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Keeping Your Dog Well Hydrated on Hot Summer Days

Poppy may be young but she does not like the heat and would prefer sitting on a bench sipping water to walking, when it's above 75 degrees.

On hot days, we try to get out earlier and choose the shady side of the street and the canopy of trees on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall for our exercise. A walk along the water can be a bit cooler, especially if you have a breeze and some shady trees.

We carry water on our walks most of the year because Poppy loves to jump up on a bench for a rest and a nice cool drink. Like Maggie Mae before her, Penny swears Poppy has a look she gives us when she wants a drink. And, like most dogs, she is a drippy drinker.

There are lots of products designed for dogs to drink from when you're out and about.

Here are a few of our favorites.

We love our H2O4K9, Dog Water Bottle and Travel Bowl. You can clip it to your belt and the cap becomes a drinking container. Ed carries it in a Mesh Water Bottle Carrier that we've had for ages.

Penny keeps a Silicone Pop-Up Water Bowl in her backpack so we always have a way to share water with a thirsty dog. You can see Poppy drinking from her Pop-up in the photo below.

You can use a plastic bag

If you came out without a special water dish for your dog, you can use a plastic bag. Just slide your hand inside, cup your hand, and pour in some water. It won't leak the way your hand does without the bag, and you won't waste water as you would if you let your pup drink from a bottle.

Here's our dear little Maggie Mae back when she demonstrated the plastic bag method.

This summer we decided to get an early start on keeping Poppy well hydrated. Since she is fed a raw, homemade diet, we've added water to our recipe and we pour extra water into her dish with each meal.

We also carry a back-up bottle of cold water in an insulated water bottle carrier for the people on the walk and to tempt Poppy with a bit of cold water when she doesn't seem interested in her own supply.

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 31, 2016
ID Spam Calls with White Pages Reverse Phone Number Look-Up Right After You Block Them

In February we told you "We Love Our Spam, Scam & Robo Call Blocker." The names and phone numbers of most people from whom we actually want to receive calls are already built into our phone system and they pop up on the screen with proper identification. We block all other calls and then check them out over on, White Pages Reverse Phone Number look-up.

Yes you can put the number into a Google search box and get a list of links to pages that might or might not be safe to visit. White Pages is a site that has been around for years with a history of legitimate service.

When the identification of your caller pops up on White Pages, you get a spam level report and other users who have been harassed by this phone number supply information about the calls they've received. One benefit to immediate blocking is that many users say they get constant calls from the same numbers. We don't. Once they're blocked, we don't hear from them again.

Should we discover that a call is legit, like a recent one from a mail order pharmacy, you can unblock the number, add it to your system, and contact the caller.

Since we purchased our CPR Call Blocker V202 in February, we have blocked 95 specific phone numbers. In addition to spam, scams, marketing, charity, and political calls, this includes phone numbers from a parking lot system that kept printing our number as one of theirs in the directory they distributed to parking attendants and in other print material. Now all those numbers seem to reach a dead or non-working phone line. We have also blocked all private numbers, unknown callers, international and out of the area callers, and unavailable callers.

We have most certainly seen a drastic decline in unwanted phone calls since we began using the blocker. Most of the real calls we receive come in on our cell phones. The constant ringing of our land line was from spam, scams, and other annoying calls.

During election season, we plan to block any and all political and polling calls.

We love the sound of silence from our phones!

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: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

July 29, 2016
ID Spam Calls with White Pages Reverse Phone Number Look-Up Right After You Block Them

In February we told you "We Love Our Spam, Scam & Robo Call Blocker." The names and phone numbers of most people from whom we actually want to receive calls are already built into our phone system and they pop up on the screen with proper identification. We block all other calls and then check them out over on, White Pages Reverse Phone Number look-up.

Yes you can put the number into a Google search box and get a list of links to pages that might or might not be safe to visit. White Pages is a site that has been around for years with a history of legitimate service.

When the identification of your caller pops up on White Pages, you get a spam level report and other users who have been harassed by this phone number supply information about the calls they've received. One benefit to immediate blocking is that many users say they get constant calls from the same numbers. We don't. Once they're blocked, we don't hear from them again.

Should we discover that a call is legit, like a recent one from a mail order pharmacy, you can unblock the number, add it to your system, and contact the caller.

Since we purchased our CPR Call Blocker V202 in February, we have blocked 95 specific phone numbers. In addition to spam, scams, marketing, charity, and political calls, this includes phone numbers from a parking lot system that kept printing our number as one of theirs in the directory they distributed to parking attendants and in other print material. Now all those numbers seem to reach a dead or non-working phone line. We have also blocked all private numbers, unknown callers, international and out of the area callers, and unavailable callers.

We have most certainly seen a drastic decline in unwanted phone calls since we began using the blocker. Most of the real calls we receive come in on our cell phones. The constant ringing of our land line was from spam, scams, and other annoying calls.

During election season, we plan to block any and all political and polling calls.

We love the sound of silence from our phones!

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: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

July 29, 2016
Time to Trim the Magnolias!

Back in 2011, Penny wrote an article for the Back Bay Sun about caring for the trees damaged in a blizzard. Today we ask that those of you responsible for the beautiful magnolias and other lush trees around the city prevent this from happening again.

Currently the magnolias along Commonwealth Avenue, for example, are lush, full, and offer lovely shade. We enjoy walking under their protection on hot summer days. However many of them the are very much in need of pruning before the next round of winter or early spring storms.

Broken magnolia after a blizzard in 2011.

Back in 2011, arborist Bobby Loree of Boston Tree Company reassured homeowners saying, “The first thing is don’t panic. It may look awful, but magnolias are resilient and grow fast. Many of the magnolias that got broken up badly in the April Fools day storm of about a dozen years ago recovered nicely though they looked hopeless at the time.”

The Trees Have Recovered

And now they need pruning for a few reasons. Trees with dense foliage and branches are more likely to be damaged in hurricanes and northeasters because they resist the wind rather the letting it pass through.

The weight of heavy snow that collects on branches can cause breakage even when the foliage is not out. Should it be a spring storm when the trees are in leaf, it can be much worse. A good pruning can make a world of difference in the outcome.

As a courtesy to pedestrians, trees should be trimmed high enough above the sidewalk so that people can pass under them even when rain and snow lower the branches. Right now you have to be well under 6 foot to walk under some of these trees.

Call a Pro

Take a few minutes to examine your tree canopy. How dense is it? Are there branches rubbing on one another that might cause damage in a wind storm? Would a heavy snow be caught up in your tree with branches breaking from the weight? If so, it's time to call an arborist to evaluate and perhaps prune your trees.

As Boston’s Tree Warden Greg Mosman said back in 2011, “Trees should be cared for by professionals and proper pruning can reduce damage in extreme weather conditions, though no amount of pruning can totally prevent damage.” He advised, "Pruning should be done by a certified arborist."

Related articles

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July 28, 2016
Time to Trim the Magnolias!

Back in 2011, Penny wrote an article for the Back Bay Sun about caring for the trees damaged in a blizzard. Today we ask that those of you responsible for the beautiful magnolias and other lush trees around the city prevent this from happening again.

Currently the magnolias along Commonwealth Avenue, for example, are lush, full, and offer lovely shade. We enjoy walking under their protection on hot summer days. However many of them the are very much in need of pruning before the next round of winter or early spring storms.

Broken magnolia after a blizzard in 2011.

Back in 2011, arborist Bobby Loree of Boston Tree Company reassured homeowners saying, “The first thing is don’t panic. It may look awful, but magnolias are resilient and grow fast. Many of the magnolias that got broken up badly in the April Fools day storm of about a dozen years ago recovered nicely though they looked hopeless at the time.”

The Trees Have Recovered

And now they need pruning for a few reasons. Trees with dense foliage and branches are more likely to be damaged in hurricanes and northeasters because they resist the wind rather the letting it pass through.

The weight of heavy snow that collects on branches can cause breakage even when the foliage is not out. Should it be a spring storm when the trees are in leaf, it can be much worse. A good pruning can make a world of difference in the outcome.

As a courtesy to pedestrians, trees should be trimmed high enough above the sidewalk so that people can pass under them even when rain and snow lower the branches. Right now you have to be well under 6 foot to walk under some of these trees.

Call a Pro

Take a few minutes to examine your tree canopy. How dense is it? Are there branches rubbing on one another that might cause damage in a wind storm? Would a heavy snow be caught up in your tree with branches breaking from the weight? If so, it's time to call an arborist to evaluate and perhaps prune your trees.

As Boston’s Tree Warden Greg Mosman said back in 2011, “Trees should be cared for by professionals and proper pruning can reduce damage in extreme weather conditions, though no amount of pruning can totally prevent damage.” He advised, "Pruning should be done by a certified arborist."

Related articles

Confused Plants and More November Foliage

November Foliage in the Heart of Boston

The Hope of Spring …

Growing Fond of the Boston Public Garden Fence

July 28, 2016
Ordering Specials at Your Favorite Restaurants

Restaurants become favorites because they make us feel comfortable. We know we'll find foods we love on the menu and perhaps we go there with a particular dish in mind.

For Penny, it's often a craving for the Stoughton shrimp or Blue Prawns on the plancha that directs our feet to Select Oyster Bar.

While one dish (plus great service, a fabulous wine selection, and relaxed atmosphere) drew us to the door, we always look at the specials board and review the menu for new items.

This summer these "Sautéed Petite Clams with Spanish Chorizo, parsley, lemon, and toasted garlic" popped up on the menu. We are both so glad we ordered it and have since recommended it to friends.

That same day this "Corn and Lobster Chowder with Chorizo Oil" was on the specials board and we both considered it one of the best chowders we had ever spooned up.

Missing Old Favorites

Don't get us wrong. We are still going to order those favorite menu items. We'll never regret all the times we shared a dish of Hamersley's Roasted Chicken. (Here's the recipe if you are missing it too.)

But we also rejoice in memories of the first dish of skate we ever tasted at Hamersley's or the many other masterpieces that arrived in front of us from that kitchen.

So when you find yourself sitting in a familiar place with a well-known menu, don't set it aside and go with your usual. Ask your server what's on the specials list and if any new items have been added to the menu. You could end up with a spectacular seasonal dish like the Rainbow trout with fiddleheads and bacon (photo above) that we enjoyed at Select Oyster this past spring.

Things Also Change Without Warning!

Sometimes an old item has been given a new twist and you may want to know that before you order it. We recently ordered a favorite sandwich for take-out from a local spot we frequent regularly. It came slathered with mayo instead of with chipotle ketchup as it had been in the past. Now we order it, "the old way" and specify, "no mayo."

What's on your food lover's shopping list?

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Best Bite: Blue Prawns on the Plancha at Select Oyster Bar

July 27, 2016
Ordering Specials at Your Favorite Restaurants

Restaurants become favorites because they make us feel comfortable. We know we'll find foods we love on the menu and perhaps we go there with a particular dish in mind.

For Penny, it's often a craving for the Stoughton shrimp or Blue Prawns on the plancha that directs our feet to Select Oyster Bar.

While one dish (plus great service, a fabulous wine selection, and relaxed atmosphere) drew us to the door, we always look at the specials board and review the menu for new items.

This summer these "Sautéed Petite Clams with Spanish Chorizo, parsley, lemon, and toasted garlic" popped up on the menu. We are both so glad we ordered it and have since recommended it to friends.

That same day this "Corn and Lobster Chowder with Chorizo Oil" was on the specials board and we both considered it one of the best chowders we had ever spooned up.

Missing Old Favorites

Don't get us wrong. We are still going to order those favorite menu items. We'll never regret all the times we shared a dish of Hamersley's Roasted Chicken. (Here's the recipe if you are missing it too.)

But we also rejoice in memories of the first dish of skate we ever tasted at Hamersley's or the many other masterpieces that arrived in front of us from that kitchen.

So when you find yourself sitting in a familiar place with a well-known menu, don't set it aside and go with your usual. Ask your server what's on the specials list and if any new items have been added to the menu. You could end up with a spectacular seasonal dish like the Rainbow trout with fiddleheads and bacon (photo above) that we enjoyed at Select Oyster this past spring.

Things Also Change Without Warning!

Sometimes an old item has been given a new twist and you may want to know that before you order it. We recently ordered a favorite sandwich for take-out from a local spot we frequent regularly. It came slathered with mayo instead of with chipotle ketchup as it had been in the past. Now we order it, "the old way" and specify, "no mayo."

What's on your food lover's shopping list?

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Best Bite: Blue Prawns on the Plancha at Select Oyster Bar

July 27, 2016
Tips to Protect Your Dog on Hot Days

We've had a few hot days and seen lots of people taking great care of their dogs. As we chat with friends, all of us share tips on how we're rearranging our routines to make things safer for our canine companions. Here are a few of those ideas.

Arrange your walk schedule so that longer treks are in the cooler parts of the day. Slow down and let your dog take more breaks and maybe even a short snooze, if that's what works for him or her. Offer drinks of water often.

If you use dog walkers, ask them to adjust how long your dog is out in the heat.

This is especially important if your dog is in fragile health, elderly, or one of the flat-faced breeds that are susceptible to brachycephalic syndrome, a condition that makes breathing more difficult.

Carry water for your dog. Most pet supply shops sell water bottles with attached caps or covers that serve as a dog cup. There are collapsible water dishes that you can fill from a water fountain or your own bottle of water.

Check the Heat of the Pavement

Press your hand on the blacktop for 10 seconds as a way to determine if it will be uncomfortable or dangerous for your dog.

On hot days, let your dog walk on grass or dirt as much as possible to give those paws a break.

If you are visiting an even hotter climate than ours this summer, consider putting boots on your dog, if that’s the only way to protect bare paws from the hot pavement.

We've also discovered that the white lines painted as crosswalks are much cooler than the blacktop, so we direct Poppy's paws along that path as we cross streets.

At the beach, sand can be as hot as pavement, check it with your own bare feet. Walking along the wave line or in shallow water can give your dog a break from the hot sand.

It should go without saying that you should never leave your dog in a car in hot weather. The American Veterinary Medical Association warns, “The temperature inside your vehicle can rise almost 20º F in just 10 minutes.” They also say, “We've heard the excuses: ‘Oh, it will just be a few minutes while I go into the store,’ or ‘But I cracked the windows …’ These excuses don't amount to much if your pet becomes seriously ill or dies from being left in a vehicle.”

Here's a post we did on that topic complete with a video by a veterinarian who stayed in a hot car to show what happens.

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 (edited for BostonZest from one of our City Paw newspaper columns)
Photos: ©2014-2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

A Sunday Beach Dog Playing on the Tidal Flats

Give Your Sunday Dog a Drink on a Hot Summer Walk – BostonZest

July 24, 2016
Tips to Protect Your Dog on Hot Days

We've had a few hot days and seen lots of people taking great care of their dogs. As we chat with friends, all of us share tips on how we're rearranging our routines to make things safer for our canine companions. Here are a few of those ideas.

Arrange your walk schedule so that longer treks are in the cooler parts of the day. Slow down and let your dog take more breaks and maybe even a short snooze, if that's what works for him or her. Offer drinks of water often.

If you use dog walkers, ask them to adjust how long your dog is out in the heat.

This is especially important if your dog is in fragile health, elderly, or one of the flat-faced breeds that are susceptible to brachycephalic syndrome, a condition that makes breathing more difficult.

Carry water for your dog. Most pet supply shops sell water bottles with attached caps or covers that serve as a dog cup. There are collapsible water dishes that you can fill from a water fountain or your own bottle of water.

Check the Heat of the Pavement

Press your hand on the blacktop for 10 seconds as a way to determine if it will be uncomfortable or dangerous for your dog.

On hot days, let your dog walk on grass or dirt as much as possible to give those paws a break.

If you are visiting an even hotter climate than ours this summer, consider putting boots on your dog, if that’s the only way to protect bare paws from the hot pavement.

We've also discovered that the white lines painted as crosswalks are much cooler than the blacktop, so we direct Poppy's paws along that path as we cross streets.

At the beach, sand can be as hot as pavement, check it with your own bare feet. Walking along the wave line or in shallow water can give your dog a break from the hot sand.

It should go without saying that you should never leave your dog in a car in hot weather. The American Veterinary Medical Association warns, “The temperature inside your vehicle can rise almost 20º F in just 10 minutes.” They also say, “We've heard the excuses: ‘Oh, it will just be a few minutes while I go into the store,’ or ‘But I cracked the windows …’ These excuses don't amount to much if your pet becomes seriously ill or dies from being left in a vehicle.”

Here's a post we did on that topic complete with a video by a veterinarian who stayed in a hot car to show what happens.

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 (edited for BostonZest from one of our City Paw newspaper columns)
Photos: ©2014-2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

A Sunday Beach Dog Playing on the Tidal Flats

Give Your Sunday Dog a Drink on a Hot Summer Walk – BostonZest

July 24, 2016
Great Ethnic Food Question on Reddit Boston (with Great Answers!)

Over on Reddit Boston, Gee10 asked, "What's your ethnic background and what's the best place in the Boston area to get your favorite food from your culture?"

A great question. And the Reddit community came through with great answers. (Also at the link to the question.)

From arepas (above) at Orinoco to soup dumplings at Dumpling Palace, we are thrilled at how many of the group's cultural favorites we have enjoyed and, in some instances, shared with our readers.

Please hop over and read the recommendations and then set out to try a few.

Here are some that we have covered that were mentioned by people from the related ethnic background.

Delicious Hurricane Supplies from Arax! We have covered the Watertown Middle Eastern markets many time, over the years.

Related Post: Boston Chowhounds Give Watertown Ethnic Markets Tips

What Food Would You Miss If You Left Boston? Penny wrote a piece for Serious Eats and that question came up after one of the comments. One answer was the Chacarero's Chilean Sandwich.

Tenoch Mexican Restaurants & Food Truck was another favorite.

Santouka Ramen was on the list. We haven't tried the Back Bay location yet, but it's on our list and we're glad to see it recommended.

Clear flour Bakery's pretzel made both the Reddit list and ours.

You'll have to wait until August to try Galleria Umberto's pizza. But it's worth the wait until they've had their vacation and for the wait in the fast moving line for your turn. (Read our tip on how to avoid that line at this link.)

Gene's Chinese Flatbread Café is also known for long lines and being worth the wait.

Sweet Cheeks was the choice of one self-proclaimed Southern Girl.

So share your background and favorite places for a taste of your past. Who cooks like the best cook in your family? Where do you go to enjoy food memories?

What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

Schedule

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2008-2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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July 22, 2016