Category: Resources

Finding Pros for Your Dog in Boston: Veterinarians and Groomers

As we meet new neighbors with dogs, the first questions people ask are about groomers and veterinarians. We recommend that you do exactly the same thing. Chat with dog families about their experiences with the professionals they have used and make your decisions based on the raves and boos you hear.

Well Groomed

Whenever Poppy is out and about and recently groomed, we're always happy when someone says she looks beautiful and asks where we take her. Unfortunately, her team at Pawsh Dog Boutique and Salon has a waiting list for new clients. For this reason, we do ask other people about the groomers they use, so that we might be able to direct folks to other high quality places.

When you interview a groomer ask to see the entire facility. You should see where your dog will be washed, trimmed, and held until you are reunited. Make certain you communicate what you are expecting from the shop. Westies are often hand stripped instead of clipped. There are not many people aside from show dog groomers who do this and many shops will clip a Westie into a standard terrier trim or even give it a spaniel skirt.

This is Bear who happens to live with his veterinarian!

Veterinary Services

Today, there are more choices to consider when deciding on a primary care veterinarian for your animals. You can opt for one of the larger animal hospitals with a full range of services like Angell Animal Medical Center. We like knowing that while our own vet may not always be on duty, the team that works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week will take care of us in any emergency.

You can choose a smaller, local veterinary practice in your neighborhood. It can be nice to walk by and stop in occasionally just to get a treat or weigh your dog.

You can select a traveling vet who makes home visits and will come to you when you need care. This can be wonderful for cats and for frail elder dogs.

And, today, you can seek out a wholistic veterinarian who combines a full traditional veterinary education with an openess to and additional training in alternative medical practices.

Ask your friends and neighbors for a recommendation. Inquire about the philosophy of the practice and ask about the prices. You might decide to use some specialized services like dental cleanings at a place that can offer a lower price by setting up a dedicated team.

Finding the right veterinarian and groomer may take some time and effort, but you and your pup are worth it.

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: © 2014 Ed Cherubino

September 21, 2014
Flu Vaccination Information Update for 2014 – 2015 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, and understanding of, this season's vaccination.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us that, “There are several flu vaccine options for the 2014-2015 flu season.” Besides the usual trivalent vaccines designed to protect against three different flu viruses, there are quadrivalent vaccines meant to protect against four different flu viruses. >>More Information Here

In this post, you'll also 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 2014-2015 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, tap go, and you'll have a map of options.
- 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 will give you the current level of flu activity in Massachusetts.
- 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.
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!

Follow us on Twitter for alerts when we update this article.

Details:
Words: Penny & 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.

Related articles

Good Question: When Is The Best Time To Get The Flu Shot?

Which New Flu Vaccines Are Right for You?

Flu Season Is Here–Vaccinate to Protect You and Your Loved Ones from Flu
September 19, 2014
Boston Area Commencement Dates, Spring 2015
With or without a Boston area college graduation in your family, you'll likely need to coordinate your dining and travel plans around the spring 2015 commencement ceremonies. We're running this very early because so many readers have been making their way to last year's post.

This is an old post here is an updated page with the current information!

Boston Area Commencement Dates for Spring Impact Hotel Prices, Availability, Restaurant Reservations and More.

Our list also helps vistors to Boston understand why hotel rooms are so expensive and restaurant reservations so scarce on some dates in May. The local destination experts who guide Boston visitors over on Trip Advisor are busy answering questions about the cost of visits to our city.

Reservations at area restaurants will be harder to find May 8th through 11th with Mother's Day and 5 commencements, and scarce May 15th through 18th when 17 schools, including BU and BC, will hold ceremonies. Harvard commencement is May 28th and MIT June 5th – each of these schools is large enough to have an impact on its own. Harvard can also interfere with traffic as they move busloads of people from one place to another around event time.

To help you plan your dining options in May and early June, here are the dates of the major commencement ceremonies for your 2015 calendar.

If you know of a college or university graduation date that we've missed, send us a comment.
Thanks to everyone who supports us by beginning their Amazon shopping from here. It doesn't cost you anymore but when you click on an Amazon link like this one, they put a few coins in our tip cup.

The perfect gift for a graduate!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Photo: iStockphoto.com
September 9, 2014
What’s Open on Labor Day 2014 in Boston, Plus Parking, Trash & MBTA Information

Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Labor Day. We'll also keep up with parking information, trash schedules, and changes to MBTA schedules for Monday, September 1, 2014.

This is an outdated post. We have created a permanent Labor Day holiday resource page that we'll update each year with new information. This will keep our readers from finding outdated pages like this one.

Labor Day In Boston Resource Page

We publish these reminders well before a holiday (especially big ones like this) to give you a nudge to finalize your holiday plans. Follow along on Twitter (@bostonzest) or bookmark this page to check back. We'll update as information comes to us.

We hope you find time to enjoy some of the holiday weekend. How about a walk in the Pubic Garden?

Restaurants, Bars: Open

Update: 08/27/14: Eater Boston has posted a list of specific restaurants that are open.

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Liquor stores: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners wish to open.

City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

Financial Services: In general, as the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. Some international markets are open. And, check with your bank, they might have some offices open.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

Update: 08/29/14: Traffic Advisory for College Move-ins

Traffic and Parking Advisory, Student Move-In, 2014 - There are some temporary restrictions from 8/25 to 9/1 in Allston, Brighton, Fenway, Mission Hill details here.

Street Sweeping: The City says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

Boston Trash Collection:
The City says,

"Labor Day Week: Monday, September 1, 6am – Saturday, September 6, 2014, 5pm

No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End.

Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day.

*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

MBTA Labor Day Schedule For Labor Day 2014 can be found at this link through the holiday. (updated 08.21.14)

Download MBTA Labor Day Service Schedule 2014

Most of the system will operate on a Sunday Schedule but there are some commuter rail lines, buses, and boats that will not operate on the holiday. Please check the links above for these exceptions.

For additional, specific information on routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit www.mbta.com."

If information like this from BostonZest is helpful to you, support us by beginning all your Amazon shopping from one of the Amazon ads on our site or by Clicking here to go to the Amazon home page.

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Ed Cherubino

August 18, 2014
What’s Open on Labor Day 2014 in Boston, Plus Parking, Trash & MBTA Information

Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Labor Day. We'll also keep up with parking information, trash schedules, and changes to MBTA schedules for Monday, September 1, 2014.

This is an outdated post. We have created a permanent Labor Day holiday resource page that we'll update each year with new information. This will keep our readers from finding outdated pages like this one.

Labor Day In Boston Resource Page

We publish these reminders well before a holiday (especially big ones like this) to give you a nudge to finalize your holiday plans. Follow along on Twitter (@bostonzest) or bookmark this page to check back. We'll update as information comes to us.

We hope you find time to enjoy some of the holiday weekend. How about a walk in the Pubic Garden?

Restaurants, Bars: Open

Update: 08/27/14: Eater Boston has posted a list of specific restaurants that are open.

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Liquor stores: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners wish to open.

City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

Financial Services: In general, as the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. Some international markets are open. And, check with your bank, they might have some offices open.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

Update: 08/29/14: Traffic Advisory for College Move-ins

Traffic and Parking Advisory, Student Move-In, 2014 - There are some temporary restrictions from 8/25 to 9/1 in Allston, Brighton, Fenway, Mission Hill details here.

Street Sweeping: The City says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

Boston Trash Collection:
The City says,

"Labor Day Week: Monday, September 1, 6am – Saturday, September 6, 2014, 5pm

No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End.

Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day.

*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

MBTA Labor Day Schedule For Labor Day 2014 can be found at this link through the holiday. (updated 08.21.14)

Download MBTA Labor Day Service Schedule 2014

Most of the system will operate on a Sunday Schedule but there are some commuter rail lines, buses, and boats that will not operate on the holiday. Please check the links above for these exceptions.

For additional, specific information on routes, schedules, and fares, please call the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit www.mbta.com."

If information like this from BostonZest is helpful to you, support us by beginning all your Amazon shopping from one of the Amazon ads on our site or by Clicking here to go to the Amazon home page.

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Ed Cherubino

August 18, 2014
Could You Be a Lifeguard? Appreciating Those Who Qualify
Do you take lifeguards like these two at Nantasket Beach for granted? Was there a point in your life when you thought being a lifeguard would be a cool summer job? Do you know what you would have to prove to qualify?

Lifeguard Shortage

There has been much written about the shortage of lifeguards nationwide and here in Massachusetts. The state admitted in an interview with the Boston Globe that it can't get all the lifeguards it needs. Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) spokesperson S. J. Port told the Globe, "The state has seen 'a significant drop-off' in lifeguard candidates with proper training in recent years."

Qualifications for a DCR Waterfront Lifeguard Position

What does it take to prove you could do this job? In additon to certification in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard training, you must pass a rigorous test of your ability to swim and retrieve a person in trouble in the surf.

Here's the full list of requirements. Here are the highlights:

The DCR’s test for pool/inland lifeguards requires candidates to:
- Finish a timed 500 yard swim in 11 minutes or less
- Retrieve a 10 pound object in water that is 12-15 feet deep
- Pass the Lifeguarding, First Aid, & CPR written exams with a score of 80% or higher
- Demonstrate passive victim recovery skills
- Demonstrate active victim recovery skills
- Demonstrate submerged victim recovery skills
In addition to the above, the test for “surf” or ocean beach lifeguards requires candidates to:
- Run 100 yards before entering the water
- Swim for 150 yards
- Run 100 yards after the swim
- Complete the timed 500 yard swim in 9.5 minutes or less (not 11 minutes)
This job needs an Aquathlete!

It makes you appreciate those who sit and scan the beach, count heads in the water, watch the lone swimmers, and are perpared to run if they see someone like you in danger.

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon – Get Ready for Summer – Everything You Need and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino
August 15, 2014
Could You Be a Lifeguard? Appreciating Those Who Qualify
Do you take lifeguards like these two at Nantasket Beach for granted? Was there a point in your life when you thought being a lifeguard would be a cool summer job? Do you know what you would have to prove to qualify?

Lifeguard Shortage

There has been much written about the shortage of lifeguards nationwide and here in Massachusetts. The state admitted in an interview with the Boston Globe that it can't get all the lifeguards it needs. Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) spokesperson S. J. Port told the Globe, "The state has seen 'a significant drop-off' in lifeguard candidates with proper training in recent years."

Qualifications for a DCR Waterfront Lifeguard Position

What does it take to prove you could do this job? In additon to certification in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard training, you must pass a rigorous test of your ability to swim and retrieve a person in trouble in the surf.

Here's the full list of requirements. Here are the highlights:

The DCR’s test for pool/inland lifeguards requires candidates to:
- Finish a timed 500 yard swim in 11 minutes or less
- Retrieve a 10 pound object in water that is 12-15 feet deep
- Pass the Lifeguarding, First Aid, & CPR written exams with a score of 80% or higher
- Demonstrate passive victim recovery skills
- Demonstrate active victim recovery skills
- Demonstrate submerged victim recovery skills
In addition to the above, the test for “surf” or ocean beach lifeguards requires candidates to:
- Run 100 yards before entering the water
- Swim for 150 yards
- Run 100 yards after the swim
- Complete the timed 500 yard swim in 9.5 minutes or less (not 11 minutes)
This job needs an Aquathlete!

It makes you appreciate those who sit and scan the beach, count heads in the water, watch the lone swimmers, and are perpared to run if they see someone like you in danger.

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon – Get Ready for Summer – Everything You Need and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino
August 15, 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
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
The Summer 2014 Issue of Edible Boston Is a Keeper!

Regular readers know we are big fans of the Edible Boston magazine, website, and team of talented writers, editors, and photographers. The summer issue is a real keeper. It has lists of all the area farmers' markets and a list of food trucks. Along with a feature on Essex and Ipswich as an Edible Destination, this issue makes a great summer bucket list.

List of Good Businesses, too! (they call them advertisers!)

Here is a link to the places where you can look for a free copy of the magazine. Or, you can read the summer 2014 issue or the back issues online.

May I suggest that you let their sponsors know you saw them in the magazine and grab an extra copy and get it to someone else who cares about supporting the local food movement.

Also, if you have a blog, twitter account, or facebook page, write about them, link to them, follow them, retweet their tweets, like them on Facebook, and in general, spread the word about this great asset to our community.

And, to be sure you never miss an issue, you can subscribe over on their website!

You can also buy the Edible cookbook! Edible: A Celebration of Local Foods or find more local food in the The Boston Homegrown Cookbook

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Artwork: Courtesy of Edible Boston

July 11, 2014