WINSTED — Gilbert’s spirited softball squad hosted Nonnewaug on Monday, May 2, in an extra-innings affair that ended in a stunning Jackets comeback to edge out a 7-6 win at Walker Field.Yellowjacket starter Jaime LaChance worked a quick one-two-three inning and topped off the hitless first half with her first strikeout of the day.Gilbert’s leadoff batter, Jess Shotwell, worked out a walk, then turned a bunt single by Courtney Hoxie into a scoring opportunity with an inspired base-running effort. Shotwell’s aggressive speed allowed her to score from first, with the aid of a handful of Chief throwing errors — giving the Jackets a one-run lead and putting the also speedy Hoxie in position to score at third. Mackenzie Russo did not keep Hoxie waiting at third for long, driving her in with a base hit to put the Jackets up by two heading into the second.LaChance gave up a hard line single into shallow center to start the second, but a heads-up play by Hoxie caught the runner looking for a double and sent her back to the dugout with a quick throw to first. LaChance induced two infield grounders that were expertly fielded and quickly wrapped up another strong, scoreless inning.Gilbert added another run off a base hit RBI from Hoxie in the bottom of the second, but the innings to follow turned into a combined pitching and fielding duel between the two clubs.The Jackets’ defensive efforts continually lifted them from troublesome situations, and even when the young team coughed up an error, they quickly rallied and responded with top-drawer plays to maintain their advantage.Nonnewaug carried a quick swing in momentum into the top of the fifth after battling out of an immensely ugly bases loaded situation in the fourth and began to generate some offense at the plate. The Chiefs’ first chance to score came off a wild pitch that sent the runner from third sprinting home. Catcher Emily Owens quickly tracked the ball and sent a timely toss over to LaChance, who made the tag at the plate to keep Nonnewaug off the score sheet.The Chiefs, however, kept their bats moving through the fifth. A hard line drive came back at LaChance and momentarily shook her up long enough to allow a run to score. The play continued and an unfortunate mistake by the Jackets cost them another run, cutting their lead to just one heading into the bottom of the fifth.Keeping with the fluctuating nature the game was beginning to develop, Gilbert’s Jen Fritch opened the fifth with a long double. Shannon Tuozzo followed suit and doubled to drive in Fritch. Carissa Tuozzo kept Gilbert’s hitting streak alive with a fly single, and Zamis Fernandez knocked in a run off a ground out at first. Nonnewaug made a quick change at the hill, sending hurler Sarah Broderick in to close out the inning.The thrills continued as Nonnewaug countered the Jackets’ scoring efforts with a strong sixth inning. After allowing the Chiefs to add two, Rachel Wendell closed out the inning with a strong play to snatch a slow roller down the line to make the throw to first. Nonnewaug continued to close on the Jackets’ lead, now trailing just by one (5-4) in the bottom of the sixth.Seemingly thwarted by Broderick at the mound, the Jackets were unable to generate much of a response, save another long double by Fritch in the sixth. Nonnewaug worked a two-out single in the top of the seventh, then drove in the tying run with a triple. A hard line drive caused some trouble for the Gilbert infield, opening the door for the Chiefs to score the go-ahead run.Gilbert, down by one in the final inning and looking to tie or score a walk-off game winning run, started the seventh with another walk worked by Shotwell. Wendell came up with a colossal base hit that drove Shotwell in to tie the game at six apiece. The Jackets managed to stay alive but were unable to capitalize with runners on and sent this emotional, hard-fought game into extra innings.LaChance, still standing strong at the mound, induced two easy pop outs and recovered from giving up a walk to induce another lazy pop out to keep the Chiefs from scoring in the eighth.At the bottom of the eighth, with game tied at six, Carissa Tuozzo battled at the plate and worked out a walk off a seemingly frustrated Broderick. Fernandez slapped a single over third base to put Tuozzo in position to score, but LaChance hit into a fielder’s choice that prevented Tuozzo from reaching third. Shotwell worked out her fifth walk of the game to load the bases with one out.Hoxie hit into another fielder’s choice, this time at home to keep the winning run from scoring. Wendell, with bases loaded and two outs, seemingly unaffected by the immense pressure of the situation, quickly added to her seventh-inning heroics by ripping a hard line drive over third base, driving in the game winning run.Gilbert unceasingly battled through all eight innings and earned the very well-deserved, plucky 7-6 win at home. The Jackets’ lively bats tallied 15 hits through the outing, receiving solid offensive efforts throughout their line up. Shotwell produced a single and five walks, while Hoxie, Russo, Fritch, and Tuozzo all added two hits of their own. Rachel Wendell earned two hits, and two RBIs, including the tying run and the game-winning run.The Jackets improve to 6-4 with their win at home.
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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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