In the Boston area, a church is Weymouth is called out for having dog-friendly service:
And about 20 to 50 dogs typically show up for the “Woof and Worship” service at 5 p.m. every Sunday at Pilgrim Congregational Church in the Boston suburb of Weymouth, Mass., said the Rev. Rachel Bickford. The services began in September. “I thought this would be a wonderful way to bring some joy back into the community,” she said. “It’s been terrific.”
This was sent to me today. Thought it was interesting enough to share:
I am a Bostonian (Meridian St. E. Boston), currently living in Phnom Penh, Cambodia with my 4 month old GSD, Banjo.
In Cambodia we have starving street dogs everywhere and they all bite! Banjo and I go to doggie breakfast every Saturday with ex-pats from all over the world and their dogs. The doggie breakfast is held in a huge grassy, gated compound, the only safe place for well behaved, socialized dogs to play. In Phnom Penh, the first time your dog is unattended or escapes is the last time you will ever see him, unless of course, you like dog soup! (Not kidding)
Reading the Globe awhile back, I came upon this article which talks about how city life can be damaging to your health and attitude. It comes complete with references to some historical figures that abandoned the city and details the results of a study that tested two subjects: one that takes a walk around the city, and one who walks through a natural setting complete with trees and animals.
The subjects were then run through a battery of psychological tests. People who had walked through the city were in a worse mood and scored significantly lower on a test of attention and working memory, which involved repeating a series of numbers backwards. In fact, just glancing at a photograph of urban scenes led to measurable impairments, at least when compared with pictures of nature.
And later, when talking about the benefits of nature, the study a quick walk is one of the best things you can do for your head:
When a park is properly designed, it can improve the function of the brain within minutes. As the Berman study demonstrates, just looking at a natural scene can lead to higher scores on tests of attention and memory. While people have searched high and low for ways to improve cognitive performance, from doping themselves with Red Bull to redesigning the layout of offices, it appears that few of these treatments are as effective as simply taking a walk in a natural place.
People these days are looking for more meaning out of life in general. There’s a huge movement going around which is articulated in websites like Slow Planet which stresses certain aspects of life – food, relationships, living, gift giving, even technology – should be done at a much slower and thoughtful pace.
The same goes with pets.
Ever since the Pet Food scandal during 2007 when bad suppliers got some bad ingredients into a significant portion of commercial pet food, people have started to look for more natural alternatives and some have event resorted to locally grown products that they can cook for their pets themselves.
Our pets are more important than ever, and people devote even more attention to their loyal canines whenever the economy goes south. I remember the huge rise in pet ownership following the burst of the 2001 internet company bubble. These days luxurious gifts for pets will probably start to decline but a captured moment in time is still priceless…
We have so many digital pictures of our families and kids and pets and it’s hard to remember some of the best ones unless you are constantly going through your online photo albums and plucking off the best ones to print. A painting – a slow, moments capture of our pet, elevates that level of remembrance and can be something special to put on the wall for years and years. You can try this yourself by loading a picture into a program like Photoshop Elements (about $100) which has various filters you can apply to your digital pictures. But there’s not much fun and interaction in that, is there?
Best bet is to try and find a local artist such as Kathy Weller, Snoring Boris, Dancing Shadow (http://dancing-shadow.smugmug.com/) to be able to turn your picture into something worth putting on a wall. This makes a great gift for others who cherish their pets, or could be a nice gift to you for being the proud owner of a fur-kid.
We’ve worked hard–now it’s our time to be heard (and seen) on behalf of dogs and cats. Please make every effort to attend and bring other animal lovers: Those opposing our bill will be there!
Thursday, June 5, 11 to 1
Room A-1
State House
Let me know if you plan to attend.
Meanwhile–and after the hearing too–please continue to call members of the Joint Committee on Municipalities asking them to release House Bill 4753, An Act Prohibiting the Renting of Pets, quickly with a favorable report:
Chairs: Sen. Anthony Petruccelli, (617) 722-1634; Rep. Vincent Pedone, (617) 722-2090
Sen. Patricia Jehlen, (617) 722-1578
Sen. Steven Baddour, (617) 722-1604
Sen. Susan Fargo, (617) 722-1572
Sen. Richard Tisei, (617) 722-1206
Rep. Martin Walsh, (617) 722-2090
Rep. James O’Day, (617) 722-2014
Rep. Matthew Patrick, (617) 722-2090
Rep. F. Jay Barrows, (617) 722-2488
ep. Todd Smola, (617) 722-2240
Rep. Sean Garballey, (617) 722-2400
Rep. Sarah Peake, (617) 722-2210
Rep. Paul McMurtry (617) 722-2460
Reps. Stephen Canessa, (617) 722-2460 and Denis Guyer, (617) 722-2460 are bill co-sponsors.
Who: BAYPATH HUMANE SOCIETY of Hopkinton, Massachusetts
What: Our 8th Annual ‘BARK IN THE PARK’ DOG WALK FUNDRAISER
1 or 3-mile walk routes through glorious Hopkinton State Park! Vendors, drawings, a children’s scavenger hunt, Baypath Alumni Parade, delicious food on the grill/snacks/drinks, and much more!
When: SUNDAY, JUNE 1ST, 2008 — 10AM-2PM
Where: HOPKINTON STATE PARK — SPLIT ROCK RECREATION AREA
Cost: $10 PER ADULT WALKER…$5 for children 12 and under…$8 for any walk teams (form your own with like-minded work colleagues, family members, you name it!)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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