HumaneTales BERKSHIRE HUMANE SOCIETY NEWSLETTER • HOLIDAY 2013
PURRADISE, Cat Adoption Center MAIN SHELTER BerkshireHumane.org 301 Stockbridge Rd 214 Barker Rd Great Barrington, MA 01230 Pittsfield, MA 01201 413-717-4244 413-447-7878 “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” –Mahatma Gandhi
A LETTER OF THANKS FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR As the 2013 holiday season draws near, I can’t help but reflect on some of Berkshire Humane Society’s accomplishments made possible by the ongoing support of the community. Besides placing hundreds of homeless animals this year, we were able to go that “extra mile” with many of them who needed special care and attention. (You’ll read about a few of them in this newsletter.) We also partnered with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on two horrific hoarding situations and took in 18 cats and dogs whom we adopted into loving homes. In 2014, I’m looking forward to all that we have planned – the construction of our Safe Pet room, expanded outreach and education efforts, including our Humane Heroes program for children and the Coffee Hour Speaking Series for adults, and more. Every day, I’m reminded that we could not continue our work at the shelter without the help of so many. From all of us at Berkshire Humane Society, I send our sincere appreciation to • friends and neighbors who respect the lives of homeless animals and financially support the mission of Berkshire Humane Society and other animal groups. • the veterinarians who provide our homeless animals with the greatest of care; the groomers who help us with difficult cases whenever asked; the pet supply retailers who offer discounts for adopters of shelter animals; the trainers who help owners understand their pets which ultimately will keep them from being surrendered to a shelter. • local business owners who never receive enough thanks for all the services and donations they provide to Berkshire Humane Society and other nonprofits. Please remember to shop locally and tell them you appreciate their generosity. • other animal shelters and rescues who are also committed to helping animals in need. Together we work to improve the lives of animals in our community and beyond. • the almost 200 volunteers at Berkshire Humane Society who assist us in all of our activities. We could not provide the high quality of care and attention without you. On a personal note, I want to thank our awesome staff for their commitment to and passion for people and their animals. They are the best. I also must thank our Board of Directors, past and present. Berkshire Humane Society would not be what it is today without their collective time, talent, and vision. I’ve enjoyed working with them all. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season,
John Perreault Executive Director Berkshire Humane Society Like us on Facebook. Call us at 413-447-7878.Visit us at BerkshireHumane.org • Like us on Facebook. Call us at 413-447-7878.Visit us at BerkshireHumane.org
A HAPPY ENDING FOR ELEANOR: HER NEW FAMILY REALLY WALKS ON WATER On September 26, our sweet Eleanor went home! Not surprisingly, her adopters, Fred and Ruth of Berkshire County, report that Ellie, as she’s now called, is enjoying life with her very special family. “Everyone who’s ever met Ellie knows how smart and affectionate she is,” explains Fred, who is a board member of Berkshire Humane Society (BHS). “She was ready to go, and I knew that this would be a good home for her.” Six months ago, the 9-year-old tabby came to BHS. Morbidly obese and neglected in her previous home, she was placed under the care of our administrative assistant and in-house foster mom Diane Briggs. Besides dropping almost five pounds and regaining her mobility and self-confidence while at BHS, she also underwent surgery to remove pounds of loose skin resulting from her weight loss. Fred explains that Ellie’s adjustment to her new home in Sheffield, MA was slow. Within the first week, however, she began exploring the three story house, easily climbing the stairs and finding her way to a comfy spot under or on top of a bed for a nap. “She’s very active and inquisitive,” Fred says, explaining that they were initially worried about her ability to navigate the steps. Most days, now, she can be found curled up on a chair in the family’s den that’s been officially designated “Ellie’s throne.” Although Ellie still has a hearty appetite, a special diet and daily exercise have resulted in continued weight loss as well as better muscle tone. In fact, Ruth describes her as “getting a very nice waistline!” A life-long cat lover, she’s also declared Ellie one of the most loving cats she’s ever had.
WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT OUR VETERINARIANS Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) is fortunate to be working with so many talented and devoted veterinarians in Berkshire County. In addition to offering free wellness examinations to our animals after adoption, they routinely reduce their fees for many of the services provided to us – from routine spaying and neutering to all types of other medical treatments. As John Perreault, Executive Director of BHS, aptly states, “Without them, we couldn’t offer the level of care that we do – or keep our adoption fees as low as we do. They’re important partners in the shelter’s mission to help homeless animals.” Our visiting veterinarians from Greylock Animal Hospital and the recent addition of the Lenox Cat Hospital are other examples of these professionals’ ongoing commitment to the shelter. About eight years ago, Dr. Joanne L. Ziemba and Dr. Michelle Gorbutt made an offer BHS couldn’t refuse. After talking with John at a staff meeting and seeing our animals at their hospital in North Adams, they proposed monthly visits to our shelter – as volunteers. Since then, they’ve been joined by their colleague Dr. Heather Blake as well as Dr. Sally Umlauf from Lenox Cat Hospital. While at the shelter, they not only spend their time examining animals and updating rabies vaccines but also working with our staff. For example, Cheryl Truskowski, Shelter Manager at BHS, explains that they’ve taught employees to perform procedures, such as the preparation of ear smears or stool samples, and are always available to answer questions and concerns about our animals. Besides providing valuable “in house” education, the visits save us money and time traveling to the hospitals as well as reduce the stress for many animals who don’t need to be transported for care. For Dr. Gorbutt, who has a special interest in shelter medicine, coming to BHS is an extension of the volunteer work that she did in animal shelters while growing up in Virginia. For her, reading letters from grateful adopters and helping animals, such as Eleanor, find new homes are some of the rewards of being part of the team at the shelter. “At Berkshire Humane Society, these animals are not just numbers,” Dr. Gorbutt says. “They’re part of a family.” BHS sends a heartfelt thank you to all our veterinarians – we couldn’t do it without you!
For Diane, Ellie couldn’t have found a more perfect family. After attending to Ellie for so many months, she naturally became attached to Ellie and set high standards for potential adopters. In Diane’s words, “Eleanor’s new family would have to walk on water!” Fred and Ruth are clearly that family. “I can’t think of a better home for Ellie than with them,” Diane says.
Like us on Facebook. Call us at 413-447-7878.Visit us at BerkshireHumane.org • Like us on Facebook. Call us at 413-447-7878.Visit us at BerkshireHumane.org
PURRADISE CELEBRATES 500 CATS ADOPTED Purradise Cat Adoption Center and Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) recently celebrated a huge milestone. On Wednesday, October 16, Megan and Randy took home Georgie, the 500th cat adopted from our satellite adoption facility in Great Barrington. BHS opened Purradise in May 2010. Because the shelter in Pittsfield was often overflowing with cats, more space was needed to house them until they could be rehomed. Danielle Hammell, Shelter Manager of the Great Barrington shelter, elaborates on its success. “Besides rehoming 500 cats in three years, Purradise has allowed BHS to stop euthanizing cats because of lack of space – an impressive feat in both the sheltering world and the community.” As for Georgie, fate clearly played a role in Megan and Randy finding her. Newly engaged and having a home to call their own, they were still looking for the cat of their dreams. While driving past Purradise, they noticed the marque, “Come Meet Our Senior Cat Georgie,” and just had to stop and visit. “Everyone wants a kitten,” says Megan, who describes herself as a long-time cat lover. “But we really wanted to give a senior cat a home.” Georgie, a 10-year-old beautiful tabby, immediately came out of her cage and rubbed up against their legs to greet them. It was love at first sight, and hearing Georgie’s story sealed the deal for Megan and Randy.
OFFERS “ROUND IT UP” TO BENEFIT BHS
In May, Georgie was surrendered to BHS with her sister Mindy because the owner could no longer care for them. Both cats were morbidly obese and needed massive dental care. Mindy was adopted fairly quickly, but it took Georgie almost five months to find her forever home. “Everyone agrees, though, that it was worth the wait,” says Danielle.
Thanks to Christa Abel, owner of BarkN’Cat, spare change will be adding up to help Berkshire Humane Society (BHS). Starting in November, she’ll begin asking shoppers at her pet supply store to round up their bill to the next dollar. The remaining change will be donated to BHS every month.
Purradise places about 12 cats into new homes each month, most of whom are older. “For the most part, we try and choose the cats that for various reasons are not adjusting well at Berkshire Humane Society or have resided there for 30 days or longer.” explains Danielle.
“I’m a big supporter of all rescues in general,” explains Christa, who sponsors the Humane Race, and partners with BHS to host low cost micro-chip clinics. “Because we don’t have a lot of resources in the area, I always like to support BHS because it offers so many community programs.”
Besides adopting out cats, Purradise also offers several services to Berkshire County, including nail clipping and micro-chip clinics, a community pet food pantry, and volunteer programs for children and adults.
BarkN’Cat opened its doors in North Adams five years ago. Besides offering a large selection of super premium dog and cat food, high quality and eco-friendly toys and accessories, USA-made treats, and raw food, the store provides its customers with a selfservice grooming station.
Given the support in Berkshire County and the surrounding areas, we’re confident that Purradise will continue its success and adopt out 500 more cats in the near future!
Three cheers to Christa and all the BarkN’Cat customers for their generosity!
Like us on Facebook. Call us at 413-447-7878.Visit us at BerkshireHumane.org • Like us on Facebook. Call us at 413-447-7878.Visit us at BerkshireHumane.org
AN UPDATE ON DAKOTA We’re pleased to report that Dakota is continuing to thrive in her foster home with Sandy and Neil of Berkshire County and Emmy, the family’s other Boxer. In early September, Dakota, a purebred Boxer, was relinquished to Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) along with her mate, Duke. Duke was quickly adopted, but Dakota has had to wait for her forever home largely because of multiple medical issues.
These facts about our shelter cats… • Our oldest adopted cat was James. We guess his age to be between 18 and 20 years old.
Dakota and Duke were a breeding pair and had produced numerous litters. Shortly before she came to BHS, Dakota had her last litter – despite being seven years old, an age when most female dogs are retired from breeding. Both dogs were relinquished due to landlord issues.
• Loads of Laundry: BHS Cats: 35 a week Purradise Cats: 21 a week TOTAL: 56 Loads of Laundry a Week
Dakota was placed with Sandy and Neil because she found the shelter stressful. Since being with them, however, she has not only gained much needed weight but is also enjoying life playing ball and hanging out with her new best buddy, Emmy.
• We use 5 TONS of cat litter a year.
“She’s a very sweet girl,” Sandy says. “She follows me around the house and loves to be on the couch with us.” Sandy and Neil decided to foster Dakota after losing Rodeo, their 14-year-old Dachshund, last year. Sandy explains that Emmy missed him, so they decided it was time to find her another companion. “We love the Boxer breed,” she says, adding that Emma and Dakota bonded immediately. Dakota was recently spayed. In a few weeks, she’ll undergo the first of two ear oblations, a procedure that will remove her ear canals as well as part of her outer ears. As a result of untreated ear infections, she developed scar tissue both inside and outside her ears, which has caused significant hearing loss as well as pain and pressure. Although Dakota will lose all of her hearing, the surgery is necessary to eliminate her discomfort. While Dr. John Reynolds of Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital spayed Dakota, Dr. M. Faulkner Besancon of Upstate Veterinary Specialties will perform the ear oblations. Although both veterinarians have generously reduced their fees, the cost of Dakota’s ear oblations is between $5,000 and $6,000. Another surgery to remove or reduce some of her teats has been postponed and may be unnecessary. Despite Dakota’s difficult past, she remains an affectionate, trusting dog who needs some extra care before she begins her new life. As Roberta Townsend, Supervisor of Kennel Services, explains, “We want to do all we can for dogs like Dakota. They deserve another chance.” BHS is still accepting donations to cover Dakota’s medical bills. Please go to our website and click on Dakota’s banner to help.
• The low-cost Feline Spay Neuter Program (SNIP) spayed/neutered 208 cats last year. • The feline department spent $64,550 to spay/neuter, vaccinate, test, and microchip all of our cats last year.
END-OF-THE-YEAR DONATIONS TO BHS Matching Gift – 10,000 Reasons to Do It If you have been thinking about a year-end gift to Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) but didn’t do it last year, we have 10,000 good reasons why you should do it this year! A generous friend of BHS has donated $10,000 and will match any membership renewal if your last membership was paid in 2011 or earlier. If you are renewing last year’s membership and you are able to make an additional donation, that donation will also be matched dollar for dollar! Just write MATCH on your envelope.
Tax Break on Your IRA If you are 70½ or older and you must take a taxable Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA by December 31, 2013, you can help yourself and Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) in one easy step. The IRS will allow you to avoid declaring a contribution to a recognized nonprofit as income if it is paid directly from your IRA to the nonprofit. For example, if you have to take a $10,000 RMD, you can tell your IRA administrator to transfer $1,000 to BHS by making the transfer to Fidelity Investments, Account# X41-197661. Your gift must be received at BHS by December 31, 2013. Now you only have to report $9,000 on your federal income tax return. And by the way, that $1,000 gift will make you a Leader of the Pack at BHS. Of course, a gift of any size is always welcomed. But remember, the more you give, the more your tax bill shrinks – and the more you help BHS!
Like us on Facebook. Call us at 413-447-7878.Visit us at BerkshireHumane.org • Like us on Facebook. Call us at 413-447-7878.Visit us at BerkshireHumane.org
LEXI FINDS HER FAMILY We did it! After 495 days at Berkshire Humane Society (BHS), Lexi finally went home. And with lots of walks and cuddle time, a new found love of swimming, and an endless supply of her beloved tennis balls, life couldn’t get much better. In April of 2012, Lexi came to BHS as a twoyear-old, chocolate lab/ pit bull mix. Her previous owners acquired her as a puppy on Craigslist, but Lexi’s exuberance and intelligence proved too much for them. Although Lexi soon became a staff favorite, potential adopters overlooked her, in large part, because she didn’t make a good first impression – she often barked and charged the front of her kennel. Then came Kristy. “She was really cute, and I connected with her,” Kristy says about her first visit with Lexi. Yet, it took a month for everyone to decide that Lexi would be a good fit, especially because the family has a cat, Jetta, and there was concern about Lexi sharing a home with another animal. During that month, Roberta Townsend, Supervisor of Kennel Services, explains that the kennel staff worked with both Kristy and Lexi. “Kristy also did a lot of soul searching and research on pit bulls,” Roberta says. “And all the other family members were on board. It was apparent to us that this adoption was going to work.” Kristy remembers one special visit. “I came by to drop off the adoption application, but it was Monday, and the shelter was closed,” she says. While standing in the window by the kennels, Kristy waved at Lexi. Although Lexi barked once at her, she began wagging her tail in greeting. “I told her she was supposed to be my dog,” laughs Kristy. In her new home, Lexi has developed a peaceful but distant relationship with Jetta. Long walks, her tennis balls, and swims in a nearby lake have provided the right combination of exercise for her. Both Kristy and Mike describe Lexi as a fabulous dog. “We’re so happy to have her,” says Kristy. “It’s just too bad that she had to wait so long to find her family.”
Berkshire Humane Society, Inc. raffle winner James Fletcher is one lucky guy - he's driving home in his new 2014 Subaru Outback today!
Pictured from left to right: Erik LaFayette, Jillian Taro, Callie Griffin, Lily Daost, Julia Murphy, Kayla Pravia, Tyler Ellsworth and Joe Kozlowski. Not pictured Aubrey Pickard and Leah Tanzman .
At our Camp Counselor Celebration on Saturday, September 14, our usually serious and very responsible counselors are being a little silly! After visiting with Dawn Collins, a wildlife rehabilitator in Berkshire County, we enjoyed a fun lunch and an awards ceremony. We thank all of our counselors for volunteering their time this summer to make Camp Humane 2013 a huge success. The little fellow on right is just one of several raccoons who are under Dawn’s special care.
Holiday Wish List Here are some items on our Holiday Wish List! Most of these items can be found at your local merchants or on Amazon.com. On Amazon, click on Wish List, Find Wish List, and type in Berkshire Humane Society.
ANIMAL HANDLING XL ThunderShirt Wahl Cordless Pet Clippers Double-Door Folding Metal Dog Crate (Large & XLarge Sizes) Kuranda Aluminum Dog Bed Martingale Adjustable Collars Cordless Compound Microscope Kitty Wand Toys Da Bird Cat Toy Oval Donut Cat Bed SHELTER SUPPLIES Dog Friendly Loveseat or Chair* StorZall H.D. Wall Mounted Shelving *NOT ON AMAZON.COM
OFFICE SUPPLIES +3 2IĂ€FH-HW 3UR ,QN &DUWULJDJHV Samsung SCX-4x16 Series Toner +3 /DVHU-HW 3 7RQHU %URWKHU 71 %ODFN 7RQHU &DUWULGJH +3 3KRWR6PDUW 7RQHU +3 /DVHU &3 7RQHU Dry Erase Markers Copier Paper: Green, Yellow, Orange, Pink HUMANE EDUCATION Retractable World Map New or Refurbished Laptop Ant Farm
PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL PET SUPPLY MERCHANTS. 0267 ,7(06 &$1 $/62 %( )281' 21
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 Sue Connell Corinne McKeown Mimi Rosenblatt Stefanie Samek Richard Waldberger Leslie Weil Marsha Weiner
Photos: BHS Staff • Printed by: Quality Printing, A Green Co.