animal life

Tri-State Area Pet News

Your pet. Our purpose.

Inside:

Dental Health page 3

Meet Kahn page 5
The Right to Love page 9
Not Your Average Dog
Show Schedule page 13
Complimentary

February 2016

Most humans go to their human dentist at least once a year and brush their health
daily. Other than the obvious perks of avoiding bad breath and cavities, many
people underestimate the importance of oral health for overall health. The bacteria secondary to dental disease can get into the bloodstream and damage the kidneys, liver and heart. Additionally, a link has recently been found between oral
disease and pancreatic cancer in humans.

Researchers speculate that chronic infection

in the gums triggers inflammation throughout
the body, which can potentially promote the
growth of cancer. http://www.ada.org/

For the past few days, Mrs OBrian has noticed a very foul odor coming from the
mouth of her 3 year old Labrador, Sam. She takes a look in his mouth and all the
teeth look normal. She tells herself that his mouth is a dogs mouth and of course
it smells bad, he licks everything and eats anything! A few days go by and Sam
is not eating his food at his usual Labrador speed. As every Lab owner knows, she
knew immediately this was a red flag! To the Vet. Dr Carebear has a good look
in Sams mouth and does not see anything obvious with Sam awake. They sedate
Sam and have a good look, still nothing abnormal. The vet then takes X-rays and
sees that one of Sams large pre-molars root is fractured just below the gumline
and is horribly infected. The tooth is surgically removed and the rest of the teeth
are cleaned. Sam goes back to his Hoover-eating ways the next day!
Although not every case is this obvious, veterinarians see patients like this every
day. We have found tumors, stuck toys and sticks, and other oral diseases that
presented in exactly this way. Even more commonly are infections and rotting
teeth. The amount of pain that these animals are quietly living with always surprises me. There is at least one annual exam a day where I find dental disease in
an otherwise normal dog or cat who hasnt been showing any signs at home.
Sometimes our patient show signs of dental disease in ways we do not expect:
pawing at the mouth, drooling, decreased chewing, whining while eating, hiding,
discomfort and lethargy, etc.
Human dentistry has come huge leaps and bounds over the past 100 years. Xrays,
root canals, endodontics, prosthetics mostly didnt exist a century ago. Veterinary
medicine is playing a little bit of a catch up game. Most pet owners dont know
what their pets are missing.
About 160 million pets do not receive ANY oral care over their LIFETIME.
Only 5% of dogs and cats get annual oral care by a veterinarian.
Only 1% of dog owners brush their dogs teeth daily.
In contrast, the average American human brushes their teeth 50,000 + times
in their life

February is
National Pet Dental
Health Month

Regular oral care for our pets is an integral part of their care and crucial to improving the length of their lives. There are some treats and chews that can help
prevent tartar formation but are best for prevention. But, nothing is better than
brushing, which should be done daily with a pet-safe fluoride free toothpaste. Genetics play a huge role as some breeds are more prone to dental disease, most notably, chihuahuas, pugs, shelties, dachshunds, and other small breeds. Come in to
Pittsfield Vet Hospital for an exam to determine the stage of dental disease that
your dog or cat has. We will help come up with the best treatment plan for your
furkids best smile!"
Dr. Madeleine Hoog-Crellin, DVM
Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital

Animal Life

February 2016 animallifeonline.com 3

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Animal Life


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February 2016 animallifeonline.com

After the bell rings, I am in a rush

For I have to catch the bus!
The bus rattles as it goes up the hill,
So everyone has to sit still.
When I get to my house, I step inside,
As my little ball of fur comes running with pride.
She wags her tail, and runs around,
Sometimes making a little sound.
I take off my shoes while she grabs her toy,
And then we head into the living room with joy.
I sit on the floor and wait for the kisses and hugs,
My dog will bring as we sit on the rug.
For I have missed Mya through out the day,
But I know when I get home, she will run my way.
I love my dog so very much.

Hannah Stanard

Lee Middle School

animal life
Your pet. Our purpose.

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

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

Cover photo by Martha Pope, Shaggy Dog Photography

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.

Kahn

Upon hearing the deep, throaty growl coming from outside, visitors often think tics of Kahn. In the summer months, Kahn cannot wait for us to bathe him so that
that we are harboring a vicious dog or that they have stumbled upon a nasty little he can relax in a nice calming cool mud treatment afterwards. And yes, they are
canine squabble down at the Sonsini Shelter. Those who have been here before always in that order. Bath, then mud. Lots of mud. And when we go through a dry
know better. We admit the noises you hear from inside the shelter are somewhat spell? No problem! Kahn has learned how to personally throw the water out of
scary until you turn the corner to see exactly
his wading pool in order to make his
what all the racket is about. Straddled over
own mud treatments by digging it with
the top of a very large plastic ball, is a ninety
his
paws. Fortunately, he shares the
He loves to sit with you and have his butt
pound, white Dogo Argentino and American
water with Zoey by throwing it towards
scratched all day long. Despite how active her run so that she does not suffer with
Bulldog mix.
Kahn is blissfully unaware of the presence of
dry skin during those hot summer
we try to keep him, Kahn is really the
visitors. He is desperately trying to pick up a
months. All white dogs apparently must
epitome of a couch potato.
ball that is made for horses by stretching his
have regular mud baths. Who knew?
doggie jaws as wide as he can possibly open
Kahn has the most beautiful walk. He
them. It is not enough. Kahn is unaware that
walks right by your side at a perfect heel,
he is somewhat outside the basic size requirements for this particular toy. Rolling never pulling. He is literally the dream dog to go for a walk with. Well, that is until
over the top and landing unceremoniously on his head, he rolls onto his side and he decides it is time to go home. Once Kahn is done, he is done. He just sits. And
shakes his head vigorously. Never one to let anything get the best of him, Kahn then looks at you with those big, brown eyes and slightly cocks his giant blockjumps up and lunges toward his favorite toy in the world. Snout first, he dives shaped head. And of course, in the world according to Kahn, you are supposed to
into the midsection of the ball, pushing it away. A chase ensues. Kahns big blue just know what that means.
prey has a credible lead, but he is closing fast. He jumps
It is really hard for me to believe that Kahn has been
and tackles this plastic nemesis. Under the sudden weight
with us for over a year. We celebrated his one year anof its hunter, the ball suddenly shifts to the right and slips
niversary with us a couple of weeks ago by getting Kahn
from Kahns grasp. Sensing the turn, Kahn brakes and
some extra special gifts and a special doggie cake. Kahn
slides to a stop. It is then that he realizes that he has
happily tore open his gifts and made quick work of his
gained an audience and comes to investigate. More often
celebratory cake. We think it is safe to say that he loved
than not, Kahns investigation takes the form of inquiring
it. He even tolerated wearing a birthday hat for the celeabout the status of the treat supply that has arrived with
bration.
said visitors. Mostly, this includes whether or not they
With people he knows and trusts he is the biggest lap
have any, if they are the good stuff and then of course,
dog you will ever meet. He loves to sit with you and have
how many are left.
his butt scratched all day long. Despite how active we try
Always the comedian, when he is not distracted by the
to keep him, Kahn is really the epitome of a couch poshelters visitors, Kahn can be counted on to include other
tato. He loves to just hang out. He wants nothing more
long term residents in his shelter antics. When outside
than to be the center of someones universe and we truly
alone, Kahn can be counted on to help relieve his buddy
want to find that for him. At two years old, Kahn deserves
Zoey of her winter coat by grasping it through the kennel
to find his forever family so that the next chapter in his
and slowing maneuvering it over her head with his teeth.
life can finally start.
We often come out to find the shredded remains of dogKrista Wroldson Miller
gie coats and sweaters which have fallen victim to the anSonsini Animal Shelter

Animal Life

February 2016 animallifeonline.com 5

training
The

PLAYYARD
Training Services

For appointment and/or

Upcoming Class Schedule
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the canine mind!

myth &truth about dog behavior

Positive Reinforcement Training will only work if you have a easy going
dog that already wants to please you, not my dog who is tough and very
strong willed

As scientific research has taught us more about behavior in animals, the consensus is that rewarding an animal for good behavior rather than using aversive methods to coerce or stop behavior leads to a better human-animal bond and a more
well-adjusted animal with fewer fears and more willingness to trust and act cooperatively. If you think your dog is too tough to respond to positive reinforcement, you might be surprised to learn that most zoos across the country now use
positive reinforcement techniques as the standard method to teach animals to
relax and cooperate for all veterinary handling and training procedures. Giraffes
are taught to lower their necks for a blood draw, killer whales learn to come up
on the deck and hold still for teeth cleaning, sea lions learn their trick for shows,
all with positive reinforcement training. Positive reinforcement sometimes get a
bad reputation by those who dont understand the principles involved. It is NOT
about throwing cookies at the dog to make him do something. If you would like
to better understand how it works, choose a trainer who is well versed in the techniques, understands behavior and will skillfully select the right approach for your
dog. When it comes to learning, Ill bet your dog is no tougher that a tiger!

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

Taiz
Shepherd
Kennel
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Home of:
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Citizens GSDCA Performance Award of Merit Recipients

Charlene Marchand
North Chatham, NY 518-766-3804
Charlene Marchand is a syndicated columnist for training, behavior, and health issues. She is
actively involved in canine rescue and sheltering, and is the co-creator and trainer for Columbia
County Sheriffs highly acclaimed A New Leash On Life Cell Dog Program.

Animal Life

February 2016 animallifeonline.com

LEEA FORAN, CPDT-KA, CDBC, CTTP-2

Learn with a
Dedicated Professional

BEHAVIOR CONSULTATIONS & PRIVATE TRAINING

GROUP CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

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With 36 Years of
Teaching Experience

Training for Real Life Needs

413-445-8843
www.trainingforanimals.com

I believe that training should bring a smile to your face & a wag to your tail. I will never use
force or intimidation to train your dog. Positive reinforcement and up-to-date scientifically
based behavior modification programs bring positive results and lasting change. Leea

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413-212-8585

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www.therightendoftheleash.com

out & about

Holiday Road Trip

Karen Karlberg

During the holiday break, I took a road trip south and was able to pick any place other one for my life list. By the time a completed the 4 miles route I had 13 new
I wanted to visit on the way. I decided on the Savannah Federal Wildlife Refuge life birds and some of the most exciting moments of bird watching I have ever
on the Georgia border. I packed my
known.
cameras and lens hoping to capture
The savannah wildlife refuge has
By the time I completed the 4 miles route I had
some new images for my collection.
this amazing photo bird blind set up
We opted for the 4-mile route that
for anyone to use. I loved walking
13 new life birds and some of the most exciting
winds through the wetlands, allowing
on the brick paths under the regal
moments of bird watching I have ever known.
you to get up close and personal with
moss burdened trees and had a nice
nature. I opted to get out and walk
view of several Snowy and Great
most of the route, noticing many bikegrets. When I came out of the hiders riding along the dikes and pathden. Area, I happened upon 3 very
ways. Then there are the folks who
playful Bobcats frolicking less
stayed inside the sanctuary of their
than 100ft in front of me. They let
motor vehicles to view what passes
me watch them for quite awhile,
them by. The thing about nature is,
never letting me get close than the
you really cant experience it unless
100ft. They were so different from
you are in it. So I jumped right in and
the Bobcats I have seen in the
within 15 minutes of my trek, I
Berkshires; Their legs were twice
sighted a life bird for me, the Purple
as long and the tail was just about
gallinule. I wanted to get a closer shot
touching the ground. I even asked
of him, so I quietly walked done an
my friend and naturalist, Tom
embankment Amistad the tall grasses
Smith, to help confirm the species.
and started to take even more photos.
In closing, I was very impressed
For some reason, I glanced in front of
with the Savannah Federal
me and saw a funny looking log about 200ft away. Then it dawned on me, this Wildlife Refuge, it seems to be well planned and accessible for the humans and
wasnt a log it was an alligator. I decide it was best to backed up very quietly and the wildlife to be wild. And I have thousands of new photos to remind me of a great
leave the big boy alone. I saw a total of 13 alligators that day, this first one was day out and about. Till next time, watch for animal signs wherever you may roam.
the biggest. I did notice a warning sign about the presence of alligators in the
Refuge around the next bend.
Karen Karlberg resides in Becket MA with her menagerie of rescued barnyard &
I continued to trek onward and came across a huge and magnificent black and domestic animals and her husband Mark. She is actively involved in conservation
tan bird that flew into a tree right above me. At first I thought it was a Tricolor efforts as a citizen scientist, town official, and an accomplished artisan and
Heron, but once I checked my trusty bird book, I found out it was an Anhinga. An- nature photographer www.kattailphoto.com

Animal Life

February 2016 animallifeonline.com 7

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References

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Walk In The Park

The Right to Live

with an
Assistance Animal in
Rental Housing

There is a long history of training dogs

to provide assistance to human beings.
Dogs are thought to have assisted blind
individuals in the 1st century. In the
20th century, after World War I, dogs
were trained to assist veterans who
were blinded in combat. Since that
time, we have discovered that dogs can
provide many different kinds of assistance to benefit people with mental and
physical disabilities. These assistance
animals work, provide emotional assistance or perform tasks for the person
with a disability. For Deaf and Hard of
Hearing individuals, dogs can provide
alerts to sounds; for individuals who
have epilepsy, dogs can respond to an
epileptic seizure by attempting to
arouse the unconscious owner; for
someone who has depression and anxiety, dogs can provide emotional support to assist with daily living. Dogs
are the most common type of assistance animal, but other animals may
also qualify as assistance animals.
These animals include parrots, miniature horses, and monkeys. Assistance
animals provide their caretakers with
greater safety, independence, dignity
and emotional support.
Although private landlords can
legally enforce a no pets policy and
refuse to rent to someone with a dog or
other animal, there is an important exception to this rule for individuals with
disabilities. The right of a qualified individual with a disability to live with
an assistance animal in most types of
rental housing was created in 1988

when Congress amended the federal

Fair Housing Act (FHA) to protect people with disabilities from housing discrimination. A major component of the
1988 amendment requires public and
private landlords to make reasonable
accommodations for persons with disabilities. Simply put, a reasonable accommodation is a change or
adjustment to a landlords rule, policy,
practice or service that may be necessary to allow an individual with a disability to have an equal opportunity to
use and enjoy a dwelling. Thus a public or private landlords no pet policy
must be waived if a person with a disability needs an assistance animal to
use and enjoy her housing on the same
basis as a person who does not have a
disability.
To qualify for a reasonable accommodation, an individual must show: (1)
they have a disability as defined by the
FHA (that is, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one
or more major life activities); (2) they
have a disability-related need for an assistance animal because the animal alleviates one or more of the effects of
their existing disability; (3) the accommodation does not cause an undue
financial and administrative burden or
fundamentally alter the nature of the
housing providers service; and (4) the
animal in question does not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others, nor would it cause substantial
physical damage to the property of others.

A quick look at rental advertisements

in western Massachusetts reveal a
rental market that is not friendly to
dogs or other animals. Many Craigslist
ads state that pets are not allowed. Applicants with disabilities who follow up
on these ads and ask whether the landlord will follow the law and accommodate an assistance animal are often
rejected. Landlords also discriminate
against tenants with disabilities who
need an assistance animal in other
ways. For example, some landlords try
to impose breed restrictions (no pit
bulls), size restrictions, or weight restrictions on assistance animals. All of
these restrictions are illegal if applied
to an assistance animal whose owner
has a disability-related need for the animal. It is also illegal to charge a disabled tenant with any fees or additional
security deposit to live with an assistance animal.
Finally, many landlords erroneously request proof that an assistance animal
has been trained to provide a service or
perform a task. These landlords improperly look to the definition of service animals under the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA). Under the
ADA an animal must be trained to do
work or perform tasks and emotional
support animals are excluded. However this definition does not apply in
the housing context. The federal FHA
contains no requirement that an assistance animal be trained and no exclusion for emotional support animals.
Landlords violate the law when they

refuse to rent to a disabled individual

who verifies his or her disability and a
disability-related need for an assistance
animal, including an emotional support
animal.
When Congress amended the FHA it
recognized that people with disabilities
must overcome multiple barriers to secure housing of their choice. It is unacceptable that they should also face
discrimination because of a disabilityrelated need to live with an assistance
animal. Studies show that most people
consider the animals they live with to
be family members. Thus, this particular form of discrimination can have
devastating results for the person with
a disability who may be forced to make
the heart-breaking choice between
homelessness or surrendering their assistance animal to an animal shelter.
Anyone who believes they have been
unfairly deprived of the right to live
with an assistance animal can contact
the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center
(413-539-9796), the Massachusetts
Commission Against Discrimination
(413-739-2145) or the United States
Department of Housing and Urban Development (617-994-8300).
Meris Bergquist
Executive Director
Massachusetts Fair Housing Center
Holyoke, MA 01040
413-539-9796 x 108 (phone)
mbergquist@massfairhousing.org
www.massfairhousing.org

See, Rebecca Wisch, Overview of Assistance Animal Laws available at https://www.animallaw.info/intro/assistance-animals (accessed Feb. 2, 2016).
The terms service animals, support animals, emotional support animals or therapy animals are also used to refer to animals that provide assistance to people with disabilities. SeeU.S. Dept of Hous. & Urban Dev.,
FHEO-2310-01, Service Animals and Assistance Animals for People with Disabilities in Hous. and HUD-Funded Programs 2, n. 4 (Apr. 25, 2013) (HUD Report).
See, Rebecca Skloot, Creature Comforts (Dec. 31, 2008) (available at: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/04/magazine/04Creatures-t.html?adxnnl=1&pagewanted=all&adxnnlx=1328732540I701BKbezYYjGOWtz/gH7A&_r=0 (accessed Feb. 2, 2016)) Ibid. https://monkeyhelpers.org/who-we-serve/healthcare-professionals-and-support-providers HUD report, supra n. 1 Ibid. For example, this ad appeared on
February 1, 2016. https://westernmass.craigslist.org/apa/5391848983.html Rebecca J. Huss, Re-evaluating the Role of Companion Animals in the Era of the Aging Boomer, 47 Akron L. Review 497, n. 59. 511 (2014).
[Moving] was the most often cited of seventy-one reasons for relinquishment of animals to shelters. Id. at 511.

Animal Life

February 2016 animallifeonline.com 9

this side of purradise

Are you nervous about adopting a longhaired cat, concerned with the possible
time and expense in the upkeep of its
fur?
At Purradise and its mother shelter,
Berkshire Humane Society, the staff
takes particular care that the feline residents look their best, from brushing
and combing to perhaps even clipping.
Sometimes a mega-effort is required
just at input. Such is the case with
Maine Coons Zippy and Shasta, who
arrived together from the same home
together with supertangled fur!
Armed with a drawer full of nifty devices, the Purradise staff has been fully
up to smoothing out these beautiful
girls. When I visited on January 21, I
worked on Shasta myself for a little
while, using one of the shelters combs.
As I did so, Shasta was literally a cat
on a mat, stretched out blissfully on a
soft surface, purring away and licking
my free handa poster cat for Being
groomed feels soooo good. (Go to
BHSs Facebook page to see a video of
her enjoying being brushed.) That day,
Zippy still had tight curls on her belly
that the shelter has been gradually attending to; staffer Cathy explained that
Zippys fur just happens to be oilier
and thus clingierthan Shastas.
All cats (except hairless breeds)
shed, whatever the length of their fur,
and their barbed tongue is what causes
hairballs: as they wash themselves, they
cant spit out any loose fur their tongue
picks up, and so whatever is ingested
comes back up later...usually in the cen-

The Mat is on the Cat

ter of your favorite rug! The best pre- but many other items are just as effecventative for both is regularly brushing, tive for a fraction of the price. Cathy
using either a soft-bristled or a ball- showed me her personal favorites
tipped wire brush or rubber groomer among Purradises many grooming
sold specially for
tools: a few
pets.
razor-imbedded
Mats are another
combs of differstory, however. Just
ent shapes. I
like human hair,
also spotted in
cats fur comes in
the drawer the
different lengths
razor-free, longand textures. My
toothed combs
own three Maine
and kind of
Coons run the
brush I use on
gamut: one has
my own cats.
long, fluffy fur that
Such items can
tangles only in hot,
be purchased inhumid weather; anexpensively in
others
shorter,
the pet food
coarser fur that
aisle or a pet
rarely clumps; yet
store. (Tip: You
her sister has silkier,
might also want
wavy fur that seemto pick up a pair
ingly
develops
of small, bluntknots
overnight,
nosed scissors
year-round.
The
sold for chillast, who is very
drens crafts, to
wriggly, is bribed
safely snip off
with the promise of
solid knots not
catnip to stay still
against
the
long enough for me
skin.)
Shasta and Zippy.
to comb hera
If you have
Photos courtesy Berkshire Humane Society
benefit all three
never groomed
look forward to, as they run over to a cat, Id recommend starting with a
share her reward!
razor-free cat comb, combing slowly in
You dont need expensive or fancy the same direction in which the fur
equipment to dress a cats hair. Yes, that grows and staying fairly near the surluxury device, the FURminator, sold face, holding the surrounding area with
online and in pet stores, will do the job, your other hand so that the comb does-

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nt pull. This will accustom your cat to

feeling stroked or even licked. Just as
you would with human hair, start combing from the outside if you need to remove a tangle; dont just sink in the
comb and yank. If you purchase a
razor-imbedded comb, read the instructions carefully before use, and maintain
a gentle touchthink glide, not
slice and dice!
Of course, knowing your cat well can
keep you a step ahead of any problems:
Especially if Kitty is prone to mats in
certain areas, as my silky-haired one is,
as you hold and stroke your cat, regularly feel its fur in for any developing
problems and remove them, perhaps as
simply as with your fingertips, before
they have a chance to get tighter or
larger.
The ideal is that your cat will accept
grooming as simply an ongoing part of
your usual cuddling routine, and perhaps even solicit it...even without the
promise of catnip!

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.

Petkus
marketplace
by Tobie Petkus

HI Everyone,
Hope your holiday season went off without a hitch. In December I took a a cue
from Oprah and Ellen and decided to post a list of my favorite things for pets.
Animal Life asked me to recreate this for their terrific magazine. So, just in
case your pet didn't get what he really wanted for X mas, here are some ideas
that might make him bark or meow for joy.

I am not an advocate of nylabones- those opaque bone shaped, flavored chew toys.
I have Labradors who are incessant chewers whose gums would bleed from the nylas.
I stopped giving my dogs these years ago, but my favorite girl Nicky at Benson's
showed me a newer, better chewy bone
called Benebones. Benebones consist of
super hard nylon, peanuts, chicken, or
bacon. That's it! No chemicals or artificial
flavors. As always,it is advisable to supervise your dogs when you give them a chew
toy like this and to dispose of them when
they begin to break down. These toys are
made nearby in New York State with pricepoints from $ 10.00- 18.00. So, if you want
to give your dog something to chew on
besides your Ugg slippers, these are worth a
try. Clean them with a brush and toss them when they get gnarly. Benebones can be
found at Chez Pet, Lenox and Bensons, Pittsfield.

And for fun and stimulation, the Hyper Pet Hyper Squawker
toy gives hours of entertainment. These multi textured, hard
rubber and nylon toys are fun to chew on and make weird distorted squawking sounds that dogs go mad for. Of course you
may go mad too after a few hours of hearing this, so maybe
it is a better outdoor toy than an indoor one!There are several
versions to try. My dogs love the bone and the ball/ bone but
the stick and regular ball look like just as much fun.If all else
fails you can pop in some headphones to tune out the squawking and let your pup toss, roll and bounce this toy for hours.
Best of all, it floats! These toys are under $ 10.00. Check
your favorite local pet shop for availabilty.
Hope this gave you some good ideas!
Tobie "Pet" kuss

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lls
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Your dog resists swallowing pills, your cat spits out her medication and your
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pets medications into tasty snacks or other easy to administer forms (creams, gels,
protective coatings) and in dosages adjusted to the size and type of animal.
From house pets to horses, we can provide unique solutions for a wide variety of
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February 2016 animallifeonline.com 11

Feral
Kittens

Kitten season is coming. What do I do if I see kittens outside?

There are lots of feral and semi-feral cats living in our midst. Some
were pets at one time, but having lived outside for a while, they have
lost their trust of humans. Some were never social with humans and
do heir best to avoid us at all costs. Many of these community
cats have not been spayed or neutered, so from mid-spring to late
fall, litters of kittens are born and raised right in our back yards.
Literally!
When caring animal-lovers see kittens outside, we want to help.
Surely the best thing is to catch them and find them homes, right?
Not so fast! Its way more complicated than you think!
Here are some issues to consider:
How old are the kittens?

If theyre under 4 weeks old, they

should stay with their mother.
If theyre between 4 and 8 weeks old,
they could be captured and socialized,
but only if you or someone has the
commitment to fully socialize the kittens and find them homes. Also, please
join us in our efforts to end the cycle of
overpopulation by making sure kittens
are fixed before you give them away.
If they are over 8 weeks old, they will
require much more time for socialization (hours per day), and a much greater
commitment to their future as a house
cat, because theres no turning back!
Once they are taken from their outdoor

home, they will have lost their connection to their colony as well as their
mother, who was in the process of
teaching them how to live an outdoor
life. Kittens older than 8 weeks old
should not be taken to a shelter because
they are too feral for most shelters socialization programs. Its in the best interest of older kittens to let them stay
with their mother and live outside.

Where is the mother raising

the kittens?

Mom cats usually do a great job of

tucking their litters away in a safe
place, and keeping them there until they
are older; usually at least four or five
weeks old. If you see kittens, your in-

clination might be to look for where

they are being raised. This very often
causes a mother cat to worry about their
safety and move them. Their next location may not be as safe as her original
choice, and, its more likely that you
will not see them again. Instead of
looking for their nest, take photos or
good mental notes from a distance, and
try to determine how old they are. Once
you determine their age, you can form
a plan that is in their best interest.
Heres a chart that can help you age a
kitten: http://www.alleycat.org/kittenprogression. Animal DREAMS can
help you form a plan based on what age
the kittens are.

If I find very young kittens, how

do I know if the mother cat is
taking care of them?

If you KNOW that a mother cat is out

of the picture (has been taken or killed)
then call a shelter to see if they can take
the kittens and help them survive. Otherwise, its better to assume that the
mother left the nest while you were
there because shes afraid of you. If that
happens, she will come back when
there are no people around. You could
dust flour near the area to be able to
check for footprints later, but you will
run the risk of spooking the mother cat,
causing her to move her kittens.

The mother cat is friendly, and

the kittens are the right age for
socializing; If I want to take
them in, how would I go about
that, and know Ive gotten all of
the kittens?

great article on this issue: www.alleycat.org, How to Use Kittens to Trap a

Mother Cat, and Vice Versa. Animal
DREAMS can also offer advice.

Isnt it cruel to leave kittens

outside?

If feral kittens are 8 weeks or older,

they are by now resolute that they dont
want to be around people. Their mothers are in the process of teaching them
how to live an outside life; where to
hide and be safe, how to find food.
They are developing into a strong family unit. Well-fed, healthy cat colonies
can lead happy lives. Caretakers tell us
how much enjoyment they get seeing
the kittens they care for playing in their
yard. The best thing you can do for
them is to provide food, water and shelter (though they may have already
found their own preferred housing).
Then, so the population doesnt continue to grow, find a way to have them
all spayed and neutered through a TNR
program (trap, neuter, return). They can
be spayed or neutered by the age of 9
weeks (as long as they are 2 pounds).
They can receive a rabies vaccine after
they are 12 weeks old. They can reproduce as early as 5 months old.
If you see kittens, the best first step is to
determine how old they are, from afar.
Then get the help of experts on the best
course of action.
An excellent resource on all issues related to cats living outside is Alley Cat
Allies, a national TNR organization.
Their website, www.alleycat.org.

Animal DREAMS is a Berkshire

That can be very tricky. Young kittens County resource to help with TNR,
whove had no human contact can be or advice about Community
good at hiding. If youre going to take Cats; cats who live outside. Our
in the whole family, make sure no one phone number is 413-997-2287.

is left behind because young kittens

will not likely survive outside without
their mother. Traps may be of help in
this scenario, but kittens can be too
small to trip the plate, and can be dangerous for them if not used is a specific
way. Alley Cat Allies has written a

A few tips to tell a kittens age

Carol Lew
Animal Dreams

Kittens are born with their eyes closed, and they dont open until about 10 days of age.
A kitten who is walking pretty well and playing is at least 4 weeks of age. Usually, you will not see kittens come
out from their nest before this age.
Kittens will start to wean and be able to eat soft food at 4 weeks of age.
At 6 to 7 weeks old, their eyes change from blue to their permanent color
A healthy kitten will weigh about 1 pound at 4 weeks of age, 2 pounds at 8 weeks of age, and 3 pounds at 12 weeks of age.
At 6 to 7 weeks of age, kittens eyes change from blue to their natural color.
At 8 weeks old, kittens have begun to look like little versions of full-grown cats.

12

Animal Life

February 2016 animallifeonline.com

15th Annual

Berkshire Community Colleges

Not Your Average Dog Show

Who:

hout
vers from throug
lo
g
do
d
an
)
C
(BC
munity College
.
nty and beyond
Berkshire Com
C
Berkshire ou

What:

Dog
Your Average
ot
N
l
ua
nn
A
s 15th
ual Fund
munity College
fit BCCs Ann
Berkshire Com
ne
be
ed
is
ra
ds
Show. Fun
include:
The event will
such as

r your pooch
fo
s
n
io
it
et
p
m
o
r.
Fun c
and best kisse
er
g
g
a
w
il
ta
t
es
fast
Magician
($10 each)
s
re
tu
a
c
ri
a
c
ie
g
Dog
Vendor tables
Concessions

Event attendance is free. Donations to benefit BCCs Annual Fund are appreciated.

There is a fee to participate in the competitions. For more information or to download a registration form, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/dogshow. Registrations will also be accepted at the event.

Call Jennifer Larkin at 413-236-2185 or

email jlarkin@berkshirecc.edu with questions.
About Berkshire Community College

Berkshire Community College (BCC) is a public, fully accredited, community college offering associate degree and
certificate programs, as well as various other educational opportunities, primarily to the residents of Berkshire County
and surrounding areas. Visit BCC online at www.berkshirecc.edu.

Where:

ampus at
CCs Main C
B
at
d
te
ca
lo
House
Paterson Field
t. in Pittsfield.
1350 West S

When:

.
0 a.m. to 3 p.m
:3
1
1

6
1
0
2
Sun., Feb. 14,

Haddad

Subaru

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

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

www.haddadsubaru.com

Animal Life

February 2016 animallifeonline.com 13

grooming

The

Canine Critic
Spa Day!

Rebecca Stanard

Im sound asleep in my favorite bed when

Mama asks me if I want to go for a ride.

This is one of my absolute favorite things
to do, so I jump up and meet her at the
door. After clipping on my leash we head
outside. I do my deed, and jump up into
the front seat. We head down the street
and Mama puts my window down a little
so I can sniff the cool breeze. As we get
closer and closer to one of my favorite
places, I can smell all the familiar smells
and I start to get excited. Mama slows the
car down and we pull into Barking Beauties, which means that I get to see one of
my favorite people and be pampered all
day! It is time for my spa day!!!
Mama gets me out of the car and I run
around in circles frantically, trying to sniff
everything and get inside all at once. I
know that on the other side of the door
Staci is waiting for me!!! Staci Barrett has
owned Barking Beauties Salon for Dogs
and Cats for almost 13 yrs and is very special to me and all of my friends. She loves
all of us and is patient and kind. Some10 Depot Street, Dalton, MA 01226
times
I get scared to have my ears cleaned,
(413) 300-0052
and
Staci
talks soothingly to me and calms
www.scruffymutts.com
me down. I can tell that she really cares
about me and that she loves what she does.
After Mama leaves me with Staci, we
Top Dog Styling
a certain order that we do things,
Bubbles & Brush have
which makes me feel more comfortable.
Dematting
First Staci puts me in a nice comfy crate
while I wait my turn to get started. When
Transportation
it is my turn, Staci puts me up on the table
dog walking
and says that it is time to prep me! She
brushes me out, which feel sooo good!
a La Carte items
Then she clips my hair, cuts my nails,
special services
cleans my eyes, and wipes out my ears
(which
I do not like)! Staci knows that I
Accepting most major credit cards
have
had
many ear infections and that
Fully Insured
anyone touching my ears makes me nervMember of PSI and ASPCA
located at Copake Lake,
Dawn Gardina, Owner ous. She talks to me the whole time and is
Craryville, NY
poochinipetsalon@gmail.com
so gentle. I love her for taking the time to
poochinipetsalon.wix.com/home calm me down and make sure not to hurt me.
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Next up, it is bath time!!! This is also not

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Poochinis

one of my favorite things, but I stand still

like a good girl and let Staci lather me
with my special oatmeal shampoo. This
makes my skin feel so nice and helps me
not to itch as much. Sometimes she lathers
me twice and we leave it on for awhile because it is so soothing on my skin. Staci
takes nice warm blowers and dries my
hair. I love this part! It makes me feel so
warm and snuggly! Now I am nice and
sleepy, so I go back in my comfy crate
with a big blower that keeps me warm and
finishes drying me all the way. I usually
close my eyes and take a nice nap. Being
pampered makes me tired!!!
The last part that Staci does is put me
back on the table to finish my fantastic
look!!! She shaves the pads of my feet and
around my face, and then clips my ears to
make them pretty. She clips my fluffy feet
and uses a special blade to finish my cut.
I hear Staci and Mama call it a Cocker cut,
which I think means that I am the prettiest
girl around! Some of my friends get fancy
cologne, but my skin is too sensitive so I
do not. Instead she has given me a squeak
toy before and I will take that any day!!!
Once Staci thinks that I am perfect, she
calls Mama to come get me.
Although I have had a nice time with
Staci, I am ready to go home and get back
in my favorite bed. I also cant wait to
show off my new fancy look to Mama and
my sister. I will need to spend a lot of time
tonight licking my paws and making sure
that they stay clean. I will kiss Staci and
love her on my way out the door and hope
that I will come again soon. Spa day is one
of my favorite days because I get to spend
time with Staci and get spoiled. After she
is done taking care of me, my skin is less
itchy and Mama says that I am less stinky!
Barking Beauties is a very special place
that makes me feel like the most beautiful
dog in the world!!

Barking Beauties

Salon for Dogs & Cats

Staci A. Barrett, Owner

  Always
 Available

18Years of Experience Gift Certificates

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

Animal
Life

CONNECTICUT

A Message from Little Guild of St. Francis

The Little Guild Finds Homes for Several Hundred Cats

& Dogs Every Year. Providing proper care for animals is
expensive. Without Your Help It Would Not Be Possible.
Without your donations the shelter and the work we do is in
jeopardy. Donations are the way we are able to provide for
the shelter costs and care of the pets.

Indy and Mallory entered our

rescue in September of 2015.
Indy (black) is the mother of
Mallory and both girls are seniors (9 and 8 years old respectively).
They were previously from a
shelter down south and were
taken in after they were found
roaming on multiple occasions.
They waited for over 6 months at
that shelter with no luck of finding a home together before coming to the Little Guild. Even here
at the Little Guild these girls
waited months for someone to
see the beauty in them that was
so evidently clear to all of us who
know them so well. Then it
happened, on Saturday January 30th, a couple came in and within minutes knew
that Indy and Mallory were the dogs they had been looking for. With wagging
tails, teary eyes, and warm hearts, these girls walked out of the building with
their newly found family. We all knew that where Indy and Mallory were heading to next was exactly where they were always meant to be. The moral of the
story is to take a chance on a rescue dog. You may walk into a shelter looking for
a specific breed or a specific age but you will just end up limiting your options
and potentially missing out on the dog that was meant for you all along.

Mr. Deeds

Meet Mr. Deeds! He is an amazing boy who just arrived at

The Little Guild of St. Francis in West Cornwall Ct. Mr. Deeds
is about 4 years old and is up to date on his vaccines and is
neutered. He loves his toy, going for walks and playing in the
yard with the little guild staff. He is working on his basic obedience and is looking for a home to call his own! Come meet
him Weds-Friday 12-4 and 11-4 on the weekends..

Do You Have the Ultimate Dog?

Animal Life

February 2016 animallifeonline.com 15

BHS Reaching out to Animals

and Their People

While Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) is known as the place where homeless animals find
refuge and families come to adopt their new dog, cat, or rabbit, were also proud of our ongoing
efforts to offer community outreach programs and services to our neighbors.

As John Perreault, Executive Director

of BHS, explains, Humane societies
are part of the community, and the
question is always how can we serve
both the animals and the people in that
community.
Looking back to the early days, John
remembers when the combination of
limited facilities, an endless stream of
homeless animals, and tight funding left
little time for BHS staff to focus on developing community outreach programs.
Yet, during that period, John explains,
BHS was still there for people as a resource, often in less subtle ways as
compared to today. If they had a question about their animal, they would
often call us, whether it was about
housebreaking, introducing a new pet
to the family, or whatever.
Over the years, the move to a new
larger shelter in 2003, more financial
support, and, especially important, the
steady decrease in the volume of animals entering BHS allowed, as John
explains, more time for us to look
around and see what the other needs
were in the community and work to fill
those gaps.
Interestingly, he believes, that decline
of homeless animals in and around
Berkshire County can be partially attributed to two of BHSs initial outreach
efforts.
First is the humane education offered
by BHS in schools and other opportu-

nities at the shelter, such as tours and

summer camp. Besides learning about
being kind and respectful to animals,
kids were hearing about the importance
of spaying and neutering and they
were bringing that message home,
John states, adding, With the addition
of our Humane Hero program and partnership with the city of Pittsfield to provide programs to children at Dower
Square, this next generation is continuing to do that.
Second is low-cost spaying and neutering initiatives for cats and dogs. In
the beginning, just convincing pet owners to have these surgeries was the challenge; later, it became an issue of
affordability. To that end, BHS has offered numerous options for low-cost
spaying and neutering, including
vouchers and the CAT Spay Neuter Incentive Program (SNIP) funded by the
Hilton C. Hamm Trust and various
grants.
Last year, for example, a $10,000
grant from the Massachusetts Animal
Coalition supported two BHS initiatives: 100 Cats for Christmas, which
spayed and neutered 100 kittens and
cats in Berkshire County on one day in

Advocates for Berkshire Community Cats

Pittsfield Cat Fix

$30 for OWNED CATS!

FREE for STRAY & FERAL CATS

PO Box 1073, Pittsfield

413-997-2287

admin@berkshireanimaldreams.org

16

Animal Life

If you provide care for stray/feral cats or your

indoor-outdoor pet cat needs to be fixed and you
live in Pittsfield, please contact us ASAP to reserve
a spot. We are only able to fix a limited number of
cats and its only for a limited period of time.

February 2016 animallifeonline.com

December, and Be Hip & Snip Your

Dog, which provided this service for
50 puppy and dogs owners of North
County. The fee for both programs was
only $25 per animal and included a rabies vaccination. To date, BHS has
spayed and neutered over 3,000 community cats and dogs through these programs.
Along with humane education and
low-cost spaying and neutering, BHS
soon saw another urgent need helping
people keep animals in their homes and
out of the shelter and we responded.
A long-standing resource at BHS, the
Pet Food Bank supports animals whose
owners are experiencing financial difficulty. Well stocked with community
donations, it provides free pet food
through the shelter and Purradise, our
feline satellite adoption center in Great
Barrington, as well as at various food
banks throughout Berkshire County.
Every month, about a hundred people
and their animals are assisted through
this food bank.
A more recent addition is the SafePet
Program. Originally, it was created to
provide free foster care for the pets of
women who were clients at the Eliza-

beth Freeman Center and leaving abusive situations. But as John notes, the
need to expand the program to other
vulnerable populations in Berkshire
County became apparent, and we began
working with other agencies, such as
the Brien Center and Elder Services of
Berkshire County. Although placing
the animals with foster families is always our goal, the construction of an
on-site, secure SafePet room in 2014
ensures that we can respond more
quickly to immediate requests from
those in crisis.
In 2015, the SafePet Program, one of
just two such programs in Massachusetts, helped 24 clients and their 37 animals. While in our care, animals are
updated on vaccinations, spayed or
neutered, and given a medical examination all at no cost to our clients
thanks to the generosity of Pittsfield
Veterinary Hospital.
Moving forward, BHS will continue
to evaluate and expand our efforts to be
a valuable community resource both
to people and to their pets. Community
outreach is core to the mission of Berkshire Humane Society, John explains.
Our board of directors, our shelter
staff, and I are committed to making
Berkshire County and the surrounding
areas a better place for animals and people.
Mary A. Koncel is the Community
Outreach Coordinator at Berkshire
Humane Society.

Adoptions
in the tri-state area

Clarice

D Dog of the Month! D

Please call

Jessica

Jessica is a sweet 3 year old pit mix weighing in at a tiny 45

pounds. She is sweet, cuddly, and absolutely loves people.
Jessica is currently in boarding and available for adoption
through Second Chance Rescue in New York. She has to
be the only pet, but promises to make it worth your while
with endless hugs and kisses. Jessica is a born athlete and
has lots of energy, so children over 12 are best. She's
house-trained, crate-trained, spayed, and UTD on shots.
Please consider adopting Jessica!

Call Cassie at

Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter

413-448-9800

At the

Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter

Kahn

Each week HADDADSUBARU will be sponsoring a Dog of the Month.

If that dog is adopted during that week, Haddad Subaru will pay $50
towards the adoption fee!

THIS WEEKS DOG IS:

This gorgeous 1 and a half year old is Kahn. He's a

American Bulldog mix who is who has eyes that will
melt your heart. He's a large boy but he thinks he's a
lapdog. He has an incredibly sweet disposition who
honestly just wants to snuggle. He likes to chase tennis
balls and play with squeaky toys. Being under socialized he's a bit nervous meeting new people, so we are
looking for an adult only home that can help him to
learn to meet new people appropriately.

Ryder

Hi, I'm Ryder! I have tons of energy and I'm looking for an owner with
an active lifestyle. I tend to get overstimulated, and I am working on impulse control and appropriate play. I have had some epiphany
moments during training sessions, and I look forward to continuing my
lessons. . I have had chronic ear infections, which are common with the
Shar-Pei breed. I would do best in a home with older teens to adults.
I was too rough with another dog in my home, so I would like to be an
only dog in my new home. I have a high prey drive, so no cats and
small animals please. If you have the time and patience to work with
me I will make an excellent addition to your home.

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

Sponsored by:

Merrill Road,
Pittsfield

info@berkshiremm.com

At the

Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter

Monster

Monster is having a hard time here in shelter. He

is very overwhelmed and would love to find a
quiet home to blossom in. He is a very sweet boy
who loves to snuggle and watch the birds. He will
need a home that will understand it will take him
time to adjust. No children or dogs for this shy
guy.

Sponsored by:

36 Pittsfield Road
Lenox, MA

At the

ycc01240@aol.com

Berkshire Humane Society

Forrest

Well, hello! I am Forrest and I am an adorable

young pup that has started my education and
needs to continue on to higher education. Do you
have time and patience to exercise, socialize, and
house train? I have gone to puppy play and learn
classes. I have lived with an older dog and done
well. I was unfortunately not good with cats.

Sponsored by:

36 Pittsfield Road
Lenox, MA
ycc01240@aol.com

Provides. . .

Food for needy dogs & cats

Reduced rate spay/neuter
Assistance with basic
veterinary care costs


 
 
Call 518-781-0362
or

 visit www.petpartnersberkshires.org



A 501(c) (3) Non Profit Organization

Haru



 

 when Police

 me wandering
 


It started
found
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. He loves people, he does not
like other animals and would do best as an
only pet. . When I caught a cold (kennel
cough) they put me on a list. Do you know
what Euthanasia List means? Please HELP
timing is everything!!! I am only 2 years old, 64 pounds, and I really
need some leash training and a good kind foster home now!!

Harriet Koss, Dalmatian Adoption, Inc.

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

Animal Life

February 2016 animallifeonline.com 17

veterinarians

Bilmar Small
Animal
Hospital




%(5.6+,5($0%8/$725<
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Full Service Hospital


 
Drop Off Service

Housecalls







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cattle, horses, goats, sheep, llamas
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413-528-1180 Fax 413-528-1763



Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.

Claire Blanchard
Donald Gulick
Hanan Caine

Emily Newman

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776 Main St., Great Barrington, MA



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


  Call for appointment




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Dr. Sharon Lynch, Veterinarian

Fred Davis III, CVT

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Comprehensive Veterinary Services

Low Cost Individual Attention
Caring & Compassionate

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

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Open 7 Days
a week

Elizabeth Tullett
DVM
289 Dalton Avenue
Pittsfield, MA 01201

413-443-4949
www.allenheights.com

Meet Petey

House Calls
on
Tuesday!

VCA All Caring Animal Hospital

Conventional & Holistic Veterinary Medicine

& Acupuncture
440 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA

413-528-8020
www.vcaallcaring.com

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

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

Bluebird Farm Animal Sanctuary

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

(508) 243-3622 MA

NE Pyreness Rescue

413-300-0052

www.scruffymutts.com

(toll free) 877-528-0637

www.nepyresq.org

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

Purradise

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

413-243-1220

Berkshire Disaster Animal Response Team

Reducing risk for pets during disasters and more!

Corrine McKeown, Director www.WMDART.com

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

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, Madeleine Hoog-Crellin, DVM

Michelle P. Looney, DVM, Bridget E. Pope, 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

FEBRUARY 13TH SATURDAY

BENSDOTTERS PET
is hosting an

ADOPTION EVENT
12pm to 3pm

Yoanna Y. Maitre, DVM

All organic-Natural Dog & Cat Food

Self Serve Dog Wash Stations!

DART

24 Hour Emergency care, animal chiropractic, acupuncture and dental care.

Dawna Hartman, Intake Coordinator,

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

10 Depot Street, Dalton, MA

volunteer

Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital

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

Sun. Afternoon 1 - 4pm Closed Mondays

NE Basset Hound Rescue, Inc.

Pamper Shop Barkery

BensDotters Pet

Berkshire Humane Society

285 Sharon Goshen Turnpike, W. Cornwall, CT

860-672-6345
www.littleguild.org

Scruffy Mutts

pet stores

veterinarian services

Animal Life

20+ adoptable pets from

Berkshire Humane Society and
Little Guild of St. Francis.
940 Main St. (Rt.7),
Great Barrington, MA

FEBRUARY 14TH SUNDAY

BCCs Foundations 15th Annual

Not Your Average

DOG SHOW
11:30am to 3pm

Free Admission. Bring your family & your dog.

Demonstrations, Raffles, Prizes and Awards.
Paterson Field House, West St., Pittsfield
Call for information: 413-236-2186

FEBRUARY 28TH, SUNDAY

Berkshire Humane Society

Coffee Hour presents

An Apology to Elephants

An award winning documentary film

sponsored by Berkshire Voters for Animals.
Barker Road, Pittsfield.

MARCH 12TH, SATURDAY

8:00pm

Zip Stohr

Comedy Show

benefit

Berkshire Humane Society

For tickets and more information call

413-447-7878
Crowne Plaza, Pittsfield.

D
February 2016 animallifeonline.com 19

BENSDOTTERS PET

413-528-4940

940 MAIN STREET, GREAT BARRINGTON, MA 01230

CONVENIENT LOCATION - AMPLE PARKING

- ON ROUTE 7 JUST A MINUTE SOUTH OF GUIDOS MONDAY-FRIDAY 10AM-6PM

SATURDAY-SUNDAY 10AM-4PM

PURPLE PEBBLE