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Knights host Dog Days of Summer event

Published August 11. 2025 02:45PM
by RON GOWER TNEDITOR@TNONLINE.COM

The Panther Valley Knights of Columbus hosted a gathering for dog lovers and their pets in Ludlow Park, serving Rita’s frozen custard and provided drinks. The treats were for both the dogs and their owners.

The event also focused on dog training and adoptions. Donations were accepted for the Carbon County K-9 program.

Bob Infante, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, said that during August, the group is offering half-price adoptions at K-9.

The Farmers Almanac identifies Dog Days of Summer as the hottest period of summer, stating the approximate dates are July 3 to Aug. 11.

Infante, a dog lover himself, said the Knights’ “Dog Days of Summer” in Summit Hill was to make people aware of dogs in need of forever homes.

Two dog trainers were present. Michele Rhoades of Hometown had her black, certified water rescue dog named Nero. And Dylan Cleary of Tamaqua featured his well-behaved dog Orion.

Also present was Nicole Henshaw, a volunteer with the Carbon County K-9 unit. She collected donations and had a poster available showing several dogs available for adoption.

Infante gave a special thanks to Rita’s for making frozen custard available. Small containers had peanut butter added when given to the dogs.

“We want to celebrate our dogs for the whole month,” said Infante.

Dogs Moonstone, left, and Okaki, right, are given treats during the Dog Days of Summer program held in Summit Hill by the Panther Valley Knights of Columbus. From left are Marie Stoves of Lansford, owner of Moonstone; Fourth Degree Knight Bob Colancecco and Grand Knight Bob Infante of the Knights of Columbus, and Cari Stoves of Lansford, owner of Okaki. Cari said Okaki was adopted from the Blackfoot Native American Reservation in Montana. Okaki means “to be wise” in Blackfoot dialect, she said. RON GOWER/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
Nicole Henshaw of the Carbon County Animal Shelter displays donations given to the shelter during Dog Days of Summer held by the Panther Valley Knights of Columbus on Sunday in Summit Hill.
Participating in Dog Days of Summer held in Summit Hill by the Panther Valley Knights of Columbus on Sunday are, from left, Dylan Cleary of Tamaqua and his dog Orion; Michele Rhoades of Hometown and her dog Nero, both are dog trainers; Bob Colancecco (back), Fourth Degree Knight; Bob Infante, Grand Knight, and Eric Filer and his dog, Lincoln.