HumaneTales BERKSHIRE HUMANE SOCIETY NEWSLETTER • SPRING 2014
MAIN SHELTER 214 Barker Rd Pittsfield, MA 01201 413-447-7878
BerkshireHumane.org
“Spring is the time of plans and projects.” Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina
PURRADISE, Cat Adoption Center 301 Stockbridge Rd Great Barrington, MA 01230 413-717-4244
BHS’S HUMANE HERO PROGRAM IS UP AND RUNNING Over a 100 children from all over Berkshire County have joined Berkshire Humane Society’s (BHS) Humane Hero program. Interest as well as their numbers have been growing, and we couldn’t be prouder of our newest team members.
The next workshop will be hosted by jane iredale on April 19th in Great Barrington. The workshop is called “Buns and Beauty” which educates the kids on animal testing and cruelty-free products. There will be a second session of the workshop for Pittsfield residents on April 26th at BHS on Barker Road. Additionally, participants in the program not only learn how to raise awareness about but also food, supplies, and money for the animals at BHS and Purradise. Danielle explains, “Children often feel powerless in the world of adults. They want to contribute and make an impact with all their hearts. The Humane Hero Program gives them all the resources and opportunities to make it happen.” Since January, the Heroes have collected over a thousand pounds of pet food and supplies for BHS’S community pet food pantry as well as helped out at several off-site BHS events.
Our South County division of Humane Heroes posing with Ollie, our pit bull ambassador.
The program was developed by Lizzy Brown, Outreach Coordinator at BHS, and Danielle Hammell, Shelter Manager at Purradise, after realizing how difficult it is to be a child who isn’t old enough to volunteer for BHS. According to Lizzy, “We came up with a plan to start a volunteer program that would fill this gap and that was so desperately needed by these kids.” Currently, children between 12 and 16 years old who want to volunteer at BHS or Purradise need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The Humane Hero Program is designed for children 10 to 14 years old, but all ages are invited to join. The goals of the Humane Hero Program, which was underwritten by the Claudia and Steven Perles Family Foundation, are two-fold: educate the Heroes about the important roles animals play in our lives and teach them the importance of being an animal advocate and educator in their community. Every month, the Humane Hero Program holds workshops on a variety of animal topics, such as puppy mills or breed discrimination.
One especially busy Humane Hero is Lindsey, who describes her experience in the program as “very rewarding.” “I want to be a veterinarian,” she explains, “and I thought that being a Humane Hero was a good way to volunteer and help the animals.” So far Lindsey has collected boxes of food and other supplies, and she’s planning a car wash in the spring. Lindsey, one of our Humane Heroes, Her goal is to earn enough points holding up her Puppy Mill Pledge during one of the workshops. to be “Staff of the Day” at BHS, one of the many incentives that is offered to the Humane Heroes. "We are so happy with all the enthusiasm these kids bring to the shelter,” says Danielle. “The Humane Hero Program is the perfect opportunity for children to start volunteering and giving back to the community." The Humane Hero Program is free, and registration is ongoing. Information and a registration packet can be found by visiting BerkshireHumane.org/humanehero/
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OUR “GRANDE”COFFEE HOUR SPEAKING SERIES Ollie, our pit bull ambassador, was the star of the Love-A-Bull events.
BHS + ASPCA = FEWER HOMELESS PETS Pet overpopulation is a national welfare problem, but with two grants from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) has made significant progress in reducing it by providing low-cost spaying and neutering for over a hundred pets in Berkshire County. In December, BHS joined with the ASPCA and Subaru of America’s “Share the Love” grant program to sponsor “100 Cats for Christmas,” one of the largest and most ambitious spay and neuter efforts undertaken by the shelter. Each year, Subaru of America distributes thousands of dollars to nonprofits, such as the ASPCA, and BHS was pleased to be a recipient of a grant. The response to “100 Cats for Christmas” from our cat loving community was overwhelming. Within days of announcing the program, all 100 spots were reserved, so an additional 12 were added to accommodate the extra requests. Thanks to the strategic planning of Erin Starsja, BHS’s Supervisor of Feline and Small Animal Services, by 8:00am on December 18, all 112 cats were delivered to the shelter by their owners and transported to participating veterinarians by staff, volunteers, and sales associates from Haddad Subaru, a long-time supporter of BHS, without a snag or a hitch. The $25 fee for spaying or neutering included a rabies vaccination. In February, BHS turned our attention to “Pit Bull” dogs. As part of “Love-A-Bull” Month and with funding from the ASPCA, we provided spaying and neutering for $25 to 32 owners of these dogs in North County as well as a free training session for any “Pit Bull” dog adopted from the shelter. Although owners have until April 21 to make an appointment with participating veterinarians, a number of them have already scheduled the surgery. We’re also pleased that several “pit bull” dogs were adopted from the shelter.
Great speakers, thoughtful conversation, and delicious desserts – can it get any better? We’re pleased that the Coffee Hour Speaking Series, created as part of the Humane Education program at Berkshire Humane Society, has become such a popular monthly event. Launching the series in January was historian and professor Diane Beers, who detailed the history of the animal welfare movement in the United States. To help us celebrate Love-A-Bull Month in February, Caitlin Quinn, Foundation Manager at the Animal Farm Foundation, spoke on the myths surrounding Pit Bull dogs, emphasizing the need for education and advocacy to break the cycle of breed discrimination. March brought Mary A. Koncel, Adjunct Instructor at the Tufts/Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and Humane Educator at Berkshire Humane Society, who discussed the management of wild horses on the western plains. Without question, though, Ollie, our Pit Bull ambassador, and Rain, our Meet and Greet mustang, were the biggest hits! With the warmer spring weather – we can at least hope!, we’ve decided to move the speaking series to Thursday nights, so that our friends and neighbors can enjoy Sunday afternoons outside in their gardens, at ball games, or on the bike trail. Our guest presenters will include local Berkshire County poets Peter Filkins, Hannah Fries, and Barry Steinlieb; Stacey Carver and Melissa Tharion from Berkshire Animal DREAMS; and Dr. Barry Kellog from the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. Check out our Calendar of Events for topics and dates. Reservations aren’t necessary, but we’d appreciate you letting us know if you’ll be joining us by calling Mary A. Koncel at 413447-7878, ext. 28, or emailing her at mkoncel@berkshirehumane.org. And you’ll be eligible for our raffle at the end of the presentation. See you soon!
BHS thanks the ASPCA, Haddad Subaru, and the many veterinarians who helped make “100 Cats for Christmas” and “Love-A-Bull” Month two huge successes. We look forward to working with the ASPCA on future projects that improve the lives of animals in Berkshire County and beyond. 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
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A HAPPY ENDING FOR DAKOTA Because Dakota is such a special dog to so many of us at Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) and beyond, we thought it was time for another update. Remember that Dakota was the 7-year-old purebred Boxer who came to BHS last September. Because of multiple untreated ear infections, she needed two major surgeries to remove her ear canals and part of her outer ears in order to relieve the resulting pain and pressure.
Willow resting on her parent’s bed.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A KITTEN Even before she was born, life was difficult for Willow. In early winter, a stray female black cat was surrendered to Berkshire Humane Society (BHS). Not a year old herself, Mortisha surprised staff when, a week later, she delivered a kitten who unfortunately did not survive because he was so premature. Even more surprising, though, was when Mortisha delivered a second kitten a few days later. Like many cats who give birth when they’re still kittens themselves, Mortisha had no idea how to care for this one – and barely had any milk. As a result, when Dottie Webb, a BHS feline caretaker, came to check on Mortisha and Willow early one morning, she found the black kitten cold and unresponsive. Dottie took action. First wrapping Willow up in a warm cloth and then using a combination of chest compression and CPR, she slowly brought her back to life. But Willow was still not out of danger. Being the smallest and frailest kitten ever born at the shelter, her chances of survival were slim. Coincidentally, though, on that same day, Kim, one of our foster moms, had just returned Lana and her litter of five kittens. After some discussion, Dottie and other feline staff decided to place Willow with Lana, hoping that she might “adopt” the kitten. Within minutes, Lana began nursing Willow, and both went back home with Kim for several months. Like Mortisha, Lana, a long-haired orange tabby, was young and pregnant when she was brought to the shelter after being found in the middle of a road. “The odds were against that kitten,” says Dottie, “but she really wanted to live.” Today, we’re happy to report that Willow is thriving. She, as well as Mortisha and Lana, have been adopted and are living with their new forever families.
Dakota resting after her second ear surgery. She is wearing a cone to keep her from scratching her stitches out.
The best news is that Sandy and Neil of Berkshire County, who have been fostering Dakota during her surgeries, have made it official! They’ve adopted Dakota, and she’s now a permanent member of the family – along with Emmy, Sandy and Neil’s other Boxer and Dakota’s best friend. Dakota has also fully recovered from her second – and final – ear surgery. Although this one was more complicated than the first because more bone had calcified, her prognosis is excellent. According to Sandy, Dakota has lost most of her hearing, but has adapted well by, for example, learning to read hand signals. Moreover, Emmy’s constant presence is an immense comfort to Dakota. BHS would like to thank our generous supporters for helping to cover Dakota’s medical expenses, Dr. M. Faulkner Besancon of Upstate Veterinary Specialties and Dr. John Reynolds of Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital for their expertise and care, and Sandy and Neil for providing this amazing dog with so much love in both her foster and forever home. Without their assistance, BHS would not be able to go that extra step for animals, such as Dakota, who deserve a second chance.
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12th Annual Humane Race Calls the Dogs (and those who love them) Saturday, May 3rd at 10:00AM
5K Fun Run and 1 Mile Walk • • • • •
Walk or run with or without your dog T-Shirts to the first 150 people who pre-register Race registration begins at 8:00AM at 16 Water St., Williamstown, MA Food, prizes and fun at our finish line festivities! Raise $500 in pledges and you’ll be eligible to win a fantastic prize that will be announced soon on our website! • Pre-Registration: $15 for adults; $10 for 12 and under • Race Day Registration: $20 for adults; $15 for 12 and under To pre-register, print out pledge forms and learn more about the race, please visit our website:
www.HumaneRace.org
Brought to you by your friends at Bark N’Cat
Café Chic Pop-Up Boutique for Ladies SUMMER 2014 Benefit for Berkshire Humane Society/Purradise Because Café Chic, our fall fundraiser, was such a success, Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) is busy planning another one for the summer of 2014 – location and dates to be announced. Café Chic is a curated pop-up boutique which sells new and gently used women’s clothing and accessories. All of the proceeds of this sale will be used to help BHS continue its important work. We’re looking for donations of high-end, new and gently used stylish clothing and accessories which are clean and undamaged. Accessories include handbags, belts, scarves, jewelry, and new shoes. We’re accepting clothing from all seasons; however, we are NOT accepting bathing suits, intimate apparel, business or pants suits, work-out clothes, or sleepwear. We’re also NOT accepting men’s or children’s clothing. This is a wonderful opportunity to help the homeless animals of Berkshire County while cleaning out your closets and getting a charitable tax deduction. Café Chic is a win-win event for everyone! Want to help? Organize a clothing party/drive at your school, place of business, community center, club, or church, synagogue, or temple. It’s a fun project for youth groups needing to do community service, college students at the end of spring semester, friends and families – and all other animal lovers, young and old. Or consider becoming a sponsor of Café Chic. We’re collecting clothing now, and donations may be dropped off at Purradise Cat Adoption Center, 301 Stockbridge Rd., in Great Barrington or at BHS, 214 Barker Rd., in Pittsfield. The animals at BHS & Purradise are counting on your love and support, so please consider helping us make Café Chic another successful event.
For more information, contact Mimi Rosenblatt (mimipaws@gmail.com) or Leslie Weil (lesliew59@gmail.com).
MEET THE STAFF Ask Lisa Corbett, Lead Instructor at our Family Dog School (FDS), what she likes best about dogs and she answers without hesitation, “Everything!” But then she’s just as quick to elaborate: “Their intelligence, their intuitiveness, their ability to make you feel better, and so much more.” A long-time lover of dogs, Lisa began her career with animals in 1986 as a caretaker and adoption counselor at what was then the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals shelter on Cadwell Road in Pittsfield and stayed on when Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) took over operations in 1993. After balancing the responsibilities of Canine Services Manager and Instructor at FDS for several years, staff changes allowed Lisa to devote her time and talents exclusively to FDS in 2013. According to Lisa, FDS came about after she and John Perreault, Executive Director of BHS, saw so many dogs being surrendered because of behavior problems. “The original plan for Family Dog School was to help keep dogs in the home by giving them some basic training,” she explains. “Essentially, we wanted to stop the problems early on.”
Lisa Corbett, Lead Instructor for Family Dog School, with Fraya the beagle.
As a result of Lisa’s vision and efforts, FDS has grown to include puppy kindergarten, basic manners, agility, and nose training classes as well as private sessions and individual consultations. More offerings are also being planned. An avid believer in continuing education and science-based training, Lisa is always eager to pass on new information to her students at FDS. As John readily acknowledges, “Her knowledge and understanding of canine behavior has kept hundreds of dogs in their homes.” Lisa lives in Lanesborough with her husband, three dogs, two cats, and one horse. For her, the biggest rewards of her work at FDS are surprisingly simple. “I love when owners finally understand their dogs,” she says. “And I love to see them enjoying their dogs.”
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PLANNED GIVING As a private, non-profit organization, Berkshire Humane Society receives no state or federal funding. Here are some ways you can help us continue to be an important community resource for both animals and people in Berkshire County and beyond. BEQUESTS Learn how to help others and Berkshire Humane Society by using one of the most popular and simplest ways to make a gift.
MEMORIAL AND HONORARY GIFTS If you have a family member or friend whose life has been touched by Berkshire Humane Society, we hope you'll consider making a gift to us in honor of that person. ENDOWED GIFTS Discover a powerful way to make a gift to us in your name or in the name of a loved one while realizing tax benefits for your kindness.
BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS Continue supporting our work even after your lifetime by naming us as a beneficiary of your retirement plan, life insurance or insurance annuity assets.
GIVE YOUR HOME, BUT LIVE THERE FOR LIFE Find out how you can make a gift to Berkshire Humane Society of a remainder interest in your home, receive sizable tax benefits now and continue living in your home for the rest of your life.
CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES Read more about how to make a donation and, in turn, receive a fixed annuity payment each year for life.
DONOR ADVISED FUNDS Access the giving power of a private foundation without the expense or complexity.
CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUSTS In the right circumstances, this plan can increase your income, reduce your taxes, unlock appreciated investments, rid you of investment worries and ultimately provide very important support.
CHARITABLE LEAD TRUSTS Make a donation now while reducing the tax burden for your heirs in the future. Interested? For more information on Planned Giving, please visit our website at BerkshireHumane.org.
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BERKSHIRE HUMANE SOCIETY
These facts about our shelter… 2013 ADOPTIONS:
DOGS: 160 • CATS: 499 • RABBITS: 6 FERRETS: 4 MICE AND RATS: 4 GUINEA PIGS, HAMSTERS, AND GERBILS: 20 BIRDS: 11 • CHINCHILLAS: 2 We’re especially proud that Purradise celebrated its 500th adoption on October 16th with the placement of Georgie. And we can’t forget Lexi! After living with us for 495 days, she finally found her forever home.
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 PURRADISE ADVISORY BOARD Sue Connell Corinne McKeown Mimi Rosenblatt Leslie Weil Marsha Weiner
Photos: BHS Staff • Printed by: Quality Printing, A Green Co.
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