WINSTED — Northwestern’s softball squad rode their regular season success into the first round of the playoffs, where they handed Plainfield a 19-9 thrashing at home on Tuesday, May 31.Highlander starting pitcher Brittany Martel has had an exceptional season and kicked off the post-season by ringing up her first strikeout of the day. Plainfield starter Shannon Gowin struggled early, but quickly made it apparent that she had every intention of turning the afternoon into a fierce pitching duel. Northwestern opened up their offense quickly, taking an early lead with the help of a long rip down the third base line for a two-run homer by Highlander Liz Newkirk. Northwestern held a four-run lead heading into the top of the third, after another stellar inning by Martel kept Plainfield scoreless through two.Martel showed signs of trouble in the third, coughing up consecutive walks. Plainfield capitalized and drove a long fly double to bring in their first run of the day. Martel responded with a strikeout, but Plainfield fired back with a bunt single, some opportunistic base running and a base hit RBI. Martel continued to battle on the mound and dropped the next batter on strikes, but gave up a long line into the outfield that brought in another two runs and tied the game at four apiece.Things began looking quite ugly for the Highlanders when back-to-back base hits in the top of the fourth were brought in on a bad throw off a bunt attempt. A wild pitch provided room for another runner to score, but Martel remained composed and continued racking up strikeouts to close out the inning with Plainfield ahead 7-4.The Highlanders’ ace hurler provided some much needed offense to kick off the bottom of the fourth by slapping out a base hit. Nicole Bianchi drove a long shot into right, which with the help of the wind and intense sunlight created problems for the fielder, allowing Bianchi to reach second easily. Casey Burke put up a scrappy plate appearance, and after working a hefty pitch count, found a look she could drop into the outfield to drive in two runs. Kristyn Ryan kept the Highlander offense alive by knocking out a double and driving in the tying run. Northwestern flaunted some opportunistic base running of their own, stealing two more runs off wild pitches. The Highlanders regained the lead pulling ahead 9-7 heading into the fifth.Junior Kim Newkirk relieved Martel in the top of the fifth and was able to work a strong inning, tallying two strike outs while giving up only one run.Martel’s continued efforts at the plate initiated another big offensive inning in the bottom of the fifth, when another infield slap earned her a base hit. Bianchi remained hot and drove a long two-run homer of her own to bring the Highlanders’ lead to 11-8. Base hits from Burke and Sam Cilenti, as well as a walk from Ryan, set up Liz Newkirk for the sacrifice fly. Kim Newkirk put herself on with a base hit, and a hard-hit grounder by Jessica Seymour drilled Gowin to bring in another run. Gowin was regrettably injured on the play and was replaced by Rachel Rose to finish out the game. Northwestern scored on wild pitch, then a base hit from Martel drove in another run. The Highlanders continued to build upon their colossal lead with the fourth wild pitch steal of the day and a two-RBI double by Nicole Silveira. Northwestern now held a 18-8 lead over Plainfield heading into the top of the sixth.Northwestern’s offense remained ruthless until the end, as Liz Newkirk blasted her second home run of the afternoon. Seymour poured on a triple, but Planfield was able to get out of the inning with only one more run surrendered. The Highlanders closed out the game and claimed a first-round tournament victory, trampling Plainfield with a final score of 19-9.Northwestern kept their bats lively throughout the affair and found strong hitting efforts throughout their lineup. Bianchi went three for four with a double, a homerun and a walk. Burke went three for four as well, chalking up a sacrifice bunt, a double and four RBIs. Liz Newkirk’s long ball efforts were top notch as she drove two home runs and added a base hit and a sacrifice fly. Seymour was brilliant through the day, working a walk, two base hits, a double, a triple and an RBI.Martel was exceptional on both sides of the plate, tallying nine strikeouts and three walks on the mound, as well as three base hits, a walk and an RBI.The Highlanders playoff win brings their overall season record to 19-2.
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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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