BostonZest

Greer Lesson: Always Make Time for a Nap!

We learn a lot of important things from our dog pal Greer. One thing she's tried to teach us is that you should always leave room in your schedule for a nap. She teaches by example and slipped into a doze on a recent visit to the Public Garden. 

The clicks of the camera did catch her attention but she was not about to wake up completely, so she just gave Ed a slitty-eyed gaze. 

Thanks for teaching us the important stuff, Greer!

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

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Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Ed Cherubino  

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Allergy Season Tips for Dog Lovers

The downside to wonderful, warm, spring weather and more time spent outside can be allergy symptoms for both you and your dog. While a vet or doctor’s visit is needed for a serious reaction to allergens, there are many steps you can take to lessen the impact.

The ASPCA says, “The best way to treat allergies is to remove the offending allergens from the environment.” They suggest consulting with your vet for flea prevention, since fleas are the cause of many skin outbreaks. And, there's a list of all the symptoms and other tips at this link.

Give Pollen the Brush Off

Mother Nature designed some pollen to be lightweight and blown by the wind to a female plant. Other, heavier pollen is designed to stick to critters so it can be moved from plant-to-plant. 

Dog fur is a great place for both types of pollen to reside. A simple wipe down with a damp towel after a walk can leave some pollen on the doorstep. Regular brushing this time of year can also help.

Regular Home Exams

Catching a problem early generally makes it easier to cure. Having had two dogs with fairly serious skin allergies, I’m in the habit of running my hands under the fur and feeling for any bumps, breakouts, hot spots, or cysts. Try to be systematic and check the entire pup. 

If you see your dog rubbing his ears or shaking his head more than usual, be sure to do a close inspection.

Check all four paws, too. Allergies often show up as licking behavior. If your dog is licking her foot or leg, it may be a sign of allergy. 

Keeping a Medical Log

A bit of record keeping on your part can help your vet diagnose the likely cause of allergies if you do schedule a visit. Allergy symptoms include: itchy, red, moist, or scabbed skin, increased scratching, runny eyes, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, and snoring caused by an inflamed throat.

If you notice any of these symptoms, make a note on a calendar or in your pup’s medical log. Also, note what pollens are out, any new foods your dog may have had, and any new places you’ve visited. All of this will help with a diagnosis and with future preventative action.

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Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: iStockphoto.com  

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.

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Thanks to the Comfort and Therapy Dogs

Thanks to the Comfort and Therapy Dogs

Thank you to all the comfort and therapy dog teams who came to Boston to help in the healing process.

The crew in the photo above is from The Good Dog Foundation’s Disaster Response division. They deployed seven certified therapy dog teams to Boston to aid in the healing process of victims, first responders, and residents. Here's their report on their visit to Boston. They will be sending additional teams here throughout the month of May.

Along the way, we also saw some beautiful Golden Retrievers from the Lutheran Church Charities’ K-9 Comfort Dogs. They were here at the request of the First Lutheran Church on Berkeley Street in the Back Bay. You can read about their time in our city here.

Amy McCullough, national director of animal-assisted therapy for the American Humane Society, was interviewed on Boston.com. She explained how important this type of therapy can be in situations like the Marathon bombings. She and her dog Bailey were here partnering with Tufts Paws for People. 

If you know of, or were part of, another group that has served the people of Boston, please add a comment below or send us an email and we'll add a link to update our thank you list.

And, remember, all of these groups are non-profits and can use your donations to make sure they are ready to travel the next time they are needed. You can find links for donations on their websites.

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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.

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“The Navigator & the Squirrel Hunter” – Now Playing on Sunday Dog

Portuguese Water Dog Henry, aka “Henry the Navigator,” and Cairn Terrier Katie Margaret the “Squirrel Hunter” are Sunday Dogs who love their job descriptions! 



At 14, Katie (who has the most soulful eyes) has spent her life trying to catch a squirrel – not an easy feat, even for a wily terrier. Recently, she did come very close to fulfilling her dream, but at the last moment, Henry swooped in and snatched the little critter. The two were separated with no harm done, except to Katie’s ego.



While both of these Boston dogs are squirrel obsessed, there’s no doubt about Henry’s aquatic roots. This energetic 3-year-old looks forward to their walks, especially when they include Castle Island, where he gets to go in the water.

Katie stepped out her carry pouch for this close-up.

These two also get to spend a lot of quality time in Provincetown. Katie likes it so much out there that, when the car’s all packed and it’s time to go, she stays in the house as if to say, “I’ll see you when you get back.”



When Katie and Henry are not taking long walks around Boston, posing for photos, or scanning for squirrels, they can’t resist romping with a good squeak toy followed by a long chew on a prized bully stick.

What a great life! See you around the city.

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!

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Words: 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.

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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.


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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.

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Sunday Dog “Mr. Dooley” – a Silky Terrier Who Likes to Be In-Charge!

Say hello to Sunday Dog “Mr. Dooley” – a 5 year old rescue from Boston whose person says, “He’s really manly and thinks he’s in charge!” But it wasn’t always that way.

When he first came home, Dooley “was really, really timid, scared of people, jumpy, skinny ... I’ve had him for 4 1/2 years now, and he has really let all of that go!”

This extremely cute Silky Terrier is true to his breed: happy, energetic, and very friendly!

Dooley couldn’t wait to say hello to our Poppy

Dooley’s favorite toy is Grizzly Bear, a treat-stuffed finger puppet that he enjoys emptying of its tasty prizes.

What this little guy doesn’t like is any form of transportation ... except “walking.”



While Dooley will tolerate a car or subway ride, the problem is that he’s not moving them himself. With walks, he feels more in control. (Makes sense to me.)



We learned that Dooley is not a fan of electronics of any kind. If his person is on the phone or the computer, he barks, gets really upset, and lays across the computer as if to say, No! This isn’t happening! What he does like is “attention 24-7,” and he gets plenty of it!



Dooley “spends most of his walks finding organic matter on the ground. He’ll find anything!”
Now, that’s a true terrier and a true Sunday Dog!

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: 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.

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.