DogBoston’s Dog Blog

Name: Bear

Where: Cambridge..

What: Lab/mix

Age:   2 years old

Likes: her ball, the beach, and stealing bread

Dislike:  hates having her nails clipped

To get your dog featured, send email to brian@dogboston.com with “my dog photo” in the subject line!

Thanks for your photo submission Dena!

Ever think activism was for hippies and young college kids with nothing better to do?

Well get over it.  If you oppose Pet Rentals as I do, then you might consider taking a few minutes out of your day to send an email or make a phone call.

Kathy Sabina an animal control officer in Auburn, had forwarded me this alert:

“An Act Prohibiting the Renting of Pets” was filed at on February 21 by Massachusetts State Rep. Paul Frost. It is important legislation with far-reaching implications for protecting dogs and cats. Passing it could be an uphill battle; your involvement is essential.

Because the bill was filed late in the session, it is critical that you act immediately to ensure its quick movement through the legislative pipeline. Otherwise, it may languish indefinitely.

Why is this important? FlexPetz, the business that rents dogs by the hour or day–as though they were cars or DVDs–is on our threshold. Boston is among the markets it has targeted in 2008. Even if it changes plans or doesn’t succeed, knock-off businesses, inspired by its aggressive, national media blitz, will fill the void. We need to deny all of them the opportunity to exploit animals in Massachusetts.

How You Can Help
1. Email Rep. Angelo Scaccia, who chairs the House Committee on Rules,
Rep.AngeloScaccia@Hou.State.MA.US and encourage your friends, family, colleagues to do
the same. Ask that “An Act Prohibiting the Renting of Pets” (H.D. 4864) be moved without delay into the appropriate committee. Do it now, please.

Keep it short–it can be as simple as a variation on: I urge the Committe on Rules to move “An Act Prohibiting the Renting of Pets” (H.D. 4864) into the appropriate committee without delay. We cannot open the door for exploitative pet rental businesses, including FlexPetz, which has targeted Massachusetts in 2008. Such businesses are bad for animals and ultimately bad for the Commonwealth.

You can add a talking point or two (see below) to support your opposition to pet rentals.

Include your name and address, and if you wish, your phone number.

2. Copy your state reps. If you don’t know who they are or how to reach them, go to
www.mass.gov/legis

3. Please also copy Rep.PaulFrost@Hou.State.MA.US He deserves a round of applause for his compassion and vision. And thank Rep.JohnFresolo@Hou.State.MA.US for his co-sponsorship.

4. Check the status of the bill at www.mass.gov/legis; under Current Legislation, click on Search Bill Histories.

5. As soon as the bill has a docket number and committee, email and call committee members and your state reps to urge their support.

6. Attend public hearings; they’ll be announced on mass.gov/legis

7. Encourage local animal welfare organizations and shelters to join in this effort. They have easy access to large constituencies, and numbers matter, particularly for animal protection legislation: Despite the body of scientific evidence that dogs and cats have cognitive and emotional depth, Mass. General Law defines them as mere chattel.

It’s time for the Commonwealth to recognize that animals aren’t “things” for humans to rent and return on whim. And it’s time to send a message to FlexPetz and businesses that would follow in its footsteps: You’re not wanted here.

Rent Cars, Not Pets: Talking Points

FlexPetz is a business that rents dogs—by the hour or day—to people who want the fun of a pet without commitment. FlexPetz calls it “flexible ownership.” But callousness by any name still hurts. If we open the door in Massachusetts, other dog and cat rental businesses will follow.

Why It’s Bad for Pets
- Dogs and cats need stability and consistency. Rental pets are handed off to a succession of people, spending a few hours with one, a day or two with another—subjected to renters’ different personalities, environments, routines and rules, which is confusing and stressful. They spend the rest of their time in animal day care.

- “I see a lot of dogs who have severe behavioral issues resulting from inconsistency. It is nearly impossible for people to be consistent with rented pets,” according to Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Jo Jacques, CDBC, CPDT, CPCT.

- Constantly breaking a dog’s bonds with humans is cruel, says Ray McSoley, who founded the Animal Behavior Clinic at Boston’s acclaimed Angell Memorial Veterinary Hospital.

- And it could ruin their chance for a “forever home” when the business is done with them. “These animals will become distrustful of humans. They will withdraw,” says Jo Jacques. If they’re not adopted or it fails as a result? Off to a shelter, but older, more confused—and more likely to be euthanized or spend the rest of their lives in cages.

- Even well-mannered pets are more apt to bite when stressed. And constant change is very stressful, the experts say. What happens to the pet who bites after being passed from renter to renter?

- What about the rental pet who becomes chronically ill? No business can hold inventory
that costs instead of pays. And who will adopt a sick or unbalanced animal?

- Pet rental PR suggests this business model is beneficial for shelter animals. Not so. Obviously, the most rentable pets are the most adoptable. Do you think a rental business will take timid, old or scruffy pets who won’t command its hefty fee? Or friendly, adorable young animals it can readily rent—who otherwise would have had the best chance for adoption? Instead of getting a “forever home,” they become profit centers.

- Renting encourages us to think of all pets—rented, adopted or purchased—as “things” we enjoy till they’re no longer cute, fun or convenient, then return, like DVDs or cars.

- “Disposable pet syndrome” encourages animal abandonment and abuse.

- Pet rentals and dog fighting are on the same continuum: They trade on desensitization of humans, commoditization of animals. One business conditions us to tolerate the other.

Why It’s Bad for Humans
Consumers may not appreciate the risk of injury and litigation to which renting a pet exposes them. If your stressed rental pet sends just you to the ER, you’re lucky. If it’s your child, not so much. And if he bites or otherwise injures a stranger, consider this: Personal injury lawyers cast a wide net. While the rental business may be insured, what homeowner’s policy covers “rental pet attacks”?

Why It’s Bad for Massachusetts
The “disposable pet” mindset pet rental businesses promote may ultimately strain public and private resources. It is akin to the dumbing down of America—except it’s our perception of and responsibility to companion animals that will erode. That can only lead to increased pet abandonment, adoption returns and abuse. And that hurts all of us, including taxpayers who don’t have an affinity for animals.

Betsy, the border collie on the front of the latest National Geographic Magazine, has a vocabulary of more than 300 words, knows 15 people by name, and can retrieve objects seen in photographs.

Link to article here.

When I get email from Michele Biscoe of the Somerville Dog Owners Group, I know something major is going on. And it usually has to do with fighting for the rights of dog owners like you and me. (By the way: Boston Dog Owners Group meeting this Monday)

She informed me that in April, a little place called Manchester-by-the-Sea has a vote on the ballot that could end the town’s semi-dog-friendly status. She (and DogBoston) wants to make sure you let people you know (who live in the area) to show up and vote. It looks like this is going to be a very close one… as the person who put the anti-dog vote on the ballot had to collect a minimum number of signatures.

So, Dog Friendly Residents of Manchester-by-the-Sea:

On April 7th, there will be a vote to completely ban dogs from Singing Beach. Please show up to shut down this legislation before more anti-dog sentiment continues to spread through the state. Every day there is a small battle that further diminishes your right to walking your dog in “public” places. Let’s not lose the war.

Currently dogs are only allowed on Singing Beach in the off-season… dog loving residents are only asking to keep it this way. But these “anti-dog crusaders” are on the move, in their quest for a 100% animal-free lifestyle. What a sad and strange ’cause’ to be passionate about.

Here’s a personal plea (from Michele via YouTube) to not ban the family dog (and therefore her daughter) from Singing Beach.

Current laws and webpage.

Here’s a Globe article with some background.

FOXBORO - A Land Court judge in Boston issued an order Thursday temporarily ending the operation of a privately run dog park on town land at Cocasset River Park.

In the first step of a suit brought Monday by 17 park foes, Judge Keith Long ordered the immediate removal of all dog park signs and required the town to post a sign saying dogs on the property must be leashed at all times, Town Manager Andrew Gala said.

Read more here (especially check out the comments).

Nice news for a great organization.  It is my shelter of choice for charitable giving and I would recommend any company or organization to help them out as well. They tend to do an amazing amount with the resources they are given.

The Animal Rescue League of Boston has received a $3 million grant from The Stanton Foundation, the largest private contribution in the ARL of Boston’s 109-year-old history. The Stanton Foundation was created upon the death of the late Dr. Frank Stanton, the former president of CBS and a noted philanthropist.

The grant allows the ARL of Boston to develop the first-in-the-nation Center for Shelter Dogs. Once completed, the Center for Shelter Dogs at the Animal Rescue League of Boston will provide a model for improving the welfare and eventual placement of homeless dogs cared for by humane organizations, animal control facilities and rescue groups in Massachusetts and throughout the nation.

“We are honored to be selected by The Stanton Foundation to develop a world-class program for homeless dogs. The Center for Shelter Dogs at the Animal Rescue League of Boston will greatly impact the welfare and placement of dogs in Massachusetts and throughout the country,” says Animal Rescue League of Boston President Jay Bowen. “We are grateful to The Stanton Foundation for its financial call-to-action for shelter dogs in our society.”

Both through its name and mission, the focus of the Center for Shelter Dogs at the Animal Rescue League of Boston will be canines. The Center will accomplish this goal by improving our ability to screen for, evaluate, and resolve dog behavior problems; by increasing our understanding of the role of the shelter environment and the disruptive effect of the stress of homelessness and rehoming on dog behavior; by developing better methods of evaluating and mitigating stress in the shelter environment; by developing improved strategies for matching with prospective adopters, and by implementing long-term follow-up programs to help validate assessments made in the shelter environment and smooth the transition to an adoptive home. It will also examine the role of alternatives (e.g., home-based rehabilitation programs) to the traditional approach for homeless dogs. Amy Marder, VMD, CAAB, an internationally recognized animal behavior specialist, will serve as the Director for the Center for Shelter Dogs at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

“Rigorous science-based research and outcomes assessment will be the cornerstone of all the efforts of the Center for Shelter Dogs at the Animal Rescue League of Boston,” says Gary Patronek, VMD, PhD, Vice President for Animal Welfare and New Program Development. “Although anchored in our Animal Behavior Program, the efforts of the Center for Shelter Dogs will extend beyond the discipline of Animal Behavior and will incorporate clinical medicine and epidemiology to develop a world-class program on behalf of homeless dogs waiting for adoption into loving, caring homes.”

A very powerful and serious ad campaign is being rolled out from Barcelona based Altarriba a foundation like the US-based MSPCA.

On the other hand, PETA, who is so sensationalist that people don’t ever take them seriously, is using the Westminster Dog Show as a way to boost the impact of their latest ridiculous campaign. They are taking on Dog Show people and they liken dog breeders to Klu Klux Klan members, as an effort to raise awareness of the rising levels of shelter dogs in the country. Good point, but a terrible style of execution as usual for PETA.

The question is - will you be there?

Monday, February 25th – 7:00pm
Hill Tavern, 228 Cambridge St.
Beacon Hill

Agenda:
· Dog recreation space (DRS) application for Boston Common
· Neighborhood “Poop Patrol” campaign
· Community outreach initiatives to raise awareness of group
· Boston Common dog-poop clean-up day
· Update on Phillips St. Park

Reference

Los Angeles (March 27, 2007)The American Humane Association is conducting an investigation after five puppies died while on location for the filming of the movie Snow Buddies. As many as six others have fallen ill after exposure to parvovirus. Twenty-eight puppies are being treated after being exposed to the virus. Earlier in the production, 30 puppies were removed from the set when 15 of them showed signs of illness, eventually diagnosed as giardia and coccidia. Three of these puppies were euthanized due to intestinal complications. Parvovirus, also known as parvo, is a highly contagious viral infection in dogs. It causes fever, vomiting, diarrhea and lack of appetite and it can be fatal.

American Humane is the authority behind the “No Animals Were Harmed” end credit on movies. An American Humane Certified Safety Representative visited the Snow Buddies set in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Feb. 19, 2007, the first day of shooting. Fifteen golden retriever puppies were on set, and American Humane learned that 15 others had been treated by a local veterinarian since Feb. 7. The Safety Representative requested that all the puppies receive additional veterinary checks before proceeding with filming. Twenty-five of the puppies were from an American breeder and five were from a Canadian breeder.

At the time they were seen by the American Humane Safety Representative, the puppies were approximately 8 weeks old. However, it is believed that they were only 6 weeks old when they were separated from their mothers and brought by the trainer, Anne Gordon, to the Snow Buddies movie set. American Humane has recommended that Snow Buddies only import puppies that are older than 14 weeks. All vaccinations have to be done by a veterinarian, along with thorough check-ups. American Humane was unaware that the puppies were underage when they were transported by the trainer from the breeders.

American Humane will investigate the breeder who allegedly exported 25 puppies to Canada under the age of 8 weeks. Per the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it is illegal to transport puppies under the age of 8 weeks. American Humane has contacted the Canadian authorities and is working with the U.S.D.A. Investigations and Enforcement division.

To continue filming the movie, Snow Buddies hired 28 older replacement golden retrievers after the first 30 were removed for treatment. Unfortunately, this second group has been exposed to parvovirus.

American Humane learned recently that one litter of the older puppies used after the first became sick was vaccinated for parvovirus at the Canadian border by a veterinarian contacted by the puppies’ trainer, and the first sign of the parvo was from that same litter. We have also learned that, unbeknownst to the production, the filming location in the lower mainland of Vancouver has witnessed an outbreak of parvo dating back as far as six months before production began. In this case, the puppies from Washington State were removed from their mother (breeder) too early and vaccinated. The vaccine takes two weeks before it is effective. Sometimes when puppies are vaccinated early there is still a risk of infection. High levels of maternal antibodies present in a puppy’s bloodstream will block the effectiveness of a vaccine. Despite being vaccinated, puppies can still contract parvovirus because the window of susceptibility can be several days to a couple of weeks.

American Humane is conducting a full investigation on the trainer and breeders and following the progress of the puppies that have been retired from the production, many of whom have been placed in new adoptive homes. The company producing Snow Buddies has complied with each request from American Humane and has made changes so that working puppies will not be put in any position where they may fall ill. The film production company has been very cooperative and has suspended filming until further notice. All of the dogs in the production now have been checked and are being cared for by a veterinarian. We will continue to monitor the production and release our findings once the investigation is complete.

Facts on Parvovirus:

Parvovirus is a highly contagious, viral disease of dogs. It affects puppies much more frequently than it affects adult dogs. Adult dogs may be infected carriers without showing any clinical signs.

Generally, it takes seven to 10 days from the time of exposure to parvo for dogs and puppies to start showing symptoms and to test positive for the virus. The majority of cases are seen in dogs less than 6 months of age, with the most severe cases seen in puppies younger than 12 weeks of age.

Being highly contagious to an unprotected dog, the virus can remain infectious on ground contaminated with fecal material for five months or more. Extremely hardy, the virus cannot be killed by most disinfectants; however, chlorine bleach is the most effective and inexpensive agent that works, and is commonly used by veterinarians.

Parvo can be brought home to your dog on shoes, hands and even car tires. Dogs and puppies can contract parvo even if they never leave their yards. Parvo virus is not an airborne virus. It is excreted in the feces of infected dogs, and if a human, dog, bird, etc. comes in contact with the excrement, the possibility for contamination is great. A strong solution of bleach and water does kill the virus, so you can wash your shoes and clothes, even your hands, with it to reduce the risk of infecting your dog.

About American Humane
The American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Founded in 1877, American Humane is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit membership organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link® between animal abuse and other forms of violence, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane’s regional office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the “No Animals Were Harmed”® end credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America “Best in America” Seal of Approval, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s leading charity evaluator. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.

Form and Function

As a “little tiny business owner” I often struggle with balancing form and function. As you may have noticed, the new site is located at care.dogboston.com and looks and performs the way I want it to… all professional looking and such.

(tangent - the fastest way to get to dogboston is to go to where the website address is found, erase everything, then type dogboston, then hold down the CTRL button and press Enter. Voila!! This works with CNN, Boston, Flickr, and any of your other favorite sites - it automatically wraps the word you typed with the www. and a .com… cool.)

Anyway, I am not a great designer 

The problem I often face is that I try to rush out a logo for each of my site designs and well, I’ve never really liked any of them.  For kicks, I dug out a bunch of old logo designs I created while thinking of what the next look should be.  As you can see, I’m spending too much time on something I’m not very good at   Some are better than others.

Here’s my first logo followed by some experiments and such

The last one I did this weekend, and well…  I kinda like it… shows progress over time too, I think, but I am looking to see if anyone else can create something amazing for the site ?!   Perhaps some of these legendary designers happen to be reading this?  Would like something iconic, memorable.  Combining elements of Dog (paws, tails, head, etc) and Boston.  Personally I liked the SITGO sign idea above…
So I need help!

Do you know anyone that does excellent work for a fair price??  I’d love to get the word out to local dog business owners about your work if you can help me out…  Leave a comment below or contact me through the form here.

Thanks,

Brian

Well, in that one scene with the Jack Russell Terrier and the Chihuahua and the Alaskan Malamute… I expected the Malamute to law a paw on the Jack for his constant harassment.  Come on, buddy - push your weigh around :)  The bowl cam shots were also cool…  but besides that, I couldn’t sit there in front of the tube watching puppies play all day.   I guess I could think of 40 different ways to spend 3 hours better, and 30 of them include getting outside with my dogs… I took a nice long walk with them yesterday on Wollaston Beach and saw dozens of people doing the same…

Quick Thoughts on The Pats…  I predict several Conspiracy Theories to Rise in the News Today:

1. Gisele’s fault?  Much like the harassment Tony Romo of the Cowboys received for allegedly playing worse when his GF Jessica Simpson was at the games, I wonder if Brady will receive criticism for having Gisele at the game.  Ah, who cares?
2. Belichick’s New Sweatshirt?  Did anyone notice Belichick didn’t wear his usual gray (cut off sleeves) sweatshirt?  He had a red one.  Whoa.  Bad luck? He’s also receiving bad press for leaving the game before the end of the game, after barging onto the field avoiding stadium personnel.  But all in all, this guy is one of history’s best football coaches.  Probably not a fun guy to hang out with, but a great coach.

I will be watching two Bowl games tomorrow.  My beloved Patriots and … the Puppy Bowl IV on Animal Planet. So I will be booked from 3 to 9pm watching Bowl games… 3-6pm (Puppy Bowl) and then 6pm to about 9pm (Pats vs NY Giants).

My prediction:  The puppies win!! (and the Pats will win too, Belichick is good facing opponents twice in a season).

Hello! The February 2008 Edition of DogBoston is here!

Highlights include:

• Best of DogBoston 2007 Results! http://care.dogboston.com/dogbostons-best-of-2007-results/
• From Pharmaceutical Sales to Walking Dogs? http://care.dogboston.com/from-pharmaceutical-sales-to-wags-4-walks/
• An Interview with Dog Walker Vicki Lonergan (Pembroke Paws) http://care.dogboston.com/vicki-lonergan-of-pembroke-paws/
• Position Statement on Punishment-based training methods by AVSAB http://care.dogboston.com/avsab-say-no-to-punishment-based-approach/
• Behind the Breed: The BullDog http://care.dogboston.com/behind-the-breed-bulldog/
  
• Ask Jo Articles and Advice (Dogs and Babies, Perfect Dog for College Students, A Non-Barking Low Maintenance Apartment Dog?) http://care.dogboston.com/dogarchives/dog-training-advice/
• Dog Health: Keeping Dogs Away From Chocolate http://care.dogboston.com/keeping-dogs-away-from-chocolate/

I’d Like to Also Say Thanks to the current site sponsors!

• Wags 4 Walks - Dog Walking (Waltham)
• Big Little Cat Dog - Pet Sitting (Stoneham)
• K-9 Corner - Dog Spa and Self Serve Wash (Whitman)
• Spoiled Rotten - Doggie Daycare (Danvers)

Then you probably are way too busy earning or spending your money to be reading this… however, if you happen to live there, and love dogs, the town needs your help. Dog walkers be warned - they are looking to regulate certain aspects of what you do.

 This was found on Boston.com (link)

WESTON

CALL FOR HELP WITH DOG COMMITTEE - The Board of Selectmen is seeking four residents to volunteer for a newly created Dog Committee. Its job will be to study and recommend an appropriate set of bylaws, rules and regulations for matters involving dogs, their owners, and professional dog walkers, selectmen said. Examples of some of the issues include dog licensing, licensing for professional dog walkers, and whether out-of-town dog walkers should have access to town property and under what conditions. The committee would also deal with leash and dog control issues, liability for injury or damage, monitoring and enforcement of regulations, and how to educate the public about the town’s regulations. The board is hoping to appoint a town resident who is a professional dog walker or a veterinarian among the panel’s four citizen members. They would join representatives from the town’s Conservation, Recreation and Agricultural commissions, as well as a member of the Friends of the Reservoir organization, on the town committee. Representatives from the Police Department, Board of Health, and town clerk’s office will serve as ex officio members of the panel. Residents can apply for a seat on the committee by sending a letter of interest to selectmen at PO Box 378, Weston 02493, or e-mailing it to selectmen@westonmass.org. Letters must be sent by Feb. 18. - Stephanie V. Siek

Wait a sec, did they say “send a letter?”  Oh, wait, they have an email address.  Whew! Thought we were all still living in the dark ages for a sec.

Michele sent this to Somerville Dog, and I thought I might try to raise awareness of the meeting…this applies to folks in Somerville, Everett, Medford, and other surrounding communities!
note from Michele ————————-

Would you like opportunities for off-leash recreation in the parklands along the Mystic River?  Please come to a public forum on Strategies for the Mystic River Corridor, Thursday evening, January 31, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM in the Peter J. McCarren Memorial Chambers, Everett City Hall, 484 Broadway, Everett.  Please see below for directions to Everett City Hall.

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is hosting the forum to learn what uses we would like/not like to see for the river.  In addition to parkland along the river, MAPC is interested in discussion about development projects, transportation, Designated Port Areas, and environmental quality.

The Mystic River Reservation is very important to Somerville residents who enjoy open space.  The parkland along the Mystic River comprises a significant portion of the total parkland in Somerville–of which there is, alas, very little.  Moreover, Somerville’s parkland along the Mystic River is a significant portion of the total parkland along the river.

Following are some parts of the Mystic River Reservation that are popular among dog owners:

Draw Seven Park (behind Assembly Square adjacent to the Orange Line)

Macdonald Park (next to the State Police Barracks across the River in Medford)

Mystic River Reservation along Mystic River Parkway in West Somerville (north of Dilboy Stadium)

Please participate in the public forum and speak up for the open space needs of dog owners and our city!

Cheers,

Michèle

P.S.  More information is available online at http://mapc.org/projects_initiatives/mystic_river.html

DIRECTIONS TO EVERETT CITY HALL

Everett City Hall is located at 484 Broadway, Everett, MA  02149.

Directions from the North:  take Route 1 to Route 99 and follow to Everett City Hall, or take Route 16 West to Second

Street.  At the end of Second Street take a Right into Broadway, past 2 sets of light Everett City Hall will be located on the

Left.  There is parking in the rear of the building accessible from Webster Street.

From the South or Boston:  Take Route 93 North to Route 16 East to first Rotary. Follow signs for Everett/ Route

99 and Broadway.  Alternate Routes are Route 99 North from 93, or Route 1 North from 93 to 16 West.

From West on MASS Pike (Route 90):

Follow Route 90 until it meets Route 2 (2 and Route 3 merge in Cambridge) crossing over the Charles River.  Follow

Route 3 (Memorial Drive, Cambridge) into Somerville.  Where it meets Route 28, follow Route 28N to Route 16. Take

Route 16 into Everett.

MBTA BUS ROUTES TO EVERETT CITY HALL

The main bus routes available are 104 and 109, but 97, 110, and 112 also provide nearby service.  Please be sure to

confirm all routes and times at www.mbta.com, as some may not run past 7pm.

Hilary Nangle wrote a nice piece for the Globe recently about her unique midlife crisis event - flying to Chicago to bring home a puppy.  You can read it here.

I’m seeing this at DogBoston as well… a trend in Puppy Pickups by Air - an increasing option for dog seekers that have a specific breed in mind, and are willing to deal with the airlines to pick one up.  Because air fares are still cheap (if booked well in advance) and most carriers allow pets of some form (make sure you check specifics with each airline), you don’t have to take a multi-day roadtrip anymore for these types of excursions.

While a car is the most popular method of travel, according to the US Department of Transportation, more than 2 million pets and other live animals are transported by air each year, despite the cost, restrictions, and hassles of flying with a pet. Not all airlines accept pets, and those that do have differing policies. Most limit the number allowed in the passenger section and have weight and size restrictions.

I liked the article because it combined a nice assortment of related facts with some personal thoughts…  I need to get more stories like this over in the DogBoston Magazine…

Writers: Please tell me your dog stories!   Send ideas to brian@dogboston.com

The Boston Channel reports that the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) has seen at least 15 families bring their dogs into Boston-area adoption centers because of the prohibitive cost of ongoing care.

Use a Shelter 

The article also goes on to mention that the numbers of abandoned pets in the past few months is much higher.  I know it is tough to go through a major financial situation, but it would be better if people tried to give the dog another chance at a decent life by utilizing a local shelter. I also believe that would probably be considered extremely embarrassing, to walk in and say, I can’t afford this dog anymore.

But a Shelter is Last Resort

I am not advocating for giving up pets in general but there’s probably a few life-events that could render a household incompatible with your current pet. And people understand this. But… shelters should be last resort…  Best case scenario if you absolutely must give up your pet to avoid a life-threatening situation, is probably: family, friends, then the shelter - in that order.  Most shelters in this state are actually “kill shelters” because it’s an unfortunate reality of how many dogs are left out in the streets.

So, it’s always better to try to find a safe-haven with someone you know before resorting to the shelter.

The AKC pushed out a press release with some interesting stats regarding Boston dog ownership versus the rest of the country. Although AKC honored the rise of the bulldog as a key data point in their findings (bulldogs made their way into the Top 10 registered breeds both nationally and locally), I found it more interesting that the friendly beagle… a truly “mid-sized dog” fell from 4th to 26th. I also was shocked to learned that the Pomeranian and Yorkshire Terriers toy breeds were so popular. Not surprised that the black Lab is the most popular breed in the country.

Here’s the stats:

BOSTON 2007

1. Labrador Retriever

2. German Shepherd

3. Yorkshire Terrier

4. Golden Retriever

5. Boxer

6. Bulldog

7. Pug

8. Dachshund

9. Poodle

10. Pomeranian

NATIONWIDE 2007

1. Labrador Retriever

2. Yorkshire Terrier

3. German Shepherd

4. Golden Retriever

5. Beagle

6. Boxer

7. Dachshund

8. Poodle

9. Shih Tzu

10. Bulldog

Remember all of this data comes from AKC registration stats - many of which don’t get reported… so with all of this information… what surprises you? Anything?

Other data points:

• The Bulldog’s national increase in popularity was reflected in Boston where it rose from 8th to 6th place.
• The tiny Yorkshire Terrier marched from 6th place to 3rd on the local list.
• The Beagle took a tumble in Beantown, falling from the 4th spot on the 2006 list to 23rd this year.
• Equally surprising was the surge in popularity of the Pomeranian—this tiny but formidable toy breed leapt all the way from 23rd to the 10th on Boston’s list.
• The Boston Terrier ranks 18th on this year’s local list, down from the 11th spot in 2006.

“Boston’s list mirrored the national top ten with the exception of the Pomeranian and Pug,” said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “These two toy breeds make great pets for cosmopolitan dog owners who want canine companionship in a small package.”

Grab a seat.

11-10 PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT.

11-10.1 Overview.

The City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department oversees 2,200 acres of parkland including 215 parks and playgrounds, 65 squares, 16 historic burying grounds, three (3) active cemeteries, two (2) golf courses, a variety of urban woodlands, and immeasurable street trees. The Department also programs a wide range of community events and live entertainment in the parks under its jurisdiction and employs Boston Park Rangers to monitor the parks and enhance public safety. Over the last 10 years, the Parks Department has implemented a $120 million rehabilitation of the City park system targeting every tot lot and most ball fields and hard courts.

(Ord. 2004 c. 13 § 1)

11-10.2 Dog Recreation Spaces.

11-10.2(a) Introduction and Purpose.

These sections delineate a community-initiated process for the City of Boston to establish dog recreation spaces within the City of Boston through the City’s Parks and Recreation Commission and an external Applicant for a Boston Dog Recreation Space. The Applicant may be an individual, a group of individuals, or a formal organization. The process is community-initiated, and it remains community- centered by requiring the Applicant to remain actively involved in the maintenance of the space and the implementation of rules and regulations in and around the space. This section is designed and intended to highlight and require a prominent role of the Applicant for a Boston Dog Recreation Space in the creation, establishment, funding, and maintenance of the dog recreation space.

The Applicant will also assume a primary role in establishing, promulgating, and compelling compliance with standards of conduct in and around the dog recreation spaces.

The establishment of a dog recreation space requires measures of flexibility to allow for variations in space availability and the needs of the neighborhoods enjoying the dog recreation space; such flexibility may include the establishment of multi-use parks/areas. Although the City of Boston has a multitude of pre-existing commitments to other current recreational uses in the City’s parks, it is the intention of the City to preserve the space and integrity of the City’s tot lots, tennis courts, basketball courts, tracks, and baseball/softball fields, which shall in no way be diminished or compromised by the siting/location of a Dog Recreation Space. The provisions of these sections, however, shall not preclude an Applicant from seeking to use other publicly-owned land, other than parkland, for a Dog Recreation Space.

(Ord. 2004 c. 13 § 1)

[Read more →]

From a Catherine Williams article from Projo.com, I think the first line says it all:

Yellowing grass and flower beds in new Big Dig parks prompted members of a quasi-public board to weigh in yesterday on whether to allow dogs in the downtown greenway.  

Emphasis on the words “quasi-public.”   This is way too true. 

Sure. You can get involved, but only if you know the right people.  The DCR (Dept of Conservation and Recreation) is a broken and stodgy institution, and according to an insider, they are having a meeting today January 10th from 3 to 5pm EST.  

Is this posted on their website?   Nope.  http://www.mass.gov/dcr/news.htm  Not here.

So who knew?  And even if people knew where to go, how can reasonable, 9-5 working residents get involved in a day-time meeting… when the meetings are suited only for the people on the inside? Doesn’t sound very inclusive to me.  

Apparently only after their plans are made, will they communicate with us… the lowly public… oh I mean, the really lowly, dog-owning public.

I have a problem with criticizing without a suggestion for improvement, so here’s mine.  Look at what Somerville is doing with their ResiStat program.  Community meetings.  Meetings are held after 6pm (usually 7pm),  so … people can actually go to them.

Somerville ResiStat

Boston Dog Owners, it’s not just about the Greenway (or the Brownway as semi-dog-hating -yet-dog-owning DCR members joke to one another regarding dogs peeing on some plants).  You should start getting upset about this… say right about… now.