HumaneTales BERKSHIRE HUMANE SOCIETY NEWSLETTER • HOLIDAY 2014
MAIN SHELTER 214 Barker Rd Pittsfield, MA 01201 413-447-7878
BerkshireHumane.org
“Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day. It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.”
PURRADISE, Feline Adoption & Retail Center 301 Stockbridge Rd Great Barrington, MA 01230 413-717-4244
A LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: 2014 – A YEAR OF COLLABORATION 2014 has shaped up to be an exciting year for Berkshire Humane Society. As always, I’m grateful to shelter staff, the board of directors, and the volunteers who have worked diligently to promote our important mission with such success. When reflecting on our accomplishments, I also want to acknowledge the many fruitful partnerships that we have formed with other organizations, both locally and nationally, in 2014. The world of animal sheltering is ever changing, and I believe that Berkshire Humane Society has done an excellent job in keeping up with and, at times, ahead of these changes–in part because we recognize the need for effective collaborations. Working with organizations that, like BHS, strive to make a difference has allowed us to expand our programs, to innovate, to share limited resources, and to bring the most benefits to the animals and people of Berkshire County and beyond. Here are just a few examples: ❄ As a result of a joint grant with Berkshire Animal DREAMS, our local Trap-Neuter-Return group, we will sterilize 125 cats in a targeted area of West Pittsfield. By sharing resources and information about clients who are in need of low-cost spaying/neutering, Berkshire Humane Society and Animal DREAMS have been able to help many cat owners and their cats. ❄ Money from the Massachusetts Animal Coalition’s license plate program as well as the Subaru of America, Inc./ASPCA’s “Share the Love” campaign has allowed us to spay/neuter 85 dogs, including 35 bully breeds, and once again sponsor another “100 Cats for Christmas” in December. ❄ Along with the City of Pittsfield, we offer monthly programs to the families at Dower Square, and we have begun providing free wellness clinics for cats and dogs of the residents at Francis Plaza. ❄ Since the opening of our SafePet Room in July, we’ve partnered with additional health and social service organizations, such as Elder Services, The Brien Center, and Berkshire Medical Center, enabling us to expand our SafePet foster care program to more pets of people who are in difficult or transitional situations. As Berkshire Humane Society continues to help animals in our community, examining the best ways and practices to have the most impact, I’m certain you’ll see even more collaborations in the future. Providing animals with a quality of life that they deserve will take a village working together…we’re just so lucky to live in such a village. On a final note, I’m especially pleased with the success of the new Humane Heroes program. Created earlier this year, it fills a gap and targets children between the ages of 8 and 14 who want to volunteer at the shelter but cannot due to their age. Meeting once a month, our Humane Heroes learn about a variety of topics and help with shelter projects and fundraising events. This group of young animal advocates has already made a difference in the lives of animals. Happy holidays, and thanks again for your continuing support. Without it, Berkshire Humane Society would not be the vibrant and essential part of our community that it is, and thousands of animals each year would have no place to go. John Perreault
Executive Director Berkshire Humane Society
5 1 0 2 in r e th e g o T e c n e Making a Differ
HELPING ANIMALS AT BHS Although all of us love animals, sometimes adopting another furry family member isn’t possible. But there are other ways you can make life for a shelter animal a little easier. Consider, for example, purchasing enrichment toys, becoming an in-house adopter, or donating to the Ken Freeburg Fund for animals with medical needs. Call or stop by Berkshire Humane Society to find out how you can help. Meanwhile read a story about a dog who inspired one creative option. Goliath the Giant Dog: How to Adopt a Dog without Taking Him Home By Gus (R.E. Gustitus) Fifteen years ago, my wife announced she was ready for another dog. She wanted a Yorkshire Terrier puppy. So we made our intentions known to family and friends. Our neighbor’s sister, who knows dog breeders, was coming to visit from Kansas when a litter would be ready. Should she bring one for $200? Yes! He weighed only one pound and sat in my wife’s little hand with room to spare. The veterinarian identified him as a “small” miniature. He could have been the runt. So he needed a big name. We named Goliath, after the Biblical Philistine giant. Goliath was a great dog. He would run, jump, play, and bark at everything and nothing. He eventually grew up to be three pounds. One day I heard Goliath barking on the deck and saw him nose to nose with a Great Dane four steps below. He gave me almost as much pleasure as my first grandchild. In later years, Goliath slowed down. He lost his hearing, most of his teeth, and developed cataracts in both eyes. He would sleep next to my heart on the couch by day and in bed at night. Last April, as my wife and I were packing to return from a vacation, the dog sitter called. Goliath had peacefully expired three weeks before his fifteenth birthday. I couldn’t believe how overpowering the grief was. My wife said a new dog was not on the horizon. It took time, but I formulated a plan. I approached Berkshire Humane Society and offered to sponsor the adoption of a pet to a family who could not afford the fee. Now I’m a “part owner” of a feisty little Jack Russell. I didn’t get to take him home, but I’m finally happy, and Jack and his new family are together. P.S. Recently, at a supermarket, I saw a “Puppy” calendar that included a Yorkie. A friend slid up to me and said, “That looks like the dog you used to have. What was his name? Godzilla?” I laughed. Even from the grave, Goliath makes me laugh!
NEW TRICKS & NOSE WORK CLASSES AT FAMILY DOG SCHOOL Family Dog School (FDS) at Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) believes that every dog deserves an education–as well as some fun and new challenges. So FDS is expanding its curriculum. In addition to the popular puppy-preschool, manners, and agility classes, FDS is now offering Tricks Classes and K9 Nose Work. Besides being a good time for you and your dog, both classes are designed to encourage bonding, provide mental and physical stimulation for your dog, and teach clear communication. Although appropriate for all dogs, tricks training is especially helpful for building confidence in anxious or fearful ones while nose work can be a great fit for senior dogs or dogs with hearing or visual impairments. “Our tricks class focuses on teaching tricks through a stepby-step method using positive reinforcement techniques, such as luring, capturing, and shaping,” explains Amy Mack, an assistant instructor at FDS. “Each new trick presents a new challenge that we can address with creativity and fun.” During the Level I Tricks Class, dogs learn a variety of tricks, including “Sit Pretty,” “Kiss on Cue,” and “Bang, You’re Dead.” The Level II Tricks Class builds on the skills learned in Level I and teaches more advanced tricks. Amy, who is also an adoption counselor at BHS, is currently working to become a Certified Tricks Dog Instructor. Moreover, FDS is pleased to welcome Jen Brown, who will teach the nose work class. Nose work, a relatively new enrichment activity, is designed to help dogs rediscover how to use their natural sense of smell. Through a series of simple exercises designed to encourage an independent hunt style, dogs search boxes for special treats and are then rewarded when they find them. Jen is a Certified Nose Work Instructor. FDS also provides private sessions and consultations at the training center. To learn more about classes, tuition, and registration, call FDS at 413-447-7878, ext. 39, or email Lisa Corbett at lcorbett@ berkshirehumane.org.
A HAPPY HOMECOMING FOR TEQUILA Often, we know so little about the animals who come to Berkshire Humane Society (BHS). What we do know, though, is once here they receive exceptional care and another chance for the loving home they so deserve. Such was the case with Tequila or, as she’s now known as, Tubby. Last July, during one of that month’s many heat waves, a Tubby with best friend Pelle Sheffield police officer noticed what he thought was a dead raccoon on the side of a road. Fortunately, he stopped to investigate and found, much to his surprise, not a raccoon but a large, dirty, and matted cat who was barely alive. Once at BHS, an examination revealed that Tequila, as the longhaired Tortie was soon to be called, was covered with cuts and in urgent need of fluids from being severely dehydrated. After being bathed and clipped to remove the mud and tangles of hair, she eventually made her way onto the adoption floor. But when she seemed unhappy there, Diane Briggs, our in-house foster mom, decided she needed some extra TLC and made her our new “office cat” until the right family found her. For months, visitors to BHS’s administrative offices, including many dogs, often found Tequila, whom staff estimated to be seven or eight years old, in her favorite place–sitting on Diane’s desk, watching her foster mom work. (No, Tequila never learned to answer the phone!) A few potential adopters met Tequila, but they always ended up passing on her. Then came Fredda, a long-time friend of BHS. Recently, she and her husband Ben lost their beloved senior cat. Initially, they were considering adopting a kitten to be companion for Pelle, their 16-month-old Australian Shepherd, but then realized two young animals running around the house might be too chaotic.
Although Fredda had seen Tequila several times, she hadn’t thought about adopting her. Then, as she explains, she had her ‘Aha Moment.’ “I realized that I could give an older cat a forever home with us and, at the same time, provide Pelle with a very sweet and patient new companion.” Today Tequila, who has been renamed Tubby, is thoroughly enjoying her new life in West Stockbridge. (Yes, she is a tad overweight!) As soon as she arrived, she began exploring the house, and, by evening, she found her spot in Ben’s lap. According to Fredda, Tubby is extremely sociable and affectionate, and she’s become best friends with Pelle. Now the only challenge is helping Tubby shed a few pounds. “She walked into the door as Tubby,” laughs Fredda, “but at some point she will be Twiggy!”
END-OF-THE-YEAR DONATIONS TO BHS 10,000 Reasons to Give Now’s the time to renew your membership and make a donation to Berkshire Humane Society (BHS). Thanks to a $10,000 gift from a generous friend of BHS, if you renew your 2014 membership and make an extra donation between now and December 31st, your donation will be matched dollar for dollar. If you’ve already renewed your 2014 membership and want to make an additional donation to BHS, that donation will also be matched. And it’s so easy–just write “Match” on the enclosed envelope. BHS is a private, nonprofit organization and receives no state or federal funding. We’re dependent on you and other community members to help us provide important resources for animals and people in Berkshire County and beyond. End the year with a smile knowing that you’re a supporter of BHS. BHS is proud to have received the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s leading independent charity evaluator.
Holiday Greetings and thanks to all of our BHS members for your continuing support ✂
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25% OFF TOTAL PURCHASE Available through Wednesday, December 24, 2014 for one time purchase only. One coupon per customer.
Berkshire Humane Society’s Resale Boutique 325 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA (next to Happy Nails) 413-717-4005 • catwalkboutique.org STORE HOURS: M/W/Th/F/Sa: 10 am - 5 pm | Sunday: Noon - 4 pm | Closed Tuesdays
Come to
THE BEASTS BY DAVID ANDEREGG
AN UNFORGETTABLE MUSICAL EXPERIENCE FOR ALL AGES FEATURING QUINTESSENTIAL AND JOHN DEMLER AS AMBROSE
2015
Mark your calendars! The Coffee Hour Speaking Series at Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) is back with a new schedule of exciting speakers and timely animal topics.
Terry Cormier will open the series with a discussion of therapy animals on Sunday, January 25th. A member of Pet Partners and chair of the Pet Therapy program at Berkshire Medical Center, Terry will be bringing her Newfoundland, Sullivan, who is a therapy and water rescue dog. On Sunday, February, 15th, Dr. Randy Frost will explore the psychology of animal hoarders. Randy is a psychology professor at Smith College and has done extensive research on this topic.
All proceeds support Berkshire Humane Society, Sheffield Food Program, & Breaking Bread Kitchen
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SATURDAY, DEC. 13 AT 4:00 OLD PARISH CHURCH 125 S. MAIN ST. SHEFFIELD Sponsored by First Congregational, Christ Trinity, and Our Lady of the Valley Churches. The concert has been underwritten by The Myrin Institute. All ticket sales go to the food programs and humane work. TICKETS AT THE DOOR. ADULTS: $15 CHILDREN: $5.
Julie Anne Collier of Wingmasters will present a program on North American birds of prey on Sunday, March 22nd. Accompanying Julie Anne, a licensed rehabilitator, will be live owls, falcons, and hawks, and BHS will be hosting an exhibit of raptor artwork by Julie Anne and Jim Parks. All events in the Coffee Hour Speaking Series, which are free and open to the public, will be held at BHS, from 2:00PM-4:00PM. Refreshments will be served. Reservations aren’t necessary, but if you’d like to save a spot and be eligible for a raffle at each event, please go to http://berkshirehumane.org/coffee-hour-registration/
OUR MAX: SERVING & PROTECTING Sometimes a special dog needs a special job. For Maximus, a one-year-old, purebred German Shepherd who came to Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) this summer, that job turned out to be as a highly trained and valued member of the Vermont State Police K9 Unit. We couldn’t be prouder of him! As Roberta Townsend, supervisor of canine services, explains, young and energetic barely begins to describe Maximus, or Max. His Trooper Nicholas Arlington & K-9 Maximus strength combined with his prey drive–meaning he liked to chase cats and other small animals–resulted in his surrender to BHS in August. Although Max attracted a few potential adopters, none was the right fit. So shelter staff contacted German Shepherd Rescue of New
England, who cross-posted Max on their website. In a short time, Trooper Nicholas Arlington and two other members of the Vermont State Police K9 Program in Chester, VT came to meet Max. According to Trooper Arlington, the K9 program wants dogs who can’t be easily controlled by civilians. Not surprisingly, given his intellect and intensity, Max excelled during the one-hour evaluation, which included playing tug of war, chasing balls, and tracking one of the officers into the woods around the shelter. Since leaving BHS, Max, along with Trooper Arlington who is his trainer and handler, has been enrolled in a 16-week patrol school followed by a 6-week drug school, Monday through Friday, eight hours a day. Because the Vermont State Police use dual purpose dogs, Max will graduate as both a patrol and drug dog. Besides being able to help take suspects into custody with bite work, he’ll be certified to search for people, drugs, as well as evidence at a crime scene. Although Max is Trooper Arlington’s first K9 dog, he is not his first rescue dog. That dog was Oreo, who was thrown out of a moving car as a puppy. We wish Trooper Arlington and Max the best of luck with their important work.
AN UPDATE ON THE SafePet ROOM & PROGRAM “Build it, and they will come” aptly describes the response from the surrounding community to Berkshire Humane Society’s (BHS) SafePet Room that opened in July. The newly renovated, secure space at the shelter is an important addition to the SafePet Program, which provides free foster placement to the pets of owners who are in crisis or transition. Originally, the program was created in 2002 for clients of the Elizabeth Freeman Center. But, as John Perreault, Executive Director of BHS, notes, over the years, the need to expand this service to others became apparent. Now with the SafePet Room, BHS can respond to that need. In the past five months, the SafePet Program has cared for 12 animals–cats, dogs, and birds– from the Elizabeth Freeman Center as well as our new partnering agencies, including The Brien Center and Berkshire Medical Center. Their stays in the program have ranged from a few days to several months. Although the SafePet Room has allowed BHS to respond more quickly to a greater number of requests, the priority of the SafePet Program is to always place an animal with a foster family. And not surprisingly, our Berkshire neighbors, both young and old, have responded to requests for those foster families. One of them is Elissa, an animal lover and eighth grader from Lenox. With her parents’ approval and support, Elissa cared for Ginger, a cat who belonged to a woman in need of medical care, for several weeks this summer. “I thought it was a really good program for people who need help with their pets,” she explains. At first, Elissa remembers, Ginger was shy and mostly hid under Elissa’s bed. Eventually, though, Elissa won her trust. “It was really awesome that she felt at ease with us even though she was away from home,” she says. According to Elissa’s mother, although her daughter brought up the idea of fostering and assumed care of Ginger, the experience was “absolutely joyful” for the entire family, who is now caring for a litter of orphaned kittens brought to the shelter. “The SafePet Program is a fantastic way for people to reach outside themselves,” she says. “We love knowing that we kept Ginger safe and happy for her owner.” In a letter that accompanied Ginger when she was returned to her owner, Elissa wrote, “I will miss her, but I’m sure she will be so glad to see you again.” Can it get any better than that! BHS is always looking for foster families for many of our programs. For more information, please call Cheryl Truskowski at 413-447-7878, ext. 25.
HUMANE HEROES 2014 WRAP-UP By Lizzy Brown and Danielle Hammell As the first year of Berkshire Humane Society’s Humane Heroes Program comes to a close, it’s time to look back and see all that has been done. We have had some amazing things happen with the help of some sweet kids. In September, heroes raised $1,200 for the shelter by creating their own website and video interviews to post on YouTube. Kids met weekly to put this special project together. They wrote biographies, donation thank-you notes, and interview questions about an animal– all of which meant learning the animal’s background and composing questions that would highlight major points. Kids interviewed dogs, cats, bunnies, and even a guinea pig. You can check out these videos by going to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ user/BerkshireHumane/featured Our Humane Heroes
The heroes also dedicated some time one recent Saturday to clean up the dog walk trail that runs around the perimeter of the shelter’s property. Within an hour, 25 kids pulled up four tires, loads of scrap metal, six bags of trash and one very big shoe. It was awesome, and the kennel staff was excited to see the new and improved wooded path. The heroes also learned an important lesson about land conservation and keeping our forests clean. Additionally, our community pet food bank has been supplied with over 10,000 pounds of food donated by Walmart and delivered to the shelter through the efforts of a single Humane Hero–Lindsey of Adams. She was also the first hero to be awarded the grand prize of “Staff for the Day.” With the help of her mom, Lindsey continues to make frequent commutes to Walmart in Pittsfield and North Adams for the shelter. We are so thankful for her dedication. Humane Heroes is a free program generously underwritten by the Claudia and Steven Perles Family Foundation. For more information, go to our website at BerkshireHumane.org/humanehero or contact Lizzy Brown at ebrown@berkshirehumane.org
S… I R E N N I W THE BHS CONTINUES LOW-COST SPAY/NEUTER CAMPAIGN A NEW HADDAD SUBARU FOR YOU & $250 FOR BHS Congratulations to Becky Ferguson of Austerlitz, NY–this year’s lucky winner of Berkshire Humane Society’s (BHS) 2015 Subaru Forester Raffle. Thanks to Haddad Subaru of Pittsfield, the animals at BHS will continue to be winners. During its annual end-of-the-year “Share the Love” event, Subaru of America, Inc. contributes millions of dollars to charities. Customers who purchase or lease a new Subaru between November 20, 2014 and January 2, 2015 can chose one of five national organizations, including the ASPCA, to receive a $250 donation. Additionally, Subaru dealerships are given the opportunity to designate a sixth nonprofit from their local community to receive a $250 donation for every Subaru purchased or leased from them. Haddad Subaru chose BHS as its recipient. “We’ve worked with Berkshire Humane Society for the past five years, and we appreciate all they do for the animals in the area,” explains Chris Kramek, General Sales Manager at Haddad Subaru. “We know the money will be put to great use.” Besides sponsoring the “Haddad Subaru Dog of the Week,” which promotes a shelter dog every week and pays $50 toward the adoption fee if that dog is adopted, Haddad Subaru has hosted satellite adoptions and partnered with BHS in our recent car raffles and other events. Now is the perfect time to get that new Subaru and help BHS. For more information about purchasing or leasing a Subaru from Haddad during the “Share the Love” event, call Chris Kramek at 413-997-7272.
Two grants from the Massachusetts Animal Coalition’s "I'm Animal Friendly" license plate program and the Subaru of America, Inc./ASPCA’s “Share the Love” event will help Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) continue our efforts to offer low-cost spaying/neutering for dogs and cats. This fall, in conjunction with “Adopt a Shelter Dog Month” in October, 50 owners of puppies and dogs came to BHS to purchase $50 vouchers that provided discounted spaying/neutering services at participating veterinarians throughout Berkshire County. On Wednesday, December 10th, BHS will once again host “100 Cats for Christmas,” which will offer low-cost spaying/neutering for 100 kittens or cats before Christmas. To participate, residents of Berkshire County and surrounding areas need to come to BHS to complete a registration form and pay a nonrefundable $25 fee, which also includes a rabies vaccination. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. On the morning of the event, cats will be dropped off at one of three locations–BHS, Greylock Animal Hospital in North Adams, or Purradise in Great Barrington. All cats must be in carriers with proper identification. BHS staff will deliver the cats to the veterinarians and then return them to BHS or Purradise after the surgery for owner pick-up. Last year’s “100 Cats for Christmas” was an overwhelming success, with 117 kittens and cats being spayed/neutered. To help support low-cost spaying/neutering throughout Massachusetts, BHS encourages all community members to purchase an "I'm Animal Friendly" license plate. The tax-deductible plates are available at local Registries of Motor Vehicles or at www.petplate.org. To learn more about “100 Cats for Christmas,” contact Erin Starsja (413-447-7878, ext. 24 or estarsja@berkshirehumane.org).
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Holiday Wish List Here are some items on our Holida Holidayy Wish List! Please support support us by by donating these items. items. CATS CA ATS Kitty Corr Corral al b byy Companion Habitats Wor World Tarragona TTarr Tree TTrixie rixie Dream World arragona Cat Tree et Clippers Wahl W ahl Cordless PPet Shor-line Shor -line FFeline eline Scale (model #905.0400.01) Cat Donut Beds Cat Char mers* Charmers* FFeather eather W Wand and TToys* Tooys* Cat Dancers*
DOGS Groomer’s Choice W Groomer’s Walk-Through alk-Thr alk-Th ough TTub ub (item #SS200L) Shor -line W Walk-on alk-on Scale (model (m model #905.3012.05) Shor-line Mar Martingale tingale Collars - all sizes Greenies Pill PPocket ocket Dog Treats Treats Treats (Zuke (Zuke or Pup-peroni) Soft Treats Pup-peroni) W aste Bags RRolls olls Waste PPet et TTutor utor Pr Proo W obbler K ongs (small and large)* large)* Wobbler Kongs FFeeding eeding Puzzles*
SMALL ANIMALS ass Mats Marshall Small Animal W Woven Wov ooven Gr Grass Ware W are Willo Willow w Br Branch anc h Che Chew w Toys TTooys Carefresh Natural Natural Pet Pet Bedding Apple Orc Orchard hard Sticks Sticks Animal Chews Chews K Kaytee aytee Natur Natural al Timothy Timothy Hay Hay Cubes ube Small Animal Chew eCO eCOTRITION TRITION Snak Shak Cube Che 7” Pr PrtCo tCo RRat at Manor Habitat
HUMANE EDUCA EDUCATION TION RRetractable etractable W World Wor orld Map RRefurbished efurbished Laptop Markers/Crayons Mar kers/Crayons Animal Stic Stickers kers 14” x 22” PPoster oster Paper Paper
AGILITY AGILITY EQUIPMENT RReplacement eplacement Surface ffor or Aframe Aframe (Alumaskin from from Max200) RReplacement eplacement Surface ffor x200 or Dogwalk Dogwalk (2 plastaskin from from Max200 12’ with slats)
SHEL SHELTER/OFFICE TER/OFFICE SUPPLIES StorZall H.D H.D.. W Wall all Mounted Shelving Benson’s Benson ’s Gift Cards TTractor ractor Supply Gift Cards PPetco etco Gift Cards HP photosmar photosmartt 5510 toner Label Maker Maker Workforce Cartridges Epson W Wor orkforce 545 Printer Ink Car tridges Copier Paper: Paper: Green, Y Yellow, ellow, Or Orange ange or Pink *Can be purc hased at Berkshire Humane Society.
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BERKSHIRE HUMANE SOCIETY BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cindy Bartlett, President Fred Pomerantz, Vice-President Leslie Weil, Vice-President Deborah Storie, Secretary Patricia Sinclair, Treasurer Jonathan Cluett, MD, Asst. Secretary Alexandra Glover Karen Leopardi Jackie McHugh, Asst. Treasurer Christopher Nerrie Kathleen Phillips John Reynolds, DVM Janie Strachan Diana Wall
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF John Perreault, Executive Director Sherry Betit, Financial Specialist Terry Bissaillon, Volunteer Coordinator Diane Briggs, Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Brown, Outreach Coordinator Lisa Corbett, Head Instructor Family Dog School
Danielle Hammell, Purradise Manager Mary Koncel, Humane Educator Cheryl Truskowski, Shelter Manager
PURRADISE ADVISORY BOARD Corinne McKeown Mimi Rosenblatt Leslie Weil Marsha Weiner
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