Tag: Boston dogs

Our Old Friend Ainsley the Whippet Is Our Sunday Dog

We ran into Ainsley and his person Britt on the Esplanade last week. Ed, Poppy and I had walked all over Beacon Hill shooting photos for my Attention to Detail newspaper column when we spotted a speedy Whippet chasing a tennis ball as we returned via the river.

When he finally stopped to rest, we realized it was our old friend Ainsley. He is now a Beacon Hill dog and we don't see him as often as we once did.

Here he is when we first met him back in 2008. He had just moved from the Fenway to Back Bay and posed for our Sunday Dog feature with Hank.

Ainsley took a rest while we caught up with what's been happening in his life since we last met. But, you can see the message in those eyes. "Britt, stop talking to them and toss my ball."

Eventually, he charmed a passing dog person into launching a few long throws for him. (She was wise enough to ask if it was okay before she began.)

And, as you can see, the boy still makes a gorgeous photo model. Thanks for posing Ainsley! Hope to see you again soon.

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
Photos: ©2008 and 2015 Penny Cherubino

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Our Old Friend Ainsley the Whippet Is Our Sunday Dog

We ran into Ainsley and his person Britt on the Esplanade last week. Ed, Poppy and I had walked all over Beacon Hill shooting photos for my Attention to Detail newspaper column when we spotted a speedy Whippet chasing a tennis ball as we returned via the river.

When he finally stopped to rest, we realized it was our old friend Ainsley. He is now a Beacon Hill dog and we don't see him as often as we once did.

Here he is when we first met him back in 2008. He had just moved from the Fenway to Back Bay and posed for our Sunday Dog feature with Hank.

Ainsley took a rest while we caught up with what's been happening in his life since we last met. But, you can see the message in those eyes. "Britt, stop talking to them and toss my ball."

Eventually, he charmed a passing dog person into launching a few long throws for him. (She was wise enough to ask if it was okay before she began.)

And, as you can see, the boy still makes a gorgeous photo model. Thanks for posing Ainsley! Hope to see you again soon.

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
Photos: ©2008 and 2015 Penny Cherubino

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Check the Chip Day for Sunday Dogs & Cats & Birds & All Is August 15th

This week the American Veterinary Medical Association is sponsoring an official Check the Chip Day to remind all of us who are guardians for companion animals to be sure the microchips that would help return our furry friends to us, if lost, are working.

We have "Check the Microchip" at the top of our list of information and questions we bring to every visit with our veterinarian. Poppy is due for her annual check up and we'll have Courtney, her lovely vet tech, check to see that her chip is working at the start of the visit.

This is also an opportunity to write down that ID number in case you need it to update your contact information.

Think about anything else that may have changed over the past year that might require an update on the registration form for that chip and make the changes needed with your registry. If you can't remember which it is, your vet can tell you that from the ID number.

Here's a video that will help you understand how microchips are inserted into an animal, how they work, and why each animal that could escape from your home should have one. Did you know that your vet can even microchip your birds?

The Animal Rescue League of Boston is having an August special to encourage you to get those microchips in place. There is also more information about the topic at their link below.

Special monthly offer August 2015 – 25% off your pet’s microchip!

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: Courtesy of American Veterinary Medical Association

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Sunday Cat Sophia Says, “Let me in Whee-ooh …”

"Let me in whee-ooh (whee-ooh, whee-ooh, hoop-whee-ooh)

(Whee-ooh, whee-ooh, hoo-ooh-oop-whee-ooh, whee-ooh)"

"I-uh-I-uh-I (open up) hear music, let me in (music)

Oh I heard it just then

Let me in (let me in)

I wanna come in again

I thought you were my friend …"

Sophia works at Bauer Wine & Spirits and loves sitting in the sun, accepting pats and scratches from her fans. But when the music and dancing starts, she wants back in!

Rest assured one of her faithful servants quickly responds to any appeal that Queen Sophia makes. They'll even play her favorite rendition of her Let Me In… theme song on YouTube upon request.

We have reported on Sophia's musical spirit before when we were treated to a performance on her glass harmonica.

Sunday Cat, Sophia and Her Glass Harmonica

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs (and, a few cats) 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 with lyrics from The Sensations – Let Me In Lyrics
Photos: ©2015 Ed Cherubino

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August 2, 2015
Sunday Cat Sophia Says, “Let me in Whee-ooh …”

"Let me in whee-ooh (whee-ooh, whee-ooh, hoop-whee-ooh)

(Whee-ooh, whee-ooh, hoo-ooh-oop-whee-ooh, whee-ooh)"

"I-uh-I-uh-I (open up) hear music, let me in (music)

Oh I heard it just then

Let me in (let me in)

I wanna come in again

I thought you were my friend …"

Sophia works at Bauer Wine & Spirits and loves sitting in the sun, accepting pats and scratches from her fans. But when the music and dancing starts, she wants back in!

Rest assured one of her faithful servants quickly responds to any appeal that Queen Sophia makes. They'll even play her favorite rendition of her Let Me In… theme song on YouTube upon request.

We have reported on Sophia's musical spirit before when we were treated to a performance on her glass harmonica.

Sunday Cat, Sophia and Her Glass Harmonica

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs (and, a few cats) 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 with lyrics from The Sensations – Let Me In Lyrics
Photos: ©2015 Ed Cherubino

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August 2, 2015
Summer Safety Guide for Your Sunday Dog

This Pet Summer Safety Guide infographic from the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters came to our attention this week and we wanted to share it with all of you who love your dogs.

If you would like to download a larger copy to print out and share, here's the link. If you live in a dog friendly building with a community bulletin board or you operate a dog friendly business, consider posting this to help less experienced dog guardians.

What are your tips for keeping dogs safe in summer? Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email and we'll use some of them in a future post.

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: Courtesy of National Association of Professional Pet Sitters

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Getting Us Outside: Another Way Dogs Are Good for Us

Instead of thinking, “Time to walk the dog,” try turning it around by saying, “Time for my dog to take me outside.” Say it in a tone of appreciation, because being outside can be very good for both of you.

Here are Leo (front) and Wolfgang (rear) taking their humans outside this past spring.

Cameron Woo, co-founder and publisher of The Bark magazine, brought to my attention recently the importance of the time I spend outside with my dog. He wrote, “According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American spends 87% of their life indoors with another 6% spent in automobiles for a total of 93% habitating in enclosed spaces. That leaves only 7% of one’s entire life to spend outdoors. Translated to daily life, we average only about 100 minutes of our day outside”

Even with the cold and snow last winter, Poppy made sure we had some time outside each day. She likes the cold better than the heat and loved those high snowbanks.

Living in one of the country’s most walkable cities (where 15% of us walk to work), Bostonians may do a bit better than average at spending time outdoors. But, Bostonians with dogs have the advantage of taking a few more trips a day to the streets and parks with their canine companions.

Where Do You Walk?

Most days we walk the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. That's our routine dog place. But, we also love to explore the city and discover other great dog neighborhoods. Where do you walk your dog? What places do you recommend that we explore? And, how much time do you spend outdoors each day?

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. And, we highly recommend a subscription to The Bark. It is one of the few print publication subscriptions we still receive.

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino (Adapted from one of her City Paws newspaper columns)
Photos: ©2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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July 19, 2015
Getting Us Outside: Another Way Dogs Are Good for Us

Instead of thinking, “Time to walk the dog,” try turning it around by saying, “Time for my dog to take me outside.” Say it in a tone of appreciation, because being outside can be very good for both of you.

Here are Leo (front) and Wolfgang (rear) taking their humans outside this past spring.

Cameron Woo, co-founder and publisher of The Bark magazine, brought to my attention recently the importance of the time I spend outside with my dog. He wrote, “According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American spends 87% of their life indoors with another 6% spent in automobiles for a total of 93% habitating in enclosed spaces. That leaves only 7% of one’s entire life to spend outdoors. Translated to daily life, we average only about 100 minutes of our day outside”

Even with the cold and snow last winter, Poppy made sure we had some time outside each day. She likes the cold better than the heat and loved those high snowbanks.

Living in one of the country’s most walkable cities (where 15% of us walk to work), Bostonians may do a bit better than average at spending time outdoors. But, Bostonians with dogs have the advantage of taking a few more trips a day to the streets and parks with their canine companions.

Where Do You Walk?

Most days we walk the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. That's our routine dog place. But, we also love to explore the city and discover other great dog neighborhoods. Where do you walk your dog? What places do you recommend that we explore? And, how much time do you spend outdoors each day?

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. And, we highly recommend a subscription to The Bark. It is one of the few print publication subscriptions we still receive.

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino (Adapted from one of her City Paws newspaper columns)
Photos: ©2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Meet Coco the Cafe Yogi

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July 19, 2015
Let Your Sunday Dog Take the Lead

Regular readers know that Ed and I are both big proponents of leash laws and keeping your dog under your control. However, this doesn’t mean that you never let your dog do what he or she wants to do within your circle of guidance.

Off leash on a dog-friendly beach like this one in Provincetown Harbor is just one way you can let your dog lead the way. But only if your dog plays well with others and will reliably return to you when called.

Some days our Poppy doesn’t want to walk along our usual route. She wants to see and smell something new. Even as a young pup, she loved to follow her nose. Sometimes we let her lead the way. She has a change of scene, and so do we.

Ed is an extremely patient person and is much better at this than I am. Our dogs have all enjoyed long, leisurely walks where he has allowed them to decide which way to turn at every corner or which direction to take at the start of a beach walk.

Once, in Provincetown, he was following along as our first Westie Sassy took him down the beach to Truro because she just wanted to keep going. When he walks Poppy alone, I’ll often get a report of where she wanted to go and what they saw along the way.

Paying attention to what your dog is trying to communicate can be smart. As summer temperatures rise, your dog may try to turn for home as a way of telling you he’s hot, tired, and doesn’t want to be outside any longer. Or, he might pull to reach a puddle or water supply as a way of telling you he’s thirsty. Paying attention and occasionally letting the dog lead can be a good thing for both of you.

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 (adapted from one of her City Paws newspaper columns)
Photos: ©2015 Penny Cherubino

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July 12, 2015
Meet Coco the Cafe Yogi

Meet Coco Chanel, a lovely Whippet who entertained us while we dined recently. With Poppy tucked under our table, we ordered and then began to notice the poses assumed by this graceful canine. (The location of this unnamed cafe in an unnamed town must be kept secret to avoid interference by the dog haters. But, if you see us in person, ask and we'll share.)

Front paws tucked beneath her, Coco sat still as a statue and meditated while we sipped our wine. Then she rose, stared ahead, lifted one paw, and held that pose for a long count. That paw came down and she transitioned into a full stretch with paws out in front. This was also held for at least a minute in good yoga fashion.

While Coco seemed unaware of the people around her, we suspect she realized Penny had begun taking photos of her poses with the phone pointed her way. That's when she assumed her avoid-the-paparazzi pose with her back to us and her tail curled.

On the way out, we couldn't resist stopping by Coco's table to praise her grace, both as a yogi and a cafe dog. We learned her name and that when she's not moving from slow-pose to slow-pose she, like other Whippets, can take off and run at a speed of 35 miles an hour.

We also think her name is fabulous. As her namesake Coco Chanel said, "Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance."

Coco, you are an elegant yogi. Thanks for adding your delicious self to our day.

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: ©2015 Penny Cherubino

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