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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, Jen Burns, Sue Doctrow, Ellen Leigh, Judy Weinberg, Janice Zazinski
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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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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A-DOG Pops-Up at the Common Ground!
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A summary of our day at the Common Ground holiday fair
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by Wendy Hori
 A-DOG participated for the first time at the Pop UP Craft Fair at Common Ground on December 4. This was only the second time the crafts fair has been held and it was a resounding success. The fair took place in a wonderful reception hall at the back of the restaurant with over a dozen vendors and was well attended. The A-DOG table, staffed by Joan Black, Janice Zazinski
, Wendy Hori, Anita Pliner and Nancy Feeney looked very festive with homemade crafts & treats for the pups and their humans. Several A-DOG members came by to say hello (with a surprise visit by Ellen Leigh and Ricky!) as well as some new friends who loved our coordinated A-DOG theme. Much thanks goes to the Common Ground staff with a special shout out to
Bob O'Guin, Owner and Manager Liz Marsden who came by to chat and compliment us on our colorful table. On the business side, many of the items were a sell-out and the fair was a success. A-DOG would like to thank the following people who generously supplied all the items for sale: Elaine Crowder -
4x6 "cubby art";
Joan Black-Paw Print soaps & hand sewn coasters; Shara Katsos- "DIG books"; Janice Zazinski - Daisy's pumpkin dog cookies; Wendy Hori - Lucy's Real Meat Treats & toys; Carol Grover - :scarves; Gail McCormick: Arlington street scene cards; Sue Doctrow - earrings; Marci Cemenska - OM Cookies; Roslyn Smith -
Pepe's Peanut Butter Treats.
THANK YOU! WE COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU!
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Wendy Hori is an A-DOG board member and makes Lucy's Real Meat Treats in Arlington. Lucy's Real Meat Treats and Chestnut Hill Farms are Friends of A-DOG businesses. Photos (top) Ricky, Anita, Joan and Wendy; (bottom) Joan, Janice, Nancy and Wendy.
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Winner of A-DOG's First Look Alike Contest
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by Joan Black and the Firefly
Dog is My Co Pilot: Andrew & Olive
by Marianne Adams
Olive Brindle is halfway through her 3rd year of life and she shows no signs of slowing down. She loves everything outside; running, barking, scouting for ground hogs in the backyard, and chasing big game in the Berkshires. If Olive is not outside, she is in her bed on the couch sleeping or looking and hoping for action out the window on our little dead end street in Arlington. She is a rescue dog from Georgia who we chose at 4 months from the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem. As you can see in the photograph Olive and Andrew are both intently watching the road ahead together in anticipation of the destination of their next BIG adventure. Happy trails, Olive & Andrew.
Joan Black is an A-DOG board member/officer and member of the Wags and Tags editorial team. The Firefly is Joan's frequent collaborator for A-DOG events and Wags and Tags stories! Photos (top) Joan and The Firefly; (bottom) Andrew and Olive on the road.
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ACO Katie's Corner with last Month's Pawsitive Award Winner
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And, for January, 2017, why license your dog?
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by Katie Kozikowski
Pawsitive Award Winner -- December
Joanna Giannopoulos is a professional dog walker with clients in both Medford and Arlington. She loves the parks in Arlington and is well aware of the guidelines and regulations. Joanna, with two of her clients' dogs on leash, were observed traveling the path around McClennen Park. As she was abiding Arlington's bylaws by keeping both dogs on leash during the designated "on leash" hours, Joanna received a ticket for the "Leash It and Ticket" program. Many others who were following the bylaws also received tickets all across town. Her ticket was the winning one chosen from December's drawing. Joanna is the proud recipient of a Gift Certificate to Arlington's own Common Ground, graciously donated by Friend of A-DOG business, Common Ground.
YOU too could be a Pawsitive winner and role model by simply doing the right thing. Good deeds and examples are noticed and have "positive" effects. YOU also will be eligible for wonderful Pawsitive Award prizes.
Joanna has set a great example by both being informed and following the guidelines. Be like Joanna and you might be next month's winner! Think and act Pawsitive!
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ACO Katie's Corner presents updates from Arlington Animal Control Officer (ACO) Katie Kozikowski.
Photos, from top, (1) ACO Katie; (2) Pawsitive winner, Joanna.
Collaborating with Katie on this column is Joan Black, A-DOG board member/officer and member of the Wags and Tags editorial team.
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Around the Doggone Web - January 2017
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New Year ... New Habits .... New Dog?
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by Janice Zazinski
Happy 2017! January is National Train Your Dog Month, and while the cold weather might put a crimp in your furry pal's outdoor exercise, never fear! The mental stimulation of training your dog and reinforcing what s/he already knows is both tiring for your dog and fun for the family.
- The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APTD) has free "everyday manners" classes available online, here. They specialize in teaching dogs to have C.L.A.S.S.: Canine Life and Social Skills.
- Maybe you want to brush up in a structured setting. Remember, training doesn't have to be all-or-nothing ... as my husband and I learned in our Basic Manners class at Friend of A-DOG The Pet Republic, you can reinforce your dog's "stay" or practice some "leave-its" in the kitchen while the pasta is boiling, have your dog "wait" while you open the front door, and practice random recalls while you're just sitting and reading. Set your dog up for success and reward with whatever motivates your dog best: a treat, praise, a toy.
- Companion Animal Psychology has posted its annual list of "Pet People to Follow" in 2017, ranging from behaviorists and geneticists to animal welfare nonprofits and organizations fighting breed-specific legislation.
- What's wrong with rawhide? Plenty, according to Dr. Karen Becker, starting with how it's made (not for the squeamish). More here.
- Maybe you promised the kids a pet for Christmas or Hanukkah and are wisely waiting for warmer weather to bring your new pet home, but you think you need a puppy or kitten to bond with the family. The ASPCA "Shines a Light on Shelter Myths" and debunks that and other ideas about shelter pets in this post. In fact, canine scientist Julie Hecht has done studies that show dogs of all ages bond quickly with humans, and can form multiple, successive bonds in their lifetimes. (I think anyone who has adopted a shelter dog can attest to that.)
- When you finally bring your new dog home, Victoria Stilwell has tips on how to choose a good dog trainer. For starters, a trainer needs to communicate very well with humans. More here.
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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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Jan 31 and future (see dates)
Rufus & Thelma Reading Dogs 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 will be ready to read on the following dates. Mark your calendars. Jan 31, Feb 14 & 28, Mar 14, & 28, Apr 11 & 25, May 9 & 23. Jun 6 & 20
- January 24 - First A-DOG meeting of 2017; January 24 (6:30-8:30 pm; visiting and refreshments at 6:30 with meeting beginning at 7). A-DOG's Festive First Membership Meeting of the Year. Join us for a "Winter Warmer " of soups, bread, tea and hot topics {includes vegetarian option} served at 6:30. Business meeting will directly follow from 7-8pm. Agenda will feature A-DOG's Calendar: proposed Events & Projects for 2017 and a discussion about setting long term goals with a survey. Location is the community room (downstairs) at the Jefferson Cutter House (home of Dalin Museum in Arlington Center); enter at lower level in back; you may park in the municipal lot, but don't forget that Arlington now requires parking payment til 8 pm. Future A-DOG meetings, March 28, May 23, August 22 and October 24 (Annual Meeting).
Photos (top) Paint Your Pet poster by A-DOG board member Jen Burns; (bottom) Dasty, Officer Mike Hogan and newest K9 Eiko (from the Arlington town website).
Send us calendar items for possible inclusion in this section in future Wags and Tags issues!
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Pawsome People and Awesome Dogs
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compiled and written by Joan Black
Santa Paws Benefits Thorndike Dog Park with Sponsorship from Home Advantage Team.
Celebrating the Holiday Spirit.
Massachusetts Moves Up to Number #3 With Passage of Question Three, November 2016.
State Rankings for A More HUMANE Nation
******
Joan Black is an A-DOG board member and officer and member of the Wags and Tags editorial team.
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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, like the recent tribute to Duke.
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, Jen Burns, Sue Doctrow, Ellen Leigh, Judy Weinberg and Janice Zazinski.
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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