animal life

November 2016

Tri-State Area Pet News

Your pet. Our purpose.

Inside:

Sundae, Pittsfield, MA

Senior Pet Issue

Long Life of Sly page 3
Aging of our Pets page 5
The Aging Horse page 7
Loving Luciano page 14
Complimentary

Though Animal DREAMS is an organization with a mission to help feral cats,

its rare to know the details of any
particular feral cats whole life. This is
one of those rare stories.

The Long Life of Sly

Barbara thinks of Sly as a legend.
We think he is too.

Before Animal DREAMS was even an official organization, the volunteers who later started the nonprofit did a
feral cat Trap, Neuter, Return project in Great Barrington
behind a busy place of business. The cats were fixed and
returned to live in an old abandoned barn on a property
whose owner was agreeable to letting the cats stay there.
A dedicated volunteer began feeding the colony. By
2008, another volunteer, Barbara Crocker, started helping
the original elderly volunteer, and eventually took over the every-day feeding of
the cats. On a wintery day in 2009, Barbara went to feed the cats and found that
the barn had collapsed and the cats had scattered. Over the course of three weeks,
all of the seven cats were trapped by the Animal DREAMS founder and held until
new cat shelters could be put in place. Sylvester, or Sly, one of those original
cats, was the most wary and the last one to be caught. The mother cat of the colony
was found to be very ill and euthanized, one cat was friendly enough to be adopted
into a home, and five cats were returned.

By 2013, Barbara had built a cat shelter that could only be described as luxury
accommodations. There were three cats remaining; Crybaby, Munchkin, and Sly,
and after so many years, Barbara had been joined by two other volunteers, Sara
and Doug. They relieved Barbara from her 7 day-a-week feeding schedule. Of the
three cats, Sly was still the least likely to warm up to people. Eventually Crybaby
died of natural causes, and then Munchkin, who was looking unwell, was euthanized due to end stage liver failure.

caretakers and would run to meet them. Doug would

bring a brush, and Sly happily walked back and forth
against it to be groomed. Barbara, Sara and Doug had
regular meetings to assure that Sly was getting the best
care, which included more frequent visits, vet care and
additional protection during winter weather.

This brings us to the last phase of Slys life. Several

months ago, the caretakers found out that the area where
Sly lived his entire life was slated to become a parking
lot. At the same time, it became clear that his health was
declining; A visit to the vet revealed that he has lymphoma and a hyperthyroid condition. Barbara decided to
bring him to her studio to live. There, he has lots of privacy and five cat beds, one of which is heated. Sly is not
agreeable to thyroid-supportive food, or daily thyroid
medication no matter how it is administered. The caretakers feel it best that he be
allowed to eat his favorite food and continue to live life on his terms. He gets to
see Barbara often, and his other caretakers visit him too. He does not enjoy overt
attention from them, but purrs when they are near. He sleeps very soundly, in a
way that Barbara imagines he might not have been able to do outside, where he
had to be alert for danger. Sly is not expected to live much longer. But with the
help of people, he has lived a good life for 19 years, and he will leave this world
peacefully.

Barbara thinks of Sly as a legend. We think he is too. But there would be no

story or legend to tell, had it not been for the long line of people who recognized
the dignity of his life and who did the day-to-day business of looking out for his
welfare.
Carol Lew
TNR Coordinator
Animal DREAMS

So began a new phase for Sly, the remaining cat of the colony. We can only guess
that he was a little bit lonely living his solitary life, because he began to enjoy
visits from his caretakers. Of the many cars that came and went from the business
near their outdoor home, Sly immediately recognized the vehicles of his

Animal Life

November 2016 animallifeonline.com 3

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Weathering the Aging

of Your
Very Best Friend

animal life

Original content contained herin can not be reproduced

without written permission of the publisher.

Alden Beane is certified through The

Canine Rehab Institute, and has over 14
years of experience. She offers vet re-

The buoyancy of water provides not

only relief from aching joints, but also a sense
of independence for dogs who
might struggle on land.

It doesn't get easier as your dog ages, that's for sure. It's so unbearably difficult to
watch them struggle getting up..walk stiffly...become less interested in daily life.
It seems like all they do is sleep. Having a senior dog, whether adopted in his
older years, or raised from puppyhood, is a true blessing, and gives you the opportunity to connect on an even deeper level while trying to figure out how to
keep your beloved pooch comfortable and happy. What can you do to keep your
older dog interested and engaged? How can you lessen the aching in their
joints...the tension in their muscles... their anxiety about what this new vulnerable and fragile stage of life means? This is a priceless opportunity to return their
unconditional love, and endless patience. But how.....
Water therapy can address many of the concerns you might have. The buoyancy
of water provides not only relief from aching joints, but also a sense of independence for dogs who might struggle on land. In water, they can move freely
and independently - and feel strong again. Weekly sessions also give them an invigorating, challenging, different experience as part of their routine. Over time,
swimming will decrease joint pain, loosen tense muscles, build strength, increase
confidence, improve circulation, and work on gait sequencing, to name just a few
benefits. Not to mention that it offers a truly useful way for you to gain peace of
mind knowing that you're making a big difference in their life. Another way to
comfort and help your geriatric dog, is by performing bodywork and massage,
daily, or as often as possible. Ideally, you should seek the guidance of a trained
professional. With their help, you'll gain a fuller understanding of your dog's body,
and will be more effective in relieving tension than if you try on your own. If professional support is not an option, you
could begin with gentle long strokes
along your dog's neck and spine, while
watching carefully for signs that your
Your pet. Our purpose.
dog is might be experiencing discomfort.
Publisher/Owner
In addition to bodywork and water therKim Arre-Gerber
apy, there are very simple tools available
aladvertising@aol.com
/ easy modifications to routine that may
Contributing Writers
be very helpful for your dog - both in
Iris Bass
their home and in transport. Asking your
Cara Petricca, On the Farm
veterinarian for suggestions, or seeking
Carol Lew
a canine wellness or rehab practitioner
Yoanna Y. Maitre
will offer you a wealth of information
Krista Wroldson Miller
and helpful tips.
Mary Koncel
As you start the journey into the last
Rebecca Stanard The Canine Critic
Leea Foran. The Canine Mind
part of your dog's life, try to enjoy their
quirks..their new, odd behaviors. KeepCirculation
ing "your chin up" and having a positive
Fred Speyrer & Martha Chiorgno
and grateful attitude can do wonders for
Cover photo by
both
you and your dog's energy and reNicholas Guercio, NRGPhotography & Co.
silience. Keeping them engaged with difFor advertising rates or
information call 413-459-5894
ferent toys, new treats, meeting new
Mailing Address:
people, having new experiences - all of
9 County Court, Pittsfield, MA 01201
those things can help an older dog conwww.animallifeonline.com
tinue enjoying their life...and help you
A Paw Print Division of Animal Laughter Studio.
continue enjoying them.
All original content copyright 2016 Animal Life.

ferred home visits and swimming for dogs in Great Barrington MA, specializing
in geriatrics, injury prevention, wellness and post op rehab. www.truebalanceanimalwellness.com 413-429-6879

Animal Life

November 2016 animallifeonline.com 5

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hoof beat

The Aging Horse

With continued advances in veterinary care and the steadily growing importance
of the human-animal bond, our horses are living longer than ever before. Gaining a better understanding of how the horse ages can help make their senior years
as comfortable and dignified as possible.
Most experts consider old age in horses to begin at about 18 years. However,
there is considerable variation, with some horses starting to show wear and tear
as early as 16 and others still looking in top condition well into their twenties.
Aging is a process, not a disease, so each senior horse needs to be treated as an
individual. The following are some important factors to evaluate as your horse ages
.

Body Condition

Periodically examine your horse for signs of weight loss and other changes.
Ribs should be felt with slight pressure, but never seen easily through the skin.
Also check the neck, withers and tail head area for changes in fat deposition as
these can be early indicators of Cushings disease or weight loss. Feel and flex
the joints for signs of swelling or pain, and monitor for any other lumps and
bumps. Older grey horses are especially prone to skin tumors such as melanoma,
which can frequently be found under the tail. A thorough physical exam should
be done by your veterinarian at least annually to identify early indicators of disease such as hear murmurs, vision changes, and signs of metabolic disease.

Yoanna Y. Matre, DVM, DABVP

Body Condition

Nutrition

Deworming

Vaccinations

Nutrition

Not all horses will need a change in diet just because they turn a certain age. Also
keep in mind that not all senior feeds are formulated for the same purpose: some
may be higher in fat to discourage weight loss, some lower in protein to prevent
weight gain, and some lower in carbohydrates to avoid exacerbating conditions
such as Cushings and laminitis (founder). Still others are simply formulated to
improve ease of chewing and digestibility (pelleted or extruded feeds). Read the
labels, and when in doubt, ask your veterinarian which diet is right for your horse.
As always, all changes should be instituted gradually to avoid sudden digestive
disturbances such as colic or choke.

Dental Care

Regular dental examinations and floating of the teeth are crucial to allowing
your horse to maintain good health. Sharp points and hooks on the enamel can
lead to slow or painful eating or inefficient feed utilization, predisposing to loss
of condition. Malocclusions (improper alignment) can worsen as horses age if not
addressed early in life. Horses teeth erupt continually throughout their lifetime,
and with advanced age teeth may become loose and even fall out. Horses can be
very stoic and may not show any signs of pain until abnormalities are severe and
difficult to correct, so examinations should be done regularly even in the absence
of obvious clinical signs.

Vaccinations

Though your senior horse may no longer be active on the show circuit, regular
vaccinations are still an important part of preventative health care. Vaccination
against Rabies, Tetanus, and Eastern, Western, and West Nile encephalitis is recommended for all horses. Flu/Rhino may be important for an older horse that
lives with other horses that are traveling to shows.

Deworming

Older horses may have a decreased immune response to parasites, making them
more likely to suffer from the effects of intestinal worms. Your veterinarian can
perform fecal analyses to be sure that the products you are using are necessary and
effective.

Quality of Life

Dental Care

Foot Care

Foot Care

Regular foot trimming can help reduce stress on aging joints and correct conformational changes. Your farrier may need to be a little more patient with your
senior horse, taking care not to exacerbate pain and stiffness by switching legs
more frequently and not flexing joints as far.

Quality of Life

Inevitably, the time will come when your old companion is nearing the end of his
time on earth. If he is unable to chew his food at all and is rapidly losing weight
or repeatedly colicking, or if he can no longer rise or stand without pain, or if he
is simply too frail to make it through another of our harsh and icy winters, the time
may be near. With diligent care and continued assessment this can hopefully be
postponed as long as possible. Do not hesitate to discuss your concerns about
end of life care with your veterinarian so everyone is better prepared when it
comes time to make the most difficult but loving decision of all.
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.

Animal Life

November 2016 animallifeonline.com 7

MAC Grant Supports Low-Cost

Spaying/Neutering for Dogs and Cats

Thanks to a grant from the Massachusetts Animal Coalitions (MAC) "I'm Animal Friendly" license plate program, Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) and Animal DREAMS (AD) will take another huge step forward in ending cat and dog
homelessness and overpopulation. This year the MAC grant will fund several
low-cost spaying/neutering programs, including BHSs 100 Cats for Christmas
and Be Hip & SNIP Your Dog as well as ADs Free-Roaming Feline Program. All
these programs are open to financially-challenged pet owners or caretakers in
Berkshire County.

explains John Perreault, Executive Director of BHS.

100 Cats for Christmas

In the last few years, the MAC license plate

program, along with our partnerships with
Animal DREAMS and local veterinarians,
is the major reason why Berkshire Humane
Society has been able to help hundreds of
families spay or neuter their cats and dogs,

This December BHS will host its fourth annual 100 Cats for Christmas. In past
years, we scheduled our largest low-cost spay/neuter event on one day usually
right before Christmas. This year, however, beginning on December 6th, well
be scheduling the surgeries on several days throughout the month.
To participate, cat owners of Berkshire County need to come to BHS in Pittsfield or Bark N Cat in North Adams to complete a registration form and pay a
non-refundable $25 fee, which includes a rabies vaccination.
At the time of registration, which is on a first come, first serve basis, participants
will be assigned a spay/neuter date and a drop-off location. Kittens must be three
months or older and weigh two pounds.
For more information, call Cheryl Truskowski at 413-447-7878, ext. 124.

Be Hip & SNIP Your Dog

Starting in January, BHS will hold our second Be Hip & SNIP Your Dog, targeting 50 puppies and dogs in Pittsfield and North County for low-cost spaying/neutering.
Dog owners in Berkshire County can purchase a $25 voucher at BHS in Pittsfield or Bark N Cat in North Adams and schedule a spay/neuter appointment at
one of the participating veterinarians. The non-refundable vouchers are available on a first come, first serve basis and valid until April 31st. A rabies vaccination is included. Puppies must be six months or older.
More information? Call Kennel Staff at 413-447-7878, ext. 126.

Free-Roaming Feline Program

AD is continuing its efforts to help free-roaming cats in Pittsfield and North

County through low-cost spaying/neutering. Owned cats who are allowed outdoors as well as feral or community cats are eligible for this program.
Owners of indoor/indoor cats can complete a registration form and pay the nonrefundable $30 fee by coming to BHS in Pittsfield. A surgery appointment will
be given at that time.
Caretakers of feral or community cats should call AD at 413-997-2287 to discuss a Trap/Neuter/Return plan. Fees are determined on a case-by-case basis.
AD also requires that kittens be three months or older and weigh two pounds.
All fees include a rabies vaccination.
BHS thanks Christa Abel of Bark N Cat and all our participating
veterinarians for supporting this important event.

BHS also encourages all community members to purchase a MAC "I'm Animal
Friendly" license plate to help support provide low-cost spaying/neutering programs for cats, dogs, and rabbits. The tax-deductible plates are available at local
Registries of Motor Vehicles or at www.petplate.org.
MAC is a statewide, non-profit organization comprised of animal professionals
and individual volunteers dedicated to decreasing the number of homeless, neglected, displaced and abused animals in Massachusetts.
Mary A. Koncel is the Community Outreach Coordinator at
Berkshire Humane Society.

Do You Have the Ultimate Dog?

Animal Life

November 2016 animallifeonline.com

No
Ordinary
Bird

A fervent knock at my door startled me this morning. I opened the door and saw my neighbor standing there, gasping and fidgeting, not seeming to be
able to stand still. My heart and mind raced as I
thought there was some sort of emergency when she
exclaimed, I just had to tell you! Waiting to hear
the worst, she continued, I saw a bald eagle, she
declared with much enthusiasm.
I knew it had to be her first. It seems anyone who
has never experienced sighting a bald eagle reacts this
way when they finally see one. I know I did.
My recollection is vivid. I can tell you where, what
time of day, the weather, what the eagle was doing,
and how it brought a lump to my throat and tears to
my eyes. My sighting occurred in my home town
along the Hudson River at the Corning Preserve in
downtown Albany, New York. As a kid growing up
in this urban environment, bald eagles were something to read about, not actually seen flying around,
or perched in the trees. In 1967, the species was an
Endangered one.
The New York State Bald Eagle Restoration project
began in 1976, just four years after the ban on DDT.
Pesticides such as DDT caused the virtual extirpation
of bald eagles in New York and other areas. Bald
eagle eggs suffered from thinning, breakage and toxicity which greatly diminished reproductive success.
Extirpated literally means to be driven underground.
It is used to refer to a species that may have been
eliminated from an area, or possibly driven to extinction.
According to the Department of Environmental
Conservation in New York, 'Extirpated' or 'Extirpation' means not extinct, but no longer occurring in a
wild state within New York, or no longer exhibiting
patterns of use traditional for that species in New

York (e.g., historical breeders no longer breeding).

The success of the restoration project through hacking (hand-rearing) has re-established a breeding
population in New York State. From 1982 to 1988,
forty-one young Bald Eagles from Michigan and
Canada were relocated to Quabbin Reservoir in Massachusetts. Following this restoration effort, Bald Eagles were confirmed to breed successfully in
Massachusetts by 1989. The status of the bald eagle
is now considered to be in the threatened category
in both New York and Massachusetts. The species
was removed from the federal list of threatened and
endangered species in August 2007.
I listened to my neighbor describe her Bald Eagle
sighting. She told me about getting out of her car,
trying to get the zoom to work properly on her cell
phone to take a photo, and how it made her feel patriotic. I shook her hand, and congratulated her on
her first eagle sighting. I shared a few stories with
her about many of the eagle sightings I have experienced. And then I got to thinking - do I need to rediscover the mystery in the ordinary? The number of
occurrences of my Bald Eagle sightings may be ordinary, but the this is no ordinary bird.
It seems that I see Bald Eagles frequently; at the
Hudson River; local streams; along the Taconic State
Parkway; and at many reservoirs. I see them all year
round; standing on ice floes catching a ride down
river, or perched in the shade of a cottonwood tree on
a hot summer day with their beaks open, panting like
my dog, Loki.
In my lifetime, Ive seen the remarkable recovery
of a species that should not be taken for granted.
Population viability requires constant effort to minimize potential negative impacts on Bald Eagle populations.
Land clearing; human disturbances

Animal Life

(motorized boats, jet skis, ATVs, drones, kayaks, canoes, camping, fishing, even bird watching!); collisions with vehicles trains, electric power lines;
contaminants in the water such as lead or PCBs are
still threats to our national symbol.
Bald Eagle sightings are on the rise, so lets keep it
that way. Observe them quietly from a distance.
Dont try to get closer; use a pair of binoculars instead. Dont honk your horn to see if you can get
them off a perch to fly; dont slam your car door.
Check with your states natural resources department to join a formal eagle watch program led by naturalists who can share their knowledge with you to
learn more about these fascinating creatures. You
may be able to join your state in helping to count Bald
Eagles.
If you havent seen a Bald Eagle, trust me, you will
always remember your first sighting.
Should you leave your dog at home if you decide to
go to an eagle watch program? I guess it depends on
the size of your dog since eagles can easily carry 4-5
pounds. The jury is still out on whether or not eagles
have a good sense of smell.
Fran Martino

Fran Martino is the sole proprietor of River Haggie Outdoors, a Woman-owned Business Enterprise certified with
New York State Department of Economic Development.
She is self-employed as an environmental educator, and
serves as the education and outreach coordinator for the
Greater Stockport Creek Watershed whose mission is to
explore, understand, and protect the watershed ecosystem
through community involvement and stewardship
(See: www.stockportwatershed.org).

November 2016 animallifeonline.com 9

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

Learn with a
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I believe that training should bring a smile to your face & a wag to your tail. I will never use
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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.

the
canine
mind!
myth &truth about dog behavior

My Lab is 13 years old and really starting to slow down. I guess thats
to be expected with age. She used to love trips to the park to run but
now I think well have to stop all that.

Aging is not a disease and it shouldnt mean the end of all fun and activity for you
or your dog.
I have 2 older Labs, one is 14.5 and the other is 12. Both are going through changes
and their lifestyles are evolving but I still try to provide a high quality of life for
every day they are with me. Here are some of the things I have done to support
them that I would suggest for you also:
Visit your veterinarian to be sure the slowing down is just aging and not a medical issue that needs treatment. Senior dogs should visit the doctor twice a year for
check ups. Your doctor may recommend supplements or medication that can reduce the pain of arthritis.
Be sure to have soft, comfortable bedding available. Dogs who may have slept
on a piece of furniture or your bed may no longer be able to jump up, so alternate,
draft-free floor comfort is important.
Be sure your home poses no risks of falls for your dog--uncarpeted flights of
stairs, clutter on the floors, furniture moved around can all pose safety problems for
your dog.
Add slip proof carpets to any hardwood or linoleum floors. My house looks like
a rug remanent showroom!
Teach your dog to climb a ramp or set of steps to get in and out of the car. Unless there is a medical reason, those trips to the park are still possible and provide
physical and mental stimulation. If getting into the car becomes too difficult then
at least go for a neighborhood walk each day. Mobility is important for continued
longevity.
Stick to a consistent schedule for meals, walks, bathroom breaks, play and other
daily events as much as possible. Some of our older dogs become more anxious
and less able to cope with change.
If you have a very active household or entertain guests frequently, give your
older dog a quiet place to be during the commotion. She may want to be with everyone, which is fine, but if it is overwhelming, she will have a safe haven.
You may notice the need for dietary changes. Work with your vet on this but
sometimes smaller and more frequent meals helps with better digestion. My oldest
gets four smaller meals a day instead of 2 and this has helped him a lot to stay
regular and comfortable.
Be as understanding and accommodating as you can. It may take your dog much
longer to do things, their hearing or vision may become impaired, they may become more restless or anxious at night, there may be occasional accidents on the floor.
I think it is a special privilege to care for an senior dog. This is our time to give them
back the unconditional love they have so freely given us all these years.
Leea Foran, CDBC, CPTA-KA is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and
Behavior consultant, Certified Tellington TTouch Practitioner Level 2 and owner
of Foranimals, LLC in Lenox, MA.
For more information: www .trainingforanimals.com or 413-445-8843

this side of purradise

In my previous column, I described energetic, three-year-old Sammy, who I

met at my last visit to Purradise. Also at
the shelter then was Princess who, despite being just a year older, was easily
twice his size. Sammy has been
adopted; Princess was still there when
I popped in on October 26. Why is she
being passed by? Could it be her
weight?
Although other cats in other condos
called or reached out when I greeted
them, Princesssprawled comfortably
on a blanketwas content to study me
from her immobile position. But that
wasnt her true personality. My photographer and I followed along when
this beautiful tortie was brought into
the shelters get-acquainted Nook for
some one-on-one with a Purradise volunteer. It was more like three-on-one:
Princess worked the room like a pro,
soliciting attention from each of us in
rapid succession. I tried to interest her
in following a feather attached to a
wand. No reaction. Maybe she just
needed a different toy, thought I, and
sure enough, a catnip mouse did the
trick: each time I dangled it above her,
Princess batted at it, snagged it with a
claw, and brought it down, only to
cheerfully relinquish it so I could dangle it again. (Although some cats may
not let a toy go once it is captured, she
obviously understood this game was

The Plus-Size Cat

Princess. Photo 2016 by Sheila Heflin.

about two players, not just the toy.)

When she became bored with that, by
voice and gesture I suggested that she
hop onto one of the cat perches next to
a window, and she did so agilely, several times jumping down to network
around the room before again resuming
her post. A vigorous head and neck rub
while she was seated on her perch had
her rolling about with such pleasure
that she nearly fell off and resulted in a
deep rumble of satisfied purr. When returned at last to her condo, she settled

MEMBER FDIC MEMBER DIF

Iris Bass

into a slow, acrobatic lick of her expanse of long fur. As she did so, I studied her anatomy: she is not really
big-boned, just flat-out overweight, as
is clear by the delicacy of her ears and
paws compared with her girthtoo
much of a good thing!
According to The Cornell Book of
Cats, Obesity negatively affects a
cats health, reducing its life span. The
added weight puts excessive stress on
joints, ligaments, and tendons and can
aggravate arthritis. It can also cause
shortness of breath because of the excessive amount of body tissue requiring oxygen. Cats like Princess need
not just a home but a responsible
human who will supply a healthy diet
to take off the pounds while not making Kitty feel deprived. Introducing reduced portion sizes or new foods can
be tricky, as cats can be finicky about
their food. The basic guidelines from
Cornell include to cut out treats and
table scraps, to avoid serving dry food
(which can be higher in calories than
wet) unless specifically a weight-reduction formula, and to increase
fiber...to keep things moving inside. A
personal tip: I regularly beat water into
my own cats wet food: more sauce
and a fuller tummy so they feel satisfied, as well as increasing hydration to
keep their digestive organs, skin, and
fur healthy.

A heavy catindeed, any catwill

also benefit from active play and multiple surfaces that encourage climbing
and jumping. Place fleeces or cat beds
a few feet above floor level, so that
Kitty will need to work those muscles
to enjoy a nap. Making a game of trotting up and down stairs; providing a
tiered cat tree or even just an A-frame
wooden ladder next to a window;
throwing balls or waving wand toys to
chase are all easy means to keep Kitty
limber as well as engaged with both
you and your shared environment.
Maybe youll even lose a few unnecessary pounds, too, while playing together!

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

November 2016 animallifeonline.com 11

BHS Canine Clinic and Adoption

at Haddad Subaru

Shamrock Professional Dog Grooming

Paula & Tom Phillips 10 Lyman Street, Pittsfield, MA

413-443-9700

Walk-ins WELCOME for: Nail clippings, Ear cleaning, Trimming of hair between pads

www.shamrockdoggrooming.com

Poochinis
located at Copake Lake,
Craryville, NY

518-325-4150 518-821-3959

12

Animal Life

Top Dog Styling

Bubbles & Brush
Dematting
Transportation
dog walking
a La Carte items
special services
Accepting most major credit cards
Fully Insured
Member of PSI and ASPCA

Dawn Gardina, Owner

poochinipetsalon@gmail.com
poochinipetsalon.wix.com/home

November 2016 animallifeonline.com

BHS thanks Chris and all the staff at Haddad Subaru for their ongoing support of
BHSs work and mission. Haddad Subaru is located at 652 East Street. For more
information about purchasing or leasing a Subaru from Haddad during the Share
the Love Event and designating BHS your Hometown Charity, call Chris at
413-997-7272.

Mary A. Koncel is the Community Outreach Coordinator at

Berkshire Humane Society.

Were looking forward to a great event that

will help both dogs and dog owners,
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call for date & times

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59 Main Street
Lee, MA

413-243-1220

Barking Beauties

www.Meowandgrowl.com

D LEASHES, COLLARS, BOWLS C

WALK-IN Nail Clipping

For more information about the

Share the Love Canine Clinic and Adoption,
call 447-7878, ext. 126.

D TOYS, CARDS, UNIQUE GIFTS C

grooming

Jan. 2, 2017, Subaru of America will donate $250 to BHS. So, if you think that
theres a new Subaru in your future and you love animals, plan ahead and stop by
Haddad Subaru during this special Share the Love Event.

On Saturday, November 19th, Haddad Subaru is going to the dogs! Join Berkshire
Humane Society (BHS) at the East Street dealership for our Share the Love Canine Clinic and Adoption funded by a generous ASPCA/Subaru Dealership Event
grant.
Between 10am and 2:00pm, BHS will be offering free rabies vaccinations and
$10.00 micro-chipping for the first 100 puppies and dogs. (Puppies must be three
months or older to be vaccinated.) Shelter puppies and dogs will also be onsite
for a satellite adoption. Reduced fees will be available for approved adopters
who complete an application on that day. Finally, therell be a Fill the Forester
donation drive for food and supplies to help all the animals at BHS and free refreshments for all our two-legged guests.
Were looking forward to a great event that will help both dogs and dog owners,
says John Perreault, Executive Director of BHS. Its another way that shows
how much Haddad Subaru gives back to the community.
In recent years, BHS has been a recipient of several ASPCA grants funded by
the Subaru of America Share the Love program. With this support, BHS has
been able to host low-cost spay/neuter events for both dogs and cats in Berkshire
County and surrounding areas. These included our Love-A-Bull campaign in
February 2014, which spayed/neutered 40 pit bull type dogs in North County
and two of our successful 100 Cats for Christmas in December 2013 and 2014,
which provided this service to almost 225 cats and kittens.
BHS is also thrilled to announce that Haddad Subaru has chosen us to be its
Hometown Charity for Subaru of Americas 2016 Share the Love Event. For
any new car bought or leased from Haddad Subaru between Nov. 20, 2016 and

D ASK ABOUT OUR DELIVERY SERVICE C

Salon for Dogs & Cats

Staci A. Barrett, Owner

  Always
 Available

18Years of Experience Gift Certificates

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

 

 

Loving Luciano:

A Senate Candidate
& Her Furry Four-legged BFF

As the Republican candidate, I recently received excellent marks from animal

groups. For me, they were answers from the heart. Saving animals is not a political answer for me; instead, its a life philosophy. Id like to share some of my
thoughts about the love of my life, my kitty, Luciano Wilson. Maybe, if we all
opened up more about our experiences with animals, we would be a much happier world because of the mental and physical connection they offer us. Here is a
glimpse into my story about the shelter cat who stole our hearts.

My kitty cat, BFF, third child came directly from our local Shelter.
Over the years she has been at my side in sickness and in health. Matter of fact,
she has been a great friend to my whole family because she keeps us happy, and
has taught us that the world circles around her needs, as the ruler of our household. Her presence makes me feel attached to our home, as she is a reminder of
what true love means with her simple greetings when any of us comes home.
Somehow, she saved us, as much as we saved her. After any situation, our baby
girl boosts our moods as she compels us to play with her while she makes sexy
poses all over the rug exposing her furry belly for endless rubs. Somehow, when
I come home she knows that my fatigue or tension decreases as she instantly
teaches us what matters in life and that is unconditional love. She has taught
us values, and brought us closer as a family. My children have learned to trust
animals, become more responsible, and to understand that a family pet is a true
responsibility. As the Republican candidate for State Senate, I am proud to call my
little Luciano my third child because I cannot imagine a day without her in
my life.
As a widow raising two children, I realized early on the benefits of having a pet.
Our local school counselor had a dog named inky that all the children could
talk to and the trust given to the dog with their deepest secrets made me realize how important animals are to children. As their dad was deceased from
Leukemia, I wanted them to have someone beyond myself or their grandparents
to talk to as kids. It was the best decision I ever made, because Luciano Wilson
became my third child. My kids refer to her as their non-biological sibling. The
youngest in our family has four paws, big eyes, and a personality to boot. Although Luciano was born a feline, she has the tummy of a piggythe mind of a
k-9and the heart of an old soul. She has a sassy personality, and reinvented herself from simple shelter cat to the queen of the household. Currently, Luciano has
hundreds of followers on Facebook, and is gaining popularity on Twitter. Luciano
is a cat, who doesnt mind usurping Karl Lagerfelds Choupette.
After reporting locally and working on a tape for an upcoming Civitan show for
PCTV (in regards to the volunteers who built a shelter to protect the dogs from
the elements at Sonsini) I realized what pets meant to each of us. Gabe, a volunteer from Unistress, told me about his two dogs which were referred to as his children. It was with such raw honesty and passion, that it became evident that pets
make us better people and increase our quality of life.
As many people know, animal rights is a cause which I support 100%, and if I can
encourage any reader out there to adopt a cat or a dog
I will. When you adoptyou easily and effortlessly, you experience an improvement in your life for the better. No matter how tired you are in your daily
life, a pet makes you more agile as your focus and concern turns to your four
legged buddy. Somehow, they magically have a way of making you exercise, play,
or destress. When I pamper my Luciano, or she pampers me by combing the back
of my hair with her paws, a level of anxiety goes to the wayside. She relaxes me,

14

Animal Life

November 2016 animallifeonline.com

and I often feel like a

new person as my little
Luciano stimulates a
new type of interaction
that puts the days
work in perspective, by
keeping me in the now
with her needs. Somehow, she puts and
keeps a smile on my
face and that of my
children. At times, my
furry friend is my confidant. I feel I can tell
her anything, and she isnt going to tell a soul. Luciano brings my children and I
sheer joy. Even my father, considers her one of the grandchildren. Her picture,
along with my brothers black lab, sit proudly amongst the other kids pictures in
his room. This past Christmas, my parents gave their furry granddaughter, a stocking full of treats. That is because my cat, is one of us. She is family. I suppose the
best way to put it:
Luciano came to us from the local shelter, and over the years she has saved us as
much as we have saved her. For example, no matter how much money I make or
dont make Luciano loves me. Matter of fact, my Lucianos love is unconditional. While others see me as their next Senator, Luciano sees me as her mother
because I am the one who holds her in storms, rocks her while reading, and makes
sure that her box is clean and tidy.
At night, as she lays on my stomach looking for a few head scratches, I can tell
her anything with full trust that she isnt going to judge me or repeat it. It is as if
we know each others deepest secrets. Matter of fact, we know each other as if
we were soulmates. Without question, I know she prefers raw salmon to canned
tuna, pate is out and cat food should only be served in gravy. We know that gravy
is kitty crack for her and that she craves it once in the morning and again before bed. We know that bottle caps cannot be tossed out right away, as they are
good for playing paw hockeyand that strings of yarn are to tangle up in only to
be later hidden under the carpet or chairs, until vacuuming day.
Our little shelter cat, over the past decade, has taught us to find meaning and joy
in our lives. On days that something is wrong, she knows to climb up for a snuggle with me or the kids. Somehow, her presence makes life alright again. She
helps us stay connected with each other because we all crave her companionship
and vice versa.
To be fair, pets arent for everyone. Animals deserve dignity and protection. There
are people who shouldnt have animals. Animals are not always perfect, but they
are pretty close to it. For example, when I first sought her out, I was looking for
a cat with energy that would be the ultimate mouse killer. It is important to note
that I live out in an area that a mouse might like to sneak in the house for warmth
in the winter. When I got my little renamed kitten, I changed her name to Luciano, after the famed mafia killer. It was hoped that the name might make her an
aggressive killer house pet, but over the years I realized she was more of a
Garfield.

continued on page 14

Loving Luciano ontinued from page 14

Lucianos day consisted, and still does, of the 5 a.m. pounce on my head for breakfast, followed by the paw tap and the licking nibbles until I arise as her human
slave. Sometimes, if I forget to put the fresh laundry away, I may see evidence of
a shedding. After a night of prancing about, Luciano feels it necessary to pass out
in one of the beds I was hoping to make. Sometimes she flops by the solar windows, and refuses to move so that I can vacuum. This is why she is my third child,
because Luciano is a big baby. She wants it her way and when it doesnt go her
way, like my teenagers, she voices her concerns with a few choice meows. It is not
unusual to find her jumping out from under a table, leaping across furniture or pretending she is in a world known only to Calvin and Hobbes. Embarrassingly, she
sometimes prostitutes herself for pets with any and all workmen who come to the
house. She adores attention, and can often be seen thinking the grass is greener

as each bird lands in the yard. However, that is what makes Luciano the cat that
I love. It is all those little quirky traits that I have come to love and adore. At this
time of year, she eyes the turkeys much like Edith Whartons character, Zenobias
cat. When the turkeys are not around, she waits for an occasional fly, moth, or
bumblebee to come in with an open door or windowshe will chase it until it
wears itself down and with one paw-smack back in to her mouth like a piece of
popcorn.
When I first took her home, she was ragged, skinny, and wasnt as trusting of
people. Matter of fact, she cried in the box, but I continued to play James Taylor
CDs to help her relax. Nowadays, I think James Taylor is her favorite artist, because when his music fills the air, I see her come towards my music box, as if to
visit an old friend. If I sing along off key to Sweet Baby James, I will see her head
turn with a distinct look as if to say Silence Please. That is the funny thing about
Luciano, somehow she acculturated to family life, and human ways.
Believe it or not, there are times at dinner, we have caught her trying to sit like us
in a chair. If I have gone away, and return, she is like a bitter lover mad at the
spouse. It goes without saying she will send me a message, such as clawed toilet
paper, ripped paper towels, or of course, a moment of missing the litter box. As I
clean up, I see her at the end of the hall watching, as if to say do it again, and next
time wont be as pretty. Shelter cats, like my Luciano, have a unique soul, and
certainly are not void of personality. Although my baby girl loves me unconditionally, she has made me earn her respect. Luciano is unique. She will meow
with the best of them on days when things arent going her way and she will
purr until she falls asleep with the love of her family by her side.
Personally, I cannot imagine a home without a pet. Pets are not for everyone, but
for those of us who open our lives to the possibilities of that extra family member, we learn that extending our homes to these lovable critters can be the most
rewarding experience in the world.
Christine Canning,
Republican Candidate for State Senate.

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Shop Local and Support all of our Animal Life patrons

For the Holidays!

PET SUPPLIES, GIFTS & DAY CARE

BensDotters Pet
Massachusetts

940 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA

(413) 528-4940

Chez Pet

Lenox Commons, 55 Pittsfield Road, Lenox, MA

(413) 637-0800

Lenox Village Pharmacy

5 Walker Street, Lenox, MA
(413) 637-4700

Meow & Growl

59 Main Street, Lee, MA
(413) 243-1220

Shaker Hill Pet Supplies

1634 West Housatonic St., Pittsfield, MA
(413) 499-1580

Connecticut

Ultimate Dog
9 Academy Street, Salisbury, CT
(860) 435-8353

Bow Meow Regency

Massachusetts Day Care

92 Cook Road, Sheffield, MA

(413) 229-0035

Happy Dog Day Care

Walk in the Park
(413) 528-0877

Reliable Pet Sitting

(413) 446-0684

Pittsfield, MA
(413) 443-0443 or (413) 329-5127

Shaker Paws
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Hillsdale, NY
(518) 764-1320

Adoptions
in the tri-state area

Petey

14 y.o. - Male - Grey & White

SPECIAL NEEDS

Petey came to the Berkshire Humane Society

due to his owner passing away. He is a
very quiet boy who enjoys laying in the sun
and lounging away the day. Petey has a
condtion called entropion of both eyes. This
means that his lower eyelids curl inward and
rub on his corneas. He will need to have
lubricating eye ointment for the rest of
his life. He may also need medicated eye
drops at times. Petey is looking for a quiet
and understanding home that will take
care of him for his remaining years. Stop in
Purradise today to meet this sweet old man!

FOR MORE INFO, CALL 413-717-4244

At the

At the

Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter

Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter

Zeus is a very handsome 1 year old Boxer mix looking for a

active home that can give him the mental and physical exercise he will need to keep him from getting bored. He is looking
to be your one and only, although he may meet dogs outside
of the house ok he does not want to share his own. He knows
basic commands and walks well on leash. Fenced in yard preferred as he loves to do zoomies and chase tennis balls. He
can be very rambunctious and does not know his own size so
children over 12 for this playful pup. Stop down and see Zeus
today!

Clarice is still patiently waiting for her forever home.

She is a 3-4 year old American Fox Hound! Foxhounds
make great pets for active individuals, families, experienced dog handlers, people living alone, and those
who enjoy the outdoors. She loves her crate and since
coming here she's almost completely potty trained.
Clarice will need someone who truly understands
hound dogs and their behaviors.. Stop down and meet
her today!

Zeus
Sponsored by:

Locations throughout
Berkshire County

Clarice
Sponsored by:

36 Pittsfield Road
Lenox, MA
ycc01240@aol.com

At the

Berkshire Humane Society

Everette

I am a high energy dog that has not had very much training. I am a work in progress. I will need an adult household to get me through some of the basics. I am working
on walking on a loose lead, sitting for greetings and impulse control. I would do best in a home setting as I do
tend to be vocal at busy times. I am mostly house
trained, only a few accidents here in the kennel environment. I will need sturdy toys and outlets for my energy. I would love a fenced yard to romp and play! The
kennel staff will be taking applications and finding me
the best home to suit my special needs.

At the

Berkshire Humane Society

Bessie

I am high-energy girl who needs a lot of exercise. I am

playful and soft toys are my favorite! I have a hard time
seeing people on bikes or passing closely to my territory
so I will need to work on counter-conditioning when I
see things go past me and my space. I can be a bit shy
of new people at first, so be patient with me and I will
figure things out. A little bit of work and lots of understanding and patience as I settle in to my new environment and all will be well.

Sponsored by:

36 Pittsfield Road
Lenox, MA
ycc01240@aol.com

At the

Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter

Diesel

Diesel came to us along with 2 other dogs, after

the house she was living in was declared UN-livable. Diesel and the rest of the dogs were found
kept in crates covered in feces and other debris.
Despite everything she's been through Diesel is
filled with love, noting brings her down! Every
time you go in her kennel this sweet girl is over
come with joy and zoomies!

Sponsored by:

Merrill Road,
Pittsfield

info@berkshiremm.com

veterinarians

%(5.6+,5($0%8/$725<
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Elizabeth Tullett
DVM

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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

Dr. Sharon Lynch, Veterinarian

Fred Davis III, CVT

Comprehensive Veterinary Services

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Caring & Compassionate

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

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VCA All Caring Animal Hospital

Conventional & Holistic Veterinary Medicine
& 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 518-764-1320

grooming

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

Stray & Feral Cat Advocates

413-997-2287
www.berkshireanimaldreams.org

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

NE Basset Hound Rescue, Inc.

413-300-0052

www.scruffymutts.com

Dawna Hartman, Intake Coordinator,

68dawna@gmail.com, www.nebhr.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

All organic-Natural Dog & Cat Food

Self Serve Dog Wash Stations!

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

413-243-1220

DART

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

Animal DREAMS

285 Sharon Goshen Turnpike, W. Cornwall, CT

860-672-6346
www.littleguild.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

Little Guild of St. Francis

Pamper Shop Barkery

BensDotters Pet

Berkshire Humane Society

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

Scruffy Mutts

pet stores

veterinarian services

Berkshire Disaster Animal Response Team

Reducing risk for pets during disasters and more!

Corrine McKeown, Director www.WMDART.com

(508) 243-3622 MA

NE Pyreness Rescue

(toll free) 877-528-0637

www.nepyresq.org

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

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

413-499-1580

pet times

A listing of upcoming events in

the Tri-state area

PACK WALKS are Back!

Ashuwillituck Trail
at the Berkshire Mall.
Check on line for dates and times.

Registration forms available at the shelter.

We are also recommending that all dogs receive
updated kennel cough vaccinations.

63 Downing Parkway, Pittsfield.

NOVEMBER 12TH SAT.

Grand Event

Purradise OPEN HOUSE

Noon to 4pm
Celebrating 1,000 Adoptions
Purradise
301 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington

NOVEMBER 19TH 10AM TO 2PM.

CANINE CLINIC
A Dogs Only Event

Haddad Subaru, 652 East Street, Pittsfield

$10 Microchip, Free Rabies Vaccine
Reduced Adoption Fees for Dogs

THROUGH OCTOBER 31ST

Eleanor Sonsini Fundraiser U

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f Image Salon, Pittsfield
New
Fitter Critters, Lee
Eleanor Sonsini Shelter
Canine Connection, Cheshire