Berks County Humane Society: 10,000 Furry Friends Find Forever Homes

History and Mission

The Berks County Humane Society (BCHS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of homeless and abandoned animals in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1929, BCHS has been providing compassionate care and advocacy for animals for nearly a century.

Services Offered

BCHS offers a comprehensive range of services to meet the needs of animals and their families, including:

• Animal adoption: BCHS has over 10,000 animals available for adoption each year, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small companion animals.
• Pet food assistance: BCHS provides free or low-cost pet food to families who are struggling financially to care for their pets.
• Spay and neuter services: BCHS offers affordable spay and neuter services to reduce pet overpopulation and prevent unwanted litters.
• Veterinary care: BCHS provides basic veterinary care, including vaccinations, deworming, and flea and tick prevention, to ensure the health and well-being of animals.
• Humane education: BCHS conducts educational programs to promote responsible pet ownership and prevent animal cruelty.

Impact on the Community

BCHS plays a vital role in addressing the needs of animals and their families in Berks County. In 2022, BCHS:

• Placed over 10,000 animals in loving homes.
• Distributed over 500,000 pounds of pet food to families in need.
• Performed over 5,000 spay and neuter surgeries.
• Provided over 10,000 veterinary services to animals in need.
• Educated over 5,000 children and adults about responsible pet ownership.

Ways to Help

There are many ways to support the Berks County Humane Society, including:

• Adopting a pet: Give a homeless animal a second chance at happiness by adopting from BCHS.
• Donating: Monetary donations help BCHS provide essential services to animals and their families.
• Volunteering: Volunteer your time and skills to help BCHS care for animals and support its mission.
• Attending events: Attend BCHS events to raise awareness and funds for animals in need.
• Spreading the word: Tell your friends and family about BCHS and encourage them to support its mission.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

There are many myths and misconceptions about animal shelters and animal adoption. Here are a few common ones:

• Myth: All shelter animals are sick or have behavioral problems.
• Fact: While some shelter animals may have health or behavioral issues, the vast majority are healthy and well-behaved.
• Myth: Shelter animals are not as good as pets from breeders.
• Fact: Shelter animals can make just as loving and loyal companions as pets from breeders.
• Myth: It is too expensive to adopt a pet.
• Fact: BCHS offers affordable adoption fees and provides financial assistance to families who need it.

The Future of BCHS

BCHS is committed to continuing its mission of providing compassionate care and advocacy for animals in Berks County. The organization is currently working on a number of initiatives to improve its services, including:

• Expanding its adoption program to reach more animals in need.
• Increasing its pet food assistance program to help more families keep their pets.
• Offering additional veterinary services to ensure the health and well-being of animals.
• Developing new educational programs to promote responsible pet ownership.

Conclusion

The Berks County Humane Society is a vital asset to the community, providing essential services to animals and their families. By supporting BCHS, you can help make a difference in the lives of countless animals and ensure that they have a chance at a happy and healthy life.

Five Ways to Help Your Dog Cope with Separation Anxiety

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a common problem in dogs that can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Destructive behavior
• Excessive barking
• Whining or crying
• Pacing or restlessness
• House training accidents
• Loss of appetite
• Health problems

Causes of Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Changes in routine
• New family members or pets
• Moving to a new home
• Being left alone for long periods of time

How to Help Your Dog Cope with Separation Anxiety

There are a number of things you can do to help your dog cope with separation anxiety, including:

• Gradually increase the amount of time you leave your dog alone. Start by leaving your dog alone for short periods of time, such as 15 minutes. Gradually increase the amount of time you leave your dog alone until you can leave your dog alone for several hours without him or her becoming anxious.
• Create a positive association with being alone. Give your dog a treat or toy when you leave and reward your dog when he or she is calm and quiet when you are gone.
• Provide your dog with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. A tired dog is less likely to be anxious. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation before you leave him or her alone.
• Talk to your veterinarian. If you are struggling to help your dog cope with separation anxiety, talk to your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may recommend medication or other treatments to help your dog.

Table 1: Symptoms of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Table 2: Causes of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Table 3: Ways to Help Your Dog Cope with Separation Anxiety

Table 4: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Helping Your Dog Cope with Separation Anxiety