Tag: MSPCA

Think You’re Ready to Add a Pet? Share or Foster First!

We all make some bad decisions in life, hopefully learn from them, and move on. However, when a decision impacts another living creature, we have to be far more careful. Animal adoption is a lifetime decision that will impact the future for everyone involved.

The outrageous number of dogs and cats in shelters and in the rescue system is, in part, because people don’t think things through or take advantage of opportunities to pre-test their decisions.

Try Before You Buy or Adopt

September is a big move-in month in Boston. We have students settling into their first homes-away-from-home and young professionals moving into their first post-grad apartments. For some, it’s their first opportunity to have a companion animal. A few may have carefully selected a building and/or landlord where dogs and cats are allowed.

My suggestion to anyone embarking on a new life as an animal guardian is to test the waters first by sharing responsibility with a friend or family member who has a dog or cat. Even taking care of an animal for one or two weeks will give you a better idea of how guardianship affects your life.

Tricky was fortunate to be living in a foster home when the prince of a man (she is now totally devoted to) visited. Here she sits and waits by a door for his return.

Become a Foster Home

You could also sign up with a rescue agency or shelter as a foster home. I’ve also suggested this to people who ask me about adding a second or third animal to their family. Try it first.

Both the MSPCA and Animal Rescue League of Boston have foster home programs (these links will take you directly to the foster program pages). My husband and I have done home visits to review foster homes for specific rescue groups where we are volunteers. If you are interested in a specific type or size of dog or cat, contact the appropriate rescue group and ask about fostering opportunities.

You could be the one getting kisses like the woman in the MSPCA photo below.

There have been times when we're doing a home visit for someone who would like to adopt a dog, when we suggest they consider fostering first. It might be that they have too little experience with dogs or that they have unrealistic expectations for a rescued animal.

On the page for the MSPCA Boston Foster Program, they have good information to consider when planning to foster.

“Fostering is an incredibly rewarding experience that requires a real commitment. The emotional aspects of fostering are difficult and should be discussed with all family members. It is easy to fall in love with any animal especially one that has depended on you. Oftentimes it can be difficult to see them leave your home for their new forever home. The wonderful part of fostering is knowing that you played a tremendous and extremely crucial role in getting them there!”

There is a lot to consider. In rescue circles, we talk about flunking fostering. That happens when you decide to keep the animal you set out to foster. Sometimes this is possible, but not always.

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: Top photo, iStockPhoto Tricky photo ©2016 Penny Cherubino bottom photo courtesy of the MSPCA site.

September 4, 2016
Time to Clean Out That Sunday Dog Toy Basket!

Did the holidays result in a basket of new toys for your dog or cat? If your home is overrun with dog and cat stuff, animal shelters will often accept some of the things you no longer use. You’ll find wish lists on the Animal Rescue League of Boston and MSPCA websites. In addition to unopened bags of food and treats, they can use clean blankets, towels, sheets, and bedding.

We miss our old pal Odis who moved away. He was mad for new toys. More photos here.

Neophilia - A Love of New Toys

Does your companion animal like new toys better than old ones?

Scientific American published a review of recent studies about dogs and neophilia (what scientists call a preference for novelty). In one German study, the results were so strong that it was reported that, “the unfamiliar object was chosen first in 38 out of 50 tests.”

The studies confirmed what most of us know, that our furry friends love new toys and that new lasts a matter of minutes. You may find the much loved, new toy abandoned within days. Having a practical nature, the author, Julie Hecht, went on to suggest ways to keep your dog or cat enthralled with toys, new or old.

This beagle loved his toy so much he took it for a walk. More photos here.

Keep it Interesting

Her first suggestion is rotating the toys available. You can keep one group of toys out in a basket where your pet can choose what he or she likes. Then switch out the toys with some that are kept out of sight and out of scent. (Remember, our pets have a far keener sense of smell than we do and can root out hidden objects with ease.)

A natural love of smelling things was another suggestion from Hecht, “You might even consider adding a new scent to the toys, rolling them in leaves or grass, or finding another way to change their olfactory composition.”

Perhaps her most important suggestion was for you to become part of the toy. Any toy you are holding, tossing, or keeping away will become an instant object of desire. Even in our tiny home, my husband and our dog Poppy have daily play sessions with him tossing toys and her fetching them and then trying to keep them away from him.

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 - Updated and adapted for BostonZest from our previously published material.
Photos: ©2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

January 17, 2016
Time to Clean Out That Sunday Dog Toy Basket!

Did the holidays result in a basket of new toys for your dog or cat? If your home is overrun with dog and cat stuff, animal shelters will often accept some of the things you no longer use. You’ll find wish lists on the Animal Rescue League of Boston and MSPCA websites. In addition to unopened bags of food and treats, they can use clean blankets, towels, sheets, and bedding.

We miss our old pal Odis who moved away. He was mad for new toys. More photos here.

Neophilia - A Love of New Toys

Does your companion animal like new toys better than old ones?

Scientific American published a review of recent studies about dogs and neophilia (what scientists call a preference for novelty). In one German study, the results were so strong that it was reported that, “the unfamiliar object was chosen first in 38 out of 50 tests.”

The studies confirmed what most of us know, that our furry friends love new toys and that new lasts a matter of minutes. You may find the much loved, new toy abandoned within days. Having a practical nature, the author, Julie Hecht, went on to suggest ways to keep your dog or cat enthralled with toys, new or old.

This beagle loved his toy so much he took it for a walk. More photos here.

Keep it Interesting

Her first suggestion is rotating the toys available. You can keep one group of toys out in a basket where your pet can choose what he or she likes. Then switch out the toys with some that are kept out of sight and out of scent. (Remember, our pets have a far keener sense of smell than we do and can root out hidden objects with ease.)

A natural love of smelling things was another suggestion from Hecht, “You might even consider adding a new scent to the toys, rolling them in leaves or grass, or finding another way to change their olfactory composition.”

Perhaps her most important suggestion was for you to become part of the toy. Any toy you are holding, tossing, or keeping away will become an instant object of desire. Even in our tiny home, my husband and our dog Poppy have daily play sessions with him tossing toys and her fetching them and then trying to keep them away from him.

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 - Updated and adapted for BostonZest from our previously published material.
Photos: ©2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

January 17, 2016
Spring Cleaning for All Sunday Dogs

Our lovely Duchess Poppy is making a Sunday Dog appearance this week to remind all of her canine and feline friends to do their spring cleaning. She says this can be deligated to the servants but that it must be done! Here is what she recommends:

Toy Inspection

Drag all your toys out of their basket and spread them around. (You know you love to do that anyway!) Then have your people inspect them. If you've really killed them, they go in the trash bag. If they are a special favorite and can be cleaned and fixed, they go in the toy hospital bag. And, if they are still good but you just never really liked them, they go in the donate bag.

Penny fixes my special plush toys by sewing them with super-strong dental floss. It never breaks or gives up the way thread does. We think some smart toy manufacturer should start using it from the start.

Cleaning Toys

Even tough plush toys, tug ropes, frisbees, balls, and hard rubber toys need regular cleaning. The poison control center at the ASPCA has suggestions for using a mild bleach solution or some dishwashing liquids.

Penny opts for an even safer method. She uses baking soda to scrub surfaces, rinses well, and then uses a solution of 50% vinegar & 50% water to clean the toy. Then more rinsing-and-rinsing before allowing the toy to dry.

Some pet toy labels say they can be run through your dishwasher or tossed into the clothes washer. Just be careful to rinse well enough to remove any soap residue – YUK!

Clean Out Your Wardrobe

Since I am a growing pup, I have collars, halters, and jackets that no longer fit and those will be donated. After this messy winter, I also have a few t-shirts (my favorite attire) that are looking shabby-chic. Those will become rags.

Fussy About Food?

This one is especially for my feline friends. If you have unopened bags, boxes, or cans of food that you've decided to shun, have your team put them in the donate bag.

This pup is keeping his favorite toy with him to be sure it isn’t included in any spring clean out!

Where and What to Donate?

In addition to items made specifically for cats and dogs, shelters can use towels, sheets, blankets, and more! Here are wishlists from two of the largest Boston Area shelters. But, any group that houses and cares for homeless animals can use the same items.

Animal Rescue League of Boston Wishlist

MSPCA Boston Shelter Wishlist

Set Up a Donation Drive!

My building has a regular donation drive for causes like this. Perhaps you can organize one for your neighbors or dog walking pals. Fill a car with goodies and have them taken to a group that can use them to help animals less fortunate than us.

Thank you, Poppy. You never cease to amaze us!

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: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 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.

April 7, 2013
Spring Cleaning for All Sunday Dogs

Our lovely Duchess Poppy is making a Sunday Dog appearance this week to remind all of her canine and feline friends to do their spring cleaning. She says this can be deligated to the servants but that it must be done! Here is what she recommends:

Toy Inspection

Drag all your toys out of their basket and spread them around. (You know you love to do that anyway!) Then have your people inspect them. If you've really killed them, they go in the trash bag. If they are a special favorite and can be cleaned and fixed, they go in the toy hospital bag. And, if they are still good but you just never really liked them, they go in the donate bag.

Penny fixes my special plush toys by sewing them with super-strong dental floss. It never breaks or gives up the way thread does. We think some smart toy manufacturer should start using it from the start.

Cleaning Toys

Even tough plush toys, tug ropes, frisbees, balls, and hard rubber toys need regular cleaning. The poison control center at the ASPCA has suggestions for using a mild bleach solution or some dishwashing liquids.

Penny opts for an even safer method. She uses baking soda to scrub surfaces, rinses well, and then uses a solution of 50% vinegar & 50% water to clean the toy. Then more rinsing-and-rinsing before allowing the toy to dry.

Some pet toy labels say they can be run through your dishwasher or tossed into the clothes washer. Just be careful to rinse well enough to remove any soap residue – YUK!

Clean Out Your Wardrobe

Since I am a growing pup, I have collars, halters, and jackets that no longer fit and those will be donated. After this messy winter, I also have a few t-shirts (my favorite attire) that are looking shabby-chic. Those will become rags.

Fussy About Food?

This one is especially for my feline friends. If you have unopened bags, boxes, or cans of food that you've decided to shun, have your team put them in the donate bag.

This pup is keeping his favorite toy with him to be sure it isn’t included in any spring clean out!

Where and What to Donate?

In addition to items made specifically for cats and dogs, shelters can use towels, sheets, blankets, and more! Here are wishlists from two of the largest Boston Area shelters. But, any group that houses and cares for homeless animals can use the same items.

Animal Rescue League of Boston Wishlist

MSPCA Boston Shelter Wishlist

Set Up a Donation Drive!

My building has a regular donation drive for causes like this. Perhaps you can organize one for your neighbors or dog walking pals. Fill a car with goodies and have them taken to a group that can use them to help animals less fortunate than us.

Thank you, Poppy. You never cease to amaze us!

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: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 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.

April 7, 2013
Spring Cleaning for All Sunday Dogs

Our lovely Duchess Poppy is making a Sunday Dog appearance this week to remind all of her canine and feline friends to do their spring cleaning. She says this can be deligated to the servants but that it must be done! Here is what she recommends:

Toy Inspection

Drag all your toys out of their basket and spread them around. (You know you love to do that anyway!) Then have your people inspect them. If you've really killed them, they go in the trash bag. If they are a special favorite and can be cleaned and fixed, they go in the toy hospital bag. And, if they are still good but you just never really liked them, they go in the donate bag.

Penny fixes my special plush toys by sewing them with super-strong dental floss. It never breaks or gives up the way thread does. We think some smart toy manufacturer should start using it from the start.

Cleaning Toys

Even tough plush toys, tug ropes, frisbees, balls, and hard rubber toys need regular cleaning. The poison control center at the ASPCA has suggestions for using a mild bleach solution or some dishwashing liquids.

Penny opts for an even safer method. She uses baking soda to scrub surfaces, rinses well, and then uses a solution of 50% vinegar & 50% water to clean the toy. Then more rinsing-and-rinsing before allowing the toy to dry.

Some pet toy labels say they can be run through your dishwasher or tossed into the clothes washer. Just be careful to rinse well enough to remove any soap residue – YUK!

Clean Out Your Wardrobe

Since I am a growing pup, I have collars, halters, and jackets that no longer fit and those will be donated. After this messy winter, I also have a few t-shirts (my favorite attire) that are looking shabby-chic. Those will become rags.

Fussy About Food?

This one is especially for my feline friends. If you have unopened bags, boxes, or cans of food that you've decided to shun, have your team put them in the donate bag.

This pup is keeping his favorite toy with him to be sure it isn’t included in any spring clean out!

Where and What to Donate?

In addition to items made specifically for cats and dogs, shelters can use towels, sheets, blankets, and more! Here are wishlists from two of the largest Boston Area shelters. But, any group that houses and cares for homeless animals can use the same items.

Animal Rescue League of Boston Wishlist

MSPCA Boston Shelter Wishlist

Set Up a Donation Drive!

My building has a regular donation drive for causes like this. Perhaps you can organize one for your neighbors or dog walking pals. Fill a car with goodies and have them taken to a group that can use them to help animals less fortunate than us.

Thank you, Poppy. You never cease to amaze us!

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: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 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.

April 7, 2013
“Life is a Toy” for Our Sunday Dogs and Cat

This week, we have two Sunday Dogs and one Sunday Cat coming your way with a special request.

Our own little girl Poppy has put on her best "Please, Please, Please!" face for this post. She was playing with some scraps of paper the other day and Ed laughed about how easily she was entertained, "Life is a toy!" he said. He is right.

Happy, healthy dogs and cats do think that life is a toy and they have great fun playing with their people and other creatures. So, Duchess Poppy is asking that you take some of the money you would spend on dog toys as holiday gifts and give a little to the people who help animals less fortunate than she happens to be.

That's Toto the Tornado Kitten under the Christmas tree. He's made a career of fundraising for the Animal Rescue League of Boston. They saved his life and found a perfect home for him. We wrote about Toto last summer.

We met Toby at an MSPCA event this year. Now tell me, can you resist those eyes and his request that you support his favorite animal welfare cause?

You may have your own favorite animal charity. Perhaps it's the rescue group or shelter that brought a wonderful companion into your life. We have a lot of friends who support Greyhound rescue groups. Over the years, we've been helped by a great non-profit called WestieMed when we've had rescued Westies in our care. We think of them when we have occasions to give a donation.

Here are the direct links to the donations pages of three options.

WestieMed

The MSPCA

ARLBoston

We will be giving in the names of our three girls – two gone but not forgotten, Sassy and Maggie Mae – and our dear, little puppy Poppy!

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: © 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.

Related articles

Sunday Dog, Zoe – the Cutest "Morkie" We've Ever Met!

Sunday Dog, Ruby – Just Call Her "Perfect"

Sunday Dog, Mack – an OEB that Loves to Snuggle!

"Norman" Aces Sunday Dog Audition!

A Sunday Dog Alert on 911 Emergency Calls

December 16, 2012
“Life is a Toy” for Our Sunday Dogs and Cat

This week, we have two Sunday Dogs and one Sunday Cat coming your way with a special request.

Our own little girl Poppy has put on her best "Please, Please, Please!" face for this post. She was playing with some scraps of paper the other day and Ed laughed about how easily she was entertained, "Life is a toy!" he said. He is right.

Happy, healthy dogs and cats do think that life is a toy and they have great fun playing with their people and other creatures. So, Duchess Poppy is asking that you take some of the money you would spend on dog toys as holiday gifts and give a little to the people who help animals less fortunate than she happens to be.

That's Toto the Tornado Kitten under the Christmas tree. He's made a career of fundraising for the Animal Rescue League of Boston. They saved his life and found a perfect home for him. We wrote about Toto last summer.

We met Toby at an MSPCA event this year. Now tell me, can you resist those eyes and his request that you support his favorite animal welfare cause?

You may have your own favorite animal charity. Perhaps it's the rescue group or shelter that brought a wonderful companion into your life. We have a lot of friends who support Greyhound rescue groups. Over the years, we've been helped by a great non-profit called WestieMed when we've had rescued Westies in our care. We think of them when we have occasions to give a donation.

Here are the direct links to the donations pages of three options.

WestieMed

The MSPCA

ARLBoston

We will be giving in the names of our three girls – two gone but not forgotten, Sassy and Maggie Mae – and our dear, little puppy Poppy!

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: © 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.

Related articles

Sunday Dog, Zoe – the Cutest "Morkie" We've Ever Met!

Sunday Dog, Ruby – Just Call Her "Perfect"

Sunday Dog, Mack – an OEB that Loves to Snuggle!

"Norman" Aces Sunday Dog Audition!

A Sunday Dog Alert on 911 Emergency Calls

December 16, 2012
“Life is a Toy” for Our Sunday Dogs and Cat

This week, we have two Sunday Dogs and one Sunday Cat coming your way with a special request.

Our own little girl Poppy has put on her best "Please, Please, Please!" face for this post. She was playing with some scraps of paper the other day and Ed laughed about how easily she was entertained, "Life is a toy!" he said. He is right.

Happy, healthy dogs and cats do think that life is a toy and they have great fun playing with their people and other creatures. So, Duchess Poppy is asking that you take some of the money you would spend on dog toys as holiday gifts and give a little to the people who help animals less fortunate than she happens to be.

That's Toto the Tornado Kitten under the Christmas tree. He's made a career of fundraising for the Animal Rescue League of Boston. They saved his life and found a perfect home for him. We wrote about Toto last summer.

We met Toby at an MSPCA event this year. Now tell me, can you resist those eyes and his request that you support his favorite animal welfare cause?

You may have your own favorite animal charity. Perhaps it's the rescue group or shelter that brought a wonderful companion into your life. We have a lot of friends who support Greyhound rescue groups. Over the years, we've been helped by a great non-profit called WestieMed when we've had rescued Westies in our care. We think of them when we have occasions to give a donation.

Here are the direct links to the donations pages of three options.

WestieMed

The MSPCA

ARLBoston

We will be giving in the names of our three girls – two gone but not forgotten, Sassy and Maggie Mae – and our dear, little puppy Poppy!

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: © 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.

Related articles

Sunday Dog, Zoe – the Cutest "Morkie" We've Ever Met!

Sunday Dog, Ruby – Just Call Her "Perfect"

Sunday Dog, Mack – an OEB that Loves to Snuggle!

"Norman" Aces Sunday Dog Audition!

A Sunday Dog Alert on 911 Emergency Calls

December 16, 2012
Sunday Dog, Toby Has “the Look!”

Sunday Dog, Toby has “the Look,” but I’m not really sure what that look is. It’s what a critic might say about a successful fashion model, actor, or a best in show winner. It’s that special look that makes you pause and feel as though someone is peering inside your soul. Or, it just might be Toby’s way of saying, “What’s that strange looking thing you’re pointing at me?”

Actually, he didn’t seem to mind our cameras and was happy to pose– nice profile!

At just a year old, this Basset Hound plays in spurts but sleeps most of the time– he “is” still a puppy! His person admits, “He does bark a lot, but he doesn’t know how to howl like a big boy, yet.”

While Toby can be very stubborn, he is a very good boy who loves to play and chase a favorite ball. Bassets need a lot of exercise, you have to "keep them fit and thin or they’ll have really bad back problems.”

This intriguing little character is already very well socialized– he’s being raised around a lot of people and other dogs. And, Toby is definitely one of the friendliest pups we’ve ever met, you can tell just by … “the Look!”

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

We met Toby at the MSPCA table at a Dog Day event at the Greenway Open Market. He was a great ambassador for one of our favorite animal organizations.

In his honor, we are replacing our ad today with an opportunity for our readers and our neighbors to support the MSPCA just by shopping at the Whole Foods Markets Jamaica Plain & Symphony locations on Tuesday June 26th. When you do, 5% of the net sales will go to MSPCA Angell. Click here for more details.

Details:
Words: 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.

June 24, 2012