Category: Boston:101

Poppy at Wollaston Beach

Our own pup Poppy is here to tell all her dog friends that it's time to go to the beach.

She was only allowed to enjoy the view from the seawall on her first visit. But, we'll be returning after October 1st to get her paws in the sand.

Check your favortie Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) beach to see if the signs say your family, including your dog, is allowed to enjoy the beach after October 1st.

I would say to check online, but I wasn't able to find the information there. DCR seems to be unaware that many families in Massachusetts choose to plan their recreational activites around dogs.

This was as close as our little girl could get to the sand.

On the other end of the welome spectrum is the group, The Trustees of Reservations who have established a Green Dog program and who have "dog walking" as an activity you can choose when you go to their website.

They change to wording about dogs to a positive note. For example, "…dogs are welcome at Crane Beach from October 1 through March 30 through our Green Dogs program."

Members of the organization can recieve a Green Dog permit for free. For others there is a $3 per dog per day option. Here's how you can become a member and support this welcoming attitude and acceptance of families that include dogs.

After her visit to the salt air, Duchess Poppy was one tired pup. (And we all know that a tired pup is a good pup.) So, Poppy recommends that you take your pup someplace exciting to work off some of that canine energy in a healthy way.

Related Post:

Halibut Point State Park – Another Trustrees of the Reservation property

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Here are the products we use to make our life with Poppy more fun and less work.

Zak Designs Ice Cream Container for bringing Poppy's raw food with us on adventures!

Washable Bedpads for protecting surfaces. (Like Zipcar seats)

Four Paws Wee Wee Housebreaking Pads 150/Pkg

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Do coyotes eat fried clams?

Say Hello to Poppy, Our New VP of Security & Morale!

Poppy Says, "Thank You!"

Sunday Dog, "Sandy" Loves Boston!

Sunday Dog, Rocky Is Show-Dog-Cute!

September 23, 2012
Poppy at Wollaston Beach

Our own pup Poppy is here to tell all her dog friends that it's time to go to the beach.

She was only allowed to enjoy the view from the seawall on her first visit. But, we'll be returning after October 1st to get her paws in the sand.

Check your favortie Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) beach to see if the signs say your family, including your dog, is allowed to enjoy the beach after October 1st.

I would say to check online, but I wasn't able to find the information there. DCR seems to be unaware that many families in Massachusetts choose to plan their recreational activites around dogs.

This was as close as our little girl could get to the sand.

On the other end of the welome spectrum is the group, The Trustees of Reservations who have established a Green Dog program and who have "dog walking" as an activity you can choose when you go to their website.

They change to wording about dogs to a positive note. For example, "…dogs are welcome at Crane Beach from October 1 through March 30 through our Green Dogs program."

Members of the organization can recieve a Green Dog permit for free. For others there is a $3 per dog per day option. Here's how you can become a member and support this welcoming attitude and acceptance of families that include dogs.

After her visit to the salt air, Duchess Poppy was one tired pup. (And we all know that a tired pup is a good pup.) So, Poppy recommends that you take your pup someplace exciting to work off some of that canine energy in a healthy way.

Related Post:

Halibut Point State Park – Another Trustrees of the Reservation property

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Here are the products we use to make our life with Poppy more fun and less work.

Zak Designs Ice Cream Container for bringing Poppy's raw food with us on adventures!

Washable Bedpads for protecting surfaces. (Like Zipcar seats)

Four Paws Wee Wee Housebreaking Pads 150/Pkg

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Do coyotes eat fried clams?

Say Hello to Poppy, Our New VP of Security & Morale!

Poppy Says, "Thank You!"

Sunday Dog, "Sandy" Loves Boston!

Sunday Dog, Rocky Is Show-Dog-Cute!

September 23, 2012
Poppy at Wollaston Beach

Our own pup Poppy is here to tell all her dog friends that it's time to go to the beach.

She was only allowed to enjoy the view from the seawall on her first visit. But, we'll be returning after October 1st to get her paws in the sand.

Check your favortie Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) beach to see if the signs say your family, including your dog, is allowed to enjoy the beach after October 1st.

I would say to check online, but I wasn't able to find the information there. DCR seems to be unaware that many families in Massachusetts choose to plan their recreational activites around dogs.

This was as close as our little girl could get to the sand.

On the other end of the welome spectrum is the group, The Trustees of Reservations who have established a Green Dog program and who have "dog walking" as an activity you can choose when you go to their website.

They change to wording about dogs to a positive note. For example, "…dogs are welcome at Crane Beach from October 1 through March 30 through our Green Dogs program."

Members of the organization can recieve a Green Dog permit for free. For others there is a $3 per dog per day option. Here's how you can become a member and support this welcoming attitude and acceptance of families that include dogs.

After her visit to the salt air, Duchess Poppy was one tired pup. (And we all know that a tired pup is a good pup.) So, Poppy recommends that you take your pup someplace exciting to work off some of that canine energy in a healthy way.

Related Post:

Halibut Point State Park – Another Trustrees of the Reservation property

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Here are the products we use to make our life with Poppy more fun and less work.

Zak Designs Ice Cream Container for bringing Poppy's raw food with us on adventures!

Washable Bedpads for protecting surfaces. (Like Zipcar seats)

Four Paws Wee Wee Housebreaking Pads 150/Pkg

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Do coyotes eat fried clams?

Say Hello to Poppy, Our New VP of Security & Morale!

Poppy Says, "Thank You!"

Sunday Dog, "Sandy" Loves Boston!

Sunday Dog, Rocky Is Show-Dog-Cute!

September 23, 2012
A Little Shade, a Little Sun, a Little Peace & Quiet

This woman and her dog took a break under the birch trees in Otis Grove on the Charles River Esplanade.

“The enjoyment of scenery employs the mind without fatigue and yet exercises it; tranquilizes it and yet enlivens it; and thus, through the influence of the mind over the body gives the effect of refreshing rest and reinvigoration to the whole system.” Frederick Law Olmsted

Occasionally, you find a little bit of time when the park is peaceful and quiet without organized activity, when people can just enjoy relaxing in the natural setting.

Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn’t cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

What’s on your fall shopping list? Click here for fall season savings over at Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Season of Abundance: Gardens

Wanna Race! Charles River Dragsters!

Close to Nature in the City

Peace and Quiet

September 22, 2012
A Little Shade, a Little Sun, a Little Peace & Quiet

This woman and her dog took a break under the birch trees in Otis Grove on the Charles River Esplanade.

“The enjoyment of scenery employs the mind without fatigue and yet exercises it; tranquilizes it and yet enlivens it; and thus, through the influence of the mind over the body gives the effect of refreshing rest and reinvigoration to the whole system.” Frederick Law Olmsted

Occasionally, you find a little bit of time when the park is peaceful and quiet without organized activity, when people can just enjoy relaxing in the natural setting.

Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn’t cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

What’s on your fall shopping list? Click here for fall season savings over at Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Season of Abundance: Gardens

Wanna Race! Charles River Dragsters!

Close to Nature in the City

Peace and Quiet

September 22, 2012
A Little Shade, a Little Sun, a Little Peace & Quiet

This woman and her dog took a break under the birch trees in Otis Grove on the Charles River Esplanade.

“The enjoyment of scenery employs the mind without fatigue and yet exercises it; tranquilizes it and yet enlivens it; and thus, through the influence of the mind over the body gives the effect of refreshing rest and reinvigoration to the whole system.” Frederick Law Olmsted

Occasionally, you find a little bit of time when the park is peaceful and quiet without organized activity, when people can just enjoy relaxing in the natural setting.

Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn’t cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

What’s on your fall shopping list? Click here for fall season savings over at Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Season of Abundance: Gardens

Wanna Race! Charles River Dragsters!

Close to Nature in the City

Peace and Quiet

September 22, 2012
Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

As our way of welcoming new residents to Boston, we'll be adding to and updating our Boston:101 category. Today, we'll share some of the ways we get around with a dog since we don't own a car. You'll find lots of links in this Friday Link post.

Here's our girl, Poppy, waiting inside an MBTA subway station. Dogs can ride the T. Over at www.mbta.com you'll find the details.

"Service animals are allowed on the T at all times. During off-peak hours, non-service dogs are allowed at the discretion of T vehicle operators. Dogs must be properly leashed and are not allowed to annoy riders or take up a seat. For safety and convenience during rush hours, small domestic animals must be carried in lap-sized containers and out of the way of exits."

We don't give much thought to the sights and sounds of a subway ride but as a new experience for a dog, it can be frightening. We started Poppy out with a quick ride from Copley to Hynes and now with a few trips under her paws, she seems ready to go to the ends of the lines.

These rules apply to all the MBTA services: subway, streetcar, bus, commuter rail, and ferry.

On the Water

Speaking of ferries, you can also take your dog on Boston Harbor Cruises for a trip around the harbor, or to Winthrop, Hingham, Charlestown, Salem, or Provincetown. (Some routes are seasonal)

City Water Taxi will be happy to zip you across the harbor with your dog.

The ferries that take you out to the Boston Harbor Islands will be running on their fall schedule until Columbus Day, October 8th this year. Here's what they say about dogs.

" Pets are restricted in the park to foster visitor safety and resource protection. Dogs are welcomed at Deer and Nut Islands, Worlds End, and Webb Memorial (peninsulas accessible by car only). Day visitors may bring dogs to Bumpkin and Grape Islands, though not in camping areas. No pets are allowed on other islands in the park. Service dogs are permitted on all islands."

Taxis

We alert the taxi dispather that we have a small dog with us when we call for a cab. That way we can avoid drivers who don't want to take us. So far, we have not had a problem calling for a taxi with our dog. We do bring a pad to put on the seat so that the next passenger doesn't end up with dog hair on their clothing. And, we like to carry Poppy in her Sherpa Bag Pet Carrier when we're in a car. We use the center seat belt to secure the bag in case of an accident.

Amtrak & Intercity Buses: where you are not welcome!

Happy Update 2015: Some pet are now welcome on Amtrak: Get Ready for Amtrak's "All Aboard" for Dogs & Cats

While this national railroad service seems to need all the passengers and support it can get, it continues to discriminate against citizens who travel with their dogs. Only specific service animals are allowed and even that is restricted.

With nearby, dog-friendly Portland, Maine connected to Boston by the Downeaster, we'd take the train often if our dog could come with us.

We have not been able to find a bus service to New York that allows us to ride with a dog. If you know of one, please share.

Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

What's on your fall shopping list. Click here for fall season savings over at Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

MBTA wants to kill off Red/Blue connector idea once and for all

It's like the entire country and Canada and some of their friends rode the T

Woman claims GPS told her to drive on Beacon Street trolley tracks

PTSD: VA limits funding for service dogs

September 21, 2012
Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

As our way of welcoming new residents to Boston, we'll be adding to and updating our Boston:101 category. Today, we'll share some of the ways we get around with a dog since we don't own a car. You'll find lots of links in this Friday Link post.

Here's our girl, Poppy, waiting inside an MBTA subway station. Dogs can ride the T. Over at www.mbta.com you'll find the details.

"Service animals are allowed on the T at all times. During off-peak hours, non-service dogs are allowed at the discretion of T vehicle operators. Dogs must be properly leashed and are not allowed to annoy riders or take up a seat. For safety and convenience during rush hours, small domestic animals must be carried in lap-sized containers and out of the way of exits."

We don't give much thought to the sights and sounds of a subway ride but as a new experience for a dog, it can be frightening. We started Poppy out with a quick ride from Copley to Hynes and now with a few trips under her paws, she seems ready to go to the ends of the lines.

These rules apply to all the MBTA services: subway, streetcar, bus, commuter rail, and ferry.

On the Water

Speaking of ferries, you can also take your dog on Boston Harbor Cruises for a trip around the harbor, or to Winthrop, Hingham, Charlestown, Salem, or Provincetown. (Some routes are seasonal)

City Water Taxi will be happy to zip you across the harbor with your dog.

The ferries that take you out to the Boston Harbor Islands will be running on their fall schedule until Columbus Day, October 8th this year. Here's what they say about dogs.

" Pets are restricted in the park to foster visitor safety and resource protection. Dogs are welcomed at Deer and Nut Islands, Worlds End, and Webb Memorial (peninsulas accessible by car only). Day visitors may bring dogs to Bumpkin and Grape Islands, though not in camping areas. No pets are allowed on other islands in the park. Service dogs are permitted on all islands."

Taxis

We alert the taxi dispather that we have a small dog with us when we call for a cab. That way we can avoid drivers who don't want to take us. So far, we have not had a problem calling for a taxi with our dog. We do bring a pad to put on the seat so that the next passenger doesn't end up with dog hair on their clothing. And, we like to carry Poppy in her Sherpa Bag Pet Carrier when we're in a car. We use the center seat belt to secure the bag in case of an accident.

Amtrak & Intercity Buses: where you are not welcome!

Happy Update 2015: Some pet are now welcome on Amtrak: Get Ready for Amtrak's "All Aboard" for Dogs & Cats

While this national railroad service seems to need all the passengers and support it can get, it continues to discriminate against citizens who travel with their dogs. Only specific service animals are allowed and even that is restricted.

With nearby, dog-friendly Portland, Maine connected to Boston by the Downeaster, we'd take the train often if our dog could come with us.

We have not been able to find a bus service to New York that allows us to ride with a dog. If you know of one, please share.

Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

What's on your fall shopping list. Click here for fall season savings over at Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

MBTA wants to kill off Red/Blue connector idea once and for all

It's like the entire country and Canada and some of their friends rode the T

Woman claims GPS told her to drive on Beacon Street trolley tracks

PTSD: VA limits funding for service dogs

September 21, 2012
Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

As our way of welcoming new residents to Boston, we'll be adding to and updating our Boston:101 category. Today, we'll share some of the ways we get around with a dog since we don't own a car. You'll find lots of links in this Friday Link post.

Here's our girl, Poppy, waiting inside an MBTA subway station. Dogs can ride the T. Over at www.mbta.com you'll find the details.

"Service animals are allowed on the T at all times. During off-peak hours, non-service dogs are allowed at the discretion of T vehicle operators. Dogs must be properly leashed and are not allowed to annoy riders or take up a seat. For safety and convenience during rush hours, small domestic animals must be carried in lap-sized containers and out of the way of exits."

We don't give much thought to the sights and sounds of a subway ride but as a new experience for a dog, it can be frightening. We started Poppy out with a quick ride from Copley to Hynes and now with a few trips under her paws, she seems ready to go to the ends of the lines.

These rules apply to all the MBTA services: subway, streetcar, bus, commuter rail, and ferry.

On the Water

Speaking of ferries, you can also take your dog on Boston Harbor Cruises for a trip around the harbor, or to Winthrop, Hingham, Charlestown, Salem, or Provincetown. (Some routes are seasonal)

City Water Taxi will be happy to zip you across the harbor with your dog.

The ferries that take you out to the Boston Harbor Islands will be running on their fall schedule until Columbus Day, October 8th this year. Here's what they say about dogs.

" Pets are restricted in the park to foster visitor safety and resource protection. Dogs are welcomed at Deer and Nut Islands, Worlds End, and Webb Memorial (peninsulas accessible by car only). Day visitors may bring dogs to Bumpkin and Grape Islands, though not in camping areas. No pets are allowed on other islands in the park. Service dogs are permitted on all islands."

Taxis

We alert the taxi dispather that we have a small dog with us when we call for a cab. That way we can avoid drivers who don't want to take us. So far, we have not had a problem calling for a taxi with our dog. We do bring a pad to put on the seat so that the next passenger doesn't end up with dog hair on their clothing. And, we like to carry Poppy in her Sherpa Bag Pet Carrier when we're in a car. We use the center seat belt to secure the bag in case of an accident.

Amtrak & Intercity Buses: where you are not welcome!

Happy Update 2015: Some pet are now welcome on Amtrak: Get Ready for Amtrak's "All Aboard" for Dogs & Cats

While this national railroad service seems to need all the passengers and support it can get, it continues to discriminate against citizens who travel with their dogs. Only specific service animals are allowed and even that is restricted.

With nearby, dog-friendly Portland, Maine connected to Boston by the Downeaster, we'd take the train often if our dog could come with us.

We have not been able to find a bus service to New York that allows us to ride with a dog. If you know of one, please share.

Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

What's on your fall shopping list. Click here for fall season savings over at Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

MBTA wants to kill off Red/Blue connector idea once and for all

It's like the entire country and Canada and some of their friends rode the T

Woman claims GPS told her to drive on Beacon Street trolley tracks

PTSD: VA limits funding for service dogs

September 21, 2012
Flu Shot Information Update for 2012 – 2013 Season
UPDATE: Latest Flu Vaccination Information … Boston Area Resources to Find a Flu Shot

Here's the latest Flu Shot information. We've compiled a list of sources to help in your search for this season's vaccination.

Update 5.24.13 – Health Department officials report "… flu activity in Massachusetts remains low …"

Update 5.23.13 – Google shows flu activity in MA is Low.

Update 1.9.13 – Here's a link to information on caring for someone with the flu and preventing the spread of the disease.

And, for a friend suffering from a bad cold or the flu, remember Chicken Soup for a Sick Friend!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us that the vaccine for the 2012-2013 flu season "will protect against the three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus."

You'll find assistance from federal, state, and local authorities– including medical institutions and retail stores. There are sites to track flu activity, plus suggestions that could help save you time and money.

As always, check with your doctor or other healthcare professionals for any flu-related advice.

Do federal, state, and city health officials have any updates on flu or flu vaccinations?
- Get all the latest facts on the 2012-2013 Flu Season and this year's vaccine @ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Massachusetts Health and Human Services is continuing its Flu Facts site. Learn more here.
- Commonwealth Conversations: Public Health has a Weekly Flu Report.
Where can I get a flu vaccination in the Boston area?
- Here's a search box made available to us by the U.S. Department of Health. Just enter your Zip Code, hit go, and you'll have a map of options.
http://www.flu.gov/widgets/vaccinelocator_2011.html
- The Boston Public Health Commission lists the Latest Flu Clinics.
Where can I get a flu vaccination in the surrounding area?
- MyLocalClinic.com
More information below the ad.

Whether you're waiting in line for a flu shot or taking an easy day with a headcold, an Amazon Kindle makes a great companion. Buy new books on the fly, dig into your archive to re-read old favorites. And, thank you to everyone who supports the compiling of information like this by beginning all their Amazon shopping from BostonZest. It doesn't cost you a penny more, but it does put a few pennies in our pockets.

What's the level of flu activity in our area?
- Google flu trends calls activity in Massachusetts, "Intense."
- More on regional flu activity Here.
More details below…
- Some Pharmacies have flu vaccine, including CVS, Walgreens, and RiteAid.
- If you haven't checked lately, this might be a good time to consult with your primary care physician for the latest flu shot information.
- Whichever flu shot location you choose, we recommend that you call the site directly before going.
Follow us on Twitter for alerts when we update this article.

Details:
Words: Ed Cherubino
Photo Credit: James Gathany, courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

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Make Walking THE Priority

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Boston Flu Outbreak Declared, Andover Health Offers Vaccinations – Patch.com

Flu picks up steam across the U.S.
September 20, 2012