January 25, 2012 Pittsfield MA… The Berkshire Humane Society will be distributing vouchers for spay/neuter surgeries in honor of “Prevent a Litter Month” starting February 1st, 2012. The Spay/Neuter vouchers are now funded from the Mass RMV branch, selling animal friendly license plates to help cats, dogs, and rabbits in Massachusetts. The program is made possible by the Mass. Animal Coalition, a non-profit organization that facilitates collaboration among those who work in animal welfare.

“With the $6,000 grant from the MAC, we can help twice as many people this year than we could before,” stated John Perreault, Executive Director of BHS. “In the past we’ve helped over 3,000 families spay and neuter their pets and with the economy, more people than ever are coming to us for help.” According to BHS feline supervisor, Cheryl Truskowski, overpopulation because of owners not spaying and neutering their animals is a huge problem. Getting a pet fixed not only prevents population increase, but it also lowers aggression levels and constant peeing and marking of territory.

Eligible pet owners can come to the shelter at 214 Barker Road in Pittsfield or Purradise, cat adoption center at 301 Stockbridge Road in Gt. Barrington during normal business hours. The requirements are a valid license/ID and proof of residence in Berkshire County. Pet owners MUST be in financial need to receive the voucher. Recipients are responsible for making the surgery appointment at a participating veterinary hospital, and must pay the balance of the cost of surgery after the voucher has been applied. The vouchers have no cash value, with BHS reimbursing the veterinary hospitals directly for the surgery; $60 towards a feline spay/neuter surgery and $75 for a canine surgery. The vouchers are helpful to pet owners who cannot afford to spay and neuter their cats and dogs and are available on a first come basis until the funds are gone.

January 11, 2012 Pittsfield, MA…The Berkshire Humane Society is inviting both restaurants and the general public to participate in the first “Best Dog-Gone Chili Cook-off” to be held on Sunday, February 12th from 12 to 2 p.m. at Patterson Field House at Berkshire Community College on outer West St. in Pittsfield. The Best Dog-Gone Chili Cook-off will be held in conjunction with the annual “Not Your Average Dog Show” (entry form) also on February 12 at the Patterson Field House at BCC.

Registration is free for all those wishing to compete. There will be categories for both professional and amateur chili chefs, as they vie for a chance to win a top prize and a feature article in “Humane Tails” the BHS newsletter. To enter download the entry form for professional or home chef or stop by the shelter at 214 Barker Rd. in Pittsfield or Pretty Paws on Tyler St. in Pittsfield for an entry form.  View the contest guidelines here.

Entry forms must be submitted by February 9th. All types of chili may be entered in the contest, including vegetarian. This is a great opportunity for all chefs who want to show- off their chili recipes. For any questions, please contact Kathy Kazura, at Pretty Paws, 413-443-0191.

Tickets are $5.00 for those who want to sample and cast their vote for the “Best Dog Gone Chili” on the day of the event, Feb 12th, at BCC.

November 1, 2011, Pittsfield, MA… The Berkshire Humane Society’s television show: Purr, Wag, Adopt has won the “Annie Award” presented by Bernard Avalle, Director of PCTV, at their annual meeting this past August. The Purr, Wag, Adopt show is produced by BHS volunteers and staff. Nine episodes have aired since the show began in February of 2011.

The shows are hosted by Executive Director of the Shelter, John Perreault, and have featured various guests in the animal profession, such as local veterinarians Dr. Michelle Looney and Dr. John Reynolds discussing pet wellness care and senior pet needs; Humane Race Chairwoman Alix Cabral; and Dave Di Nicola, who started the “Strong in Spirit Motorcycle” fundraiser. Also featured in a show was DART member Corrine Mckeown explaining animal disaster preparedness, and Sergeant Joe Chague, Pittsfield Animal Control Officer, talking about pet safety. Each show also showcases pets available for adoption at the Shelter on 214 Barker Road in Pittsfield and at Purradise at 301 Stockbridge Road in Great Barrington.

The show is seen on local cable channel 16 on Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and is repeated on Wednesdays at 4:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Copies of each episode are sent to North Berkshire TV Corporation for viewing on their channel and to CTSB in Lee for South County viewers. The “Annie Award” is presented to a member organization for outstanding achievement or contribution that has positively impacted the community through the use of television programming, while advancing the mission of the organization. The original award was given to Ann Moran Cassuccelli, of the Berkshire United Way, for her advancement of the agency through PCTV programing, hence the name “Annie Award”.

With Free Adoptions for Military Personnel

November 3, 2011 Pittsfield, MA…The Berkshire Humane Society Shelter will offer free pet adoptions November 10th through the 13th for all retired and active military service personnel. “Shelter Executive Director, John Perreault, said, “We wanted to do something special for those who protect our county and thought extending a free adoption to a veteran or serviceman would be a great way to honor the day and their service.” All participants must still meet adoption qualifications to receive the free adoption rate from Thursday through Sunday. Those military personnel interested in adopting a cat or dog from the shelter at 214 Barker Road in Pittsfield or at Purradise on 301 Stockbridge Road in Gt. Barrington, are asked to bring a DD214, a VA Medical Card or a Military ID to present to the staff at the time of the adoption application. The Barker Road Shelter is opened on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and then from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. The Purradise cat adoption center is open on Thursday and Friday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. for this special offer. There are many dogs and cats waiting for forever loving homes that these American heroes can provide and BHS wants to help bring them together to celebrate Veteran’s Day.

October 28, 2011, Pittsfield, MA … The Berkshire Humane Society Horse Show has been rescheduled to Sunday November 6th at Overmeade Farm, 940 East Street, Lenox. The event was postponed due to Hurricane Irene. The 19th annual event begins at 9 a.m. rain or shine. Spectators are invited to come and watch area riders compete in the day-long event. The horse show is recognized by the Western Massachusetts Professional Horseman’s Association (WNEPHA) and includes competitions for all levels of riding. All proceeds will benefit the animals at the Berkshire Humane Society Shelter. The annual event has raised over $150,000 in the past 18 years for homeless pets. If you would like to be a horse show sponsor, or receive information, please contact Berkshire Humane Society at (413) 447-7878.

October 28, 2011 Pittsfield, MA …November has been designated as “Adopt a Senior Pet Month” and to celebrate, The Berkshire Humane Society will reduce the adoption fee to $50 for all senior pets at the shelter on Barker Road and at Purradise Cat Adoption Center in Gt. Barrington. A senior pet is a canine seven years and older and a feline six years and older. John Perreault, Executive Director of the Berkshire Humane Society stated that, “We have some great older cats and dogs at the shelter and the staff wanted to celebrate National Adopt a Senior Pet month by making it easier to adopt these often overlooked animals.” BHS is also conducting a raffle for a $40 Gift Certificate to Pretty Paws on Tyler Street in Pittsfield. All senior pets adopted at BHS and Purradise during November will have their names entered in the raffle.

“We are always looking for ways to bring potential adopters to BHS for their next pet, and with the reduced adoption fee of $50, we hope to give them an added incentive to adopt an animal from a shelter,” added Perreault. The adoption fee includes the spay/neutering surgery, micro-chipping of the animal and much more.

Puppies and Kittens are adorable and adopted out fast, but there are many loving older pets that need “retirement homes” to call their own. Other reasons to adopt an older pet are that senior pets are normally already housetrained; dogs will know how to ask to be let outside when they need to go, and cats will know how to use their litter boxes. Also with a senior pet what you see is what you get; you know how big your pet’s going to be, how he/she looks, and how active he/she is. Senior cats and dogs are mellower and tend to have better house manners.

October 7, 2011 Pittsfield, MA … The Berkshire Humane Society is celebrating National Adopt-a-Dog Month with a chance to win a special Canine Gift Basket and 20% off any canine merchandise at the shelter.  Each dog adopted during the month of October will be entered in the raffle. The Canine Services Manager, Lisa Corbett, says “A dog can be a constant companion through good times and bad, an adoring face to greet you after a hard day at work or a warm body next to you on the sofa or a jogging buddy on cool mornings.  We currently have a great variety of different ages, personalities and breeds to choose from.  The canine staff will assist potential adopters to find the best match for their family.”  For anyone who already has a dog; consider adding another one to your family. Or donate to help other dogs get the loving care and homes they need so much.

Dogs can give you what you need, and during Adopt-A-Dog Month® you can give a homeless dog what it needs: You.   The shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday 10am -4pm, Sunday 1pm – 4pm and Thursday evenings an additional 5-8pm.  The phone number for the canine area is 413-447-7878 ext. 26.  Available dogs can also be viewed on the website: www.berkshirehumnae.org/adoption/dogs.  Fees for adopting a dog start at $150, this includes, spaying or neutering, micro-chipping, and vaccinations.

October 7, 2011 Pittsfield, MA …The Berkshire Humane Society’s main shelter at 214 Barker Road in Pittsfield will be the site of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) seminar for “Advanced Effective Animal Advocacy.”   The free seminar is in partnership with the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA). Alexis Fox from HSUS, Linda Huebner from MSPCA and State Representative Paul Mark  will be presenting at the seminar.
All HSUS and MSPCA members, supporters and other animal advocates are encouraged to attend.  The program is scheduled for Thursday, October 13, 2011 from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM in the classroom at BHS.   Ample parking is available.  Pre-Registration for the seminar is suggested.  RSVP on-line at   http://action.humanesociety.org/site/Calendar/966544577.

The seminar will discuss tips for becoming a more persuasive animal advocate, effective animal advocacy campaigns and teach proven strategies for organizing an effective campaign to protect animals in your community and beyond.  The seminar will also provide training on vital skills such as public speaking, coalition building and effective writing.  This is a chance for fellow animal lovers to network and hone their advocacy skills and to visit the state of the art shelter in Pittsfield Ma.  Lend your voice for animals in Massachusetts and beyond!

IN SUPPORT OF LOCAL CHARITIES
Anonymous Donor Will Match Donations up to $10,000.00

David DiNicola, a local contractor, will be begin his solo cross country motorcycle ride Saturday, August 13 at 9 A.M. from the Berkshire Humane Society on Barker Road in Pittsfield Massachusetts. The COBB motorcycle group will escort David on the first 100 miles of his destination to Eureka California. This fundraising journey is in memory of his late German Shepherd dog, KaDee. Every penny donated will go directly to the Berkshire Humane Society and the Catskill Animal Sanctuary. All animal lovers are invited to join the party at 8:00 A.M. for pastries and coffee. Donations can be made by visiting their web site or at the BHS on launch day. To their amazement an anonymous donor, who connected with David’s story, agreed to match all donations up to $10,000.00 starting July 1st. Don’t let this opportunity go by. By going to thestronginspirit.com you can double your donation of support for these incredibly amazing animals.

Why is he doing this? It’s simple. David and his wife Karen loved their amazing KaDee, who at age 13, lost the ability to walk overnight. Not knowing KaDee, you might have assumed that was the end. Not so. A week later they set off to fit her for a set of wheels. David could hardly keep her still while she was being strapped in for the first time. Immediately she accepted the wheels with a renewed fascination for life and never looked back. She even entered the Berkshire Humane 5 K Race and kept on rolling for three more years.

Symbolically David will ride 4000 miles, 10 states in 10 days, on his two wheels (a Fatboy Harley-Davidson) on Historic Route 50 in hopes of raising $100,000.00. Once in California he will place KaDee’s ashes amongst the strong and spirited giant redwoods. In 28 years of marriage, David and Karen have owned seven German Shepherds, with the most being four at one time. He is quoted as saying, “They all deserve special mention and maybe we will continue with some sort of fundraiser each year but KaDee was definitely unique”. He also wants you to know that if you have a pet you would like to honor just donate $35.00 or more and they will post their picture on their web site under “Special Pets”.

Both David and Karen are vegetarians and wanted to be sure to raise awareness for all types of animals, both domestic and farm. That is one reason why they have selected two different non-profit organizations for their fundraiser. Can you select one or the other? The answer is “Yes”. Their web site guides you through the process.

Join them on launch date, August 13 at 8:00 A.M. at the Berkshire Humane Society. There will be pastries and coffee and Steve Caporizzo from Channel 10 will be broadcasting the weather. Maybe you’ll even find your next best friend.

If you would like to double your donation please visit the Strong in Spirit web site at thestronginspirit.com. To learn more about launch date call John Perreault at the BHS at (413) 448-2854. To learn more about the CAS email Michelle at michelle@casanctuary.org

The Berkshire Humane Society is celebrating Adopt-A-Cat-Month this June with special promotions to help you give a shelter cat a second chance in a loving home of their own. This year, BHS and Purradise, its cat Adoption Center in Gt. Barrington, is offering the popular “2 Fur 1 Special”. This is a reduced adoption rate for 2 cats during the entire month of June. Cheryl Truskowski, Feline Supervisor at the Berkshire Humane Society, hopes this will be incentive to consider adopting one of the many pairs of cats that are currently waiting at both shelters for a home they can go to together.

Along with the special 2-Fur-1 rate, there is a raffle for an Ultimate Cat Scratching Post and a free custom ID tag with every cat collar purchased. Each newly adopted cat’s owner will be entered in the raffle to be held at the end of June at both BHS and Purradise. Nail-trimmings will also be available for $5 and a $25 microchip clinic is planned throughout the month. Both of these services need to be scheduled ahead of time by calling the BHS Feline Department at 413-447-7878 x 24 or Purradise at 413-717-4244.

Viewing and adoption hours at the main shelter on 214 Barker Road in Pittsfield are Tuesday through Saturday 10am -4pm, Sunday 1pm -4pm and Thursday evenings 5-8pm. The hours for Purradise located at 310 Stockbridge Road in Gt. Barrington are Wednesday through Friday 12-6pm Saturday 10-4pm and Sunday 12-4pm.