheknew, because of Fizzy. Even KlausBalkenhol, who was watching, said, “Itlooked as though he were a schoolmas-ter and you were just learning on him.”The judges were judging Fizzy, not hisfeverishly ill passenger. Five interna-tional judges gave them a score aver-aged to 70.39 %, the winning score.In the victory gallop, Liz rode the horseshe had known since birth, the horseher mother had bred. The announcer, inacknowledgement of what a familycol¬laboration this victory had been,played “We are Family,” as the horsescircled the Gladstone arena.

(Excerpted from For the Love of theHorse, Volume II, Amazing True StoriesAbout the Horses We Love, by AnnJamieson. Available at local stores,from the website

www.loveofthehorsebook.comand on Amazon.)

Olivierphoto by Susan Stickle

Kayla Fuller,Volunteer for Pet Partners

Enrichment is the practice of chang-ing a captive animals environment

in order to improve their health, copingskills, and mentalistic welfare (how theanimal “feels” about itself and its envi-ronment, this is very hard to figure out).Enrichment allows animals to expressa range of positive natural behaviors,provides positive utilization of the en-vironment, increases the ability to copewith challenges, and reduces stereotyp-ies. Stereotypies are repetitive or ritu-alistic movements or behaviors, whichserve no obvious purpose. There are five forms of enrichment:nutritional (foraging), cognitive (occu-pational, like a puzzle), physical (furni-ture or toys), social (contact orproximity), and sensory (engaging thefive senses). We often judge the amount of enrich-ment an animal should receive by theirperceived mental capabilities and howsimilar their behaviors are to our own,because of this reptiles and amphibianstend to get the short end of the enrich-ment stick. We tend to forget that be-cause for the most part they tend to lie

around and bask in the sun all day. Inreality though, reptiles need enrichmentjust as much as other animals do. Reptile enrichment tends to be fairlysimple and you can even do some of theenrichment with your own scaly pets.You should make sure to provide yourreptiles with a variety of prey items(this doesn’t work for snakes really, un-less you have a larger species), this is aform of nutritional and sensory enrich-ment as it provides different olfactorystimulation, providing ample cover and“natural” environment (such as pools ofwater for species with aquatic tenden-cies or multi-leveled rocks for lizardsto promote dominant behavior) is also aform of enrichment and induces ex-ploratory behavior. Zookeepers often use scent-orientedenrichment for their reptiles; leavingscent trails or dragging another snakesshed through the enclosure while theanimal is off exhibit can achieve this.Another way in which reptiles and am-phibians can be enriched is the use ofleaf piles, this provides a place to hideand scents to explore and is a very nat-ural behavior that should be encour-aged. One of the newer methods ofenrichment for reptiles is to train themto do a “simple” task, this enrichmentwas used on the more “high-function-ing” animal species in the past but nowzookeepers have begun to use it withreptile species. Keepers will train cer-tain reptiles to touch a colored target;the animal receives a food treat as a re-ward. I have begun to attempt this trainingactivity with my bearded dragons usinga painting sponge brush. I am startingout with a food pellet placed on thesponge, allowing my bearded dragonsto get used to the novelty of it, while re-ceiving a reward for their curiosity.After a while, when I am satisfied withhow often the girls touch their noses tothe sponge to get the food, I will re-

move the food and start holding thesponge for them to touch and rewardedthem with their favorite treat; thealmighty raspberry. It is a work inprogress but they seem to be catchingon and it provides them with somethingnovel to do and an excuse to give themtheir favorite fruit.Enrichment not only benefits your an-imals greatly, it benefits you too! It al-

lows you to do some creative work, ob-serve behavior, bond with your ani-mals, and increase your knowledge onthe species. Happy healthy pets, makefor happy healthy people, enrich yourpets to enrich your life.

Kayla Fuller can be reached at forth-eloveofherpetology.tumblr.com or [email protected]

EnrichYour ReptilesLife

Where Your Pet Is King

•••



Matthew Sutton

25 Years of automotive exerience

691 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230413-298-4040/fax 413-298-0110

Open Monday thru Friday 8 to 5; Saturday 8 to 12

The taste of fresh garden salad for your kitty

Full Service Florist

Fresh Cut Flowers,Arrangements to OrderRoses, Plants & More!

In Business 25 Years

Organic Cat Grass $3.99

413-443-4145717 1⁄2 Crane Ave, Pittsfield, MA 01201

Toll Free: 800-531-5634 24hr: 413-443-6743

Jodi’s

Boarding D Daycare D GroomingFor Dogs

A great place for your dogs to play, run and hike.

Then after all the fun... they can sleep until the next day for more Doggie Camp adventure.

Almost 20,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space to play -24 hour supervision -

Not traditional boarding facility...No Runs, just Fun!

Call or email for an appointment!413-298-5300 or

[email protected] or on the web

www.lovecampwagalot.com

Gina’s K-9 Bed & Breakfast

518-329-4675 Copake, New York

Fully Insured & Member of NAPPS-National Association of Professional Pet Sitters

• Vet Recommended • 15 Years of Experience• No cages or kennels

• Dogs participate in family lifestyle• 1/2 acre fenced-in exercise yard • A creek to swim in

Quality Care Pet Sitting In My Safe, Comfortable Home

OPEN SUNDAYSfrom

11:00am to 4:00-pm

Full Line Pet Supply StoreConveniently Located at Lenox Commons

New Pet Wellness Services Coming in 2013!


Just as they play unique roles in thelives of different people, so they playunique roles in different artworks. Theyare featured in works throughout his-tory, from some of the earliest cavepaintings to the most contemporary col-lages. Who are the animals in artworks?What about them inspires artists tochoose them as subjects? What kinds ofreal-life relationships do the artists havewith animals? To get a glimpse into theanswers, Animal Life asked some ofthe artists whose animalworks were on display atthe Berkshire County HighSchool Art Show.Mikaela Sadlow of Wah-conah Regional Highschool is the artist who cre-ated “Hippie Dawg”, featured on thecover of this issue of Animal Life. Hip-pie Dawg’s blending and bright colorsare a result of Mikaela’s chosenmedium of pastels. The work is a por-

trait of her long-haired black andtan dog, Dante.Much can be in-ferred about theirrelationship fromher description ofDante as, “the babyof the household”.When it comes toher art, Mikaelahas an eye for theunique and flawedaspects of her sub-jects, taking onworks she feelswill try her skills.She writes, “Ani-mals, insects, any-thing other than theusual things yousee drawn, I like todraw. The beauty isin the imperfections,

I always say, so I draw imperfectthings, or things that are challenging todraw, and my dog’s face was a pain inthe butt.”Another of the animal works at theshow was “Pug”, a mixed-medium col-lage by Pittsfield High School artist,Katherine Widitor. She created “Pug”from various wallpapers and magazineclippings, as well as acrylics. Thepiece, Katherine writes, is an interpre-tation of what “Jake the Dog”, from theanimated television show, “AdventureTime”, would look like if he were real.The show speaks to her because “it pro-vides a strong feeling of nostalgia forthe time when you were a child; whencreativity and weirdness abounded andthe world was a more beautiful place.”She brings these feelings to her work,in which she “tried to replicate surrealfeeling you get from the show, and useda black outline for the pug to create apop-art like effect.” Animals are not

usually part of Katherine’s art, thoughthey play a major role in her life. Sheowns two cats, who are siblings.“When I come home from school I loveto play with them and scratch behind

their heads and ears and cuddle withthem on the sofa. They fill me with im-mense love and joy every time I hearthose cute little pattering noises of theirwhite plushy feet on the hardwoodfloor.”A self-portrait with a cat from artistBethany Baer of Taconic High Schoolwas also on display. The inspiration forher piece came from a feline photo-bomb. Bethany explains, “I was tryingto take a picture of myself one day andmy cat (who was rubbing her faceagainst my arm in hopes that I wouldpay attention to her) walked in front ofthe camera at the right time.” She de-

scribes Snickers, her 21 pound, unco-ordinated feline companion withaffection and humor. “She acts like adog and walks like a rabbit. I've had hersince I was 9 years old along with myother cat, Maggie, who is a typical cat,unlike Snickers.” Bethany also has twobaby turtles, who she treats like hu-mans. Animals, both pets and non-pets,

are featured inseveral of herpaintings. Re-cently, she’sstarted work-ing on a paint-

ing of her turtle, Marcel. “I found that Ienjoy painting animals because they areinteresting and they never take thesame picture twice. I’m not really ananimal person, but the animals I do

have I'm very close to.”The origins and roles of animals inthese artists’ works are as diverse astheir real-life relationships with them.Differences aside, these artists areunanimous in their enthusiasm for theBerkshire County High School ArtShow. The exhibition has providedthem with many positive experiences.“It's nice to see art work from studentswho go to other schools because theirideas are so different and it's inspiringto see student art work in places otherthan the halls of Taconic.” writesBethany. Mikaela adds, “I love the op-portunities it’s given me… There are

talented kids out there and the Berk-shire County High School Art Showgives all of us a chance to showcase ourtalents.” The show marks the publicdebut of many young artists. Katherinewrites, “This is only the first step on mypath to being an artist, and I am verythankful for this and excited for the fu-ture.” The 27th Annual BerkshireCounty High School Art Show was ondisplay at the Normal Rockwell Mu-seum from February 9 to March 10.Whether or not you had the privilege ofvisiting the exhibition this year, you canlook forward to the 2014 show. We’reespecially excited to see how animalshave inspired and shaped a new year ofworks from Berkshire County’s youngartists.

Liz Macaffie

Animal InspirationLocal student artists share the intertwining roles animals play in their works and in their lives

Animals play many roles inour lives, from companions,co-workers, farm hands, and

caretakers to natural backyard entertainment,

movie stars, and artistic muses.

Katherine Widitor Mixed MediumPittsfield High School

Bethany Baer Self Portrait with CatTaconic High School

The origins and roles of animals in these artists’ works are as diverse as their real-life

relationships with them“ ”

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Yvonne Borsody

berkshire animal d.r.e.a.m.s

Islam the door to my car, seekingrefuge within its warmth as an arcticwind blows across the parking lot fromthe house I am watching. My hands arecold from just a few minutes spent out-side baiting a trap with canned cat food.The food will be frozen within an hour,but I’m hoping this will go quickly. Idon’t like shivering and having to crawlaround on the ground, but unlike thecats that live here, I have a warm placeto go to. And so I sit and wait. I lovethis part of my work—surveillance. Ihave parked where I have an unob-structed view of the house, yet stillblend into the background. Momentslater, my quarry appears, cautiouslypoking his head out of the crumblingfoundation of the condemned building.He casts a wary glance around beforeventuring into the daylight. He sniffsaround the trap, circling it, wanting thearomatic food within. But he is nerv-ous—and quickly retreats back insidethe building. Ten seconds later, hepeeks out again, this time a little moreemboldened by his hunger. He grabs thefood nearest the entrance. For the nextfew minutes, he alternates between ap-proach and retreat as he weighs his fearof the trap against the hunger in hisstomach. I see he is young—perhaps 6months old—so his naivete will meanearly success. And sure enough, 3 min-utes after he first pokes his head outfrom the building, he is captured insidethe trap, eating the last of the food. Hedoesn’t yet realize the trap door hasclosed, so I quickly pull the car along-side him, jump out and cover the trapwith a blanket before he panics andstarts to thrash around inside. Totalelapsed time from my arrival: 12 min-utes. I wish it were always so easy.This is a typical urban cat trappingproject, TNR (trap-neuter-return). I amless than half a mile from Pittsfields“upstreet cultural area.” Cars whiz bythis parking lot, yet rarely if ever do thedrivers notice the many cats that in-habit, and barely survive, this neigh-

borhood. This is my second time here,and already I have counted 7 cats, withno doubt many more appearing onlyafter dark. Almost all the real estate onthis block consists of multiple-apart-ment units owned by absentee land-lords, interspersed with the squalor ofcondemned buildings. A tenant has va-cated an apartment: their belongings—14 black plastic garbage bags full ofclothes, garbage and household itemssit at the curb, along with an old couch,lamps, chairs—a chapter ended, mov-ing on. Did they have cats? I wonder,but more importantly, did they movewith them, or like so many, did the catget left behind to add to the already bur-geoning population of felines trying tosurvive out here? I look at the buildingthe kitten came out of: the roof is cav-ing in, and with that comes deteriora-tion, leaves and garbage, and weedsgrowing from inside. This is not thekind of environment cats should be try-ing to survive in-yet here they are, inmultitudes.

This little kitten, only half grown, hasled a rough life already. I name himFrosty, for his tiny ears already showevidence of frostbite and his white feetare gray with the dirt from inside thisshell of a house he hides in. I peer in-side the holes in the foundation and seeold, wet insulation hanging off col-lapsed ceilings, broken dishes, a rustyold appliance. Several inches of stand-ing water, now frozen, form the floor.This is his world, and his mother’s (wecapture her an hour later) and othercats, all wandering homeless. But we have come to their rescue. An-imal DREAMS (Dignified Rescues,Education, Advocacy, Medical Serv-

ices) will humanely capture the roam-ing cats in this area and assess whetherthey can be adopted out (in the case ofabandoned pets that can learn to trusthumans again.) If they are feral (wild)and cannot be tamed, rather than take

them to a shelter where they would bekilled, we will insure that they arehealthy and receive all the veterinarycare they need before we return them tothis street (it is, after all, their home.)Every cat we rescue will bespayed/neutered and vaccinated, andwe will work with the neighbors to setup warm, insulated sleeping sheltersand feeding stations, so that the catswill be able to live out their lives withdignity, no longer having to seek foodout of dumpsters or have to huddle in-side buildings like the one little Frostywas born in. When we complete ourTNR on this block in Pittsfield, the “catproblem” will have been replaced by amanaged cat colony, with no more kit-

tens born, with the adoptable ex-pets inwarm homes, and the true ferals al-lowed to live out their lives with dig-nity and health while being looked afterand fed daily. It’s all in a days work forAnimal DREAMS Feline Rescue.

Yvonne Borsody is the founder and director of Animal DREAMS

Feline Rescue.

413.997.CATS (2287)www. BerkshireAnimalDREAMS.org

Frosty the Snowcat

I name him Frosty, for his tiny ears alreadyshow evidence of frostbite and his white feet

are gray with dirt“ ”


Shamrock Professional Dog Grooming

www.shamrockdoggrooming.com

413-443-9700 Call for an appointmentPaula & Tom Phillips • 1050 South Street, Pittsfield, MA

Tues. - Sat. Walk-ins WELCOME for: Nail clippings, Ear cleaning, Trimming of hair between padsWE SELL ABADY DOG & CAT FOOD & PET GOODIES & ITEMS

• All Breeds Full Service • Smoke free environment• Treatment for all skin types • Anal gland excreted• Environmentally & Pet Friendly Products • Less Stress for you and your pet

• Dog stays only as long as necessary

Musher’s Secret Protects your dogs from• Snowballing • Salt and Chemicals • Ice Buildup

NEW CUSTOMER SPECIAL

10%discountto all first-time customers.

DRuth Anthony

Experienced Pet Handler, Veterinary Technician for 16 years.Dalton, MA 01226413-441-4597

[email protected] Fur?

I will give attentive loving care to your pet, giving you peace of mind during your time away.

D Exercise D Walks in the parkD Special Needs pets welcome D Therapeutic Touch

D C.I.A.T D C.S.T D Reiki

Claudine Bogomolow D [email protected]

Claudine’sPet Sitting Service

Now Openin Sheffield

BERKSHIRE FENCE & ACCESSORIESLawn & Garden Accents, Cedar Frniture & More!

• SUPERIOR INSTALLATION & REPAIR• Commercial • Residential • Industrial • FREE ESTIMATES

Paul Brown(413) 443-4515 (413) 229-9900

1625 West Housatonic St. 560 South Main St.Pittsfield, MA 01201 Sheffield, MA 01257

[email protected] Credit Cards Accepted

We offer FREE COMPUTER RECYCLING

see our website for details

A 501(c)(3) Non Profit Organization

Dog Walks of CanaanYear-Round Dog Walking Service in Columbia County

(518) 424-0149dogwalksofcanaan.com

[email protected]

1525 W. Housatonic StreetPittsfield, MA

413-464-9200Serving Pittsfield & Beyond since 2006

• Hikes • Daycare • Overnights • Grooming

Services . . .

Open: M-F: 7am-7pm and Sat. 7am-6pm

174 South St., Pittsfield, MA 01201-6806(413) 443-9196

Think Spring . . .

DUELER PRIMEWELLFIREHAWK

ExpertTire.com your tire, your price.

��

Quality American – Made Pet food and Treats

Frozen Raw Diets

Stylish Accessories

Unique Toys and GiftsEveryday Essentials

67 State Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230 • 413-528-5550Mon.-Fri. 10am to 6pm • Sat. 10am to 4pm • Sun. 11am to 4pm

WWW.PAWSHBUDDIES.COMWashington State Road, Washington, MA 01223 • www.hilltownsvetclinic.com

Dr. Sharon Lynch, VeterinarianFred Davis III, CVT

Comprehensive Veterinary ServicesLow Cost • Individual Attention

Caring & Compassionate


A PAWSITIVE STEPDOG TRAINING FOR REAL LIFE

PRIVATE TRAINING• New Puppy • Basic Obedience

• Problem solving and Basic Manners

GROUP LESSONS• Puppy Power(Puppy K) • Basic Obedience Level I

• Basic Obedience Level IIAlso offering Dog Walking, Doggy Day Care

& Dog Sitting

Rachel Clarke ABC Certified Dog Trainer413-446-5423

[email protected]

Catering to the needs of the well loved pet.K Super premium foods and treats

K Quality Toys K Bedding and Clothing

K Bravo, Abady Raw Diets & Nature’s VarietyWe love your pets.

Mon. - Fri. 9-5:30pm, Sat. 9-5pm333 Main Street, Lakeville, CT

860-435-8833

“Walk In The Park”Dog Walking/Pet Sitting Services In +e Berkshires

Member Pet Sitters InternationalAmerican Red Cross Pet First Aid Certi�edMember Berkshire Chamber of Commerce

Certi�ed Professional Pet SitterInsured & Bonded Lynn Pfeiler @ 413-655-8721 References [email protected] • 413-446-0684

Dirty Dogs Done Dirt CheapBerkshire County’s only fully-loaded,

self-serve dog wash.

Serving the area for over 10 years!

Canidae, Taste of the Wild, Wysong, NutriSource, Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover’s

Soul & Many More. Cat Food Too!

Come Sniff Us Out on Facebook • www.dunkingdoggies.com636 West Housatonic St. • Pittsfield, MA (413)448-8240 • Tues.-Sat. 9:30-5pm

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


Friendsof Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter

Keith Williams, LMT152 North St., Pittsfield

413-442-7446“A great massage at a wonderful price”

Sassy

Mitzie is very affectionate and gets alonggreat with kids and other cats.

Sponsored by:

Mitzie

The Cove Bakery370 Pecks Rd., Pittsfield

413-395-9550Joe Nichols, Owner

Craytos isn't a cat lover, but he's crazy about people, longwalks, playing ball and cuddling.

Sponsored by:

Craytos

392 Merrill RoadPittsfield, MA 01201

PHONE: (413) 997-2006 (888) 232-6072

[email protected]

Tango is a petite, demure cat whose coat is assoft as a bunny.

Sponsored by:

Tango

Sassy is a young gal with lots of spunk. She issmart, mischievous, and loves to play.

Sponsored by:

297 North Street, Pittsfield413-443-1234

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


PRETTY PAWSPet Grooming & Accessories

765 Tyler Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201413.443.0191

Full Service SalonWe groom them all big and small.

All our pets get the VIP (very important pet) treatment!

Grooming is by appointment, nail clipping as a walk in service.

Looking for a new best friend?

Dog & Cat Adoptions Lost & Found{

Open Tues-Fri 12pm-6pm, Sat & Sun 12pm-5pm

We invite you to come visit and meet our wonderful dogs and cats available for adoption. We are

Pittsfield’s municipal shelter and are dedicated to giving animals who have been abandoned, neglected or abused a second chance to find a loving new home.

Lost & Found{

{


in the tri-state area

PETEY is a beautiful 3-4 year old neutered male mixof dalmatian and staffordshire terrier. He is the mostlovable affectionate boy to people and especiallychildren. The only thing he loves more than people ishis favorite toy . . . A red ball. Petey would do best asthe only dog in a loving home with a backyard andsome humans who like to throw that red ball.

Petey

If you are interested in adopting or fostering Petey, Please contactHarriet 917-670-3892 email: [email protected]

JULIE IS ONE OF THOSE GIRLS WHOLOVES ALL TOO MUCH.........and gets jeal-ous of other dogs stealing her owner's af-fection. She would do best in an adultcaring experienced home with a fencedbackyard and no competion (dogs or otherpets) so she could give and get all the af-fection and attention. Julie loves to playwith toys and people. She likes some maledogs but is "too bossy"

Julie

If you are interested in adopting or fostering Julie, Please contactHarriet 917-670-3892 • email: [email protected]

Luke is an active 5 month old Walker/Plott Hound Crosswho was brought to Second Chance because his guardiancould no longer care for him and his brother, Bo Bo. Lukeis loving and friendly but can be a little snappy at otherdogs. He needs a home where he can run a lot and havepeople who will play with him. Luke is waiting patientlyfor the right person to come along and take him home. Ifhe sounds like the guy for you, come visit him!

Luke

Second ChanceAnimal Shelter

Route 7A, Shaftsbury, VT • 802-375-2898www.2ndchanceanimalcenter.org • [email protected]

Rocky is In danger of being placed in a killshelter. His owners can no longer care forthis affectionate , energetic boy who lovespeople and food and has had a sad life.

Timing counts. Please call for more information of you can adopt this feisty

10 year old petite dalmatian

Rocky

Harriet Koss917-670-3892


� � � � � � � � � � � � �

Each week�� will be sponsoring a��If that dog's adopted during that week,

Haddad Subaru will pay $50 towards the adoption fee!

� � � � � �L u c k yTHIS WEEK’S DOG IS: Favorite Things: Attention, showing off my skills, exercise!Least Favorite Things: Not getting enough attention or exercise What I'm Learning at BHS: Basic obedience ommands, to sit forgreetings (I’m jumpy!), perfecting my housetraining skills.Pets I've lived with: unknownI was found wondering the streets in NYC after Hurricane Sandy.

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

Sparky is a 9 month old, Male Hound/Boxer mix. He is brindle andwhite. Come in and meet Sparky and take him to his forever home.

Please call Berkshire Humane Society

413-447-7878Sponsored by:

Shadow was surrendered to Second Chance because herowner could no longer care for her. Shadow is used to aquieter home with other cats, would be okay with kids,but her history with dogs is not known. Shadow is mellow,gentle, likes to be held, but can be shy and nervous in newsituations. If you’d like to adopt Shadow, please stop byand spend some time with her.

Shadow

Second ChanceAnimal Shelter

Route 7A, Shaftsbury, VT • 802-375-2898www.2ndchanceanimalcenter.org • [email protected]

Adoptions


Those are words we hear at the Son-sini Shelter a lot. When Patricia

and Ray Pent visited the shelter, theywere still mourning the loss of theirbeloved 18 year old dog who died ofkidney failure seven months earlier.They didn't feel ready to adopt anotherdog yet but wanted to get an idea of whatsort of dogs you might find at the shelter.

One dog who wasnot available yetcaught their eye.Shaggy had been sur-rendered because hisperson didn't havetime to take care ofhim. He was very shyand wouldn't come tothe front of the kennelto greet Patricia andRay. Neither of themsaid anything, but thenext day they con-fessed to each otherthat they couldn't get

the little guy out of their mind and theyhoped they could adopt him. Shaggystill required veterinary care before hecould be adopted so the Pents had tosatisfy themselves with visiting him atthe shelter daily. By the time they wereable to bring him home, Shaggy knewthem well and was at the front of hiskennel to greet them with a wagging tail.

Shaggy, now named Buster, lives aspoiled life. "He loves scrambled eggs,so we give him a little for breakfastevery morning," Patricia told us. "Wegave him his own bed, but he prefers tosleep in our bed with us at night. We re-ally love him and it feels like we've had

him forever. He filled our emptiness.Our lives were not complete without adog."Carol LewFriends of Eleanor SonsiniAnimal Shelter

Those are words we hear at the Sonsini Shelter a lot.“ ”We Just Came to Look . . .

Shaggy with Ray and Patricia Pent on adoption day

Shaggy at the shelter

PetPortraitswith a whimsical touch. . .

Animal Laughter Studio Kim Arre-Gerber, Artist

413-445-2545www.animallaughterstudio.com

F


Boarding

Gina’s K-9Bed & Breakfast

Quality care pet sitting in my safe, comfortable home.No cages or kennels. Dogs participate in family activi-ties. There is a one-half acre chainlink-fenced yard toplay in, a room of their own to mess around in, andfamily and friends to play with. It is like staying atGrandma’s house. Watch television at night with thefamily, help with the gardening outside, or relax andchew a bone!

349 Farm Road, Copake, NY 12516518-329-4675

Bow Meow RegencyA Boarding Facility for Dogs

A Grooming facility for dogs and cats. East & westwings, outdoor dog runs, playtime three times a day.

92 Cook Road, Sheffield, MA 01257Honor S. Blume 413-229-0035

www.bowmeowregency.com

GroomingBarking Beauties

Salon for Dogs & Cats10 years experience, 5 years at Blue Moon Kennel

Staci A. Barrett, Owner163 Water Street, Lee, MA 01238

413-243-2626

Allen Heights Veterinary HospitalDog and Cat Grooming

Amanda Bevens289 Dalton Ave., Pittsfield, MA

413-443-4949

Ultimate Dog Spa & BoutiqueFull service dog grooming-All breeds

Self Serve bathing Section!Boutique filled with unique items for dogs and

the people who love them!Chris & Jennifer Tompkins, Owners/Groomers9 Academy Street, Salisbury, CT 06068

CLOSED SUNDAYS 860-435-8353

Pretty PawsHolistic and Organic Pet Foods and treats, Unique toysand accessories. All breed dog grooming. 14 years ex-perience. Salon quality shampoos and conditioners forall skin types. Environmentally and pet friendly prod-ucts. Walk in nail clipping.

765 Tyler Street, Pittsfield, MA413-443-0191

For SalePeacocks $150 413-528-2527

GroomingDunking Doggies

Berkshire County’s first fully loaded, self-service dogwash. All supplies provided. Unique boutique for youand your canine friend. Canidae, Wysong, Oma’s PrideRaw Dog Food. Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9:30-5:00

636 West Housatonic St., Pittsfield, MAwww.dunkingdoggies.com 413-448-8240

Shamrock ProfessionalDog Grooming

All breeds full service, 28 years experience, treatment for allskin types, environmentally & pet friendly products Limited pick-up & drop off service •Senior citizen discount Anal gland excreted • Less stress for you and your dog.

Paula & Tom Phillips, Proprietors1050 South Street, Pittsfield, MA

Call for an appointment 413-443-9700

Dog Training

Taize Shepherd KennelPositive Reinforcement Dog Training

All Breeds, All Ages.Since 1972 Specializing in the behavior & transition prob-lems of shelter & rescue dogs. Training and certification for Therapy Dogs International®. CertificationEvaluator for AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and AKC S.T.A.R.Star puppy programs for purebred & mixed breeds. Homeof: Select AKC champions and K-9 Service Dogs.

Charlene Marchand, North Chatham, NY518-766-3804

Foranimals, LLCPositive Reinforcement Training,

Private Behavior Consultations/Training.Classes: Kindergarten, Beginners, Advanced, CGC,

Tricks, Agility, Rally-O, TTouch.Leea Foran, CDBC, CPDT

Certified Professional Dog Behavior, Consultant/Trainerwww.trainingforanimals.com

413-445-8843

A Pawsitive StepDOG TRAINING FOR REAL LIFE

Private Training, New puppy, basic obedience, problem solving & basic manners. Group lessons.

Dog walking, Doggy day care & Dog sitting.Rachel Clarke, CPDT

Certified Professional Dog [email protected]

413-446-5423

Pet CrematoriumBreezy Nook Pet Crematorium

Established in 1997 “Where your feelings are under-stood & your presence is always welcome.

Georgi Beebe452 Presbyterian Hill Rd., Stephentown, NY

518-733-9896

Pet SittingCamp Wagalot

Boarding, Daycare & Grooming for DogsDogs can play, run and hike, 20,000 sq. ft. of out-

door space to play. 24 hour supervision.Serving Berkshire County • Bonded and Insured

Red Cross Pet First Aid Certified21 East Street, Stockbridge MA 01262Email: [email protected]

www.lovecampwagalot.com413-298-5300

Berkshire Pet Pals, LLCCertified Professional Pet Sitters

Providing Tender Loving Care When You Can’t Be There!Bonded & Insured. Certified Pet Tech Instructor #1497


413-243-3040

Walk in the ParkDog walking/Pet Sitting

Insured & Bonded, ReferencesLynn Pfeiler, [email protected]

413-655-8721 • 413-446-0684

Reliable Pet SittingServing Berkshire County Since 1997

PET SITTING IN YOUR HOMEMaryann Hyatt-Owner, Insured & Bonded

[email protected]

413-443-0443 • 413-329-5127413-229-8486

Dog Walks of CanaanYear-Round dog walking service in Columbia County

[email protected]

518-424-0149

Claudine’s Pet Sitting ServiceExercise • Walks in the park • C.I.A.T.

Special Needs Pets Welcome • Therapeutic TouchC.S.T. • Reiki

Claudine Bogomolow • [email protected]

Dogs

Knob Hill KennelsDedicated to the classic German Shepherd standard:• Puppies & young adults available • Imported Ger-man bloodlines• Titled parents • Home raised andwell socialized • Health & hip guaranteed • Strongnerve, even temperment, high drive.

[email protected], MA 413-464-4570

www.knobhillkennels.com

Waste RemovalShamrock Dog Waste Removal#1 Dog Waste Removal Service in the Berkshires

We pick up your dog’s waste and take it with us.•Year round service •Residential & Commercial

Weekly or one time clean-upPaula & Tom Phillips, Proprietors

1050 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201Call for an appointment

413-443-9700www.Shamrockdogwasteremoval.com

Pet StoresPretty Paws

Canidae, Nature’s Variety, Chicken Soup for the Soul,Evo, Innova, California Natural, Primal, Stella &

Chewys. Healthy all natural treats. We take special orders.

765 Tyler Street, Pittsfield, MA413-443-0191

BensDotter’s PetQuality Foods & Supplies, Raw Diet Specialists.

Open Mon.-Fri.10-6pm, Sat. 10-4pm, Sun. 10-2pmClosed Memorial, Independence, Labor and

Thanksgiving Days & December 25th-January 1st.940 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA

www.BENSDOTTERS.com413-528-4940

Meow GrowlAll organic-Natural Dog & Cat Food

Self Serve Dog Wash Stations!Toys, Cards, Unique Gifts, Leashes & more!

Nail clipping available.Ask about our Delivery service.

59 Main St., Lee, MA • www.Meowandgrowl.com413-243-1220

Chez PetPremium foods and treats. A neighborhood pet

supply store with everything you need for a healthypet. Special orders welcome.

Open Mon. - Fri. 10am - 5:30pm & Sat. 10am - 5 pm Lenox Commons, 55 Pittsfield Rd., Lenox, MA413-637-0800 • www.chezpet.com

HorsesH.O.R.S.E. of ConnecticutHumane Organization Representing

suffering equines43 Wilbur Rd., Washington, CT 06777

860-868-1960

animal life-o-pediaa compendium directory


Pet StoresBark N’Cat

Food, Supplies, GiftsCanidae, Wellness, Chicken Soup for the Dog & CatLover’s Soul, Taste of the Wild, Innova, CaliforniaNatural, Evo, Merrick (canned). Eco-friendly toys & accessories, Natural chews & treats,

Specialty Products & gifts.Open daily Mon.-Sat. 10-6pm

28 Holden Street, North Adams, MAwww.barkncat.com • 413-664-7777

PetpourriCatering to the needs of the well loved pet.Super Premium Foods • Quality Toys Now featuring Bravo & Abadi Raw Diets

Bedding & Clothing333 Main Street, Lakeville, CT

Hours--M-F, 9:00 - 5:30, Sat.,9:00-5:00860-435-8833

Dunking DoggiesBerkshire Counties first fully loaded, self-serve dogwash. All supplies provided. Unique boutique. ChickenSoup for the Cat & Dog lover’s soul. Canidae, Wysong,Oma’s Pride, Bravo & Natures Variety Raw Dog Foods.Tues.-Sat. 9:30-5:00 • www.dunkingdoggies.com

636 West Housatonic St., Pittsfield, MA413-448-8240

Meow GrowlToys, Gifts, Organic & Natural Dog & Cat Food. SelfServe Dog Wash Stations. Nail clipping available.

59 Main Street., Lee, MA413-243-1220

Veterinarians in MAAllen Heights Veterinary HospitalGeneral Practice: medicine, surgery & dentistry

Preventive medicine for all stages of your pets life.Small animal acupuncture.

Elizabeth Tullett, DVM, Claire Blanchard, DVM,Yoanna Mairtre, DVM, Dip. ABVP

289 Dalton Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201Mon. - Fri. 8am-5pm, Sat. 8am-12pm

www.allenheights.com413-443-4949

Animal ER of The Berkshires“The primary goal of the ER is to treat and

stabilize sick and injured pets until they can be seenby their regular veterinarian for definitive

follow-up care.” Fri. 5pm-8am Mon., Holidays-24 hours

[email protected] West Housatonic St., Pittsfield, MA

413-997-3425

Valley Veterinary ServicesJulie Shanahan, DVM, Laura Aylesworth, DVM

920 Pleasant St., Lee, MA413-243-2414 or 413-243-0757

Bilmar Small Animal HospitalClaire Blanchard, V.M.D., Donald Gulick, V.M.D.,

Hanan Caine, D.V.M.Full service hospital, drop off service, housecalls, early evening hours.

776 South Main St., Great Barrington, MAFax 413-528-1763

Call for appointment 413-528-1180

Hilltowns Veterinary ClinicDr. Sharon Lynch, Veterinarian

Fred Davis III, CVTComprehensive Veterinary Services

Individual Attention • Caring & CompassionateWashingon State Road, Washington, MA 01223

www.hilltownsvetclinic.com

413-623-3211

VCA All Caring Animal HospitalBarbara C. Phillips, D.V.M.

Vicki June, D.V.M.Full service veterinary hopsital offering traditionalmedicine integrated with alternative veterinary care.Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Homeopathy.

Open 7 Days a week!440 Stockbridge Rd., Great Barrington, MA

www.vcaallcaring.com413-528-8020

Family Veterinary CenterBud Allen, M.S., DVM & Robin Karlin, DVM

Large & small animal care, house calls, farm calls, chiropractic care, acupuncture & homepathy,

boarding & grooming.99 Main St., Haydenville, MA

413-268-VETS

Pittsfield 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, DVM, Erika S. O’Mara, DVM.Hours: Daily Mon-Sat. Evenings: Mon.-Thur

www.pittsfieldvet.com413-499-1580

North County Veterinary HospitalDr. John C. Reynolds, Dr. Laura A. Eiszler

& Dr. Erika S. Teutsch, DVM’s838 Curran Memorial Hwy, North Adams, MA

413-664-4570

Veterinarians in NYHillsdale Animal ClinicA Complete Veterinary Hospital, 24-Hour Emergency Services.

Dr. Gary Cane, Route 23, Hillsdale, NY518-325-7200

Large Animal VeterinarianBerkshire Ambulatory Veterinary Services

Yoanna Y. Maitre, DVMMobile practice providing quality medical and surger-ical care for horses and farm animals. Vaccination, deworming, health certificates. Coggins, custom

dentistry (hand & powerfloat). castrations,dehorning & more. Serving MA & NY, by appoint-

ment & emergencies.www.berkshirelargeanimal.com

413-637-2223

FencingBoundaries for Pets

Invisible FenceSteve Gomez, dealer. Veterinarian approved,

professional installation & training, outstanding customer service, over 17 years exp. written containment guarantee, free on-site estimate.

860-435-0064 • 800-732-3181

shelters rescue leagues&All Pets

Eleanor Sonsini Municipal Animal Shelter

Dogs and CatsHours: Open Daily- Tues.-Sat. 10am-2pmOpen Thurs. Nights 6pm-8pm, Closed Mon. Located in the Downing Industrial Park

Hubbard Ave., Pittsfield, MA413-448-9800

Berkshire Humane SocietyDogs, Cats & Small Animals

Tues-Sat. 10am-4pm, Thurs. Eve 5pm-8pm,Sun. 1pm-4pm, Closed Mondays214 Barker Road, Pittsfield, MAwww.berkshirehumane.org

413-447-7878

Columbia-Greene Humane SocietyA zero-euthanasia shelter for adoptable animals125 Humane Society Rd, Hudson, NY 12534

518-828-6044

All PetsThomas J. O’Connor

Animal Control & Adoption Center627 Cottage St., Springfield, MA 01104

413-781-1484

NE Basset Hound RescueFostering and finding forever homes for Bassets all

through out the New England StatesPO Box 84, Newfields, NH 03865www.nebhr.org / 508-243-3622

RabbitsThe House Rabbit Connection, Inc.

A non-profit organizationAdoptions • Education • Vet ReferralsP.O. Box 83, Springfield, MA 01101

413-525-9222www.hopline.org • [email protected]

DogsNorthEast Pyr Rescue ( NEPR)

A Regional Resource forPurebred Great Pyrenees DogsAdoptions for local pyrs, in local homes,

with local support. PO Box 704, Lee, MA 01238

www.nepyresq.org

Toll Free: 877-528-0637

Russell RefugeJack Russell Rescue

PO Box 725, Rhinebeck, NY 12572www.russellrefuge.org

email @ [email protected]

Dalmatian Adoption, Inc.Rescuing Dalmatians - Pluswebsite: daladopt.petfinder.com

email: [email protected] / 917-670-3892

CatsPurradise

BHS Feline Adoption CenterOpen Wed.-Fri. 12pm-8pm, Sat 10am-4pm

& Sun. 12pm-4pm, Closed Monday & Tuesday310 Stockbridge Rd., Gt. Barrington, MA

413-717-4244

Animal D.R.E.A.M.S.Adoptions of friendly, rescued Berkshire County

cats & kittens. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) & humane rescue of feral cats.

www.BerkshireAnimalDREAMS.org441 North Street, Pittsfield, MA

413-997-2287

Investment in securities, mutual funds, involves the risk of loss. Historical performance is not indicative of future results.392 Merrill Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201 | 413.997.2006 | www.BerkshireMM.com

Animal rescue actively supported by:

At Berkshire Money Management,

we strive to keep your money safe.

shel•ter[sshheell-ter] A place that pro

vides cover

or protection; a refuge or safe haven.

“ Neoma”Eleanor Sonsini Shelter Pet

Adopted 2/5/13

The Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter,

Pittsfield’s municipal shelter,

is managed by The Friends of

Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter, Inc.,

a non-profit, 501(c)(3) public charity.

The staff and volunteers at the shelter

are dedicated to...

• reuniting stray animals from Pittsfield

with their owners,

• providing shelter and veterinary care

for animals in need, and

• finding loving homes for adoptable,

homeless animals.

The selter is always in need of support.

If you are in a position to help, here is a

list of essential items you might consider

donating...

• Funds to go toward veterinary bills & pet meds

• Dry dog food (Purina One is a favorite! )

• Canned and dry kitten food

• Disposable gloves (medium & large)

• Kongs, tennis balls & puzzle feeders

• Laundry detergent (HE–high efficiency)

• Gift cards to Staples, Petco, Walmart or Price Chopper

• Dishwasher detergent

• Non-scoopable cat litter

• Trash bags (30 gallon)

• Liquid hand soap

• Hand sanitizer

• Postage stamps Pho

to b

y M

arth

a P

ope

Documents

Animal Life E-Version March 2013