Tag: Hingham

Into the Woods with Your Sunday Dog

We all have favorite forms of recreation with our dogs. Ours happens to be long walks on a beach and seaside vacations. But, we realize that for some of you, a long hike or camping in a the woods is the way to go. Knowing that, we’ve done some research on that topic and will share what we’ve learned.

Occasionally, friends can tempt us to take a quick walk in the woods. However this was at Halibut Point where we knew our beloved ocean views were just a few steps away.

Are Dogs Welcome?

The first task is to locate hiking trails where dogs are welcome. When people ask about this, we always point them to the Trustees of Reservations. They have clear guidelines on their website www.thetrustees.org where you can select "Dog Walking" after choosing options on this page to help you choose a place where you and your dog are welcome.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation (DCR) has made a start on helping residents find dog-friendly spots in the state’s park system. They now have one webpage that outlines the dos and don’ts for enjoying state property with your dog. Unfortunately the don’ts and “no dogs allowed” list is far longer than the places where we are welcome.

For those of us in the Boston area, the list of places where dogs are NOT allowed, on or off leash, include: City Square Park in Charlestown, Boston Harbor Islands, DCR buildings (administrative offices, visitor centers, restrooms), all DCR playgrounds, all DCR parking areas and all DCR coastal beaches and designated swimming areas of inland beaches from May 1 through September 15, unless otherwise posted.

The look of total enjoyment on Gunner’s face is reason enough for a day in the woods. (Photo courtesy of http://indirectimages.weebly.com/)

What Are the Rules?

The basic rules of dog etiquette: keeping your dog under your control even if off leash; picking up dog waste; preventing your dog from harassing people, wildlife, or other dogs; and doing as little damage to the area as possible will serve you well in woodlands.

You will also have to check specific rules for the property you visit. Some trails may be open to your dog while others are not, and there may be special date restrictions or wildlife warnings. For example, the Blue Hills Reservation comes up on many searches for dog-friendly hiking in Massachusetts. Before you go, you should be aware that the state site map warns, "The reservation boasts a rich variety of plants and animals, including several rare and endangered species, such as the Timber rattlesnake and Eastern copperhead found nowhere else in the Boston area."

We really miss our little pal Swiffer but can't resist sharing this photo from a happy day we spent with him years ago.

Special Precautions

Naturally you’ll want to be sure you and your dog are healthy and up-to-date on disease prevention before you set off on a woody adventure. You’ll also want to make frequent and complete checks for ticks along the way.

Since you may be away from resources, you should add a few dog specific items like self-adhering bandages and a tick removal tool to your first aid kit.

Special Places

Here again we recommend turning to the Trustees. They even have a smartphone app to keep information about your destination in the palm of your hand. You can begin by finding properties near you via GPS.

Suppose you choose World’s End in Hingham to visit. The overview page on the app has a paw print to show that dog walking is allowed.

You can get directions to the location by car or public transportation, other activities the site offers, details on facilities, and a description of the place. Finally, you can pull up a map of the trails. It’s everything you need for a great adventure with your pup right on your phone.

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.)

August 20, 2017
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.

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."

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.

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

Related articles

MBTA wants to kill off Red/Blue connector idea once and for all

It's like the entire country and Canada and some of their friends rode the T

Woman claims GPS told her to drive on Beacon Street trolley tracks

PTSD: VA limits funding for service dogs

September 21, 2012
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.

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."

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.

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

Related articles

MBTA wants to kill off Red/Blue connector idea once and for all

It's like the entire country and Canada and some of their friends rode the T

Woman claims GPS told her to drive on Beacon Street trolley tracks

PTSD: VA limits funding for service dogs

September 21, 2012
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.

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."

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.

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

Related articles

MBTA wants to kill off Red/Blue connector idea once and for all

It's like the entire country and Canada and some of their friends rode the T

Woman claims GPS told her to drive on Beacon Street trolley tracks

PTSD: VA limits funding for service dogs

September 21, 2012