By: Judy Hamontre, AVHS Vice Chair In 2008, one of the world’s largest animal shelters and adoption organizations, North Shore Animal League America in Port Washington, New York, chose August 1st to be “DOGust,” the universal birthday for all shelter dogs, or as they like to call them, “Mutt-i-grees,” rescues who have no records. Shelter workers can estimate a dog’s age, but they cannot precisely determine the day a dog was born unless they are born in-care. Because no one at North Shore Animal League wanted to see a sweet dog without......

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By: Judy Hamontre, AVHS Vice Chair My name is Gracie. I used my most pleading eyes, put a paw on my mom’s lap and whimpered a bit, begging – not for food but to “speak” about a concern I have. I am sad because some dogs have now been at the Ark-Valley Humane Society (AVHS) even longer than I was. It is a good place, and everyone there was good to me and loved me. They helped me trust people again. However, living in a shelter is not like having your own......

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By: Judy Lore, AVHS Volunteer columnist Over recent decades, the relationship between people and their canine companions has undergone an extraordinary transformation. Where once dogs served primarily as hunters, herders, guardians, or working animals, today they often occupy a central place in the family home. Many households now see their dogs as family members, complete with their own birthdays, social media presences, and sometimes even wardrobes. This shift can reflect broader changes in how society values emotional well-being and companionship. Advancements in animal behavioral science have illuminated the remarkable ways dogs communicate......

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By: Judy Hamontre, AVHS Vice Chair It is Monday morning, July 7, and I am happy to say Gracie, my 9 year-old “boxador”, and I have survived one more loud and explosive Fourth of July celebration. Gracie is extremely reactive to loud noises, especially thunder and fireworks, as are many dogs. With her hackles raised, Gracie barks, paces, and pants. She looks at me as if to say, “Mom, make that noise stop!” She barely lets me pet her to comfort her for the duration of the noise. However, once the noise......

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By: Judy Lore, AVHS Volunteer columnist Your pet is turning one or twelve; it doesn’t matter the number; it’s time to celebrate their time with you. A birthday celebration is as much for you as it is for your pet. Here are ideas from Milk-Bone on how to make it a festive occasion. A theme can be fun! A Wild West theme is easy to arrange considering where we live. Find some kerchiefs – the more worn the better and outfit your dog or cat in one and hand out the rest......

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By: Ark-Valley Humane Society Staff Ark-Valley Humane Society (AVHS) is in urgent need of fosters to help care for the influx of kittens arriving at the shelter. Some are motherless and only 2-3 days old. Their tiny bodies are cold and weak. Their eyes are barely open, and their pleading mews are barely audible. They need watchful, round-the-clock care, including frequent bottle feeding. They need a loving foster human to care for them and be their lifeline. We are so grateful at AVHS for all of our current foster families. If you......

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By: Judy Hamontre, AVHS Vice Chair “Crossing the finish line are Jo and her pit bull, Daisy,” shouted the announcer. Both were smiling. They did not win the 5K, but they finished, running the race side-by-side. A great way to bond with your furry friend is to get outside and walk or run. The exercise is physically and mentally healthy for both of you, the fresh air is exhilarating, and the shared time together is priceless. If you and your dog are already regularly and happily spending such quality time together, and your......

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By: Judy Lore, AVHS Volunteer columnist Pets are Good for Your Health. Besides, dogs and cats are just darned cute to have around. My dogs are the reason I walk as much as I do on a regular schedule. They let me know when they want to walk and run and I usually heed their call. Simply being in the presence of a pet can provide health benefits for us. Petting a dog can decrease the stress hormone cortisol which, in turn, helps decrease blood pressure and can help us feel less......

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By: Judy Hamontre, AVHS Vice Chair My friend’s dog, Daisy Mae loves to roll in the dirt. Fortunately, she also likes baths. Of course, she enjoys them because she seems to delight in splashing her mom. Jo just puts on her swim suit, and bath time becomes fun playtime. Bathing our dogs is just one way we show our love, keeping them clean, healthy, and happy. Both the ASPCA and the American Kennel Club offer advice on the care of your furry friend’s coat (fur or hair), skin, nails, teeth, ears and......

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By: Casey Hampf, Outreach Manager Adopting a senior or special needs pet not only makes a difference in a shelter animal’s life, but it can also make a difference in yours. Choosing to open your home to a senior or special needs animal can be very rewarding and create a special bond between you and your new friend as this story from Jenna G., who adopted a senior, special needs pet from Ark-Valley Humane Society, highlights: “Back in 2019, I had the pleasure of meeting a sweet senior dog named Henry. He came to Ark-Valley Humane Society with some digestive issues and Ark-Valley took the time,......

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