Berkshireanimalworldfebruaryissue : simplebooklet.com

Paws to ReectCat’s Meow–Bird Flu in Cats 4Spotlight On–National Justice for Animals Week 5Cat’s Meow-This Side of Purradise 6 Horse Corral-From Racetrack to Rescue 8 Adoptables 1, 2, 5, 7, 8Dog Wags-I Found a Hard Lump on My Dog — What is It? 9Natural Fun Facts 10Guide To Our Local Shelters 10CGHS-Shelters & Natural Disasters 11Animalectory 12, 13CGHS-Adopting a Pet 13Rescue Leagues 14Dog Wags-Monthly Breed– Clumber Spaniel 15Monthly Dog & Cat Pawoscope 15Founder: Gayle 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.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!www.berkshiremountainanimalworld.comTIMELY ADOPTABLES ALL AROUND!Give your pets a hug for me!! GayleHappy New Year Everyone!Berkshire 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 7, Edition 77 Pearl is a 6-year-old Catahoula Leopard Dog mix who was found as a stray and never reclaimed. Don’t let her age fool you, she’s a puppy at heart! She’s very playful and will never turn down a chance to run around in the sun. She’s an absolute love bug with people, all she wants to do is give hugs and kisses. Pearl has herding dog tendencies, so we believe teenage age kids are best for her. Contact CGHS at (518) 828-6044So many worries and things going on in the world right now.How to stay positive? I’ve been visiting podcasts on YouTube looking for the answer as to how to process all of this.Now, we have to add bird u to our list of concerns. Myself, I love feeding the birds, especially in winter when they need it. Do I stop? I know which websites are reputable but the news changes everyday. Now, I pray for us, the world and the innite variety of precious sentient creatures on earth. • Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month• Humpback Whale Awareness Month• International Hoof Care Month• National Bird Feeding Month• National Goat Yoga Month• National Wild Bird-Feeding Month• Responsible Animal Guardian Month• Responsible Pet Owner MonthFebruary Monthly Events

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4SPOTLIGHT Avian inuenza A (H5N1) in CatsSince the U.S. outbreak of avian inuenza A (H5N1) in dairy cattle began in March 2024, dozens of cats are known to have contracted the virus, including barn and feral cats, in-door cats, and big cats in zoos and in the wild (e.g., mountain lions, tigers, leopards, and bobcats). Cats were already known to be susceptible to the H5N1 virus, with several feline cases linked to poultry or wild bird exposure before the cattle outbreak began.Cats appear to be particularly susceptible to severe illness, often resulting in death. The good news is that infection can be prevented with a few simple practices.How do cats become infected?Recent investigations implicate food as a source of infection for cats, most often unpasteur-ized milk and raw or undercooked meat (e.g., poultry). Other potential sources include:• Raw colostrum and other unpasteurized dairy products (like cream)• Exposure to infected wild birds or poultry• Exposure to people who work on affected farms and to their clothing or other fomitesWhat are the clinical signs of H5N1 in cats?Illness may start with loss of appetite, lethargy, and fever, then quickly progress, with cats exhibiting:• Neurologic signs (e.g., ataxia, circling, tremors, seizures, or blindness)• Severe depression• Copious oculonasal discharge• Other respiratory signs, including tachypnea, dyspnea, and possibly sneezing or coughingWhat should I do if I suspect a cat has H5N1?The risk of cats spreading H5N1 to people is considered extremely low, but is not zero. If you suspect a cat has H5N1:• Take steps to protect yourself and other members of your veterinary team, as described by the CDC.• Use your clinic’s protocols for isolating and managing patients with suspected zoonotic diseases. A good resource is the guidelines published by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians.• Consider rabies as a differential diagnosis for cats with neurologic signs.• Report the suspected case to your state animal health ofcial, state public health veteri-narian, or state veterinary diagnostic laboratory. They may direct you to submit samples for testing. • For antemortem detection of the virus, oropharyngeal swabs and urine, serum, or whole blood are suitable.• For postmortem diagnosis, brain and lung tissue may be sub-mitted.What should cat owners do if H5N1 is suspected?To play it safe, cat owners should:• Call their veterinary clinic—before taking cats in to be seen—and describe any clinical signs they have noticed so that the veterinary team can be ready when the patient arrives.• Limit their cat’s contact with immunocompromised individu-als if any exposure to the virus is possible.• Protect themselves and others from inuenza by following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).• Monitor their family and other animals that might have been exposed for signs of illness, and report any human illness to their local public health ofcial.How can H5N1 infection be prevented in cats?Cat owners and caretakers are urged to follow these tips:• Refrain from feeding cats any dairy products or colostrum that have not rst been pasteurized or thoroughly cooked to kill the virus.• Thoroughly cook meat before feeding, and avoid feeding raw meat-based treats or diets.• Keep cats indoors to prevent exposure to birds and other wildlife.• Avoid contact with sick or dead birds and other wildlife yourself.• Keep cats away from livestock, poultry, and their environ-ments, especially in areas with known H5N1 outbreaks.• Take steps to prevent contact between captive big cats and wild birds (e.g., covering enclosures with netting and removing bird attractants nearby) in areas where H5N1 is circulating.• Thoroughly wash your hands after handling your cat and after any encounters with poultry, livestock, or wild birds and other animals.• Change your clothes and shoes, and thoroughly wash any exposed skin, after interacting with sick or dead animals that may harbor the H5N1 virus, and before interacting with your cat.• If you feed birds or walk near bird feeders or other plac-es birds (including poultry) gather, change your shoes or disinfect their soles before entering your house.• Immediately contact your veterinarian if you notice signs of H5N1 or think your cat might have been exposed to the virus.https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/ani-mal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/avian-inuenza/avian-inuenza-h5n1-catsBAW is a monthly publication. If you are interested in updated information go to the website. www.avma.org

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5Dog BarksNational Justice for Animals Week Created by the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), National Justice for Animals Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about animal abuse, educating the public on how to report cases of abuse, and providing guidance on how to campaign for stronger laws and ensure tough enforcement in your community. National Justice for Animals Week falls on the fourth week of February each year.The ALDF works within the legal system to help protect the lives and interests of animals by:• Filing lawsuits• Providing legal assistance to prosecutors to hold animal abusers accountable for their actions• Fighting against legislation that may be harmful to animals• Campaigning for laws that protect animals• Creating outreach programs to help educate the publicWhat You Can Do to Stop Animal CrueltyAnimal cruelty is a serious crime and, according to the ALDF, animal abusers are ve times more likely to hurt other humans as well.Unfortunately, it is extremely common for animal cruelty to go unpun-ished. Every day, animals are abused and killed without consequences for their assailants.Animals need a voice, and it’s up to us to help create change by raising awareness of this important issue. The public should know what to do upon witnessing animal cruelty and familiarize themselves with state ani-mal protection laws.The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has suggested the following for those unsure of how to help abused ani-mals:1. Learn how to spot abuse. Understand what your area’s law enforcement denes as animal abuse or neglect, and be prepared to report it if neces-sary.2. Set a good example. Always feed your pets high-quality food and pro-vide water, shelter, healthcare, and socialization. Being a great pet caretak-er can help set an example for others to do the same.3. Use your vote. Ask your local representatives to support anti-cruelty laws and other legislation that protects animals. Help spread the word about upcoming votes on important issues such as changes in punishment for animal abusers and the election of animal control ofcers.4. Spend wisely. Refuse to support stores that don’t promote proper animal care. Purchase supplies from stores that only sell healthy and well cared-for animals, or stores that don’t sell animals at all. Avoid puppy mills and spread the word about their inhumane practices.5. Volunteer or donate. Consider spending a few hours a week to help local groups prevent animal cruelty. If you don’t have the time to get involved, a donation is a great way to help.In cases of animal hoarding or neglect, contact your local Humane Society. If you have trouble resolving the situation, consider informing the local media. In an emergency situation where an animal’s life is in immediate danger, contact your local law enforcement or call 911 immediately.What Is a Puppy Mill?A puppy mill is a large-scale commercial dog-breeding facility that fo-cuses on prots over the welfare of the dogs. The goal of puppy mills is to produce the largest number of puppies as quickly as possible, without consideration for genetic quality or animal care.Dogs are often kept in crowded, unsanitary conditions without quality food, clean water, or veterinary care. The mother breeder dogs may give birth to multiple litters each year throughout their adult lives, and, as the mother and father dogs age, they will be abandoned or killed when they are no longer useful to their breeders. Due to the breeding practices of puppy mills, dogs commonly suffer from genetic and hereditary conditions, as well as deadly diseases. Many of these dogs will also experience lifelong behavioral and psychological problems from a lack of early socialization and from being weaned too early. During National Justice for Animals Week, sign a petition to shut down puppy mills. Take the opportunity to tell your friends and family about why they should adopt instead of buying from pet stores or large commercial breeders. Since 2011, more than 300 cities and counties, as well Berkshire Humane Society214 Barker Rd, , Pittseld, MA 01201Phone: (413) 447-7878, Berkshirehumane.orgMeet Clyde! He was originally bought from a pet store and was surrendered because his owner didn’t want him anymore.Clyde is a handsome, Abyssinian guinea pig, which means he has swirls of cowlicks all over his body, giving him a look like he just got out of bed. Guinea pigs make great com-panions, especially for people who live in places where cats and dogs are not allowed. Berkshire Humane Society small animal staff can help you on how to care for a guinea pig if you’ve never done so before.If you think you’d like to provide Clyde with a new home, please ll out a small animal application and speak to the small animal staff directly.If you like sassy but sweet kitties, then Havah is the girl for you! Havah is a 1-year-old tiger domestic shorthair who was found as an original stray. This petite girl is hoping for the safety of an indoor only home, where she can bask in the sunshine. Havah will need to live with adults only and without other cats. She’s just a lovely girl who prefers to be the queen of the castle. If this pretty girl sounds like the perfect addition to your home, please ll out a cat adoption application and speak to the feline staff at Berkshire Humane Society by calling (413)-447-7878 ext. 124This incredibly handsome 2-year-old fellow is Tucker! Tucker arrived at the shelter because he wasn’t good with the other pets in the home. So, now he nds himself looking for a home where he can rule the roost! Tucker has lived indoors only and will need to be the only pet. If you’d like a sweet cat to keep you company, please consider adopting Tucker. And, how can you possibly resist his natural “bed head” look! If you think he may be the right t for your household, please ll out a cat adoption application and speak to Berkshire Humane Society’s feline staff directly. (413)-447-7878 ext. 124

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6This Side of Purradiseby Iris Bass • 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 Nanners. Copyright © 2025 Berkshire Humane SocietyFARM 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/What a Beautiful Boy!If you’re looking for a friendly, young cat to warm up your winter…and beyond, green-eyed two-year-old Nanners (25 years old in Human years) may be just the guy for you!Nanners is permanently garbed in a medium-length fur coat whose pale golden color is known as “buff,” Keeping him buff, though, in terms of physical shape, may be a bit of a challenge, as he originally arrived at Berkshire Humane Society as a stray cat whose street life might have given him too pressing a case of food insecurity—conse-quently, he is a voracious eater. To ensure he stays trim and healthy, the shelter rec-ommends that Nanners have an adults-only, cat-free home (I would add dog-free, lest he may be tempted by other pets’ bowls, and that he be fed in measured quantities vs, say, unlimited kitty kibble). He should be kept indoors only, to prevent his return to a vulnerable street life. All that said, Nanners is superaffectionate, generous with distributing head-bumps (a “kitty kiss” best reciprocated with a VERY gentle knock to his own forehead, using the knuckles of a closed hand, being as a closed hand approximates the size of another cat’s head, something my own cats understand and appreciate). He may not have had much opportunity to play, but experiment with kitty balls, sturdy stuffed animals, and “cat dancers” to see what takes his fancy (and which will provide him with exercise). Opportunities to sit by a sunny closed or screened window will supply him with a taste of the outdoors while he appreciates the coziness of your home. A carpeted kitty tree could give him a little extra exercise if your home lacks stairs.Nanners is a friendly boy and has the potential to become a steadfast buddy in bed, on your lap, or even simply relaxing in your company, having missed out on all of that while fending for himself in the streets. His coat is long enough that gentle grooming should be introduced early (start with your ngers, before introducing a comb or brush), to prevent or remove tangles…and to supplement your cuddling and stroking that he may have longed for while a stray. Yes, I keep saying “gentle”—this gentleman has been through a lot at such an early age, but lav-ished with a wealth of TLC, he’ll catch on quickly and return it manifold, for many years to come. 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 Nanners 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. Please respect any COVID-19 proto-cols that may be in place at either shelter.

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7Berkshire Humane Society214 Barker Rd, , Pittseld, MA 01201Phone: (413) 447-7878, Berkshirehumane.org650 ROUTE 295, OLD CHATHAM WOODHILLVETCLINIC.COMWood HillVeterinary ClinicOPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK518-392-6224Like us on Facebook!http://www.taizeshepherdkennel.com/125 Humane Society Rd, Hudson, NY 12534 (518) 828-6044 Open daily Tuesday - Saturday 11:30 - 4 https://cghs.org/ Boarding and Daycare remain the same and the food bank is open 7 days a week. Say hello to Machiavelli! Machi is a high-octane 1-year-old Siberian husky/shep-herd mix who loves to play! He would make an excellent running buddy and hiking compan-ion. Machi settles nicely at home with his peo-ple once his exercise needs are met. He needs a home without children though, as he can be exuberant with how he shows affection. Machi nds cats to be just TOO much fun to chase, so a home without them is best. He is very food motivated, and learning new things is a breeze for him. If he sounds like a good t for you and your family, please call Berkshire Humane Society’s kennel staff at (413) 447-7878 ext. 126 to nd out more about how to adopt him!Sweet Pea, pictured with CGHS/SPCA Animal Care Technician Sarah Ozmon, is a 3.5-year-old Domestic Shorthair who was surrendered to us when her owner could no longer care for her. She’s a little shy at rst, but opens up very quickly. She’s often found basking in the sun by the window. She seems to get along with other cats well, but we’re unsure if she likes dogs.This spry and active 10-month-old male beagle mix is Niko! Niko has energy to spare, so he’ll need adopters with an active lifestyle. This handsome boy loves to run and according to the shelter kennel staff, his bouts of the “zoomies” are wild! Niko is just an extremely playful boy. He would do best in a home with children aged 12+ because he can be a bit mouthy in typical youngster fashion and he can potentially live with female dogs. But, no cats or male dogs please. Niko would benet from obedi-ence classes to allow him to be the best version of himself. If you have a go-getter attitude yourself and enjoy hiking and working with dogs like Niko who want to learn, please reach out to the kennel staff at Berkshire Humane Society at (413)-447-7878 ext. 126 for more information.

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8Horse Corral Berkshire Humane Society214 Barker Rd, Pittseld, MA 01201Phone: (413) 447-7878, Berkshirehumane.orgBerkshire Humane Society214 Barker Rd, , Pittseld, MA 01201Phone: (413) 447-7878, Berkshirehumane.orgDo you know what a group of ferrets is called? A business! Coco is a 6-year-old spayed female sable ferret who was surrendered to Berkshire Humane Society in a business of nine ferrets because their person lost their pet-friendly housing.All nine were well cared for, socialized and friendly. Coco is a lovable girl who is very sweet and social. She must be adopted with her housemate Nibbler, a 7-year-old neutered grey and white male.They’re looking for a “retirement home” where they can en-joy the rest of their lives. Because Nibbler is 7 years old, the pair qualies for a waiver of their adoption fees to celebrate Adopt a Senior Pet Month.If you’re looking for a lovely pair of ferrets please ll out a small animal adoption application and speak directly to the small animal staff at Berkshire Humane Society (413)-447-7878 ext. 124.From Racetrack to Rescue – Darlene Joins the Equine Advocates FamilyBy Alex Valverde, Equine Advocates Communications Manager While fans cheer on horses from the stands during racing season, we know the sad reality many racehorses face when their careers end. Thankfully, after an emer-gency rescue operation in November, one more horse will never know that cruel fate - A registered Standardbred now named “Darlene Love.” “Darlene” was born in upstate New York in May of 2002 and once raced under the name “Lil Miss Attitude.” Once she couldn’t race though, she ended up working as a buggy horse and broodmare on an Amish farm. “It is a sad fact that every year, Standardbreds no longer able to race are cruelly and thoughtlessly sold to Amish and Mennonite farmers to be used as buggy horses,” said Equine Advocates President Susan Wagner. “Many of them end up being sold for slaughter when they outlive their usefulness.” Sadly, that happened to Darlene once she became too old and arthritic to be of use to the Amish farmer who owned her. Lynn Cross of Little Brook Farm alerted us of the situation and asked if we could come to her rescue and admit her into our sanctuary. We worked quickly with Cross and others to perform an emergency rescue operation. We sent Darlene to Cornell University Hospital for Animals for an extensive health exam. That’s when the health impacts of her working career came to light. During her stay at Cornell, Darlene was diagnosed with asthma, a severe Vitamin E deciency, and lameness in her left forelimb. She was also extremely underweight, which was partly attributed to the extremely poor condition of her teeth due to years of neglect. They were oated (led) at the hospital to remove the painful sharp points and hooks in her mouth, after which time she was better able to chew. “She began to gain weight,” said Wagner. “The other good news was that her examining veterinarian felt she was pasture-sound and could be safely turned out with other horses.” Darlene arrived at our sanctuary on November 24, 2024. She was named in honor of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Darlene Love, who was the highlight of our 23rd An-nual Gala last fall. This shy Standardbred’s story is sadly not unique and is proof that there needs to change within the horse racing industry. “While many organizations and individuals work hard to save as many Standardbreds as possible, we feel the indus-try needs to do much more to prevent these horses from ending up with farmers and others who do this to their hors-es,” said Wagner. “Over the years, we at Equine Advocates have rescued numerous Amish buggy horses, workhorses, and work mules, most of whom had been slaughter-bound and/or badly neglected and abused.” As for Darlene, we were so happy to help with the rescue operation that made it possible for her to escape the hor-ric fate for which she was destined. She is a lovely and sweet-tempered mare who will live out the rest of her life receiving the love and care she always de Darlene is a registered Standardbred who once raced and then became an Amish buggy horse and broodmare.V

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9I Found a Hard Lump on My Dog — What is It?Dr. Debra Primovic - DVM Suddenly feeling a lump while petting or grooming your dog can be quite the surprise, likely causing dismay, if not outright shock. A lump (also referred to as a mass, growth, bump, or tumor) can occur anywhere on the body and come in all shapes and sizes. Some hard lumps on dogs can be benign and others malignant. In this article, will review the possible causes for hard lumps on dogs and offer recommendations for what you should do.How to Describe a Lump on a DogThere are many ways to describe a skin lump on a dog. The size, shape, texture, color, location, depth, and rate of growth are all characteristics that can help determine what kind of lump it is and what level of concern you should have.Ways to describe a hard lump on a dog include:• Size-Dog lumps can range from very small to enormous. In fact – some tumors, such as lipomas (also known as fatty tumor) in dogs, can weigh several pounds. • Shape-Some dog lumps can be regular and others can be irregular. For example, most lipomas are round in shape.• Texture-Some dog lumps are rm and some are soft. Some tumors can have both components with part being soft and part rm. Lumps that are commonly soft are fatty tumors. • Color-Some hard dog lumps are under the skin and are skin-colored, while other skin lumps can white, red (if inamed), or pigmented brown or black. • Location-Lumps can occur anywhere on the body. Most lumps that pet owners feel are on the skin, however, lumps can also occur on organs, such as on the liver, spleen, and/or kidney. Skin lumps in dogs can grow on top of the head, neck, chest, body wall, axillae, legs, tail, and just about anywhere else. Hard lumps that involve the mammary chain (breast) are concerning and should be evaluated immediately.• Depth-Skin lumps can be on the skin (such as a mole or skin tag) or they can be under the skin. Lumps that are under the skin can be attached or moveable.• Rate of growth-Lumps in dogs can grow at varying rates. Some lumps grow very quickly, even over days or weeks, and some grow very slowly over months to years. Histiocytomas and Mast Cell Tumors are two types of fast-growing tumors. Fatty tumors tend to grow slowly.• Other-Some skin lumps can be ulcerated or even become infected. This can result from trauma to the mass, poor blood supply to the tumor causing necrosis of the tumor, or be associated with certain types of cancer. Histiocytomas or Mast Cell Tumor can be itchy to some dogs. These tumor characteristics can help guide your veterinarian as to what the hard lump on your dog may be. For example, many dogs get fatty tumors that can occur anywhere, but are soft and commonly attached to the body wall. Fatty tumors are rarely rm and are uncommon on certain locations, such as on top of the head. A large tumor that involves the mammary chain (breast) can be suggestive of cancer. Another factor that is commonly considered when evaluating the cause and concern for a tumor is the age of the dog. Some hard lumps are more common in young dogs such as Histiocytomas. While young dogs (under three years of age) are more likely to get histiocytomas (especially on the face and extremities), they can happen to dogs of any age in just about any location. Other types of tumors are more common in an older dog, such as mast cell tumors, lipomas, skin cancer tumors, and breast cancer.What Is this Hard Lump on My Dog?Most dog owners worry that a hard lump could be skin cancer. Skin cancer in dogs encompasses a broad category of tumors that includes any uncontrolled growth of cells of the skin or associated structures such as glands, hair follicles, and supportive tissues (fat and connective tissue). The skin is the most common site of cancer in dogs. Skin cancer frequently occurs in dogs between 6 to 14 years of age, but can occur at any age.Some common tumors that appear in or on the skin in dogs include:• Canine Viral Papillomas (Dog Warts)• Ear Tumors• Histiocytoma• Lipoma (Fatty Tumor)• Malignant Melanoma• Mammary Gland Tumors• Mast Cell Tumor• Tumors of the Penis and Prepuce• Metastasis to the skin from tumors elsewhere in the body can occur, but these are not considered skin tumors because they did not start in the skin. What Should You Do if You Find a Hard Lump on Dog?If you nd a hard lump on your dog, the best thing to do is to see your veterinarian to help you determine what it is. It is often impossible to positively diagnose the underlying type of tumor without laboratory testing. Your vet can make recommendations to guide you on treatment options.Common Examinations and Recommendations• Complete exam. Your vet will likely perform a complete exam-ination, looking at your dog’s eyes, ears, mouth, listening to the heart, and feeling the abdomen.• Examination of the skin mass. Your veterinarian will evaluate the skin mass, noting the characteristics described above, includ-ing size, shape, depth, consistency, location, color, and more. They will also feel your dog all over to see if there are additional bumps.• Make recommendations. Based on the characteristics and loca-tion of the tumor, your vet will offer recommendations as to the best approach to your dog’s hard skin bump. Recommendations may be blood work, urinalysis, tissue samples to evaluate the mass, and/or surgical removal of the mass.• Assess general health with blood work and urine. Laboratory work including a Complete Blood Count (CBC), Biochemical Prole (sometimes call the blood chemistry), and urinalysis can help evaluate overall health and look for common underlying problems, such as infections, anemia, kidney disease, liver prob-lems, diabetes, and more.Additional Testing• Fine needle aspirate (FNA). This procedure involves placing a small needle into the mass and aspirating back cells with a syringe. The cells are placed on the slide that is allowed to dry, stained, and examined under a microscope. The cells are evaluat-ed by looking for abnormal cells that can be a sign of cancer.• Biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure to obtain a larger sample of a mass for microscopic analysis. A bigger sample is often a better sample. This procedure most often requires general anesthesia.• Chest radiograph (x-ray). An x-ray may be recommended if your dog is showing respiratory symptoms, such as trouble breathing or coughing, or if there is concern that a tumor could be cancerous with possible spread to the lungs.• Mass removal. The procedure of a lump removal is also called “lumpectomy”. Removing a mass most often requires general anesthesia.• Histopathology. After obtaining a sample of the tumor or removing the tumor, a sample is sent for additional testing at a laboratory to determine the presence or absence of disease. If the laboratory determines the sample is abnormal, they will identify the type and severity of the disease.Diagnosing the condition may require a variety of tests and ex-ams, which can become costly. www.petplace.com

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10ReliableReliablePet Sitting Pet Sitting CompanyCompanyServing Berkshire County since 1997PET SITTING DOG WALKINGVeterinarian RecommendedP.O. Box 232, Pittseld, MA 01202413.329.5127mhyattreliablepetsitting@gmail.com25Natural Fun FactsDid you know that . . .FERRETS Bold, healthy, well adjusted Goldendoodle and German Kleinpudel pups available now.Call or text Susan at (413) 717- 9317 BridleWoofgb.com Susan@BridleWoofgb.com535 Egremont RoadGreat Barrington, Massachusetts 01230MARIDAY 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 01085413-568-6964√ A group of ferrets is called a business. √ A female ferret can have over 160 babies over her lifetime.√ The average lifespan of a ferret is 5–8 years.√ Newborn Ferrets can t Inside a Teaspoon.√ They Were Once the Third Most Common Pet in the U.S.√ They’re Notoriously Clumsy.√ They’re Hard Workers.√ They Like to Dance.√ They Sleep Like Logs.√ They Can Be Trained.

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11125 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/Open 7 daysa week440 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA 440 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA 413-528-8020413-528-8020www.vcaallcaring.comwww.vcaallcaring.comHouse Calls onTuesdays!!Conventional & Holistic Veterinary Medicine & AcupunctureConventional & Holistic Veterinary Medicine & AcupunctureClass 4 Laser for Healing Class 4 Laser for Healing VCa all Caring animal HospitalYour 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.comSoft PawsBy Guest Columnist Aaron Clause Charlene put out an APB to me regarding the need for read-iness and preparation in the wake of the animal shelters being inundated with homeless pets in the aftermath of the devastating res in Pasadena, California. I agree with her – the heartbreak-ing reality of displaced pets from disasters is becoming ever more evident. As families ee their homes, many are forced to make difcult decisions about their beloved animals. Shelters in and around the affected areas are overwhelmed, straining to nd temporary sanctuary for dogs and cats that have nowhere else to go. At our shelter, we’ve been working tirelessly to ensure we can assist homeless animals in our own community, of course…however, during emergencies like the California tragedy, our ability to help depends on one critical factor: space. Empty cages mean we can step in to provide sanctuary to animals in danger if and when needed, whether they’re lost, abandoned, or temporarily separated from their owners due to evacuation. This isn’t a new challenge for our shelter or others like ours. Throughout our history, we’ve stepped up to help shelters in disaster zones fulll their commitment to protecting home-less pets. From oods to hurricanes and now wildres, we’ve learned that being prepared is essential. It’s not only about hous-ing pets, but also about ensuring that there’s a robust network of humane societies and shelters that can rise to the occasion together. Natural disasters leave behind uncertainty—not just for peo-ple, but also for their pets. Dogs and cats often become victims of chaotic evacuations, eeing ames, waters, and winds only to end up lost or injured. Shelters in high-risk areas are often inundated with animals, struggling to balance the immediate inux with their existing populations. This is where shelters like ours can play a crucial role. By accepting animals displaced by disasters, we can ease the burden on shelters in danger zones. We give them room to focus on providing immediate relief and rescue while ensuring the animals already in their care are not overlooked. Sometimes just knowing that space is available if necessary is an enormous relief. But this system only works if shelters like ours have space to spare. Right now, we are asking for your help. Every adoption opens up one more space for the next potential victim of disaster. By welcoming a pet into your home, you’re doing more than chang-ing that animal’s life—you’re directly contributing to our ability to save another. It’s a rewarding experience that allows you to play an active role in not just one, but many pets’ journeys to-ward their forever homes. CGHS/SPCA President/CEO Ron Perez, with over 25 years of experience at our Hudson shelter, including handling local and distant crisis situations, sums it up perfectly: “Adopting isn’t just about nding your next furry friend; it’s about creating a ripple effect. One empty cage here means one more animal saved from the chaos out there. It’s a small act of love that makes a huge difference.” Every time a disaster strikes, we are reminded of the impor-tance of community. When shelters network and share resources, lives are saved. But the foundation of that network is people like you. Your decision to adopt, or even spread the word about the need for help is what enables us to respond when the need arises. As we continue to monitor the situation in Pasadena, our goal remains clear: to provide as much support and prayer as possible to the animals affected by these res. But we cannot do it alone. Please, consider adopting today. Together, we can create the space needed to offer sanctuary to the next dog or cat that nds themselves in harm’s way. With your help, we can ensure that every animal displaced by disaster has a safe place to land and the chance for a brighter future. CGHS/SPCA wants to help you take that next step – the adoption fees for ALL animals in our shelter will be waived from 1/25 – 2/28. That means all approved homes will be able to take their perfect companion home free of charge! Visit our shelter or contact us at (518) 828-6044 to learn more. One adoption, one more space, one act of kindness—it all starts with you.

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12BREEZY NOOK PET CREMATORIUM, LTD452 Presbyterian Hill RoadStephentown, New York 12168518-733-9896BensDotter’s pet940 Main StreetGreat Barrington, MA413-528-4940Mon-Fri 10a-6p, Sat 10a-4pQuality foods, Equipment and SuppliesANIMALECTORYCrematoryDoggie Day CareOffering Salon Services, Playcare and Training for THE TRI-STATE AREA’S PETSwww.bowmeowregency.com413-229-0035 honor@bowmeowregency.com BOWMEOW REGENCYForanimalsLLC• Behavior Consultations• Private Training• Group ClassesLeea Foran413-445-8843www.trainingforanimals.comLenox 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.comDog Training411 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 COUNTYMASSACHUSETTSGroomingpittsfielD Veterinary Hospital &sHaker Hill pet resort1634 West Housatonic Street (toute 20)Pittseld, MA,, 413-499-1580www.pittseldvet.com, Open 7 Days a WeekInvisible Fence

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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 HealingVeterinariansWood 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 resCueNewhouse Wildlife RescueChelmsford, Massachusetts(978) 413-4085Bluebird Farm SanctuaryCheshire, MA. 413-446-3345Berkshire Wildlife“To succesfully treat injured and orphaned wildlife with the goal of releasing them.”413-623-834013Soft PawsBy Guest Columnist Aaron Clause Let’s dive a little deeper into the world of animal adoption this week! The economics of adoption prove it to be a wise nancial decision when you nd your home in need of a new pet. Bringing a pet home is exciting, but cost matters. Many assume buying from a breeder alternative ensures a better pet, but adoption is both a compassionate and nancially smart choice. Please understand that this article is in no way meant to instill skepticism toward reputable breeders. Rather, it is here to show some of the occasionally unseen benets behind the decision to adopt.Adoption vs. Buying: What’s the Real Cost? Purebred dogs from reputable breeders can cost from $1,500 up. Local shelter adoption fees typically range from $50–$500, and cover far more than just the pet!What’s Included in Adoption Fees? Adopting from the Columbia-Greene Humane Society (CGHS/SPCA) includes all of the fol-lowing. The typical veterinary prices for these included services are in parentheses:• Spay/neuter surgery ($500–$1,600)• Microchipping ($75–$150)• Initial vaccinations ($150–$375)• Deworming & ea treatment ($50–$200)• Health checkup ($50–$135)• And more – could include collars, leashes, small animal habitats, initial grooming, etc. Buying from a breeder means paying all these costs separately, adding $500–$1,500 or more in the rst year alone.Long-Term Savings & Benets Many shelters offer discounted training, post-adoption support, and medical partnerships. CGHS/SPCA always discloses health or behavioral issues to the best of our ability. By adopting, you don’t just save money while giving a homeless pet a second chance. The money saved can go toward quality food, enrichment, and future vet care. If you’re adding a pet to your family, adoption is not just kind—it’s nancially advantageous.The Ethics of Adoption: Why Local Shelters Over Backyard Breeders of Purebreds and Breed Mixes Millions of animals enter shelters annually, while many “backyard breeders” keep pushing an-imals into the marketplace with little thought about who is buying their animals and what might happen to those puppies and kittens a few months down the road. Choosing adoption is not just about money—it’s about ethics. Approximately 6 million animals enter U.S. shelters annually, and approximately 900,000 are euthanized, whether due to lack of space, aggression, untreatable illness, or inability to place because of individual issues. Meanwhile, some commercial breeding facilities, prioritize prot over animal welfare, keeping dogs in overcrowded, inhumane condi-tions.Why Local Shelters Matter Shelters prioritize rescue, rehabilitation, and responsible rehoming. They provide medical care, behavior support, and second chances. With many being non-prots, many do not recover the costs of what they provide even with adoption fees in place. So…how do you help if you can’t adopt or if you’ve chosen to purchase a well-bred purebred? If adoption’s not an option, there are still ways to support shelter pets:• Donate to sponsorship programs – Help others afford adop-tion.• Support spay/neuter initiatives – Reduce overpopulation at the source.• Give to a local Pet Food Bank – Alleviate hunger among pets in families facing nancial struggles.• Volunteer/Visit – Shelters need help socializing animals, orga-nizing events, and more.• Advocate – Educate others on why adoption matters, and pro-mote your local shelter’s programs, services, and events. There’s no doubt, by choosing adoption—or supporting shelters in other ways—you’re helping save lives and promote ethical pet ownership. This February, Columbia-Greene Humane Society is making adoption even easier: All adoption fees for all animals have been covered by generous donors, meaning approved adopters can take home a pet at no cost. Sponsorship covers everything that’s included in the standard adoption fee, ensuring pets start their new lives healthy, and that owners have an extra few bucks for the housewarming! 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. Aaron Clause is an Administrative Assistant at the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA Board of Directors. He may be contacted at cgh-saaron@gmail.com.

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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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15Dog Wags-Breeds from A to ZDog of the MonthMonthly Dog & Cat PawoscopePawoscoPesHAPPY BIRTHDAY!Aquarius (January 20–February 18)CLUMBER SPANIELThe Clumber Spaniel, a medium to large-sized sporting breed, is the largest member of the Spaniel family and originates from Nottinghamshire, England. It is the largest of the spaniels, and comes in predominantly white with either lemon or orange mark-ings. The name of the breed is taken from Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire where the breed was rst developed. With their robust build and powerful scenting capabil-ities, the Clumber Spaniel served primarily as a procient bird dog, with exceptional hunting abilities, adept at ushing and retrieving game from dense undergrowth. They are slower and quieter workers than their Spaniel counterparts nut with a ne nose and good stamina. While still valued for their hunting prowess, Clumbers have also gained recognition as a beloved family companion, cherished for their affectionate nature and laid-back temperament. Less popular than other spaniel breeds, these unique dogs are char-acterized by their heavyset, yet muscular physique, the Clumbers possess a distinc-tive appearance. Despite their substantial size, this breed is known for their calm and gentle disposition. They make an excellent choice for families and individuals seeking a devoted and affectionate companion. They can be dignied and aloof with strangers and appear to be a sedate breed and enjoy curling up on the couch, eating and sleeping.DOGS-Aquarius is the sign of the rebel and the non-conformist. These individuals are smart as a whip, strong-willed, rational, and eccentric. Aquari-us people 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. Aquarius dogs are full of surprises. They do things their own way, keeping things fun and interesting!CATS-Cats born under this sign are inventive, freedom-oriented, and eccentric; they have a need to be different. These cats 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. Aquarius cats march to the beat of their own drum! Their quirky behaviors keep life interesting for their owners.

Berkshireanimalworldfebruaryissue

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