Tag: Dorchester

  • Dog Day Out in Boston

    Time to plan a day out in the city. You can do this with friends if you normally walk with a group or you can make arrangements with another dog family to run errands together.

    Why not plan a long amble with a group of dogs and their people. Pick a day, destination, a place for the people to grab lunch, spots for a few breaks for those who need them, and you're on your way.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017c3265e949970b-800wi

    The Greenway …

    … has become one of our favorite summertime destinations. Yes it can use more shade and seating, but it has a lot of advantages for a dog day out. There are nice wide walkways that are supposed to be free of bikes and skateboards. It has food trucks and nearby restrooms for the humans in the pack. It offers great people watching.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834016761615966970b-800wi

    The Esplanade …

    … is a great destination for a doggie afternoon or evening. You do have to walk with care to avoid the bikers and skaters who leave the bike path to speed by on the pedestrian paths. Still, there are plenty of benches and open space to spread a blanket and relax once the dogs have walked enough to be tired. And the Hatch Shell has regular concerts and other entertainment events that are dog-friendly. (Note that the July 4th concerts prohibit dogs in the secured areas.)

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    The Boston Harborwalk …

    … is another perfect destination for your dog day outing. You can jump on-and-off from many spots along the way from parks in the North End to Caste Hill in Dorchester. You can find all the details on where you can go and what you can do at the new website www.bostonharbornow.org that represents the merger of The Boston Harbor Association and the Boston Harbor Island Alliance.

      6a00e54fc42bb8883401a73dee3fce970d-800wi

    Summertime promises a full schedule of activities to enjoy along this walking path. Consider a stop at James Hook & Company for a lobster roll that you can take to one of the tables in front of the Intercontinental Hotel for a dog-friendly dining experience.

    Over the years, we have come to appreciate the advantages of having a canine ambassador on the end of a leash. You meet more people and become more engaged in the local community. Visitors to Boston often stop to visit with Poppy and give us the opportunity to answer any questions they might have about our city.

    You get more exercise and explore more aspects of a neighborhood when you share it with a dog. And you become more creative at solving the small problems that come from being in a world that is not as dog-friendly as you would like it to be.

     

    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.)

  • Dutchess Poppy Says, Time to Get Your Dog License for 2017

    Duchess Poppy Whitehead here! (Once we're friends, you can call me Poppy.)

    Here is something you need to put on the to-do list of your human servants. 

    GET YOUR 2017 DOG LICENSE

    In Boston it's so simple even a human can do it. I nagged a bit when I spotted the envelope from Inspectional Services in the mail pile, sat Penny down at her computer, and I already have an official 2017 dog tag from the city. 

    DSC_6727 - Version 32015-09-03duchess-poppy-westie-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    License

    Because I already had all my information in the system, the city sent a reminder to my staff. But, this year, it arrived early in February instead of late March or April. Good work dog license crew.

    IMG_6968 - Version 22017-02-09spoonful© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    My new tag arrived in a week!

    Just like you have to make sure your chauffeur has a valid driver's license, you have to be sure one of your human staff members gets you a Boston dog license. (If Boston is your main residence and you are more than six months old.)

    You can sit them down at a computer and send them to the Animal Care and Control page for more information. Here is the link for your secretary to get your license done online.

    Should you require an updated rabies vaccination before you can apply for a license, there are a few low-cost rabies clinics scheduled. Here's the list. Or you can Download 2017 Boston Rabies Clinics.

    Staff Training on Leash Laws

    Please don't come running up to me on one of those long, thin, dangerous strings with a pulley. I'm a bit shy and I don't trust those things. You'll make me stamp my little paw down!

    Boston's leash law is clearly stated on the city’s site, “When your dog is off your property, it must be on a leash.” City ordinance calls for a leash of 10-feet or less. That makes most retractable leashes technically illegal in Boston. If a person tries to attach one to you, g-r-o-w-l at them. 

    One more interesting aspect of Boston’s dog rules is that while out with you, your retainers, if asked, must be able to show that they are carrying something to pick up dog waste. This makes city dog walks a prime reason to attach a roll of pick-up bags to your leash.

    Even if your people use recycled bags to do the majority of clean ups, the roll will give them a back up supplies if you are stopped after your business is done, but the walk isn’t.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019102df04cf970c-800wi

    Sir Felix is one of my special knights. He prefers a leather leash or halter when he escorts me around the pond.

    Dog Parks

    I must admit, I'm not much of a dog park dog. I prefer a nice chat on a park bench or a picnic lunch under a shady tree.

    But, for those who like to romp, the legal exceptions to the leash law are: the “official off-leash hours” on the Boston Common, and inside the fences at dog parks like Peter’s Park in the South End, DeFilippo Park in the North End, and Ronan Park in Dorchester. 

    Screen Shot 2014-08-25 at Monday, August 25, 20145.15.32 PM

    Emergency Services 

    The one bit of guidance you must be sure your humans note is that Angell Animal Medical Center Emergency Services are available, as they say, “… every day of the year, 24 hours each day.” My people have their number on all our cell phones in case of an emergency. And it can't hurt to have your chauffeur practice a drive to the location so he or she will know where you are going during a stressful time. You don't want to be giving the driver directions if you have an upset tummy.

    Questions?

    If you have questions about living in Boston, have your people send them to my people and I'll try to dig out answers. (I do love to dig.) Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email.

    Get to know all of the wonderful 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: The Most Noble Duchess Poppy of Whitehead. (Dictated to her humble servants Ed & Penny)
    Photography: © 2013-2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Dutchess Poppy Says, Time to Get Your Dog License for 2017

    Duchess Poppy Whitehead here! (Once we're friends, you can call me Poppy.)

    Here is something you need to put on the to-do list of your human servants. 

    GET YOUR 2017 DOG LICENSE

    In Boston it's so simple even a human can do it. I nagged a bit when I spotted the envelope from Inspectional Services in the mail pile, sat Penny down at her computer, and I already have an official 2017 dog tag from the city. 

    DSC_6727 - Version 32015-09-03duchess-poppy-westie-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    License

    Because I already had all my information in the system, the city sent a reminder to my staff. But, this year, it arrived early in February instead of late March or April. Good work dog license crew.

    IMG_6968 - Version 22017-02-09spoonful© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    My new tag arrived in a week!

    Just like you have to make sure your chauffeur has a valid driver's license, you have to be sure one of your human staff members gets you a Boston dog license. (If Boston is your main residence and you are more than six months old.)

    You can sit them down at a computer and send them to the Animal Care and Control page for more information. Here is the link for your secretary to get your license done online.

    Should you require an updated rabies vaccination before you can apply for a license, there are a few low-cost rabies clinics scheduled. Here's the list. Or you can Download 2017 Boston Rabies Clinics.

    Staff Training on Leash Laws

    Please don't come running up to me on one of those long, thin, dangerous strings with a pulley. I'm a bit shy and I don't trust those things. You'll make me stamp my little paw down!

    Boston's leash law is clearly stated on the city’s site, “When your dog is off your property, it must be on a leash.” City ordinance calls for a leash of 10-feet or less. That makes most retractable leashes technically illegal in Boston. If a person tries to attach one to you, g-r-o-w-l at them. 

    One more interesting aspect of Boston’s dog rules is that while out with you, your retainers, if asked, must be able to show that they are carrying something to pick up dog waste. This makes city dog walks a prime reason to attach a roll of pick-up bags to your leash.

    Even if your people use recycled bags to do the majority of clean ups, the roll will give them a back up supplies if you are stopped after your business is done, but the walk isn’t.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019102df04cf970c-800wi

    Sir Felix is one of my special knights. He prefers a leather leash or halter when he escorts me around the pond.

    Dog Parks

    I must admit, I'm not much of a dog park dog. I prefer a nice chat on a park bench or a picnic lunch under a shady tree.

    But, for those who like to romp, the legal exceptions to the leash law are: the “official off-leash hours” on the Boston Common, and inside the fences at dog parks like Peter’s Park in the South End, DeFilippo Park in the North End, and Ronan Park in Dorchester. 

    Screen Shot 2014-08-25 at Monday, August 25, 20145.15.32 PM

    Emergency Services 

    The one bit of guidance you must be sure your humans note is that Angell Animal Medical Center Emergency Services are available, as they say, “… every day of the year, 24 hours each day.” My people have their number on all our cell phones in case of an emergency. And it can't hurt to have your chauffeur practice a drive to the location so he or she will know where you are going during a stressful time. You don't want to be giving the driver directions if you have an upset tummy.

    Questions?

    If you have questions about living in Boston, have your people send them to my people and I'll try to dig out answers. (I do love to dig.) Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email.

    Get to know all of the wonderful 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: The Most Noble Duchess Poppy of Whitehead. (Dictated to her humble servants Ed & Penny)
    Photography: © 2013-2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • What’s Open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2018 in Boston Plus Trash, Parking & MBTA Links & More

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston, plus Boston trash collection, parking, and MBTA schedules for Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 15, 2018. We are updating these resource pages rather than creating a new one each year. 

    Updated January 3, 2018

    8609103883_2394134237_z copy

    Free at Last sculpture, by Sergio Castillo is located on Marsh Plaza, Boston University (Photo by Peter H. Dreyer from the Boston City Archives )

    • Restaurants, Bars: Open
    • Convenience Stores: Open  
    • Supermarkets: Open 
    • Retail Stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose
    • Liquor Stores: 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: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the Stock Markets in the United States closed. International markets are open. 
    • Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.
    • Boston Public Libraries closed.
    • BCYF Community Centers are closed.

    Free Open House at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston 

    If you're looking for something to do on this holiday, the MFA has a full schedule of special events and invites the community to visit for free that day.

    Screen Shot 2018-01-03 at Wednesday  January 3  20187.17.17 AM

    Boston Trash and Recycling:

    The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information. 

    Street Cleaning: 

    The city says, "On City holidays, we suspend street sweeping during the day, but we still sweep streets at night. On the weekends, we sweep some streets at night. Please always check posted street sweeping signs for information. If you still have questions, please contact 311."

    Parking:

    "Monday, January 15 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
    City offices closed. Sunday parking rules in effect."

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

    MBTA Schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 15, 2018: 

    The MBTA no longer publishes holiday schedule in an easy to use format. You must now go to their website and click around to find the information.

    For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200, (TTY 617-222-5146) or go to www.mbta.com

     

    Keeping warm is on the top of everyone's agenda. Amazon has excellent underlayers to keep you toasty.

     

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: (Photo by Peter H. Dreyer from the Boston City Archives )used under creative commons license AttributionNoncommercialNo Derivative Works Some rights reserved 

  • What’s Open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2018 in Boston Plus Trash, Parking & MBTA Links & More

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston, plus Boston trash collection, parking, and MBTA schedules for Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 15, 2018. We are updating these resource pages rather than creating a new one each year. 

    Updated January 3, 2018

    8609103883_2394134237_z copy

    Free at Last sculpture, by Sergio Castillo is located on Marsh Plaza, Boston University (Photo by Peter H. Dreyer from the Boston City Archives )

    • Restaurants, Bars: Open
    • Convenience Stores: Open  
    • Supermarkets: Open 
    • Retail Stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose
    • Liquor Stores: 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: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the Stock Markets in the United States closed. International markets are open. 
    • Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.
    • Boston Public Libraries closed.
    • BCYF Community Centers are closed.

    Free Open House at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston 

    If you're looking for something to do on this holiday, the MFA has a full schedule of special events and invites the community to visit for free that day.

    Screen Shot 2018-01-03 at Wednesday  January 3  20187.17.17 AM

    Boston Trash and Recycling:

    The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information. 

    Street Cleaning: 

    The city says, "On City holidays, we suspend street sweeping during the day, but we still sweep streets at night. On the weekends, we sweep some streets at night. Please always check posted street sweeping signs for information. If you still have questions, please contact 311."

    Parking:

    "Monday, January 15 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
    City offices closed. Sunday parking rules in effect."

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

    MBTA Schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 15, 2018: 

    The MBTA no longer publishes holiday schedule in an easy to use format. You must now go to their website and click around to find the information.

    For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200, (TTY 617-222-5146) or go to www.mbta.com

     

    Keeping warm is on the top of everyone's agenda. Amazon has excellent underlayers to keep you toasty.

     

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: (Photo by Peter H. Dreyer from the Boston City Archives )used under creative commons license AttributionNoncommercialNo Derivative Works Some rights reserved 

  • Duchess Poppy Welcomes New Boston Dogs and Fills Them in on What They Need to Know!

    Duchess Poppy Whitehead here! (Once we're friends, you can call me Poppy.)

    Every year around this time, I find myself "sniffing-up" with a lot of new members of my Boston Canine Court. So every year I try to let them, and the rest of the dogs who are new to Boston, know what they should put on the to-do list of their human servants.

    DSC_6727 - Version 32015-09-03duchess-poppy-westie-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    License

    Just like you have to make sure your chauffeur has a valid driver's license, you have to be sure one of your human staff members gets you a Boston dog license (if Boston is your main residence and you are more than six months old).

    You can sit them down at a computer and send them to the Animal Care and Control page for more information. Here is the link for your secretary to get your license done on line.

    Leash Laws

    Please don't come running up to me on one of those long, thin, dangerous strings with a pulley. I'm a bit shy and I don't trust those things. You'll make me stamp my little paw down!

    Boston's leash law is clearly stated on the city’s site, “When your dog is off your property, it must be on a leash.” City ordinance calls for a leash of 10-feet or less. That makes most retractable leashes technically illegal in Boston. If a person tries to attach one to you, growl at them. 

    One more interesting aspect of Boston’s dog rules is that while out with you, your retainers, if asked, must be able to show that they are carrying something to pick up dog waste. This makes city dog walks a prime reason to attach a roll of pick-up bags to your leash.

    Even if your people use recycled bags to do the majority of clean ups, the roll will give them a back up supply if you are stopped after your business is done, but the walk isn’t.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019102df04cf970c-800wi

    Sir Felix is one of my special knights. He prefers a leather leash or halter when he escorts me around the pond.

    Dog Parks

    I must admit, I'm not much of a dog park dog. I prefer a nice chat on a park bench or a picnic lunch under a shady tree.

    But, for those who like to romp, the legal exceptions to the leash law are: the “official off-leash hours” on the Boston Common, and inside the fences at dog parks like Peter’s Park in the South End, DeFilippo Park in the North End, and Ronan Park in Dorchester. 

    Screen Shot 2014-08-25 at Monday, August 25, 20145.15.32 PM

    Emergency Services 

    The one bit of guidance you must be sure your humans note is that Angell Animal Medical Center Emergency Services are available, as they say, “… every day of the year, 24 hours each day.” My people have their number on all our cell phones in case of an emergency. And it can't hurt to have your chauffeur practice a drive to the location so he or she will know where you are going in a stressful time. You don't want to be giving the driver directions if you have an upset tummy.

    Questions?

    If you have questions about living in Boston, have your people send them to my people and I'll try to dig out answers. (I do love to dig.) Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email.

    Get to know all of the wonderful 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: The Most Noble Duchess Poppy of Whitehead. (Dictated to her humble servants Ed & Penny)
    Photography: © 2013-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Duchess Poppy Welcomes New Boston Dogs and Fills Them in on What They Need to Know!

    Duchess Poppy Whitehead here! (Once we're friends, you can call me Poppy.)

    Every year around this time, I find myself "sniffing-up" with a lot of new members of my Boston Canine Court. So every year I try to let them, and the rest of the dogs who are new to Boston, know what they should put on the to-do list of their human servants.

    DSC_6727 - Version 32015-09-03duchess-poppy-westie-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    License

    Just like you have to make sure your chauffeur has a valid driver's license, you have to be sure one of your human staff members gets you a Boston dog license (if Boston is your main residence and you are more than six months old).

    You can sit them down at a computer and send them to the Animal Care and Control page for more information. Here is the link for your secretary to get your license done on line.

    Leash Laws

    Please don't come running up to me on one of those long, thin, dangerous strings with a pulley. I'm a bit shy and I don't trust those things. You'll make me stamp my little paw down!

    Boston's leash law is clearly stated on the city’s site, “When your dog is off your property, it must be on a leash.” City ordinance calls for a leash of 10-feet or less. That makes most retractable leashes technically illegal in Boston. If a person tries to attach one to you, growl at them. 

    One more interesting aspect of Boston’s dog rules is that while out with you, your retainers, if asked, must be able to show that they are carrying something to pick up dog waste. This makes city dog walks a prime reason to attach a roll of pick-up bags to your leash.

    Even if your people use recycled bags to do the majority of clean ups, the roll will give them a back up supply if you are stopped after your business is done, but the walk isn’t.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019102df04cf970c-800wi

    Sir Felix is one of my special knights. He prefers a leather leash or halter when he escorts me around the pond.

    Dog Parks

    I must admit, I'm not much of a dog park dog. I prefer a nice chat on a park bench or a picnic lunch under a shady tree.

    But, for those who like to romp, the legal exceptions to the leash law are: the “official off-leash hours” on the Boston Common, and inside the fences at dog parks like Peter’s Park in the South End, DeFilippo Park in the North End, and Ronan Park in Dorchester. 

    Screen Shot 2014-08-25 at Monday, August 25, 20145.15.32 PM

    Emergency Services 

    The one bit of guidance you must be sure your humans note is that Angell Animal Medical Center Emergency Services are available, as they say, “… every day of the year, 24 hours each day.” My people have their number on all our cell phones in case of an emergency. And it can't hurt to have your chauffeur practice a drive to the location so he or she will know where you are going in a stressful time. You don't want to be giving the driver directions if you have an upset tummy.

    Questions?

    If you have questions about living in Boston, have your people send them to my people and I'll try to dig out answers. (I do love to dig.) Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email.

    Get to know all of the wonderful 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: The Most Noble Duchess Poppy of Whitehead. (Dictated to her humble servants Ed & Penny)
    Photography: © 2013-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • What’s Open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2016 in Boston Plus Trash, Parking & MBTA Schedule Changes

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston, plus Boston trash collection, parking, and MBTA schedules for Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 18, 2016. We try to publish this information ahead of the holiday so you can make your plans.

    8609103883_2394134237_z copy

    Free at Last sculpture, by Sergio Castillo is located on Marsh Plaza, Boston University (Photo by Peter H. Dreyer from the Boston City Archives )

     

    • Restaurants, Bars: Open
    • Convenience Stores: Open  
    • Supermarkets: Open 
    • Retail Stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose
    • Liquor Stores: 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: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the Stock Markets in the United States closed. International markets are open. 
    • Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

    Free Open House at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston 

    If you're looking for something to do on this holiday, the MFA has a full schedule of special events and invites the community to visit for free that day.

    Freemlk day mfa

    Boston Trash and Recycling:

    The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information. 

    Street Cleaning: The city says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 311 for exact details."

    MBTA Schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 18, 2016: 

    For a few days before and after the holiday, the MBTA Schedule is posted at this link

    Here's a quick overview of what is planned for 2016:

    • Subway: Blue, Orange, Red, Green lines and Mattapan Trolley will operate on a Saturday schedule and there will not be late-night service.
    • The Silver line will operate on a weekday schedule.
    • Buses and Trackless Trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule with a list of routes posted here that will not operate.
    • Commuter rail trains will operate on a regular weekday schedule. 
    • Boat service – Hingham, Hull, and Charlestown – will operate on regular weekday schedules. 
    •  The RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule. 

    For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200, (TTY 617-222-5146), or go to www.mbta.com

     

    Keeping warm is on the top of everyone's agenda. Amazon has excellent underlayers to keep you toasty.

     

      

     

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography:(Photo by Peter H. Dreyer from the Boston City Archives )used under creative commons license AttributionNoncommercialNo Derivative Works Some rights reserved 

  • What’s Open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2016 in Boston Plus Trash, Parking & MBTA Schedule Changes

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston, plus Boston trash collection, parking, and MBTA schedules for Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 18, 2016. We try to publish this information ahead of the holiday so you can make your plans.

    8609103883_2394134237_z copy

    Free at Last sculpture, by Sergio Castillo is located on Marsh Plaza, Boston University (Photo by Peter H. Dreyer from the Boston City Archives )

     

    • Restaurants, Bars: Open
    • Convenience Stores: Open  
    • Supermarkets: Open 
    • Retail Stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose
    • Liquor Stores: 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: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the Stock Markets in the United States closed. International markets are open. 
    • Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.

    Free Open House at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston 

    If you're looking for something to do on this holiday, the MFA has a full schedule of special events and invites the community to visit for free that day.

    Freemlk day mfa

    Boston Trash and Recycling:

    The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information. 

    Street Cleaning: The city says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 311 for exact details."

    MBTA Schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 18, 2016: 

    For a few days before and after the holiday, the MBTA Schedule is posted at this link

    Here's a quick overview of what is planned for 2016:

    • Subway: Blue, Orange, Red, Green lines and Mattapan Trolley will operate on a Saturday schedule and there will not be late-night service.
    • The Silver line will operate on a weekday schedule.
    • Buses and Trackless Trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule with a list of routes posted here that will not operate.
    • Commuter rail trains will operate on a regular weekday schedule. 
    • Boat service – Hingham, Hull, and Charlestown – will operate on regular weekday schedules. 
    •  The RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule. 

    For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200, (TTY 617-222-5146), or go to www.mbta.com

     

    Keeping warm is on the top of everyone's agenda. Amazon has excellent underlayers to keep you toasty.

     

      

     

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography:(Photo by Peter H. Dreyer from the Boston City Archives )used under creative commons license AttributionNoncommercialNo Derivative Works Some rights reserved 

  • Duchess Poppy Welcomes New Boston Dogs with What They Need to Know!

    Duchess Poppy Whitehead here! (Once we're friends, you can call me Poppy.)

    Lately, I've been sniffing up with a lot of new members of the Boston Canine Court. So I thought I might let them, and the rest of the dogs who are new to Boston, know what they should put on the to-do list of their human servants.

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    License

    Just like you have to make sure your chauffeur has a valid driver's license, you have to be sure one of your human staff members gets you a Boston dog license. (If Boston is your main residence and you are more than six months old.)

    You can sit them down at a computer and send them to the Animal Care and Control page for more information. Here is the link for your secretary to get your license done on line.

    Leash Laws

    Please don't come running up to me on one of those long, thin, dangerous strings with a pulley. I'm a bit shy and I don't trust those things. You'll make me stamp my little paw down!

    Boston's leash law is clearly stated on the city’s site, “When your dog is off your property, it must be on a leash.” City ordinance calls for a leash of 10-feet or less. That makes most retractable leashes technically illegal in Boston. If a person tries to attach one to you, growl at them. 

    One more interesting aspect of Boston’s dog rules is that while out with you, your retainers, if asked, must be able to show that they are carrying something to pick up dog waste. This makes city dog walks a prime reason to attach a roll of pick-up bags to your leash.

    Even if your people use recycled bags to do the majority of clean ups, the roll will give them a back up supplies if you are stopped after your business is done, but the walk isn’t.

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    Sir Felix is one of my special knights. He prefers a leather leash or halter when he escorts me around the pond.

    Dog Parks

    I must admit, I'm not much of a dog park dog. I prefer a nice chat on a park bench or a picnic lunch under a shady tree.

    But, for those who like to romp, the legal exceptions to the leash law are: the “official off-leash hours” on the Boston Common, and inside the fences at dog parks like Peter’s Park in the South End, DeFilippo Park in the North End, and Ronan Park in Dorchester. 

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    Emergency Services 

    The one bit of guidance you must be sure your humans note is that Angell Animal Medical Center Emergency Services are available, as they say, “… every day of the year, 24 hours each day.” My people have their number on all our cell phones in case of an emergency. And, it can't hurt to have your chauffeur practice a drive to the location so he or she will know where you are going in a stressful time. You don't want to be giving the driver directions if you have an upset tummy.

    Questions?

    If you have questions about living in Boston, have your people send them to my people and I'll try to dig out answers. (I do love to dig.) Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email.

    Get to know all of the wonderful Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

     

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    Words: The Most Noble Duchess Poppy of Whitehead. (Dictated to her humble servants Ed & Penny)
    Photography: © 2013-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino