Tag: Boston

  • Sunset Cruise Harbor Views

    We've been trying to fit as many experiences as possible into our new puppy's early life in Boston. Last week, we tested her sea legs with a Sunset Cruise around Boston Harbor. Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome (more on that later). Meanwhile, here are a couple of photos Ed took that evening.

    DSC_8280 - Version 22012-09-20-boston harbor view-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The schedule over at Boston Harbor Cruises is reduced this time of year but there are a few opportunites to get out and enjoy our beautiful city from the water. Their Historic, USS Constitution, and Weekend Brunch cruises are still running. 

    DSC_8308 - Version 22012-09-20-boston harbor view-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

    What's on your fall shopping list? Click here for fall season savings over at Amazon. And here's the newest camera on our wish list, The Nikon D600!

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • What’s Open on Columbus Day 2012 In Boston and MBTA Schedule Changes

    Here's a run-down of what's open and closed in Boston on Columbus Day and changes to MBTA schedules for October 8, 2012.

    Update: Here's the link to the 2015 version of this information.

    What's Open & Closed in Boston on Columbus Day  2015 Plus Trash, Parking, MBTA Schedules & More.

     

    We've also added information on parking, street sweeping, traffic alerts, road closures, parades, and trash collection.

    This is one of those holidays when, for a lot of people, it's "business as usual." Even the stock market is open.

    We publish these reminders before each holiday to help our readers make their holiday plans.

    PMC_0155 - Version 22012-04-04-chistopher-columbus-louisburg-square-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    There's a statue of Columbus in Louisburg Square

    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 most Banks closed. But, each year more banks decide to keep a few branches open. Check with your own bank. 

    Stock market: Open as are international markets.

    Boston Parking: City website says, "Free parking at all city meters. All other rules apply.

    Street Sweeping: City website says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect."

    Boston Trash Collection: From this page on the city site.

    "Monday, October 8 | 7am – Saturday, October 13, 2012 | 5pm

    Delay trash and recycling pickup 1 day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.

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

    Traffic Alerts/Road closures: More will be added as we are made aware of them.

    MBTA Columbus Day Schedules 2012

    The MBTA has announced schedules for Columbus Day, Monday, October 8, 2012. The service schedules vary from Saturday, to modified Saturday, and regular weekday, to modified weekday. Full Details Here!

    For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, contact the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 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.

  • What’s Open on Columbus Day 2012 In Boston and MBTA Schedule Changes

    Here's a run-down of what's open and closed in Boston on Columbus Day and changes to MBTA schedules for October 8, 2012.

    Update: Here's the link to the 2015 version of this information.

    What's Open & Closed in Boston on Columbus Day  2015 Plus Trash, Parking, MBTA Schedules & More.

     

    We've also added information on parking, street sweeping, traffic alerts, road closures, parades, and trash collection.

    This is one of those holidays when, for a lot of people, it's "business as usual." Even the stock market is open.

    We publish these reminders before each holiday to help our readers make their holiday plans.

    PMC_0155 - Version 22012-04-04-chistopher-columbus-louisburg-square-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    There's a statue of Columbus in Louisburg Square

    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 most Banks closed. But, each year more banks decide to keep a few branches open. Check with your own bank. 

    Stock market: Open as are international markets.

    Boston Parking: City website says, "Free parking at all city meters. All other rules apply.

    Street Sweeping: City website says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect."

    Boston Trash Collection: From this page on the city site.

    "Monday, October 8 | 7am – Saturday, October 13, 2012 | 5pm

    Delay trash and recycling pickup 1 day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.

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

    Traffic Alerts/Road closures: More will be added as we are made aware of them.

    MBTA Columbus Day Schedules 2012

    The MBTA has announced schedules for Columbus Day, Monday, October 8, 2012. The service schedules vary from Saturday, to modified Saturday, and regular weekday, to modified weekday. Full Details Here!

    For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, contact the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 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.

  • What’s Open on Columbus Day 2012 In Boston and MBTA Schedule Changes

    Here's a run-down of what's open and closed in Boston on Columbus Day and changes to MBTA schedules for October 8, 2012.

    Update: Here's the link to the 2015 version of this information.

    What's Open & Closed in Boston on Columbus Day  2015 Plus Trash, Parking, MBTA Schedules & More.

     

    We've also added information on parking, street sweeping, traffic alerts, road closures, parades, and trash collection.

    This is one of those holidays when, for a lot of people, it's "business as usual." Even the stock market is open.

    We publish these reminders before each holiday to help our readers make their holiday plans.

    PMC_0155 - Version 22012-04-04-chistopher-columbus-louisburg-square-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    There's a statue of Columbus in Louisburg Square

    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 most Banks closed. But, each year more banks decide to keep a few branches open. Check with your own bank. 

    Stock market: Open as are international markets.

    Boston Parking: City website says, "Free parking at all city meters. All other rules apply.

    Street Sweeping: City website says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect."

    Boston Trash Collection: From this page on the city site.

    "Monday, October 8 | 7am – Saturday, October 13, 2012 | 5pm

    Delay trash and recycling pickup 1 day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.

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

    Traffic Alerts/Road closures: More will be added as we are made aware of them.

    MBTA Columbus Day Schedules 2012

    The MBTA has announced schedules for Columbus Day, Monday, October 8, 2012. The service schedules vary from Saturday, to modified Saturday, and regular weekday, to modified weekday. Full Details Here!

    For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, contact the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 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 at Wollaston Beach

    Our own pup Poppy is here to tell all her dog friends that it's time to go to the beach. 

    DSC_7959 - Version 22012-09-12-poppy-Wollaston-beach-quincy-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    She was only allowed to enjoy the view from the seawall on her first visit. But, we'll be returning after October 1st to get her paws in the sand.

    DSC_7931 - Version 22012-09-12-poppy-Wollaston-beach-quincy-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino  
    DSC_7928 - Version 22012-09-12-poppy-Wollaston-beach-quincy-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Check your favortie Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) beach to see if the signs say your family, including your dog, is allowed to enjoy the beach after October 1st.

    I would say to check online, but I wasn't able to find the information there. DCR seems to be unaware that many families in Massachusetts choose to plan their recreational activites around dogs. 

    DSC_7984 - Version 22012-09-12-poppy-Wollaston-beach-quincy-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This was as close as our little girl could get to the sand.

    On the other end of the welome spectrum is the group, The Trustees of Reservations who have established a Green Dog program and who have "dog walking" as an activity you can choose when you go to their website. 

    They change to wording about dogs to a positive note. For example, "…dogs are welcome at Crane Beach from October 1 through March 30 through our Green Dogs program."

    Members of the organization can recieve a Green Dog permit for free. For others there is a $3 per dog per day option. Here's how you can become a member and support this welcoming attitude and acceptance of families that include dogs.

    DSC_7991 - Version 22012-09-12-poppy-Wollaston-beach-quincy-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    After her visit to the salt air, Duchess Poppy was one tired pup. (And we all know that a tired pup is a good pup.) So, Poppy recommends that you take your pup someplace exciting to work off some of that canine energy in a healthy way.

    Related Post:

    Halibut Point State Park – Another Trustrees of the Reservation property

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

    Here are the products we use to make our life with Poppy more fun and less work.

    Zak Designs Ice Cream Container for bringing Poppy's raw food with us on adventures!

    Washable Bedpads for protecting surfaces. (Like Zipcar seats)

    Four Paws Wee Wee Housebreaking Pads 150/Pkg 



     

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Poppy at Wollaston Beach

    Our own pup Poppy is here to tell all her dog friends that it's time to go to the beach. 

    DSC_7959 - Version 22012-09-12-poppy-Wollaston-beach-quincy-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    She was only allowed to enjoy the view from the seawall on her first visit. But, we'll be returning after October 1st to get her paws in the sand.

    DSC_7931 - Version 22012-09-12-poppy-Wollaston-beach-quincy-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino  
    DSC_7928 - Version 22012-09-12-poppy-Wollaston-beach-quincy-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Check your favortie Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) beach to see if the signs say your family, including your dog, is allowed to enjoy the beach after October 1st.

    I would say to check online, but I wasn't able to find the information there. DCR seems to be unaware that many families in Massachusetts choose to plan their recreational activites around dogs. 

    DSC_7984 - Version 22012-09-12-poppy-Wollaston-beach-quincy-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This was as close as our little girl could get to the sand.

    On the other end of the welome spectrum is the group, The Trustees of Reservations who have established a Green Dog program and who have "dog walking" as an activity you can choose when you go to their website. 

    They change to wording about dogs to a positive note. For example, "…dogs are welcome at Crane Beach from October 1 through March 30 through our Green Dogs program."

    Members of the organization can recieve a Green Dog permit for free. For others there is a $3 per dog per day option. Here's how you can become a member and support this welcoming attitude and acceptance of families that include dogs.

    DSC_7991 - Version 22012-09-12-poppy-Wollaston-beach-quincy-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    After her visit to the salt air, Duchess Poppy was one tired pup. (And we all know that a tired pup is a good pup.) So, Poppy recommends that you take your pup someplace exciting to work off some of that canine energy in a healthy way.

    Related Post:

    Halibut Point State Park – Another Trustrees of the Reservation property

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

    Here are the products we use to make our life with Poppy more fun and less work.

    Zak Designs Ice Cream Container for bringing Poppy's raw food with us on adventures!

    Washable Bedpads for protecting surfaces. (Like Zipcar seats)

    Four Paws Wee Wee Housebreaking Pads 150/Pkg 



     

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Poppy at Wollaston Beach

    Our own pup Poppy is here to tell all her dog friends that it's time to go to the beach. 

    DSC_7959 - Version 22012-09-12-poppy-Wollaston-beach-quincy-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    She was only allowed to enjoy the view from the seawall on her first visit. But, we'll be returning after October 1st to get her paws in the sand.

    DSC_7931 - Version 22012-09-12-poppy-Wollaston-beach-quincy-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino  
    DSC_7928 - Version 22012-09-12-poppy-Wollaston-beach-quincy-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Check your favortie Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) beach to see if the signs say your family, including your dog, is allowed to enjoy the beach after October 1st.

    I would say to check online, but I wasn't able to find the information there. DCR seems to be unaware that many families in Massachusetts choose to plan their recreational activites around dogs. 

    DSC_7984 - Version 22012-09-12-poppy-Wollaston-beach-quincy-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This was as close as our little girl could get to the sand.

    On the other end of the welome spectrum is the group, The Trustees of Reservations who have established a Green Dog program and who have "dog walking" as an activity you can choose when you go to their website. 

    They change to wording about dogs to a positive note. For example, "…dogs are welcome at Crane Beach from October 1 through March 30 through our Green Dogs program."

    Members of the organization can recieve a Green Dog permit for free. For others there is a $3 per dog per day option. Here's how you can become a member and support this welcoming attitude and acceptance of families that include dogs.

    DSC_7991 - Version 22012-09-12-poppy-Wollaston-beach-quincy-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    After her visit to the salt air, Duchess Poppy was one tired pup. (And we all know that a tired pup is a good pup.) So, Poppy recommends that you take your pup someplace exciting to work off some of that canine energy in a healthy way.

    Related Post:

    Halibut Point State Park – Another Trustrees of the Reservation property

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

    Here are the products we use to make our life with Poppy more fun and less work.

    Zak Designs Ice Cream Container for bringing Poppy's raw food with us on adventures!

    Washable Bedpads for protecting surfaces. (Like Zipcar seats)

    Four Paws Wee Wee Housebreaking Pads 150/Pkg 



     

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 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.

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

    As our way of welcoming new residents to Boston, we'll be adding to and updating our Boston:101 category. Today, we'll share some of the ways we get around with a dog since we don't own a car. You'll find lots of links in this Friday Link post.

     DSC_8029 - Version 22012-09-17-poppy-MBTA-dog on T-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Here's our girl, Poppy, waiting inside an MBTA subway station. Dogs can ride the T. Over at www.mbta.com you'll find the details. 

    "Service animals are allowed on the T at all times. During off-peak hours, non-service dogs are allowed at the discretion of T vehicle operators. Dogs must be properly leashed and are not allowed to annoy riders or take up a seat. For safety and convenience during rush hours, small domestic animals must be carried in lap-sized containers and out of the way of exits."

    DSC_8043 - Version 22012-09-17-poppy-MBTA-dog on T-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We don't give much thought to the sights and sounds of a subway ride but as a new experience for a dog, it can be frightening. We started Poppy out with a quick ride from Copley to Hynes and now with a few trips under her paws, she seems ready to go to the ends of the lines. 

    These rules apply to all the MBTA services: subway, streetcar, bus, commuter rail, and ferry.

    On the Water

    Speaking of ferries, you can also take your dog on Boston Harbor Cruises for a trip around the harbor, or to Winthrop, Hingham, Charlestown, Salem, or Provincetown. (Some routes are seasonal)

    City Water Taxi will be happy to zip you across the harbor with your dog. 

    The ferries that take you out to the Boston Harbor Islands will be running on their fall schedule until Columbus Day, October 8th this year. Here's what they say about dogs.

    " Pets are restricted in the park to foster visitor safety and resource protection.  Dogs are welcomed at Deer and Nut Islands, Worlds End, and Webb Memorial (peninsulas accessible by car only).  Day visitors may bring dogs to Bumpkin and Grape Islands, though not in camping areas.  No pets are allowed on other islands in the park.  Service dogs are permitted on all islands."

    Taxis

    We alert the taxi dispather that we have a small dog with us when we call for a cab. That way we can avoid drivers who don't want to take us. So far, we have not had a problem calling for a taxi with our dog. We do bring a pad to put on the seat so that the next passenger doesn't end up with dog hair on their clothing. And, we like to carry Poppy in her Sherpa Bag Pet Carrier when we're in a car. We use the center seat belt to secure the bag in case of an accident. 

    DSC_8084 - Version 22012-09-17-poppy-MBTA-dog on T-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino
     

    Amtrak & Intercity Buses: where you are not welcome!

    Happy Update 2015: Some pet are now welcome on Amtrak: Get Ready for Amtrak's "All Aboard" for Dogs & Cats

    While this national railroad service seems to need all the passengers and support it can get, it continues to discriminate against citizens who travel with their dogs. Only specific service animals are allowed and even that is restricted. 

    With nearby, dog-friendly Portland, Maine connected to Boston by the Downeaster, we'd take the train often if our dog could come with us.

    We have not been able to find a bus service to New York that allows us to ride with a dog. If you know of one, please share.

    Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

    What's on your fall shopping list. Click here for fall season savings over at Amazon.

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino  
     

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

    As our way of welcoming new residents to Boston, we'll be adding to and updating our Boston:101 category. Today, we'll share some of the ways we get around with a dog since we don't own a car. You'll find lots of links in this Friday Link post.

     DSC_8029 - Version 22012-09-17-poppy-MBTA-dog on T-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Here's our girl, Poppy, waiting inside an MBTA subway station. Dogs can ride the T. Over at www.mbta.com you'll find the details. 

    "Service animals are allowed on the T at all times. During off-peak hours, non-service dogs are allowed at the discretion of T vehicle operators. Dogs must be properly leashed and are not allowed to annoy riders or take up a seat. For safety and convenience during rush hours, small domestic animals must be carried in lap-sized containers and out of the way of exits."

    DSC_8043 - Version 22012-09-17-poppy-MBTA-dog on T-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We don't give much thought to the sights and sounds of a subway ride but as a new experience for a dog, it can be frightening. We started Poppy out with a quick ride from Copley to Hynes and now with a few trips under her paws, she seems ready to go to the ends of the lines. 

    These rules apply to all the MBTA services: subway, streetcar, bus, commuter rail, and ferry.

    On the Water

    Speaking of ferries, you can also take your dog on Boston Harbor Cruises for a trip around the harbor, or to Winthrop, Hingham, Charlestown, Salem, or Provincetown. (Some routes are seasonal)

    City Water Taxi will be happy to zip you across the harbor with your dog. 

    The ferries that take you out to the Boston Harbor Islands will be running on their fall schedule until Columbus Day, October 8th this year. Here's what they say about dogs.

    " Pets are restricted in the park to foster visitor safety and resource protection.  Dogs are welcomed at Deer and Nut Islands, Worlds End, and Webb Memorial (peninsulas accessible by car only).  Day visitors may bring dogs to Bumpkin and Grape Islands, though not in camping areas.  No pets are allowed on other islands in the park.  Service dogs are permitted on all islands."

    Taxis

    We alert the taxi dispather that we have a small dog with us when we call for a cab. That way we can avoid drivers who don't want to take us. So far, we have not had a problem calling for a taxi with our dog. We do bring a pad to put on the seat so that the next passenger doesn't end up with dog hair on their clothing. And, we like to carry Poppy in her Sherpa Bag Pet Carrier when we're in a car. We use the center seat belt to secure the bag in case of an accident. 

    DSC_8084 - Version 22012-09-17-poppy-MBTA-dog on T-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino
     

    Amtrak & Intercity Buses: where you are not welcome!

    Happy Update 2015: Some pet are now welcome on Amtrak: Get Ready for Amtrak's "All Aboard" for Dogs & Cats

    While this national railroad service seems to need all the passengers and support it can get, it continues to discriminate against citizens who travel with their dogs. Only specific service animals are allowed and even that is restricted. 

    With nearby, dog-friendly Portland, Maine connected to Boston by the Downeaster, we'd take the train often if our dog could come with us.

    We have not been able to find a bus service to New York that allows us to ride with a dog. If you know of one, please share.

    Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

    What's on your fall shopping list. Click here for fall season savings over at Amazon.

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino  
     

    Enhanced by Zemanta
  • Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

    As our way of welcoming new residents to Boston, we'll be adding to and updating our Boston:101 category. Today, we'll share some of the ways we get around with a dog since we don't own a car. You'll find lots of links in this Friday Link post.

     DSC_8029 - Version 22012-09-17-poppy-MBTA-dog on T-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Here's our girl, Poppy, waiting inside an MBTA subway station. Dogs can ride the T. Over at www.mbta.com you'll find the details. 

    "Service animals are allowed on the T at all times. During off-peak hours, non-service dogs are allowed at the discretion of T vehicle operators. Dogs must be properly leashed and are not allowed to annoy riders or take up a seat. For safety and convenience during rush hours, small domestic animals must be carried in lap-sized containers and out of the way of exits."

    DSC_8043 - Version 22012-09-17-poppy-MBTA-dog on T-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We don't give much thought to the sights and sounds of a subway ride but as a new experience for a dog, it can be frightening. We started Poppy out with a quick ride from Copley to Hynes and now with a few trips under her paws, she seems ready to go to the ends of the lines. 

    These rules apply to all the MBTA services: subway, streetcar, bus, commuter rail, and ferry.

    On the Water

    Speaking of ferries, you can also take your dog on Boston Harbor Cruises for a trip around the harbor, or to Winthrop, Hingham, Charlestown, Salem, or Provincetown. (Some routes are seasonal)

    City Water Taxi will be happy to zip you across the harbor with your dog. 

    The ferries that take you out to the Boston Harbor Islands will be running on their fall schedule until Columbus Day, October 8th this year. Here's what they say about dogs.

    " Pets are restricted in the park to foster visitor safety and resource protection.  Dogs are welcomed at Deer and Nut Islands, Worlds End, and Webb Memorial (peninsulas accessible by car only).  Day visitors may bring dogs to Bumpkin and Grape Islands, though not in camping areas.  No pets are allowed on other islands in the park.  Service dogs are permitted on all islands."

    Taxis

    We alert the taxi dispather that we have a small dog with us when we call for a cab. That way we can avoid drivers who don't want to take us. So far, we have not had a problem calling for a taxi with our dog. We do bring a pad to put on the seat so that the next passenger doesn't end up with dog hair on their clothing. And, we like to carry Poppy in her Sherpa Bag Pet Carrier when we're in a car. We use the center seat belt to secure the bag in case of an accident. 

    DSC_8084 - Version 22012-09-17-poppy-MBTA-dog on T-westie-© 2011 Penny Cherubino
     

    Amtrak & Intercity Buses: where you are not welcome!

    Happy Update 2015: Some pet are now welcome on Amtrak: Get Ready for Amtrak's "All Aboard" for Dogs & Cats

    While this national railroad service seems to need all the passengers and support it can get, it continues to discriminate against citizens who travel with their dogs. Only specific service animals are allowed and even that is restricted. 

    With nearby, dog-friendly Portland, Maine connected to Boston by the Downeaster, we'd take the train often if our dog could come with us.

    We have not been able to find a bus service to New York that allows us to ride with a dog. If you know of one, please share.

    Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

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    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino  
     

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