Berkshireanimalworldaugustissue : simplebooklet.com

Paws to ReectSPOTLIGHT ARTICLES–Herbs for Pets-Milk Thistle, page 4 Needle Felted Wool Dogs, page 8Horse Corral-Rescued Wild Burros 5Cats Meow-This Side of Purradise 6CGHS-Fight Flight in Dogs 7 Adoptables 6, 9SUPPORTING PETS 9Natural Fun Facts 10Guide To Our Local Shelters 10Dog Wags-Monthly Breed– Dachshund 11Monthly Dog & Cat Pawoscope 11 Animalectory 12, 13 Rescue Leagues 14NEWSBITES 15Bensdotters 16Founder: G. SchechtmanEditor: Jane NicoleWriters: Iris BassColleen CarpenterLinda ClaytonDr. Melody R. Conklin Dr. Debra Primovicfrom www.petplace.comAlex ValverdeBerkshire Animal WorldBerkshiremountainanimalworld@gmail.comCRATE OF CONTENTS3Front Photo Credit:P.O. Box 1842Lenox, MA 01240anlife@aol.comwww.berkshiremountainanimalworld.com• Columbia Green Humane Society • Berkshire Humane Society• Mohawk Hudson Humane Society • Out of the Pits and so much more!Check out our Canine Rescue League DirectoryBark!Bark!TIMELY ADOPTABLES ALL AROUND!Give your pets a hug for me!! GayleBerkshire Mountain Animal World™ 2018-2025. All rights reserved. Berkshire Mountain Animal World™ is copyrighted and cannot be reproduced, rewritten, or pho-tocopied without permission of the publisher. Distribution is FREE in all of Berkshire County and areas in Pioneer Valley, Massa-chusetts, Northwest Hills, Connecticut, Co-lumbia/Rensselaer Counties in New York and the border towns of Vermont. Advertising rates are based on monthly dis-tribution. Berkshire Mountain Animal World Publication™ is not responsible for adver-tising claims. The advertiser is SOLELY re-sponsible for content. Berkshire Mountain Animal World™ re-serves the right to refuse any advertising for any reason. Berkshire Mountain Animal World™ is not responsible for errors in content made by any writers. Berkshire Mountain Animal World™ does not endorse what is printed.Year 8, Edition 83 AUGUST is . . . A creation from Little Wool Dogs, a needle felting business in the Berkshires creating one of a kind palm-sized scuptures of dogs. Please see Emily’s ad on page 2 and her article and pictures on page 8.Contact -https://littlewooldogs.myshopify.com/, https://www.instagram.com/littlewooldogs/, https://www.facebook.com/Littlewooldogs/Awareness Months National Immunization Awareness Month Itchy Pet Awareness Month National Dog Month Clear the Shelters MonthAwareness Weeks International Assistance Dog Week Give a Dog a Bone Week Holidays and Awareness Days August 1 | DOGust Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs August 1 | National Yorkie Day August 4 | Assistance Dog Day August 8 | International Cat Day August 10 | Spoil Your Dog Day August 14 | World Lizard Day August 15 | National Check the Chip Day August 17 | National Black Cat Appreciation Day August 17 | Clear the Shelters Day August 17 | International Homeless Animals’ Day August 17 | World Honeybee Day August 22 | National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day August 23 | Blind Dog Day August 26 | National Dog Day

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SPOTLIGHT • SALON – 75 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE 2 CERTIFIED PET AESTHETICIANS ON STAFF COMFORT GROOMS A SPECIALTY CAT GROOMING AVAILABLE• PLAYCARE – STAFFED WITH CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS OPEN 5 DAYS/WEEK TO APPROVED DOGS• TRAINING – 6 WEEK SESSIONS RUN CONTINUOUSLY THROUGH THE YEAR EARLY PUPPY; BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE &ADVANCED OBEDIENCE AND MORE!Offering Salon Services, Playcare and Training for THE TRI-STATE AREA’S PETSFor more information on our services, please see our website: www.bowmeowregency.comCheck us out on FacebookContact us at 413-229-0035 or by email at honor@bowmeowregency.com 4ReliableReliablePet Sitting Pet Sitting CompanyCompanyServing Berkshire County since 1997PET SITTING DOG WALKINGVeterinarian RecommendedP.O. Box 232, Pittseld, MA 01202413.329.5127mhyattreliablepetsitting@gmail.comHerbs for pets: Milk thistle When it comes to recom-mending herbs for someone — whether that someone has four legs or two — there’s no true one-size-ts all solu-tion. Like humans, animals have individual constitutions and quirks. That being said, there are some plant medicines that can be relied on to serve a specic purpose in more cases than not. Milk thistle seed (Silybum marianum) is one of these. It’s a plant medicine I always like to have on hand, as it can come to the rescue in a variety of problems that can befall a pet. And it can be given to dogs, cats, horses, goats, ferrets, rabbits, and rodents.Milk thistle is rich in silymarin, a chemical constituent that has been widely researched for its ability to support and protect the liver during crisis. It strengthens liver cell resistance to toxic compounds, stimulates production of new liver cells to replace damaged ones, and promotes phase II liver detox. Its protective action is so powerful that a strong dose of milk thistle may even keep a pet that’s ingested a lethally poisonous mushroom alive long enough to reach the ER. Knowing this, you can see how milk thistle might support an animal’s health in less extreme, and far more common, scenarios that are hard on the liver. Exposure to chemicals, chemotherapy, medications, vaccinations, heartworm or ea prevention, dewormers, and anesthesia can all have potential adverse side effects. Giv-ing your pet milk thistle during or after such exposures can mitigate or reduce those side effects. It’s also good for animals having temporary digestive difculties, like a dog that’s gotten into some particularly “bad” garbage. Here come the caveats! Although it is generally safe to give, it is not recommended to give milk thistle as a daily supplement, but rather to reserve it for times when a pet’s liver is likely to be under some duress, such as after booster shots or surgery, or during a course of medication. And it’s not advised for pregnant animals (though it’s ne during lactation). In the case of serious liver disease, a veterinarian should be consulted before proceeding with milk thistle or any other herb. Still, it can be an invaluable support. While you can nd milk thistle in any whole-food store in many forms, including tea bags and powder, its medicinal constitu-ents aren’t water-sol-uble, so it won’t be therapeutic unless it’s been properly extract-ed, generally with alcohol. Therefore, alcohol tincture is the most effective preparation, allowing for quick and complete absorption of silymarin. (The amount of alcohol ingested is minimal, but in cases of pets with alcohol hypersensitivity, consult an herbalist about how to dose with gel caps). You can give tincture at a starting dose of ¼ teaspoon per 20 pounds of the animal’s body weight. A dose can be as small as a single drop for a small rodent. Dilute the dose with an equal amount water to reduce the “sting” of the alcohol, and then mix it into their food to make it more palatable. And as ever, if you have questions, ask a certied herbalist (not the internet, which is rife with misinformation). The American Herbalist Guild website maintains a list of regis-tered herbalists. Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian and cannot claim to diagnose or treat disease. All information I provide is for educational pur-poses only. aka.jae.evans@gmail.com

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5Meet the New Rescued Wild Burros at Equine AdvocatesBy Alex Valverde, Equine Advocates Communications Manager The very existence of America’s Wild Horses and Burros, who live on our Public Lands, is being threatened in a way that has not been seen since the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act was signed into law in 1971. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the agency designated by Congress to oversee and protect these ani-mals, has instead been managing them into extinction through cruel and unnecessary tactics, which include roundups that over decades have had a seriously negative impact on the viability of the herds. Despite being based in New York State, we at Equine Advocates want to do what we can to help protect our Wild Equines out west. Our most recent rescues are tangible evidence of that work. Four Wild Burros, whom we named Bruce, Dylan, Sly, and Willie, arrived at our sanctuary on June 13, 2025.Dylan was captured by the Bureau of Land Management during a roundup on August 22, 2024, in the Marietta Herd Management Area (HMA) in Mineral County, Nevada. This HMA consists of 66,045 acres of public and private lands. According to the organization Wild Horse Education (WHE), 296 Wild Burros were run down by helicopters and captured during that roundup over three days. The total number included 111 Jacks (Males), 121 Jennies (Fe-males), and 65 Foals (Babies). Bruce, Sly, and Willie lost their families and freedom in January 2024 when they were part of the largest roundup of that year. It took place in the Black Mountain Herd Management Area (HMA) located in the extreme northwest-ern part of Arizona. During this time, more than 1100 Wild Burros were cap-tured over 17 days. The Cattoor Livestock Roundup Company, contracted by the BLM, used “helicopter drive trapping” to capture the Wild Burros, who were then placed in holding facilities. Of the four, Dylan is the lightest in color and the easiest to recognize. His estimated birth year is 2014, and he is the oldest of the four geldings. Bruce and Sly were born in 2017, with Bruce being the largest of the group. Willie, born in 2019, is the youngest and smallest. Since we don’t know their exact birth dates, we will celebrate their Re-Birth-Days on the date they arrived, marking the beginning of their new lives at the sanctuary. Wild Equines are living embodiments of the American spirit and symbols of freedom. As our newest ambassadors for this issue, we wanted to make sure the four rescued Wild Burros represented that sentiment. We named the pasture where they live together, “Born in the U.S.A.,” and named them after iconic American musicians who were born in this country and have written and sung about the American experience – Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Sly Stone, and Willie Nelson. We feel privileged to welcome these four remarkable Burros to the sanctuary, whose stories are vitally important in educating the public about why the cruel BLM roundups should end, and why we should allow Wild Horses and Burros to roam wild and free on America’s Public Lands where they belong.HORSE CORRALOur newest rescued equines – four Wild Burros from Arizona and Nevada(From L to R) Dylan, Sly, Willie, and Bruce.

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6This Side of Purradiseby Iris Bass FARM SANCTUARIES (In our region)• Chatham Animal HavenP.O. Box 49, Chatham , NY 12037518-218-6885Chathamanimalhaven@gmail.comhttp://chathamanimalhaven.org/• Berkshire Farm Sanctuary34 West Main Rd., Peru, MA 01235413-344-7433info@berkshirefarmsanctuary.orghttps://berkshirefarmsanctuary.org• Farm Sanctuary3150 Aikens Rd, Watkins Glen, NY 14891607-583-2225, experience@farmsanctuary.orghttps://www.farmsanctuary.org• Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary254 Gardner Hollow Rd, Poughquag, NY 12570845-724-5138 to schedule a visitsafehavenfarmsanctuary@gmail.comhttps://safehavenfarmsanctuary.org• Woodstock Farm Sanctuary2 Rescue Rd, High Falls, NY 12440845-247-5700 info@woodstocksanctuary.orghttps://woodstocksanctuary.org/Harley (top) and StumpyCopyright © 2025 Berkshire Humane Society125 Humane Society Rd, Hudson, NY 12534 (518) 828-6044 Please call with any questions.Open daily Tuesday - Saturday 11:30 - 4 https://cghs.org/ Brotherly Love When their people recently needed to move house, siblings Harley and Stumpy—gray and white, and black with some white, respectively) found themselves at Berkshire Humane Society, needing a new home altogether . . . in which they may stay together. Don’t be alarmed by their age—although budding septuagenarians in human years, my own two cats, also at around that point in their nine lives, are by no means old. If you give these boys a calm atmosphere and steady affection to overcome their present shyness (and likely, too, their distress at no longer living with their prior, familiar family), they’re sure to prove lovely companions.Because they are shy, provide a quiet, adults-only, pet-free environment, so as not to overwhelm them. Al-low them to decide when and how to come out of their shell, speaking softly, approaching them from where they can see and hear you coming, letting them choose when to come to you, and at rst, perhaps giving them one comfortable room to start with (with at least two litterboxes), so they can get used to the overall tenor and routines of their new surroundings. Providing them with places to snuggle together or separately as they choose (e.g., a large, soft or separate kitty beds or eece throws); perhaps a large open carton on its side to retreat to when feeling timid; a secure window or two where they can watch nature unfold outdoors; and a steady routine will help acclimate them to their new digs. Realize that they may be mourning the absence of their previous people. Be kind and welcoming, letting them decide when, where, and how to join you. Some feline siblings like to snuggle together, others not, and every cat reacts differently toward particular humans, such as whether to be a lap cat, sit nearby somebody, or relax elsewhere altogether. Overall, as you become accustomed to their unique personalities, and they to yours, try to give them a fairly stable, predictable atmosphere—what times you come and go or do certain things—and don’t move things around too much, so that they can establish regular paths and favorite places without having to start out, yet again, all over again. In time, each brother will likely develop a unique relationship with you, as well as blossom into a more outgoing personality, once he feels safe in your care. Lots of love and stability will work wonders to make YOUR house their home, even as they appreciate your addition to THEIR lives!Iris Bass, coauthor of the Cat Lover’s Daily Companion, shares her Lee home with two shelter cats. Please contact Berkshire Humane Society’s main shelter at 214 Barker Road, Pittseld, MA, 413-447-7878. Conrm its hours before heading over, or check out https//:berkshirehumane.org to read more about Stumpy and Harley, or the other cats currently available for adoption there or at Purradise, 301 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA, 413-717-4244. Purradise is open for both adoptions and boarding. Pierre is a 5-year-old domestic shorthair who came to us from another shelter. He’s a mellow, easygoing cat who loves loung-ing in sunny windows or snuggling up in a warm lap. Pierre seems to do well with oth-er cats, though we’re not sure how he feels about dogs. He can get a little overstim-ulated at times and may give gentle love bites; nothing mean-spirited, just his quirky way of showing affection. Pierre is pictured with CGHS/SPCA Animal Care Technician Abigail Milazzo.

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7125 Humane Society Rd, Hudson, NY 12534 (518) 828-6044Open daily Tuesday - Saturday 11:30 - 4 Boarding and Daycare remain the same and the food bank is open 7 days a week. Please call with any questions.https://cghs.org/Soft PawsBy Charlene MarchandYour NeighborhoodPet Supply Store featuring:• Made in the USA Foods & Treats• Toys • Essentials • Gifts• Natural and Organic Products• Lots of Fun Stuff!Monday - Friday 10 - 5, Saturday 10-4Closed SundaysLenox Commons • 55 Pittseld Road, Lenox, MA413-637-0800 www.chezpet.com Defense drive in all dogs is pure survival mode, mo-ment to moment, overriding everything. Their ght-or-ee mechanism mirrors ours. Defense drive is exactly what the word means to us. Webster’s Dictionary offers that it is an act or state of protection, defending or being defended, and self-preservation. The dog’s mind computes, “I’m trapped, I have no back-up, I need to survive, I need to live.” De-ned another way, it can be an “I’ll get you before you get me” or an “I need to run and hide to save myself” type of response. Passive defense drive means ight if at all possible. Dogs that choose to ee when pushed beyond their stress threshold, dogs that hide, dogs that cower, dogs that roll over, dogs that freeze and do not move, dogs that urinate submissively, and dogs that do not eat (even if they’re starving), all exhibit passive defense drive. Their MO is avoidance…avoid the threat and the experience. Converse-ly, our ght-to-the-nish Mike Tysons of the canine world will make choices in active defense drive that can easily become problematic, and oftentimes dangerous. A dog in active defense drive will growl at a spacial threat from people or other dogs, and can and will exhibit guarding behavior of resources, including food, toys, rooms, beds, cars, houses, yards, their owners, and more. Dogs in active defense are bold and hard, standing their ground, staring you down, and ready to take on all adversaries. It is imper-ative that dog owners understand and anticipate potential trigger situations, and have the correct tools and methodol-ogy to put a defensive dog back into pack drive. We do not want our dogs feeling defensive. Although dog bites are realized in active defense, a fearful animal that is “cor-nered” can psychologically switch from passive to active defense in an instant. My favorite scenario to explain this in layman’s terms, is sweet little Honey who lives alone with Grandmama, entertaining the family with grandchil-dren at Thanksgiving. Honey is giving every indication that she is stressed and in passive defense, wide-eyed, panting, scooting away from the playful and unsuspecting children, trying to hide, hackles up the full length of the body, not taking treats – you get the picture. Not long into the holiday visit, we have a youngster screaming that Honey has bitten her. Backed into a corner of the den, Honey has decided that she must “get them before they get her,” so that she can survive, that she can live to see another day. Now we have Honey being surrendered to a shelter, with a child bite to her name. So much of what we do naturally as humans can put a vulnerable dog into defense drive. Education is abso-lutely necessary to help us understand and properly handle our loving, devoted, and predatory companions. We must avoid situations that elicit a defensive response. Your dogs are not children. They are dogs! Understand your dog’s instinctive behaviors. Learn how to establish your multi-person home-hierarchy, teaching him or her the rules in a dog-easy-to-understand and be successful mode. Do something, dog trainer! Feel free to call us with any questions at (518) 828-6044 or visit our website at www.cghs.org. Our Food Bank is open to any from the public in need of pet food or for those wishing to donate food from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Spay/neuter clinics for cats are $110.00 male or female, including a rabies vaccination and a 5-in-1 feline distemper combination vaccination. Nail clipping services are avail-able every Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the shelter for a donation of $10 for cats and $15 for dogs (currently prepaid only). Charlene Marchand is the Chairperson of the Colum-bia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA Board.440 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA 413-528-8020www.vcaallcaring.comVCA All CAring AnimAl HospitAlHOURSMon - Fri: 7:30 am - 5:00 pmSat: 8:00 am - 1:00 pmSun: Closed• Advanced Care• Alternate Medicine• Canine and Feline Diabetes• Pet Grooming• Preventive Care• Primary Care

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8 Lovingly Created Needle Felted Wool Dogs “I create handmade needle felted sculptures of your beloved dog. Lovingly felting each one with the sheep’s wool to create a one of a kind palm sized sculpture of your precious dog to display on a shelf or mantle. All the details and ordering info is available if you click on the order tab. Looking forward to creating a beautiful wool sculpture you will always treasure.” Emily Willcut is an artist and has landed her artistic talent on creating palm-sized versions of people’s dogs out of varied bers and needle-felted wool. The wool itself is curated at a small sheep farm, where the sheep are nurtured and well-cared for. As a hair stylist by trade, Emily worked with hair colors of all different shades and combined light and dark. She has transferred this to palm-sized creations and creates realistic fur. She mixes different colors of bers to match the dog she is working on. She compares mixing bers to mixes paints or hair colors. Emily started this in the winter of 2021. She was already sculpting dogs out of clay and she wanted to nd a way to create a dog without the pressure of having to nish immediately, as with clay. She was truly inspired when her dog, Peanut, passed away. She found comfort and achieved a method to create the details and beauty of her dog in three dimensions from a photo-graph. Most of all, she never wanted to forget what Peanut looked like. There are over 500 creations of Emily’s dogs thoughtout the U.S. and Canada. Customers pick out their favorite photo of their beloved dog and send it to Emily. Many of her customers give the dog sculptures as gifts. Her creations are in honor of dogs who have passed and to display dogs who are still alive, as a work of art. In this process, Emily can use some of the real fur from the dog, and weave into the bers. She can also take some of the dog’s ashes, bake it and place it inside the sculpture. To Emily, details are most important way of recreating a dog, both for the personality and visual appearance. She hand paints the eyes and nose and takes her time to mold exact versions of the dog’s ears. “One of my favorite things is to hand deliver dogs locally, to see the person’s expression when they open up the box and see a palm-sized version of their dog. Many people cry and can’t believe it, ” says Emily. https://littlewooldogs.myshopify.com/https://www.instagram.com/littlewooldogs/https://www.facebook.com/Littlewooldogs/SPOTLIGHT

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9Berkshire Humane Adoptables 224 Housatonic St. Lenox, MA 413-637-0488M - S 7:30-5:30, Sun 9-3gAtEWAY FArm & pEt59 Russell RoadUS Route 20Huntington, MA413-667-2279www.gatewayfarmandpet.com777 Main St. Great Barrington, MA 01230 | Phone: 413-528-9055https://www.gbbagel.com/FRIENDLY FREDS1173 Route 9Windsor, MA 01270413-684-3371Meet Bandit – a 4-year-old Australian cattle dog/American. He can be a bit shy to start. Bandit also has a high prey drive, so no small pets for this boy. Bandit LOVES swimming, hiking and walking. Please reach out to kennel staff at Berkshire Humane Society to learn more! (413)-447-7878 ext. 126.This handsome fellow is Knox, a shy and sensitive, and loving, hound mix. Al-though he can’t live with oth-er dogs, he can join doggie playdates. Once you gain his trust, he’s a total love bug. Knox enjoys a quiet and laid-back life where he can take short strolls and then snuggle the rest of the day. (413)-447-7878 ext. 126Meet Camden, a 1-year-old active youngster who is extremely friendly and playful and will need an adopter who is cat-savvy and understands body language. Camden is not fond of other cats, but is very respectful of dogs. Call (413)-447-78787 ext. 124This sweet girl is Hope, a gorgeous 3-year-old, tiger and white domestic shorthair with green eyes. this shy girl is looking for a quiet low-key adult home .Hope would benet from a patient adopter who will provide her with time and TLC so she can acclimate and feel comfortable. (413) 447-7878 ext. 124

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1025Natural Fun FactsDid you know that . . .a dog’s brain MARIDAY GEYER• Daily and Overnight Pet Sitting• Dog Walking• Other Services413-446-3336shakerpaws@gmail.comwww.shakerpaws.com• Puppy Skills• Manners Training• Loose Leash Skills• Connection Cooperation & ControlCertied CCC InstructorCertied Pet SitterBonded & InsuredPaw-fessional Pet CareRelationship Focused Dog TrainingRhonda’s ReptilesWe Rescue Reptiles in NeedReptile Birthday Parties & EventsRhonda Leavitt • New Lebanon, NY • 413-446-1059RhondasReptiles.comAnimalkind, Inc.721 Warren StreetHudson, NY 12546518-822-8643Berkhire Humane Society214 Baker RoadPittseld, MA 01201413-447-7878Columbia Greene Humane111 Humane Society RoadHudson, New York518-828-6044Dakin Humane Society171 Union StreetSpringeld, MA 413-781-4000Everybunny Counts Rabbit Rescue618 Matthews St.Bristol, CT 06010Facebook@Everybunnycountseverybunnycounts@yahoo.comGeminis Pampered Greyhounds145 N. Whitney StreetAmherst, MA 01002413-253-4894Greyhound Options43 Sczgiel RoadWare Ma413-967-9088Hop On Home info@hoponhome.orgSaratoga, New YorkHouse Rabbit ConnectionPO Box 2602Woburn, MA 01888781-431-1211OUR LOCAL SHELTERSIn Honey’s Memory Cat ShelterPO Box 147Huntington, MA 01050413-667-0049Kanes KrusadeP.O. Box 1085East Longmeadow, MA 01028Lttle Guild of St. Francis285 Sharon-Goshen TurnpikeWest Cornwall, CT860-672-6346Mohawk Hudson Humane Society3 Oakland AveMenands, New York 12204518 434-8128Mutt Rescue102 Grove StreetChicopee, MA 01020413-594-8144Northeast Avian Rescue East Greenbush, NY OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY HOTLINE: 518-708-6091Second Chance Animal Center1779 VT-7AArlington, Vermont 05250802-375-2898Thomas J. O’Conner Animal Control & Adoption Center627 Cottage StreetSpringeld, MA 01104413-781-1484Westeld Homeless Cat Project1124 East Mountain RoadWesteld, MA 01085413-568-6964650 ROUTE 295, OLD CHATHAM WOODHILLVETCLINIC.COMWood HillVeterinary ClinicOPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK518-392-6224Like us on Facebook!http://www.taizeshepherdkennel.com/A Dog’s brain is the size of a tangerineDogs have emotions—Just Like We DoDogs can experience de-pressionDogs do not make plansA dog’s brain is wired to respond positively to rewardsA dog’s brain is dedicated to analyzing smellsDogs can recognize human facesDogs can dreamDogs are as smart as a two-year-old child

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11Dog Wags-Breeds from A to ZDog of the MonthMonthly Dog & Cat PawoscopePawoscoPesHAPPY BIRTHDAY!Leo (July 23–August 22)The DachshundThe dachshund makes a lively and alert housed who likes walks but can also adjust to indoor or backyard games. It is also known as the wiener dog or sausage dog, badger dog, doxen and doxie, and is a short-legged, long-bodied, hound-type dog breed. The dog may be smooth-haired, wire-haired, or long-haired, with varied coloration. They were bred to scent, chase, and ush out badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals. The miniature dachshund was bred to hunt small animals such as rab-bits. They tend to be independent and like to dig and hunt and they learn quickly. A typical dachshund is long-bodied and muscular with short stubby legs. Its front paws are disproportionately large, being paddle-shaped and particularly suitable for digging. Its skin is loose enough not to tear while tunneling in tight burrows to chase prey. Its snout is long. Its ears are disproportionately big and droopy.They are devoted lap dogs, very playful but because of their shape and size and stubby legs, play, especially with other dogs and children must be supervised. CAT-And the Academy Award for Best Actor goes to the Leo cat. Their theatrical nature would make them the perfect stars for “Cats,” the musical. They love to play tricks on their humans, pout, and scream until they get what they want. Your Leo cat may double down on the drama in 2025, which may puz-zle you at times.Your loving little Leos are the most attention demanding cats of the zodiac, and as such they need to be pampered and lavished with lots of love and toys or they will turn on you fast. Living with a Leo cat is highly dramatic -- they’ll prance around the house looking for attention, and the rest of the time they’ll lounge about waiting for you to turn up to serve them like royalty. And if you don’t pay enough attention, watch out -- little Leo will punish you by peeing on the bed or clawing your new sofa. Then you’ll be the one roaring! And the Academy Award for Best Actor goes to the Leo cat. Their theatrical nature would make them the perfect stars for “Cats,” the musical. They love to play tricks on their humans, pout, and scream until they get what they want. Your Leo cat may double down on the drama in 2025, which may puzzle you at times. www.tarot.comDOG-If you like to groom and dress your dog, then Leo is a perfect t. They love to be adored and fussed over. Praise is greatly appreciated by your Leo dog, and it will go to great strides to get it. Other dog signs will step aside for your Leo dog to walk by because regal is not understated in their gait. Being social is a great trait for this slightly high-maintenance sun sign; however, when they are done playing, they are done. No negotiation about it.Leo dogs are proud beings who are born to rule and to shine, and they love being the center of attention. Naturally charismatic, they exude warmth, vitality, and power. Leo canines don’t like competition; they prefer being the main character in a household that worships them and caters to their every need. They might also adore being groomed and pampered and look forward to a trip to the doggy spa. Whether out on a hike or strolling through downtown, these celebrity pups will make you look like a star.

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12BEnsDottEr’s pEt940 Main StreetGreat Barrington, MA413-528-4940Mon-Fri 10a-6p, Sat 10a-4pQuality foods, Equipment and SuppliesANIMALECTORYDoggie Day CareOffering Salon Services, Playcare and Training for THE TRI-STATE AREA’S PETSwww.bowmeowregency.com413-229-0035 honor@bowmeowregency.com BOWMEOW REGENCYLenox Commons • 55 Pittseld Road, Lenox, MA413-637-0800 www.chezpet.comMonday - Friday 10am - 5:00pm, Saturday 10am - 4pmClosed SundaysCHEZ PETYour Neighborhood Pet Supply StoreShaker Paws, LLCwww.theconnectionpuzzle.netOUR CCC CLASSES CAN HELP!Contact: Mariday GeyerShaker Paws LLC • 413-446-3336shakerpaws@gmail.com • www.shakerpaws.comTaize Shepherd KennelPositive Reinforcement Dog TrainingPrivate and Group ClassesCharlene Marchand • North Chatham, New York(518) 766-3804 • www.taizeshepherdkennel.comGINA’S K-9BED AND BREAKFAST518-329-4675Quality Care Pet Sitting in My Safe, Comfortable HomeCopake, NY 12516Fully insured & member NAPPSPet SittingGINA’S K-9BED AND BREAKFAST518-329-4675Quality Care Pet Sitting in My Safe, Comfortable HomeCopake, NY 12516Fully insured & member NAPPS59 MAIN STREET • LEE, MA • 413-243-1220www.leemeowandgrowl.comMEOW  GROWL P S U SELF SERVEDOG WASH• Fantastic Selection of Dog & Cat Food • Pet Supplies • Leashes, Collars, Grooming Tools • Gifts • Treats• Human Products, Too • Barrington Coffee & Fire CiderDog TrainingFood & SuppliesReliable Pet Siing CompanyVeterinarian Recommended 413.329.5127mhyattreliablepetsitting@gmail.comHerbal Medicine411 North Street •• Pittseld, MA, MA 01201(413) 347-8040 •• pampered-pup.comMARIDAY GEYERBonded & Insured Certied Professional Pet Sitter 413-446-3336shakerpaws@gmail.comwww.shakerpaws.comSHAKER PAWS PET CARESERVING CENTRAL COUNTYMASSACHUSETTSGroomingInvisible FenceBerkshire Humane Society’s413 - 447 - 7878 x. 139FAMILY DOG SCHOOLBecause every dogdeserves an educationBerkshireHumane.orgDog Training

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VCA All CAring AnimAl HospitAl440 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA 413-528-8020www.vcaallcaring.comConventional & Holistic Veterinary Medicine & AcupunctureConventional & Holistic Veterinary Medicine & AcupunctureClass 4 Laser for HealingClass 4 Laser for HealingWood HillVeterinary ClinicOPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK650 ROUTE 295, OLD CHATHAM • 650 ROUTE 295, OLD CHATHAM • 518-392-6224 518-392-6224 WOODHILLVETCLINIC.COMWOODHILLVETCLINIC.COMMichael Delliere, D.V.M.Gwen Hood, D.V.M.Like us on Facebook!ANIMALECTORYWilDliFE AnimAl rEsCuEpittsFiElD VEtErinArY HospitAl &sHAkEr Hill pEt rEsort1634 West Housatonic Street (Route 20)Pittseld, MA,, 413-499-1580www.pittseldvet.com, Open 7 Days a WeekNewhouse Wildlife RescueChelmsford, Massachusetts(978) 413-4085Bluebird Farm SanctuaryCheshire, MA. 413-446-3345Berkshire County Turtle Rescue“To contribute to native turtle conservation by providing emergency treatment and rehabilitation to both native and non-native turtles.”413-663-455513VeterinariansClear the Shelters Month Adoption Drive Every August, shelters across the U.S. join forces for the Clear the Shelters Adoption Drive. This nationwide campaign helps pets nd forever homes through free or reduced-fee adoptions and community outreach. Whether you’re looking to adopt or simply support the cause, there are plenty of ways to get involved.What Is Clear the Shelters? Clear the Shelters is a national initiative that promotes animal adoption by helping shel-ters connect pets with new families. Organized by NBCUniversal Local, the campaign began in 2015 and has helped over a million pets nd homes. In 2024 alone, the campaign helped more than 168,000 pets nd homes nationwide, set-ting a new record for the national pet adoption drive. During the campaign, participating shelters work to raise awareness and increase adop-tion rates through events, fee discounts, and community partnerships. The goal is to help move as many animals as possible into loving homes.Why August Is a Critical Time for Shelters Summer is typically the busiest time of year for shelters. Intake numbers rise for a variety of reasons: more stray animals, a higher number of litters, and more pets being surrendered. This puts a strain on shelter space, stafng, and supplies.Clear the Shelters happens in August for a reason. It helps relieve overcrowding at exactly the time when shelters are overwhelmed. By boosting shelter pet adoptions and encour-aging fostering and volunteering, the campaign helps reduce stress on shelter systems and improves outcomes for animals.How to Adopt During Clear the SheltersAdopting during the campaign is easier than you might think. Here’s how to get started:• Search online or visit your local shelter. Use terms like “dogs for adoption near me”, “cats near me” or “rescue dogs near me” to explore available pets. Many shelters post daily updates and offer virtual or in-person meet-and-greets. You can even browse adoptable pets on www.petplace.com.• Ask about dog and cat adoption specials. During August many shelters promote “free pet adoption near me” offers through fee waivers or deep discounts, so check their websites or call ahead for details.• Make sure you’re ready. Consider your routine, home setup, and what type of pet ts your life best. Whether it’s a puppy, kitten, or senior dog, staff can help match you with the right animal.• Follow the shelter’s process. Most adoptions involve an application, a meet-and-greet, and sometimes a home visit. Staff will walk you through it and help set you up for suc-cess.• Explore foster-to-adopt options. If you’re unsure about a full commitment, some shelters offer trial placements. It’s a helpful way to see if the pet is a good t.Ways to Help If You’re Not AdoptingYou don’t have to adopt to make a difference. There are many other ways to support Clear the Shelters. Here are a few ideas:• Volunteer at your local shelter. Help walk dogs, clean kennels, answer phones, or assist at events. • Foster a pet short-term. Giving an animal a temporary home frees up shelter space and prepares them for adop-tion.• Donate supplies or funds. Shelters always need food, toys, blankets, and cleaning products, especially during high-in-take seasons.• Share adoptable animals online. Add #adoptdontshop to every post and point followers to resources for low-cost pet adoptions plus any upcoming pet adoption events to boost visibility in your community.• Attend a community event. Look for a pet adoption event in August hosted by a local shelter or rescue. Even showing up and supporting helps promote visibility.Each of these actions supports shelters and the animals in their care. They’re easy ways to get involved, no matter your situation.

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14CANINE RESCUE LEAGUES WEBBED SIGHTINGSLooking for a dog? Look here or contact us and we can help! 413-496-8188, anlife@aol.comAFFENPINSCHER RESCUE OF AMERICADonna Wolfe, http://www.affenpinscherrescue.org/AIREDALE TERRIERNew England Airedale Rescue www.newenglandairedalerescue.orgAKITAAkita Rescue of Western New York, www.akitarescuewny.comALASKAN MALAMUTEAlaskan Malamute Rescue of New England, www.amrone.org 413-429-7286 MAAMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIERPittieLove Rescue www.pittieloverescue.orgOut of the Pits, www.outofthepits.org, (Albany NY area) info@outoft-hepits.orgThe Simon Foundation Inc, thesimonfoundation.org, 860-519-1516 CT AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDNortheast Aussie Rescue & Placement Helpline (ARPH) www.arphinc.com 877-ARPH-779BASSET HOUND-New England Basset Hound Rescue Inc nebhr.orgBEAGLE- B.O.N.E.S./Beagles of New England States www.bonesbea-gles.org admin@bonesbeagles.org 508-473-2228 MABERNESE MOUNTAIN DOGBernese Education and Rescue Northeast Region www.bernerinc.orgBICHON FRISEBichon Frise Club of America, www.bichonrescue.org, 866-473-0722Linda Ferrullo, 845-561-7004 NYBLOODHOUNDNorthEast Bloodhound Rescue www.bloodhounds.com/tbn/nebr.htmlBORDER COLLIENew England Border Collie Rescue www.NEBCR.org, (ME/NH/VT/MA/CT/RI/upstate NY/northern NJ), info@nebcr.org, 800-760-1569Nutmeg Border Collie Rescue, Jalyn White 860-742-6349 CTBOXERNortheastern Boxer Rescue www.BoxerRescue.com contact@boxerrescue.com (all New England)The Boxer Rescue www.theboxerrescue.org info@theboxerrescue.org (MA/CT/RI) 800-471-2030Second Chance Boxer Rescue, www.secondchanceboxer.com, (all New England) juliescbr@gmail.com, 877-281-3146 (shelter calls or urgent issues only) BRITTANYNew England Brittany Rescue www.nebrittanyrescue.orgBULLDOGBulldog Club of America Rescue Network (BCARN) www.rescuebulldogs.org/rescueroster/rescueroster.htmCHIHUAHUAYankee Chihuahua Rescue www.YankeeChihuahuaRescue.org yankeech-irescue@gmail.comConnecticut - rescueconnecticut@gmail.comMassachusetts - rescuemassachusetts@gmail.comVermont - ycr.vermont@gmail.com COCKER SPANIELCocker Spaniel Rescue of New England www.csrne.org, info@csrne.org, 603-547-3363 NHCOLLIECollie Rescue League of New England and Eastern NY www.collierescueleague.org 1-800-296-3265DACHSHUNDDachshund Club of America, National Rescue, guiness7@comcast.net, 904-217-7698DALMATIANDal Rescue of Upstate New York, StoneHillDals@aol.comDalmatian Club of America, www.thedca.org DOBERMAN PINSCHERDoberman Rescue Unlimited www.dru.org/ doberman@dru.org (NH/MA/RI/CT/VT/ME) 603-887-1200 NH ENGLISH COCKER SPANIELEnglish Cocker Spaniel Club of America, www.ecsca.org/rescuehome.htmlENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIELNew England English Springer Spaniel Rescue www.essrescue.org/ GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG German Shepherd Rescue of New England www.gsrne.org (all-New En-gland states) info@gsrne.org, hotline 978-443-2202 MA GOLDEN RETRIEVERYankee Golden Retriever Rescue (New England only) www.ygrr.org Ho-tline 978-568-9700 MA GREAT DANEGreat Danes Around New England Rescue, www.gdaner.orgCarrie Loholdt (MA, VT, NH, CT, RI, ME) gdanerescue@aol.com207-321-2771 ME GREAT PYRENEESNortheast Pyr Rescue www.nepyresq.org 877-528-0637GREYHOUNDGreyhound Friends, www.grey-hound.org (New England/NY/NY) 508-435-5969 MAGreyhound Rescue of NE, www.greyhoundrescuene.org, adopt@greyhoundrescuene.org 508-478-1617 MA Greyhound Pets of America/Massachusetts, www.greyhound-petsmass.org, IRISH SETTERIrish Setter Club of New England, www.iscne.orgJACK RUSSELL TERRIERPauline Clark @www.jacksgalore.orgLABRADOR RETRIEVERLabrador Retriever Rescue www.labrescue.com/ (MA, ME, NH, RI, VT) Hotline 978-356-2982 MALabrador Retriever Rescue-CT www.labrescuect.orglabrescuect@gmail.com, 860-767-0381 CTNorthEast All Retriever Rescue www.nearr.com email: nearr@ne-arr.com Hotline 617-824-4278 MA MALTESEAmerican Maltese Association Rescue, www.americanmalteseres-cue.org, MASTIFFFriends of Rescued Mastiffs, www.mastiffrescue.org, 800-200-5287Mastiff Club of America Rescue www.mastiff.org/MCOARESCUE.htm, RydalmMastiffs@aol.comOLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOGNew England Old English Sheep-dog Rescue www.neoesr.org,781-259-8173 MAPEKINGESEPekingese Rescue Network Inc (NJ, NY, CT, MA, NH, RI, ME, VT) www.pekerescue.petnder.comPOMERANIANBay Colony Pomeranian Club Res-cue, baycolonypomeranianclub.orgPOODLEPoodle Rescue of New England www.poodlerescuene.org Poo-dleRescue@poodlerescuene.org 617-628-1425 MAPoodle Rescue of Vermont, www.poodlerescuevt.org, 802-497-4144 VT, info@poodlerescuevt.orgPUGPug Rescue of New England, www.pugrescueofnewengland.orgGreen Mtn Pug Rescue www.greenmtnpugrescue.comCurly Tail Pug Rescue (NY/CT/NJ) www.curlytailpugrescue.orgRAT TERRIERRatbone Rescues www.ratbonerescues.com, ratbonerescue@ratboneres-cues.comROTTWEILERNorth East Rottweiler Rescue www.rottrescue.org, toll free 866-392-0102SAINT BERNARDSaint Bernard Rescue Foundation, www.saintrescue.orgSAMOYEDMinuteman Samoyed Club Rescue, www.doghows.org/ash/mscr/ , info@samoyedrescue.orgSHIBA INUNational Shiba Club of America Rescue, www.shibas.org/rescue.html, rescue@shibas.orgNYC Shiba Rescue, http://nycshibarescue.org, email: shibas@nycshibares-cue.org, 917-591-3408 NYSHIH TZUAmerican Shih Tzu Club Rescue contacts, www.americanshihtzuclub.org./rescue_committeeShih Tzu Rescue of New England, www.petnder.com/shelters/MA304.html, STRNE1@gmail.comWELSH TERRIER-welshterrierrescue.org.YORKSHIRE TERRIERYorkshire Terrier Club of America Rescue Inc, www.ytca.org/rescue.htmlThe MarketplaceFor SaleRabbits For SaleBerkshire BunniesPurebred Holland Lops and Mini Plush LopsLovingly home raised for pets, therapy animals, and show. Socialized and started on litter box training. Our bunnies are so friendly and have the best temperaments! Specializing in rare, beautiful colors and blue eyes. ARBA registered rabbitry.Otis, MA - call/text 413-329-8904 – berkshirebunniesrabbitry@gmail.comFollow us on Facebook, Instagram & TikTok: @berkshirebunniesrabbitryberkshirebunniesrabbitry@gmail.com

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15NEWSBITESLooking for a fun time with your dog? Invite some doggie friends (and their owners, too, of course)!A dog pool is available at Camp Wagalot in Stockbridge MA. (See ad page 2)It’s clean and sparkly, as we must protect our canine friends from bodies of water that may not be clean.There are toys and vests and so much fun!Rental is so reasonable and by the half hour!Contact--lovecampwagalot@gmail.comThe Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA announces the 2025 Shelter Sweeps Campaign The Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA is excited to announce the 2025 Shelter Sweeps. The support given to this event over the last three years has been overwhelming and we’re proud to once again offer three fantastic prize packages that were generously donated to help raise funds to support more than ve thousand animals every year served by CGHS/SPCA. The packages include an ATV Adventure Package (Val-ue: $7,000), a Sizzlin’ Summer Griddle Package (Value: $1,400), and a Getaway Package (Value: $2,300). Suggested donations for this year’s Shelter Sweeps are $1.00 per chance or 100 for $50, and chances can be ob-tained in any quantity. To participate or for more infor-mation, please visit our website, cghs.org, call us at (518) 828-6044 ext. 109 or email info@cghs.org.$1,000 Reward for Information on Severely Neglected Dog Found in Hudson The Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA (CGHS/SPCA) is seeking information regarding a severely neglected female Pitbull mix recently found in Hudson, NY. The dog, currently named “Petal,” weighed in at only 32 pounds – less than half her healthy weight of approximately 65 pounds. Petal was assessed as a “1” on the Purina Body Condition Score chart, indicating extreme emaciation. Her condition suggests prolonged neglect, and she may be from the Hudson or Chatham vicinity. CGHS/SPCA is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this cruelty. Anyone with information is urged to contact CGHS/SPCA Cruelty Unit at (518) 828-6044. All calls will be kept condential. “This level of neglect is heartbreaking and unacceptable,” said CGHS/SPCA President/CEO and Cruelty Investigator Ron Pe-rez. “We are determined to nd whoever is responsible and hold them accountable for this poor dog’s intolerable condition.”Petal is now safe and receiving care at CGHS/SPCA.heart to heart pet care and home care®loving & feeding your pet in your home!√ small/medium sized dog care√ Small/medium dog walking√ home cat care√ pocket pets√ reptiles√ sh√ birds√ home servicesCentral Berkshires 413-347-3638anlife@aol.comClear The Shelters Month is in August 2025, a nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign that helps nd loving homes for animals in need. More than 1 million pets have found their forever homes since 2015. Many of the local and regional shelters are participating in this event. The main goal is to encourage the public to adopt pets from local shelters and rescue groups, offering reduced or waived adoption fees and encouraging donations.

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