animal life november e-edition

animal lifeYour pet. Our purpose.

Complimentary November 2015

Tri-State Area Pet News

Inside:I Died Today page 3

Partnership for Dogs page 5

Dog Years by Amanda Jones page 9

It’s in the Book page 10 & 11

I

Animal Lifer November 2015 animallifeonline.com 3

I’m walking into a veterinarian’s office with the red-haired girl. I really like her.From the moment she met me, she was kind. I was skittish and untrusting and Ithink I even growled at her a couple of times, but she didn’t give up. She broughtme food and special treats, she walked me and spoke in a soft voice. There wassomething about her that I knew I could trust. Even though I tried to hide it, some-how she just knew that the lump in my belly was hurting me something awful. Shecould see through the anxiety and stress and realized that I was in pain. She no-ticed that I was losing weight in that short time, that my fur was losing its lusterand that I was developing sores on my feet. I think that is why she has brought mehere again. I think she was hoping that there was something this doctor could dofor me. I am scared, because I think deep down, I knew that was not the case. ButI am not going to tell the red-haired girl that. Although she has only spent a shorttime with me, I can tell that she loves me already. She strokes my black fur sosoftly as we wait to see the doctor. I don’t want to hurt her and I am afraid of whatthey will tell her.We are called into the vet’s office and he examines the lump growing on mybelly again. He measures it and tells the red-haired girl about how quickly thetumor has progressed from 11 to 15 cm long in only a week. He also says thatthere is a secondary tumor on my rear leg and that my lymph nodes are severelyinflamed. I don’t know what all of that means, but I can tell from the tears wellingup in the eyes of the red-haired girl that it is bad. The vet continues. He indicatesthat I am not spayed and speaks of the several litters that I have likely had. Hethinks I am about eight to ten years old, that I am also suffering from severe al-lergies and that my right ear has become damaged from chronic, untreated ear in-fections. He is right about all of this. He then begins to speak of my prognosis. Itis likely that I would die during the surgeries IF I were healthy enough to undergothem. Apparently, I am not that healthy and the recovery would be devastating fora younger, healthier dog. Additionally, it is highly likely that the tumors would re-turn. The red-haired girl, trying to be strong for me, swallows hard and blinksrapidly to prevent the tears from spilling out of her eyes and rolling down hercheeks. The vet tells her that attempting to treat cancer is difficult enough; at-tempting to treat it in a case this advanced, in a dog this old, while residing in ashelter, is simply impossible. She nods. The vet gives me an injection to help me relax. I lay my head down on the lapof the red-haired girl who continued to quietly stroke my fur and tell me what agood dog I am. I love her for that. I close my eyes and think back to the parkwhere they left me. I still don’t understand. I chased the ball the man threw for mejust like I had a thousand times before. Maybe I didn’t get it quickly enough. Iknow I have slowed over the years. And then there is the pain that has come lately.But I thought they knew that. When I came back with the ball, they were gone. Iwaited in the park for a very long time. It began to rain and still I waited. Theydidn’t come back. I don’t understand. Finally, a stranger came and brought me tothe place with the red-haired girl. The vet has returned. The girl tells me everything will be okay. Her voice shakesas if she doesn’t believe what she is saying. I lick her hand. She is so kind. Sheneeds to know this tumor hurts. That I hurt. That it hurts to eat, to walk, to liedown and sometimes even to breathe. I love her for what she is doing for me. Herhand on my head is so comforting. My only regret, if dogs can have regrets, is thatI could not say goodbye to the family that I knew and loved. I wish they could behere with me to stroke my fur and tell me they will be okay. I wish they had lovedme as much as I loved them. The vet prepares to give me the shot that will release me from the tremendouspain I have endured for weeks while this fast moving “cancer” has ravaged mybody. The red-haired girl leans down and hugs me gently. She whispers into myear, “I love you Blair.” She kisses my forehead and scratches my ears. I feel lovedand no longer alone. I drift to sleep knowing that I was truly loved.

Krista A Wroldson MillerSonsini Animal Shelter

Blair came to the shelter as a stray with an extremely fast growing cancerous mammarytumor. Sonsini Shelter reminds all dog owners that spaying your female dogs before theirthird heat GREATLY reduces the risk of this type of cancer.

I Died Today

She kisses my forehead and scratchesmy ears. I feel loved and no longeralone. I drift to sleep knowing that

I was truly loved.

“ “

Now Openin Sheffield

BERKSHIRE FENCE & ACCESSORIESLawn & Garden Accents, Cedar Frniture & More!

• SUPERIOR INSTALLATION & REPAIR• Commercial • Residential • Industrial • FREE ESTIMATES

Paul Brown(413) 443-4515 (413) 229-9900

1625 West Housatonic St. 560 South Main St.Pittsfield, MA 01201 Sheffield, MA 01257

[email protected] Credit Cards Accepted

• Carpet Cleaning-Animal Odors

• Window washing

• Janitorial Services for Large & Small Companies

Glenn HarpinPO Box 2341, Pittsfield, MA 01202

[email protected]

413.442.2115 office413.448.6067 fax • 413.770.1796 direct

Rosseter Street, Great Barrington

Alden Beane

Winter is just aroundthe corner!

Call ASAP before the schedulefills up completely!

Publisher/Owner Kim Arre-Gerber, [email protected] Writers

Iris Bass Karen Karlberg Carol LewYoanna Y. Maitre Tobie Petkus Mary Koncel

Krista Wroldson Miller Leea Foran. The Canine MindCirculation, John Depaoli Advertising Sales, Karen Karlberg, Lisa Betkoski, Angela Meglio

Cover photo by Martha Pope, Shaggy Dog Photography

For advertising rates or information call 413-459-5894Mailing Address: 9 County Court, Pittsfield, MA 01201

www.animallifeonline.comA Paw Print Division of Animal Laughter Studio®. All original content copyright® 2015 Animal Life. Original content

contained herin can not be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

animal lifeYour pet. Our purpose.

Boundaries For Pets800-732-3181

boundariesforpets.invisiblefence.com

brought to you by

Code: Nov15: *Offer valid on professionally installed, premium outdoor containment packages only. Coupon must be presented at time of consultation. No cash value. Expires 11/30/15. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Valid only with Boundaries For Pets. Invisible Fence® is a registered trademark of Invisible Fence, Inc. All rights reserved.

Pre-Winter Sale 10% Off!*

BARN SPEED HOBBIES

Joe Sorrentino 1-800-499-2651109 Center Street, Lee, MA 01238 413-243-2651, home 413-243-2896

Great Holiday GiftsIncluding Lionel Trains-Polar Express

R/C Airplanes & Engines, Helicopters,Complete Parts & Accessories,

R/C Cars, Trucks, Boats, Estes Rockets,Trains, Plastic & Diecast Models

Repair Service Available

4 Animal Lifer November 2015 animallifeonline.com


Berkshire Humane Society and Atlanta Humane Society:A Partnership for Dogs

AA new partnership between BerkshireHumane Society (BHS) and AtlantaHumane Society (AHS) means lots ofdogs finding their forever homes inBerkshire County and neighboring regions.

As a result of effective spaying andneutering efforts throughout the North-east, the number of puppies and dogssurrendered to shelters has greatly de-creased over the past years. The goodnews is that such initiatives have madea significant dent in dog overpopulationand homelessness in this area. Thedownside is that the number of dogs,and especially family-friendly dogs,available for adoption at shelters in theNortheast is limited. As John Perreault, Executive Director

of BHS, explains, “At times, our ken-nels have been almost empty. We be-lieve people want to adopt locally, butwhen they came to the shelter, we justdidn’t have the appropriate dog forthem – even if they came back severaltimes. Some of them end up going on-line and adopting from people and res-cue groups who might not always beresponsible or reputable. Unfortu-nately, then, they don’t have access tothe support and services that we offerwith every adoption. “

Since October, two transports havebrought back 24 dogs of all types andsizes, from a pair of 10-week-old Shep-ard/Lab mixes to a middle-aged Pugand a senior Cocker Spaniel. For thefirst transport, which was underwrittenby Fenton, Pinsonnault & Quinn, PC,BHS staff met up with AHS staff inRichmond, VA – a halfway point be-tween the two shelters. For the second,AHS staff traveled the 1,000 plus milesfrom Atlanta, GA to Pittsfield in a state-of the art climate controlled trailer withbuilt-in kennels.

Once at BHS, the dogs are quaran-tined. They also must have a medicalevaluation and a health certificate froma veterinarian as well as be tempera-ment-tested by BHS staff before beingreleased for adoption. All dogs have al-

ready received age-appropriate vacci-nations, been tested for heart-worm andLyme disease, and spayed or neuteredif old enough. For puppies 16 weeksand younger, the adoption fee includesfree enrollment in the Puppy Play andLearn class offered by BHS’s FamilyDog School.Phoebe, a three-month-oldPointer/Bull-dog mix, is just one southern dog whohas found her new family in BerkshireCounty. Recently, Megan and Thomasof Dalton lost Riley, their 15-year-oldGolden Retriever whom they got fromBHS as a puppy. When their daughtersasked for a puppy, they began lookingat BHS and other local shelters in Sep-tember. As Thomas emphasizes, be-sides wanting to adopt another dog,they wanted to stay in Berkshire Countyand support its shelters.

In late October, after being called byBHS staff, the family came back tomeet Phoebe. It was love at first sight.“She was such a cute puppy,” Thomassays. “And she’s just as beautiful now.” According to Julie Cortino, Transport

Coordinator at AHS, a lack of low-costspaying and neutering programs in theSoutheast has resulted in a severe ca-nine overpopulation problem. Everyyear, for example, AHS takes in andadopts out 8,000 dogs at its two loca-tions. Sadly, though, thousands ofadoptable puppies and dogs are still eu-thanized annually because shelters areoverwhelmed and have no room to carefor them. Transports to BHS and othershelters in the Northeast save the livesof these animals.“This is not a decision that BHS madelightly,” John states. “There were yearsof planning and researching other shel-ters. It was not until now that we feltwe could afford to take on southerndogs and still continue our commitmentto our community’s homeless dogs.”

BHS first heard about AHS throughASPCA’s Moving Animals Places Pro-gram. After John and other BHS staffvisited the Atlanta facility, he knew that

AHS would be the right partner. “Theyhave an excellent reputation, and wewere impressed with both their operationand protocols,” he notes.

The AHS partnership with BHS hasbeen especially timely. Recent flood-ing in the Southeast has dramaticallyincreased the number of dogs in needof shelter. Moving dogs from theiradoption floor to BHS has opened upspace for AHS to take in these localdogs and hopefully reunite them withtheir owners.

For more information about alldogs at BHS, visit our website –www.BerkshireHumane.org, call

413-447-7878, or stop by the shelter.

Mary A. KoncelCommunity Outreach CoordinatorBerkshire Humane Society.

This is not a decision that BHS made lightly, John states. There were years of planning and researching other shelters.“ “

myth & truth about dog behaviorthe canine mind!I want to be sure my Chihuahua is well socialized and active but I’ve been toldthat dog parks and doggie day care are not safe places for a little dog. Is thistrue?

This can be true depending on the facility. If your dog park or day care facility of-fers separate fenced sections designated for small breed dogs then you will havea potentially safer situation. But even so, play is a learned skill that requires su-pervision and time outs AND not all dogs are that interested in playing in a group.So you need to remain alert to how comfortable your dog is in the group, how wellthe dogs play together, and know when to say, ”Time to go.” Allowing your smalldog to mix in a dog park with a variety of large dogs could result in a disaster.Large dogs run fast and their weight alone could certainly injure your dog if theyran into her. Additionally some dogs can misread a small dog running in the fieldand assume it is a prey animal like a squirrel or rabbit and attack. The size andnumber of large dogs could be very intimidating to your Chihuahua and lead tosome defensive aggression as she attempts to protect herself. If you are interestedin using a facility go and visit first and observe if this feels like a well supervised,safe and enjoyable setting for your dog. If not, find your own ways to socializeyour dog through structured classes that include some socializing or making playdates with friends who have small friendly dogs. It is not worth the risk, physi-cally or behaviorally to put your dog in a frightening or dangerous situation in thename of socializing.

Leea Foran, CDBC, CPTA-KA is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Behavior consultant and owner of Foranimals, LLC in Lenox, MA. For more information: www.trainingforanimals.com or 413-445-8843

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

413-445-8843www.trainingforanimals.com

I believe that training should bring a smile to your face & a wag to your tail. I will never useforce or intimidation to train your dog. Positive reinforcement and up-to-date scientifically

based behavior modification programs bring positive results and lasting change. –Leea

BEHAVIOR CONSULTATIONS & PRIVATE TRAININGGROUP CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Learn with a Dedicated Professional

Certified Professional Dog Trainer Certified Dog Behavior Consultant

Certified Tellington TTouch Practitioner IIAKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator

Amer Red Cross Pet First Aid Instructor

With 36 Years of Teaching Experience

Training for Real Life Needs

training

Calling ALL Dogs!Every Thursday

FUN Agility Course

Susan & George Clark, ABCDT • [email protected] • www.foryourpetshealth.com

PLAYYARDTraining Services

The

For appointment and/orUpcoming Class Schedule

call

518-325-9807

Private K9 Training & Behavior ProblemsObedience, Behavior Consultation, Aggression,

Fear, Phobias & more!

The Right End of the Leash

Jesse Salas, Certified Dog Trainer & Instructor413-212-8585

[email protected]

TaizéShepherd

KennelSince 1972

Specializing in the behavior and transitionproblems of shelter and rescue dogs.

Training & Certification for Therapy Dogs International®

Home of:• Select AKC Champions • 2000 Canadian Grand Victrix • United States Top Ten Police K-9 Unit Service Dogs

• AKC Obedience, Agility and Herding titleholders • NADAC &Schutzhund titleholders • Therapy Dogs and Canine Good Citizens • GSDCA Performance Award of Merit Recipients

Charlene MarchandNorth Chatham, NY • 518-766-3804

Charlene Marchand is a syndicated columnist for training, behavior, and health issues. She isactively involved in canine rescue and sheltering, and is the co-creator and trainer for ColumbiaCounty Sheriff’s highly acclaimed “A New Leash On Life” Cell Dog Program.

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training All Breed - All Ages


H


For instance, if you have come across deer lately, the animal may be helping you identify your spirit of, gentleness andlove, and the need to balance it with camouflage and alertness. A deer spirit walks softly and gracefully, allowing you lis-tening to your inner child or to be ready for new opportunities. If you find yourself in the company of dogs, their spirittotem could be one of protection, companionship and faithfulness. A dog is a symbol of friendship and of the uncondi-tional ability to love and accept others. A person with this animal totem may exhibit loyalty and are fierce protectorswhen needed. I am sure many of the readers of Animal Life have a dog totem, and did not even realize it. Chipmunks and squirrels are everywhere these days gathering food for the months ahead; those of us who have a chip-munk or squirrel totem are also know to gather and prepare for the future. Their totem spirit also includes awareness,being playful and social, and be active in life. A chipmunk shows the timing of and the balance of activity and play. Thetype of person to identify with the chipmunk is a person who would rather than watch. If a Crow has flown across your path; it is a sign of change. All that you have been working for and toward is now com-ing to fruition. A Crow as a spiritual messenger could also be letting you know that perhaps you are spreading yourselfa little bit thing. It’s time to step back – re assess where you are at and take stock of your own dreams and aspirations. Another interesting thing about animal totems is that you can have several animal totem guides throughout your life.Sometimes an animal totem guide will come into your life for just a short period of time and then be replaced by anothertotem depending on the journey or direction you are headed toward. What I like best about animal totems or spirit guidesis that they can help you get back to your Earthly roots, and reconnect with nature by reminding you that we are all in-terconnected.

Till next time, watch for animal signs and totems wherever you may roam.Karen Karlberg resides in Becket MA with her menagerie of rescued barnyard & domestic animals and her husbandMark. She is actively involved in conservation efforts as a citizen scientist, is an accomplished artisan and nature pho-tographer www.Kattailphoto.com.

out & aboutKaren Karlberg

I

Finding Your Animal TotemHave you ever been outside enjoying nature when you notice a particularanimal or bird seems to be crossing your path that day? Well it may beyour Animal Totem trying to get your attention. An Animal Totem is abelieved by some, to be a spiritual guide that someone can use to get intouch with the qualities those particular animals posse and the personneeds, connects with or feels a deep affinity toward. With that said, whenyou find an animal that speaks strongly to you or that you feel you mustbring further into your life, you have discovered an animal totem.

pet sitting & day care

HappyDog

Boarding • Day Care • TrainingWe cover Great Barrington, Alford, Egremont,

Hillsdale, Chatham & more

413-528-0877Nora Hayes, MSW, Owner & Trainer

email: [email protected] • www.hayeshappydog.com

Best Little Kennel in the Berkshires!(in MA & NY)

Kennel & Day Care

Walk In The ParkLynn Pfeiler

Professional Dog Walking/Pet Sitting Services

413-446-0684Insured & BondedReferences [email protected]

DDD

D

DD

DDD D

DD

DDD

ReliablePet SittingCompany

Serving Berkshire County Since 1997

PET SITTING in YOUR HOME

Maryann Hyatt-OwnerINSURED • BONDED

413.443.0443 or 413.329.5127413.229.8486

PO Box 232, Pittsfield, MA 01202

NEW EMAIL: [email protected]

Gina’sK-9 Bed & Breakfast

518-329-4675 D 349 Farm Rd., Copake, New York

CANINE PLAYCARE MONDAY – FRIDAYCall to set up your dog’s interview

Canine lodging 365 days/year

Salon services for canine and feline Monday-Saturday

Serving area pets since 1995

92 Cook Road, Sheffield, MAwww.bowmeowregency.com

(413) 229-0035

IIn the great tradition of itinerant pho-tographers, Amanda Jones travels fromtown to town taking portraits. For morethan two decades, she’s used her cam-era to write the stories of dogs nation-wide, capturing them at specificmoments in their lives. For her newbook, Dog Years (Chronicle Books),Jones extended the narratives of 30 ofher subjects—including Bark’s late,great “founding dog,” Nell—by pairingphotos of their youthful and matureselves. She shares her insights withBark art director Cameron Woo.The term “dog years” suggests timecompressed, measuring experiences

on another level. What does it mean to you?

I assume that, like me, those who havedogs come to realize that their humanlifespan can accommodate those of sev-eral canines. My first dog, Lily, who isfeatured in the book, had a great longlife with me: from 12 weeks to 14years. She moved with me across theU.S several times, she saw the birth ofmy daughter, she ushered out older res-cues and welcomed in new puppies.Now, she’s gone, and as adults, those“new puppies” are welcoming in newrescues. I’m aging as well, and eachone of those lives—whether arriving ordeparting—has an impact on me and onmy family.

After all this time, what have youlearned about dogs & their people?Like humans, each dog is unique.

They may share many physical similar-ities, but even siblings from the samelitter display distinctive personalities.As for the people … I’ve worked witha wide range of personalities but theyall share one thing: they love their animals.

When you were reunited with thedogs for these shoots, sometimes asmuch as 15 years later, did any of

them seem to remember you?Whether they remembered me specifi-cally, I can’t say with certainty. I dothink they remembered the process ofthe photo shoot and being on the set. Ineach case, the second shoot seemed towork that much easier. Or, maybe olderdogs allow themselves to be more eas-ily manipulated for a treat!

When I look at your portraits, Ifind myself drawn to the dogs’

eyes—they’re so powerful. What doyou try to capture when you photo-

graph your subjects?I don’t go into a shoot expecting any-thing specific; I tend to let dogs dictatethe nature of the session. If they loveballs, then we play with balls and workfrom that activity. If they like to liearound and be mellow, I get creativeand do some interesting portrait work.

What’s it like to connect with peopleand their dogs over time and across thecountry?I have the best clients in the world;they’re the reason I get up in the morn-ing and do what I do. In many cases,they have become best friends. I travela lot and, as you can imagine, each trippresents logistical hurdles. These days,I have clients who are willing to sharethings that make my time on the roadmuch more pleasant: places to stay, carsto drive, home-cooked meals to eat.And, of course, dogs are the glue thatholds us together. What could be betterthan that?

As you assembled these matchups,did anything in particular jump

out at you?As you mentioned, it’s all about theeyes. Peering into those eyes severalyears later, I still see that certain spark.The muzzle goes gray and the bodygets lumpy and jowly, but the soul isstill the same. It amazes me.

What about the dogs in yourlife today?

There’s Benny, a shorthaired, silver-dapple Dachshund, and Ladybug, aDachshund/Chihuahua mix. Ladybug isa recent rescue; her photo was postedon Instagram through an NYC rescuegroup and the second I saw it, I knew

she was the dog for our family. Socialmedia is an amazing way to spreadawareness of animals in need of homes!And, of course, I still miss Lily, who in-spired Dog Years.

Permission to reprint by The Bark Magazine, 10/15

Dog Years:Portraits of Then and Now

The Bark interview with photographer Amanda JonesCameron Woo | September 4, 2015

simple, direct and personal banking

1-800-843-4100 • www.leebank.com

MEMBER FDIC • MEMBER DIF • EQUAL HOUSING LENDER


Nellie 1 year, Nellie 13 years, Amanda Jones with Benny. All photographs © Amanda Jones.

Linda Jackson and JodyChiquoine, both ownersof local healthcare busi-nesses, have just the an-swer in their book, "A Dog Lover's Guide

to Canine Massage". This easy to follow workbookteaches you to give your dog a massag and increasesthe bond you already have with your canine com-panions."A Dog Lover's Guide to Canine Massage" cameabout through our friendship, our love of animals,and our teaching classes to fellow dog owner's andcaretakers. We met through the Centre for Acupunc-ture in Great Barrington and forged an immediatefriendship. We shared the common belief that ascaregivers ,we know our pets best. Therefore, we arethe most important advocates for health simply be-cause we live with them, walk with them, and touchthem every day. We are the first to know when a visitto the vet is needed.Through massage, we can fine-tune our awarenessof physical issues through intentional and focusedtouch. We are committed to teaching people the use-ful skills that help us notice subtle changes in ourdog's bodies and use massage to assist improvingtheir health. In 1998, Linda and Jody decided to joinskills -- Linda's extensive massage experience, bothfor people and dogs, teaching experience, as well asher certification in Holistic Animal Care offered theperfect foundation for the book. Jody's Nurse Prac-titioner background, Certification as a Canine Reha-bilitation Therapist and teaching experience was anadded complement . Our workbook is the product of our friendship,

expertise and classes we have taught. Students whoattended our classes encouraged us to write this book.

Peter Zheutlin is a free-lance journalist and authorwhose work has appearedregularly in the BostonGlobe and the ChristianScience Monitor. Mr.Zheutlin has also writtenfor The Los AngelesTimes, Parade Magazine,AARP Magazine and numerous other publicationsin the U.S. and abroad. He is the author of Aroundthe World on Two Wheels: Annie Londonderry’s Ex-traordinary Ride (Citadel Press, 2007) and RescueRoad: One Man, Thirty Thousand Dogs and a Mil-lion Miles on the Last Hope Highway (Sourcebooks,forthcoming October, 2015). He is also the co-au-thor, with Thomas B. Graboys, M.D., of Life in theBalance: A Physician’s Memoir of Life, Love andLoss with Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia (Union

Square Press, 2008),with Robert P. Smith,of Riches Among theRuins: Adventures inthe Dark Corners ofthe Global Economy(Amacom, 2009),and, with Judith Gel-man, of The Unoffi-cial Mad MenCookbook: Inside theKitchens, Bars andRestaurants of Mad

Men (SmartPop/BenBella Books, 2011) and The Un-official Girls Guide to New York: Inside the Cafes,Clubs, and Neighborhoods of HBO's Girls (Smart-Pop/BenBella, 2013). Prior to starting his writing ca-reer, Mr. Zheutlin practiced law and taught legalskills at the University of Virginia and NorthwesternUniversity law schools. Mr. Zheutlin is a graduate ofAmherst College and Boston College Law Schooland resides in Massachusetts with his wife, authorJudith Gelman.

“Peter Zheutlin has written a lovely, moving, importantbook about a subject that is both heartbreaking and joy-ful. Greg Mahle, the central figure of this story, is now ahero of mine. Dogs are not just property. They are one wayGod tests our compassion.” - Dean Koontz

Rescue Road

by Peter Zeuthin

Local Authors, all for the loveof our pets!Book!

It’s in the

Jesse Freidin is one ofAmerica’s leading fineart dog photographers,working exclusivelywith traditional analogfilm processes. He isdedicated to a return torealness, to craftsman-ship, and to lifting up

the household dog to its rightful place as contempo-rary muse.As a body of work, Jesse’s black and white dog por-traits continue a centuries-long practice of commis-sioned artists entrusted with articulating theincredible bond between dogs and humans. His pho-tographs offer a rare view into contemporary Amer-ican households, each piece telling a unique story ofmodern domesticity.Jesse Freidin’s dog photography is in over 80 pri-vate collections throughout the United States, andhas been exhibited from coast to coast. His work hasappeared in Vogue, Cosmopolitan, The HuffingtonPost, Garden and Gun Magazine, The Bark Maga-zine, and many more.He was awarded the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013

Best Dog Photographer in the San Francisco BayArea for his fine-art pet portraiture, and is also thecreator of the Doggie Gaga Project, an overnightmedia sensation linked online by EntertainmentWeekly, MTV, TMZ, and The Sundance Channel,and featured on ABC’s Live! With Regis & Kelly.He works out of his new studio in the Berkshires,and travels around the country for clients.

Contact the studio now to start customizing yourGift Certificate, and we’ll have it shipped directly toyou in no time:

[email protected] or go to my website: jessefreidin.com

Dogs onFilmby Jesse Freidin


A Dog Lover’s Guide toCanine Massageby Jody Chiquoine & Linda Jackson

My earliest memoriesare of the Eleanor Son-sini Pet Shelter, in Pitts-field where I lived for ashort time until I wasadopted and given the

name Simon. I was just plain Simon then: little did Iknow what wonders awaited me in the near future.My new home turned out to be enormous. I was

overwhelmed at first by the huge rooms, manyfloors, more bedrooms than I could count and oh! somany people. Mom spent all of her free time withme, helping me find my way and even installing acat door so I could easily get to the basement wheremy food and litter box is kept. That was nine yearsago and I’m happier here than any cat could be. Ihave a different couch or chair to nap in as my moodstrikes, an abundance of good cat food to eat as Inever developed a taste for human food and so manynooks and crannies to explore that I could never be bored.All shelter cats dream of finding a forever home butI never dreamed that mine would be this wonderfulold place or that I would meet so many humans whowould care for me and want to be my friend. Mom,says that I’m a very special, very smart cat. I thinkI’m a very lucky one.Simon Says is a new book about the historic RedLion Inn’s Lobby Ambassador, Simon TreadwayGato, who happens to be cat. Simon arrived at theInn 9 years ago and never left. The book tells how hecame to be the Lobby Ambassador and how he feelsabout his life at the Red Lion. Simon loves his joband he performs his many duties to perfection: if youpoint a camera in his direction, he’ll strike a pose;extend a hand to and he may let you rub his tummy;he often escorts guests to their rooms and, althoughstrictly forbidden, if invited in he may spend thenight.Written by Jayne Church, AKA “Mom”. Managerof the Red Lion Inn Gift Shop and mom to four catsand a blind dachshund named Missy and Jana Laiz,an award-winning author and the mom of two cats,two dogs, and two kids. Jana got her first cat, Irving,when she was five and has had a plethora of animalsever since. The Book is filled with wonderful photosof Simon by Nancy-Fay Hecker who shares a lovefor life through photography. Her family, includingpups and kitties present and past, all inspire her cre-ative spirit. Her company, Apple Hill Designs, pub-lishes scenic cards and mementos.

Simon Saysby Jayne Church& Jana Laiz

Dog Senseby Gloria McKay

Local businesswoman, GloriaMcClay, is the author of thebook “Dog Sense”, which wasfirst published in 2010. Whenshe was in her early 20’s, she

began training her own dogs, and was quickly bittenby the dog show bug. Naturally the progression wasto be a professional dog training instructor/behav-ioral consultant, and has logged over 35 years of ex-perience. She owns and operates Canine Connectionin Cheshire, MA. Under the kennel name of GlorialSchipperkes and Rottweilers she was an accom-plished breeder/owner/handler for 25 of those years.Her proudest moment is the fact she introducedKindergarten Puppy classes into the Berkshires in1988. Kindergarten Puppy continues to be offeredalong with obedience, rally, and agility classes at Ca-nine Connection.In addition, Gloria has been an active member of

the Great Barrington Kennel Club since 1981. Overthe years she has held the positions of President, VicePresident, Secretary and Treasurer. Occasionally shehas chaired the Club’s annual AKC All-Breed PointShow, and other educational events. She currentlyworks with the dogs at Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shel-ter, and is a dedicated member on the Board of Di-rectors.Gloria’s book, “Dog Sense” stresses the importanceof “breeding better dogs” and offers advice on howto become responsible dog owners. It provides allthe necessary ingredients for the recipe to havingwell-mannered dogs. In this book, Gloria empha-sizes the important reasons why dog owners need toestablish a leadership role in their dog’s lives. It hassensible “soup to nuts” guidance for all dog ownersand covers every aspect of training a dog. There iseven advice for those that have aspirations for be-coming a dog-training instructor, or showing theirown dogs.If you love dogs, this is a must read! “Dog Sense”can be purchased through most on-line book stores,and can also be purchased at Canine Connection. Gloria is available for group lectures and book

signings. She can be reached [email protected] or her phone number is(413) 442-7553. Canine Connection’s website

address is www.canineconn.com

Debra & Sal are native New Yorkers and met whileworking as freelance artists at Bantam Books in NY.They married in 1985 and started a children’s bookpackaging company, Halcyon Books, where theycollaborated with artists and writers to create andpackage books for sale to publishing companies. Salwas also an agent for illustrators in the advertisingand publishing fields. One day, they were in a

taxi on the way from GrandCentral Station to their of-fice. The driver had a dogin the front seat with him,and the idea of Maxi andThe Adventures of TaxiDog was born. They wrotethe book and hired MarkBeuhner, one of the artiststhat Sal represented, to do the illustrations. “Wewanted to show how Maxi was adopted and loved,and teach kids how important it is to be kind to ani-mals”. Debra & Sal designed and packaged the bookand went to Bologna, Italy to the Children’s BookConvention to promote it. Dial Books of NY boughtit, and The Adventures of Taxi Dog was publishedin 1991. Three books followed in the series, cur-rently out of print. A portion of the proceeds was do-nated to animal welfare agencies to help the cause.In the 25 years of publication, there have been of-fers of movies or TV deals, but last month, a dealwas finally struck with CPTV to produce live-actionepisodes of Maxi and his adventures, to air in Springof 2016. Hopefully, the show will be picked up byPBS stations nationwide. There is currently a pro-gram in schools to promote SEL (social & emotionallearning) through the use of a Maxi puppet and thebooks and other material. “We are thrilled that thisprogram seems to be extremely successful in helpingchildren deal with various issues they are facing”. They currently live in Seymour, CT with theirdaughter Sam and three cats.

For more info on Taxi Dog, please go to taxidogtv.com. The Adventures of Taxi Dog isavailable through Amazon or can be ordered

by individual bookstores.

The Adventures

of Taxi Dogby Debra &Sal BarrockLocal Authors, all for

the love of our pets!

Book!It’s in the



IIf you see a shelter cat’s profile labeled“FIV-positive,” what is your gut reac-tion? To stay as far away as you can, orto ask, “If I wash my hands from theother cats, may I hold him?” Thischoice represents the gamut of whatpeople may think they know about fe-line immunodeficiency virus, otherwiseknown as feline AIDS.Jonas, at Purradise when I visited inlate October, is just such a cat. A hand-some tabby and white gent, three yearsold, he was half-snoozing when I camein, but launched into a wriggle of pleas-ure as I spoke to him. Staffer Cathy’sobservation that he is a very sweet-na-tured, affectionate guy was borne outwhen my photographer, Sheila, ap-peared several days later to snap aphoto of him in the shelter’s cozyNook. Unlike many other residentswho prefer to explore its toys, scratch-ing posts, furniture, and windows whenbrought into the room, Jonas rubbedagainst Sheila’s legs and then snuggledagainst her when she sat down. And shewas happy and unafraid to give him theattention he craved.An FIV-positive cat need not be apariah or, worse, put down. FIV is notcommunicable to humans or to dogs,and it isn’t even all that easy to trans-mit: licking other kitties or sharing theirfood, or using the same litter box is es-

sentially harmless to uninfected cats.The virus is spread only by direct con-tact via either a bite that breaks theskin, or by an FIV mother cat to heryoung, probably while in utero or pos-sibly through tainted milk produced byher body. It is advisable to isolate an FIV-positivecat from other cats not because an un-infected cat might be bitten, but to keepthe virus-impaired cat safe! FIV is alifelong infection of a cat’s cells thatsuppresses its immune system, lower-ing its white blood cell count. This in-creases the cat’s susceptibility to thebacteria and other germs carried byother cats in a household: what maypass through a healthy cat’s systemwith nary a sneeze or retch, could makean FIV-positive housemate very sick in-deed. (And we’re talking strictly catshere: most diseases are not zoonotic;that is, they don’t cross over from onespecies to another, so if you have a coldor the flu, or your dog is under theweather, no worries—Tabitha can’tcatch it, be she FIV-positive or not.) Let’s say you are looking to adopt a cat,to be your only cat. What else do youneed to know, to consider choosing onewho is FIV-positive? First, thinkhealthy diet. That means no raw orspoiled food, unpasteurized dairy, un-dercooked eggs, or long-standing

water. Second, you’ll need to familiar-ize yourself with your cat’s body wellenough to notice a sore mouth or anupset tummy, or other symptoms suchas swollen lymph nodes or weight loss,right away. Prompt attention by a vet isessential, to help your pet fight what-ever condition the weakened immunesystem can’t resolve on its own. Be-cause FIV-positive cats may be symp-tom-free for some time, it can easy toforget that their health is constantly un-dermined by the virus in their blood-stream. So, third, you’ll need toschedule regular vet checkups. Even ifyour cat seems healthy, a vet capable ofnoticing any small changes is an essen-tial player in Team Kitty. Preventivecare is definitely worth the price—andless costly, in the long run, than tryingto cure a full-blown infection. And thepeace of mind gained from the confir-mation that Kitty is doing okay on yourwatch, despite having FIV, will defi-nitely be worth it!Caring for this kind of special-needs catdoesn’t take a lot of special effort...justa special someone who can concentrateon Kitty’s POSITIVE qualities whileshowing that FIV bug who’s boss. Andwhat cat wouldn’t flourish, lavishedwith such special attention? Could Jonas’s next pair of loving armsbe yours?

This series follows the special human-feline bond at Purradise, the BerkshireHumane Society Cat Adoption Centerat 301 Stockbridge Road, Great Bar-rington, MA 01230 (413-717-4244),berkshirehumane.org. Open Wed., Fri.,& Sat. 10–4 p.m.; Thurs. 10 a.m.–6p.m.; and Sun. noon–4 p.m.

Iris Bass, coauthor of the Cat Lover’sDaily Companion, shares her Lee homewith five shelter cats.

this side of purradiseIris BassAc-centuate the Positive!

Jonas, safe in the arms of Cathy.Photo © 2015 Sheila Heflin.

Berkshire Humane Society Offers 100 Cats for ChristmasOnce again, a grant from the Massachusetts Animal Coalition’s (MAC) license plate program will help Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) host its third annual“100 Cats for Christmas” on Thursday, December 17th.To participate, residents of Berkshire County must come to BHS to complete a registration form and pay a non-refundable $25 fee, which includes a rabiesvaccination. 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, GreylockAnimal Hospital in North Adams, or Purradise Feline Adoption Center in Great Barrington between 7:00am and 8:00am. BHS staff and volunteers will thendrive the cats to their appointments at veterinarians and return them for owner pick-up in the afternoon. 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. Through its annual “I’m Animal Friendly” license plates program, it disperses funds to humaneorganizations and municipal animal control agencies in the Commonwealth to provide low-cost spay and neuter services.

To help support the effort to end pet overpopulation and homelessness in Massachusetts through low-cost spaying and 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 www.petplate.org.


The Mysterious Lives ofIIf you have ever seen a cat in yourneighborhood and wondered “what’shis story?”, you are not alone. Most ofthe calls we get at Animal Dreams areabout cats whose story is a mystery tothe people around them.Take “Curly Tail”. We first learned

about him this past spring from the em-ployees a Pittsfield business where hecame every morning for the cat foodbreakfast they fed him. He’s a large,scruffy, long-haired white and tiger catwith a distinctive fluffy curly tail. Afterbreakfast, he spent most of his dayunder the porch of a nearby neighborwho cares for over ten feral cats. He isthe king of that brood, and probably thefather of many of them. In July, wetrapped Curly Tail and every unfixedferal cat we could find in three differ-ent locations within a two-block area.We had them fixed, rabies vaccinated,and ear tipped. Ear tipping is taking alittle bit off of the left ear so people cantell from a distance that a feral cat hasbeen neutered.Did we get them all? Nope! Just a fewweeks ago, we discovered that there arethree more unfixed older kittens whohave started regularly eating at one ofthe caretakers’ homes. They were alsospotted at a brand new location threeblocks away; we could tell by their de-scriptions that they were the same kit-ties. Two of them look just like CurlyTail, and likely are the last offspring ofthis mighty cat. By the end of the

month, they too will have been trapped,neutered, and returned. When I spoke with the more distant

caretaker who we had not known aboutearlier this year, I described the localferal cat population and the distinctiveCurly Tail. She said “Oh that’s MisterCaramel Pants! When we moved heretwo years ago, our neighbor fed him onher porch. She moved away, but wehave seen him on and off since then.”There’s no real neat ending to this

story. We’re not even sure where CurlyTail aka Mr. Caramel Pants spends histime now. But it’s always fascinatingand awe-inspiring to solve a few of themysteries about the cats roamingamong us. They are smart, resourceful,and they touch many people’s lives.And some of them have more than onename.

Carol LewTNR CoordinatorAnimal DREAMS

CatsCustom Veterinary Medications

help is here for pets & vets!

call for more information, or visit ‘compounding’ at

if only my pills

tasted like bacon

or liver

or cheese!

Your dog resists swallowing pills, your cat spits out her medication and your hamster is not a happy patient…We can help! Our pharmacists can compound yourpet’s medications into tasty snacks or other easy to administer forms (creams, gels,protective coatings) and in dosages adjusted to the size and type of animal.

From house pets to horses, we can provide unique solutions for a wide variety of ailments and most veterinary medical specialties. We use the highest standards,purest chemicals and the latest technology.

www.LvipRx.com

also discover our all-naturalpet products!

5 Walker Street • Lenox, MA • 413.637.4700888.796.1222 • open mon-fri 9-6 • sat 9-5

Delivery to your home or office!independent / local / family owned & operated

Saturday, November 21 • 1-3pm.Nail Trimming $7.00

Monday - Friday 10 am - 5:30 pm, Saturday 10 am - 4 pmOPEN Most Sundays 11 am - 3 pm

Lenox Commons • 55 Pittsfield Road, Lenox, MA413-637-0800 www.chezpet.com

c c

• Premium USA brands offoods and treats

• Toys • Essentials • Gifts• Natural and Organic Products

• Lots of Fun Stuff!

Call 518-781-0362 or visit www.petpartnersberkshires.orgA 501(c) (3) Non Profit Organization

Provides. . . • Food for needy dogs & cats• Reduced rate spay/neuter• Assistance with basic veterinary care costs

grooming

D ALL ORGANIC-NATURAL DOG & CAT FOOD C

D ASK ABOUT OUR DELIVERY SERVICE C

DLEASHES, COLLARS, BOW

LS C

DTOYS, CAR

DS, UNIQU

E GIFTS C

59 Main Street Lee, MA

413-243-1220www.Meowandgrowl.com

NAIL TRIMMINGcall for date & times

$7 per cat or dog

Dog Wash Stations!SELF SERVE

Barking BeautiesSalon for Dogs & Cats

Staci A. Barrett, Owner18 Years of Experience • Gift Certificates Always Available

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

Do You Have the Ultimate Dog?• Full service dog grooming-all breeds• Walk-In nail trims• Self Serve Bathing Station: All tools provided,

just bring yourself and your dog!• Frequent Fido Cards-Get your sixth wash FREE• Boutique filled with unique dog items for dogs

and the people who love them!• High Quality Raw (Oma's Pride & Nature's Variety)

and dry (Blue Buffalo & Nature's Variety) foods.• Special Orders Available Upon Request

Chris & Jennifer Tompkins, Owners/GroomersAmanda Hohman-Manager

Open Tue-Fri 8am-5pm,Sat-8am-3pmCLOSED SUNDAYS

(860)435-83539 Academy Street, Salisbury, CT 06068

Poochini’slocated at Copake Lake,

Craryville, NY518-325-4150 518-821-3959

Top Dog StylingBubbles & Brush

DemattingTransportationdog walking

a La Carte itemsspecial services

Accepting most major credit cardsFully Insured

Member of PSI and ASPCADawn Gardina, [email protected]

poochinipetsalon.wix.com/home

• Emu oil and oatmeal based oils to soothe-dry & itchy skin.• Paw & pad massage with bees wax ointment for dry & cracked pads.

• All products are natural. Hypo-allergenic and Eco-friendly

.

413.446.8676Jessie Sullivan • [email protected]

Call ustoday!

Happy HoundsMobile Grooming

WALK-IN Nail Clipping

Paula & Tom Phillips • 10 Lyman Street, Pittsfield, MA413-443-9700

Walk-ins WELCOME for: Nail clippings, Ear cleaning, Trimming of hair between padswww.shamrockdoggrooming.com

Shamrock Professional Dog Grooming

Got Animal Life?

go to www.animallifeonline.comfor a list of pick up locations

animal lifes’wags brags&If you have something to WAG about, please send me an email: [email protected] subject: Wags & Brags.

Please keep word count to under 300.

HADDAD SUBARUOpen Mon-Thu 8am-8pm; Fri-Sat 8am-6pm

652 East Street, Pittsfield, MA (413) 997-7272www.haddadsubaru.com

Our BEST SALE of the year!Includes our large selection

of Certified SubarusWe are a Toys for Tots

Drop off location!

It’s NovemberYes

The Textbook, CanineSports Medicine and Reha-bilitation was published in2013. It is the first textbookto provide veterinarians, res-idents, interns, or physicaltherapists with a resource fortheir daily practice. Jody Chiquoine, Certified

Canine Rehabilitation Ther-apist, Lee MA, was one of

the few non-veterinarians asked to author a chapter in this Textbook. Jody isknown nationally and internationally as a leader in the field of canine AquaticTherapy. Her chapter, entitled, Aquatic Therapy, provides information to otherprofessionals about the basic science of exercise physiology and physical ther-apy concepts related to water therapies.The authors, Jan Vandyke DVM & Chris Zinc DVM, gathered experts in thefield of canine rehabilitation and sports medicine to provide their uniqueknowledge for the other professionals. This book is considered to be the de-finitive textbook in sports medicine in helping canine patients recover frominjury, especially those returning to work or sport.Jody Chiquoine is the owner of Fitter Critters, Lee MA. Fitter Critters wasthe first canine rehabilitation center in MA. and is the premier canine rehabil-itation treatment center in the region . Jody and her staff have been providingcomprehensive canine rehabilitation and aquatic therapies since 1999.

Coffee & CaninesSaturday, November 28th • 11am to 1pmEnjoy an afternoon at Tunnel City Coffee

Meet local dog photographer Amanda Jones, whose fun photos are currently on display

at Tunnel City!Bring your well behaved dog*, enjoy the wall

art and sip your favorite coffee.Homemade dog treats from Bark N’Cat in North Adams will be for sale as well as

Amanda’s new book, Dog Years.A Photo shoot with Amanda will be raffled! Tickets are $5.00.

All proceeds will benefit the Berkshire Humane Society.

100 Spring Street, Williamstown, MA 413-458-5010

in the tri-state area

Adoptions

36 Pittsfield RoadLenox, MA

[email protected]

Liberty is a sweet girl, who loves endless amountof attention! She is good with cats, dogs, and kids!She would do well in any family! She is a domes-tic shorthair/mix, medium in size and just a lover.

Liberty

Sponsored by:

At theEleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter

M o r t yTHIS WEEK’S DOG IS: I came to the shelter to find a home where I can be the center of attention. I lived with a large female dog and we did well together. Iam reliably house trained and crate trained. I was allowed on the furniture. I am a bit of a power house, so I would do best with kids 8and up to live with. I would do best in a home without any small animals. I am learning to walk well on leash. I know a few basic com-mands and would love to learn more. I am food motivated, a goodtraining tool for positive feedback. I am social with everyone.

214 Barker Rd., Pittsfield, MA • 314-447-7878

Dog of the Month!Each week HADDAD SUBARU will be sponsoring a “Dog of the Week”.

If that dog is adopted during that week, Haddad Subaru will pay $50towards the adoption fee!

D D

D

36 Pittsfield RoadLenox, MA

[email protected]

I came to the shelter when one of my owners was experienc-ing health issues. I am social with people, kids, and smalldogs. I am house trained. I am playful with some toys for ashort time. I like to go for walks and car rides. I like to snuggleon the couch. I am scheduled to have a dentistry done soon.I was found to be lyme positive and I have started on antibi-otics for the virus. I am not showing any signs or symptomsfor active lyme. I am an easy-going girl that will make a greataddition!

Peanut

Sponsored by:

At theBerkshire Humane Society

Merrill Road,Pittsfield

[email protected]

Zoe is a stunning 2 year old american bulldogmix who is a bit over whelmed here in the shelter,and can be nervous meeting new people but!She is doing wonderful and warms up with a littlepatience! Zoe does prefer women to men butshe is slowly getting over her fears. She is look-ing for an active family that enjoys hiking andbeing outdoors, she isn't the best with other dogsbut has made a couple male friends during herstay at the shelter.

Zoe

Sponsored by:

At theEleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter


in the tri-state area

AdoptionsBaby

Please call Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter

413-448-9800

Harriet Koss, Dalmatian Adoption, Inc. 917-670-3892 • email: [email protected]

We are waiting for ourFur-Ever Home

Petey

HersheyIt started when Police found me wandering the streets ofBrooklyn. I was friendly so they took me to the shelter, butit was a kill shelter, too overcrowded for another black pitbull, even though their behavior test showed I was goodwith people but not with other dogs. When I caught a cold(kennel cough) they put me on a list. Do you know whatEuthanasia List means? PleaseHELP timing is every-thing!!! I am only 2 years old, 64 pounds, and I really needsome leash training and a good kind foster home now!!

Mopsey & FlopseyTwo great cats,(sister and brother )The house is soldand these sweet occupants must find a new lovinghome.They are 10+ years young, declawed altered andhealthy, just a little scared andlonely.for 2 years aftertheir owner died. They have been fed and vetted by afriend of the owner. They are sweet and declawed andnow they need to be out due to sale of the house. Tim-ing is of the utmost importance. They can't go to theNYC kill shelter.

Milky

Rey

Milky is an eight year young neutered male large Dal-matian. He is a GOOD boy! Good with people, petsand children, housebroken, leash trained, playful,sweet and very smart. He weighs 75 pounds and doeshave a growth on his back which is being vet checked.He had all shots and would make someone a wonderfulfamily companion.

Rey is about a year and a half old. He is still a puppy andis very playful. However, he is completely crate trainedand housebroken. Rey is also very smart and walks wellon the leash. He is great with other dogs, but wants toplay. He has lots of potential and just wants to please you. Rey is a pit-mix. He is neutered, up to date with all hisshots and about 65lbs. Rey's foster mom created thisFacebook page for him.

https://www.facebook.com/adoptrey?fref

SPECIAL NOTE Due to popular demand, 2016 AnimalLife will start printing the first week ofthe month. Because of the currentprinting schedule, there will be NOJANUARY ISSUE. The 1st issue ofthe year will be printed FEBRUARY5th, 2016. Thank you for your support.

From the Publisher

For a 2016 Media Kit, please send request via email: [email protected]

Advocates for Berkshire Community Cats

Pittsfield Cat Fix

$30 for OWNED CATS!FREE for STRAY & FERAL CATS

PO Box 1073, Pittsfield413-997-2287

[email protected]

If you provide care for stray/feral cats or your indoor-outdoor pet cat needs to be fixed and youlive in Pittsfield, please contact us ASAP to reservea spot. We are only able to fix a limited number ofcats and it’s only for a limited period of time.

289 Dalton AvenuePittsfield, MA 01201

413-443-4949www.allenheights.com

Elizabeth TullettDVM

Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture

Hours: Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat. 8-12

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

Dr. Sharon Lynch, VeterinarianFred Davis III, CVT

Comprehensive Veterinary ServicesLow Cost • Individual Attention

Caring & Compassionate

veterinarians

Treating cattle, horses, goats, sheep, llamasand alpacas at your farm or home

Bilmar Small Animal Hospital• Full Service Hospital• Drop Off Service• Housecalls

Looking for housecalls? Call Dr. Blanchard for details

413-528-1180 • Fax 413-528-1763776 Main St., Great Barrington, MAHours: 8:30-5 Mon.-Fri, 8:30-Noon Sat.

Call for appointment

Dr. Claire BlanchardDr. Donald GulickDr. Hanan CaineDr. Emily Newman

VCA All Caring Animal HospitalConventional & Holistic Veterinary Medicine

Chiropractic & Acupuncture440 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA

413-528-8020www.vcaallcaring.com

Open 7 Daysa week

Fridays till 8pm.

House Calls on

Tuesday!


animal life go-to directoryboardingBowMeow RegencyA Daycare, Boarding & Grooming Facility for Dogs.92 Cook Road, Sheffield, MA 01257Honor S. Blume 413-229-0035www.bowmeowregency.com

Gina’s K-9 Bed & BreakfastQuality care pet sitting in my safe, comfortable home349 Farm Road, Copake, NY 12516Gina 518-329-4675Happy Dog Kennel & Day CareBoarding • Day Care • TrainingCovering, Alford, North Egremont, HillsdaleOld Chatham, Chatham and more!Nora Hayes 413-528-0877The PlayyardDay Care • Boarding • Training88 County Rt. 21, Hillsdale, NYwww.theplayyard.comSusan & George Clark 518-325-9807

groomingHappy Hounds Mobile GroomingAll breeds welcome, Cats too! Natural & Hypo-Allergenic Products. Specialized treatments. Nights & WeekendsJesse Sullivan413-446-8676Email: [email protected]

pet storesBensDotter’s PetQuality Foods & Supplies, Raw Diet Specialists. 940 Main Street, Great Barrington, MAwww.BENSDOTTERS.com413-528-4940Chez PetPremium foods and treats. A neighborhood pet supply store with everything you need fora healthy pet. Special orders welcome.Lenox Commons, 55 Pittsfield Rd., Lenox, MA413-637-0800 • www.chezpet.comMeow GrowlAll organic-Natural Dog & Cat FoodSelf Serve Dog Wash Stations!59 Main St., Lee, MA • www.Meowandgrowl.com413-243-1220

volunteerDARTBerkshire Disaster Animal Response Team Reducing risk for pets during disasters and more!Corrine McKeown, Director • www.WMDART.com

rescues & sheltersBerkshire Humane SocietyOpen Tues.- Sat. 10am to 4pm, Thurs Eve. 5 - 8pmSun. Afternoon 1 - 4pm • Closed Mondays413-447-7878 • www.berkshirehumane.org214 Barker Road, Pittsfield, MA

Bluebird Farm Animal Sanctuary413-446-3345

Dalmatian RescueHarriet Koss(917) [email protected]

Eleanor Sonsini Animal ShelterOpen Tues.-Fri. 12 to 6pm, Sat. & Sun. 12 - 5pmClosed Mondays413-448-9800 • www.sonsinianimalshelter.org63 Downing Parkway, Pittsfield, MA

Little Guild of St. Francis285 Sharon Goshen Turnpike, W. Cornwall, CT860-672-6345www.littleguild.org

NE Basset Hound Rescue, Inc.Dawna Hartman, Intake Coordinator, [email protected], www.nebhr.org(508) 243-3622 MA

NE Pyreness Rescue(toll free) 877-528-0637www.nepyresq.org

PurradiseOpen Wed. & Fri. 10am - 4pm, Thurs. 10am - 6pm, Sunday 12 - 4pm301 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA413-717-4244 • www.berkshirehumane.org

veterinarian servicesAllen Heights Veterinary HospitalDog and Cat GroomingAmanda Bevens, 289 Dalton Ave., Pittsfield, MA413-443-4949Berkshire Ambulatory Veterinary ServicesYoanna Y. Maitre, DVMMobile practice providing quality medical and surgical care for horses and farm animals. Vaccination, strategic deworming,Coggins & health certificates, custom dentistry (hand & Power-float), castrations, dehorning, & more. Serving MA & NYby appointment.www.berkshirelargeanimal.com413-637-2223

North County Veterinary HospitalDr. John C. Reynolds, Dr. Laura A. Eiszler & Dr. Lindsay M. Cermak, DVM’s838 Curran Memorial Hwy, North Adams, MA413-664-4570

veterinarian servicesPittsfield Veterinary Hospital24 Hour Emergency care, animal chiropractic and dental care.John C. Reynolds, DVM, Laura A. Eiszler, DVM, Michelle P. Looney, DVM, Melinda M. Payson, DVM, Carmen A. Swinson, DVM, , Lindsay M. Cermak, DVMHours: Daily Mon-Fri. 8am to 8pm,.Sat. & Sun 10am-5pmwww.pittsfieldvet.com413-499-1580

D

D

D

D

D

D

Giving Tuesday CompetitionDecember 1st is

Giving Tuesday

We challenge local workplaces to com-pete to see who can raise the most

money for our animals. That day at 5pmeach business will report their totals onFacebook and we will announce thewinner who will get oodles of kudos,bragging rights, and a plaque for theircompany. fun, right? Just call Sonsini at 448-9800 or Facebook us to enter

your company. That gives you 2 weeks to start

raising money . . .

Ready, Set, GO!

Convenient Location with Ample Parking on Route 7 less

Monday-Friday 10a-6p Saturday-Sunday 10a-4p

BENSDOTTER S PET 940 MAIN STREET, GREAT BARRINGTON, MA 413-528-4940

WWW.BENSDOTTERS.COM

Our first order of coats has arrived!

Zoom on over and check out our selection!

animal life november e-edition

Documents