August, 2018
Wags and Tags

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, Ellen Leigh, Judy Weinberg. 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
In this issue
  • Fido Fest 2018: Last Call for Aug 18!
  • Arlington's New ACO and Farewell from ACO Katie
  • Robbins Farm Dog At Play
  • Dog Days At the Arlington Reservoir -- Sept 8
  • Town Day Volunteers Needed! (Sept 15)
  • You and Fido Summer Fun
Fido Fest & Dog Pageant Last Call! Volunteers Needed
Fido Fest (August 18, 7–9 pm) is Greater Boston’s only video festival celebrating loveable dogs and their loyal humans. Fido Fest 2018 is bigger and better than ever! We are adding a Dog Pageant (tiara optional) at 7:30pm, Instagram-ready Under-the-Sea photo booth, free Capitol Theatre popcorn, games, drawings, info and more. 
 
Come and strut your pups’ stuff. You could win prizes in categories such as:
  • Golden Oldie
  • Owner/Dog Look Alike
  • Quickest Sit
And more...
 


Volunteers Needed:

We’d love for you to join our great group of volunteers that help organize Fido Fest! We need volunteers to:

  • Games for Kids: Set up and facilitate (4 volunteers)
  • Dog Pageant: Set up and Participants sign up (4 volunteers)
  • Popcorn distribution: a popular table (4 volunteers)
  • Photographers: using your iphones or digital cameras, (3 volunteers)
  • Table set up (4 volunteers)


Come at 5:30 pm to help. We’ll have pizza for our volunteers. Contact jen@blueskydogsma.com with questions and to volunteer.


 
Fido Fest schedule:

  • Set up chairs and blankets when you arrive. Don’t forget to bring a drink and some bug spray.


  • 7:00 pm Red Carpet & pics with Fido, games for kids, enter our drawings for prizes from Westpaw designs. Sign up for Dog Pageant and explore our Instagram-ready "Under-the-Sea" set (photo booth), get your popcorn, visit ACMI information table and A-DOG display to enter drawing for prizes and to play "Name the Breed" game. 


  • 7:30 pm Dog Pageant begins with MC Walter Locke


  • 8:00 pm. Welcome. Film begins at dusk, around 8-8:15 pm, when the sun sets low enough so images are visible on screen!

 
There is still time to submit homemade videos of your hard working, funny, and quirky dogs to be included in FidoFest (please submit by August 13). It’s easy to do at this link . http://acmi.tv/fidofest/

On August 18, join us as we watch our blockbuster dog videos outside on the big screen while munching on popcorn and enjoying a night under the stars. 
 
A-DOG, ACMi, Jen Burns/Blue Sky Dogs , and Judy Weinberg at Leading Edge Real Estate are sponsoring Fido Fest. It’s a free event and there are no tickets, so it’s first come first served for outdoor "seating" on the grass. Leashed dogs and well behaved human companions of all ages are welcome.  
 
We look forward to seeing you and your pup on August 18.
 
See our promo video (or click below)!



The Fido Fest committee is:
Jen Burns, Blue Sky Dogs and A-DOG
Judy Weinberg, Leading Edge Realty and A-DOG
Kathleen Whalen, A-DOG
Ellen Leigh & Ricky, A-DOG
Anita Pliner, A-DOG
Jonathan Barbato, ACMi
Dillin Evren, ACMi 

Arlington's Animal Control Officer: Farewell from ACO Katie and Welcome to ACO Diane Welch

 New Arlington ACO Diane Welch


Reprinted from an Announcement by the Arlington Police Department :

Chief Frederick Ryan is pleased to announce that Diane Welch was sworn in as the town's new Animal Control Officer last week.

ACO Welch began working for the town earlier this month and was officially sworn in at a ceremony at Arlington Town Hall on Thursday, July 26.

"Diane has an extensive history of working with animals and I believe she will be a great fit for the town and the department," Chief Ryan said.

ACO Welch, of Burlington, owns her own dog walking and training business, where she works closely with dog owners to teach them training techniques.
She has several years of experience working for the Burlington Science Center. There she cared for over 60 animals including snakes, snapping turtles, alligators, hawks and owls. She was responsible for caring for the animals and bringing them to and from classrooms at the center.

ACO Welch has been a state and federally licensed falconer for the past 24 years and formerly served as the president of the Massachusetts Falconry and Hawk Trust. She educates the public about falconry and conservation at venues throughout the state.
She has been called upon by the Massachusetts State Police numerous times to help capture and rescue injured birds of prey in the Danvers area.

In her free time, ACO Welch has rescued many orphaned or injured squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, opossums and baby birds and brought them to local animal rehabilitation specialists.

"My passion to rescue, handle and train animals has led me through many years of experience in this field," ACO Welch said. "I am thrilled to be working in Arlington and look forward to providing animal services and education to the members of the community."

From A-DOG: Welcome to Diane! We look forward to working with you on educational efforts to keep Arlington a dog-friendly community.
A Farewell Message from ACO Katie Kozikowski
As we entered into a new season, I began a new Animal Control position outside of Arlington. I would like to say thank you to all of the residents who have been so kind to me over the years and offered their assistance with lost dogs and injured animals.

Arlington was my first Animal Control job and I will always remember this town for its wonderful, kind hearted, animal loving residents!

During my time as your Animal Control Officer, I have enjoyed not only helping animals, but also educating and working with the public. My favorite past events include the Rabies Vaccine Clinic where town Veterinarians and technicians volunteered their time to offer low cost vaccines to dog and cat owners, as well the Living with Wildlife presentation to educate the public on how to coexist with wildlife in our neighborhoods.

A few of my favorite rescue stories were rescues that I could not have done without help! These include saving the swan that attempted to jump over the fence on to Rt. 2; he was released in Menotomy Rocks Park with assistance from residents during off leash hours. Last summer I received a call from the Board of Health regarding a duck flying around a sewer drain frantically searching for her ducklings, the DPW & Fire Department rushed to assist in rescuing the baby ducklings stuck in a drain pipe! Another of my top 3 would definitely be when the Belmont Animal Control Officer assisted in rescuing the coyote who was hit by a car on Mystic Street.

I wish this town nothing but the best. If I can give any last animal tips going forward into the spring/summer season they would be: 1. Before picking up a potentially orphaned wild animal, watch him for 24 hours first to be sure he is actually orphaned 2. Please leave your dogs home when running errands, the only hot dogs we should hear about should be the ones in buns during the 4th of July!

Thank you all!


From A-DOG: Thank-you Katie for all you've done for animals and pet owners in Arlington, including your many contributions to Wags and Tags, and best of luck in your new position!
Robbins Farm Dog At Play
As we described last month, the Robbins Farm Dog statue is home again, at the site of the Robbins farmhouse, thanks to the Friends of Robbins Farm Park History Project.

So many people and dogs have met him and made friends! These include Veronica's Ricka (left) and Jessica's Pinot (below, both photos provided by these dogowners).

If you haven't had a chance to do so, please thank the Friends of Robbins Farm Park and consider donating to help defray this happy contribution they've made to Robbins Farm Park.
Dog Days At the Arlington Reservoir
by Joan Black

"Dog Days At The Res" returns and once again Arlington’s Reservoir Beach will be going to the dogs. On Saturday September 8 from 10am-2:00pm Arlington Recreation & A-DOG invite dogs to take the plunge and enjoy a pup-tastic time running and playing in the water. It is a Beach Party just for dogs. Come on down, enjoy the fun and meet new friends while supporting the Thorndike dog park.

"Dog Days at the Res" is a FUNdraiser to benefit maintenance of and improvements for Thorndike Off Leash Recreational Area (aka, the Dog Park). Donations Appreciated & will be collected at the gate. Mark your Calendar & SAVE the Date. Dog Days at The Res comes only once a year, immediately after the Res is closed to swimmers for the season. Don't miss it!  

A-DOG Coordinators: David White & Joan Black 
* Contact Joan Black with questions or if you and your pup would like to be A-DOG Ambassadors that day.


Joan Black is an A-DOG officer and board member and managing editor of Wags and Tags. Photo provided by Ellen Leigh.
Town Day Booth Cancelled? Volunteers Urgently Needed!
A-DOG has never once missed a Town Day, in 9 years. Will this be the first Town Day year without A-DOG?

VOLUNTEERS are needed urgently this year for Town Day ( Saturday, Sept. 15) because of absences.

Tent & Table Set Up: 4 volunteers
7:30 It should take less than an hour to Set Up
We have someone to deliver equipment to our site,
which will be assigned just before Town Day. (Usually it is in front or near High Rock church on Mass Ave.} Joan will be there to help and advise.

A-DOG Booth Table Ambassadors: 3 volunteers per hour
 Joan will be there all day to advise & coordinate.  
1 to 2 hour shifts  *11 am – 1 pm has the highest volume of visitors  
You can participate any way you are comfortable. Ambassador dogs are welcome as well.

Volunteer Job Descriptions:

1 Greet people & pass out brochures in front of booth, especially to those walking dogs.
Invite into booth for drawings, membership sign-ups, etc

2 Be available near the Free Drawings & encourage people to enter, Remind them to sign up for WAGS & TAGS or consider joining A-DOG (Joan available to answer specific questions)

3 Accept payments for memberships.  

4 Walk along Mass Ave as an A-DOG ambassador handing out brochures while visiting Town Day

5 Name The Breed Dog Game: 1 person per shift
Shifts of an hour or two: (Easy Game: Joan will demonstrate) 
People match photographs of Arlington Dogs with the breeds for small prizes (All ages LOVE it!)

6 Take Down & Repack quickly at 3 pm.
Stop by and see if we need any help packing and loading up



If you are available please volunteer for: 
  • Set Up at 7:30 am  
  • Booth Table Ambassador
  • Name The Breed Game 

Town Day is 9:30–3:00

Please contact Joan Black <joan.c.black@gmail.com> for more details or to sign up.
Indicate area of interest & hour(s) available.
Volunteer list will be confirmed the week before Town Day and a decision made about whether the booth can happen.

A-DOG has lost 2 of its founding members who were instrumental to its success and contributed in many areas. Town Day was one of these. We need YOU to help rebuild A-DOG’s Town Day Working Group. Do NOT let Town Day be “Missing A-DOG” this year. We cannot go on without YOU.

 
A-DOG's Town Day booth is very popular with games for children, sign up for new and returning members, chances for everyone to enter a free drawing for prizes, information of value to responsible dog owners in Arlington and the opportunity to meet many dogs and their owners.  Volunteering at our booth is FUN. Please help A-DOG continue the Town Day tradition.
You and Fido, Summer Fun
Seeking more "DOG Days Of Summer" Photographs

by Joan Black

“On Pond with Pepe”

Ann Smith is featured kayaking with Pepe on a pond in Rockport, Maine this summer. Pepe does not swim or even like getting his feet wet. However, he hopped right into the kayak and had a wonderful afternoon. Pepe took to kayaking like a duck to water. Ann, one of the founders of A-DOG, recently moved to Mobile, Alabama to be near her children. She and daughter Sharon spent 7weeks traveling from Alabama on a road trip through New England & Canada. They discovered Pepe loved the trailer camping as much as they did and are making plans to return in June 2019.  

Please send pictures of YOU & FIDO on your Summer FUN Adventures. Did you and your dog reach the mountain tops, romp at the seaside, camp in the woods or take a road trip? Was your summer together a “stay-play” vacation at home with family and friends? 
 
Please include a brief description of where you were, name of your pup and any other interesting details. Please send photos (≤1 MB) as separate attachments and documents, if possible, in 11 pt Arial font.

Send document & photographs to Joan Black .
We look forward to sharing more A-DOG summer adventures in Wags & Tags.


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. We will plan the Town Day booth in August in a smaller group and anybody interested in Town Day is welcome to come (same time and place, but probably simpler refreshments).
 

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  

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!


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.  
Arlington Dog Owners Group | www.arlingtondogowners.org