Tag: Sunday dog

  • “The Navigator & the Squirrel Hunter” – Now Playing on Sunday Dog

    CHE_5060 - Version 22013-04-14-Henry-Portuguese-water-dog-Boston- Katie-cairn-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Portuguese Water Dog Henry, aka “Henry the Navigator,” and Cairn Terrier Katie Margaret the “Squirrel Hunter” are Sunday Dogs who love their job descriptions! 

    CHE_5047 - Version 22013-04-14-Henry-Portuguese-water-dog-Boston- Katie-cairn-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    At 14, Katie (who has the most soulful eyes) has spent her life trying to catch a squirrel – not an easy feat, even for a wily terrier. Recently, she did come very close to fulfilling her dream, but at the last moment, Henry swooped in and snatched the little critter. The two were separated with no harm done, except to Katie’s ego.

    CHE_5037 - Version 22013-04-14-Henry-Portuguese-water-dog-Boston- Katie-cairn-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    While both of these Boston dogs are squirrel obsessed, there’s no doubt about Henry’s aquatic roots. This energetic 3-year-old looks forward to their walks, especially when they include Castle Island, where he gets to go in the water.

    CHE_5085 - Version 22013-04-14-Henry-Portuguese-water-dog-Boston- Katie-cairn-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Katie stepped out her carry pouch for this close-up.

    These two also get to spend a lot of quality time in Provincetown. Katie likes it so much out there that, when the car’s all packed and it’s time to go, she stays in the house as if to say, “I’ll see you when you get back.”

    CHE_5031 - Version 22013-04-14-Henry-Portuguese-water-dog-Boston- Katie-cairn-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    When Katie and Henry are not taking long walks around Boston, posing for photos, or scanning for squirrels, they can’t resist romping with a good squeak toy followed by a long chew on a prized bully stick.

    What a great life! See you around the city.

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

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

    Details:

    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Poppy Speaks! Our Sunday Dog Turns One

    DSC_3448 - Version 22013-04-19-poppy-westie-year old-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    I was just thinking … it was one year ago today, months before I’d ever heard the name Poppy, that I was very busy entering this world as a Westy. While I’m not exactly sure how all that happened, I do remember being really tiny, playing a lot, and having to share stuff with a pack of puppies.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017616cb4e17970c-800wi

    As the weeks passed, we had a lot of visitors that would come and go until two people came by, picked me up, and drove me far away to Boston. Even though I was a little scared, there was something about these guys that made me feel like everything would be okay.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017616cb52ab970c-800wi

    Of course, I had to start out in a playpen which wasn’t so bad. I always had plenty to eat and so many toys that I had to take turns playing with them.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017744c4db65970d-800wi

    Since I’ve been here, I’ve gotten used to that black, boxy thing that clicks and sometimes flashes (they call it a c-a-m-e-r-a). It happens a lot, especially when we travel. The good thing about that is I get to see new places and people and sometimes other dogs!

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017d3f7cd841970c-800wi

    My first winter has been the most exciting part so far! I don’t mind the shirt & boots, as long as there’s room to romp. I’ve learned to speed over all that cold, fluffy stuff until I wear-out my humans.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017c376d34a4970b-800wi

    After a long, hard play, nothing beats climbing to the top of a huge pile of snow and turning it yellow! It’s something I can now do outside and inside (on my pads), but I’m not perfect. Sometimes …

    DSC_3451 - Version 22013-04-19-poppy-westie-year old-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    … when I get very, very excited, I’ve developed what’s called the “Hello Pee” – not very popular if it should happen inside and “off-pad,” if you know what I mean.

    DSC_3457 - Version 22013-04-19-poppy-westie-year old-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Now that’s it’s spring, and I’m old enough to remember it this time around, I can’t wait to make a whole bunch of new memories with my family. And, I’m sure the way Penny & Ed go through memory cards, you’ll be able to follow all of my adventures. Look out, here come the terrible 2’s!    

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

    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: Duchess Poppy Whitehead (Edited by Ed)
    Photography: © 2012-2013 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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Poppy Speaks! Our Sunday Dog Turns One

    DSC_3448 - Version 22013-04-19-poppy-westie-year old-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    I was just thinking … it was one year ago today, months before I’d ever heard the name Poppy, that I was very busy entering this world as a Westy. While I’m not exactly sure how all that happened, I do remember being really tiny, playing a lot, and having to share stuff with a pack of puppies.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017616cb4e17970c-800wi

    As the weeks passed, we had a lot of visitors that would come and go until two people came by, picked me up, and drove me far away to Boston. Even though I was a little scared, there was something about these guys that made me feel like everything would be okay.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017616cb52ab970c-800wi

    Of course, I had to start out in a playpen which wasn’t so bad. I always had plenty to eat and so many toys that I had to take turns playing with them.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017744c4db65970d-800wi

    Since I’ve been here, I’ve gotten used to that black, boxy thing that clicks and sometimes flashes (they call it a c-a-m-e-r-a). It happens a lot, especially when we travel. The good thing about that is I get to see new places and people and sometimes other dogs!

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017d3f7cd841970c-800wi

    My first winter has been the most exciting part so far! I don’t mind the shirt & boots, as long as there’s room to romp. I’ve learned to speed over all that cold, fluffy stuff until I wear-out my humans.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017c376d34a4970b-800wi

    After a long, hard play, nothing beats climbing to the top of a huge pile of snow and turning it yellow! It’s something I can now do outside and inside (on my pads), but I’m not perfect. Sometimes …

    DSC_3451 - Version 22013-04-19-poppy-westie-year old-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    … when I get very, very excited, I’ve developed what’s called the “Hello Pee” – not very popular if it should happen inside and “off-pad,” if you know what I mean.

    DSC_3457 - Version 22013-04-19-poppy-westie-year old-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Now that’s it’s spring, and I’m old enough to remember it this time around, I can’t wait to make a whole bunch of new memories with my family. And, I’m sure the way Penny & Ed go through memory cards, you’ll be able to follow all of my adventures. Look out, here come the terrible 2’s!    

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

    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: Duchess Poppy Whitehead (Edited by Ed)
    Photography: © 2012-2013 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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Poppy Speaks! Our Sunday Dog Turns One

    DSC_3448 - Version 22013-04-19-poppy-westie-year old-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    I was just thinking … it was one year ago today, months before I’d ever heard the name Poppy, that I was very busy entering this world as a Westy. While I’m not exactly sure how all that happened, I do remember being really tiny, playing a lot, and having to share stuff with a pack of puppies.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017616cb4e17970c-800wi

    As the weeks passed, we had a lot of visitors that would come and go until two people came by, picked me up, and drove me far away to Boston. Even though I was a little scared, there was something about these guys that made me feel like everything would be okay.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017616cb52ab970c-800wi

    Of course, I had to start out in a playpen which wasn’t so bad. I always had plenty to eat and so many toys that I had to take turns playing with them.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017744c4db65970d-800wi

    Since I’ve been here, I’ve gotten used to that black, boxy thing that clicks and sometimes flashes (they call it a c-a-m-e-r-a). It happens a lot, especially when we travel. The good thing about that is I get to see new places and people and sometimes other dogs!

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017d3f7cd841970c-800wi

    My first winter has been the most exciting part so far! I don’t mind the shirt & boots, as long as there’s room to romp. I’ve learned to speed over all that cold, fluffy stuff until I wear-out my humans.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017c376d34a4970b-800wi

    After a long, hard play, nothing beats climbing to the top of a huge pile of snow and turning it yellow! It’s something I can now do outside and inside (on my pads), but I’m not perfect. Sometimes …

    DSC_3451 - Version 22013-04-19-poppy-westie-year old-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    … when I get very, very excited, I’ve developed what’s called the “Hello Pee” – not very popular if it should happen inside and “off-pad,” if you know what I mean.

    DSC_3457 - Version 22013-04-19-poppy-westie-year old-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Now that’s it’s spring, and I’m old enough to remember it this time around, I can’t wait to make a whole bunch of new memories with my family. And, I’m sure the way Penny & Ed go through memory cards, you’ll be able to follow all of my adventures. Look out, here come the terrible 2’s!    

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

    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: Duchess Poppy Whitehead (Edited by Ed)
    Photography: © 2012-2013 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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Sunday Dog “Mr. Dooley” – a Silky Terrier Who Likes to Be In-Charge!

    DSC_3022 - Version 22013-04-07-dooley-silky-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Say hello to Sunday Dog “Mr. Dooley” – a 5 year old rescue from Boston whose person says, “He’s really manly and thinks he’s in charge!” But it wasn’t always that way.

    When he first came home, Dooley “was really, really timid, scared of people, jumpy, skinny … I’ve had him for 4 1/2 years now, and he has really let all of that go!”

    This extremely cute Silky Terrier is true to his breed: happy, energetic, and very friendly!

    CHE_4466 - Version 22013-04-07-dooley-silky-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Dooley couldn’t wait to say hello to our Poppy

    Dooley’s favorite toy is Grizzly Bear, a treat-stuffed finger puppet that he enjoys emptying of its tasty prizes.

    What this little guy doesn’t like is any form of transportation … except “walking.”

    CHE_4469 - Version 22013-04-07-dooley-silky-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    While Dooley will tolerate a car or subway ride, the problem is that he’s not moving them himself. With walks, he feels more in control. (Makes sense to me.)

    CHE_4486 - Version 22013-04-07-dooley-silky-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We learned that Dooley is not a fan of electronics of any kind. If his person is on the phone or the computer, he barks, gets really upset, and lays across the computer as if to say, No! This isn’t happening! What he does like is “attention 24-7,” and he gets plenty of it!

    CHE_4468 - Version 22013-04-07-dooley-silky-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Dooley “spends most of his walks finding organic matter on the ground. He’ll find anything!”
    Now, that’s a true terrier and a true Sunday Dog!

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

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

     Details:

    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Sunday Dog “Mr. Dooley” – a Silky Terrier Who Likes to Be In-Charge!

    DSC_3022 - Version 22013-04-07-dooley-silky-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Say hello to Sunday Dog “Mr. Dooley” – a 5 year old rescue from Boston whose person says, “He’s really manly and thinks he’s in charge!” But it wasn’t always that way.

    When he first came home, Dooley “was really, really timid, scared of people, jumpy, skinny … I’ve had him for 4 1/2 years now, and he has really let all of that go!”

    This extremely cute Silky Terrier is true to his breed: happy, energetic, and very friendly!

    CHE_4466 - Version 22013-04-07-dooley-silky-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Dooley couldn’t wait to say hello to our Poppy

    Dooley’s favorite toy is Grizzly Bear, a treat-stuffed finger puppet that he enjoys emptying of its tasty prizes.

    What this little guy doesn’t like is any form of transportation … except “walking.”

    CHE_4469 - Version 22013-04-07-dooley-silky-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    While Dooley will tolerate a car or subway ride, the problem is that he’s not moving them himself. With walks, he feels more in control. (Makes sense to me.)

    CHE_4486 - Version 22013-04-07-dooley-silky-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We learned that Dooley is not a fan of electronics of any kind. If his person is on the phone or the computer, he barks, gets really upset, and lays across the computer as if to say, No! This isn’t happening! What he does like is “attention 24-7,” and he gets plenty of it!

    CHE_4468 - Version 22013-04-07-dooley-silky-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Dooley “spends most of his walks finding organic matter on the ground. He’ll find anything!”
    Now, that’s a true terrier and a true Sunday Dog!

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

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

     Details:

    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Sunday Dog “Mr. Dooley” – a Silky Terrier Who Likes to Be In-Charge!

    DSC_3022 - Version 22013-04-07-dooley-silky-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Say hello to Sunday Dog “Mr. Dooley” – a 5 year old rescue from Boston whose person says, “He’s really manly and thinks he’s in charge!” But it wasn’t always that way.

    When he first came home, Dooley “was really, really timid, scared of people, jumpy, skinny … I’ve had him for 4 1/2 years now, and he has really let all of that go!”

    This extremely cute Silky Terrier is true to his breed: happy, energetic, and very friendly!

    CHE_4466 - Version 22013-04-07-dooley-silky-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Dooley couldn’t wait to say hello to our Poppy

    Dooley’s favorite toy is Grizzly Bear, a treat-stuffed finger puppet that he enjoys emptying of its tasty prizes.

    What this little guy doesn’t like is any form of transportation … except “walking.”

    CHE_4469 - Version 22013-04-07-dooley-silky-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    While Dooley will tolerate a car or subway ride, the problem is that he’s not moving them himself. With walks, he feels more in control. (Makes sense to me.)

    CHE_4486 - Version 22013-04-07-dooley-silky-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We learned that Dooley is not a fan of electronics of any kind. If his person is on the phone or the computer, he barks, gets really upset, and lays across the computer as if to say, No! This isn’t happening! What he does like is “attention 24-7,” and he gets plenty of it!

    CHE_4468 - Version 22013-04-07-dooley-silky-terrier-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Dooley “spends most of his walks finding organic matter on the ground. He’ll find anything!”
    Now, that’s a true terrier and a true Sunday Dog!

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

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

     Details:

    Words: Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Spring Cleaning for All Sunday Dogs

    CHE_0796 - Version 32013-01-09-poppy-toy-westie-puppy-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Our lovely Duchess Poppy is making a Sunday Dog appearance this week to remind all of her canine and feline friends to do their spring cleaning. She says this can be deligated to the servants but that it must be done! Here is what she recommends:

    Toy Inspection

    Drag all your toys out of their basket and spread them around. (You know you love to do that anyway!) Then have your people inspect them. If you've really killed them, they go in the trash bag. If they are a special favorite and can be cleaned and fixed, they go in the toy hospital bag. And, if they are still good but you just never really liked them, they go in the donate bag. 

    Penny fixes my special plush toys by sewing them with super-strong dental floss. It never breaks or gives up the way thread does. We think some smart toy manufacturer should start using it from the start.

    Cleaning Toys

    Even tough plush toys, tug ropes, frisbees, balls, and hard rubber toys need regular cleaning. The poison control center at the ASPCA has suggestions for using a mild bleach solution or some dishwashing liquids.

    Penny opts for an even safer method. She uses baking soda to scrub surfaces, rinses well, and then uses a solution of 50% vinegar & 50% water to clean the toy. Then more rinsing-and-rinsing before allowing the toy to dry.

    Some pet toy labels say they can be run through your dishwasher or tossed into the clothes washer. Just be careful to rinse well enough to remove any soap residue – YUK!

    Clean Out Your Wardrobe

    Since I am a growing pup, I have collars, halters, and jackets that no longer fit and those will be donated. After this messy winter, I also have a few t-shirts (my favorite attire) that are looking shabby-chic. Those will become rags. 

    Fussy About Food?

    This one is especially for my feline friends. If you have unopened bags, boxes, or cans of food that you've decided to shun, have your team put them in the donate bag.

    CHE_3325 - Version 22013-03-30-dog-walking-eith-toy-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This pup is keeping his favorite toy with him to be sure it isn’t included in any spring clean out!

    Where and What to Donate? 

    In addition to items made specifically for cats and dogs, shelters can use towels, sheets, blankets, and more! Here are wishlists from two of the largest Boston Area shelters. But, any group that houses and cares for homeless animals can use the same items.

    Animal Rescue League of Boston Wishlist

    MSPCA Boston Shelter Wishlist

    Set Up a Donation Drive!

    My building has a regular donation drive for causes like this. Perhaps you can organize one for your neighbors or dog walking pals. Fill a car with goodies and have them taken to a group that can use them to help animals less fortunate than us.

    Thank you, Poppy. You never cease to amaze us!

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

    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: © 2013 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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Spring Cleaning for All Sunday Dogs

    CHE_0796 - Version 32013-01-09-poppy-toy-westie-puppy-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Our lovely Duchess Poppy is making a Sunday Dog appearance this week to remind all of her canine and feline friends to do their spring cleaning. She says this can be deligated to the servants but that it must be done! Here is what she recommends:

    Toy Inspection

    Drag all your toys out of their basket and spread them around. (You know you love to do that anyway!) Then have your people inspect them. If you've really killed them, they go in the trash bag. If they are a special favorite and can be cleaned and fixed, they go in the toy hospital bag. And, if they are still good but you just never really liked them, they go in the donate bag. 

    Penny fixes my special plush toys by sewing them with super-strong dental floss. It never breaks or gives up the way thread does. We think some smart toy manufacturer should start using it from the start.

    Cleaning Toys

    Even tough plush toys, tug ropes, frisbees, balls, and hard rubber toys need regular cleaning. The poison control center at the ASPCA has suggestions for using a mild bleach solution or some dishwashing liquids.

    Penny opts for an even safer method. She uses baking soda to scrub surfaces, rinses well, and then uses a solution of 50% vinegar & 50% water to clean the toy. Then more rinsing-and-rinsing before allowing the toy to dry.

    Some pet toy labels say they can be run through your dishwasher or tossed into the clothes washer. Just be careful to rinse well enough to remove any soap residue – YUK!

    Clean Out Your Wardrobe

    Since I am a growing pup, I have collars, halters, and jackets that no longer fit and those will be donated. After this messy winter, I also have a few t-shirts (my favorite attire) that are looking shabby-chic. Those will become rags. 

    Fussy About Food?

    This one is especially for my feline friends. If you have unopened bags, boxes, or cans of food that you've decided to shun, have your team put them in the donate bag.

    CHE_3325 - Version 22013-03-30-dog-walking-eith-toy-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This pup is keeping his favorite toy with him to be sure it isn’t included in any spring clean out!

    Where and What to Donate? 

    In addition to items made specifically for cats and dogs, shelters can use towels, sheets, blankets, and more! Here are wishlists from two of the largest Boston Area shelters. But, any group that houses and cares for homeless animals can use the same items.

    Animal Rescue League of Boston Wishlist

    MSPCA Boston Shelter Wishlist

    Set Up a Donation Drive!

    My building has a regular donation drive for causes like this. Perhaps you can organize one for your neighbors or dog walking pals. Fill a car with goodies and have them taken to a group that can use them to help animals less fortunate than us.

    Thank you, Poppy. You never cease to amaze us!

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

    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: © 2013 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. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Spring Cleaning for All Sunday Dogs

    CHE_0796 - Version 32013-01-09-poppy-toy-westie-puppy-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Our lovely Duchess Poppy is making a Sunday Dog appearance this week to remind all of her canine and feline friends to do their spring cleaning. She says this can be deligated to the servants but that it must be done! Here is what she recommends:

    Toy Inspection

    Drag all your toys out of their basket and spread them around. (You know you love to do that anyway!) Then have your people inspect them. If you've really killed them, they go in the trash bag. If they are a special favorite and can be cleaned and fixed, they go in the toy hospital bag. And, if they are still good but you just never really liked them, they go in the donate bag. 

    Penny fixes my special plush toys by sewing them with super-strong dental floss. It never breaks or gives up the way thread does. We think some smart toy manufacturer should start using it from the start.

    Cleaning Toys

    Even tough plush toys, tug ropes, frisbees, balls, and hard rubber toys need regular cleaning. The poison control center at the ASPCA has suggestions for using a mild bleach solution or some dishwashing liquids.

    Penny opts for an even safer method. She uses baking soda to scrub surfaces, rinses well, and then uses a solution of 50% vinegar & 50% water to clean the toy. Then more rinsing-and-rinsing before allowing the toy to dry.

    Some pet toy labels say they can be run through your dishwasher or tossed into the clothes washer. Just be careful to rinse well enough to remove any soap residue – YUK!

    Clean Out Your Wardrobe

    Since I am a growing pup, I have collars, halters, and jackets that no longer fit and those will be donated. After this messy winter, I also have a few t-shirts (my favorite attire) that are looking shabby-chic. Those will become rags. 

    Fussy About Food?

    This one is especially for my feline friends. If you have unopened bags, boxes, or cans of food that you've decided to shun, have your team put them in the donate bag.

    CHE_3325 - Version 22013-03-30-dog-walking-eith-toy-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This pup is keeping his favorite toy with him to be sure it isn’t included in any spring clean out!

    Where and What to Donate? 

    In addition to items made specifically for cats and dogs, shelters can use towels, sheets, blankets, and more! Here are wishlists from two of the largest Boston Area shelters. But, any group that houses and cares for homeless animals can use the same items.

    Animal Rescue League of Boston Wishlist

    MSPCA Boston Shelter Wishlist

    Set Up a Donation Drive!

    My building has a regular donation drive for causes like this. Perhaps you can organize one for your neighbors or dog walking pals. Fill a car with goodies and have them taken to a group that can use them to help animals less fortunate than us.

    Thank you, Poppy. You never cease to amaze us!

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

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

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