February 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, Jen Burns, Sue Doctrow, Ellen Leigh, Judy Weinberg, Janice Zazinski 
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.
Join us March 1 for Paint Your Pet!
Our 2nd "Paint Your Pet" fundraiser...thanks to artlounge!



by Jen Burns
FebPaintPetOn Wednesday March 1, 7-9:30 pm arlington artlounge is holding a fundraiser for A-DOG.  Come paint a customized picture of your pet!  Here's how it works.  You email a digital picture of your pet and artlounge's amazing artists will sketch it onto a 16x20 canvas which will be ready when you arrive.  Register at the artlounge  website here.  Space is limited and photos need to be sent in advance.  A percentage of your registration fee will be donated to A-DOG.  arlington artlounge offers small plates and desserts for sale as well as beer and wine to round out the perfect evening. Join us for a fun evening and "unleash" your inner artist.  To add to the festivities there will be drawing prizes and one of a kind pieces of jewelry and handmade felted wool hats for sale.  We will raise a glass,  lift our spirits and celebrate with art.  Hope to see YOU there.  
*************
Jen Burns is an A-DOG board member and owner of  BlueSkyDogs.

Wetland Restoration: Hills Pond at Menotomy Rocks Park  
Help support this project to benefit Arlington's beloved MRP

by Judy Weinberg

 
 
 
 
 
FebMRP Hills Pond at Menotomy Rocks Park is in the process of a wetland restoration. The constructed wetland at the Churchill Ave entrance has been slowly filling in over the years with silt and cattails, inhibiting it from doing its job of filtering runoff before it flows into the pond. The stilling basin was first installed 23 years ago, and was to have been cleaned out every 5 years. This is the first time it's been done.
The dredging of the wetland has been completed and the project will continue in the spring. The cattail growth that has been encroaching along the stone wall will be removed, and there will be new plantings in the stilling basin where the cattails have been removed.
Thanks to donations from friends and neighbors, this was wholly funded by the Friends of Menotomy Rocks Park. It was planned in conjunction with Parks & Rec, Conservation Commission, and DPW, and the company doing the work is Solitude Lake Management.
 
Menotomy Rocks Park is one of the most popular and well used in Arlington.  A-DOG thanks the Friends of Menotomy Rocks Park for funding this important restoration and restoration. 
  
"Menotomy Rocks Park is located in Arlington, Massachusetts. It is a public park with 35.5 acres of woodland, walking paths, informal play fields, and a 3-acre pond. The Friends of Menotomy Rocks Park (FMRP) were organized in 1993 to advise the Town of Arlington concerning the use, care, and maintenance of the park, and to assist in the preservation and improvement of the land, help keep and improve the fields, pond, plantings, pathways, trees, and other natural features of the park, improve species habitat and assist in the maintenance and provision of facilities furthering recreation and enjoyment of the park. The FMRP also conduct programs to educate the public and to promote the values and ideas upon which open space and community parks depend."  

To support or donate click on the Friends of Menotomy Rocks Park website. 

********
Judy Weinberg is an A-DOG board member and officer, member of the Wags and Tags editorial team and president of Friends of Menotomy Rocks Park.


ACO Katie's Corner with Pawsitive Award Winner
Wildlife Rescues: Close Encounters of the Arlington Kind


by Katie Kozikowski


FebACOI love animals and have been working with them in some way, shape or form for 11 years.  As Animal Control Officer for Arlington I have learned even more about how to deal with animals in need. I have also discovered people are often willing to help out whether they are "animal people" or not.
The following is a description of my usual tasks and responsibilities listed on Town of Arlington web site: "The Animal Control Officer provides domestic animal control services to the community.  The Animal Control Officer enforces Town By-Laws as well as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts animal control laws under M.G.L Chapter 140 Section 136A through 177. The Animal Control Officer responds to citizen requests for services regarding animal bites, loose animals, barking or dangerous dogs, injured animals, and other requests for service.  The Animal Control Officer is also available to provide advice on dog behavior, wild animal avoidance and education events.
You must contact Animal Control Officer if you are bitten or severely scratched by an animal, your pet has been bitten by an animal or your pet has bitten a person or pet."

Every day there is a new challenge, situation or issue to resolve.  As part of my job description pertaining to "wild animal avoidance" and "sick or injured animals" I have had quite a few interesting and unexpected encounters with wildlife in the field. Besides the usual calls about fledgling birds falling from nests, baby bunnies found in the road, raccoons trapped in a trash can or even opossums stuck in hockey nets, I ' ve also had experiences with other animals a little larger and more unusual.  Here are three of my favorite memorable moments.
One of the first wildlife rescues involved a large swan trapped on the access road of Route 2. When I arrived, the swan was desperately trying to jump over a fence to go back onto the road. Fortunately a kind driver of an "out of service MBTA bus" which was passing by stopped to help.  As I was luring the swan into a driveway, he parked the bus to block the end preventing the swan from running back to the highway.  I was able to catch the bird with a blanket and net and place it safely in the Animal Control van. Within minutes the  swan was easily released into a nearby body of water.  It swam happily for a few hours fully recovered from its recent misadventure and ultimately flew off to find his friends.
Another unusual rescue occurred when a concerned resident phoned Animal Control to report a duck wandering around a quiet neighborhood for several hours. It did not appear to be a "wild" duck.  After searching for a few hours between calls and other duties with the help of local residents, I was finally able to locate the duck. Again, there was a kind resident willing to assist me by creating a barrier preventing the duck from escaping. I was able to catch him with a net and a blanket. The duck was later transported to the Animal Rescue League of Boston.  It was tested for any avian diseases and later introduced to a flock at the MSPCA Nevins Farm. It was a happy ending for the duck and me.      .

Recently there was the more dramatic and complex rescue of an injured coyote on Mystic Street.  Late one night, a resident called the Police Department concerned about an injured coyote in his yard. The coyote did not appear afraid of his dog nor people near him.  Thankfully I was already in town for a Cub Scout Troop presentation. I was able to respond immediately to look for the coyote.  John Maguranis, Belmont Animal Control Officer and Massachusetts Representative for Project Coyote, came during his off hours to help me try to locate the injured animal. After searching in vain for quite some time, we decided to wait until morning light would offer better vision. Next day while traveling in my Animal Control Vehicle, I spoke with people walking or living in the neighborhood and near the Winchester Golf Club .  After several reported sightings, the coyote did finally stop to rest behind the tennis courts. Staff from the Country Club contacted Animal Control. John, my Belmont ACO ally, quickly hurried to assist in catching the injured animal. With his quick thinking and skilled background, we were able to work as a team and rescue the coyote. The coyote was transported to Tufts Wild Life Clinic where she is currently being treated for a fractured pelvis. The coyote will hopefully be returned to the wild.
John Maguranis has generously presented "Living With Coyotes" on three separate occasions for Arlington residents.  Programs were cosponsored by Arlington's Animal Control Officer & Arlington Dog Owners Group, A-DOG.  The most recent one was held at the Robbins Library in December 2016.
Working with other ACOs and local residents helps save the lives of many animals here in town and ensures community safety.  Animal Control officers cannot do their job effectively alone.  We rely upon each other for advice and assistance on the job.  We also need the people of our towns to lend their support as well.  As they say, "2 sets of eyes are better than one" - I n our cases "40,000 sets of eyes are better than one!"  Other organizations that ACOs often contact include: Animal Rescue League of Boston, Tufts Wild Life Clinic, area MSPCA animal shelters and  MSPCA Law Enforcement Team.

I personally would like to thank the Arlington community for assistance given to me as Arlington's  Animal Control Officer.  We have worked together to rescue and help animals, find lost pets and educate residents in support of community safety.
Please call me with any questions or concerns or contact these organizations for information and help.
Animal Rescue League of Boston - (617) 426-9170
MSPCA Nevins Farm (Methuen) - (978) 687-7453
MSCPA (Jamacia Plain) - (617) 522-5055
Tufts Wild Life Clinic (Grafton) - (508) 839-7918
MSPCA Law Enforcement (Animal Cruelty) - (617) 522-6008

***************
Pawsitive Award Winner -- January


Woohoo, we have a winner!!!

Well, actually we have a "pack" of winners. Meet the clan which won January's  "Leash It and Ticket" prize: Pit mix Leo, Cockapoo Yoshi, and Bichon, Bowser.  The trio of pups and their owner were observed enjoying a walk at Hurd Field. It was a perfect trifecta: Three dogs were on leash during designated hours. All pups were sporting shiny, red, 2017 Arlington licenses and Tina had waste bags in hand prepared for any situation.  Tina Messuri and her canine family are the  proud recipients of a gift certificate to Friend of A-DOG Business, Mill Brook Animal Clinic (compliments of Dr. Kevin Fallon of  Mill Brook Animal Clinic). The gift card is available for use for vet visits or products. Thank you, Tina for following the town bylaws with your canine companions. You have set a great example.  Keep up the great work and enjoy your certificate.

***************

ACO Katie's Corner presents updates from Arlington Animal Control Officer (ACO) Katie Kozikowski.   Photos, from top, (1) ACO Katie; (2) Swan rescue; (3) Coyote rescue with Katie and Belmont ACO John Maguranis; (4) Bunny needing help; (5) Pawsitive winner Tina's pack. 
Collaborating with Katie on this column is Joan Black, A-DOG board member/officer and member of the Wags and Tags editorial team.
Highlights January 24 "Winter Warmer Social" & A-DOG Meeting 
Join us at the next A-DOG meeting on Mar 28

by Joan Black

 
Febmeetinghighlights6:30 - 7:00  There was a delicious and energetic  start to A-DOG's New Year with soup, salad, snacks and homemade bread. 
*Fall & Winter Events Recapped
*Clarified procedure for donating books to Library 
*2017 Board Information Packet distributed listed:
Officers & Board Members, Board Responsibilities & Guidelines,  Members: Standing Working Groups & Liaisons, Proposed Calendar of Events/ Activities and Meeting Dates & Schedule

* 2017 Events:
Update: 
1. Art Lounge scheduled for March 1, 2017 ;   2. Fido Video Festival in partnership with ACMI will schedule activities and video training for August Festival at Boys Club Field

Proposals:
"Pups & Pints" at Common Ground;  "DOGS: Partners for Life" Library Program;  Small Breed Meet Ups; More connection to Arlington Recreation Programs to benefit Thorndike Dog Park; "Pop Up Spring Fair; Patriot's Day Parade 
* Long Term Planning Survey Working Group created
* Membership Record Keeping "job description" to be created for transition
 
March 28 will be SOUPer Bowl "Soup & Salad"   POTLUCK
 Come Join us to discuss A-DOG's Membership Drive, Long Term Planning Survey,
and "spring" into spring  Events.

*****
Joan Black is an A-DOG board member and officer and member of the Wags and Tags editorial team. 
PAWS to Mark Your Calendar!
Save the dates for coming events
   

Febcalendar"NEW or RENEW: We still need YOU to join the A-DOG pack!" It is NEVER too late.  
...Sign up today  here .  
 

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!
____________

 
  • Feb 28 and future (see dates).  Rufus & Thelma Reading Dogs 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 day of event. Happy tails are waiting to listen to your tales.  Rufus & Thelma will be ready to read on the following dates. Mark your calendars. Feb 28, Mar 14, & 28, Apr 11 &  25, May 9 & 23. Jun 6 & 20 
  • Wednesday, March 1 artlounge " Release Your Inner Artist" Paint Your Pet FUNdraiser. Come and paint a portrait of your pet. You don't have to be Frida Kahlo or Georgia O'Keeffe, artlounge's wonderful staff artists will outline the picture of your pup on the canvas before you arrive. Drinks and tapas are available for purchase. So grab your friends and your inner artist and join us for a fun and creative evening!  Space is limited and please add your name to the waiting list if the event is full. (see article above). Register here in time to submit your pet photo!   
  • Thursday, March 9 "Drink Beer *Eat Tacos *Do Good* at Once, 155 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA:  "Mass Hysteria:  A Local Beer & Taco Fiesta" to benefit NEW Somerville Pet Food Bank.  Come enjoy beer tasting, games, silent auction and the opportunity to be with great people and raise funds for a good cause.  This is especially important  now as people struggle to afford to keep pets.
  • Before Wednesday, March 15  "Renew or New". Do  License YOUR dog. Thursday, March16  $50.00 Late charge is added to License fees. License Period: January 1 to December 31. 
    Renewals sent annually by mail to registered dog owners early December. If you did not receive renewal in the mail and/or need to register your dog(s), official applications  obtained at the Town Clerk's Office, 730 Massachusetts Avenue. Applications must be accompanied by appropriate fee & certificate(s). More information here. 
  • Wednesday, March 15. Submission Deadline  "color sketches & designs," artists who currently work or live in Arlington, for park bench within enclosed playground at Spy Pond. Competition sponsored by Arlington Recreation, Arlington Public Art & Friends of Spy Pond Park.  Stipend of $500.00 will be awarded. Information here.
  • Tuesday, March 28. A-DOG Meeting. Please join us at 6:30 for our "SOUPer BOWL Soup & Salad POTLUCK"  Business meeting to follow from 7-8. Location is the community room (downstairs) at the Jefferson Cutter House (home of Dalin Museum in Arlington Center); enter at lower level in back; you may park in the municipal lot, but don't forget that Arlington now requires parking payment til 8 pm. Future A-DOG meetings, May 23, August 22 and October 24 (Annual Meeting).   
  • Saturday, April 15, 11th Animal Rights Day at Massachusetts School of Law (MSLAW), 500 Federal Street, Andover, MA: Live Animal Demonstrations, Informational Booths, Programs, Awards, Vendor tables, Food and Fun. RSVP to:  [email protected]
  • Sunday, April 23. A-DOG at the Arlington Patriots Day Parade.
    We plan to march down Massachusetts Avenue  starting at 2pm.  Parade is one of Arlington's longest held traditions.  Sign up if you might be interested in marching  with A-DOG with or without your dog.  If enough interest, details will follow. (RSVP to [email protected]).

 

 

 

*****
 
Photo. Our board describing Friends of A-DOG -- who offer member discounts or otherwise support A-DOG -- on display!
Send us calendar items for possible inclusion in this section in future Wags and Tags issues!  


Pawsome People and Awesome Dogs
A-DOG congratulates.....


compiled and written by Joan Black


FebPawsomeA-DOG Bids Fare Thee Well: To Diane Buxton & Nigel With LUV

Diane and Nigel will be missed when the door closes for the last time February 28 and they leave their familiar storefront at 189 Mass Ave. in East Arlington.  For the last four years LUV And Other Gifts offered a beautiful selection of gifts including specialties for Pups along with warm welcomes to visitors and shoppers.  LUV sponsored A-DOG's booth for last year's Feast of the East which was just one of the events Diane helped to organize as part of the Capital Square Business Association.  We hope Diane & Nigel will continue to be part of the A-DOG community and join us for programs and events. 
 
Snow fell a around but the people and the pups came together with LUV.  

The Farewell Events for Luv and Other Things was held Saturday, Feb. 11 and Celebrated During Capitol Square's Annual "Romancing the Square" Community Event.  Residents and friends stopped by to say "goodbye" to Diane and her dog Nigel while enjoying treats. shopping and some scheduled festivities.  Nigel was recovering from surgery but there is spirit.

Luv's alter ego, Puppy Luv, hosted "Yappy Hour" for well-behaved dogs and their owners from 2 to 3pm. Four legged friends were welcomed and enjoyed some special Polkadog treats. The Firefly and I were thrilled to be part of the pack of partying participates at the "Happy Yappy Hour" LUVfest. In addition as part of "Yappy Hour," guests had an opportunity to "Ask the Vet" with Dr. Beth Innis from Capitol Square's new Sleepy Dog Veterinary.  Sleepy Dog's focus is complementary medicine - including acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal medicine and massage  along with good nutrition.  The emphasis is upon "quality of life."  Dog massages and "Ask The Vet" questions and answers continued on down the street at Sleepy Dog (114 Mass Ave) from 4 to 6pm. Dr. Beth Innis will have articles featured in WAGS & TAGS.
 
The day concluded with LUV's "Welcome to the Disco!"  Residents and friends had some adult time at LUV's 70s themed Neighborhood Mixer and Disco.  It was a time to unwind with a drink and boogie to some uplifting disco music while meeting new friends and neighbors. The guests who dressed the part received a free gift, on top of the 30%-70% off storewide sale.
Do Hustle on down and visit LUV today.  Customers will receive 30 to 70 percent off from everything in the store from now until the store closes Feb. 28. Read more about Diane and LUV here.

***********

HSUS Challenges USDA For Deleting Animal Welfare Records: Public Has The Right to Access Information

HSUS (Humane Society of United States) with other animal groups are challenging USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) for deleting animal welfare records from their website. The inspection reports were abruptly removed in early February. Records include information about 9,000 facilities which use animals: Commercial dog breeders, Tennessee Walking Horse participants, roadside zoos of exotic animals, research labs etc. and other operations regulated under Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and Horse Protection Act (HPA).  HSUS took the first steps to challenge this action which undermines the public's right to access information about the laws and frustrates state, local and industry's ability to enforce. There is a Petition urging USDA to stop hiding animal welfare records at the conclusion of the article. More information here.

*******


Animal Control is About People Too: In The Spotlight With Amanda Kennedy

Amanda Kennedy was Arlington's Animal Control Officer preceding Katie Kozikowski. During her time in Arlington Amanda was an easily recognizable figure around town with her blonde braids. She improved communication and community relations significantly and collaborated with A-DOG as well as other town agencies cosponsoring educational programs and events. The model has continued and expanded with Katie's leadership and initiatives. The Arlington community has benefited greatly from the expertise and compassion of these two skilled and caring women in the position of ACO. The following Boston Globe article highlights Amanda's work as Director of Care & Control  for the city of Boston. 

*Special Highlight*  The article refers to a daring coyote rescue. Director Amanda Kennedy contacted Belmont's Animal Control Officer, John Maguranis, for assistance with the coyote trapped on the Zakim Bridge in this story.  As mentioned in Katie's Arlington coyote rescue adventure, John is the Massachusetts Representative for Project Coyote.  With his quick thinking, knowledge and skills and the assistance of a state trooper, John was able to capture the coyote, without injury, safely bring it to a Boston Animal Control vehicle for transport to an appropriate Wildlife Clinic.
 
 Both Amanda and Katie agree, "Animal Control is really about Public Safety" and teamwork

Amanda is in the spotlight here.

******
 Joan Black is an A-DOG board member and officer and member of the Wags and Tags editorial team. Illustrations: A "yappy" farewell party at LUV; drawing of Amanda Kennedy, when she was Arlington's ACO, by Arlington dog owner and artist, Shunsuke Yamaguchi.

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

JanContribA-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, like the recent tribute to Duke.
 
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.
 
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, Jen Burns, Sue Doctrow, Ellen Leigh, Judy Weinberg and Janice Zazinski.

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 2017
  
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!
 

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 2016 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.  

Stay Connected
Arlington, MA 02474