MILLERTON — Cyclists who have been watching the televised coverage of the Tour de France recently are no doubt itching to hit the area hills themselves, suited up and surrounded by a large pack of other enthusiasts.They’ll have their chance to do just that on Sunday, July 24, in the eighth annual Harlem Valley Rail Ride. Participants will start at Eddie Collins Field on Route 22 and can choose from four different routes, ranging from a 25-mile trek along rolling hills, to a 100-mile ride (also known as a century) that includes some serious slopes, including one that’s nearly 1,709 feet. “Originally we were planning a century with about 7,500 feet of elevation,” said race organizer Bob Bagomolny. “But after we posted the route, the response was so overwhelming that I had to take it down and change it. So now we have 8,700 feet of elevation.”The peaks and their “categories” are online at www.harlemvalleyrailride.com; the century has a note on it that says, “THE CHALLENGE IS BACK! The outcry to restore the elevation to the century ride has been heard. Thank you to all who have reached out to us to restore the elevation. The message was very clear and the elevation has been restored to 8783 feet of climbing pleasure.”No one ever said that Litchfield County and Dutchess County cyclists aren’t sufficiently serious about their sport.For those who change their minds partway through the century, Bagomolny said, “The riders will have probably done about 5,000 feet of elevation by the time they’ve gone 62 miles. They can then choose to stop and make it an 82-mile day, or they can do the last climb up over Bash Bish and into Egremont. “The riders think it’s the greatest thing in the world,” he added drily.There are also 50-mile and 75-mile routes; elevation charts and descriptions are available at the website.Bagomolny and Beth Katz, his partner in organizing the Rail Ride, have many years of experience in riding the roads of Litchfield and Dutchess County. Katz worked for many years for Bike New York, which founded the Harlem Valley Rail Ride and ran it for the first seven years. The cost of producing the ride was prohibitive for the New York City-based organization, however, because so many of the workers and so many of the supplies had to be brought up to the Millerton area from the city. Housing had to be found and paid for as well, for the workers.“Our vision is to turn this into a local event,” Bagomolny said. The ride will, as always, benefit the Harlem Valley Rail Trail organization and all four of the routes include a 4-mile section of the Rail Trail.“We’ll also be making donations to the local EMT organization that provides first aid and emergency medical treatment throughout the ride,” he said.This year’s ride is actually slightly more expensive than prior rides, with an entry fee of $65. More is included in the cost, though.“At the past events, one of the biggest criticisms we had was that they paid to ride but after the ride was over, they had to buy food, it was never included,” Bagomolny said. “One of the most noticeable changes this year is that the price is higher but it includes the barbecue.”Food will be provided by the American Legion (“They have a reputation for providing a fabulous barbecue,” Bagomolny said). The menu is expected to include sweet corn, hot dogs, bratwurst, sausage and peppers, hamburgers and veggie burgers, grilled chicken, pasta, salad, ice cream and watermelon.Other merchants or organizations have been invited to cook other foods as well, such as roasted chicken.“Anyone who isn’t riding is invited to come out and join us for the cookout,” Bagomolny said. “The cost is $12 for adults and $8 for children.”There is going to be a farm market at Eddie Collins Field as well, with local produce for sale. Music will be provided by Deejay Joey D. And the pool at the field will be open, so swimming will be available. Bike repairs will be provided by two local bike shops.To register and to get more information on the routes and other essentials such as SAG vehicles, sponsors and transportation packages from New York City, go online to www.harlmenvalleyrailride.com. Area residents are invited to participate as volunteers; to sign up, send an email to Bagomolny at bobbybags@yahoo.com.The ride will be held rain or shine.
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Marsala is eager to go home with you.
Tiffany Lemelin, shelter manager, brushing Marsala upon arrival.Provided
The Little Guild is an animal shelter at 285 Sharon-Goshen Turnpike in West Cornwall. Founded in 1957, the organization rescues animals from local surrenders and under-resourced shelters. When a rescue animal arrives at The Little Guild, staff begins a careful intake and transition process to ensure the animal is safe, healthy and ready for adoption.
New arrivals are quarantined in-house. Vaccinations are verified as up to date, and staff assesses each animal’s medical, behavioral and placement needs. Rescues receive medical care, daily support and behavioral training to ease shelter stress. Once a dog has finished quarantine and is ready for a home, its profile is published at littleguild.org.
Michael DeBarba, certified dog trainer working with Marsala.Jennifer Almquist
Prospective adopters fill out an online application with information about their household and veterinary and personal references.
The next step is for the prospective adopter and family members to meet the dog. If there is already a dog in the household, a meet-and-greet is scheduled so the dogs can get acquainted.
The animal care staff offers guidance based on its knowledge of each animal’s personality, needs and quirks to help families find the best fit.
Marsala wins a heart.Jennifer Almquist
Once a match is made, the adoption contract outlines aftercare. Adopters agree to return the animal to The Little Guild if the adoption doesn’t work out. The organization’s commitment continues after adoption, with six months of free training and follow-up from staff to answer questions or address concerns.
“Please don’t pass Marsala by,” Lemelin said. “He loves people and other dogs. He’s a lap dog who lives for snuggles, cuddles and face kisses. Marsala deserves a family, a soft bed and a lifetime of being chosen.”
To find out about Marsala and other rescue dogs and cats, visit littleguild.org
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Sampson, a playful and independent blind hound mix, explores the rescue’s large yard.
Though she takes in dogs of all ages, including some with disabilities — and one resident cat — the rescue’s motto is “Giving old dogs new lives.”
Sadie, center, a Carolina dog, plays with her friend Negra, a terrier mix. Bella Linda, the small poodle, has since been adopted.L. Tomaino
Sadie, a sweet Carolina dog, was the first to greet visitors.
“She could really use a home,” Meade said.
Then came Bonnie and Clyde, rat terriers; Negra, a small terrier mix; Sampson, a blind hound mix; and Jay Z, a terrier mix who was emaciated when Meade took him in and has since filled out, with fur regrowing over previously bald patches. Wesley, a young, shaggy mix whom Meade calls “a very good boy,” is also in need of a home.
Wesley, a young, exuberant mix, is looking for an active home.L. Tomaino
Meade began rescuing dogs after going to Waterbury to adopt one and learning that, by the end of the three-day weekend, the dogs she was looking at would be euthanized to make room for others.
She went home and started her rescue in New Preston, Connecticut. After five years there, she moved to California, where she rescued dogs from overcrowded pounds for 13 years.
Meade, a busload of dogs and her cat moved back to the Northeast a little more than a year ago.
Ninety-nine percent of the dogs at the rescue come from pounds, both locally and in California and New York City.
“We are more than happy to place dogs with older people, and we are also willing to give support after the adoption,” Meade said, noting that some rescues will not adopt to people over 60.
Bonnie and Clyde, an affectionate terrier pair.L. Tomaino
For those who cannot adopt, the rescue needs donations of old blankets, dog and cat food, cleaning supplies, puppy pads and dog treats. Monetary donations are also welcome and can be made through the rescue’s website. Meade also welcomes volunteers to help with the dogs.
Contact Meade at 805-239-4004, 860-866-7986 or 4dots@att.net to arrange a visit or drop off donations. For available dogs and more information, visit meadecaninerescue.org.
Newtown Veterinary Specialists
For Berkshire County residents, VCA All Caring Animal Hospital, 440 Stockbridge Road in Great Barrington, can be a nearby first call. The full-service hospital offers diagnostics and hospitalization and asks clients with an emergency or a pet requiring immediate attention to call rather than use its online contact form. It is not a 24-hour emergency hospital, however. Current hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sunday. Call 413-528-8020.
Poughkeepsie also has several options for urgent care. Creature Comforts Animal Hospital, 64 Pine St., is a full-service veterinary hospital offering emergency and critical care during regular business hours. The hospital treats dogs and cats as well as birds, reptiles and other exotic pets. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sunday. For after-hours emergencies involving dogs and cats, the hospital refers patients to regional emergency facilities. Call 845-625-2474.
Community Animal Care, 269 Titusville Road, offers urgent and emergency care during operating hours and asks pet owners to call ahead. Regular hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Urgent care is available daily by calling ahead, with extended hours until 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The practice also offers after-hours veterinary triage by video to help owners determine whether a pet can safely wait or should be taken to a 24-hour facility. Call 845-471-7459.
When an animal needs care in the middle of the night, on a holiday or for a potentially life-threatening condition, the options become more limited.
Guardian Veterinary Specialists, 4 Hardscrabble Heights in Brewster, is a 24-hour emergency and specialty hospital, open seven days a week, 365 days a year. Its emergency department is staffed around the clock, with on-site imaging and laboratory services. No appointment is necessary for an emergency, although calling ahead is encouraged when possible. Call 914-704-3400.
Provided
Newtown Veterinary Specialists, 52 Church Hill Road in Newtown, Connecticut, also provides emergency care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays. No appointment is required for emergency care, although the hospital recommends calling ahead when possible. Call 203-270-8387.
Pet owners should remember that emergency veterinary hospitals operate much like human emergency rooms in that patients are triaged according to the severity of their condition, so animals with less critical problems may have to wait.
The best preparation is simple. Keep the number of your regular veterinarian and at least one 24-hour emergency hospital in your phone, and know roughly how long it will take to get there. If circumstances allow, call before leaving home to confirm where your pet should be seen.
When something goes wrong at 10 p.m. on a Sunday, knowing where you’re headed can make a frightening situation a little less overwhelming.
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