Category: Boston Dogs

Toto the Tornado Kitten, Our Pick this Sunday!

This week, our pick for a Sunday Critter is Toto the Tornado Kitten. We usually reserve this spot for a dog but love to include a great cat when we meet one. Toto says he loves dogs but thinks that cats don't get the credit they deserve.

Look at that face. Who could resist this little charmer?

But, there is more to Toto than charm. This is one strong and amazing cat. As a tiny six-ounce kitten, Toto had a great adventure when a tornado hit central Massachusetts last year. After the storm, a clean-up worker found him in a tree and brought him to the Brimfield fire station where EMT Jonathan Hall cared for Toto until he was able to turn him over to experts from the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

ARLBoston nursed him until he was ready for his perfect, forever home back with Jonathan Hall. Jonathan not only adopted Toto, but also helped him write a book about the great adventure. And, to really put a smile on this tail-twitching story, that book is raising much needed funds for ARLBoston. As of this report, they've sent more than $20,000 to Toto's favorite cause.

We follow @ARLBostonRescue on Twitter and are aware of some of the wonderful work they do on-the-road taking care of all kinds of critters every day. You can hear more about what they did for the animal victims of that June 1, 2011 tornado in this Greater Boston appearance with Jonathan & Toto.

Natually, we hope you'll buy a copy of the book. You can do that right here. You can also make a donation in Toto's name directly to the ARLBoston.

Of course, as every author knows, there is much to do after your book is published. Toto and his special assistants make personal appearances and maintain a website. His facebook page is full of requests from places like libraries that would love to have this special cat and his book for story hour.

ARLBoston is both proud & grateful

"We are proud of the work that the men and women on our team do everyday," said Jennifer Wooliscroft, Director of Communications, "and to have a special book like this makes our continued effort to helping animals even better."

Jonathan says he is grateful for the team helping out his community and looks forward to giving something back. "Without the help from the great people at the ARL, Toto's story wouldn't be possible," he notes.

Related Post: In our own neighborhood, we watched ARLBoston's professional and caring staff at a 9-alarm fire in a pet friendly building. They were amazing and won our hearts and support. We wrote about it here.

In place of an ad in this space today, we hope you'll buy or donate a copy of the book and/or make your own contribution to ARLBoston so they'll be funded when someone else needs help.

You can buy or donate a book right here. Or, Donate directly to the ARLBoston.

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography & Art: Courtesy of Toto the Tornado Kitten, Jonathan Hall, and the very talented illustrator Carol Ruzicka.

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 15, 2012
Sunday Dog, Rose– Her Search Is Over!

Sometimes it takes more than one try to get what you really need in life. And sometimes, no matter how much effort you put into the search, there’s has to be a certain amount of luck involved. Just ask Rose!

This gentle two year old Australian Shepherd/Jack Russell Terrier mix has a nose for tracking, especially when it comes to finding a safe and loving home. It was only about a year ago that Rose found a new family with the help of the folks at Save A Dog in Sudbury, MA.

She’s still a little afraid of men, and not fond of loud noises, but is adapting well to her new digs in Quincy. The day we met on the Greenway in Boston (she was playing ambassador for the MSPCA) this adorable little girl warmed-up to us in no time.

But, there’s no doubt that Rose is happiest melting into the arms of her loving person– safe, secure, and by the look in her eyes, exactly where she really wants and needs to be. Nice …

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

What's your creative outlet this summer? Amazon has Art, Craft, and Sewing Supplies to inspire you to follow your dreams.

Details:
Words: 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.

July 8, 2012
Sunday Dog, Harvey– a Poodle Not a Pooka!

Sunday Dog, Harvey is a Poodle not a pooka! But, he was named after the title character in the movie “Harvey” who was, supposedly, a pooka playing the part of a 6 foot 3 ½ inch invisible rabbit. And, since Harvey the poodle’s person, not the pooka, had an imaginary childhood friend who was a poodle and also wanted a “person name” for her puppy, it all just came together. Phew!

Our Harvey, who’ll turn 8 years old on the 4th of July, is (as it happens) a very independent guy! While a happy and friendly Standard Poodle, we’re told, “He likes his space” and “likes to cuddle when he wants to cuddle.”

Harvey also likes to stay cool. His person says, “He won’t sleep on my bed except when I have the window fan on, when he can put his head right in front of the fan. I call it, ‘the all night car ride.’”

Even though Harvey’s a Poodle, “He doesn’t like swimming– he never got that memo!” But, he is very athletic and energetic.

Harvey plays hard with a whole bunch of his buddies twice a day at their Cambridge dog park, and also manages to squeeze in some quality, off-leash time with his walker and 8 other dogs in his spare time. That’s 3 hours of exercise a day! No wonder he’s in such great shape!

Amiable, social, with a lot of acquaintances, h-m-m. So, while Harvey is definitely a Poodle, he might have a little imaginary, shape-shifting Harvey the pooka in him, after all.

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

What's your creative outlet this summer? Amazon has Art, Craft, and Sewing Supplies to inspire you to follow your dreams.

Details:
Words: 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.

July 1, 2012
Sunday Dog, Toby Has “the Look!”

Sunday Dog, Toby has “the Look,” but I’m not really sure what that look is. It’s what a critic might say about a successful fashion model, actor, or a best in show winner. It’s that special look that makes you pause and feel as though someone is peering inside your soul. Or, it just might be Toby’s way of saying, “What’s that strange looking thing you’re pointing at me?”

Actually, he didn’t seem to mind our cameras and was happy to pose– nice profile!

At just a year old, this Basset Hound plays in spurts but sleeps most of the time– he “is” still a puppy! His person admits, “He does bark a lot, but he doesn’t know how to howl like a big boy, yet.”

While Toby can be very stubborn, he is a very good boy who loves to play and chase a favorite ball. Bassets need a lot of exercise, you have to "keep them fit and thin or they’ll have really bad back problems.”

This intriguing little character is already very well socialized– he’s being raised around a lot of people and other dogs. And, Toby is definitely one of the friendliest pups we’ve ever met, you can tell just by … “the Look!”

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

We met Toby at the MSPCA table at a Dog Day event at the Greenway Open Market. He was a great ambassador for one of our favorite animal organizations.

In his honor, we are replacing our ad today with an opportunity for our readers and our neighbors to support the MSPCA just by shopping at the Whole Foods Markets Jamaica Plain & Symphony locations on Tuesday June 26th. When you do, 5% of the net sales will go to MSPCA Angell. Click here for more details.

Details:
Words: 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.

June 24, 2012
Friday is all Grown Up– We Revisit a Sunday Dog

This week, we revisit a lovely boxer named Friday. We first met this beauty as a young pup.

Penny saw Friday this week and says she is just as sweet and charming as she was two years ago. She was out walking with her good friend Riley and both girls were more than willing to give some attention to a dog-deprived pal.

Watching dogs grow up is one of the nicest aspects of city life!

See Lola & Riley Digging Their Way to China

Lola & Riley – The Sequel

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

What's on your petcare shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

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

June 17, 2012
Sunday Dog, Maya– Beyond Cute!

It’s one thing to “think” you’re cute, and another to “say” you’re cute. But, when your “cuteness” is so utterly obvious to the entire civilized world, it becomes a “fact.”

And, what’s even more remarkable is that, despite all of her undeniable gorgeousness, Sunday Dog, Maya couldn’t care less. She’s too busy just being a puppy!

After all, at 3-months old, there’s a lot of chewing that needs to be done. Maya even manages to make such a mundane job look inviting.

Then, there’s the always important sidewalk stiffing technique that is best mastered early in life. (She seems to have a preference for brick.)

Maya was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. As her person points out, “She’s an authentic Chihuahuan Chihuahua.” After living there for a few months, “I brought her back as my Mexican souvenir.”

This little (2.8 pound) beauty told us she loves living in her new home and is even learning to bark with a Boston accent.

Welcome to our city, Maya, and thanks for being this week’s Sunday Dog– you cutey!

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

And, make sure you have water for your Sunday dog when you set out for a stroll in the park. When you shop for water bowls or anything else, you support this site. It doesn't cost you anymore but Amazon puts a few coins in our tip jar.

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

June 10, 2012
Hiking with Your Dog in Greater Boston

This time of year, we always see a flurry of visitors to our post reviewing the book, Best Hikes with Dogs, Boston and Beyond. We thought we'd bring this gem to our newer Sunday Dog fans who might want to take a hike with their own Sunday Dog. Just click on that link to jump over to it.

Invest in this book and enjoy the weekends ahead by letting Jenna and Tasman guide you to some "hidden pockets of magic" in Boston and beyond.

And, because we wanted to have a little someone for all of you who tune in each week to see what local dog is in the BostonZest spotlight, we thought we would feature Miss Summer in her neat carrier. She spends her days with her person Rose walking other dogs. Sometimes Summer walks and sometimes she rides. It's a great solution if your small dog is not quite ready for a long hike!

And, there are companion books for hiking with your dog in other areas of the country. Click here to see if there is one for your next outdoor destination with your furry friend. Below are the direct links to Boston, New Hampshire, and Vermont, and outside New York City.

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

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino

Summer's photo: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

(Bookcover courtesy of Mountaineers Books, all rights reserved)

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.

June 3, 2012
Sunday Dog, Amber – “The Jewel of the Public Garden”

Boston’s most beautiful landmark has some serious competition. Her name is Amber, or as we refer to her, “The Jewel of the Public Garden.” While it’s not easy to upstage such a gorgeous place, this pup captured our full attention as we strolled the park’s pathways on a recent weekend afternoon.

As we approached, Amber came right over to say hello. But, as she flashed those big, bright eyes, we couldn’t help but detect a bit of concern in her face. It seemed one of her two people had disappeared (he’d actually gone to pick up some lunch) but Amber wasn’t buying it.

This two year old could be part Bernese Mountain Dog and part Neapolitan Mastiff, no one is really sure. Her mom was a rescue from Boston, helped through PetFinder, whose twelve puppies were placed with the assistance of a Wellesley rescue group. We think we see a bit of Rhodesian Ridgeback in that stance.

We’re not sure what Amber made of a very, large dog that trotted by, but this magnificent Clydesdale/Thoroughbred mix did manage to divert her attention for a short while.

Amber’s other person, who told us she’d been with them since eight weeks of age, confirmed what we’d already discovered– that Amber is, “the sweetest dog I’ve ever had.” And she is, without a doubt, very loyal to her family which soon became three again.

We left Amber showing off a satisfying smile that lit up the entire park. After all, she is, “The Jewel of the Public Garden.”

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

What's on your pet supply shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: 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.

May 27, 2012
Why Sunday Dog, Chiquita Loves to Dance!

We’re guessing that when Chiquita was rescued seven years ago, she had no idea that she’d be dancing into a wonderful, new life in Boston! While her talents are many, none is more impressive than the ability to balance on two legs while her adoring fans applaud.

Yes, some dance for fame, others for money…

Click on any photo for a larger pop-up version!

… but there’s no greater motivator than the almighty, treat! Chiquita has learned that if she dances, gives paw, and then a hand kiss, a special goody will follow.

Now, this is not to say that dancing is her entire life. This nine year old walks two-plus miles a day – some with her person, other times with her dog walker and his furry friends.

Chiquita enjoys saying hello to everyone she meets and always appreciates a good pat and scratch, if you have the time.

Once she’s danced and had a nibble or two, it’s time to relax and watch the world go by. Chiquita, you’re our kind of 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. Here are a few things you might need to enjoy a day in the park with your dancing dog!

Paisley Cotton Bandanas

Pop-Up Travel Bowl

StarMark Clicker Dog Training System

Details:
Words: 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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

May 20, 2012
A Sunday Dog Salute to Geese Wranglers at Work

Recently, we had the opportunity to photograph two geese dogs and their human teammates at work in the Boston Public Garden. They were trying to make Canada Geese understand that the lagoon is not a place to settle down for the summer.

If you should see this pair with their yellow vests off-leash in this park, please understand that they are there to do an important job. They are trained to voice commands and obey instantly when asked to stop, stay, or change their position.

One of their handlers works on the lagoon from a kayak and the other (the woman in the yellow jacket) stays along the shore. The dogs work both in and out of the water.

The object of the game is to keep the birds from feeling safe in this park without hurting them. This is called site aversion by the GeesePeace model program.

"You can take a break, I've got this one," said one dog to the other!

These pups were working so hard we never did get their names. If you are in a park where you see Border Collies working on geese control, please keep your own dog on leash and away from them. These herders move very fast and it would be easy to get in their way. They might also tempt your dog to chase them.

We were worn out just watching them as we said so long to two very tired dogs.

Thanks to this team and the Friends of the Public Garden for making the park a cleaner and safer place to walk. And, thanks to other teams working in other parks, golf courses, and open spaces. It will take a sustained and combined effort to undo the human mistakes that caused the overpopulation of these birds.

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

What's on your Sunday Dog's shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

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 a 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.

May 13, 2012