Cheyenne Collins and her dog China were amazed by "pet psychic" Bonnie Strange's readings.
North Adams - All it takes is really listening to your pets to understand what they are trying to say, according to Bonnie Strange, local "pet psychic."
On Saturday, Strange gave free readings for pets and pet owners at North Adams Commons, eliciting awe, delight and sometimes shock, complete with tears of joy.
"I was completely surprised about how good she was," said Susan Solak of North Adams, who brought her 8-year old walker hound Sadie to the reading. "She was completely right about so many things."
"He read her personality so well," said Mark Solak of Sadie who the couple have owned since February.
Strange uses a combination of energy-reading and animal communication skills to connect with animals. Her analyses range from interpretations of why pets experience separation anxiety to insights into their past lives.
Beginning her career as a reiki master for humans, using the ancient Japanese technique of healing to “read†life force energies, Strange recently decided to utilize her love of animals in her practice.
"It’s an innate ability that everyone has," said Strange, who is an elementary school teacher in Pownal, Vt. "It’s just a matter of recognizing it for what it is and using it."
An Amazing Story
About 75 people showed up at the nursing and rehabilitation center with their pets in the hope that a better understanding could be created between human and animal.
Naureen Collins, of North Adams, brought her miniature poodle, China, to Strange and was moved by her reading.
“She was completely accurate. It was just amazing,†said Collins.
Strange said that China had the feeling of once being human. According to Collins, the family had begun to feel more of her late father’s presence in the house after China was adopted from the Berkshire Humane Society in the spring of 2006, five years after his death.
“I believe that China is channeling my father. There’s been more of his energy around us since we got her and I can feel Papa around me,†said Collins, who also said that she’s begun to smell her father’s signature cologne in the house.
Even more startling was Strange’s reading of Collins‘ daughter, Cheyenne. The psychic said that the 11-year old had a strong tie to animals and was perfect for any pet-sitting tasks.
“Most kids play house, but Cheyenne plays animal hospital,†said Naureen Collins.
I just really like all kinds of animals,†said Cheyenne, who wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up.
A Little Skepticism
While most analyses were completely on target, some pet owners felt the psychic was vague and abstract, leaving room for individual interpretation.
“She was 99 percent accurate, but some of the stuff she said about me wasn’t really right,†said Carl Tiernan, of Lenox, who brought his toy fox terrier Schnookie to Strange.
But, some aspects of the reading rang true for Tiernan and his wife, Sarah Russell. The psychic said Schnookie loved small places and might benefit from having an enclosure of her own.
“We will take her advice and get Schnookie a carrier,†said Tiernan.
Despite the skepticism, most participants were amazed by how easily Strange could communicate with their pets and pinpoint problems in both the animals and their owners.
Susan Adler of Williamstown said that Strange immediately knew what was affecting the Adler family after communicating with her cat, Tallulah.
“She knew that I needed healing and that Tallulah [an American domestic shorthair] and I have a very close relationship,†said Adler.
But, Strange said not all pets are willing to open up to her.
“I have had pets who keep information from me,†she said. “They just don’t want to worry their owners.â€
Having only done public readings twice before, Strange said she was happy with the turnout and she hoped she had made a difference in how people interact with their pets.
“I met so many interesting creatures today,†she said.
Jen Thomas may be reached via email at jthomas@iberkshires.com or at (413) 663-3384, ext. 23.
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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