Category: Boston Dogs

Tips for Photographing Your Own Sunday Dog

I read every pet photography advice article I find. One thing included in almost every one is to get down to the pet’s level.

This is one of my favorite photos of a very much missed old friend, Mr. Teddy. I put the camera on the ground to get this shot.

Pet Photography Tips

We all have many images of dogs and cats looking up at us from the ground. The magic happens when you drop to your knees or to the ground and shoot a picture at their level or from below.

Whatever level you shoot from, focus on the eyes. That’s where you’ll find the sparkle and personality. Most dogs will follow the camera or your hands with their eyes. Remy (above) has the most beautiful eyes.

Close-ups can be wonderful. You don’t have to show your entire pet to tell a story. You can zoom in and fill your picture with a beautiful face or crop a larger photo to show a dog’s unique expression. When you crop, try to include important characteristics like this Basset’s gorgeous ears.

For great candid shots, stand back from the scene and let someone else interact with the dog. Stay far enough away so the dog will sit back and relax and then take a restful photo. Then, crop that photo to give a sense of place. Here I included a statue with Nika to show she was on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

Shooting rapidly and getting down to the dog’s level means you can catch great moments like this little guy’s jump for joy at seeing another pup.

If your phone or camera has continuous shooting ability, use it. The photos you see in our Sunday Dog posts are often one of a series of 6-8 shots taken in a burst. Many of the series are blurs of a moving dog, but one or more will have the wonderful frozen moment that I was trying to capture.

Check the background color. Fur is hard for most cameras to figure out. It can be a blend of tones and it can blend into a background. You need some contrast to show off that wonderful texture and color. Zoe (above) shows up on the grass but would blend into the asphalt path. Pick your spot.

Finally, make it fun for everyone. Take a few photos but don’t make your friends or companion animals uncomfortable. Yes, you want some photo memories, but you also want to remember the non-photo elements of a wonderful walk with your dog.

Sometimes, a totally unposed shot (like the one above of Sollie watching a squirrel) can be the best memory of a day with your dog.

Do you have a favorite photo of your dog? What do you love about it?

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs (and other critters) at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino, edited for BostonZest from her CIty Paws Newspaper Column.
Photography: 2008-2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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July 20, 2014
Warning Signs of Cancer in Dogs and Cats with Lion the Cat
This week, our Sunday Dog is a cat named Lion. This healthy, young fellow starred in one of Penny's City Paws newpspaper columns about the warning signs of cancer in dogs and cats. Happily, he's part of a smart and caring family who will take good care of him and be alert for any sign of illness.

Now that summer is here, we spend a bit more time outside sitting with our dogs and inside enjoying the air conditioning and stroking our cats. This is the perfect opportunity to take a good look at our furry friends and combine cuddles with a bit of detective work.

This closeness can contribute to longer, healthier lives if we use that proximity to notice little changes in our companion animals that might be an early warning sign of cancer. Just as with people, early detection and treatment can save lives.

The Animal Cancer Foundation estimates that 1 in 3 people, 1 in 4 dogs, and 1 in 5 cats will develop cancer in their lifetimes.

Warning Signs

If you’ve learned to watch for signs of cancer in yourself and your human family members, you already know some of the things to look for in your dog or cat.
- Lumps and bumps (especially those that are new, changing, or growing) and coughs (especially dry coughs with signs of difficult breathing) should be reviewed by a veterinarian.
- Wounds or sores that don’t heal, abnormal discharges, and swollen lymph nodes need a professional check. Ask your veterinarian to show you how to feel the lymph nodes behind the jaw and knee. Once you know what normal feels like, you can check anytime you’re petting or grooming your pal.
- If you brush your dog or cat’s teeth, you should take the time to look around the mouth and to sniff for any abnormal odors. A foul mouth odor can be a sign of an oral tumor. You should also be alert for changes in the way your dog or cat chews food, treats, and toys.
- Changes in digestive habits from chronic vomiting, straining to eliminate, diarrhea, or blood in urine or stools means a visit to the vet. There are many other causes for these symptoms and your doctor may prescribe other treatments first. But, if the problem continues, it may require a biopsy or other techniques to rule cancer in or out.
- Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite, especially when combined with another sign, are causes for concern. This is a reason to weigh your cat or dog regularly and to keep a weight chart. You can teach larger dogs to sit on a scale or you could stop by your animal hospital between visits and ask to use theirs. With small animals, stand on a scale holding your critter and record that number. Then, weigh just yourself. Deduct your weight from the combined total and you have the animal’s weight.
- Signs of pain, lethargy, or depression without another explanation could be a red flag. Pain in a dog or cat can be anything from limping to inactivity. You may notice that your cat doesn’t want to play or your dog is reluctant to go for a walk.
Breed Differences

You should have a discussion with your vet about the warning signs you need to be most vigilant in reporting about your companions. Certain breeds of dogs have a genetic predisposition to specific types of cancer and the slightest change should put you on alert.

You must be watchful on behalf of your dog or cat. Get them used to having you check their paws, ears, mouth, and run your hands along their body. Have your vet show you how to look for cancer signs and give you some idea of the ones that should be considered urgent and those that should be communicated at the next visit.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs (and other critters) at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino edited for BostonZest from her CIty Paws Newspaper Column.
Photography: Laurie Thomas

Related articles

Elevator Etiquette & Safety: A Sunday Dog Alert

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Cancer Is Leading Disease-Related Killer Of Dogs And Cats
July 13, 2014
Warning Signs of Cancer in Dogs and Cats with Lion the Cat
This week, our Sunday Dog is a cat named Lion. This healthy, young fellow starred in one of Penny's City Paws newpspaper columns about the warning signs of cancer in dogs and cats. Happily, he's part of a smart and caring family who will take good care of him and be alert for any sign of illness.

Now that summer is here, we spend a bit more time outside sitting with our dogs and inside enjoying the air conditioning and stroking our cats. This is the perfect opportunity to take a good look at our furry friends and combine cuddles with a bit of detective work.

This closeness can contribute to longer, healthier lives if we use that proximity to notice little changes in our companion animals that might be an early warning sign of cancer. Just as with people, early detection and treatment can save lives.

The Animal Cancer Foundation estimates that 1 in 3 people, 1 in 4 dogs, and 1 in 5 cats will develop cancer in their lifetimes.

Warning Signs

If you’ve learned to watch for signs of cancer in yourself and your human family members, you already know some of the things to look for in your dog or cat.
- Lumps and bumps (especially those that are new, changing, or growing) and coughs (especially dry coughs with signs of difficult breathing) should be reviewed by a veterinarian.
- Wounds or sores that don’t heal, abnormal discharges, and swollen lymph nodes need a professional check. Ask your veterinarian to show you how to feel the lymph nodes behind the jaw and knee. Once you know what normal feels like, you can check anytime you’re petting or grooming your pal.
- If you brush your dog or cat’s teeth, you should take the time to look around the mouth and to sniff for any abnormal odors. A foul mouth odor can be a sign of an oral tumor. You should also be alert for changes in the way your dog or cat chews food, treats, and toys.
- Changes in digestive habits from chronic vomiting, straining to eliminate, diarrhea, or blood in urine or stools means a visit to the vet. There are many other causes for these symptoms and your doctor may prescribe other treatments first. But, if the problem continues, it may require a biopsy or other techniques to rule cancer in or out.
- Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite, especially when combined with another sign, are causes for concern. This is a reason to weigh your cat or dog regularly and to keep a weight chart. You can teach larger dogs to sit on a scale or you could stop by your animal hospital between visits and ask to use theirs. With small animals, stand on a scale holding your critter and record that number. Then, weigh just yourself. Deduct your weight from the combined total and you have the animal’s weight.
- Signs of pain, lethargy, or depression without another explanation could be a red flag. Pain in a dog or cat can be anything from limping to inactivity. You may notice that your cat doesn’t want to play or your dog is reluctant to go for a walk.
Breed Differences

You should have a discussion with your vet about the warning signs you need to be most vigilant in reporting about your companions. Certain breeds of dogs have a genetic predisposition to specific types of cancer and the slightest change should put you on alert.

You must be watchful on behalf of your dog or cat. Get them used to having you check their paws, ears, mouth, and run your hands along their body. Have your vet show you how to look for cancer signs and give you some idea of the ones that should be considered urgent and those that should be communicated at the next visit.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs (and other critters) at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino edited for BostonZest from her CIty Paws Newspaper Column.
Photography: Laurie Thomas

Related articles

Elevator Etiquette & Safety: A Sunday Dog Alert

A Sunday Dog Alert on 911 Emergency Calls

Cancer Is Leading Disease-Related Killer Of Dogs And Cats
July 13, 2014
Dash Is Our Dashing South End Sunday Dog!

What makes our Sunday Dog Dash so dashing (as in: attractive, lively, adventurous, bold, daring, dapper, and debonair)? Just look at that face! Any more questions?

I mean, this pup’s photo should appear alongside search results for “dashing” on the internet.

Of course, before Dash arrived from Above and Beyond English Setter Rescue, his family-to-be had to decide on that name. After considering lots of possibilities, an interest in mystery novels and writer Dashiell Hammett helped seal the deal.

“And, then,” according to his person, “when he arrived, he had a big DASH on his side and when he wants to run he’s very speedy!” Perfect!

At two years old, Dash, who we’re told is “a mix of English Setter, Lab, Great Pyrenees, and some added mutt,” is having fun discovering his world. Right now, he’s going to a “Nosing Class” at the Animal Rescue League.

The instructors, “Start by teaching him to find a treat, then keys, then [they] put things under boxes. It’s how they train [detection] dogs to find illegal drugs, missing people,” specific substances, etc.

As far as we could tell, Dash is already pretty good with his nose. Before saying goodbye to this South End charmer, we offered him a treat that he had no trouble sniffing out. Dash, you’re gonna ace that class!

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

And, here's a post about some dogs that aced that "Nosing Class."

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 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.

July 6, 2014
Dash Is Our Dashing South End Sunday Dog!

What makes our Sunday Dog Dash so dashing (as in: attractive, lively, adventurous, bold, daring, dapper, and debonair)? Just look at that face! Any more questions?

I mean, this pup’s photo should appear alongside search results for “dashing” on the internet.

Of course, before Dash arrived from Above and Beyond English Setter Rescue, his family-to-be had to decide on that name. After considering lots of possibilities, an interest in mystery novels and writer Dashiell Hammett helped seal the deal.

“And, then,” according to his person, “when he arrived, he had a big DASH on his side and when he wants to run he’s very speedy!” Perfect!

At two years old, Dash, who we’re told is “a mix of English Setter, Lab, Great Pyrenees, and some added mutt,” is having fun discovering his world. Right now, he’s going to a “Nosing Class” at the Animal Rescue League.

The instructors, “Start by teaching him to find a treat, then keys, then [they] put things under boxes. It’s how they train [detection] dogs to find illegal drugs, missing people,” specific substances, etc.

As far as we could tell, Dash is already pretty good with his nose. Before saying goodbye to this South End charmer, we offered him a treat that he had no trouble sniffing out. Dash, you’re gonna ace that class!

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

And, here's a post about some dogs that aced that "Nosing Class."

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 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.

July 6, 2014
Poppy Isn’t on Daylight Saving Time This Summer

Sometimes being the third dog in the family has advantages. When we sprang ahead this spring, we decided that Poppy's meals would stay on Eastern Standard Time. She usually started the day with breakfast at 8 am, we just moved this to 9 am. In the fall, we'll go back to 8 am.

If Poppy (above) wakes at dawn, Penny will give her a tiny snack to keep her empty tummy from causing the morning upsets that Westies are known to have. (They vomit yellow bile.) She also gets a small snack before bed to keep this issue under control.

We feed her 3 times a day with meals and snacks spaced out evenly. We find that helps keep both her hunger and her weight under control. Ed weighs her every week and we adjust the amount of food we give her if she is gaining or losing weight.

Maggie (above, on vacation in Maine) used to protest time changes. She would get up early in the fall and pester us for her meals on her normal (DST) schedule. Now that we are both freelancers, it's easier to simply let our dog stay on the same time frame year round.

Sassy, our first Westie girl (above, on vacation on Martha's Vineyard), was a total food brat and would ask for food all day everyday. We quickly learned to measure out her food for the day and put her daily ration in a jar because she could convince either of us that someone had forgotten to feed her.

Do you feed your dog on a set schedule? How many times a day do you feed? And, how often do you weigh your dog?

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

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2008-2014 Ed Cherubino (Sassy's photo was a gift from a fan of hers.)

Related articles

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June 29, 2014
Poppy Isn’t on Daylight Saving Time This Summer

Sometimes being the third dog in the family has advantages. When we sprang ahead this spring, we decided that Poppy's meals would stay on Eastern Standard Time. She usually started the day with breakfast at 8 am, we just moved this to 9 am. In the fall, we'll go back to 8 am.

If Poppy (above) wakes at dawn, Penny will give her a tiny snack to keep her empty tummy from causing the morning upsets that Westies are known to have. (They vomit yellow bile.) She also gets a small snack before bed to keep this issue under control.

We feed her 3 times a day with meals and snacks spaced out evenly. We find that helps keep both her hunger and her weight under control. Ed weighs her every week and we adjust the amount of food we give her if she is gaining or losing weight.

Maggie (above, on vacation in Maine) used to protest time changes. She would get up early in the fall and pester us for her meals on her normal (DST) schedule. Now that we are both freelancers, it's easier to simply let our dog stay on the same time frame year round.

Sassy, our first Westie girl (above, on vacation on Martha's Vineyard), was a total food brat and would ask for food all day everyday. We quickly learned to measure out her food for the day and put her daily ration in a jar because she could convince either of us that someone had forgotten to feed her.

Do you feed your dog on a set schedule? How many times a day do you feed? And, how often do you weigh your dog?

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

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2008-2014 Ed Cherubino (Sassy's photo was a gift from a fan of hers.)

Related articles

Parker House Boston Cream Pie, To Go Please!

Dear Poppy, Should I Let Humans Brush My Teeth?

Poppy's Provincetown Report

June 29, 2014
Summer Events with Your Own Sunday Dog

Outdoor summer events can be fun to share with your pup as long as you make sure the event is safe and comfortable for your dog and that he will be a great ambassador for canines while in attendance.

Our little Maggie Mae (photo above) loved going to concerts and had a taste for opera. Poppy will share a blanket with us this summer and we'll see what kind of music she likes best.

There are a few, free, outdoor events, like the Esplanade concert and fireworks on July 4th, that prohibit dogs, but many of the spaces where events like this are held are dog friendly. That includes most other free concerts and movie nights at the Hatch Shell.

These are perfect opportunities to gather friends, a blanket, a picnic, and your dog for a relaxed evening outside.

Concerts

Speaking of the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade, the Boston Landmarks Orchestra is playing on Wednesday nights 7-9 pm from July 16th to August 27th. They also have concerts scheduled in other spots around the city.

You might enjoy seeing this orchestra at 6 pm on July 9th in City Square, Charlestown; July 13th at Pinebank Promontory, Jamaica Plain; or July 27th in Copley Square.

Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City series offers live bands playing blues, soul, or the songs of the Rat Pack era Tuesday to Thursday through August. Naturally, dogs are not allowed on the restaurant patios. But, the sound carries and you can find a place to sit on the harbor side of the hotel and enjoy.

BostInno has published their "The Complete List of All the Summer Series Happening in Boston That You Need in Your Life." Not all of these are dog friendly. Some are inside or in places where your dog is not welcome but there are a few more good ideas for music here.

Movie Nights

Boston Harbor Hotel offers Friday night movies, while the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park hold a Sunday Night series. Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade's schedule can be found here.

Photo by Katherine Hala used under this creative commons license.

Shakespeare on the Common

Twelfth Night is the play of the year for the Shakespeare on the Common Theatre Company. This year, you can pick your night to see this offering between July 23 and August 10th.

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

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino,

Hatch Shell concert artwork courtesy of the Boston Landmarks Orchestra

Boston Harbor Hotel photo courtesy of the hotel

Shakesspeare on the Common photo by Katherine Hala

June 22, 2014
Summer Events with Your Own Sunday Dog

Outdoor summer events can be fun to share with your pup as long as you make sure the event is safe and comfortable for your dog and that he will be a great ambassador for canines while in attendance.

Our little Maggie Mae (photo above) loved going to concerts and had a taste for opera. Poppy will share a blanket with us this summer and we'll see what kind of music she likes best.

There are a few, free, outdoor events, like the Esplanade concert and fireworks on July 4th, that prohibit dogs, but many of the spaces where events like this are held are dog friendly. That includes most other free concerts and movie nights at the Hatch Shell.

These are perfect opportunities to gather friends, a blanket, a picnic, and your dog for a relaxed evening outside.

Concerts

Speaking of the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade, the Boston Landmarks Orchestra is playing on Wednesday nights 7-9 pm from July 16th to August 27th. They also have concerts scheduled in other spots around the city.

You might enjoy seeing this orchestra at 6 pm on July 9th in City Square, Charlestown; July 13th at Pinebank Promontory, Jamaica Plain; or July 27th in Copley Square.

Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City series offers live bands playing blues, soul, or the songs of the Rat Pack era Tuesday to Thursday through August. Naturally, dogs are not allowed on the restaurant patios. But, the sound carries and you can find a place to sit on the harbor side of the hotel and enjoy.

BostInno has published their "The Complete List of All the Summer Series Happening in Boston That You Need in Your Life." Not all of these are dog friendly. Some are inside or in places where your dog is not welcome but there are a few more good ideas for music here.

Movie Nights

Boston Harbor Hotel offers Friday night movies, while the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park hold a Sunday Night series. Free Friday Flicks at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade's schedule can be found here.

Photo by Katherine Hala used under this creative commons license.

Shakespeare on the Common

Twelfth Night is the play of the year for the Shakespeare on the Common Theatre Company. This year, you can pick your night to see this offering between July 23 and August 10th.

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

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino,

Hatch Shell concert artwork courtesy of the Boston Landmarks Orchestra

Boston Harbor Hotel photo courtesy of the hotel

Shakesspeare on the Common photo by Katherine Hala

June 22, 2014
Spencer Is Pointing to Modern Farmer’s Guide to Farm Dogs

Spencer from Still Life Farm, wanted us to share all the excitement that has been going on this week over on the Modern Farmer site.

They have been featuring farm dogs all this week with everything from "Ruff Choice: Which Farm Dog Is Right for You?" to the official ModFarm Farm Dog Cam showing farm dogs at work.

Spencer says you should hop over and enjoy meeting some of the dogs that help bring food to the table.

Just this week, Spencer was up late a few nights protecting his hens from a wandering raccoon. Most of the time, his principal job is keeping his favorite farmer Curtis company as they put in a long day of chores on the farm.

But, Penny snapped this photo of him with that worshipful expression on his face as Halley, his favorite female farmer, walked past him. His expression went from bored to very interested in seconds!

If you have a favorite farm dog, let us know and we may feature him or her as an upcoming Sunday Dog.

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

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

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June 15, 2014