Celebrating the canine-human bond!
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, and Ellen Leigh. Contact our
managing editor
if you'd like to submit an article. (Guidelines: 500 words or fewer, with 1 or 2 photos of 1 mb or smaller.)
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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- Save the Date: Paws for Calendar
- A Day for Pups: Barktober Fest
- ACO Diane's Critter Corner
- Lost Dog: Bubbling with Love
- Dog Days of Summer: Demi's Story
- Pawsome People and Awesome Dogs
- Fall Hazards: Beware
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Save the Date: Paws for Calendar
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Saturday October 20, Friends of Robbins Farm Park presents
Dedication of the History Project
at noon and
Field Day
at 1 pm at Robbins Farm Park. From FoRFP: "WE'RE BACK! We're celebrating with TWO EVENTS at Robbins Farm Park on Saturday, October 20th! At 12 noon, join us at the new dog statue for the DEDICATION of our now complete HISTORY PROJECT celebrating the gift of the Park to the Town by our generous benefactor Farmer Nathan Robbins. As we gather there will be activities for the kids and a chance to win prizes. At 1 pm, FIELD DAY returns to Robbins Farm Park! This family-oriented event will include old-fashioned races (3-legged, egg-on-the spoon, sack race, etc.) and a nature scavenger hunt. Moon walks, face painting, and seasonal refreshments will be available for a nominal charge." Read about the History Project in
August Wags and Tags
.
Saturday October 20 from 11:30-1:20pm "
Bark Happy Boston:Howl-o-ween Costume Pawty for Dogs
:" Benefits Missing Dogs Massachusetts:Za Cambridge, 350 3rd St. Cambridge MA tickets required.
Information here.
Saturday October 20 "
HOWL At Sheepfold Dog Park
", 11am-2:00pm
{Rt 28, Stoneham} Suggested donation $5.00 benefits Fellsdog:
Scavenger Hunt, Yard Sale, Vendors, Refreshments &
Tuesday October 23
A-DOG Annual Meeting
A-DOG’s Annual Meeting & "Amazing Appetizer" Potluck: Doors open at 6:00pm for informal conversation & social followed by Business Meeting 7:00-8:00pm.
We will welcome the new A-DOG Board as well as ACO Diane Welch, discuss fall & winter events and review 2018 goals & achievements. This is the final members meeting of the year.
Friday October 26, 7–9 pm.
DOGA
, a lifelong yoga practice for your dog. Everydog Training Center, 29 Andover St, #3E, Danvers, MA. $49 with your dog, space is limited. Contact Amy at
Native Dog Wellness
or Chris Cranston at <chriscranstonk9pt@gmail.com> with questions.
Register here
.
Sunday October 28
Barktober Fest
11:00am-3:00pm Wright Locke Farm, 78 Ridge Street, Winchester: Free Hosted by PALLS Inc Event includes family & dog-friendly activities, live music, trick dog & sporting dog presentations, vendors, dog costume contest, and more! A-DOG will be there with "Name The Breed Game," Free "Lucky Dog" Drawing for Prizes, & Complimentary Treats for YOUR dog. Stop by and say,"Hi."
More info here.
Sunday October 27, 9:00–4:00
Canine Muscle & Joint Workshop
. Hosted by a canine physical therapist and a canine massage therapist. Riverside Canine Center, 48 Bridge Street, Nashua, NH $175 with your dog, $125 for auditors. Contact Amy at
Native Dog Wellness
or Chris Cranston at <chriscranstonk9pt@gmail.com> with questions or for registration info.
Sunday October 28, 2–5:30 pm.
Adding quality to your dog's years
. Hosted by a canine physical therapist and canine massage therapist. Everydog Training Center, 29 Andover St, #3E, Danvers, MA. $99 with your dog, $69 for auditors, space is limited. Contact Amy at
Native Dog Wellness
or Chris Cranston at <chriscranstonk9pt@gmail.com> with questions.
Register here.
Saturday November 3, 7 pm,
Paint Your Pet Nite
: artlounge, 1348 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, to benefit
Legacy Rescue
$55.00 per person & RSVP required. Enjoy a cash bar & appetizers while painting your best friend.
More info here
.
Thursday November 15,
Pet First Aid/CPR program
co-sponsored by Arlington Animal Control & A-DOG. Arlington Senior Center/Second Floor, 23 Maple Street. 6:30–8:30pm. Free & open to public as a community service. Presentation by Amy Newfield,CVT,VTS(ECC} BluePearl Veterinary Partners (specialty & emergency medicine for pets). This multi media event includes demo dogs. The only other dogs allowed are certified service dogs.
Invitations provided by Tony Vogel, Friends of Robbins Farm Park. Photo of Robbins Farm dog statue by Jim Pogozelski.
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A Day for Pups: Inaugural Barktober Fest
Hosted by PAALS
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by Kayla Bybel
PAALS Inc. to Host Inaugural Barktober Fest Event at Wright-Locke Farm: A Day for Pups and their People to Enjoy the Season and Support Animal Welfare
Every dog deserves a day just for them and every animal in need deserves our support. Barktober Fest brings this together in a day of fun, food, activities and entertainment for all local pups and their people. it is a a unique opportunity to get out, enjoy the season, and support a good cause.
Barktober Fest, Sunday October 28th from 11am-3pm will be at the idyllic Wright-Locke Farm, 78 Ridge Rd, Winchester, MA. Dogs can enjoy enrichment activities and join in the costume contest or trick dog competition. With live music, dog performances, local vendors, food, pet portraits, facepainting and activities for the kids too, it is sure to be a day filled with smiling faces and wagging tails. A-DOG will have an information table, Name The Breed Game with prizes and free drawing. Come on by to say ,”Hello.”
Barktober Fest welcomes all friendly, on-leash pups and their people. Dogs should be on a non-retractable leash no longer than 6 feet and be current on vaccinations. Get a free activity ticket when you
RSVP at Eventbrite here
.
About PAALS Inc. PAALS Inc. (Passionate Animal Allies Lending Support) is a 501(c)(3) certified nonprofit organization that focuses on promoting the health, safety and psychological wellness of any and all animals. The goal of PAALS, Inc. is to further the mission of any not-for-profit animal welfare organization through fundraising and cause awareness. Learn more at our
website
. (Contact Kayla Bybel at kaylab@paalsinc.org, 781-588-4420)
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ACO Diane's Critter Corner:
Of Feather and Fur
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by Diane Welch,
Arlington's Animal Control Officer
Here are some points pet owners should follow when their pet goes missing.
1.
Call Animal Control
. I will post a picture of your pet and location last seen as well as any other details (friendly, may be frightened and shy etc.)
2.
Post on the Arlington List
. This is a great resource and followed by many in Arlington. Include a photo and where the pet went missing from.
3.
Get a pet tag
with your name and phone number. This cuts down on time looking up License numbers or calling vets to find info from Rabies tag.
4. Indoor Cats that have gotten out of your home can usually be found within 3 surrounding houses of your home. Usually.
5. Most dogs that have gotten away from a fenced in yard or a home have been found by Arlington residents before the owner knows their dog is missing.
6.Residents should call me to say they see a dog running alone. I will get to the area as soon as possible! My fear is always that a runaway dog will get hit by a car. Often these amazing and kind Arlington people have caught and leashed the dog so it is waiting for me when I arrive. Although on one particular Friday, I received 4 calls on dogs running loose and by the time I arrived there was no sign of them.
I suggest that dog owners keep a collar and tags on their dogs all day. Take it off at night but in the event your dog gets loose, I will have an immediate way to contact you.
Best Regards,
Diane Welch
Animal Control Officer
Arlington Police Department
112 Mystic Street
Arlington, MA 0247
cc: 781-645-8014
dwelch@town.arlington.ma.us
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Lost Dog: Bubbling with Love
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by Charlotte Hanks
It was a hot summer's day. I stepped outside. A dog was on the porch, seemingly asking for a drink and some love - except, we don't have a dog. We are cat people.
Immediately I gave him water and took some photos. I posted on Arlington local groups and called Diane, Arlington's new Animal Control Officer. The dog tried to come into the house to escape the heat, but my blind cat wouldn't be such a fan. We have a big shady porch. Since he was whining, we gave him a little cat food. That seemed to make the dog VERY happy.
We couldn't just leave the dog, so we settled in to wait for Diane. My five year old son is afraid of dogs, but it became abundantly clear this dog could be trusted. My son slowly got off laps and allowed the dog (who we had named Thundercloud) to give him kisses. We tried throwing a ball for our guest, but he wasn't so interested. My son then tried the bubble machine, which proved to be a smash hit! Thundercloud went wild for the bubbles.
Diane came after attending to another call. We hit it off and agreed the dog mustn't go to a shelter. We discussed a temporary home which a kind soul on one of the Arlington groups had offered. Suddenly a police officer arrived! I don't know how he did it, but he found the owner and located our house by finding Diane's car. Go Arlington Police Department! The most exciting thing in the world for my son was to have had TWO police officers at his house.
The nanny of the dog's family came over quickly with the baby, much to the dog's delight. It seemed when cleaning people arrived, the dog had escaped. Meanwhile, Diane met our pets, admired the fish, and had told such fascinating stories about hurt coyotes and bats, I should really have paid for such a high quality educational visit!
So we all had a happy ending. My son got to meet real police officers, the dog went home to his people, and I finally got to meet Diane - the cat group had been planning to have a reception to welcome her, this quickly turned into a tea party where we could wear frilly dresses. Overall a great experience - we had so much fun having a guest doggo who was bubbling with love.
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Dog Days of Summer Photographs
Border Collie Mountain High: Demi's Story
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by Heidi Taylor
Demi came into my life a year ago at 6 months. She is a fun loving, adventure seeking pup. Demi loves to hike and also is ready for any challenge which comes her way. She is really good everywhere we go and is super happy just hangout with me. Demi absolutely loves when I foster puppies because it gives her more excuses to play. She is eager to convince them to chase her endlessly. My Demi is rather snuggly and I love that about her. I have been blessed with her tender heart and she makes me smile everyday. Demi loves to play with balls and toys and has the border “zooms.” She has the opportunity to get her energy out often as I hike at least 5 days a week. I feel so lucky to have her as part of my life and family. The photograph of Demi and the rest of our family was taken in the Wasatch Mountains in Utah.
Demi ’s family:
Dixie, a 7 year old poodle with erosive polyarthritis, is the most well behaved sweet pup ever. Although Dixie was diagnosed at two, she is a fighter and doing well. Dixie came to me when her owner was getting rid of her and her sisters before leaving on a trip. I know she was meant for me with her health issues. Dakota, my rat terrier is 14 and was rescued at 3 months. He is a lovebug. Dakota still enjoys going on adventures even though his body is slowing down and he seems to have slight dementia. Then there is Denara, the chihuahua, who was rescued at 8 months. She is a little spitfire and unlike most chihuahuas likes hiking, other dogs and people. As I have taken my time with each one to make them feel comfortable and loved, I ended up with pretty amazing family. The foster I have now is a 1 year old BC. Fostering is amazing and it gives me great joy to see dogs come out of their shell. Fostering saves lives.
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Pawsome People and Awesome Dogs
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A-DOG & Arlington Recreation Present: A Beach Party Just for Dogs
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by Joan Black & Firefly
(Photos contributed by Ellen Leigh and Ricky)
Dog Days At The Res 2018 was JUST perfect. Well over 100 dogs accompanied by their families raced, swam, waded, fetched, flopped and rolled in the sand etc without incident. There was a wide variety of dogs: fast moving corgi & greyhounds, ball retrieving labs, water splashing golden retrievers & spaniels, and many assorted dogs with oodles of poodles & doodles racing through water. At water’s edge were petite pups playing to the tunes of a serenading basset hound on the shore. Other pups liked hanging with their owners on the sand or near benches. Owners & families had almost as much fun watching and socializing with each other. The beach was populated with folks who ranged in age from seniors to babes in arms. Several families joined us without dogs just to watch. Some were "in process" of adoption while others just LOVED dogs. A few had lost a family canine companion and The Res had been a special place to walk for their beloved dog. Marianne Comeau, Recreation Representative, collected donations at the gate and welcomed each & every pup. DOG Days At The Res raised $520.00 to benefit maintenance of and improvements for Thorndike Dog Park (Thorndike Off Leash Recreational Area).
I had so many conversations and engaged with new dog owners as well as new residents to Arlington. Thank YOU to A-DOG Ambassadors who likewise reached out to pet dogs and help everyone feel welcomed. People were eager to identify ways to become more involved and connected to the Arlington Community. “A Beach Party Just for Dogs” was also celebration of community. The dogs had a wonderful time no matter what size, energy level, age, breed, interest in water etc. They all found their individual way to enjoy the beach activities. Some just wanted to be with their families while others played and ran free. The people on the beach had a wonderful day as well. The most often comment or question made to me was,
"Why can't this happen more than once a year?" Based on the good behavior of dogs, good sense of community and good will generated, I feel that is a VERY good question.
At the conclusion of DOG Days At The Res, no dogs, owners or waste were left behind.
Be sure to join us next year when A-DOG & Arlington Recreation Present:
DOG Days at The Res 2019.
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FIDO Fest PUP POP UP: It’s a Wrap
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by Jen Burns
“Fido Fest Pup Pop Up” went off without a hitch Thursday 9/27 & Friday 9/28 at Whittemore Robbins Lawn in Arlington. Everyone enjoyed complimentary popcorn from Capital Theatre, learned about the Doggie Investigation Gang Series from author Shara Puglisi Katsos, had pictures taken under the sea, played lawn games and enjoyed the amazing dog videos the community contributed. Thank you to sponsors A-DOG, ACMi (Arlington Community Media Inc), Judy Weinberg, Leading Edge Realty, & Jennifer Burns, blueskydogsma. Thank YOU especially to wonderful event volunteer staff and amazing Fido Fest committee: Jonathan Barbato, Kathleen Whalen, Ellen Leigh, Joan Black, Anita Pliner, Dillin Evren, Judy Weinberg, Jen Burns, and honorary 6yr old Nora Bailey. These were the best, hardest working, personally involved Fido Fest Working Group ever. We are already planning Fido Fest 2019 for first Sat in Aug (rain date the first Sunday in Aug). You can send in dog videos anytime at acmi.tv/fidofest . Contact Jen@blueskydogsma.com FIDO Fest is the Best and “the Best “ is yet to come.
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Fall is Fun!
But Beware of Fall Hazards
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Thanks to A-DOG members for contributing photos of their pups enjoying cool autumn days. But please don't forget to protect your dogs from fall hazards.
Fall Hazards: BEWARE Excerpt from "Proud Mom"
The article HIGHLIGHTS “7 Autumn Hazards” for dogs including:
Rodenticides, Mushrooms, Chrysanthemums, Autumn Crocus, Halloween Candy, Thanksgiving feast leftovers, & Creatures hiding in leaves. This is a helpful review with explicit photographs.
Link here.
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A-DOG Meetings in 2018-2019
A-DOG holds five meetings per year, in January, March, May, July 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, typically with a potluck soup and salad meal, are served, generally beginning at 6 pm with the meeting from 7 to 8:30 pm. New members show up every time so please join us! Our next meeting is October 23, 2018.
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 expired, you should have received a reminder letter 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. If you are not an A-DOG member,
join here
.
Shop for A-DOG
(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!
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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Arlington Dog Owners Group | www.arlingtondogowners.org
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