Mass. Animals: Racer Turned Therapy Dog; Rabid Skunk; Walk for the Animals; Animal-Friendly License Plate

Written by Charlene Arsenault (Patch Staff)

Former Racing Dog Brings Comfort to Nursing Home Residents

When Ann Marie Rakovic and her greyhound, Ozzie, visit the Marlborough Hills Healthcare Center once a week, it’s usually during “Bingo time.” The senior residents always stop their game, though, and welcome Ozzie with smiles and pats. Ozzie is not only a rescued racing dog, but now a therapy dog for those in need.

“Most of the women want kisses and many of the men tell me stories of their racetrack memories and betting on greyhounds years ago when Massachusetts had two active tracks,” said Rakovic. “They are always curious about Ozzie’s ear tattoos which identify his pedigree.”

Rakovic lost her first greyhound, Missile, to cancer just a month before Ozzie, a former racer from Arkansas, came home to live with her. At first, she didn’t think she would adopt another dog for a long while; her heart was broken and she wasn’t ready. But the emptiness she felt made her realize it was time to open her heart and home again.

For Rakovic, Ozzie is her third greyhound. Ozzie’s also the second fromGreyhound Friends, a small nonprofit organization in Hopkinton that is dedicated to saving racetrack greyhounds and other purpose bred dogs so they can be placed in loving homes. Not only did Rakovic adopt a dog from Greyhound Friends, she’s been an avid volunteer and adopter for the organization for seven years.

“I joined their board two years ago, so that I could deepen my commitment to the care and placement of the wonderful hounds that come through their doors,” said Rakovic. “Over the years my three greyhounds have given me so much love that I wanted to give back. I volunteer regularly, make a modest monthly on-line donation and try to be of assistance in supporting the organizations’ ability to sustain itself during these really tough financial times.”

To date, Greyhound Friends has placed more than 9,000 dogs.

With Ozzie, Rakovic noticed he had an incredibly gentle temperament and is social both with people and other dogs. She looked into the Pets and People Foundation’s Animal Therapy Program, and found that she and Ozzie would be perfect candidates.

“He is a happy dog, always wagging his tail, even at the vet’s office,” said Rakovic. “He’s pretty much ‘bulletproof’ and has a high tolerance for just about anything: noise, kids, small animals etc. making him the perfect type of dog for the Pets and People (P&P) Foundation’s Animal Therapy Program.”

Read the full story here.

West Roxbury Residents Warned About Rabid Skunk

Last week, a skunk in a West Roxbury neighborhood tested positive for rabies, prompting a health warning issued by the Boston Public Health Commission, reported the Boston Globe.

The skunk was captured by Boston Animal Control and euthanized, and then tested. If anyone (including other animals) came in contact with the skunk, they should call the Health Commission.

MSPCA Holds Its Annual Walk for the Animals

The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is holding its annual Walk for the Animals, held simultaneously in Boston, Methuen and Hyannis. Take your pick, and either walk or support the cause with a donation. Or just attend the event.

In the five years since its become an integral part of fundraising efforts for the MSPCA, it has raised more than $1 million to support its outreach efforts. Last year, more than 3,000 humans and 1,500 animals participated.

For those in Central Massachusetts, consider the Pet Rock Festival, held on the same day, Sept. 7. This 16th annual event, brought to us by World’s Best Cat Litter, features live music, vegetarian food, contests, speakers, and more than 100 vendors and nonprofits dedicated to animals. All proceeds benefit animal welfare organizations in New England. Learn more at www.petrockfest.org.

Show Your Love for Animals on Your Bumper

No, not just with a “I heart my German Shepherd” bumper sticker. These license plates have been around for a while, but we’re reminding animal lovers they are still available.

The Massachusetts “I’m Animal Friendly” license plate costs $40, and $28 of that goes to a statewide spay/neuter program. The entire $40 goes to the program upon renewals. Supported and promoted by the Massachusetts Animal Coalition, this donation is tax deductible.