Category: Boston Dogs

Thanks to the Animals!

When you counted your blessings on Thanksgiving, did you include the creatures that settled under the table or wound themselves around your legs? Are you thankful for your own companion animals and all the service animals that make our lives safer, healthier, and more fulfilling?

Pets Are Good for You

Study after study confirms that having companion animals is good for your health. Certainly city dwellers with dogs seem more likely to enjoy the fitness benefits of daily exercise.

The National Institutes of Health has funded studies that showed people who walked their dogs “… were more physically active and less likely to be obese than those who didn’t own or walk a dog.” For individuals age 71-82, “Those who regularly walked their dogs walked faster and for longer time periods each week than others who didn’t walk regularly. Older dog walkers also had greater mobility inside their homes than others in the study.”

Heart Health

Stroking a cat or dog has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase a feeling of calm. The American Heart Association issued a scientific statement about pet ownership and cardiac risk this year.

They reported that, “Owning pets is associated with reducing your risk of heart disease, and there are a variety of reasons that may be at work that influence this relationship. It may be that healthier people are more likely to be pet owners or that people with dogs tend to exercise more. Pets also play a role in providing social support to their owners, which is an important factor in helping you stick with a new habit or adopting a new healthy behavior.”

Mental Health

Other researchers are looking at the benefits of pets or exposure to therapy dogs for disorders like depression, post traumatic stress disorder, and bipolar disorder.

Caring for an animal keeps people active and can help prevent someone from becoming withdrawn. From companionship to silly antics that make you laugh, a dog or cat can be a mood booster.

Dodie is a real service dog in training.

Therapy and Service Dogs

Don’t be surprised if you find a dog at a medical appointment in your future. Dogs have an amazing sense of smell – 1,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than ours. Medical detection dogs are now used to alert doctors to human conditions from hypoglycemia in diabetics to skin, bladder, and ovarian cancer.

Some of these canines work with professionals in medical research settings, others are trained to alert their person to spikes and drops in blood sugar levels in diabetes, or to protect and try to get help for someone with a seizure disorder.

You’ll also see service dogs who act as guides and helpers for people who are blind, deaf, confined to a wheelchair, or unsteady on their feet. And there are emotional support dogs who help a person stay calm in stressful situations.

These geese wrangler dogs work in the Public Garden.

Working Dogs

Beyond animals that serve as companions, there are hundreds of working dogs that deserve our thanks. They help law enforcement officers track criminals, locate drugs, guns, contraband, and bombs. They work protecting livestock on farms and offering comfort to victims in courtrooms and in the aftermath of a crime or disaster.

Yes, these same creatures can be a source of stress when they misbehave or are ailing themselves. However, overall, scientists are showing that we should be giving thanks for our dogs, cats, and other furry and feathered critters when we count our blessings.

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
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)

November 26, 2017
Thanks to the Animals!

When you counted your blessings on Thanksgiving, did you include the creatures that settled under the table or wound themselves around your legs? Are you thankful for your own companion animals and all the service animals that make our lives safer, healthier, and more fulfilling?

Pets Are Good for You

Study after study confirms that having companion animals is good for your health. Certainly city dwellers with dogs seem more likely to enjoy the fitness benefits of daily exercise.

The National Institutes of Health has funded studies that showed people who walked their dogs “… were more physically active and less likely to be obese than those who didn’t own or walk a dog.” For individuals age 71-82, “Those who regularly walked their dogs walked faster and for longer time periods each week than others who didn’t walk regularly. Older dog walkers also had greater mobility inside their homes than others in the study.”

Heart Health

Stroking a cat or dog has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase a feeling of calm. The American Heart Association issued a scientific statement about pet ownership and cardiac risk this year.

They reported that, “Owning pets is associated with reducing your risk of heart disease, and there are a variety of reasons that may be at work that influence this relationship. It may be that healthier people are more likely to be pet owners or that people with dogs tend to exercise more. Pets also play a role in providing social support to their owners, which is an important factor in helping you stick with a new habit or adopting a new healthy behavior.”

Mental Health

Other researchers are looking at the benefits of pets or exposure to therapy dogs for disorders like depression, post traumatic stress disorder, and bipolar disorder.

Caring for an animal keeps people active and can help prevent someone from becoming withdrawn. From companionship to silly antics that make you laugh, a dog or cat can be a mood booster.

Dodie is a real service dog in training.

Therapy and Service Dogs

Don’t be surprised if you find a dog at a medical appointment in your future. Dogs have an amazing sense of smell – 1,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than ours. Medical detection dogs are now used to alert doctors to human conditions from hypoglycemia in diabetics to skin, bladder, and ovarian cancer.

Some of these canines work with professionals in medical research settings, others are trained to alert their person to spikes and drops in blood sugar levels in diabetes, or to protect and try to get help for someone with a seizure disorder.

You’ll also see service dogs who act as guides and helpers for people who are blind, deaf, confined to a wheelchair, or unsteady on their feet. And there are emotional support dogs who help a person stay calm in stressful situations.

These geese wrangler dogs work in the Public Garden.

Working Dogs

Beyond animals that serve as companions, there are hundreds of working dogs that deserve our thanks. They help law enforcement officers track criminals, locate drugs, guns, contraband, and bombs. They work protecting livestock on farms and offering comfort to victims in courtrooms and in the aftermath of a crime or disaster.

Yes, these same creatures can be a source of stress when they misbehave or are ailing themselves. However, overall, scientists are showing that we should be giving thanks for our dogs, cats, and other furry and feathered critters when we count our blessings.

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
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)

November 26, 2017
Holiday Visiting Etiquette for Dog People

Holidays can be stressful and sometimes the issue of dogs and cats can be divisive, especially if one person considers them family members and another can’t stand animals in the house. We have always considered our dogs family members and that our home is their home. However, we don’t expect other people to open their homes to our dog.

We also are very specific when we make invitations to friends with dogs. For years dogs were included because our Maggie Mae loved having company and was great about sharing. Poppy, on the other hand, will bark at any dog in her territory, so we’ve been reluctant to test her reaction to other dogs in her home.

When someone invites us to visit, we assume that invitation does not include Poppy. Even when she would love to come and has dressed for the occasion to convince us to take her as she did in the photo above.

We would never ask anyone, even people who have dogs or who love dogs, to include her in our visit. What’s more, sometimes a dog or cat waiting for you at home might just give you the perfect reason to limit the time you spend visiting one of your less amusing relatives.

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
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)

November 19, 2017
Holiday Visiting Etiquette for Dog People

Holidays can be stressful and sometimes the issue of dogs and cats can be divisive, especially if one person considers them family members and another can’t stand animals in the house. We have always considered our dogs family members and that our home is their home. However, we don’t expect other people to open their homes to our dog.

We also are very specific when we make invitations to friends with dogs. For years dogs were included because our Maggie Mae loved having company and was great about sharing. Poppy, on the other hand, will bark at any dog in her territory, so we’ve been reluctant to test her reaction to other dogs in her home.

When someone invites us to visit, we assume that invitation does not include Poppy. Even when she would love to come and has dressed for the occasion to convince us to take her as she did in the photo above.

We would never ask anyone, even people who have dogs or who love dogs, to include her in our visit. What’s more, sometimes a dog or cat waiting for you at home might just give you the perfect reason to limit the time you spend visiting one of your less amusing relatives.

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
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)

November 19, 2017
Winter & Holiday Preparations for Families that Include Dogs
When you think about preparing for winter, your first thoughts might be about snow tires or weatherproofing windows, but there are some dog related items you might want to add to your winter preparation list.

Maxie looks great in her winter sweater!

Before all the de-icing supplies for your building are purchased, you might ask that pet safe de-icer be used rather than salt or other toxic chemicals. This will not only benefit your dog, but also all the dogs who pass your home. It may even help some inside kitties since the people in the family won’t track in potential poisons.

Poppy loves winter more than we do. This is her response when we say she's been out too long.

If your winter gear is in storage, it’s time for a switch. Put away the beach gear, life jackets, and sun shades. If you haven’t taken a good look at your dog’s winter supplies, such as jackets, boots, sweaters, and your own cold weather walk equipment, now is a good time to assess and resupply before a sudden storm calls for full winter gear.

If you have a car and your dog travels with you, winter requires protection for seats from snowy, muddy paws. If you use car services, be sure to bring a towel or waterproof pad when your dog shares your ride. We always contact the driver to say we’re bringing a dog and something to protect your car seat.

Zipcar requires that members use a travel crate or bag when they take a pet along. In addition to the crate, we cover the back seat with waterproof pads so that Poppy can walk to her crate without leaving behind paw prints, sand, mud, or salt.

Here are a few more of our winter tips for dog families:
Marley is a well-traveled dog and a perfect guest in any home.

Travel Plans

The holiday season often requires special arrangements if you plan to travel or spend time with nearby family or friends.

Even with hotels and other lodgings you have visited with your pets in the past, confirming current policies and fees can prevent a nasty surprise when you arrive. We find that some fees are unreasonable. For example, Disney recently decided to allow pets in some of their hotels. However, they are charging a $50 per night cleaning fee.

Should you plan to have your favorite pet sitter, boarding kennel, friend, or family member take care of your critter while you are away, it’s a good idea to discuss this now before all spots are filled or other plans are made.

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
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)
November 12, 2017
Winter & Holiday Preparations for Families that Include Dogs
When you think about preparing for winter, your first thoughts might be about snow tires or weatherproofing windows, but there are some dog related items you might want to add to your winter preparation list.

Maxie looks great in her winter sweater!

Before all the de-icing supplies for your building are purchased, you might ask that pet safe de-icer be used rather than salt or other toxic chemicals. This will not only benefit your dog, but also all the dogs who pass your home. It may even help some inside kitties since the people in the family won’t track in potential poisons.

Poppy loves winter more than we do. This is her response when we say she's been out too long.

If your winter gear is in storage, it’s time for a switch. Put away the beach gear, life jackets, and sun shades. If you haven’t taken a good look at your dog’s winter supplies, such as jackets, boots, sweaters, and your own cold weather walk equipment, now is a good time to assess and resupply before a sudden storm calls for full winter gear.

If you have a car and your dog travels with you, winter requires protection for seats from snowy, muddy paws. If you use car services, be sure to bring a towel or waterproof pad when your dog shares your ride. We always contact the driver to say we’re bringing a dog and something to protect your car seat.

Zipcar requires that members use a travel crate or bag when they take a pet along. In addition to the crate, we cover the back seat with waterproof pads so that Poppy can walk to her crate without leaving behind paw prints, sand, mud, or salt.

Here are a few more of our winter tips for dog families:
Marley is a well-traveled dog and a perfect guest in any home.

Travel Plans

The holiday season often requires special arrangements if you plan to travel or spend time with nearby family or friends.

Even with hotels and other lodgings you have visited with your pets in the past, confirming current policies and fees can prevent a nasty surprise when you arrive. We find that some fees are unreasonable. For example, Disney recently decided to allow pets in some of their hotels. However, they are charging a $50 per night cleaning fee.

Should you plan to have your favorite pet sitter, boarding kennel, friend, or family member take care of your critter while you are away, it’s a good idea to discuss this now before all spots are filled or other plans are made.

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
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)
November 12, 2017
Assistive Devices for Dogs with Injuries or Disabilities

Almost a decade ago, we were introduced to Eddie’s Wheels for pets when we met a senior Weimaraner named Kepler rolling along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. His hind legs were gently harnessed into a wheeled cart. Kepler had always been a very active, athletic dog. At age 13, his wheels gave him the freedom to stay that way.

Eddie’s Wheels is a company based in Shelburne Falls, MA. They build custom wheelchairs for dogs and cats and improve the quality of life not only for companion animals with disabilities, but also for the people who love them.

We were reminded of all the progress that has been made with assistive devices for dogs and cats when we spotted Bernie, a young Samoyed, wheeling his way along the mall in a far more streamlined rig.

Ramps, Stairs, and Lift Assistance

Cha Cha is a dog Penny sees on her morning walks. She's 16 years old and, like many a little old lady, needs a bit of help with her daily activities. Her guardian has added a lift assist harness to her walking gear. Cha Cha moves at her slow pace and when she needs a bit of an assist, a gentle sling around her belly allows her person to add support.

We had a visit from one of our rescue Westies, Swiffer, in his later years. He was having problems getting into the right position to relieve himself. We tore a wide strip off an old beach towel and used it exactly the way Cha Cha’s lift assist works. Assistance can be simple and homemade or something designed for that purpose.

This is one of our favorite portraits of our little pal Swiffer. How we all miss him!

Small footstools have been used by our dogs, as they aged, to get up on chairs and sofas. But there are also ready-made stairs and ramps that help a disabled or injured dog or cat reach a favorite spot. For example, there are special ramps designed to make getting a large dog into a car easier for everyone.

Tools for Special Needs

While we can hold an ice pack on our own sore spots, we need help to use ice to heal an injured animal. Now there are purpose-made, physical therapy icing devices that wrap around and stay secured on a leg, shoulder, neck, or paw.

Special splints, wraps, and booties can protect injured paws or skin and fur. Around the house, where wheels might not work, there are drag bags for paralyzed pets.

Today we address incontinence in pets with indoor puppy pads, diaper suspenders, disposable diapers, belly bands, and sometimes medication.

A halo harness for blind dogs protects their heads by bumping into things before the dog does.

For a deaf dog, you can use a vibration collar to help train the pup to recognize that you want their attention. (Since we have always been vehemently opposed to shock collars as training devices, we want to be clear that this assistive device emits a simple vibration like the one you have on your phone when you put it in silent mode.)

Before you decide to struggle along and make the best of a difficult situation, check with your pet care pros. Your veterinary team may suggest physical therapy where some of these products are commonly in use. A local pet shop may stock or be willing to special order the right assistive device. And pet sitters see the problems that others have solved, so be sure to ask their advice as well.

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
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)

November 5, 2017
Assistive Devices for Dogs with Injuries or Disabilities

Almost a decade ago, we were introduced to Eddie’s Wheels for pets when we met a senior Weimaraner named Kepler rolling along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. His hind legs were gently harnessed into a wheeled cart. Kepler had always been a very active, athletic dog. At age 13, his wheels gave him the freedom to stay that way.

Eddie’s Wheels is a company based in Shelburne Falls, MA. They build custom wheelchairs for dogs and cats and improve the quality of life not only for companion animals with disabilities, but also for the people who love them.

We were reminded of all the progress that has been made with assistive devices for dogs and cats when we spotted Bernie, a young Samoyed, wheeling his way along the mall in a far more streamlined rig.

Ramps, Stairs, and Lift Assistance

Cha Cha is a dog Penny sees on her morning walks. She's 16 years old and, like many a little old lady, needs a bit of help with her daily activities. Her guardian has added a lift assist harness to her walking gear. Cha Cha moves at her slow pace and when she needs a bit of an assist, a gentle sling around her belly allows her person to add support.

We had a visit from one of our rescue Westies, Swiffer, in his later years. He was having problems getting into the right position to relieve himself. We tore a wide strip off an old beach towel and used it exactly the way Cha Cha’s lift assist works. Assistance can be simple and homemade or something designed for that purpose.

This is one of our favorite portraits of our little pal Swiffer. How we all miss him!

Small footstools have been used by our dogs, as they aged, to get up on chairs and sofas. But there are also ready-made stairs and ramps that help a disabled or injured dog or cat reach a favorite spot. For example, there are special ramps designed to make getting a large dog into a car easier for everyone.

Tools for Special Needs

While we can hold an ice pack on our own sore spots, we need help to use ice to heal an injured animal. Now there are purpose-made, physical therapy icing devices that wrap around and stay secured on a leg, shoulder, neck, or paw.

Special splints, wraps, and booties can protect injured paws or skin and fur. Around the house, where wheels might not work, there are drag bags for paralyzed pets.

Today we address incontinence in pets with indoor puppy pads, diaper suspenders, disposable diapers, belly bands, and sometimes medication.

A halo harness for blind dogs protects their heads by bumping into things before the dog does.

For a deaf dog, you can use a vibration collar to help train the pup to recognize that you want their attention. (Since we have always been vehemently opposed to shock collars as training devices, we want to be clear that this assistive device emits a simple vibration like the one you have on your phone when you put it in silent mode.)

Before you decide to struggle along and make the best of a difficult situation, check with your pet care pros. Your veterinary team may suggest physical therapy where some of these products are commonly in use. A local pet shop may stock or be willing to special order the right assistive device. And pet sitters see the problems that others have solved, so be sure to ask their advice as well.

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
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)

November 5, 2017
Does Your Dog Have a Favorite Spot?

We may think we are the masters of our animal companions but, time and again, we see that they are the decision makers. We buy designer crates for our dogs and multi-level perches with hidden nests for our cats. We try to protect old joints with orthopedic pet mattresses. But our resident cats and dogs have their own ideas of the perfect resting spot.

Even on a restaurant patio, Poppy will scoot under the table.

Dog Caves

We have always had terriers – dogs designed to “go to ground.” One residual behavior for this inbred trait is the desire to be under things. Each of our dogs figured out a spot where she could happily nest away from pesky people. For Poppy it’s Ed's desk or our dining table.

This desire to have a hiding spot is said to have come from their ancestors who, as wild animals, would rest or hide in a den. It’s the reason crate training can work so well for dogs. If not overused, the time spent in a crate can be restful and calming. A crate can be a dog’s place of safety and security.

And, for the human side of the equation, today’s crates have come a long way from the wire cages that you see at dog shows, animal hospitals, and grooming shops. Some are designed to blend into your living room. You can have a wooden crate that looks like an end table in a mahogany finish; a Mid-Century modern oval fiberglass crate; or a sleek, shiny, steel circular one that can double as a cocktail table.

But, even if you succeed in training your dog to love his crate, don’t be surprised if he finds another spot around the house that he claims as the best and most wonderful place in the world.

Poppy also loves to snuggle into the corner of our sofa.

Cozy or Cool

For other animals, it is the lure of warmth or cold that directs their instincts to a favorite place. One friend has a cat who loves the bathroom sink. In the hot weather, she’ll find him sprawled in and about that marble surface.

And we all know both cats and dogs who will follow a sunbeam across the floor basking in the warmth coming through a window.

If it's cold at the beach, Poppy loves to share a chair and a sleeping bag with Penny.

Home Away From Home

That bathroom sink cat also loves to lounge in his cat carrier. That’s fortunate because it makes him more comfortable in it, when the carrier is used to transport him somewhere.

We’ve always used a crate in the car and in hotel rooms when traveling with dogs. In the car, a sturdy crate keeps my dog safer and more secure if we’re involved in an accident. It also keeps the dog from distracting the driver.

In hotel rooms, a crate will protect your dog from escaping if a staff member should enter the room for some reason. And, if the crate is used at home and contains a favorite blanket or pillow, it will also lend a sense of security and hominess for your pal.

Yes, many companion animals would rather be on the sofa with you most of the time. But, if you think about the dogs and cats who have shared your life, I’ll bet you’ll smile as you name a favorite spot that each of them chose as their own.

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
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)

October 22, 2017
Does Your Dog Have a Favorite Spot?

We may think we are the masters of our animal companions but, time and again, we see that they are the decision makers. We buy designer crates for our dogs and multi-level perches with hidden nests for our cats. We try to protect old joints with orthopedic pet mattresses. But our resident cats and dogs have their own ideas of the perfect resting spot.

Even on a restaurant patio, Poppy will scoot under the table.

Dog Caves

We have always had terriers – dogs designed to “go to ground.” One residual behavior for this inbred trait is the desire to be under things. Each of our dogs figured out a spot where she could happily nest away from pesky people. For Poppy it’s Ed's desk or our dining table.

This desire to have a hiding spot is said to have come from their ancestors who, as wild animals, would rest or hide in a den. It’s the reason crate training can work so well for dogs. If not overused, the time spent in a crate can be restful and calming. A crate can be a dog’s place of safety and security.

And, for the human side of the equation, today’s crates have come a long way from the wire cages that you see at dog shows, animal hospitals, and grooming shops. Some are designed to blend into your living room. You can have a wooden crate that looks like an end table in a mahogany finish; a Mid-Century modern oval fiberglass crate; or a sleek, shiny, steel circular one that can double as a cocktail table.

But, even if you succeed in training your dog to love his crate, don’t be surprised if he finds another spot around the house that he claims as the best and most wonderful place in the world.

Poppy also loves to snuggle into the corner of our sofa.

Cozy or Cool

For other animals, it is the lure of warmth or cold that directs their instincts to a favorite place. One friend has a cat who loves the bathroom sink. In the hot weather, she’ll find him sprawled in and about that marble surface.

And we all know both cats and dogs who will follow a sunbeam across the floor basking in the warmth coming through a window.

If it's cold at the beach, Poppy loves to share a chair and a sleeping bag with Penny.

Home Away From Home

That bathroom sink cat also loves to lounge in his cat carrier. That’s fortunate because it makes him more comfortable in it, when the carrier is used to transport him somewhere.

We’ve always used a crate in the car and in hotel rooms when traveling with dogs. In the car, a sturdy crate keeps my dog safer and more secure if we’re involved in an accident. It also keeps the dog from distracting the driver.

In hotel rooms, a crate will protect your dog from escaping if a staff member should enter the room for some reason. And, if the crate is used at home and contains a favorite blanket or pillow, it will also lend a sense of security and hominess for your pal.

Yes, many companion animals would rather be on the sofa with you most of the time. But, if you think about the dogs and cats who have shared your life, I’ll bet you’ll smile as you name a favorite spot that each of them chose as their own.

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
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

(Adapted for BostonZest from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.)

October 22, 2017