October 2017
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 

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

THIS SATURDAY, Sept 21: Walk with Your Best Friend at Arlington Great Meadows: A Guided Tour!

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.
Walk With Your Best Friend(s) at Arlingon Great Meadows!
A guided tour 





Oct17AGMby David White

Saturday, October 21, 10 am til noon.
Many people like to walk with their dogs in natural outdoor areas.  One such area just over the 
Lexington border is Arlington's Great Meadows (AGM).  This walk will orient you to the various paths that you and your pup can enjoy there.  People and leashed dogs are welcome for this walk to be led by David White.  Please Wear: Appropriate outerwear and footwear.  Also use insect repellent for ticks.
Location:  Meet in the parking lot of the nursing home at the end of Emerson Gardens Road and Bryant Street.  From Maple Street, turn onto Emerson Gardens Road and follow it to the end.  Enter the facility's driveway (slowly, please) and continue around to the right, keeping the building on your left.  Proceed to the far end of the parking lot. 
Map is available here.  
Sponsored by Friends of Arlington's Great Meadows (FoAGM) and the Arlington Dog Owners Group (A-DOG)
For information contact David at info@FoAGM.org .
If really bad weather, rain date is 10/28.
Come join us.  EXPLORE  Arlington's Great Meadows & Meet New Friends. 
Saturday, October 21 at 
David White is an A-DOG board member and member of the Arlington Conservation Commission and Friends of Arlington Great Meadows, as well as chairman of the Arlington Reservoir Committee.
Photo: Mary with Bodhi & Sakhi.
FIDO Fest Does Not Rest
Enter your video for October drawing

by Joan & Jen of  "J" Team  (FIDO Fest "J" Team: Jonathan Barbato, Joan Black, Jen Burns & Judy Weinberg)

Oct17FIDOBE the FIRST to enter a video for FIDO Fest's  October Drawing and be eligible to win an Arlington Community Card (good for many local business discounts) & and a complimentary year Membership in  A-DOG.   All videos received between October 15 & November 15 will automatically be entered into this month's  drawing.  We want videos of pups coming all year to be featured on the BIG screen making FIDO Fest 2018  bigger, better and more inclusive.  MONTHLY themes will be suggested for inspiration but any funny, quirky, athletic, silly, clumsy, sweet videos featuring dogs will be entered.  

PLEASE NOTE:   Videos   must be under 2 min long and a YouTube link can be submitted here.   Remember you can label your video as "unlisted" & just submit link if you don't want your video public on your youtube account.  If you are not sure how to load a video on youtube, here's a video to help.    

OCTOBER 's video theme is "Falling Into Fall & Haunted Hounds".' Entries are due by November 15.  Send videos of pups heading back to school, jumping & playing in leaves, enjoying favorite walks in the woods, watching or participating in fall sports like soccer, football, hide & seek etc. playing with friends "canine & human" or dressing up for some Howl-o-ween festivities.  Any adventures with your dog would make a nice video.  It can be as simple an idea as the following featured  video of "Pup Versus Godzilla."

Kids & adults of "all ages and abilities" have the potential to take interesting, unusual and fun to watch dog videos.  If you have a favorite video on your phone or face book page,  put it on youtube and send us the link.  We want YOU to be part of Fido Fest 2018.  *Reminder you may submit  videos "off" theme and still be included in that month's drawing.  YOU and your dog just may be the next winner or featured model in WAGS & TAGS.

 " Topic Themes " for Monthly Prize Drawings donated by A-DOG & Friends of A-DOG:   September: "Dog Days of Summer"/Whole Foods Certificate   OCTOBER:: "Falling into Fall & Haunted Hounds" /Community Discount Card & A-DOG Membership   November: "My Dog Is Thankful for....."    December: "Holiday Hounds,"   January: "Winter Pups,"   February: "A Dog's Best-est Friend(s) & Look Alikes"   March: Doggone Good Luck/ Pup's Birthday Party,"   April: "No Fooling: Stupid, Silly, & Surprising Pet Tricks & Talents,"   May: "Springing into Spring: "A Few of Pup's Favorite Things,"   June: "Adventures Around A-Town (Activities, events & places in Arlington)   ALWAYS Your own ideas are welcome & encouraged. SURPRISE US!

See YOU at the Festival on the BIG Screen.   Every dog has a "TAIL TO TELL & WAG"
*****
Joan Black and Jen Burns are A-DOG board members.
Howl-o-ween Invitation
The return of HOWL-O-WEEN: Fantastic FIDO Festivities!




Oct17Howlby Joan Black


YOU are invited to Arlington Recreation's Annual Howl-o-ween Costume Party,  Monday October 30 from 5-6:30pm at Thorndike Off Leash Recreational Area (the dog park).  All are welcome.  

There will be "lollipups" for human companions and treats, including Lucy's Real Meat treats, for dogs.  Participants will receive certificate awards and are encouraged to enter a free drawing for prizes provided by Friends of A-DOG. 
Be READY to release your inner hound and come on down to the best costume party in A-Town.


Donation: $5:00 to benefit the Dog Park
Event sponsored by Arlington Recreation & Arlington Dog Owners Group. (a-DOG)
Please Note: If you are unable to attend but would like to support the dog park, you can donate through the Rec Department here or through A-DOG's Friend of Thorndike Dog Park fund here

No amount is toooo small.


*******
Joan Black is an A-DOG board member and officer. Photos show Joan with the Firefly (upper) and Lucy.
Pet First Aid and CPR Basics
Save the Date! Tuesday, November 14



by Mary McCartney

Oct17CPRSave the Date!  Tuesday November 14, 2017 from 7:00-8:30pm
Arlington Senior Center, 27 Maple Street, Arlington, MA
A-DOG is pleased to announce it will offer this important and popular workshop again this year taught by veterinary emergency expert Amy Newfield. 
 
Pet First Aid and CPR Basics Workshop
Cost: Admission is free but we suggest a donation to Frankie's Friends, a charity providing financial assistance for veterinary patients in need. 
 
Workshop is taught by Amy Newfield, CVT, VTS (ECC) of BluePearl Veterinary Partners
 
Co-Sponsored by A-DOG & BluePearl Veterinary Partners.
 
Preventative care through your primary veterinarian is the best tool for identifying
potential ailments, but accidents and acute illness can pop up at any time! This session  is designed to teach you-- the pet owner-- the basics behind the most common pet  emergencies.  Awareness of hazards and recognition of distress signals in your pet can  be critical in stabilizing an emergency.
 
In this workshop, you will learn the following:
*           Find a pulse and count a heartbeat
*           Check the gums and identify signs of emergency
*           Perform hands-on CPR
*           Bandage a wound
*           Respond to choking
*           Set up a first aid kit
 
The instructor will be demonstrating techniques on her own pet dog.  No dogs please, with exception of Service dogs.
 
About the instructor:  Amy Newfield, CVT, VTS (ECC)
Amy is currently employed with BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Waltham as the
National Veterinary Technician Training Manager.  In 2003 she became boarded as a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care.  She has taught
hundreds of pet first aid classes around the state of Massachusetts and was a former instructor for the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency teaching first responders and disaster teams across the state.  She has instructed several first responder classes at Logan International Airport to help improve the safety of airline travel for pets. She lives in Massachusetts with her wonderful furry kids.



 
*********
Mary McCartney is an A-DOG board member. Photo shows instructor Amy with her "demo-dog" Meeko.

ACO Katie's Corner
with Halloween Safety Tips by Alex Coates

Oct17ACOby Katie Kozikowski
JulACO
Sharing Halloween safety tips by Alex Coates:

Halloween marks the beginning of the holiday season - a time of celebration for towns, neighborhoods, and families.  While it's important to remember the decorations and the pumpkin carving, it's equally important to think about our furry friends during this time because they too
are part of our community.  Knowing how to make your dog comfortable during this cheerful, and busy time will not only make your dog feel less stressed, but you as well.
 
Halloween arrives with a flurry of activities and visitors arriving at the door.  Too many strangers can often be scary and stressful for pets.  Identify a secure place in your home to keep your dogs away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours.  This is for your pet's benefit, and also for trick-or-treaters.  Young children with a fear of dogs will have a much better night if they aren't met by a dog at houses they visit.
 
When it comes to the candy bowl, it's for trick-or-treaters only - not Scruffy or Fluffy.  Several popular Halloween treats are toxic to pets.  Chocolate in all forms - especially dark or baking chocolate - can be very dangerous for cats and dogs, and sugar-free candies containing the ingredient xylitol can cause serious problems in pets.  To ensure your animal's safety, keep the candy out of reach.  What follows  candy distribution is often forgotten; the candy wrappers.  A stray wrapper on the floor or coffee table can be equally as dangerous as candy itself.  Wrappers not only carry the remnants of the candy, but they also pose a serious choking hazard.  Luckily, there's a simple fix to this problem.  Be sure to throw candy wrappers out!
 
Another warning concerning choking hazards is related to decorations.  Small tassels, plastic pieces, and ribbon are perfect snacks in the eyes of a dog and planting to a cat.  If you're planning on pulling out all the stops when it comes to decorations, check to be sure none of them pose a threat to  pets.  In addition if you're planning on dressing your dog up, make sure there are no extra pieces that could be easily chewed off.  Following a few key safety guidelines will ensure a Happy Halloween for you and your dog's Halloween will carried off without a hitch!  Happy Howling Halloween!

 
Alexandra Coats is senior at Arlington High School.  Dedicated to the continued safety and education regarding animals, she jumped at the opportunity to intern for Arlington Animal Control.  While Alexandra is not planning on going to school for animals, they are an important part of her life and she hopes she can keep working with them in the coming years.  She is the adoring mom to a dog and two cats.


**************** 
ACO Katie's Corner presents updates from Arlington Animal Control Officer (ACO) Katie Kozikowski.  Collaborating with Katie on this column is Joan Black, A-DOG board member/officer and member of the Wags and Tags editorial team.


PAWS to Mark Your Calendar!
Save the dates for coming events

   

Sept17Calendar Oct17Calendar" NEW or RENEW: We still need YOU to join the A-DOG pack!" It is NEVER too late.  
 

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!
____________

  • 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 on the day of event. Happy tails are waiting to listen to your tales.  10/24 Rufus, Thelma & Benny. 11/7 Rufus, Thelma & Penny. Generally, first and third Tuesdays of the month. Contact the Fox library for dates.
  • Sat, Oct 21. (10:00 to noon). Walk with your Best Friend(s) at Arlington's Great Meadows. Many people like to walk with their dogs in natural outdoor areas. One such area just over the Lexington border is Arlington's Great Meadows (AGM). This walk will orient you to the various paths that you and your pup can enjoy there. People and leashed dogs are welcome for this walk to be led by David White. Please Wear: Appropriate outerwear and footwear. Also insect repellant for ticks. Location: Meet in the parking lot of the nursing home at the end of Emerson Gardens Road and Bryant Street. From Maple Street, turn onto Emerson Gardens Road and follow it to the end. Enter the facility's driveway (slowly, please) and continue around to the right, keeping the building on your left. Proceed to the far end of the parking lot. Map here. Sponsored by Friends of Arlington's Great Meadows (FoAGM) and the Arlington Dog Owners Group (A-DOG). For information contact David at info@FoAGM.org. If really bad weather, rain date is 10/28.
  • Tues, Oct. 24, (6:30 - 8 pm),  A-DOG meeting, Jefferson Cutter House, lower level (Community Room), Arlington Center. Our Annual Meeting. A-DOG "Amazing Appetizer Potluck & Annual Meeting"; doors open 6:00: All are welcome Potluck 6:30: Bring finger food to share & Meet new friends. (Beverages, plates & utensils provided by A-DOG). Business Meeting 7:00-8:00pm. Agenda will include the following: Celebrate, Evaluate & Review A-DOG Accomplishments for 2017; Add Ideas & Support for fall & winter program; Make Recommendations for Events & Initiatives for next year. Hope YOU will join us  
  • Thurs, Oct 26, (5-8 pm),  Rabies Vaccine Clinic , sponsored by Arlington Animal Control, Jefferson Cutter House, 611 Mass Ave, Arlington.
  • Thurs Oct. 26  at 6:30pm. Multimedia  Coyote Program with John Maguranis, Animal Control Officer Belmont.  Belmont Media Center,  9 Lexington Street, Belmont  Topics include: Common Misconceptions/Facts, Coexistence, Pet Safety, Hazing techniques. Suitable for children. Event will be televised. 
  • Thurs, Oct 26, Nov 2 and Nov 6. (7-9 pm) Dog Portrait Workshop, Lexington Arts and Crafts Society, Lexington, MA. Contact Lexington Arts and Crafts Society for details.
  • Mon, Oct 30  HOWL-o-ween party from 5:00-6:30pm at Thorndike Off Leash Recreational Area (dog park) the FIDO Costume Party Return. FUN for Canine & Human Companions. Festivities include Treats, Participation Awards & "free" Drawing Prizes. Do not miss this FUNdraising event Cosponsored by Arlington Recreation & Arlington Dog Owners Group.  $5.00 donation benefits Thorndike Off Leash Recreational Area. 

     
     (See article above for more details.) 
  • Tues Nov 14, 7-8:30. CPR/Pet First Aid at the
    Arlington Senior Center. Sponsored by A-DOG & BluePearl Veterinary Partners (see article above for more details).
     
*****
  
Send us calendar items for possible inclusion in this section in future Wags and Tags issues!  


Pawsome People and Awesome Dogs....


compiled by Joan Black

Oct17PawsArlington Reservoir CPA Project: Help Spread The Word
 by David White
The Master Plan Project for the Arlington Reservoir area, which is being funded by the CPA, is underway - and it's going to be an exciting process!  We are looking at how the entire Reservoir area can be improved both for the public and the environment, and are actively seeking your input.  There will be a series of public meetings to hear from you.  The next meeting is planned for Thursday October 26 at a location to be determined.  Comments can also be sent to:  RecOffice@town.arlington.ma.us

All the public documents and meeting information will be available at the Reservoir website.
David White, Arlington Vision 2020 Reservoir Committee.  David as an A-DOG Board member  will be guiding a "Walk With Your Best Friend[s} at Arlington's Great Meadows" on Saturday October 21 from 10am to noon, an event cosponsored by Friends of Arlington's Great Meadows & A-DOG/




Help Wanted: Your Dog's Face Here?
Wags and Tags Welcomes Your Contributions

Oct17FAcehereA-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. (submission ideas to A-DOG or Joan)

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.  


A-DOG Meetings in 2017-2018
  
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 2017 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!

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.