Berkshireanimalworldfebruaryissue : simplebooklet.com

Paws to ReectSPOTLIGHT ARTICLES– Pet Dental Health Month, pages 4.5Cats Meow-This Side of Purradise 6CGHS-Grieving 7 Adoptables 2, 6, 11, 13Horse Corral -30 Years of Equine Advocates 8Small Animal Hutch -Is a Rabbit Right for You? 8Natural Fun Facts 10Guide To Our Local Shelters 10Dog Barks-How to Stop Your Dog from Licking 11Animalectory 12, 13Newsbites 13 Rescue Leagues 14Dog Wags-Monthly Breed– Chinook 15Monthly Dog & Cat Pawoscope 15 Bensdotter’s Pet 16Founder: G. ScheckyEditor: 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.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™ 2018-2026. 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 88 Awareness Months • Pet Dental Health Month • Dog Training Education Month • National Cat Health Month • Responsible Pet Owners Month • Spay/Neuter Awareness Month • Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month • Heart MonthAwareness Weeks• February 7–14 | Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week• February 12–16 | Veterinary Assistant Appreciation Week• February 18–24 | National Justice for Animals Week• February 18–24 | Bird Health Awareness WeekAwareness DaysLove Your Pet Day-February 20National Wildlife Day-February 22International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day-February 23World Spay Day-February 25International Polar Bear Day-February 27This sweet face is Pecan! Pecan is 4-months-old and he’s the last of Berkshire Humane Society’s American blue heeler/German Shepherd dog/husky mixes. Condence building skills in his future home are a must, as is having a dog sibling. He’s currently in a foster home with one of Berkshire Humane Society’s Family Dog School train-ing staff and kennel staff will be taking applications on him and picking the most appropriate home. If you think you may be interested in meeting him, please ll out an application found via the link and contact the shelter’s kennel staff at (413)-44-7878 ext. 126

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SPOTLIGHT 4Cat Dental Health – What You Need to Know If you’re like many cat owners, you strive to maintain your feline’s health and well-being. Yet, one of the most overlooked problem areas is literally right under your cat’s nose.For many species, healthy teeth represent a sign of strong overall health, and your cat is no exception. Unfortunately, though, many felines are lacking when it comes to proper dental care and oral health. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), 70% of cats show oral disease by age 3, and it’s the most common health problem treated in small animal clinics today. The buildup of bacteria in your cat’s mouth may cause more than just bad breath – it can also serve as a catalyst of dental conditions and diseases affecting organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. While your cat likely dreads going to the dentist as much as you do, it’s important to monitor and maintain your feline’s oral well-being.Healthy Teeth Make a Healthy Cat Just like humans, cats’ teeth are prone to plaque buildup. When this plaque combines with saliva and residual food between teeth and gums, tartar is formed. If plaque and tartar are not removed routinely by your veterinarian, they may cause periodontal disease. Often referred to as gingivitis in its early stages, periodontal disease is caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar below the gum line. This painful and progressive gum disease causes inammation and can ultimately lead to tooth loss.The most common signs of periodontal disease include:• Bad breath• Loose teeth• Gingivitis (inammation of the gums)• Yellow and brown tartar buildup• Drooling• Lack of appetite• Bleeding gums• Pawing at the mouthVeterinary Care for Your Cat’s Teeth Fortunately, veterinary dental knowledge has grown exponentially in the last few years. Dental technology has also exploded, allowing your cat virtually all of the dental care that you receive, including: Dental implants, braces (to enable a comfortable bite), root canals, and tooth bonding. Veterinary care should include periodic dental exams, which are important in order to maintain good oral health. The frequency with which dental examinations should be per-formed typically ranges from 6-12 months, depending on your cat’s age. Your veterinarian can examine your cat’s teeth. The use of anesthesia may be necessary. Full mouth X-rays are usually required because 70% of the tooth structure is beneath the gum line and thus is invisible to the naked eye.How to Brush Your Cat’s Teeth In addition to receiving regular dental checkups, your feline’s oral health should be sup-plemented by homecare. Cat owners can reduce or even prevent dental disease by feeding a crunchy diet and administering daily tooth brushing. Here are guidelines to follow for brushing your cat’s teeth:• Brushing should be done daily, with a brush designed to remove plaque from under the gum line.• Pick a time of day that will become a convenient part of your cat’s daily routine. Brushing before receipt of a treat can help your feline actually look forward to brushing time.• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and veterinary toothpaste.• Start by offering your cat a taste of the veterinary toothpaste. Then, next time, have them taste the toothpaste, running your nger along the gums of their upper teeth. Repeat the process with a tooth-brush until your cat de-velops a comfort level. Even with effective toothbrushing, some cats may still need profes-sional maintenance. Fractured Teeth in Cats In cats, tooth fracture can be related to vari-ous incidents, including being hit by a car, falling from a high place, facial trauma from an animal attack, or as a result of a fractured jaw. A frac-tured tooth can occur below the gum line, vertically or horizontally in the tooth. The level (locations or depth) at which the root is fractured helps determine if the tooth can be saved. Fractured teeth are painful – even if your cat doesn’t show much pain – and should be treated as an emergency. Veterinary care includes diagnostic tests and subsequent treatment recommendations, including a strategy for mini-mizing the risk of infection. Consider keeping your cat indoors, ensure all open win-dows are securely screened, and monitor your cat during aggressive or interactive play.Tartar Control Diets for Cats Some felines – by virtue of their breed, diet, and facial structure – will have a higher incidence of recurring dental disease. Thankfully, your veterinarian can recommend spe-cial foods that are designed to help prevent tartar formation. These tartar control diets often eliminate or greatly reduce the number of health-related problems caused by recurring dental disease. Tartar control diets differ from regular cat food in that they are designed to act like a natural tooth-brush for your feline. The size of the kibble is larger, and is designed not to break apart as easily. Natural ber in the food aids the cleaning action. When tartar is eliminated, gum disease is often reversed, reducing your cat’s ongoing dental needs.Dental Products for Cats From toothbrushes to nger brushes to gels, the oral health market is ooded with cat-specic products for feline owners to consider. It’s recommended to seek items that are endorsed by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) and to consult your veterinarian for assistance.It’s important to refrain from using human toothpaste and baking soda, as both can make your cat sick. Additionally, note that toothbrushes for cats are designed a little differ-ently than a child’s toothbrush. They are smaller and sin-gle-ended, and have an angled head more suited for a cat’s mouth. www.petplace.com

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5ReliableReliablePet Sitting Pet Sitting CompanyCompanyServing Berkshire County since 1997PET SITTING DOG WALKINGVeterinarian Recommended413.329.5127mhyattreliablepetsitting@gmail.com• 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 Dog Teeth Cleaning: Who Should Do It? Caring for your dog’s teeth is critical to their overall health and wellness. Dogs can develop many different den-tal diseases that are often undiagnosed, painful, and can impact their overall well-being. Dentists recommend that for basic care, in addition to ossing, we brush our dog’s teeth at least daily and have dental cleanings every 6 months. Learn-ing to properly care for your dog’s teeth doesn’t only keep their mouth healthy and fresh but helps avoid costly clean-ings.How Often Should You Clean Your Dog’s Teeth? The recommended frequency for dog teeth cleaning is to brush daily. Dental plaque builds up on the surface of the tooth and gum line. This plaque is a sticky substance that contains bacteria, food particles, and saliva. If the plaque is left un-touched, it will mineralize and form into hard tartar, also referred to as calculus, in approxi-mately 48 hours. By brushing daily, you minimize the chance of plaque hardening. It is critical to remove dental plaque because once the tartar forms, it attracts more plaque, followed by more tartar. This build-up of tartar can occur both above and below the gum line, attracting dangerous bacteria, which can lead to the destruction of periodontal tissues.Many vets recommend that pet parents start brushing while their dog still has puppy teeth, as it’s best to start forming good habits early.How to Clean Your Dog’s TeethCleaning a dog’s teeth can be simple, especially if you start early.The rst step is having the right tools. There are a variety of styles of toothbrushes and avors of toothpaste, making it important to pick the right combination for your dog.For example, a nger brush generally works best for large breeds like Labrador Retriev-ers, while some small brushes with handles may work better for small and miniature breed dogs. You may need to experiment to nd out what works best for you and your pup.How to Know You Did a Good JobYou can generally tell if you did a good job brushing your dog’s teeth by looking carefully at the color of the teeth and the gum line. Teeth should look white and have minimal pigmentation or build-up of discoloration and tartar. Gums should have a pinkish hue that lightens slightly when pres-sure is applied.Where to Get Your Dog’s Teeth CleanedIn addition to daily brushing, frequent deeper cleanings are recommended. The frequency of your dog’s cleaning ap-pointments will depend on your ability to brush your dog’s teeth and your dog’s individual dental health, which is often a result of genetics. If you notice that your dog has bad breath, the early signs of tartar buildup, or gum disease, see your veterinarian. Most vets routinely perform dental cleanings and, if they do not or your dog requires advanced dental procedures, they can recommend another veterinarian or veterinary dentist.It’s also best to be candid with your vet about your budget, since dog dental cleaning costs can start to add up if your pet needs a complex procedure like a root canal.What’s Involved in a Professional Dog Dental Cleaning?During a professional cleaning, your dog will be sedated. A dental cleaning may consist of the following (which may vary from vet to vet):• Basic blood work to conrm good organ function• Thorough oral examination of the gums, tongue, and teeth• Dental x-rays• Manual removal of tartar• Extraction of any diseased teeth• Ultrasonic cleaning of teeth• Polishing• Fluoride treatment• Documentation of dental care in the medical record

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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/Caption: Socks. Copyright © 2026 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/ Spectacularly Whiskered Have you ever seen such long whiskers? Tuxedo cat Socks, a big boy, is fully up to the task of wearing them…not to mention the white paws that inspired his name.Brought to Berkshire Humane Society as a stray and estimated to be three and a half years old, he may take some time warming up to people, given the intimidations of street life. Socks would do best in a home (indoors only!) with respectful teenagers and adults who will help him discover the pleasures of feeling safe and wanted. What Socks found to eat while outdoors is debatable, but the shelter staff has discovered he adores canned cat food vs kibble. And that is a good thing, as many vets recommend canned food for felines, as being far healthier than dried. Try him out on a few quality brands and avors, to see what he likes best, mixing up the selection every so often, to ensure that if he develops a dislike for one avor or it goes out of production, he’ll still be willing to eat others. Here is some of what Purina has to say about those whiskers (go to www.purina.co.uk for more): “Your cat’s whiskers are truly multifunctional, but their most important purpose is as a sensory tool…incredibly sensitive to vibrations and changes in their environment, so cats use them like an additional sense to understand the world.…“Each side [of their face has 12 whiskers in a completely symmetrical distribution, so they can accurately measure the environment.…“They use their whiskers to navigate the world straight ahead, as by touching them against an object they can tell where it is, its size and even the texture. “If their whiskers are rigid and pulled around their face it means they may feel threatened, whereas, if their whiskers are relaxed, it indicates that your cat may be feeling happy and con-tent. Additionally, if you notice that your cat’s whiskers are pushed forward it may mean that they’re interested or curious.”Perhaps most important: “You should never, ever, cut your cat’s whiskers. They are vital for so many things that if you snip them off, your cat can get very disorientated and scared as they’ll be unable to gauge or sense their environment. Don’t worry if you nd one or two that have fallen out though, they do grow back!”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 Socks, or the oth-er 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.Junior and Crocadilly are a bonded pair of male cats that came to us from different homes but are now inseparable! They are 2-3 years old and wouldn’t mind living in a home with other cats. Junior (black and white) is a little more outgoing than Crocadilly (grey and white) but that’s what makes them the perfect duo!

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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/Your 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.com440 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 CareSoft PawsBy Charlene Marchand One of my friends shared this beautiful piece with me, not long after I had to say goodbye to my beloved heart-dog Cartier. I am not ready yet to write about the incredible daily blessings he brought to my life. We shared deeply on many levels. His loss is still very painful. I trust our readers will love these words:I’ve changed my ways a little: I cannot nowRun with you in the evenings along the shore,Except in a kind of dream: and you, if you dream a moment,You see me there.So leave awhile the paw-marks on the front doorWhere I used to scratch to go out or in,And you’d soon open; leave on the kitchen oorThe marks of my drinking-pan.I cannot lie by your re as I used to doOn the warm stone,Nor at the foot of your bed: no, all the nights throughI lie alone.But your kind thought has laid me less than six feetOutside your window where relight so often plays,And where you sit to read — and I fear often grieving for me —Every night your lamplight lies on my place.You, man and woman, live so long, it is hardTo think of you ever dying.A little dog would get tired living so long.I hope than when you are lyingUnder the ground like me your lives will appearAs good and joyful as mine.No, dears, that’s too much hope: you are not so well cared forAs I have been.And never have known the passionate undividedFidelities that I knew.Your minds are perhaps too active, too many-sided. . . .But to me you were true.You were never masters, but friends. I was your friend.I loved you well, and was loved. Deep love enduresTo the end and far past the end. If this is my end,I am not lonely. I am not afraid. I am still yours.~ Robinson Jeffers, 1941(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 of Directors. She may be contacted at cghsaaron@gmail.com.)

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8HORSE CORRALCelebrating 30 Years of Equine AdvocatesBy Alex Valverde, Equine Advocates Communications ManagerThis month, Equine Advocates cele-brates 30 years of rescuing and protect-ing equines from slaughter, abuse, and neglect. Since that time, the organiza-tion has evolved, but our mission to advocate for the humane treatment of horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules has remained constant.Susan Wagner founded Equine Advo-cates in 1996 after rescuing her rst horse from slaughter, Gandalf, three years earlier. He was about to be sold to a killer buyer by the zoological institu-tion where she worked at the time. His rescue opened her eyes to the horrifying reality of horse slaughter in the United States.“In the 1990s, hundreds of thousands of U.S.-bred horses were being slaugh-tered in this country annually and their meat exported for human consumption to Europe and Japan,” said Wagner. “It was the well-kept dirty little secret of the horse industry, and even though I had worked within the racing industry for a short period of time, I had no idea that so many Thoroughbreds and Stan-dardbreds were meeting that horric fate. It wasn’t until I found out where Gandalf was going that I nally realized what was happening.”In 2004, the organization moved its headquarters to Chatham, New York, and established Equine Advocates Rescue & Sanctuary, a permanent home for slaughter-bound, abused, neglected, and abandoned equines. In 2006, we established our Humane Education Center, where classes and sanctuary tours are offered for local schools, youth groups, and other organizations. We also recently expanded the sanctuary to 173 acres with exciting plans.“Connecting with our community is an essential part of our mission, and we plan to grow those efforts during this milestone year,” said Wagner. “We are extremely excited about building our new Equine Rehabilitation Center and Veteran Horses Compound, which will be constructed on the additional 33 acres of farmland we acquired at the end of 2023. This project will ultimately grow our operation and increase the ways we can help horses recov-er from injuries or illnesses, as well as provide permanent loving homes for military work-ing horses when they are retired from the service. It will also allow us to develop our new ‘Veterans to Veteran Horses Program’ where local veterans will be able to have supervised hands-on contact caring for and spending time with equine veterans retired here.”During these past three decades, some important strides have been made to protect Amer-ica’s equines from slaughter, including the 2007 closure of the last equine slaughterhouse operating in the U.S. and New York’s passing of the most stringent state horse slaughter ban in the nation, joining several other states, including California, Illinois, New Jersey, and Texas. However, until the U.S. passes a federal ban, wild and domestic equines will continue to suffer and die in Mexican and Canadian slaugh-terhouses. We must pass a federal law banning the slaughter of equines for both human and animal consumption, just as was done in New York State.“The Save America’s Forgotten Equines, or SAFE, Act is being introduced and touted as a bill that will end horse slaughter,” said Wagner. “WRONG! The truth is that, as written, it only gets half the job done. It is urgent and im-perative that the SAFE Act be amended with the change of just two words: remove the word ‘human’ (so that it pro-hibits the slaughter of horses for consumption of any kind, including human and animal), and add the word ‘intra’ to protect horses from being transported for slaughter within a state. As of now, the SAFE Act only addresses the slaughter of horses for human consumption. If you want a law passed that will end horse slaughter, please take action by contact-ing Florida Congressman Vern Buchanan, the bill’s main sponsor, as well as your own Members of Congress, and urge them to amend the SAFE Act, so it goes from being a half-baked bill to a great one.”As Equine Advocates heads into its next 30 years, we will continue to be a strong voice calling for the humane treat-ment of wild and domestic equines and working to protect them from slaughter, abuse, and neglect. To learn more about these issues and what you can do to help, please visit equineadvocates.org. Happy Birthday, Equine Advocates!Pensacola Pete, a Standard Donkey, and Tina, a mixed-breed horse.

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9Is a rabbit the right pet for you? Thinking about adopting a bunny? Rabbits can make great pets, but they require a gentle touch, good knowledge of proper care and plenty of attention. Here’s what to consider before adopting a rabbit.• Lifespan: Healthy rabbits can live for more than 10 years, so a rabbit may be with your family for as long as a dog would and could require a similar amount of care and atten-tion.• Handling: Rabbits require safe, gentle handling and a quiet environment. As prey animals, they can be easily startled and stressed by loud noises and fast movements. Rough handling can lead to serious injuries like spinal fractures, and scared rabbits can deliver painful bites.• Housing: Rabbits need room for exercise and play. You’ll need at least an 8-square-foot pen area that serves as the rab-bit’s “home base” plus at least one bunny-proofed room for them to access when not in their pen. Outdoor hutches aren’t appropriate because they can expose rabbits to predators and deadly diseases.• Care and feeding: The care and feeding of rabbits can be complex. We encourage you to consult resources like the House Rabbit Society or ask your veterinarian or local ani-mal shelter or rescue for more information.Life with rabbitsIf you’re a bunny novice, you’re likely wondering what shar-ing your home with a rabbit will be like. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll need to do to keep your new friend happy and healthy:• Tidy your rabbit’s enclosure every day—and clean it thor-oughly once a week. Many rabbits can be litter trained, but they produce a lot of waste.• Provide safe toys, hay and cardboard for your rabbit to chew. Rabbits have continuously growing teeth they need to wear down. If they aren’t provided things to munch on, they’ll turn to your baseboard, books and other belongings.• Provide fresh vegetables, which are part of a healthy rabbit diet, and an unlimited supply of hay. Learn which veggies are good for rabbits since some, like iceberg lettuce and onions, can cause health issues.• Give your rabbit space and time for exercise. If you keep your rabbit in a pen, they should have at least a few hours a day outside the enclosure.• Interact with your bunny regularly so they stay socialized and happy. (Note that rabbits generally sleep during the day and night and are most active at dusk and dawn.)• Rabbits are a social species so consider adopting multiple rabbits. Shelters and rabbit rescues can help with matchmak-ing to make sure rabbit companions get along.• Find a rabbit-savvy veterinarian for annual checkups and emergencies.You’ll want the following items in your rabbit starter kit:• Large pen or habitat, or supplies to build your own (the House Rabbit Society recommends at least 8 square feet, with more for exercising); wire oors on caging are not ap-propriate—they can injure a rabbit’s sensitive feet.• Water bowl or bottle• Litter boxes and litter• Chew toys• Timothy hay (or other grass hay) for adults; alfalfa hay if under 1 year of age• Vegetables• Timothy hay pellets• Occasional fruit/treats So you’ve decided a rabbit is the right pet for you—congratulations! Animals like routines, and changing environments can be stressful for them. By preparing everything ahead of time, you can help ease the homecoming process for your new rabbit. Here’s a quick checklist for what to do before you bring home your bunny:• Set up a “rabbitat” in a quiet, out-of-the-way area. Provide one or more litter boxes, rab-bit-safe litter, water bowl or bottle and safe chew toys.• Rabbit-proof any areas of your home that your rabbit will have access to (and always super-vise them when they’re not contained). You might want to use a metal puppy pen to create a safe and contained area.• Tuck wires and cords out of sight.• Remove toxic plants.• Swap out things you don’t want your bunny to chew for rabbit-safe toys (such as grass mats or pieces of cardboard).• Make sure other household pets cannot get into the rabbit area. Dogs and cats may not mix well with rabbits, especially at rst! If you intend to introduce your resident animals to your rabbit, do so slowly. Remember, rabbits are a prey species, which can encourage different behaviors from your dog and cat than how they react to others of their own species.• Ensure that outdoor areas your rabbit may visit aren’t treated with pesticides.• Check with the shelter, rescue or foster home ahead of time to nd out which types of hay and vegetables your rabbit prefers and have them on hand.• Monitor your new rabbit companion closely for the quantity and character of stool pro-duction and appetite. A rabbit who isn’t eating is a medical emergency. Note that rabbits produce soft stools in the middle of the night that they ingest for nutrients. If you’re seeing these stools on their fur and in their cage, it’s abnormal, but don’t be alarmed if you see them eating them.Try not to handle your rabbit too much during the rst few days. Start by sitting on the oor and letting them come to you. If you have other pets, let the newcomer get used to their new home before introducing everyone.• Keep the environment as quiet as possible and make sure your rabbits have a place that’s their sanctuary. • If you already have one or more resident rabbits, keep your new rabbit sepa-Berkshire Humane Society214 Barker Rd, , Pittseld, MA 01201Phone: (413) 447-7878, Berkshirehumane.rate from them until you can do introductions in a neutral location. You can also slow-ly bring their rabbit enclo-sures closer together so they can get to know each other through the barrier.• If you’re adopting mul-tiple rabbits at once, keep an extra close eye on them. The stress from a change of venue can result in ghts, even with rabbits who have been bonded for years.• Spay or neuter your rab-bit. Rabbits who are steril-ized live longer, make better companions, get along with others better, are less likely to develop certain cancers, and won’t produce unwant-ed litters.Bubbie is an 8-year-old Flemish giant mix bunny who arrived at Berkshire Humane Society because her prior household didn’t have enough time for her. Bubbie can be a bit particular about her space, as many rabbits are, so she’ll require a home where her new people understand bunny body language and their need for spatial respect. Bubbie enjoys slow movements and gentle head scratches, and deserves a loving retirement home where she can co-exist with her people. If you feel you have just the home this senior girl is looking for, please reach out to the small animal staff at Berkshire Hu-mane Society to learn more. (413)-447-7878 ext. 124 February is Adopt a Rabbit Month-Small Animal Hutch

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1025Natural Fun FactsDid you know that . . .RabbitsMARIDAY 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 single bunny is a lonely bunny.ey can live up to 12 years.ey’re masters of hearing.Female rabbits are called ‘does’ and male rabbits are called ‘bucks’.Overgrown teeth are com-mon in rabbits.You’ll know a rabbit is binkying because of the happy hop in the air, twist of the body, and kicking of the feet look unmistakably like pure joy.ey need lots of space to stay healthy.

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11125 Humane Society Rd, Hudson, NY 12534 (518) 828-6044 Please call with any questions.How to Stop Your Dog From LickingDr. Dawn Ruben Dogs love to lick. They seem to relish ‘tasting’ their environment and can spend hours cleaning themselves. But, licking can also cause problems. When injured or after surgery, the natural response for the animal is the lick the wound in an attempt to reduce pain and irritation, remove sutures or remove some of the drainage associated with wounds or incisions.Minor licking may not be a problem but excessive licking can drastically slow healing or even cause severe infec-tions. Contrary to popular belief, the mouths and tongues of dogs are not sterile. In the case of sutures, the incision can open and damage can occur to the surgery site. The bacteria in their mouths readily live and thrive in the moist warm environment of continuously licked wounds.Problem-licking is not only associated with wounds. Bore-dom and behavior problems can result in obsessive licking, resulting in injury and inammation to the skin.Preventing licking can be frustrating and challenging. Sim-ply telling the pet to stop and moving his head away may work for a brief time but does not help when you are not around or are asleep. More effective solutions are neces-sary.Topical Products to Stop Dog LickingSome dogs with a mild compulsion to lick may respond to the application of bitter tasting products to bandages cover-ing the wound. Some products can even safely be applied directly to the wound. Discuss with your veterinarian rst before applying any of these products directly to a wound; it may cause irritation, which could result in even more licking.Covering the Dog’s WoundFor wounds in certain areas, bandaging the wound may be all it takes. By covering the wound, the pet doesn’t have easy access and may stop licking. Unfortunately, for many dogs, the presence of a bandage will encourage them to lick even more. These dogs don’t want anything on their skin and will lick and chew until it is off.For wounds on the torso, a t-shirt may do the trick. For the front half of the body, put a t-shirt on in the natural way. For wound in the back half of the body, put the t-shirt on backwards, with the tail going through the hole for the head and the rear legs going into the arms. You may have to use a strip of sticky tape to tape the bottom hem of the t-shirt to the dog to prevent the shirt from slipping.There is now a new product available that uses the t-shirt principle. It looks like a wet suit used by scuba divers and covers the body in a tight-ghting outt. It is made from a stretchable comfortable fabric that is available in a variety of sizes.The product is intended to be durable enough to prevent your pet from tearing and destroying the fabric but some pets seem to be “on a mission” and will contin-ue to work at the fabric until they get what they want – free access to the wound. By covering the wound, the hope is that the dog will attempt to lick the wound, realize they cannot get to it and give up.Neck Collars to Stop Dogs from LickingThe most commonly used and usually effective measure is the collar that ts around the neck and prevents the dog from having access to the area. There are two primary types of collars. The Elizabethan collar, commonly referred to as an e-collar, looks like a lampshade and surrounds the pet’s head, preventing him from getting to the wounded area. The disadvantage is that it takes the pet a few days to get used to the collar. They bang into furniture, walls, the oor and your legs; some will not eat. Fortunately, the collar can be removed when you are around to supervise and easily replaced when you are not avail-able. One advantage is that the collar also prevents your pet from being able to scratch at any injuries or wounds on the face. Other preventative measures don’t offer this. You must be careful not to tie this collar too tight around the neck, although some creative and per-sistent pets can manage to get the collar off.Another neck collar is based on the principle that if the pet cannot turn his head to get at the injured area, he cannot lick. These rm collars t around the neck similar to a neck brace. The pet is not able to ex his head enough to get at the wound. These collars do not work too well if the injury is on the front legs but does prevent the pet from contorting and reaching his side or back end. Some very persistent pets will either get the collar off or still be able to reach the wounded area.Harley are Sammy are a brother and sister Plothound duo that were surrendered to us April of 2025. We’re hoping to send them home together because they’ve been to-gether their whole lives and love each other, but we feel condent they’d be okay being adopted alone. Other than each other, they cannot live with any other animal. Teenage age kids are best for them due to their wise age of almost 8.

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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!ANIMALECTORYpittsfielD Veterinary Hospital &sHaker Hill pet resort1634 West Housatonic Street (Route 20)Pittseld, MA,, 413-499-1580www.pittseldvet.com, Open 7 Days a Week13NEWSBITESVeterinariansBerkshire 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. Otis, MA - call/text 413-329-8904 – berkshirebunniesrabbitry@gmail.comFollow us on Facebook, Instagram & TikTok: @berkshirebunniesrabbitryRabbits For SaleSoft PawsBy Guest Columnist Aaron Clause Are we still making a difference? After working at the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA for 25 years, the story is still the same when it comes to animal cruelty cases: they are overabundant—and under-punished. Recently, I was in a conversation with my boss, Ron Perez, who serves as President/CEO of CGHS/SPCA as well as a New York State Peace Ofcer and Investigator with our SPCA unit. We talked about how remarkable it would be if, just for one year, there were no cruelty cases to investigate, no press releases to write, no emergency pleas to the public. Unfortunately, the reality is exactly the opposite. In 2025, CGHS/SPCA more than doubled the number of trained animal cruelty investigators on staff. While strengthening enforcement capacity is a healthy practice, the reason behind that growth is sobering. These cases are not planned expenses. They are emergencies, often involv-ing prolonged suffering, severe neglect, or criminal acts—and they can quickly climb into the tens of thousands of dollars. This past year offered no reprieve. Sharing just a brief accounting of some recent cruelty cases from the greater Capital Region:• In early 2025, Dora, a one-year-old mixed-breed pit bull, was left crated without adequate food or water for nearly two weeks. After she died, her owners dragged the crate to a parking lot, doused it with lighter uid, and set it on re. The outcome: defendant Christopher Maxwell pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 16 months to 4 years in New York State Prison, plus a 50-year ban on owning, possessing, or residing with animals. Defendant Latisha Ellis pleaded guilty and received just ve years’ probation, also with a 50-year animal ownership ban.• Mass Cat Neglect Case (2025). Investigators discovered more than 40 deceased cats alongside surviving animals living in unsafe, unsanitary conditions. Defendant Pamela Mead has had multiple cruelty charges led, with court proceedings pending or unresolved.• Dog Neglect Case (2025). A dog was left without adequate food and water over a prolonged period, and needed emergency veterinary treatment. Defendant Kalani K. Serra pleaded guilty and was placed on the Rensselaer County Animal Abuse Registry (yes, that’s it). If you’ve tuned in to the news, this past year, you would see it dotted with other cases from the area, with carrying degrees of charges led and relatively mild punishments. They include anything from abandonment to neglect to abuse and many moved quietly through local courts, often without sustained media attention. Taken together, these cases reveal a pattern that animal welfare professionals know all too well: cruelty is persistent, investigations are complex, and accountability—when it comes—of-ten arrives long after the suffering that prompted it. That brings us to what CGHS/SPCA is facing right now. In the Town of Athens, a recent cruelty investigation resulted in the seizure of 99 animals, including dogs, cats, and farm animals. The case against George Chrisomalis remains active. Court proceedings are ongoing, and the animals involved continue to require daily care, medical treatment, specialized housing, and rehabilitation. Unlike closed cases, active cruelty investigations do not stop costing money once the headlines fade. Food must be provided. Veterinary bills continue. Staff time is consumed. And the responsibility to care for these animals remains with the shelter until the legal process concludes—however long that takes. With cases like these surfacing year after year, it’s understandable that people feel overwhelmed. Many ask dif-cult but honest questions: How do I decide who to help? Am I making a difference? Does my contribution matter when the problem never seems to end? After 25 years, I can say this with certainty: donations do not disappear into an abstract cause. They become surgeries, medications, safe shelter, and the ability to see cruelty cases through to their legal conclusion. They directly affect out-comes for animals who would otherwise have no voice and no chance. Every dollar counts. Cruelty may be relentless—but compassion still matters. For those who wish to help with the ongoing care of an-imals involved in cruelty cases, including the active Athens investigation, donations may be made by mail, by phone, or online at cghs.org. Please note “cruelty case contribution” with your gift so it can be directed where it is most urgently needed. No one can solve this problem alone. But together, even when resources feel stretched thin, we are still making a dif-ference, one rescued life at a time.

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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.htmlWilDlife animal resCueBerkshire County Turtle Rescue“To contribute to native turtle conservation by providing emergency treatment and rehabilitation to both native and non-native turtles.”413-663-4555Berkshire Wildlife ServicesP.O. Box 922Hinsdale, MA413-623-8340Cummington Wildlife, Inc.Cummington, MA 01026413-695-6854Newhouse Wildlife RescueChelmsford, Massachusetts(978) 413-4085

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15Dog Wags-Breeds from A to ZDog of the MonthMonthly Dog & Cat PawoscopePawoscoPesHAPPY BIRTHDAY!AquariusJanuary 20–February 19Chinook The Chinook is a breed of sled dog, developed in the state of New Hampshire during the early 20th century. The Chinook is New Hampshire’s ofcial state dog. One of the few breeds created in the U.S., the Chinook is named for one of Arthur Treadwell Walden’s dogs, a lead sled dog of a team that hauled freight for Admiral Richard Byrd’s rst ex-pedition to Antarctica. In Inuit, Chinook means warm winter winds. In 1941, Perry Greene and his team of Chinooks made a 502-mile journey in 90 hours, setting a record as the longest sled dog trek in the U.S. In 1965, the Guinness World Records listed the Chinook as the rarest dog in the world, with only 125 in existence. By 1981, there were 28 Chinooks, with only 11 used in breeding pro-grams. The Chinook is an affectionate and playful family companion with a special devotion toward chil-dren. It is a willing worker who is eager to please and enthusiastic to learn. The Chinook is highly trainable, adaptable, and versatile in his abilities. Gregarious with other dogs, the Chinook works well in teams and within family packs. The Chinook is a dignied dog; some may be reserved with strangers but should never appear shy or aggressive. This versatile breed enjoys hiking, back-packing, jogging, and skijoring with his owners. The Chinook’s thick coat provides protection and requires little grooming.Picture Chinook Club of America, Inc. Copyright 2021Harry Gray and ChinooksAquarius is the third and nal air sign of the astrological year. Pets born under this sign are inventive, freedom-oriented, and eccentric; they have a need to be different. These pets denitely have a will of their own, like to roam, and may or may not listen to you. There is intelligence there as well.DOG-Aquarius is the sign of the rebel and the non-conformist. These individuals are smart as a whip, strong-willed, rational, and eccentric. Aquarius peo-ple and pets alike march to their own beat and make their own rules. Governed by eccentric Uranus, they can be unpredictable at times. They love change and hate being bored. Aquarian canines are always ready for a new toy, trick, or getaway. They might not be warm and cuddly, but they can be extremely social and outgoing with people and other pets. In fact, no one makes a better or more loyal friend than these zany canines.CAT-The Aquarius cat is unique, quirky, and ruled by Uranus. These cats have an eccentric personality and enjoy engaging in unconventional activities. Aquarius cats are highly intelligent and love to solve puzzles and play with interactive toys. They are social and friendly, often enjoying the company of other pets and humans. These felines have a strong independent streak and appreciate having their own space to explore and express their individuality.

Berkshireanimalworldfebruaryissue

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