Receiving an award after you’ve died is usually reserved for war heroes and generous millionaires. But, all of that may change once people hear about Bentley, the dachshund who is being honored six months after his death. The Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) will pay tribute to Bentley during the 127th Annual CVMA Meeting on February 3rd, 2011 by bestowing him with the coveted Connecticut Pet of the Year Award.
Although many pets are revered for their unconditional love or loyalty to mankind, Bentley went above and beyond, almost from the time he was born. Owned by Letty Lee and Dr. Sig Stein of New London, Bentley’s affection for all people was readily apparent by the time he was just three years old and was awarded the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Award.
From there, his giving nature continued to grow as he also gained certification from the re-owned Delta Society and spent the majority of his life reaching out to patients at the Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London as a Pet Therapy member. Through his home visits from the Hospice of Southeast Connecticut, Bentley touched many lives and often helped individuals forget their pain for a few moments.
Bentley is fondly remembered by many children of the area as well. His work as a Reading and Education Assistance dog provided the needed spark, encouraging young minds to learn.
His posthumous Pet of the Year Award will be presented to his owner, Mrs. Stein and her canine companion, Ziggy, during the CVMA Awards Banquet on Wednesday, Feb 2nd at 7 pm. Set among the tranquil surroundings of the Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, CT, the scene will be reminiscent of the peace Bentley brought to so many.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Earn a 'Good Dog' Reward
Good Dog Rewards, a new program offered by Amity Animal Rescue Fund, Inc. hopes to promote dog training classes for rescued canines. The program is open to all residents of Bethany, Orange and Woodbridge who have adopted a companion canine and graduate from an upcoming dog obedience class between April 1 to September 30. Those qualifying will receive a $50 Good Dog Reward from AARF.
AARF’s belief is that a Good Dog with manners makes a good companion. Many dogs are surrendered to shelters because of issues like jumping, barking or poor housetraining. Basic obedience classes educate owners on how to prevent these common problems. Trained canines make better family pets. If the dog is ever surrendered to a shelter, it is often the most adoptable. Classes, whether puppy kindergarten, therapy dog certification or the fast growing sport of agility, strengthen the bond between dog and their human companion.
Informational flyers can be found in the Town Clerks office at all three Town Halls. Applications can be obtained by emailing amityarf@yahoo.com or calling 203-389-1996. The number of applications is limited so please apply early.
AARF’s belief is that a Good Dog with manners makes a good companion. Many dogs are surrendered to shelters because of issues like jumping, barking or poor housetraining. Basic obedience classes educate owners on how to prevent these common problems. Trained canines make better family pets. If the dog is ever surrendered to a shelter, it is often the most adoptable. Classes, whether puppy kindergarten, therapy dog certification or the fast growing sport of agility, strengthen the bond between dog and their human companion.
Informational flyers can be found in the Town Clerks office at all three Town Halls. Applications can be obtained by emailing amityarf@yahoo.com or calling 203-389-1996. The number of applications is limited so please apply early.
Library speaker series promotes positive pet ownership
On May 3 Human Society Urban Wildlife Field Director Laura Simon will kick-off Amity Animal Rescue Fund's speaker series with "Help! There's a Raccoon in my Chimney!".... and Other Unexpected Wildlife Problems. This discussion will take place from 7 to 8 p.m.
This entertaining yet informative presentation will focus on typical wildlife problems encountered by area resident’s and provide effective solutions. The presentation is based on Simon's 20 years of experience running a wildlife hotline for the Humane Society of the United States. During Spring and Summer, the hotline is kept busy with calls from panicked residents who find themselves face to face with a raccoon in the kitchen, a skunk under the deck, baby birds fallen from a nest, or a woodpecker tapping loudly on the house at 5 a.m. The solution to these problems can be quite simple, often requiring nothing more than a few common household tools and a basic understanding of the animal's motivation and behavioral ecology. Bring your questions!
Simon is the Field Director of the Urban Wildlife Program for the Humane Society of the United States. She is also the President of the Connecticut Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator, and guest wildlife columnist for area publications. Her special expertise in resolving skunk issues led to a guest appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show and was the basis for the popular children's book, One Smart Skunk.
On May 16 Dr. Tracy Johnson, Country Companion Veterinary Services, will discuss Dog Bites and how to prevent them from happening. This talk is geared toward children and will take place from 6 to 7 p.m.
Many dogs are given up or euthanized because they bite. Biting can happen for many reasons and if owners don't know how to read a dog's body language, they may be putting themselves or their children at risk The “Be a Tree Program” is a great way to present the information on how to interact with a dog to prevent bites." Dog bites to children are considered to be a serious public health problem by public health agencies and veterinary medical associations worldwide. Statistics show that most bites are by the family dog or other dog known to the child. Public education has an important role in reducing dog bite risk to children. Please join us for this very informative event.
On May 31 Dr. Elisa , Country Companions Veterinary Services will discuss Basic First Aid for Small Animals. The talk will take place from 7 to 8 p.m.
This discussion will cover the most common emergency situations faced by pet owners. Dr. Elisa will review the best ways to keep you and your pet safe, and what to do in the event of a medical emergency. Topics including the best way to handle animals, first aid for wounds, heatstroke, and seizures as well as basic CPR. “Annie”, One of Dr. Elisa’s family dogs, will be on hand to demonstrate first aid techniques.
All speakers will be at Woodbridge Library in the main meeting room.
This entertaining yet informative presentation will focus on typical wildlife problems encountered by area resident’s and provide effective solutions. The presentation is based on Simon's 20 years of experience running a wildlife hotline for the Humane Society of the United States. During Spring and Summer, the hotline is kept busy with calls from panicked residents who find themselves face to face with a raccoon in the kitchen, a skunk under the deck, baby birds fallen from a nest, or a woodpecker tapping loudly on the house at 5 a.m. The solution to these problems can be quite simple, often requiring nothing more than a few common household tools and a basic understanding of the animal's motivation and behavioral ecology. Bring your questions!
Simon is the Field Director of the Urban Wildlife Program for the Humane Society of the United States. She is also the President of the Connecticut Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator, and guest wildlife columnist for area publications. Her special expertise in resolving skunk issues led to a guest appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show and was the basis for the popular children's book, One Smart Skunk.
On May 16 Dr. Tracy Johnson, Country Companion Veterinary Services, will discuss Dog Bites and how to prevent them from happening. This talk is geared toward children and will take place from 6 to 7 p.m.
Many dogs are given up or euthanized because they bite. Biting can happen for many reasons and if owners don't know how to read a dog's body language, they may be putting themselves or their children at risk The “Be a Tree Program” is a great way to present the information on how to interact with a dog to prevent bites." Dog bites to children are considered to be a serious public health problem by public health agencies and veterinary medical associations worldwide. Statistics show that most bites are by the family dog or other dog known to the child. Public education has an important role in reducing dog bite risk to children. Please join us for this very informative event.
On May 31 Dr. Elisa , Country Companions Veterinary Services will discuss Basic First Aid for Small Animals. The talk will take place from 7 to 8 p.m.
This discussion will cover the most common emergency situations faced by pet owners. Dr. Elisa will review the best ways to keep you and your pet safe, and what to do in the event of a medical emergency. Topics including the best way to handle animals, first aid for wounds, heatstroke, and seizures as well as basic CPR. “Annie”, One of Dr. Elisa’s family dogs, will be on hand to demonstrate first aid techniques.
All speakers will be at Woodbridge Library in the main meeting room.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
It's all about the animals!
Woodbridge resident Sarah Oren stands in the lobby of the Robin I Kroogman New Haven Animal Shelter. In February Oren organized a crew of volunteers to assist her in renovating the space. Now, she says, it is more appealing to potential adopters to visit. For the past two years Oren has been on a personal mission to find homes for abandoned dogs. Through her efforts, fosterdogsnyc.com and thedogmatchmaker.net Oren has featured more than 1,000 dogs and has found homes for a high percentage of them.
Read all about Sarah here
http://www.ctbulletin.com/articles/2011/03/24/news/doc4d8b5ed388765802718163.txt
Read all about Sarah here
http://www.ctbulletin.com/articles/2011/03/24/news/doc4d8b5ed388765802718163.txt
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Dog sperm frozen for two decades delivers 10 great danes
A GEELONG vet clinic has used dog sperm frozen for more than 20 years to produce 10 great dane puppies.
Bellarine Veterinary Practice Dr David Hopkins said Ballarat client Deidre McRae had frozen and stored sperm from one of her prized great danes, Liebendane Armstrong, in 1989.
Twenty-one years later, long after that dog's death, his sperm has been used to spawn these new pups. The puppies, now eight weeks old, are all happy and healthy.
Dr Hopkins said while breeding dogs using frozen sperm was not new technology, it was remarkable that semen frozen for so long could produce such a large, healthy litter.
Ms McRae yesterday said she was "over the moon" with the results. "I was hoping for one or even two, but to have 10 is just unbelievable," she said. Dr Hopkins said the technology was most commonly used to breed professional sniffer dogs for Australian Customs.
Ms McRae said she would keep some of the pups as show dogs, and would sell others.
Bellarine Veterinary Practice Dr David Hopkins said Ballarat client Deidre McRae had frozen and stored sperm from one of her prized great danes, Liebendane Armstrong, in 1989.
Twenty-one years later, long after that dog's death, his sperm has been used to spawn these new pups. The puppies, now eight weeks old, are all happy and healthy.
Dr Hopkins said while breeding dogs using frozen sperm was not new technology, it was remarkable that semen frozen for so long could produce such a large, healthy litter.
Ms McRae yesterday said she was "over the moon" with the results. "I was hoping for one or even two, but to have 10 is just unbelievable," she said. Dr Hopkins said the technology was most commonly used to breed professional sniffer dogs for Australian Customs.
Ms McRae said she would keep some of the pups as show dogs, and would sell others.
Great Dane saves family from fire
Kim the Great Dane proved she really is man’s best friend when a fire broke out in the kitchen of her owners’ home just north of Carlisle.The resourceful pet simply used one of her hefty paws to open a door to the family’s nearby office before entering and escaping the smoke.
Fortunately, she made so much noise wandering around that she alerted her owners, John and Anne Collier, who run the Blackdyke Farm Riding Centre at Blackford.
Anne and her husband were then able to alert the Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and ensure the safety of their four children – teenage twins Mark and Thomas, Sarah, 15, and 11-year-old Emma – before the fire could threaten their lives.
Anne said the blaze, which started in the family’s Aga cooker on Sunday morning, has not affected the running of their swimming pool and riding business.
But the family are grateful Kim open the office door and gave them an early warning of the danger they were facing.
Anne said: “I normally get up at about 6.45am, but at 6.30am I heard Kim wandering around in the office, which is usually shut.
“I couldn’t work out why she would be in there, so I went down to investigate and found Kim in there, looking as if she thought she’d been a clever dog for opening the door.”
It was then that Anne opened the office door to the living room and was met by a “wall of smoke”.
She explained that Kim, who sleeps in the kitchen, had managed to shut the door behind her after getting into the office, thereby protecting herself and the family from the smoke.
“It has been known for her to open doors before, using her paw to push down the handle,” said Anne.
“She’s just a friendly, good, all-round dog, and she’s certainly been a best friend to this family.”
Fortunately, she made so much noise wandering around that she alerted her owners, John and Anne Collier, who run the Blackdyke Farm Riding Centre at Blackford.
Anne and her husband were then able to alert the Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and ensure the safety of their four children – teenage twins Mark and Thomas, Sarah, 15, and 11-year-old Emma – before the fire could threaten their lives.
Anne said the blaze, which started in the family’s Aga cooker on Sunday morning, has not affected the running of their swimming pool and riding business.
But the family are grateful Kim open the office door and gave them an early warning of the danger they were facing.
Anne said: “I normally get up at about 6.45am, but at 6.30am I heard Kim wandering around in the office, which is usually shut.
“I couldn’t work out why she would be in there, so I went down to investigate and found Kim in there, looking as if she thought she’d been a clever dog for opening the door.”
It was then that Anne opened the office door to the living room and was met by a “wall of smoke”.
She explained that Kim, who sleeps in the kitchen, had managed to shut the door behind her after getting into the office, thereby protecting herself and the family from the smoke.
“It has been known for her to open doors before, using her paw to push down the handle,” said Anne.
“She’s just a friendly, good, all-round dog, and she’s certainly been a best friend to this family.”
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Eagle Scout project will benefit Amity animals and beyond
By Bridget Albert
John Zdrowski with one of the 55 winterized cat igloos he is constructing.
When John Zdrowski was younger he couldn’t participate in many physical activities as he was under treatment for a cardiac condition. His mother, Caterina, noticed that he was missing companionship so she took him to the local animal shelter and they found his new best friend Jake, a beautiful and loyal feline. The two were inseparable for many years.
Jake has since crossed the Rainbow Bridge and John has two other animal companions that keep him company but he has never forgotten the bond that developed with the furry feline.
And because of this fond memory John has chosen to help local animals in his Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Service Project.
The BSA is an organization that promotes preparedness, leadership and responsibility. Attaining the level of Eagle Scout is the highest honor afforded a boy scout. Candidates for the Eagle Scout must satisfy a number of challenges. One of the requirements for the Eagle Scout is “to plan, develop and give leadership to others in a service project”.
John’s ambitious Eagle Scout project is three-fold. He is making 55 feline igloos for feral felines. Of those 55 igloos he is creating 45 of them for Amity Animal Rescue Fund, a 501c3 local organization that supports animals in the Amity region. The other 10 igloos will be donated to Dr. Kristine Matz for use with her feral cats.
The igloos have to be insulated and John will lead his team in cutting and gluing the insulation into place.
These will be distributed to the numerous cat colonies that AARF is assisting with.
Two other projects John is working on are at the municipal animal shelter, District Animal Control, located on Bradley Road in Woodbridge. There he will be repairing some damaged fencing and replacing a door.
The 12 active Scouts in Troop 907 in Woodbridge need to raise $1,400 for the cat igloos alone and are looking for donations.
John will be completing his animal related Eagle Scout projects with the assistance of Scoutmaster Paul Konweski and Assistant Scout Master Nate Case, both Woodbridge firemen.
John said the Eagle Scout badge will be an accomplishment as he couldn’t participate in sports for a number of years due to his heart issues.
His heart is now alright and he is on the hockey team where he plays on the Milford house league.
John said donations for the project are greatly appreciated and he would prefer to receive gift cards from Lowes or Walmart where he will be purchasing his supplies. Donations can be sent to Boy Scout Troop 907, C/O Caterina Zdrowski, 60 Tumblebrook Road, Woodbridge, CT. 06525.
John Zdrowski with one of the 55 winterized cat igloos he is constructing.
When John Zdrowski was younger he couldn’t participate in many physical activities as he was under treatment for a cardiac condition. His mother, Caterina, noticed that he was missing companionship so she took him to the local animal shelter and they found his new best friend Jake, a beautiful and loyal feline. The two were inseparable for many years.
Jake has since crossed the Rainbow Bridge and John has two other animal companions that keep him company but he has never forgotten the bond that developed with the furry feline.
And because of this fond memory John has chosen to help local animals in his Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Service Project.
The BSA is an organization that promotes preparedness, leadership and responsibility. Attaining the level of Eagle Scout is the highest honor afforded a boy scout. Candidates for the Eagle Scout must satisfy a number of challenges. One of the requirements for the Eagle Scout is “to plan, develop and give leadership to others in a service project”.
John’s ambitious Eagle Scout project is three-fold. He is making 55 feline igloos for feral felines. Of those 55 igloos he is creating 45 of them for Amity Animal Rescue Fund, a 501c3 local organization that supports animals in the Amity region. The other 10 igloos will be donated to Dr. Kristine Matz for use with her feral cats.
The igloos have to be insulated and John will lead his team in cutting and gluing the insulation into place.
These will be distributed to the numerous cat colonies that AARF is assisting with.
Two other projects John is working on are at the municipal animal shelter, District Animal Control, located on Bradley Road in Woodbridge. There he will be repairing some damaged fencing and replacing a door.
The 12 active Scouts in Troop 907 in Woodbridge need to raise $1,400 for the cat igloos alone and are looking for donations.
John will be completing his animal related Eagle Scout projects with the assistance of Scoutmaster Paul Konweski and Assistant Scout Master Nate Case, both Woodbridge firemen.
John said the Eagle Scout badge will be an accomplishment as he couldn’t participate in sports for a number of years due to his heart issues.
His heart is now alright and he is on the hockey team where he plays on the Milford house league.
John said donations for the project are greatly appreciated and he would prefer to receive gift cards from Lowes or Walmart where he will be purchasing his supplies. Donations can be sent to Boy Scout Troop 907, C/O Caterina Zdrowski, 60 Tumblebrook Road, Woodbridge, CT. 06525.
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