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Celebrating the canine-human bond!
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This newsletter is brought to you by Arlington Dog Owners Group (A-DOG), a 501(c)(3) community organization promoting the rights and interests of responsible dog owners in Arlington, MA.
If you're not already a member, we hope you'll want to
join
A-DOG!
Wags and Tags editorial team: Joan Black (managing editor), Jen Burns, Sue Doctrow, Ellen Leigh, Judy Weinberg
Articles in Wags and Tags represent the opinions of the author(s) not necessarily those of A-DOG or the editorial team.
A-DOG logos designed by Lisa Berasi for Arlington Dog Owners Group, all rights reserved
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DON'T FORGET FIDO FEST is coming August 19 at Spy Pond Field!
Make sure you get those video clips (up to 5 min) of your dog sent in, if you haven't already and please join us!
In this issue:
On some computers, you might have to click twice to reach the article. We've found, too that these links do not work on all devices.
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Fido Fest at Spy Pond Field August 19
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Join us to celebrate summer with your dog and send your videos soon!
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Tribute to Dasty, Arlington Police Department K-9
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Rest in peace, Dasty, with gratitude for your brave service
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 Dasty, loyal K-9 hero and member of our Arlington Police Department, passed away recently at age 12. The brave service of Dasty and Officer Mike Hogan examplifies the best of what the canine-human bond can achieve. Thank-you to both of them for making us safer over many, many years. Our condolences to Officer Hogan and his family. Rest in peace, Dasty.
Here is a press release from the Arlington Police Department about Dasty, and some photos of him with his partner and handler, Officer Hogan.
From the Arlington Police Department
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved K9 Dasty.
Chief Frederick Ryan and the Arlington Police Department regret to announce that
one of its members, and a true model of 21st century law enforcement, K-9 Dasty died on Sunday after a brief battle with cancer.
A 12-year-old German Shepherd, Dasty was paired with Patrol Officer Michael Hogan and has been with the Arlington Police Department for his entire life. Dasty was everything the department could expect from a modern police officer, to say nothing about his performance as a K-9.
"Dasty was just as comfortable rolling over for middle school students as he was chasing down a suspect or locating an illegal firearm at a crime scene," Chief Ryan said. "He was everything we expect out of a police officer, and he will be greatly missed not only by the Arlington Police Department but also by the community as a whole."
Virtually every child in Arlington knew Dasty, as he spent the last decade in Arlington Schools, interacting with students and conducting demonstrations every year at Town Day and the Health, Recreation and Cops (HRC) Summer Camp. Dasty even made two appearances on TV's Animal Planet.
"Dasty was more than just a K-9, he was my partner, and he was a terrific one at that," said Officer Hogan. "Together, we tackled numerous cases, but more importantly, we interacted with the community and developed relationships with residents that will be remembered for many, many years to come."
Throughout his career, Dasty has responded to more than 600 calls for service, assisted in more than 40 felony arrests and was involved in 117 narcotic and evidence seizures including more than $100,000 in cash, as well as large seizures of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and several firearms.
Some of Dasty's more notable cases include locating a gun that was used in a shooting near Thorndike Field in 2015, apprehending and disarming a robbery suspect in East Arlington in 2011, and tracking and apprehending a burglary suspect from Beverly Road all the way to Mystic Valley Parkway near River Street in 2007.
"For many years, Dasty has been an integral part of the Arlington Police Department's commitment to community policing," said Arlington Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine. "Whether he was playing a role in an important investigation or part of a community event, Dasty's contributions will be sorely missed."
Dasty has assisted the United States Drug Enforcement Administration in the seizure of two kilograms of heroin, and, in 2016 alone, Dasty was responsible for the seizure of $48,000 in drug money.
In 2013, Dasty was assigned to the Presidential Security Detail in Boston during President Barack Obama's visit after the Boston Marathon Bombings. He also assisted with the search for the bombing suspects in Watertown. Also in 2013, he worked security during the Red Sox World Series victory and parade.
The department is currently planning a tribute for Dasty and will release details when they are available.
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HOT CARS = HOT DOGS -- Important ALERT
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by Katie Kozikowski
Summer and warm weather have arrived. It is important to remember animals do not fare well in rising temperatures especially when trapped inside a "heat magnet" such as a car. Even in temperatures as low as 75 degrees, your car's temperature can rise to 88 degrees in 10 minutes. Car temperature will hit a whopping 122 degrees Fahrenheit in less than an hour even with the windows cracked.
The most common animal to be left in a car is a dog. We love our dogs and want them to go everywhere with us. However, sometimes it is better and safer to leave them home. Dogs cool themselves by panting as they cannot sweat as humans do. If the heat around the dog is at a stagnant hot temperature, it becomes more difficult for the dog to cool itself. This will resulting in overheating which will require Emergency Room treatment. It could even cause death. Even if your dog appears okay after being left in the heat for an extended period of time, heatstroke (overheating) can take several days to take full effect. Do not wait. Have your pet examined by a veterinarian IMMEDIATELY after such an exposure.
If you have to run an errand on a hot day, your best option is to leave animals at home. While pets are at home, they can stay cool. There are many different ways to help them such as providing access for lying on a cool tile floor, allowing them to hang out in the basement adding ice cubes in their bowl or even making pup-sicles.
New laws have been recently passed regarding dogs/pets left in cars during periods of extreme temperatures. (This means extreme cold as well). People have been on the lookout and have contacted Animal Control or the Police whenever violations are observed. Please watch out for pets in cars on extremely hot or cold days and do report the situation. Also don't be someone who thinks, "It will only take a minute for me to run in." and leaves a dog in the car at risk for overheating or even death. Love your dog? Leave your beloved furry friends at home. They will be happy to see you when you return. If you have any questions on this issue or the Massachusetts laws feel free to contact Animal Control Officer Katie Kozikowski at 781-645-8014 or animalcontrol@town.arlington.ma.us.
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Erin's WILD Rescue: Kindness is The Winner
Erin is the recipient of the latest PAWSITIVE Awards drawing prize. People receive "Leash it and Ticket" tickets for following town bylaws like leashing dogs during appropriate hours and cleaning up after dogs, assisting with finding lost pets and even helping wildlife in need. In May Erin assisted an injured Grackle, a beautiful, common bird found in Arlington. Erin called Animal Control immediately after finding the bird. We contacted New England Wildlife which unfortunately was closed at the time. Since Erin had bird experience, she offered to care for the bird overnight until Animal Control made the transfer to the Center the following morning. Erin spoke with a technician for the necessary information to care for the bird successfully overnight. The bird was then transported to New England Wildlife. Although staff were unsure exactly what was wrong with the Grackle, they were confident the bird would be well enough to be released soon. Erin received a ticket for her service, and it was drawn as the "winning:" ticket. Congratulations!
Erin, thank you for your help, care and kindness towards animals. Please enjoy your prizes: "Shop Arlington First Gift Card" and a year full membership to A-DOG. Both prizes were donated by Arlington Dog Owners Group. Acts of Kindness indeed are their own reward and enrich the Arlington community for us all.
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An Arlington dog in the wedding party
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by Stormageddon Dark Lord of All as told to Xóchi Kountz;
photos by Alex and Emily Holman
My name is Starla, and I'm a cream standard poodle. My official AKC name is Stormageddon Dark Lord of All (Starla for short). If that name sounds familiar, you might be acquainted with the long running British series "Doctor Who." I was born in Maine and moved in with my human parents when I was 11 weeks old. I'm 4 years old now. Training was very important to me, so I took my human parents to get trained for 3 ½ years. They both passed the Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) exam and CGC Advanced with me as their canine companion. We also worked together and iI became certified as a therapy dog through a local group called Dog B.O.N.E.S. I have a job at my mommy's office as an assistant therapist - she has a mental health therapy private practice. I enjoy hanging out with all the people and giving them snuggles.
Occasionally I wear clothes, sometimes begrudgingly, and walk around on my hind legs. My favorite thing is playing with other dogs. I have several close doggy friends whom I hang out with regularly. I am pretty awesome! Every year I am featured in a calendar created by Xochi with the most engaging and ridiculous pictures possible chosen by my parents. I even have my own personal business card. (When Vistaprint has a holiday sale, canines receives business cards)
Even though I already am employed as an assistant therapist, I secretly want a modeling career. I'm a big ham and whenever I hear the camera click, I make sure to strike a pose! I am thrilled to share my "wedding" photo journal with you from one of my very favorite days ever - it was in February of this year. I hope you like it! My Big Day was when my parents were married and I starred in the ceremony as ring bearer.
Please consider sending special moments of "BIG Days" you have shared with your canine companions to be featured in WAGS & TAGS. Starla highly recommends it.
Captions (top to bottom)
*Don't tell anyone I tried on the veil. However, I do look pretty good!
*High Five! Mommy! I give my blessing. It really is about time!
*The flowers are so beautiful! How did Mommy get stockings to match so perfectly?
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May A-DOG Membership Meeting
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by Joan Black
6:30pm "Spring Surprise Social" starring Pizza & Salads
7:00pm Business Meeting
- BARK FOR LIFE A-DOG Team honoring Roslyn Smith successful. Great community involvement & member participation.
- Financial Report for 2016 lists most expenses for programs offered to community.
- Revenue is based on membership dues and other fundraising.
- Membership Drive is on hold while Board Member in charge of records is in hospital. FIDO Float in Patriots Day Parade was crowd pleaser.
- Approximately 30 dogs & members marched.
- Highly visible & popular community event, FLOAT advertised
- FIDO Fest. FIDO Fest, August 19, Boys & Girls Club Field, seeking VIDEOS from individuals, non profits & businesses. PUBLICITY is high priority. Sponsors include blueskydogs, Judy Weinberg/Remax and ACMI.
- 6th Annual Membership Wine Tasting has been postponed.
- A-DOG will participate in FEAST of The EAST Second Line Parade.
- Katie, ACO is initiating "Pawsitive" Volunteer Park Program & seeking A-DOG sponsorship Marci Cremenska created "Dog Bite Procedure" document with Katie. A Forum is pending.
- Coordinators are needed to support Arlington Recreation Canine programs.
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PAWS to Mark Your Calendar!
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Save the dates for coming events
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Mark your calendar for these great EVENTS. Please consider attending or volunteering for the events sponsored or co-sponsored by A-DOG (shown in
GREEN).
Contact us if you're interested in volunteering at any of these events...we need you!
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Reading Dogs, Rufus, Thelma, Benny, Penny, at FOX Library (175 Massachusetts Avenue in Arlington) with "bark to school" from 3:30-4:30 for all ages & reading levels. Sign up for 15 minute reading sessions. Please get tickets at circulation desk starting at 3 pm day of event. Happy tails are waiting to listen to your tales. Rufus & Thelma, Benny or Penny will be ready to read on the following dates. Generally, first and third Tuesdays of the month. Contact the Fox library for dates.
- Friday evening, August 19, FIDO Fest Arlington Video Festival, Boy's and Girl's Club field, Spy Pond. Submit your videos (up to 5 min) by August 4! More information is posted on the ACMI website.
- Tues, August 22, 6:30 - 8 pm, A-DOG meeting, Jefferson Cutter House, lower level (Community Room), Arlington Center. A "Summer Salad Soiree" potluck.
- Sat, September 16, Arlington Town Day -- visit our A-DOG booth! (Arlington Town Night, with the Dog Show, is Friday, Sept 15).
*****
Send us calendar items for possible inclusion in this section in future Wags and Tags issues!
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Help Wanted: Your Dog's Face Here?
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Wags and Tags Welcomes Your Contributions
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A-DOG Members and supporters, Wags and Tags is YOUR monthly newsletter! I
f you have suggestions for an article, including one you'd like to write, for a future issue, please email us with "Newsletter" in the subject line.
Maybe you'd like your dog to be one of our "
Arlington dogs, or A-dogs
", like Molly, Remy, Tammy, potcake Lexi and others. Or, write an article about Happy Tails Trails, describing your favorite place to enjoy nature with your dog. You don't have to live in Arlington, but can be a neighbor who enjoys Arlington's dog recreation benefits, or otherwise supports our mission. You can also suggest a special Rainbow Bridge memorial tribute to a beloved canine or feline family member you've lost.
Or, maybe you're a
Friend of A-DOG
Business and want to describe how you help A-DOG and what you offer to our community of dog owners and dog-friendly people. Your business, too, can be featured like OM Cookies, Menotomy Beer Wine and Spirits, Maida Pharmacy & Compounding Center and Lakota Bakery.
Suggested article length for the newsletter is 500 words or fewer but this is only a guideline. We will also need at least one photo, preferably a jpg or gif format, compressed to a size no greater than 1 MB. For text, arial 11 pt, single spacing preferred. (Please send the photo as a separate file, not imported into a Word document.)
Articles on any other topic of potential interest to dog owners are welcome. So are more volunteer editors and writers. Please send us your story proposals! Wags and Tags editorial team: Joan Black (managing editor), Jen Burns, Sue Doctrow, Ellen Leigh and Judy Weinberg.
Pssst...We are well aware that
our
members are not likely to have issues with spelling or grammar that's a little "ruff", but don't worry....our editorial team can polish your story, as needed. Feel free to ask.
The Irish Setter on the computer photo is reprinted from a website called "iget2work".
The "Bad spelling...image was posted on Facebook by Grammarly.
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A-DOG holds five meetings per year, in January, March, May, August and October. Unless otherwise noted, meetings are on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Community Room of the Jefferson Cutter House, 611 Mass Ave (at Mystic, in Arlington Center). The Community Room is accessible via the rear entrance at the municipal parking lot. Refreshments are served. New members show up every time so please join us!
A-DOG Membership!
A-DOG's membership year runs from April 1 through March 31, so some full memberships are up for renewal each spring. If your membership has expired, you should have received a reminder letter in early 2016 during our
Membership Drive. As an A-DOG Full Member, you are entitled to discounts and benefits from our
Friends of A-DOG businesses. And, your dues and donations to A-DOG are tax deductible, to the full extent allowed by law.
Shop for A-DOG!
Please support businesses that support responsible dog owners in Arlington by patronizing our
Friends of A-DOG Businesses.
(If you are not a full member, please sign up and pay your dues at the link above for joining A-DOG. If you are unsure if your membership is still active, or need another membership card as proof, you can
email us to check into it.)
Also, when you buy from Amazon, please start at the
Amazon Smile website which should get you directly to our donation link. If not, be sure to choose "A-Dog The Arlington Dog Owners Group, Inc" as your preferred nonprofit group. Amazon will make a donation to A-DOG and your purchase will not cost any more!
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A-DOG members, Business Friends of A-DOG and other subscribers receive Wags and Tags each month. If this issue was forwarded to you and you'd like to subscribe to Wags and Tags without joining A-DOG, click here or click the green sign-up button on the front page of our website.
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