animal life

Tri-State Area Pet News

Your pet. Our purpose.

Inside:

Tomorrow we play page 3

Lets Talk page 5
National Preparedness
Month page 10 -11
Complimentary

September 2015

Walking with the rest of the pack, I glance down to

make sure she is still with me. She is walking so quietly by my side; never putting any tension in her lead.
Of course, I always know she is with me. One of the
great joys of having a dog like her is our walks together. Perfectly in sync, we amble through the
streets, leading the pack of dogs that have joined this
evenings walk through the streets of Dalton. It is particularly hot this evening and she isnt exactly a
puppy anymore. I reach down and my fingers lightly
brush the top of her head. Her right ear swings back
to see if I am speaking to her. I say nothing and we
continue on. A dog approaches on the other side of
the street. He is somewhat unruly as he strains against
his leash and barks at our small group. His owner is
being pulled along behind him and having a bit of
trouble maintaining control of his canine companion.
Lexi, alerted to the commotion, glances towards the
dog and then to me. One of the dogs in our pack
whines from behind her, becoming somewhat unsettled herself as this rather unbalanced young dog approaches. The dog across the street lunges against the
lead. I quietly say leave it. She does. I realize I
probably did not have to say anything. Sometimes I
think I give a command just to feel like I have affirmed what I have already communicated to her nonverbally. I am convinced this is the human in me just
making sure. Because we need to say things. She
never needs me to.
We didnt start out this way. I remember her being
the most stubborn, strong willed pup I had ever attempted to train. I had wanted another shepherd for
years, but I had so many reasons to wait. First I was

living in an apartment, then going to school, and then

my son was too young to train a puppy. When I was
finally ready, I somehow managed to find myself the
most obstinate, independent and willful dog to be
found on the entire east coast. To say that she was difficult would be an understatement of considerable
proportions. However, we struggled through it all.
Housetraining was an abject nightmare. Thank God
for crates. I still cringe at the thought of my dear
sweet puppy diving head first into her very own catlitter buffets that she used to regularly enjoy. And then
there were the routine garbage bag inspections that
she so kindly offered to take on. Seriously, I do not recall ever telling her this was her job. I suppose that if
I had, I could report that she was certainly performing
the task beyond all expectations. Oh, and I cant even
recall the total number of shoes that fell prey to the
hunting prowess of Lexi the Pump Destroyer. I do remember quite vividly that she never did hunt two of
the same pair. Once she had caught a black open toed
pump, another of the same variety simply would not
do: it was now open season on red kitten heels. Walking on a leash in the beginning was fraught with peril
for the poor human who dared hold the other end. It
was a bit like trying to walk an alligator; or what I
imagine what trying to walk an alligator might be
like. Right up the leash she would go, and on to your
hand if you were unlucky enough to have it in the
way. Despite what seemed for quite some time to be
the beginning of an extremely tumultuous relationship, we both made it through. Perhaps the early
struggles made us closer or perhaps the work she
made me put in made me appreciate her even more. I

Animal Life

I find it hard to believe that

nine years have already passed
with this incredible creature,
this animal whom I consider
my friend.

Tomorrow We Play

dont know which, and honestly, it doesnt matter.

We return from our walk and Lexi curls up next to me
on the couch and lays her head on my lap. Nine years
and she still doesnt know that she simply is NOT a
lap dog. Seventy five pounds might not be that large
for a German Shepherd, but it certainly is far too large
for a lap dog. I have yet to convince her of that
though; and I dont believe that I would want to. With
every passing year she gets a few more gray hairs in
her muzzle and over her eyes. She will still tackle any
walk or run through an agility course with the wild
abandon of a puppy, but her recovery time is getting
longer. She will sleep for hours now.
I run my hand over the soft fur of her head. I find it
hard to believe that nine years have already passed
with this incredible creature, this animal whom I consider my friend. A lump forms in my throat as I think
about her getting older and the reality that someday I
will no longer have her here with me. It is painful to
even contemplate such a thought. I try to push it from
my mind and wrap my arms around her. I want to
spend every moment I can spare running beside her,
walking with her, and playing with her. I wipe away
the lone tear that has spilled from my eye and run
down my cheek. Burying my face in her fur, I whisper, Tomorrow, we play
Krista Wroldson Miller
Sonsini Animal Shelter

September 2015 animallifeonline.com 3

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Animal Life

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

Contributing Writers
Iris Bass
Karen Karlberg
Carol Lew
Yoanna Y. Maitre
Tobie Petkus
Mary Koncel
Krista Wroldson Miller
Leea Foran. The Canine Mind
Circulation, John Depaoli

Advertising Sales, Karen Karlberg, Lisa Betkoski, Angela Meglio

Cover photo by Kim Arre-Gerber

For advertising rates or information call 413-459-5894

Mailing Address: 9 County Court, Pittsfield, MA 01201

www.animallifeonline.com

A Paw Print Division of Animal Laughter Studio. All original content copyright 2015 Animal Life. Original content
contained herin can not be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

September 2015 animallifeonline.com

Pittsfield Catfix in

Thanks to a grant from PetSmart Charities, Animal DREAMS has been

very busy fixing cats in the grants target area: Pittsfield. For the very low
cost of $30, cat owners can sign up to
get their cats spayed or neutered and rabies-vaccinated through Animal
DREAMS. People who are caring for
un-owned feral or friendly strays
(Community Cats)- can get help for
those kitties too; there is no cost for the
caretaker to spay or neuter of Community Cats. Well be able to offer this
great deal until weve fixed 500 cats, or
until the end of May 2016, whichever
comes first.
We at Animal DREAMS couldnt be
happier to have funding to make such
an impact in cat overpopulation problem of Pittsfield. But even with funding, we cant accomplish our mission
without the support of the people who
own, care for, or know about unfixed
cats. If thats you, call Animal
DREAMS. We want to hear from you!
The other day, we received a call from
Shyla Vallencourt, a single mother who
lives off of Wahconah Street. She had
an unfixed cat of her own, and she cares
for another outdoor friendly cat she believes was abandoned by her owners
when they moved away. My mother
and I take turns each month buying flea
treatment for both of these cats, Shyla
said. Its a struggle for me to pay for
anything extra. My full time job just
about covers my basic living expenses.
For additional expenses, I work an
extra 16 hours per week. When Shyla
learned that grant funding would completely cover the spay and rabies vaccine for the outside cat, Cowie, and
the cost for spaying her own cat
Princess would be only $30, she was
overjoyed. Better yet, we happened to
have two open vet appointments the

Action

same week. While Shyla was at work,

an Animal DREAMS volunteer met
Shylas mother Sandra at her house
with an extra cat carrier; they had a carrier for Princess, but not for Cowie. The
cats were brought to the Animal
DREAMS Catty Shack located on
the property of Berkshire Humane Society. The next day, they went to the vet
and then back home. Now that Cowie
is fixed, I will bring her inside our
house to live, Shyla said. I love animals and want to take care of them
properly. This has been such a help to
me and to these cats.
If you live in Pittsfield, help us make
this year count. Call us if you need your
cat spayed or neutered, or if you care
for cats that live outdoors. If you know
of someone who cares for community
cats, or if you see a lot of cats in your
neighborhood, you can help by letting
us know. Call 413-997-2287

Above: Shyla Vallencourt welcomes her cat home after the vet appointment
Below: Sandra Vallencourt hands over two cats so they can be spayed

Carol Lew
Animal DREAMS TNR Coordinator

Cowie, a free-roaming cat awaiting her vet appointment

Animal Life

September 2015 animallifeonline.com 5

training

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the canine mind!

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Ive been told that I have to show my dog that Im the alpha or he wont respect
me. If I always go through a door first, and make him wait to eat until Ive
finished a meal will that teach him Im in charge?

No. Respect does not come by using force, intimidation or simply making your
dog wait for things he wants. The idea of being alpha is an old concept popularized in the 1970s and long since debunked by modern scientific studies (though
it has resurfaced on TV shows). If you want your dog to respect you, be a good
leader 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 dont want. Withdraw your attention for
annoying behaviors and humanely stop and correct undesirable behavior.
Be watchful and anticipate your dogs 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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Charlene Marchand is a syndicated columnist for training, behavior, and health issues. She is
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Animal Life

September 2015 animallifeonline.com

413-528-5501

this side of purradise

When I popped in on August 27, the

sign outside Purradise proclaimed that
the shelter had kittens to adopt...and it
certainly did!
Five fast-asleep tiny siblings were
sprawled in such baroque comfort in a
single cat bed that at first I could count
only four, so closely were they interwoven. With careful study, I was better
able to distinguish them, especially
once they shifted, one tiger-striped
cutie belly-stretched against the front of
their condo. Unusually for shorthairs,
they boasted extra fingers and toes, a
genetic quirk known as polydactylism.
On such small beings, it made them
look as though they had all donned
catchers mitts.
I left them to their slumber to check
out several slightly older residents in
the Sunshine Spa. These were roughly
the same age, four months, but
markedly different in appearance and
mood. Anderson, a beautiful buff tabby,
paced at top speed, vocalizing loudly.
A shelter volunteer offered that he may
have been missing Tinman and Cowardly Lion, the year-old longhaired
brothers I wrote about in last months
column, who had just been adopted out.
She said that the Oz twins had not only
befriended but taken a fatherly attitude
toward the boy, cuddling and licking
him. Perhaps he was still looking for
them in the area they had shared. A
staffer suggested another reason for
Andersons cries: his mom, two-year-

Kitten Caboodle

old orange-and-brown Ashley, was

housed at the far end of the shelter,
away from her son. She and Anderson
are very close, I was told, but Ashley is
so protective of him amid other cats
that for him to share a space with other
kittens, Mama needed to be given a
timeout from her vigilance (though the
shelter hopes mother and son will find
a new home together, the perfect solution). Anderson finally figured out how
to calm himself down, climbing deep
inside a kitty tree carpeted in the same
color as his fur, as if to camouflage
himself. When I slowly placed a toy
within his reach, he grabbed and batted
it around, his earlier agitation forgotten.
Meanwhile, even despite Andersons
loud meows, brown tiger Eric spent the
entire time I was there fast asleep in the

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Anderson. Photo 2015 Sheila Heflin.

top tier of the porchs mesh bunk beds.

The only glimpse I got of him was
when his little nose peeped out briefly
as he changed position. For a while,
Anderson snuggled into another tier
several levels below.
Erics perky, all-gray twin, introduced
into the porch while I was elsewhere in
the building, brought out a whole different side of Anderson. With Mama
not there to dictate boundaries, Anderson repeatedly tackled his playmate
who wriggled free and enthusiastically
came back for more! When theyd had
enough of that, they chased their way
around the porch, including an improvised game of peekaboo with a fabric
tunnel that let Anderson conceal himself while his friend gleefully poked at
him through its various openings. No

Iris Bass

longer in distress, Mamas boy was

having a whale of a time roughhousing
with someone his own age.
Back inside at the kitten heap, this
time I counted and recounted, yet saw
only three. Had some accidentally escaped? Noa closer look revealed that
they shared several interconnected condos, all in a row, shielded from view by
a hanging towel. While their three
tiger-striped siblings slept on, the two
black-and-white kittens of the litter had
had enough of the Land of Nod and
courteously gone off to other chambers
to play vigorously with their toys.
Likely other Purradise visitors even
during that same day caught this crew
in still more facets of their developing
personalities. Hopefully, whoever
brings them home will not expect any
of these children to fit a predetermined
mold, but simply enjoy them for the
wonderfully unique, independentminded creatures they are.
This series follows the special humanfeline bond at Purradise, the Berkshire
Humane Society Cat Adoption Center
at 301 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230 (413-717-4244),
berkshirehumane.org. Open Wed., Fri.,
& Sat. 104 p.m.; Thurs. 10 a.m.6
p.m.; and Sun. noon4 p.m.

Iris Bass, coauthor of the Cat Lovers

Daily Companion, shares her Lee home
with five shelter cats.

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Animal Life

September 2015 animallifeonline.com 7

out & about

Changes
are A Coming

I was walking around my backyard trying

to come up with this months theme, when
I saw it right in front of me. A grey squirrel was throwing, yes throwing, acorns at
my dog Blossom. Its that time of the year
when wildlife starts to prepare for the
coming of winter. The smart-alecky squirrel was focused on gathering seeds & nuts,
to store in its cold weather den, and did not
appreciate Blossom chasing it away from
the bird feeders.
Then I witnessed crazy dive-bombing
Ruby Throated Hummingbirds trying to
keep the competition away from the nectar feeder. I use Demerara brown sugar in
mine and it seems to be a big hit among
the hummingbirds. Did you know that the
male Hummingbirds have departed for
their migration to southern locations leaving the females and juveniles here to continue packing on the nutrients to start their
own migration?
Yesterday I was walking in the hardwood
canopy about 100 yards from my kitchen
door, when I discovered the largest deposit
of Black Bear scat I have ever seen. It
must have been at least 5 lbs. of poop. I
did measure and photograph it by the way.

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Bears are searching for protein to pack on

the 30 lbs. a week they must gain in order
to survive the coming winter months. My
husband saw the big boy earlier in the
week so I knew one was around looking
for easy food, but I had already removed
the bird feeders from that area.
While I took my daily constitutional
along the marsh this past month, I witnessed a River Otter floating on his back
munching on cattail stalks to bulk up for
leaner times. I also came across the tracks
of a young Bull Moose as he traversed
around West Becket most likely looking
for a mate. On a sad note, I also discovered
a victim of roadkill, an Ermine, a beautiful
female that was already half the way to its
winter coat of pure white. This could be
an omen of another brutal winter folks!
Till next time, watch for animal signs
wherever you may roam.

Karen Karlberg resides in Becket MA with her

menagerie of rescued barnyard & domestic
animals and her husband Mark. She is
actively involved in conservation efforts as a
citizen scientist, is an accomplished artisan
and nature photographer
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September is

National Emergency Preparedness Month

- include your pets in your emergency plan!

The Berkshire Disaster Animal Response Team (DART) was formed

in 2009 under the auspices of the Berkshire Medical Reserve Corps
as a result of a heightened awareness and growing concern for the
vulnerability of animals in disaster situations, and the impact a lack
of animal emergency planning has had on people and communities.
The Mission of Berkshire DART is to
assist with evacuation and care of animals displaced by natural and manmade disasters. This is done by
operating a pet shelter concurrent with
shelters for people during disasters.
Berkshire DART also promotes education, safety and disaster planning assistance to animal owners, city or town
government leaders, emergency responders and other interested parties.
Highlights of DARTs accomplishments
include the procurement of a stocked
emergency cargo trailer, funded by the
Western Region Homeland Security
Advisory Council (WRHSAC), which
enables volunteers to set up and operate
an emergency animal shelter during
disasters. DART has received donations of a microchip scanner and a decontamination kit for animals, and
continues to stock our trailer to ensure
that the needs of animals will be met
most fully in times of community crisis.
Berkshire DART held a Large Animal
Response Group, with a focus on
Equines and help a Large Animal Rescue Training for First Responders this
past summer.
Since its inception, DART volunteers
have tirelessly responded to disasters
throughout Western MA such as the
Springfield and Monson Area Tornados
and Hurricane Irene. We can no
longer say that disasters only happen
someplace else anymore says Dave
Melle, long time Volunteer with Berkshire DART. This is why we are always looking for volunteers. One of
the awesome benefits of membership is
the training DART offers, most of
which is cost-free. We know that animal lovers will want to help in times of
need and its important that they are
trained before the emergency strikes
so that they can actually help instead of
adding the chaos.

10

Animal Life

One of the ironic things is that we

train to be ready for that which we hope
does not happen says Director,
Corinne McKeown. To help the community and keep volunteers active on
an ongoing basis, Berkshire DART
conducts outreach and education at
community events and animal related
initiatives. DART collaborates with
other Berkshire County animal advocacy groups, and conducts an annual
pet food drive to benefit our fellow
animal-loving groups, such as the
Berkshire Humane Society and Animal
Dreams and many worthy others.
Berkshire DART is actively seeking
volunteers to assist in many different
capacities - with preparedness education to pet owners, raising funds for
equipment or a second emergency
response trailer, and to staff emergency
co-shelters in the event shelters must be
opened. If you think youd like to help
animals and their people during a
disaster wed like to hear from you
now! Please visit www.WMDART.org
for more information about joining or
supporting Berkshire DART and for
tips on keeping your pets safe during
disasters. You can also find DART on
Facebook.
www.facebook.com/BerkshireDART

September 2015 animallifeonline.com

One of the ironic

things is that we
train to be ready for
that which we hope
does not happen

The Berkshire Disaster Animal

Response Team

NEEDS
VOLUNTEERS

with all backgrounds for

a variety of jobs.
Go to

www.WMDART.org

hoof beat

Be Prepared in a Disaster

Through my active involvement with local, regional, and national

disaster animal response and veterinary medical assistance teams, I
have become acutely aware of a fact often overlooked: horse and
livestock owners/caretakers need to consider what they would do in
the face of a disaster well before one occurs.

Consider the most likely types of disasters in your area and the challenges they
might create for your facility: flooding, ice storms, a hurricane, fire, etc. How
would you respond to each situation?
Create a list of emergency telephone numbers including employees, boarders,
neighbors, veterinarians, state veterinarian, animal control officers, county extension office, brand inspector, local haulers, state agricultural and veterinary
schools, and local disaster area response teams.
Properly identify and mark utility shutoffs (gas, water, and electric) and fire extinguishers. Designate at least two escape routes and a reunion location on the
property where family members and barn personnel can meet should a disaster response or evacuation become necessary. Two routes are needed in case one becomes inaccessible due to unforeseen conditions.
Permanently identify each animal by tattoo, microchip, brand, or tag, and take
photographs of each animal from all sides. Include age, sex, breed, and color in
your record of identification. Keep this information with your other important papers (financial documents, insurance papers, and immunization and health
records). If not identified at the time of the disaster, paint or etch hooves or use
temporary 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.

Yoanna Y. Matre, DVM, DABVP

be familiar with your animals, and know your evacuation procedures. Provide
them with a pre-signed veterinary treatment authorization letter and waiver of liability in case an animal is injured under their care.
Get involved with your local disaster response teams. You will become more familiar with the resources available in your area and gain access to invaluable
training and networking opportunities. Invite emergency services personnel in
your area to tour your facilities to familiarize themselves with the layout and specific needs of your property. Encourage them to learn and practice proper animal
restraint and handling.
Practice your plan before disaster strikes. The only thing worse than a disaster
is lack of preparation when one occurs. The more we can do to prepare for a disaster, the better we can minimize the negative effects.
Dr. Yoanna Matre is the owner of Berkshire Ambulatory Veterinary Services, a
mobile clinic that provides on-farm medical and surgical care to horses and farm
animals in Berkshire County and neighboring areas of New York State. She is
also a member of the State of Massachusetts and Berkshire Disaster Animal Response Teams (SMART and Berkshire DART) as well serving as an intermittent
federal employee with the National Veterinary Response Team (NVRT). Contact
maitredvm@gmail.com.

ASSEMBLE AN ANIMAL EVACUATION KIT:

plastic trash barrel with lid

water and feed buckets
leg wraps
tarpaulins
first aid supplies
portable radio and extra batteries
duct tape
flashlight

sharp all purpose knife

vaccination and health records
wire cutters
lime, bleach
portable livestock panels
fire resistant (not nylon) leads & halters
heavy work gloves
have enough fresh water and hay on hand
for at least 48-72 hours

Update information and replace supplies regularly. Also have a small amount
of 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 property when sheltering in place is not possible. Locations that could be used are private stables, race tracks, fairgrounds, equestrian centers, private farms and
humane societies. Make arrangements in advance with the owner/operators to accept 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 flat
tire!) with tow capable vehicles full of gas ready to move them at all times. If
you dont have a trailer, arrange to borrow one well in advance. Be sure to acclimate your horse to trailering. Depending on the size of your facility, consider
acquiring 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 that
a disaster occurs when you are away. This person should have a key to your home,

Animal Life

September 2015 animallifeonline.com 11

grooming

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

Lets Talk

to the animals

Wow! You tell people youre an animal

communicator and their eyes roll back
up in their heads. They dont believe it.
(860)435-8353
They havent experienced it themselves
Chris & Jennifer Tompkins, Owners/Groomers
9 Academy Street, Salisbury, CT 06068
Amanda Hohman-Manager
and think: are you kidding? I would
think the same thing, only this has all
happened to me. I didnt even know
Top Dog Styling
that animal communication existed.
Bubbles & Brush
When you dont ask for it, and yet the
Dematting
telepathy starts, you HAVE to sit up and
take notice.
Transportation
These events started pouring into me
dog walking
following a near-death experience in
a La Carte items
my young life which was mystical,
magical, and unforgettable a comspecial services
pletely joyful roundtrip.
Accepting most major credit cards
But to answer the question of what an
Fully Insured
animal communicator does: We basiMember of PSI and ASPCA
located at Copake Lake,
cally LISTEN! We tune into an animal
Dawn Gardina, Owner
Craryville, NY
telepathically (on the inner plane). For
poochinipetsalon@gmail.com
poochinipetsalon.wix.com/home
518-325-4150 518-821-3959
me, what sets the session in motion is
the animals human companion wants
to know something. It is this emotional
connection between the animal and its
companion that provides the juice beSalon for Dogs & Cats
tween the three of us. I dont have to be
in the same space as the animal. I dont
even have to see him or meet him. I am
generally sent a picture by email and a
list of questions.
The ultra-remarkable part is that, when
asked, I also hear from animals who
 over (passed). I am able
have crossed
Staci A. Barrett, Owner
to tune into the same energy they had
  Always
 Available

18Years of Experience Gift Certificates
 were here in their bodhere when they


ies and bring back messages to their
165 Water Street, Lee, MA 413-243-2626
loved ones.
But getting back to the readings on this
 




D ALL ORGANIC-NATURAL
DOG
& CAT
FOOD C
plane: when the animals are on Planet
Earth, humans might have questions
SELF
about their pets behavior or ask for an
SERVE
idea about what might be wrong with
them. The pet knows all this. They
NAIL TRIMMING
know what they like to eat, where they
call for date & times
like
to eat it, who their friends are, who
$7 per cat or dog
is upset in the household, who is moving in or out, if its too sunny for them
59 Main Street
in a certain spot, if they need or want
Lee, MA
more exercise or a different kind of it
and so on.
Open Tue-Fri 8am-5pm,Sat-8am-3pm
CLOSED SUNDAYS

Poochinis

Dog Wash Stations!

413-243-1220
www.Meowandgrowl.com

D ASK ABOUT OUR DELIVERY SERVICE C

D LEASHES, COLLARS, BOWLS C

D TOYS, CARDS, UNIQUE GIFTS C

Barking Beauties

Linda Clayton

So I just tune in through meditation,

and in the first part of the reading the
animals are usually SHOCKED that I
want to talk to them. They become
pleased and start talking or showing me
things (telepathically in pictures,
sounds and feelings). They show me
where they sleep or what the litter situation is like, etc. And then they get into
their food, which they pretty much all
do. If they dont like what theyre getting, they let me know what they want.
I heard from a dog who wanted crunchy
snacks which he showed me came in a
package with yellow writing. I connected with a cat who didnt like the
way her bowl was facing, a cat who
wanted running water from a fountain
to drink and a dog who wanted her
water changed more frequently. And I
just did a reading on a bunny who
wanted some watermelon. (I found out
after the reading that the rabbit cage
was next to a watermelon patch.)
The animals are generous about showing me whats wrong with them physically, where the pain is and if its bad.
(But as you all know, I am not a vet and
cant diagnose anything) They show me
if theyre sick/or old and if theyre
ready to cross over. They are very matter of fact about this. Its not a big deal
to them. No emotion at all but they are
concerned about leaving their persons
here on this side without them.
The one part that they all express is
LOVE. And huge gratitude to their
companions. Boy, we have much to
learn from these beautiful souls.

Linda Clayton has been a pet communicator for 25 years. Claytons blog is
www.animalstalk2me.wordpress.com
For more information call:
413 528-5501.

Layla

Leashes for

Kathie Penna's beloved dog Layla was hit by a car on

Route 7 in Lenox, MA over the weekend. She survived
but has endured a lengthy surgery over in New York to
stabilize her front leg that was severely broken. She now
has 10 screws in her front leg as well a large plate to hold
the bone together. She also endured some facial trauma
and had many teeth that were broken in which they had
to remove. She has a long recovery ahead of her and the
vet bills are starting to add up. As I'm sure most of you
know, Layla is Kathie's hiking partner and loves running
outdoors. Due to the long recovery, she won't be doing
much running/hiking for a while.

Photo by Melissa J. Bissell

"Leashes for Layla" was formed so that we can do our part. You can custom
order a leash for your dog and in return, Kathie will receive 50% of all orders to
put towards Layla's vet bills and future recovery. All leashes are made of nylon
and are sewn with a decorative ribbon. Swivel hook is 1" and made of nickel and
has 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 your
own, consider purchasing one and we will make a leash and donate it to the
Eleanor Sonsini Shelter (or local shelter of your choice). They are $20 each and
all orders must be pre-ordered. We will ship!
http://sipnsewparties.com/t/leashes-for-layla

Dog Tested. Dog approved.

TM

HADDAD

SUBARU

Open Mon-Thu 8am-8pm; Fri-Sat 8am-6pm

652 East Street, Pittsfield, MA (413) 997-7272

www.haddadsubaru.com

Animal Life

September 2015 animallifeonline.com 13

candid momentswoofstock 2015

English Setter

PUPS FOR SALE

AKC/FDSB Ready 9-25-2015

413-655-8245

ruscettathomas@aol.com

Never Advertised in

animal life?
Your pet. Our purpose

Ask about our

New Advertiser Special

Call Kim
413-459-5894

14

Animal Life

September 2015 animallifeon-

Beantown Dock Dogs

Photo by, Jim Zelasko

On September 19th & 20th, 2015, Beantown DockDogs will be

coming to Hinsdale, Massachusetts for the first time!

More than 25 competitors from the US and Canada will be traveling to the area to compete
in 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 foot
pool. Extreme Vertical is a little more challenging, as dogs are measured by how high they
can jump to grab a toy suspended over the water. Speed Retrieve is a timed speed swim. One
dog at a time will run 20 feet of the dock, jump into the pool, and swim the length to retrieve
a 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 Restaurant, Hillstown Veterinary Clinic, GlycoFlex, Camp Wag a Lot, Veterinary Emergency and
Specialty Hospital, Benson's Pet Center, BJ's Wholesale Club, Merck Animal Health, Idexx
Labs, Trustco Bank, Hogan's Leather, and Vibrac.
There will also be a long list of roughly 25 Vendors and Non Profit groups coming to the
event showcasing their products and services.
A raffle and silent auction will be held over the course of the weekend to help raise money
for the Fairy Dog Parents, a local non profit group who helps family's in need with unexpected vet bills.
Please visit us at beantowndockdogs.com or on Facebook.

Martha Pope, Photographer

Any of my clients who have rescued or

adopted a shelter pet receives a 10% discount
on all products and packages
www.shaggydogphotography.com

Animal Life

September 2015 animallifeonline.com 15

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.

Friends of Eleanor Sonsini

Animal Shelter

cordially invite you to an

Open House

Dr. Sally Umlauf

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

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

Saturday, October 3rd, 12 - 5 pm

63 Downing Parkway
Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Adoptions
in the tri-state area

Berkshire Humane Society

Sadi

II was an unclaimed stray from the Boston area. I made the

trip to the Berkshires because I have a great temperament
and I know I will adopted soon. I am social with everyone I
meet. I have played with dogs and done very well. I did a cat
test and was respectful. I ride great in the car. I seem to be
mostly house trained. I have only had a couple of accidents
in the shelter. I like to play with all kinds of toys.

Sponsored by:

Animal Life

Dog of the Week! D

Each week HADDADSUBARU 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!

THIS WEEKS DOG IS:

Gemma

I am Gemma. I am a young and enthusiastic girl. I have had a few

homes in my short life and I am looking for someone that will stick by
me and stay with me. I am not fully house trained, but I am partially
and making progress. I love to go for walks and need some play time
to get some of my excess energy drained. I love to play with all kinds
of toys. I need sturdy dog appropriate occupiers to get me through my
puppy chewing stage. I have done well with other dogs. I would do
best with kids a bit older, ones that can handle a boisterous pup like
me. I have been a bit nervous for car rides.

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

At the

16

36 Pittsfield Road
Lenox, MA
ycc01240@aol.com

September 2015 animallifeonline.com

At the

Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter

Kimber

Kimber is a young, super affectionate girl with

very unique markings. She loves to be snuggled
and chase toys. We believe she will do well with
other animals and children. If you are looking for
a cuddly companion then Kimber is your girl! She
is going for her spay on 8/17 and will be ready to
go home shortly after. We are accepting applications. Stop down and meet her today!

Sponsored by:

Merrill Road,
Pittsfield

info@berkshiremm.com

Adoptions
in the tri-state area

Adalia

We are waiting for our

Fur-Ever Home
#

Hershey

It started when Police

found me wandering the
streets of Brooklyn. I was
friendly so they took me to
the shelter, but it was a kill
shelter, too overcrowded
for another black pit bull,
even though their behavior
test showed I was good
with people and other
dogs. When I caught a
cold (kennel cough) they
put me on a list. Do you
know what Euthanasia List
means? HELP!!! I am only
2 years old, 64 pounds,
and I really need some
leash training and a good
kind foster home now!!

Please call

Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter

413-448-9800

A rescue group took me to a vet to cure my kennel cough and get me

neutered. Now I am ready to go but I sure need a foster home now and / or
a forever home ASAP. I do not want to end up in the kill shelter again!

At the

Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter

Rhino

This handsome man was a beloved family member who has

ended up back at the shelter through no fault of his own. If
your looking for the perfect companion, who wants to be by
your side at all times, knows all his commands, and behaves
like a dream then Rhino is for you! He is a calm, six year old
brindle pit with beautiful markings, he walks well on leash, but
pulls at times. He is a little over weight, and could stand to hike
a few miles.

Sponsored by:

36 Pittsfield Road
Lenox, MA
ycc01240@aol.com

Petey

Destiny

Destiny is a young beautiful Dalmatian mix

who has it all. She is friendly ( a little shy at
first) and good with children and dogs. Destiny, 2 and 1/2 years old and 52 lbs is
healthy, spayed, and also up to date in shots.
We are assisting Destiny's family in their
search to find the right home since they are
no longer sable to keep their beloved dog.

Harriet Koss, Dalmatian Adoption, Inc.

917-670-3892 email: hckoss@aol.com

veterinarians

Bilmar Small
Animal
Hospital




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Full Service Hospital


 
Drop Off Service

Housecalls







Claire Blanchard
Donald Gulick
Hanan Caine

Emily Newman




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Looking for housecalls?




Call Dr. Blanchard for details

413-528-1180 Fax 413-528-1763



Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.

776 Main St., Great Barrington, MA



Hours: 8:30-5 Mon.-Fri, 8:30-Noon Sat.


  Call for appointment

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Elizabeth Tullett
DVM

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TreatingVKHHSOODPDVDOSDFDVDQGWKH
cattle, horses, goats, sheep, llamas
and
alpacas at your farm or home
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289 Dalton Avenue

Pittsfield, MA 01201

413-443-4949

Certified in
Veterinary Acupuncture
Hours:
Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat. 8-12

www.allenheights.com

Open 7 Days
a week
Fridays till
8pm.

House Calls
on
Tuesday!

Dr. Sharon Lynch, Veterinarian

Fred Davis III, CVT

Comprehensive Veterinary Services

Low Cost Individual Attention
Caring & Compassionate

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

VCA All Caring Animal Hospital

Conventional & Holistic Veterinary Medicine

Chiropractic & Acupuncture
440 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA

413-528-8020
www.vcaallcaring.com

animal life go-to directory

boarding

rescues & shelters

92 Cook Road, Sheffield, MA 01257

Honor S. Blume 413-229-0035
www.bowmeowregency.com

413-447-7878 www.berkshirehumane.org
214 Barker Road, Pittsfield, MA

BowMeow Regency

A Daycare, Boarding & Grooming Facility for Dogs.

Ginas K-9 Bed & Breakfast

Quality care pet sitting in my safe, comfortable home

349 Farm Road, Copake, NY 12516
Gina 518-329-4675

Happy Dog Kennel & Day Care

Boarding Day Care Training

Covering, Alford, North Egremont, Hillsdale

Old Chatham, Chatham and more!
Nora Hayes 413-528-0877

The Playyard

Day Care Boarding Training

88 County Rt. 21, Hillsdale, NY

www.theplayyard.com
Susan & George Clark 518-325-9807

grooming

Berkshire Humane Society

413-446-3345

Dalmatian Rescue
Harriet Koss

(917) 670-3892
hckoss@aol.com

Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter

Open Tues.-Fri. 12 to 6pm, Sat. & Sun. 12 - 5pm
Closed Mondays

413-448-9800 www.sonsinianimalshelter.org
63 Downing Parkway, Pittsfield, MA

Little Guild of St. Francis

285 Sharon Goshen Turnpike, W. Cornwall, CT

860-672-6345
www.littleguild.org

NE Basset Hound Rescue, Inc.

413-446-8676

(toll free) 877-528-0637

www.nepyresq.org

pet stores

Email: happyhoundsmobile@yahoo.com

BensDotters Pet

Quality Foods & Supplies, Raw Diet Specialists.

940 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA

www.BENSDOTTERS.com

413-528-4940

Chez Pet

Premium foods and treats. A neighborhood pet

supply store with everything you need for
a healthy pet. Special orders welcome.
Lenox Commons, 55 Pittsfield Rd., Lenox, MA

413-637-0800 www.chezpet.com

Meow Growl

59 Main St., Lee, MA www.Meowandgrowl.com

volunteer
DART

(508) 243-3622 MA

NE Pyreness Rescue
Purradise

Open Wed. & Fri. 10am - 4pm, Thurs. 10am - 6pm,

Sunday 12 - 4pm

301 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA

413-717-4244 www.berkshirehumane.org

veterinarian services

Allen Heights Veterinary Hospital

Dog and Cat Grooming
Amanda Bevens, 289 Dalton Ave., Pittsfield, MA

413-443-4949

Berkshire Ambulatory
Veterinary Services
Yoanna Y. Maitre, DVM

All organic-Natural Dog & Cat Food

Self Serve Dog Wash Stations!

413-243-1220

24 Hour Emergency care, animal chiropractic and dental care.

Bluebird Farm Animal Sanctuary

Dawna Hartman, Intake Coordinator,

68dawna@gmail.com, www.nebhr.org

Natural & Hypo-Allergenic Products.

Specialized treatments. Nights & Weekends
Jesse Sullivan

Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital

Open Tues.- Sat. 10am to 4pm, Thurs Eve. 5 - 8pm

Sun. Afternoon 1 - 4pm Closed Mondays

Happy Hounds Mobile Grooming

All breeds welcome, Cats too!

veterinarian services

Berkshire Disaster Animal Response Team

Reducing risk for pets during disasters and more!

Corrine McKeown, Director www.WMDART.com

Mobile practice providing quality medical and surgical care

for horses and farm animals. Vaccination, strategic deworming,
Coggins & health certificates, custom dentistry (hand & Powerfloat), castrations, dehorning, & more. Serving MA & NY
by appointment.

www.berkshirelargeanimal.com

413-637-2223

North County Veterinary Hospital

Dr. John C. Reynolds, Dr. Laura A. Eiszler

& Dr. Lindsay M. Cermak, DVMs

838 Curran Memorial Hwy, North Adams, MA

413-664-4570

John C. Reynolds, DVM, Laura A. Eiszler, DVM,

Michelle P. Looney, DVM, Melinda M. Payson, DVM,
Carmen A. Swinson, DVM, , Lindsay M. Cermak, DVM
Hours: Daily Mon-Fri. 8am to 8pm,.Sat. & Sun 10am-5pm
www.pittsfieldvet.com

413-499-1580

pet times

A listing of upcoming events

in the Tri-state area

September 19 & 20th

Sat. & Sun. 10am to 5pm

K9 Karnival

Dock Diving, Raffles, Music, Food, Vendors

29 Maple St., Hinsdale, MA behind Ozzies.

September 27th 12:30 pm/shotgun start

CRANWELL RESORT GOLF CLASSIC

to benefit Berkshire Humane Society
go to www.cranwell.com/cranwellopen
for more information. (see ad page 14)
55 Lee Road, Lenox, MA

September 29th Tuesday 5-8pm

10th Annual

Pasta Dinner at Zuccos

Adults $10, Children $5

451 Dalton Ave., Pittsfield
All proceeds benefit Berkshire Humane Society

October 3rd 12-5pm

Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter

OPEN HOUSE

Stop in see our fresh new look

63 Downing Parkway., Pittsfield

October 3rd

10am registration, 10:30 Begins

Fall Dog Parade

Hosted by North Adams Tourism

Veterans Memorial Park, ends at Farmers Market
Facebook/North Adams Annual Fall Dog Parade
North Adams

October 10th 4-6:30pm

Fundraiser Event

Kumars K9 Program

Paint and Sip with the Ponies

Learn How to Paint
The Adams Ale House, E. Hoosac St., Adams
413-499-0457

October 17th

The Little Guild

Run Walk Scamper

Run and Wag 5K

For more info: www.littleguild.org/runandwag5k

see ad page 11
Cornwall, CT

BENSDOTTERS PET
940 MAIN STREET, GREAT BARRINGTON, MA 413-528-4940
Convenient Location with Ample Parking
Z'

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

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