Berkshire Humane Offers Free Rabies Vaccines, Microchips, Reduced Adoption Fees

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — With an American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Subaru Loves Pets Grant, all animal adoptions in October will be discounted by $50 and people can get their pet inoculated against the rabies virus or a free pet microchip on Oct. 29.
 
This initiative is also supported by community donations.
 
The free rabies and microchip clinic for cats and dogs will be from 9 am to 11 am at Haddad Subaru at 625 East Street. Dr. Charlotte Barkley of Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital will administer the vaccines. 
 
 Pet owners should bring the latest rabies certificate for their pet, even if it has expired. Dogs should be on a six-foot, non-retractable leash and cats should be in a carrier. 
 
"With this generous funding, we can help homeless animals find their forever families and keep pets in their homes by offering free services," said John Perreault, Executive Director of Berkshire Society. "We know pet owners have had a hard time scheduling veterinary appointments, so providing a free, walk-in rabies clinic rabies clinic helps keep animals up to date on their vaccinations. We’re also hoping people will take advantage of getting a free microchip for their pet. We scan all stray cats and dogs that come into the shelter for a microchip. It’s a great way to quickly reunite you and your pet if it gets lost."  
 
The clinic at Haddad Subaru begins a day of festivities at Haddad Subaru on Oct. 29, including food and giveaways. 
 
After the clinic, Live 95.9 will broadcast from 11 am right up to an on-the-air drawing at 1pm for a 2023 Subaru. 
 
Tickets are still available for $40 each or three for $100 and can be purchased at Haddad Subaru, Berkshire Humane Society, Nature’s Closet, Bartlett's Orchards, Chez Pet, Catwalk Boutique, Purradise, The Shop by Only in My Dreams Events and by calling 413-447-7878, extension 131. 
 
For more information, visit BerkshireHumane.org

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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction. 
 
Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.
 
Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.
 
"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."
 
The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.
 
"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.
 
She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.
 
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