What if the voters go to the polls next November and decide to punish their Congressmen by not re-electing them?It could happen to a lot of them, to Connecticut Democrats and red state Republicans. People are disgusted with the men and women who were sent to Washington to govern, but spent their talents on political gamesmanship and fundraising. Even incumbents in safe districts, made financially invincible by a corrupt system, could be in trouble, regardless of party.So don’t be surprised if some entrenched Congressmen find themselves without a job. With only nine percent of the public approving of how they run their end of the government, they certainly don’t deserve re-election. “Why not replace your Congressman before he helps turn the United States into Greece,” could be a potent argument. “And let’s not hear any talk about how Congress is terrible but your Congressman is OK,” could be another. In Connecticut, it’s hard to imagine all five Democratic Congressmen being defeated, but that’s only because the Republicans aren’t exactly running a sterling choice of candidates. One incumbent, Chris Murphy, is running for the Senate. If his Democratic replacement in the 5th District is Chris Donovan, as expected, and the Republican is a moderate like state Sen. Andrew Roraback, the choice will be Roraback for this normally Democratic voter. Why not Donovan? He’s more of the same, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the unions. He said a lot about himself when he attempted to give a taxpayer-paid, phony job to James Amman, his predecessor as speaker. He remained on the Reapportionment Committee when he has an obvious conflict of interest, and he’d fit in beautifully in the current, mindlessly partisan Congress. Take your pick. If people in other places become angry enough to vote against their Congressmen, we might also get rid of Eric Cantor and the guy who yelled “you lie” at President Obama, plus many of the Tea Party crazies elected in 2010. They could send Boehner and Pelosi home, too. Dream on. And why, you may ask, penalize the Democratic House minority members for the sins of the Republican majority? The answer is they’re all to blame. We wouldn’t have the Republicans running the House if the Democrats hadn’t made a mess of things first. And besides, all of them, Democrats and Republicans alike, are products of a corrupt system that allows them — even encourages them — to take money from people, corporations and unions that want to buy their votes. Check out their top contributors at www.opensecrets.org.In addition, haven’t we had quite enough of both parties refusing to compromise for self-serving political reasons? The failure of the Super Committee was really the proverbial final insult. They couldn’t compromise on a measure to save our economy because the Republicans signed onto an idiotic no tax increase pledge and the Democrats were afraid to cut entitlements that have to be cut. As expected, the Connecticut delegation blamed the Republicans and never mentioned entitlement reform or compromise. While all this was going on, Congress and the president made a big deal of passing a bill that gives tax benefits to employers hiring veterans. That’s nice, but only one half of a percent of Americans are in the military, and the rest of the men and women looking for work are left hostage to Congressional inaction.And as usual, the House also wasted time passing bills that will never become law just to please the donors and influence peddlers.Forty-three Democrats and all but seven Republicans just voted to require states with strict gun control laws to honor laws from states that allow people to carry concealed weapons — even in churches, schools and bars. (Joe Courtney voted for it.)I guess you could call this a jobs stimulus bill since armed robberies increase when the economy is hurting, and this law could make it easier and more fulfilling for those pursuing a criminal career as an alternative to unemployment. Simsbury resident Dick Ahles is a retired journalist. Email him at dahles@hotmail.com.
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Marsala is eager to go home with you.
Tiffany Lemelin, shelter manager, brushing Marsala upon arrival.Provided
The Little Guild is an animal shelter at 285 Sharon-Goshen Turnpike in West Cornwall. Founded in 1957, the organization rescues animals from local surrenders and under-resourced shelters. When a rescue animal arrives at The Little Guild, staff begins a careful intake and transition process to ensure the animal is safe, healthy and ready for adoption.
New arrivals are quarantined in-house. Vaccinations are verified as up to date, and staff assesses each animal’s medical, behavioral and placement needs. Rescues receive medical care, daily support and behavioral training to ease shelter stress. Once a dog has finished quarantine and is ready for a home, its profile is published at littleguild.org.
Michael DeBarba, certified dog trainer working with Marsala.Jennifer Almquist
Prospective adopters fill out an online application with information about their household and veterinary and personal references.
The next step is for the prospective adopter and family members to meet the dog. If there is already a dog in the household, a meet-and-greet is scheduled so the dogs can get acquainted.
The animal care staff offers guidance based on its knowledge of each animal’s personality, needs and quirks to help families find the best fit.
Marsala wins a heart.Jennifer Almquist
Once a match is made, the adoption contract outlines aftercare. Adopters agree to return the animal to The Little Guild if the adoption doesn’t work out. The organization’s commitment continues after adoption, with six months of free training and follow-up from staff to answer questions or address concerns.
“Please don’t pass Marsala by,” Lemelin said. “He loves people and other dogs. He’s a lap dog who lives for snuggles, cuddles and face kisses. Marsala deserves a family, a soft bed and a lifetime of being chosen.”
To find out about Marsala and other rescue dogs and cats, visit littleguild.org
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Sampson, a playful and independent blind hound mix, explores the rescue’s large yard.
Though she takes in dogs of all ages, including some with disabilities — and one resident cat — the rescue’s motto is “Giving old dogs new lives.”
Sadie, center, a Carolina dog, plays with her friend Negra, a terrier mix. Bella Linda, the small poodle, has since been adopted.L. Tomaino
Sadie, a sweet Carolina dog, was the first to greet visitors.
“She could really use a home,” Meade said.
Then came Bonnie and Clyde, rat terriers; Negra, a small terrier mix; Sampson, a blind hound mix; and Jay Z, a terrier mix who was emaciated when Meade took him in and has since filled out, with fur regrowing over previously bald patches. Wesley, a young, shaggy mix whom Meade calls “a very good boy,” is also in need of a home.
Wesley, a young, exuberant mix, is looking for an active home.L. Tomaino
Meade began rescuing dogs after going to Waterbury to adopt one and learning that, by the end of the three-day weekend, the dogs she was looking at would be euthanized to make room for others.
She went home and started her rescue in New Preston, Connecticut. After five years there, she moved to California, where she rescued dogs from overcrowded pounds for 13 years.
Meade, a busload of dogs and her cat moved back to the Northeast a little more than a year ago.
Ninety-nine percent of the dogs at the rescue come from pounds, both locally and in California and New York City.
“We are more than happy to place dogs with older people, and we are also willing to give support after the adoption,” Meade said, noting that some rescues will not adopt to people over 60.
Bonnie and Clyde, an affectionate terrier pair.L. Tomaino
For those who cannot adopt, the rescue needs donations of old blankets, dog and cat food, cleaning supplies, puppy pads and dog treats. Monetary donations are also welcome and can be made through the rescue’s website. Meade also welcomes volunteers to help with the dogs.
Contact Meade at 805-239-4004, 860-866-7986 or 4dots@att.net to arrange a visit or drop off donations. For available dogs and more information, visit meadecaninerescue.org.
Newtown Veterinary Specialists
For Berkshire County residents, VCA All Caring Animal Hospital, 440 Stockbridge Road in Great Barrington, can be a nearby first call. The full-service hospital offers diagnostics and hospitalization and asks clients with an emergency or a pet requiring immediate attention to call rather than use its online contact form. It is not a 24-hour emergency hospital, however. Current hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sunday. Call 413-528-8020.
Poughkeepsie also has several options for urgent care. Creature Comforts Animal Hospital, 64 Pine St., is a full-service veterinary hospital offering emergency and critical care during regular business hours. The hospital treats dogs and cats as well as birds, reptiles and other exotic pets. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sunday. For after-hours emergencies involving dogs and cats, the hospital refers patients to regional emergency facilities. Call 845-625-2474.
Community Animal Care, 269 Titusville Road, offers urgent and emergency care during operating hours and asks pet owners to call ahead. Regular hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Urgent care is available daily by calling ahead, with extended hours until 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The practice also offers after-hours veterinary triage by video to help owners determine whether a pet can safely wait or should be taken to a 24-hour facility. Call 845-471-7459.
When an animal needs care in the middle of the night, on a holiday or for a potentially life-threatening condition, the options become more limited.
Guardian Veterinary Specialists, 4 Hardscrabble Heights in Brewster, is a 24-hour emergency and specialty hospital, open seven days a week, 365 days a year. Its emergency department is staffed around the clock, with on-site imaging and laboratory services. No appointment is necessary for an emergency, although calling ahead is encouraged when possible. Call 914-704-3400.
Provided
Newtown Veterinary Specialists, 52 Church Hill Road in Newtown, Connecticut, also provides emergency care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. No appointment is required for emergency care, although the hospital recommends calling ahead when possible. Call 203-270-8387.
Pet owners should remember that emergency veterinary hospitals operate much like human emergency rooms in that patients are triaged according to the severity of their condition, so animals with less critical problems may have to wait.
The best preparation is simple. Keep the number of your regular veterinarian and at least one 24-hour emergency hospital in your phone, and know roughly how long it will take to get there. If circumstances allow, call before leaving home to confirm where your pet should be seen.
When something goes wrong at 10 p.m. on a Sunday, knowing where you’re headed can make a frightening situation a little less overwhelming.
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