Mass. Animals: Vet Faces Cruelty Charges; Boxer Bash, Veggie Events Planned; Gov. Visits NEADS

By Charlene Arsenault

Veterinarian in Winchendon Faces Multiple Counts of Animal Cruelty

A complaint was lodged, and now a Winchendon vet is facing 15 charges of animal cruelty, reported the Sentinel and Enterprise. Michael Krafve, 749 Brown St., was arraigned on a charges where authorities say animals were left in deplorable conditions at Heart and Soul Farm.

Inspectors arrived after the complaint, and found, among other things, 19 goats and sheep inside a trailer without food and water. They also reported a dead lamb who had clearly died recently. A goat, too, could barely walk because of hoof problems, said the Sentinel.

Governor Visits Assistance Dogs Facility in Princeton

On Thursday, Sept. 4, Governor Deval Patrick visited the National Education for Assistance Dog Services (NEADS) national headquarters in Princeton, touring a training facility that prepares puppies to assist veterans wounded in combat. Since 2006, NEADS has operated the Canine for Combat Veterans (CCV) Program and has placed 58 fully-trained assistance dogs with qualified veterans free of charge. The Governor was joined on the tour by Department of Veterans’ Services Secretary Coleman Nee.

“Assistance dogs bring independence, confidence and self-sufficiency to some of our most vulnerable residents,” said Governor Patrick. “For disabled veterans returning home, this service can help aid their transition back to civilian life and empower them to bring their new skills to our growing economy.”

In 2006, NEADS became the first organization of its kind invited to Walter Reed Army Medical Center to give a presentation about how assistance dogs can help wounded vets. Drawing a great deal of interest, NEADS recognized the opportunity due to the growing wounded veteran population to form the Canines for Combat Veterans program.

“Massachusetts leads the nation in providing benefits and services to our veterans and their families,” said Secretary Nee. “Partnering with tremendous organizations like NEADS and other non-profits, we are able to maximize our resources to ensure disabled veterans have access to resources that will enhance their quality of life.”

During the Governor’s tour of the facility, he visited the Early Learning Center, attended a training demonstration and listened to success stories from clients whose lives were transformed by their assistance dogs and through the help of NEADS.

Press release submitted by the office of Gov. Deval Patrick

Boston Vegetarian Society Plans Its 19th Annual Festival

Yummy food. Amazing choices. And cruelty free. The 19th annual Vegetarian Festival is coming to Boston on Saturday, Oct. 25, and Sunday, Oct. 26, to the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont St., Boston.

The festival “brings together an amazing array of vegetarian natural food providers, top national speakers and chefs, and educational exhibitors in a fun and welcoming environment. It is a chance to talk directly to food producers, learn the newest items in the marketplace, taste free food samples, shop at show special discounts, or simply learn what vegetarian foods are available and where you can find them!”

Find out more here.

Boxer Bash Coming to Hopkinton

The Boxer Rescue is planning its annual Boxer Bash, which celebrates the breed with a festival at Hopkinton State Park on Sunday, Sept. 21, from noon to 5 p.m. All proceeds from this event go to helping boxers in need.

Activities include an amateur agility course, Canine Good Citizenship testing, contests, “sexiest senior,” “best wiggle butt,” a kids’ corner, raffles, prizes and more. Among the vendors are Whiskers and Whipsy Bake Shop, PetCo, Collars and More, Sleeping Bear and Face Escape.

Tickets are $10 (and that includes lunch). Kids 12 and under are free.