Dog Adoption Network - DAN Shelter Fund & New Shelter

Looking Down At the Past from the Future

You could hear the pride in Manager John Perrault’s voice as he pointed down from the veranda of the new 4 million dollar animal shelter, to the old building that used to be called home. After a successful fund-raising drive he and other members of the Berkshire Humane Society would look up the hill at the on-going construction of the 26,000 sq. foot building located on 6.4 acres of land in Pittsfield, MA. The shelter will house as many as 6 thousand cats, dogs, birds, rabbits and other small animals.

In the open grand lobby, several large glass enclosed “living units” furnished with sofas, rugs, a TV and other home like furnishings held dogs and cats. John explained that along with “home-like surroundings”, dogs are given 2 hours daily of walking time, training time, play time and bathroom time.

In addition to John who has a degree in Animal Care Management and Animal Shelter Medicine, he is assisted by 11 other staff members. More than 60 “hard core” volunteers help keep the shelter running.

Berkshire Community’s 26 veterinarians donate free health exams for adopted animals within 14 days of adoption. All honor the shelter’s spay/neuter program.

Although the Berkshire Humane Society’s new shelter has been running since July, its Grand Opening was held on August 23rd, just three months before the scheduled opening of the new T.J. O’Connor Shelter.

Congratulations to John and all the members
of the Berkshire Humane Society!!

For more information visit their website at www.berkshirehumane.org

Dog Sisters Seeking a Safe Haven

Tight collars and chains removed, the pups hopped into the front seat of the pick up truck. They were excited to be going anywhere with their master. After a while, the truck slowed and then stopped by the side of the road. They all got out. Suddenly their trusted owner jumped back into the driver's seat and floored the gas, leaving smoke and skid marks, and sped away. Alone and terrified, the sisters ran up and down the road looking for their friend. The few people they saw were frightened by their barking and frenzied behavior. In a strange place with everything they knew and loved gone, they could only cling to each other...

Beautiful, energetic sisters looking for a foster to help them regain their trust and confidence. They want desperately to be touched and loved, but are frightened and need your help with confidence building and consistency. If there is room in your home and heart, please call: Susan Latham, Bolton Animal Control, 978-897-7699. The girls are waiting...

*** UPDATE as of 8/23 ***
Both dogs are at the Pound Hound's kennel and awaiting permanent homes. Both animals have been checked out by a vet and are healthy, free of parasites and worms. They are wonderfully friendly, loving animals.

Contact Person is now: Judith Kelley, (508) 435-5029
Pound Hounds Inc.,
Box 454
Hopkinton, MA 01748
or www.poundhounds.org

Any contributions to help defray their upkeep will be greatly appreciated.

Tom's Tour

On August 14 a very informative tour of the new shelter took place. Tom Haberlin, the Center's Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, met with members of the MSPCA, the Shelter's Director, and Beverly Kagan, the shelter's volunteer groomer. Richard LaBlond (MSPCA Law Enforcement Officer), Michelle Downie (T.J.O. Shelter Director), Debbie LaBruzzo (Homeless Cat Project), Barbara Hayes (MSPCA shelter manager), Valerie Longworth (MSPCA Shelter Director), Dee Lydeck (MSPCA Volunteer Coordinator), and Sheryl Becker (DAN employee).

According to Tom Haberlin, the shelter will be over 23,000 square feet. There will be room for 140 dogs, with 40 adoptable dogs on display. There will be 7 outdoor runs. There will also be up to 70 adoptable cats, with 2 separate cat play areas. Mr. Haberlin walked those present through the entire facility, focusing on the grooming area that in the past posed some concern, due to its location. After looking at the grooming area's location, Beverly Kagan, who grooms dogs at the present pound, stated that the location appeared to be adequate.

New sign for front of New Shelter

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