Tag: dogs

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.)

Related articles

Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend

April 30, 2017
Boston Common Off-Leash Area on the Move!

It looks like my morning walks will have a dose of added joy as I get to walk by the new location of the Boston Common Legal Off-Leash Recreation Area.

The signs were in place. The pack had gathered alongside the long uphill path I chug up to get to the State House which is my turnaround point.

On the way down, I can enjoy watching the dogs play or line up for treats.

This seems to be the most popular guy in the pack!

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: © 2017 Penny Cherubino

Related articles

Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend

Who Are the Men Depicted in These Profiles on Boston's Statue of Alexander Hamilton? – BostonZest

A Weekend for Reflection – BostonZest

March 12, 2017
Boston Common Off-Leash Area on the Move!

It looks like my morning walks will have a dose of added joy as I get to walk by the new location of the Boston Common Legal Off-Leash Recreation Area.

The signs were in place. The pack had gathered alongside the long uphill path I chug up to get to the State House which is my turnaround point.

On the way down, I can enjoy watching the dogs play or line up for treats.

This seems to be the most popular guy in the pack!

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: © 2017 Penny Cherubino

Related articles

Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend

Who Are the Men Depicted in These Profiles on Boston's Statue of Alexander Hamilton? – BostonZest

A Weekend for Reflection – BostonZest

March 12, 2017
It’s That Time of Year! Holiday Season Pet Safety

The holiday season and winter, in general, present some dangers and inconvenience for those of us with beloved cats or dogs in our lives. From deicers on sidewalks to ribbons on holiday gifts, we have to be alert and proactive to protect our pals.

Curious Kitties

Playful and curious cats can find a lot of ways to get into trouble around holiday greenery, decorations, and packages. Tinsel is not just pretty, it is attractive and could be deadly to cats.

The folks at Pet Insurers warn, “The shiny, dangling decoration reflects light and can move in the slightest draft — appearing to come alive to watchful critters.” They explain that if consumed, “… this foreign body ingestion could actually be fatal as it twists and bunches inside your pet’s intestines. Immediate veterinary care is required.”

The same is true of ribbon. While it might be fun to see your cat or dog play with a piece of ribbon, don’t encourage this dangerous behavior and make sure ribbon is kept out of the reach of those playful mouths.

Fragile glass ornaments are best placed high on the tree out of the reach of pets. Broken decorations can cut paws or mouths and are a real danger if ingested. Electrical cords and holiday lights pose a risk of shock, if chewed by pets. And candles could be hazardous to everyone if knocked over by a playful paw.

Danger Outdoors

Winter is a dangerous time for any animal unattended outdoors. Cats have been known to seek the heat of warm car engines which can put them in peril. Dogs can ingest antifreeze or poisons meant for rodents. Keeping your pets indoors or on a leash is always smart but especially so in winter. A lost house pet would not have the coat or skills needed to survive on its own in sub-freezing conditions.

Deicers used on roads and sidewalks pose a different type of threat to our dogs. I’ve had two dogs who were very sensitive to salt and were subject to sore, irritated paws every winter. I wash my Westie Poppy’s paws any time she has come into contact with salt or a deicer even if she has worn her Pawz boots.

In addition to sore feet, salt and chemical deicers can also cause gastrointestinal upsets that could need veterinary care. In addition to cleaning your pet’s feet, ask your building, your neighbors, and the city to use sand and paw safe deicers in place of salt.

Holiday Plants and Food

Holiday entertaining can mean leaving food within reach of pets when we are distracted by party preparations or guests. Chocolate, some nuts, cookies, cakes, and high fat foods can all make your dog or cat sick.

Holiday plants, particularly pine needles, mistletoe, poinsettias, and holly, can cause vomiting and diarrhea, difficulty breathing, collapse, erratic behavior, hallucinations, depression, and even death when ingested. Lilies, often used in floral arrangements, are particularly dangerous for cats.

Save Time for Your Pets

Holidays put a lot of demands on our schedules but it’s important to pencil in some special time with our pets. In addition to unconditional appreciation for you and any time you choose to spend with them, our pets help lower our stress levels and blood pressure.

While it’s fun to buy gifts for our furry friends, they seem to love time spent with us best. Our Poppy always appears happiest when my husband is tossing one of her oldest toys across the room in an endless game of fetch. Or sitting with her cuddled up on one of us.

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: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

November 27, 2016
It’s That Time of Year! Holiday Season Pet Safety

The holiday season and winter, in general, present some dangers and inconvenience for those of us with beloved cats or dogs in our lives. From deicers on sidewalks to ribbons on holiday gifts, we have to be alert and proactive to protect our pals.

Curious Kitties

Playful and curious cats can find a lot of ways to get into trouble around holiday greenery, decorations, and packages. Tinsel is not just pretty, it is attractive and could be deadly to cats.

The folks at Pet Insurers warn, “The shiny, dangling decoration reflects light and can move in the slightest draft — appearing to come alive to watchful critters.” They explain that if consumed, “… this foreign body ingestion could actually be fatal as it twists and bunches inside your pet’s intestines. Immediate veterinary care is required.”

The same is true of ribbon. While it might be fun to see your cat or dog play with a piece of ribbon, don’t encourage this dangerous behavior and make sure ribbon is kept out of the reach of those playful mouths.

Fragile glass ornaments are best placed high on the tree out of the reach of pets. Broken decorations can cut paws or mouths and are a real danger if ingested. Electrical cords and holiday lights pose a risk of shock, if chewed by pets. And candles could be hazardous to everyone if knocked over by a playful paw.

Danger Outdoors

Winter is a dangerous time for any animal unattended outdoors. Cats have been known to seek the heat of warm car engines which can put them in peril. Dogs can ingest antifreeze or poisons meant for rodents. Keeping your pets indoors or on a leash is always smart but especially so in winter. A lost house pet would not have the coat or skills needed to survive on its own in sub-freezing conditions.

Deicers used on roads and sidewalks pose a different type of threat to our dogs. I’ve had two dogs who were very sensitive to salt and were subject to sore, irritated paws every winter. I wash my Westie Poppy’s paws any time she has come into contact with salt or a deicer even if she has worn her Pawz boots.

In addition to sore feet, salt and chemical deicers can also cause gastrointestinal upsets that could need veterinary care. In addition to cleaning your pet’s feet, ask your building, your neighbors, and the city to use sand and paw safe deicers in place of salt.

Holiday Plants and Food

Holiday entertaining can mean leaving food within reach of pets when we are distracted by party preparations or guests. Chocolate, some nuts, cookies, cakes, and high fat foods can all make your dog or cat sick.

Holiday plants, particularly pine needles, mistletoe, poinsettias, and holly, can cause vomiting and diarrhea, difficulty breathing, collapse, erratic behavior, hallucinations, depression, and even death when ingested. Lilies, often used in floral arrangements, are particularly dangerous for cats.

Save Time for Your Pets

Holidays put a lot of demands on our schedules but it’s important to pencil in some special time with our pets. In addition to unconditional appreciation for you and any time you choose to spend with them, our pets help lower our stress levels and blood pressure.

While it’s fun to buy gifts for our furry friends, they seem to love time spent with us best. Our Poppy always appears happiest when my husband is tossing one of her oldest toys across the room in an endless game of fetch. Or sitting with her cuddled up on one of us.

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: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

November 27, 2016
Poppy’s Provincetown Report

Duchess Poppy spent her second birthday in Provincetown. This is her report …

If you'd like to go to a very dog friendly place, I recommend Provincetown. Not only were the pups on the street happy to share a sniff, but you can even go to a restaurant patio with your people. And, lots of shops are happy to have a well-behaved dog (like moi) assist their family with a bit of shopping.

The downside of all this dining and shopping and sniffing is that vacationing can make even a young pup like me very tired. Make sure you catch a nap when you can. As you can see, I packed my Mambe blanket so I could stretch out on the sofa just like I do at home.

At the beach, I met this old gent who showed me how to walk on the rocks without hurting my paws. He's kind of a Yoda to younger dogs. He said he learned from Yoda who told him, "Always pass on what you have learned."

I really like "decking." That's when you share a chaise lounge with one of your favorite people while they read. I even liked doing this when the wind was messing up my hairstyle.

Lots of great dogs live in Provincetown. This Corgi was taking time to enjoy the sun and smell the pansies.

The bestest thing about Provencetown is that you get lots of snuggle time with your family. They are not so busy and after all the long walks we took, they were ready to settle down, and let me curl up and pillow my little head on them.

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: Duchess Poppy Whitehead as dictated to Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Fumar, Smoking Up the Sand in Provincetown

Poppy Thinks Autumn Is "Sniffing Season"

May 11, 2014
Poppy’s Provincetown Report

Duchess Poppy spent her second birthday in Provincetown. This is her report …

If you'd like to go to a very dog friendly place, I recommend Provincetown. Not only were the pups on the street happy to share a sniff, but you can even go to a restaurant patio with your people. And, lots of shops are happy to have a well-behaved dog (like moi) assist their family with a bit of shopping.

The downside of all this dining and shopping and sniffing is that vacationing can make even a young pup like me very tired. Make sure you catch a nap when you can. As you can see, I packed my Mambe blanket so I could stretch out on the sofa just like I do at home.

At the beach, I met this old gent who showed me how to walk on the rocks without hurting my paws. He's kind of a Yoda to younger dogs. He said he learned from Yoda who told him, "Always pass on what you have learned."

I really like "decking." That's when you share a chaise lounge with one of your favorite people while they read. I even liked doing this when the wind was messing up my hairstyle.

Lots of great dogs live in Provincetown. This Corgi was taking time to enjoy the sun and smell the pansies.

The bestest thing about Provencetown is that you get lots of snuggle time with your family. They are not so busy and after all the long walks we took, they were ready to settle down, and let me curl up and pillow my little head on them.

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: Duchess Poppy Whitehead as dictated to Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Fumar, Smoking Up the Sand in Provincetown

Poppy Thinks Autumn Is "Sniffing Season"

May 11, 2014
Poppy Speaks! Our Sunday Dog Turns One

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 …

… 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.

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.

Related articles

Spring Cleaning for All Sunday Dogs

Is Your Sunday Dog a Snow Lover?

Sunday Dog, Maddox – Making New Friends!

Snowy Comm Ave Walk (Photos)

April 21, 2013
Poppy Speaks! Our Sunday Dog Turns One

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 …

… 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.

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.

Related articles

Spring Cleaning for All Sunday Dogs

Is Your Sunday Dog a Snow Lover?

Sunday Dog, Maddox – Making New Friends!

Snowy Comm Ave Walk (Photos)

April 21, 2013
Poppy Speaks! Our Sunday Dog Turns One

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 …

… 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.

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.

Related articles

Spring Cleaning for All Sunday Dogs

Is Your Sunday Dog a Snow Lover?

Sunday Dog, Maddox – Making New Friends!

Snowy Comm Ave Walk (Photos)

April 21, 2013