December 2017
Wags and Tags
Celebrating the canine-human bond!

          This newsletter is brought to you by Arlington Dog Owners Group (A-DOG), a 501(c)(3) community organization promoting the rights and interests of responsible dog owners in Arlington, MA.  

If you're not already a member, we hope you'll want to  join A-DOG!


Wags and Tags editorial team: Joan Black (managing editor), Jen Burns, Sue Doctrow, Ellen Leigh, Judy Weinberg 

Articles in Wags and Tags represent the opinions of the author(s) not necessarily those of A-DOG or the editorial team.
A-DOG logos designed by Lisa Berasi for Arlington Dog Owners Group, all rights reserved


In this issue: 

 



On some computers, you might have to click twice to reach the article. We've found, too that these links do not work on all devices.
Paws to Mark Your Calendar for Coming Events!
Great events sponsored by A-DOG and others....





CalenderDec2017" NEW or RENEW: We still need YOU to join the A-DOG pack!" It is NEVER too late.  
 

Mark your calendar for these great EVENTS. Please consider attending or volunteering for the events sponsored or co-sponsored by A-DOG (shown in   GREEN).  Contact us if you're interested in volunteering at any of these events...we need you!
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  • Reading Dogs, Rufus, Thelma, Benny, Penny, at FOX Library (175 Massachusetts Avenue in Arlington) with "bark to school" from 3:30-4:30 for all ages & reading levels. Sign up for 15 minute reading sessions. Please get tickets at circulation desk starting at 3 pm on the day of event. Happy tails are waiting to listen to your tales. Tuesday Jan 2: Rufus and Thelma; Tuesday, Jan 16 Rufus, Thelma and Penny; and Jan 30, Rufus, Thelma & Benny. Generally, first and third Tuesdays of the month. Contact the Fox library for dates.
  • Tues, January 23, 2018 (6:30-8 pm),  A-DOG meeting, Jefferson Cutter House, lower level (Community Room), Arlington Center. Doors open 6:00: All are welcome Potluck 6:30: Bring finger food to share & Meet new friends. (Beverages, plates & utensils provided by A-DOG). Business Meeting 7:00-8:00pm. Agenda to be announced. As always, make recommendations for events & initiatives. Hope YOU will join us.  
  • Dates for all A-DOG Meetings 2018: January 23, March 27, May 22, July 24 & October 23 Jefferson Cutter House,{to be confirmed} All meetings at 6:30 for social & refreshments followed by business meeting 7:00-8:00pm Questions: Call Joan Black 781-454-5341 

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Send us calendar items for possible inclusion in this section in future Wags and Tags issues! 

Santa Paws Came to A-Town:
It was Grrreat!

by Carolyn MacNeill
Dec2017SantaPawsSanta PAWS is by far one of the best pet-friendly holiday events in Arlington!  Thanks to everyone who came out for the third annual Santa Paws at the Thorndike Field Dog Park on December 2. Sponsored by  Tracy Wallace and The Home Advantage Team , Santa Paws is a festive community event to benefit the dog park. It was a picture perfect day, with complimentary hot chocolate for the people and plenty of treats for the pets. There was a record turnout raising more than $930, and Tracy has donated all proceeds to the dog park for its ongoing maintenance throughout the year.
Santa had his work cut out for him with so many enthusiastic furry friends, and in this case, seeing really is believing!
Best wishes for a Happy Holiday and healthy New Year, and be sure to check back with Tracy Wallace &  The Home Advantage Team for another great event next year!

Note from A-DOG: If you'd like to donate to support the Thorndike Dog Park, you can make a contribution through our Friends of Thorndike Dog Park fund here. 



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Carolyn MacNeill contributed this article on behalf of the Home Advantage team, sponsors of Santa Paws.
CPR and First Aid Class:
It's a Wrap!






Nov17GreatMeadows
Dec2017CPRClassAmy Newfield, CVT, VTS (ECC), National Technician Training Manager of BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Waltham MA, returned to Arlington to present her Canine First Aid and CPR overview.  Over 40 people attended the class at the Arlington Senior Center.
Event was sponsored by A-DOG and free to the public as a community service.
Amy used a PowerPoint presentation and discussed a wide range of topics, such as how to read canine body language foresters signals.  Preventative care through your primary veterinarian is the best tool for identifying potential ailments, but accidents and acute illness can pop up at any time!  Awareness of hazards and recognition of distress signals in your pet can be critical in stabilizing an emergency.  Amy demonstrated the following as part of the workshop with her adorable and extremely patient "pet: veteran demo dogs Meeko and a new puppy partner in training.
  • Find a pulse and count a heartbeat
  • Check the gums and eyes to identify signs of emergency
  • Perform hands-on CPR
  • Bandage a wound
  • Respond to choking
  • Take your dog's temperature
  • Set up a pet first aid kit
Attendees donated $130 to Frankie's Friends a non-profit foundation dedicated to finding cures and saving pets with cancer and other life-threatening conditions.  BluePearl is a proud sponsor of Frankie's Friends. If you missed the class but would like to donate, your support would be appreciated.
A-DOG would like to thank:
Amy Newfield and her fabulous demo dogs for donating their time and expertise.
BluePearl Veterinary Partners for providing first aid gift packs for attendees and  the Arlington Senior Center for providing perfect space for the event.
 
About the instructor:  Amy Newfield, CVT, VTS (ECC)
Amy is currently employed with BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Waltham as the
National Veterinary Technician Training Manager.  In 2003 she became boarded as a
Veterinary Technician Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care.  She has taught
hundreds of pet first aid classes around the state of Massachusetts and was a former
instructor for the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency teaching first
responders and disaster teams across the state.  She has instructed several first
responder classes at Logan International Airport to help improve the safety of airline
travel for pets. She lives in Massachusetts with her wonderful furry kids.
 
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Mary McCartney is an A-DOG board member. Photo shows Amy and her demo dog Meeko.
Pop-Up Pet Show: 
Ribbons for All!

by Karen Koretsky   
PopUpDecember2017On a cold  37 degree day, a chance encounter in the park warmed my heart. Phoebe and I were approached by Ruth and asked to join the "Pet Show" happening in the park. We were assured that there was a prize for all who entered.  An "all inclusive" competition is just our style.  Not being one to pass up a prize, Phoebe and I met this wonderful family with their bundled up pet rabbit and guinea pigs. It was decided that Phoebe would win "Best with a Ball" which faces stiff competition in Menotomy Rocks Park. She was awarded a fine blue ribbon inscribed with her name. (her first!).  Rumor has it the Pet Show may pop up again in the Spring. Bravo to Ruth and her family for a wonderful surprise. 
Featured in the photographs: Pet Show organizers Ruth & family, Phoebe & ball and an exhausted but proud Phoebe wearing her first blue ribbon.


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Snowy Days Are For....?
Rrrrrufff Ruff Request for YOUR Idea

SnowyDec2017Snowy days are for an " afternoon walk with pups at Beverly Common / Greenwood.  This is our 2 year old English Springer Spaniel named Daisy loving the fresh powder!" by May Orfal
Photo Credit: Jerry DuKatz  
Jessica, Brian and Pinot Farman had another thought for a snow afternoon.  Snowy days are for snuggling and enjoying a comfy, undercover moment.
Send your SNOWY Day idea photographs or videos to Wags and Tags (c/o Joan Black).

ACO Katie's Corner
Arlington Bylaws Reminder and Holiday Thoughts



ACODec2017As a friendly reminder, please review town bylaws before letting your dog off leash.  Arlington bylaws are still in place even if they are not posted on a sign.  Bylaws are easily found on the town web page.
(You are welcome to call Animal Control for clarification or with any questions: 781-645-8014)
Holidays are here.  No one wants to spend $75.00 on a preventable citation at this time of year especially.   A better idea is to use the holiday season to improve the lives of homeless pets.  If you are in the giving mood this holiday season, consider making a donation to your local animal shelter or even offer the gift of your time as a volunteer.
Here is Buddy Dog's wish list for items if you ' d like to give something other than a monetary donation to help care for their residents. 
Another way to help is to adopt a shelter animal in need of a home.  Be sure your family is ready to make the commitment.  It is important to bring the whole family to decide on a new family member together ensuring it will be a purr-fect match!  Many rescues and shelters provide support for matching adopters with a pet whose size, personality and energy are best suited for their lifestyles.
An Outstanding Example:   Girl Scouts Troop #82023 from Dallin Elementary School In Arlington wanted to help animals while working on their next badge.  They contacted me and I provided them with the "wish list" for MSPCA where I volunteer.  The girls with the support of their leader Wendy Fields gathered supplies and delivered them to me.  It was a remarkable achievement.  Intern Alex Coates and I enjoyed our time meeting with them.  We described responsibilities of Animal Control Officers and rescues.  They had many questions to ask and stories to share about animals.  THANK YOU to Troop #82023 for making a difference!

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ACO Katie's Corner presents updates from Arlington Animal Control Officer (ACO) Katie Kozikowski.  Collaborating with Katie on this column is Joan Black, A-DOG board member/officer and member of the Wags and Tags editorial team. 

 
A Thankful Problem Solving Peace Offering





by  Elaine Crowder 
Nov17Bless
ThanksfulDec2017 In the spirit of Thanksgiving and gratitude, I had a recent experience with peaceful resolution of a territorial dispute I ' d like to celebrate. It seems appropriate also that this come to light during the season of peace.
Then three more dogs showed up at the house during the last couple of months: a monster German Shepherd, a medium-sized Aussie, and a small grey ball of fluff.  They've lately been tethered on a tiny, open front porch that is elevated just a few steps from the public sidewalk. Every time we go by with Jakie (our dog), the dogs lunge and bark ferociously, causing me to carve a large arc into the street to create some distance. Simultaneously I started seeing monster poops again deposited on our lower lawn and along the sides of the private way. Seriously, these have a girth as big around as my wrist!
I took the low road a couple of times by collecting the waste and throwing it over the fence. I am  not proud of that. This past weekend, I even walked up their steps to the door to say something, but I retreated at the prospect of being met by that gigantic barking German Shepherd.  Then the day before yesterday at the end of Jakie ' s walk, one of the neighbors was outside and it soon became evident she wanted to talk.  We introduced ourselves (she ' s still new so I'd only spoken to her once before concerning a trash day question.) She proceeded to share her dog had been hit by a car, the little ball of fluff, right in front of her house-the driver hadn ' t even stoppe d and her dog hadn't made it. She was seeking comfort. 
This contact gave me the golden opportunity I was looking for, a way to engage without being a grumpy neighbor. I decided to make up a doggie basket of treats that includes a toy and critically, some poop bags. I would present them to the neighbor as a simultaneous condolence plus Thanksgiving offering. Of course, I ' m under no illusion she ' ll know right away what to do with the poop bags, especially since it may be someone else in the house declining to "stoop" for poop. A condo neighbor had earlier reported seeing a man walking a dog on property. However, I have begun the relationship with a gesture of good will which provides the opening for further engagement for which I am grateful.

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Elaine Crowder is an A-DOG member.
Pawsome People and Awesome Dogs....
PAWSOME People ALERT: Breed Specific Insurance Discrimination





by Marci Cemenska.
 PawsomeDec2017If you don ' t believe insurance companies should be able to discriminate based on the breed of dog, then you should call your state senator and representative in support of S.533 and H.544.  
Read more about which breeds are targeted and ways to get involved with "Canine Strategies" here.
Lexington resident testifies for bill that could alter the way dog breeds impact homeowner insurance.  Pam Baker testified in favor of the bill which would prohibit insurance companies from using dog breeds criterion for homeowners qualification or fixing rates. Read more to learn about the issues.
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Marci Cemenska is an A-DOG member. 

A-DOG October 2017 Meeting
Highlights of Annual Meeting



Dec2017HighlightsHIGHLIGHTS  October 24, 2017  A-DOG  Annual Meeting 
by Joan Black
6:30-7:00:   Amazing Appetizer Social & Potluck
  • August Activities: "Pet Boutique" & "Dog Days of Summer"
  • A-DOG Town Day Booth popular & successful
  • October:  A-DOG with Recreation "HOWL-O-WEEN" to benefit Thorndike Dog Park
  • November:  A-DOG as Community Service 4th Annual "Pet CPR & First Aid Class"
  • December:  A-DOG supports "Santa PAWS" to benefit Thorndike Dog Park
  • Board/officer changes include: 3 resignations & 2 new Vice Presidents
  • Draft of  2017 Annual Report: Activities, Achievements & Organization to be discussed at January 23, 2018 A-DOG Meeting with  Proposed Calendar of Events for 2018
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Joan Black is an A-DOG board member and officer and managing editor of the Wags and Tags editorial team.

Help Wanted: Your Dog's Face Here?
Wags and Tags Welcomes Your Contributions

Dec2017YourFaceHereA-DOG Members and supporters, Wags and Tags is YOUR monthly newsletter!  I f you have suggestions for an article, including one you'd like to write, for a future issue, please email us with "Newsletter" in the subject line.   
 
Maybe you'd like your dog to be one of our " Arlington dogs, or A-dogs ", like Molly, Remy, Tammy, potcake Lexi and others. Or, write an article about Happy Tails Trails, describing your favorite place to enjoy nature with your dog. You don't have to live in Arlington, but can be a neighbor who enjoys Arlington's dog recreation benefits, or otherwise supports our mission. You can also suggest a special Rainbow Bridge memorial tribute to a beloved canine or feline family member you've lost.
 
Or, maybe you're a  Friend of A-DOG  Business and want to describe how you help A-DOG and what you offer to our community of dog owners and dog-friendly people.  Your business, too, can be featured like OM Cookies, Menotomy Beer Wine and Spirits, Maida Pharmacy & Compounding Center and Lakota Bakery (now Cookie Time).
 
Suggested article length for the newsletter is 500 words or fewer but this is only a guideline. We will also need at least one photo, preferably a jpg or gif format, compressed to a size no greater than 1 MB. For text, arial 11 pt, single spacing preferred. (Please send the photo as a separate file, not imported into a Word document.

Articles on any other topic of potential interest to dog owners are welcome.  So are more volunteer editors and writers. Please send us your story proposals!  Wags and Tags editorial team:  Joan Black (managing editor), Jen Burns, Sue Doctrow, Ellen Leigh and Judy Weinberg. (submission ideas to A-DOG or Joan)

Pssst...We are well aware that  our members are not likely to have issues with spelling or grammar that's a little "ruff", but don't worry....our editorial team can polish your story, as needed. Feel free to ask.
 
The Irish Setter on the computer photo is reprinted from a website called "iget2work". The "Bad spelling...image was posted on Facebook by Grammarly.  


A-DOG Meetings in 2018-2019
  
A-DOG holds five meetings per year, in January, March, May, August and October. Unless otherwise noted, meetings are on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Community Room of the Jefferson Cutter House, 611 Mass Ave (at Mystic, in Arlington Center).  The Community Room is accessible via the rear entrance at the municipal parking lot. Refreshments are served. New members show up every time so please join us! Our next meeting is in January, 2018.
 

A-DOG Membership!
 
A-DOG's membership year runs from April 1 through March 31, so some full memberships are up for renewal each spring.  If your membership has expired, you should have received a reminder letter in early 2017 during our  Membership Drive.  As an A-DOG Full Member, you are entitled to discounts and benefits from our Friends of A-DOG businesses.  And, your dues and donations to A-DOG are tax deductible, to the full extent allowed by law. 
   
Shop for A-DOG!  

Please support businesses that support responsible dog owners in Arlington by patronizing our Friends of A-DOG Businesses.  

(If you are not a full member, please sign up and pay your dues at the link above for joining A-DOG. If you are unsure if your membership is still active, or need another membership card as proof, you can email us to check into it.)

Also, when you buy from Amazon, please start at the Amazon Smile website which should get you directly to our donation link. If not, be sure to choose "A-Dog The Arlington Dog Owners Group, Inc" as your preferred nonprofit group.  Amazon will make a donation to A-DOG and your purchase will not cost any more!

A-DOG members, Business Friends of A-DOG and other subscribers receive Wags and Tags each month.  If this issue was forwarded to you and you'd like to subscribe to Wags and Tags without joining A-DOG, click here or click the green sign-up button on the front page of our website.