HumaneTales BERKSHIRE HUMANE SOCIETY NEWSLETTER • SPRING 2015
MAIN SHELTER 214 Barker Rd Pittsfield, MA 01201 413-447-7878
BerkshireHumane.org
“Meow” means “woof” in cat.” – George Carlin
PURRADISE, Feline Adoption & Retail Center 301 Stockbridge Rd Great Barrington, MA 01230 413-717-4244
MORE LOW-COST SPAYING/NEUTERING EFFORTS TO END CAT OVERPOPULATION Through a combination of partnerships and grants, Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) is continuing our mission to end cat homelessness and overpopulation in Berkshire County and beyond. With the support of a grant from the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Mentoring Program, BHS and Berkshire Animal DREAMS recently completed a five-month project—spaying/neutering 125 feral and owned cats on the west side of Pittsfield. Given the success of this project, the organizations will be eligible to apply for additional funding from PetSmart Charities to target other areas in Pittsfield. “We continue to have a problem with free roaming cats, both feral and owned, who are not sterilized, “ explains John Perreault, Executive Director of BHS. “By working with Animal Dreams and our local veterinary community, we hope to stop the breeding and improve the lives of this particular population of felines. It’s one more way that collaboration is making a difference.” Thanks to two other grants from the Massachusetts Animal Coalition’s license plate program and the Subaru of America, Inc. /ASPCA “Share the Love” campaign as well as the generosity of participating veterinarians, BHS also hosted our second annual “100 Cats for Christmas” in December. Despite a cold, sleety day, we exceeded our goal and spayed/neutered 107 kittens and cats from Berkshire County and surrounding areas. Cat owners began registering for “100 Cats for Christmas” in November. On the morning of the event, over 80 cats were brought to BHS, so they could be transported to local veterinarians by shelter volunteers and staff from Haddad Subaru. This year owners also had the option to drop off their cats at Purradise, BHS’s feline adoption facility in Great Barrington. The fee per cat was $25. Participating veterinarians were Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital, Greylock Animal Hospital, Sand Road Animal Hospital, North County Veterinary Hospital, Allen Heights Veterinary Hospital, Hilltown Veterinary Services, Bilmar Small Animal Clinic, VCA All Caring Animal Hospital, and Lenox Cat Hospital. Finally, BHS will now be offering the Feline Spay Neuter Incentive Program, or SNIP, through Purradise. The SNIP is a low-cost spay/neuter program for kittens and cats in Berkshire County. Since its beginnings in 2007, we’ve been able to spay/neuter about 1,600 kittens and cats.
Erin Starsja, Feline Supervisor, greets cat owners on the morning of "100 Cats for Christmas."
Until recently, our shelter in Pittsfield was the only location where cat owners could register for SNIP and then bring their cats for transport to local veterinarians for the surgery. However, because the program has been so successful, and the need for these services so great, we’ve added Purradise as a second location to assist the residents in South County. The fee is $50 and includes spaying/neutering as well as a rabies vaccination. For more information, call Purradise at 413-717-4244. To help support the effort to end pet overpopulation and homelessness in Massachusetts through low-cost spaying/neutering, 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 petplate.org.
“Special” Animals at BHS At Berkshire Humane Society (BHS), we think all of our animals are pretty special. Occasionally, though, we have some who are a little more “special” because they have, for example, a medical condition or a disability. Sadly, these are the animals who are often passed over and take the longest time to adopt. But, as Erin Starsja, Supervisor of Feline and Small Animals, says, “They have the same capacity for love and affection, they just need a little more care in return.” ELLIE FOUND HER FOREVER HOME To some, Ellie might be considered a “special needs” dog, but to her new owner, she’s just a “special” dog. “Ellie’s a very gentle soul.” says Paul of Cheshire, MA about the two-year-old bulldog mix. “She’s so kind and trusting.” Ellie came to BHS in late summer after she was removed by the ASPCA from a hoarding situation with several other animals. Although kennel staff described her as an extremely sweet and outgoing dog, a chronic dry eye condition that requires multiple eye drops several times a day discouraged serious interest in her because of the time and financial requirements. Then Paul and his granddaughter, Shayla, came to the shelter– but only to look! Recently, Paul lost his beloved Basenji and was planning on adopting another one. That changed after he and Shayla saw Ellie. On their first visit, they just watched her through the kennel window. “When we came back to meet her,” Paul explains, “that was it!” He knew that Ellie was the right dog for him. Since arriving home, Ellie, whom Paul has renamed Zoey, has learned to love the couch, the bed, and Lyla, a tabby cat who has become her best buddy. “They get along so well,” Paul says. One of Ellie’s favorite pastimes is hanging out on the deck and enjoying the hilltop view. With his granddaughter’s help, Paul is able to administer the eye drops. According to him, Ellie’s condition has stabilized, and he’s optimistic about her prognosis.
BUT LISA IS STILL WAITING Lisa’s story is one of transformation. Found as a stray in Petersburg, NY last October, she was a tangle of dirty and matted hair. Yet, with a bath and some grooming after being surrendered to BHS, the real Lisa emerged–a gorgeous medium-haired, pure white cat with soft yellow eyes. Despite being one of the most beautiful and friendliest cats at the shelter, Lisa has received little attention from potential adopters. When she was brought in to be spayed, a significant heart murmur was discovered. According to our veterinarians, Lisa requires no medication, just regular monitoring. Like other young adult cats, she’s active, curious and playful, and, equally important, the heart murmur has not affected her ability to love. There’s also a chance that it won’t progress further. Our feline staff believes Lisa would do best in a home with no other cats and a big window where she could watch birds–one of her favorite activities. Given that Lisa’s been waiting so long for her new family, lots of TLC would be nice too! BHS is committed to finding homes for any adoptable animal, including those like Ellie and Lisa with “special needs.” For more information about these and other animals, visit our website at BerkshireHumane.org. Or better yet–stop by the shelter to meet them. Adoption fees include spaying/neutering, a micro-chip, all appropriate vaccinations, and a lifetime of free advice.
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CAT TALES: A READING PROGRAM FOR CATS AND KIDS
20 minutes for reading and the rest for cat or kitten time. At the end of the program, participants will receive a certificate of completion and a BHS t-shirt.“Cat Tales” is a free program.
Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) is pleased to host “Cat Tales,” a new reading program for cats and kids. Across the country, animal shelters have started programs where kids come and read to shy cats who need some extra attention. Research has shown that these programs help build confidence in both the cats and the kids.
“All of us at Egremont Elementary are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Berkshire Humane Society through ‘Cat Tales,’” explains Jenna White, Reading Specialist at the school. “The program provides a wonderful opportunity for young readers to gain confidence in their literacy skills, practice reading, and make a new cat-friend! We have several second and third graders who are looking forward to the program, and we are grateful to the Humane Society for partnering with us.”
Working in a partnership with Egremont Elementary School, BHS’s “Cat Tales” is a five-week program held on Saturdays at the shelter, starting this spring. The first session will include a one-hour cat care and behavior workshop as well as a tour of our feline facility for participants and their parents/guardians. For the following four sessions, participants will sign up for a half hour slot each week–
Erin Starsja, Feline and Small Animal Supervisor at BHS, will oversee “Cat Tales” with the help of two volunteer program assistants, Courtney Francoeur and Callie Griffin.
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2015 BHS VOLUNTEERS Our 150 plus volunteers are the core of Berkshire Humane Society. So we’d like to introduce our recent Volunteers of the Month. January 2015 – Barbara Holden For three years, Barbara has been one of our valued dog walkers. No matter the weather or the size of the dog, she’s always ready with a smile on her face. Perhaps some of her devotion is because she has large dogs at home–two Newfoundlands!
Thank you February 2015 – Sandy & Alyssa Morley Sandy and Alyssa started fostering cats in August, 2014. Alyssa plans on entering the animal care field, so fostering gives her experience with cats of many different ages and temperaments. All of the shelter and SafePet cats and kittens who go into their home benefit from this family’s dedication.
to all March 2015 – Lydia Lake & Bob Edwards Five years ago, Lydia and Bob came to the shelter–she cared for our small animals and he walked our dogs. Within months, they found that their true love was the cats, and that’s where they’ve stayed! While Lydia cleans in the cat mall and knits deliciously soft cat cozies, she and Bob also socialize cats who need extra attention.
rs! e e t n u l o v r u o Like us on Facebook. Call us at 413-447-7878.Visit us at BerkshireHumane.org
BHS STARTS ANIMAL ADVOCACY PROGRAM AT PITTSFIELD HIGH REBOOT We know it’s still cold out there, but it’s time to start thinking about summer camp. Berkshire Humane Society’s CAMP HUMANE is featuring some major changes in 2015. Our best change is camp’s Early Registration discount. From now until April 15th, our registration fee is only $200 per child. That’s a $60 savings! With the early registration comes all the same perks of camp, just a little bit easier on the purse strings. So sign your children up now. Another change is that CAMP HUMANE will be running five weeks this summer. Below is our schedule of sessions. Check your calendars and book your summer vacation around camp. Farm Animals (4th Grade). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 6th – July 10th Working Pets (5th Grade) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 13th – July 17th Local Ecology (6th Grade). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 20th – July 24th Zoology around the World. . (7th Grade )August 3rd – August 7th Animal Advocacy (8th Grade) . . . . . . . August 10th – August 14th For a complete description of each session and more information about Camp Humane, you can go to our website: Berkshire Humane.org/childrens-activities-at-bhs/camp-humane/. Registration packets and scholarship applications are available for download there. You can also stop by the shelter and pick up the forms there. See you this summer.
Humane Heroes put together Valentines for shelter dogs all the way in Oakland, California. This is the beginning of a pen pal relationship with the East Bay S.P.C.A. Humane Education department. We expect it to be a long and beautiful friendship!
Like us on Facebook. Call us at 413-447-7878.Visit us at BerkshireHumane.org
Beginning March 4th, Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) will be offering “Animal Advocacy,” an afterschool program at Pittsfield High School (PHS). According to BHS Humane Educator Lizzy Brown, the shelter will be working with PHS’s 21st Century students. For 10 weeks, they’ll learn about such topics as Breed Discrimination, Animal Testing, Dog Training, Endangered Species, and Animal Crime Scene Investigation. Some sessions will include an animal visitor, which always brings a lot of excitement. The 21st Century program is administered under Title IVB of the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act. This program was established to create afterschool learning centers for academic enrichment. “It is a great opportunity for BHS and PHS to work together. We’re all very excited,” says Lizzy. To start an afterschool program in your child’s school, contact BHS at 413-447-7878, ext. 129.
WOOFSTOCK’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY Can you believe it? It’s been 20 years since Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) held our first dog walk, the famous and fabulous family-friendly event, now known as Woofstock! So to keep it fresh and fun, we’re making a few slight adjustments. First, we have a new date, Sunday, June 28th, and this year’s location is the all new redesigned Pittsfield Common, which we think will make a perfect 1.5 mile walk around downtown Pittsfield. Second, we’re offering new games and challenges for the teams and individuals who raise the most funds to help our community’s homeless animals. And saving the best for last…Steve Caporizzo, News 10 Chief Meteorologist and Founder of Pet Connection, is the Honorary Chair of Woofstock 2015. He’ll be joining us for the day’s festivities. Does it get any better! Of course, we’ll also have lots of food booths, vendors, demonstrations, raffles, and games and classes for dogs and their people. Our goal for this year’s Woofstock is to raise $30,000, and we cannot do it without your support. Mark your calendars and visit us at our website–BerkshireHumane.org–to check out some ideas on how to start your fundraising for the shelter animals. Steve Caporizzo – Honorary Chair of Woofstock 2015
THE SUBARU RAFFLE IS BACK Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) has also changed the time of our popular Subaru Raffle.Tickets are on sale now, and the winner will be drawn at the 20th annual Woofstock on June 28th. This year’s car is a 2015 Outback that comes with all the extras– a premium all-weather package which includes a remote car starter and heated seats, a canine package complete with a back seat barrier, a seven-year 100,000 mile extended warranty, and so much more. Over the last two years, the Subaru Raffle has grossed over $125,000 to help us shelter over 3,000 animals, continue our important humane education and outreach programs, and provide extra veterinary care that hundreds of our animals need before being adopted into their new, loving families. Tickets are just $40 each or three tickets for $100. Remember, when you take a chance on winning this 2015 Outback, you also give an animal a chance of finding that forever home. And that’s a chance that does not carry a price tag! Please stop by BHS in Pittsfield or Purradise in Great Barrington today to purchase your tickets.
Berkshire Humane Society’s Resale Boutique
WE’RE BACK Spring Reopening March 27th We are looking for current new and gently used Women’s clothing, handbags, jewelry & scarves. STORE HOURS: M/W/Th/F/Sa: 10am - 5pm | Sun: Noon - 4pm | Closed Tues. All of the homeless animals in Berkshire County are counting on your love, support and generosity.
OUR SAFEPET PROGRAM – HELPING NEIGHBORS AND THEIR ANIMALS IN NEED According to multiple surveys, almost 90% of Americans view their pets as family members. Given this number, it’s no wonder that the SafePet Program at Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) has become such an important resource for Berkshire County pet owners who are in crisis. As a result of opening our SafePet Room last July, we’ve been able to expand the free foster care program to additional partnering agencies. Originally the SafePet Program was available only to clients of the Elizabeth Freeman Center, Elder Protective Services of Berkshire County, and Elder Services of Berkshire County. Now we’re also working with the Brien Center, Berkshire Medical Center, and the Red Cross. Over the past few months, John Perreault, Executive Director of BHS, and Mary A. Koncel, SafePet Coordinator at BHS, have been visiting our partnering agencies to discuss the SafePet Program with staff. The response has been encouraging.
“Unfortunately, some of our clients will not seek help, or will stay in a dangerous situation, because they don’t have someone available to care for their pets,” says Nanciellen Poulin, Interim Program Director of Substance Abuse Services at the Brien Center. “The SafePet Program provides our clients the opportunity to take advantage of the help they may need at the time without having to worry about care for their pet.” To date, BHS has cared for 20 dogs, cats, and birds. Although the SafePet Room allows us to respond more quickly to requests for assistance, our goal is always to place the animals with a loving foster family. If you’re interested in becoming part of the SafePet Program, and opening your heart and home to your neighbors and their pets in need, please call Cheryl Truskowski at 413-447-7878, ext. 125. We’re especially in need of foster homes that currently have no other animals. BHS covers all expenses for food, supplies, and veterinary care.
CELEBRATING THE WONDERFUL LIFE OF LOUISE MCCORD 1938-2014 By Diane Briggs Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) lost a truly amazing friend when Louise McCord died suddenly at her home in December. John Perreault, now Executive Director of BHS, first met Louise in the early 1980’s when he brought his new puppy to obedience classes sponsored by the Great Barrington Kennel Club. He remembers her as being welcoming and knowledgeable. Over the years, Louise became a strong supporter of BHS. Louise taught second grade for more than 30 years at Taconic Hills Elementary School where she was adored by all her students. After her “retirement,” Louise took on a “full-time job” volunteering for many groups and programs. Her lifeLouise McCord & Cookie long love of dogs brought her enormous happiness, from training in obedience competitions and achieving the coveted AKC Utility Dog title with her dearly-loved Golden Retriever, Honey, to training for therapy work with all her Goldens. Louise was always happiest when she and her golden girls were doing their therapy work. Besides visiting classrooms as well as nursing homes, hospitals, veterans’ homes, and Hospice, she developed several innovative children’s reading to dogs programs. Louise and her dogs would also come to BHS’s Camp Humane where she would talk about responsible pet care and therapy animals. Our campers loved listening to Louise and having the opportunity to “dress” the Goldens in various costumes that Louise would bring with her. Louise was one in a million….a lady who truly cared, made a difference for countless adults and children, and will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. To read all of Diane's loving tribute to Louise, please visit our website at BerkshireHumane.org.
BERKSHIRE HUMANE SOCIETY (BHS) sends a huge thanks to Terry Cormier and Sullivan for making the first event in our 2015 Coffee Hour Speaking Series such a success. After discussing the Pet Therapy Program at Berkshire Medical Center, Terry and Sullivan, her Newfoundland, demonstrated different parts of the test required to become a therapy dog. Over 60 people attended, with several volunteering to help with the test and enjoying a visit with Sullivan, who is a therapy and water rescue dog. Although we had to cancel Randy Frost’s talk on the Psychology of Animal Hoarding on Sunday, February 15th, due to yet another winter storm, we’re pleased to report that we’ve rescheduled it for Sunday, May 31th. Coming up on Sunday, March 22nd is a presentation on North American Birds of Prey by Julie Anne Collier of Wingmasters. Julie Anne will be bringing an assortment of live hawks, owls, and falcons, and there’ll be a show of raptor artwork by Julie Anne and Jim Parks. This is a family-friendly afternoon.
Terry Cormier & Sullivan
Photo by Paula Boyajian
All events in the Coffee Hour Speaking Series begin at 2:00PM and are held in our Family Dog School’s Training Center off the lower parking lot. Delicious desserts, as always! Reservations aren’t necessary, but to save a seat and be eligible for a raffle at the end of the afternoon, please call 413-447-7878, ext. 128, or go to BerkshireHumane.org/coffee-hour-registration/. The Coffee Hour Speaking Series is free and supported by the Chervenak-Nunnalle Foundation, Inc.
PURRADISE STAFF At last count, Purradise, our feline adoption and retail center in Great Barrington, has found homes for 739 cats. What’s behind all those adoptions, besides some great cats? Some great staff, all of whom began as volunteers and, of course, are devoted to animals! After graduating from Becker College with an animal care degree and interning at Berkshire Humane Society, Jessica Bannon became a Purradise staff member in 2012. For Jessica, one of the best parts of being an adoption counselor at Purradise is her “awesome” coworkers and the opportunity to learn more about cats, including proper handling, care, and administration of medications.
Danielle Hammell, Manager of Purradise, couldn’t be more pleased with the Purradise team. “Jessica, Ashley, and Liz are three of the most dedicated and hardworking staff that I could ask for,” she says. “Their love and passion for all animals shines through with everything they do.”
Ashley Babcock knew she wanted to work with animals. Although she considered pursuing a career as a veterinarian technician, she’s found doing shelter work at Purradise to be very satisfying. After her first year there, she says, “I love the environment. And I love working with the animals firsthand.” In the future, Ashley sees herself becoming a veterinarian technician but then bringing that medical training back to a shelter setting. Liz Sullivan is the newest member of the Purradise staff. For over 20 years, she’s been a veterinarian technician, most recently at Sand Road Animal Hospital. Since September, though, she’s also combined that job with being an adoption counselor at Purradise. “It’s wonderful to be able to socialize the cats and then see them go to their forever homes,” Liz explains about her shelter work.
Jessica Bannon, Liz Sullivan, & Ashley Babcock
BERKSHIRE HUMANE SOCIETY BOARD OF DIRECTORS Cindy Bartlett, President Fred Pomerantz, Vice-President Leslie Weil, Vice-President Deborah Storie, Secretary Patricia Sinclair, Treasurer Jackie McHugh, Asst. Treasurer
Want a little break from the cold with an evening of good laughs? Then join Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) at the 10th annual ZipStohr Comedy Night on Saturday, March 21st, at the Crowne Plaza in Pittsfield. Featured comedians are nationally known DC Benny, Mike Britt, and Pete Costello. Tickets are $25. Purchase yours at BHS in Pittsfield, and we’ll receive a generous portion of the ticket price. A 50/50 raffle will also be held to benefit the homeless animals in Berkshire County. Doors open at 6:30PM, and no one will be admitted after 8:00PM. You must be 18 years old, and I.D.’s will be checked. For more information, call 413-447-7878, ext. 131.
Jonathan Cluett, MD, Asst. Secretary Alexandra Glover Karen Leopardi Christopher Nerrie Victoria May Steve Pavlosky John Reynolds, DVM Diana Wall
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF John Perreault, Executive Director Sherry Betit, Financial Specialist Terry Bissaillon, Volunteer Coordinator Diane Briggs, Administrative Assistant Elizabeth Brown, Humane Educator Lisa Corbett, Head Instructor Family Dog School
Danielle Hammell, Purradise Manager Mary Koncel, Outreach Coordinator Cheryl Truskowski, Shelter Manager
PURRADISE ADVISORY BOARD Corinne McKeown Mimi Rosenblatt Leslie Weil Marsha Weiner
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