Dog Adoption Network - Animal Welfare News/Events from March 2007

In Memory of Chanel

This edition is dedicated to the memory of Chanel beloved dog of Paula Circosta. Chanel was Paula's best friend for 14 1/2 years.

Two ACOs That Make a Difference

Steve and Linda of The Dog Adoption Network recently visited Southwick to meet two very interesting individuals, Pat and Ken Frazer.

Before taking the post of Animal Control Officer of Westfield, MA, Ken spent several years as Southwick's ACO. Pat, who was the assistant ACO in Southwick, took over that responsibility. Together they make a wonderful team, providing public safety and animal sheltering for the towns of Southwick, Granville, and Westfield. Ken told us that he and Pat did not have the heart to euthanize any of the cats and dogs they apprehended and decided that their little shelter located in Southwick would have a "No-Kill" policy. Having no medical fund, Ken and Pat often pay out of pocket for the medical treatment of animals in their care.

Located behind Southwick's Police Station, Pat and Ken have a large mission in adopting animals from their small space. For this reason they are attempting, with other volunteers, to build a new shelter for their region. If you would like to assist them in any way, financially or by volunteering contact them at 413-569-5348, ext. 649.

For more information visit: http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/MA202.html

Saturday at the Shelter - A Family Affair

Saturdays at the Thomas J O'Connor Adoption and Animal Control Center, 627 Cottage St., Springfield, MA are becoming quite a "family day." One couple, with their children in tow said that Saturday, a non-school day, was a perfect opportunity for the whole family to get involved with meeting and hopefully adopting a pet.

This modern shelter gives the visitor an up-close and personal view of cats and dogs and even provides a " Get Acquainted Room" for personal interaction.

Many of the helpful staff, including Dawn, roll out a cage from time to time to a personal staff favorite.

This month, a 1 and 1/2 year old female domestic long haired white and brown tabby named "Mariann" is a real sweetie...

The shelter is open Monday through Friday, 12PM-4:30pm and Saturdays: 12PM-4PM. For more information visit their website at: www.tjoconnoradoptioncenter.com

New Incentives to License Dogs

For most responsible dog owners , keeping pets up to date with rabies shots and current licenses is a standard practice. For those that do not, the City of Springfield is in the process of making it very expensive to reclaim your dog if apprehended by animal control.

Fees will be applied to unlicensed and unsterilized dogs. In Springfield, if your dog is apprehended you will also pay a $30.00 fine to reclaim it, and a kenneling charge of $10 per day. If apprehended more than 3 times and not sterilized you will have to pay a spay/neuter fee and a micro-chip fee. Other fees and penalties are in the process of being enacted. For current ordinances visit the Springfield City Hall website at: and click on "Ordinances".

We at Dog Adoption Network would like to extend our sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Victoria White, founder of Doghampton (and eclecTechs) in Northampton.

Please visit http://dogblog.doghampton.com/ for a very touching memorial by Doghampton's Blog editor.

Photo from The Daily
Hampshire Gazette

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