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Celebrating the canine-human bond!
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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
A-DOG logos designed by Lisa Berasi for Arlington Dog Owners Group, all rights reserved
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Attention: This Thursday, Oct 13 -- special event "Love, Loss, and Senior Pets: Caring for their Comfort and Preparing for End of Life." See Calendar section for details!
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.
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Meet the winner of the A-DOG drawing prize at Town Day!
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by Vivian Lee
 Oliver, a two-year-old mini Australian labradoodle better known around the neighborhood as Ollie, joined the Lee-Papastavros family as a nine-week-old puppy in May 2014. The family (Nick Papastavros, Vivian Lee, and Alex, Julia, and Samuel Lee-Papastavros) was delighted to make his acquaintance, especially after having had the sad experience of losing a puppy due to a congenital condition a few months prior. At the time of Ollie's adoption, the family also learned that their breeder, a wonderful, responsible small breeder based in Amherst, was retiring. In the litter of four puppies, Ollie was the sole puppy who, against hope, had unexpectedly become available. So the family often reflects on how lucky they are to have been able to adopt this precious, friendly, smart and energetic dog - the very last puppy from the last well-loved litter of 17 years of litters.
Ollie and his family were the A-DOG Town Day LUCKY Dog Drawing Winners. Congratulations!
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A-DOG ON The Town: TOWN DAY 2016
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A-DOG's Best Town Day Ever!
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TOWN DAY 2016 was the most successful ever in terms of new and renewed memberships, number of visitors to our booth, sign-ups for WAGS & TAGS and glorious weather. Under the leadership of Ann Smith a record number of volunteers hosted countless visitors at the A-DOG Booth with engaging conversations. Roving A-DOG Ambassadors were on the Avenue taking brochures and the A-DOG message into their own paws and hands. All volunteers were generous with time, energy and enthusiasm representing a mix of seasoned, new and "drop in" members. The A-DOG Booth was one of the most constantly busy with visitors, featuring a variety of activities, membership brochures, Park/Off leash information, informational handouts, displays and even dogs, both live and "life-like". The ever popular mechanical dog Snickerdoodle, named last year at Town Day, entertained and worked magic by helping hesitant children feel more confident and comfortable around dogs. "Name The Breed Game" featuring Arlington dogs was busy with players of all ages testing their "Canine IQ." The game represents a meaningful connection to the community as people recognized neighborhood dogs or their own pups on display. That connection deepens each year and the FUN grows. Thanks to A-DOG volunteers and all our visitors during Town Day. Our community is growing!
*YiP YIP HURRAY & Two Paws up!:
Jessica Forman, Pinot & Alfie were awarded "Best In Show" at Friday night's "Dog Show" for representing "Human in Cone attended by two "hot" dog-tors" . A-DOG helped publicize the event. Glen Victor Doyle with A-DOG board member Jen Burns (owner, BlueSkyDogs) organized the festivities. Along with Jen, Dr. Kevin Fallon (Millbrook Animal Clinic) and Chris Riccioti (DoggieJogs), both Friends of A-DOG businesses, served as judges.
YIIP YIP HURRAY & Two Paws up!
*Vivian Lee & Sam won the LUCKY DOG Drawing. Hundreds of people entered the annual Lucky Dog Drawing worth over $100.00. Competition for the beautiful gifts was fierce. Lucky Dog Prizes this year included: Custom made dog bowl from LUV and Other Gifts (special price $35.00 still available for A-DOG members), $25.00 gift certificate from Above & Beyond Pet Care, Sit, Stay Beg Dog Cookies, Camberville Dog Treats & One year A-DOG Full Membership. Congratulations and thank you to our donors. Vivian shared Ollie's story in this month's Wags and Tags.
* YIP YIP HURRAY & Two Paws Up!:
Katelynn Ball won "The Sweet Treats Game & Drawing" and will receive a gift certificate for one dozen cookies donated by Lakota Bakery. "Sweet Treats Game" began August 1st as part of A-DOG's Dog Days of Summer Library Display and culminated on Town Day with the winner. Congratulations and thank you to Lakota Bakery. Katelynn's family will be getting a puppy in a few weeks and just joined A-DOG. Welcome to Katelynn's family, our newest members.
*YIP YIP HURRAY & Two Paws up!:
Camberville Dog Treats & Lucy's Real Meat Treats donated samples and delighted canine visitors with "TASTY" treats. There were many happy tails!
*YIP YIP HURRAY & Two Paws up!:
Katie Kozikowski, Arlington Animal Control Officer displayed our A-DOG License Poster & distributed A-DOG membership brochures at the Arlington Police Department booth.
*YIP YIP HURRAY & Two Paws up!:
Janice Zazinski {Beloved Companion Animal Massage} provided complimentary massages at our booth for dogs who ranged in size from "wee" chi to massive malamute. Her massages added a nice "touch" to A-DOG activities.
*Yip YIP HURRAY & Two Paws up!:
Joan Black, Jen Burns, Ellen Leigh & Judy Weinberg created a Tri-Display of event, accomplishments, and Friends of A-DOG who offer members discounts & supply donations in support of public educational programs.
*YIP YIP HURRAY & Two Paws up!:
A-DOG COORDINATORS AND VOLUNTEERS for a job well done!
Thank you to Paula Bennett, Jen Burns, Neal Connor, Sue Doctrow, Jessica Farman, Andrew Fischer, Wendy Hori, Anita Pliner, Ann Smith & Janice Zazinski who joined me with A-DOG
*****
Joan is an A-DOG officer, board member and member of the Wags and Tags editorial team. Thanks to Ellen Leigh for photos.
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Howl-oween RRRRuff RRRRuff Request from A-DOG
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A doggy look-a-like contest
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Meet Scoop and his boy, Nico!
Please enter our Doggie Look Alike Contest. Send photographs to WAGS & TAGS or post on A-DOG - Arlington (MA) Dog Owners Group face book page by November1. Three Lucky winners will be chosen to receive samples of Lucy's Real Meat Treats baked locally in Arlington 100% beef (pasture raised in Massachusetts on Chestnut Farm.) No TRICKS just Real Meat Treats.
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"Wilfork", Our Resident Garden Critter
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by Heather Fowles
Lynn and I believe Wilfork to be a groundhog or woodchuck (I think those are the same critter?)
We have been seeing Wilfork and his handiwork in our garden for several years! This year, maybe because of the drought, he was especially destructive. I tried a 6ft chicken wire fence but he climbed over it. I then put in a solar powered electric fence too which has worked to deter his depredations. (There are some structures outside the fence, including the deck box garden featured in the photograph with Wilfork in it. He still enjoys some nibbling options)
Milo and Domino (our toy poodles) chase him if they see him, but they've never come close to catching him. They weigh approximately 10 pounds each and he is easily twice their size. Although he's pretty pudgy, Wilfork is very, very quick (hence the name Wilfork, as he has the physique of the former Patriot defensive lineman), and he has always gotten away under our deck or our shed, where the dogs can't get to him.
Wilfork especially enjoys beans and sunflowers which he eats down to bare stalks, peas and tomatoes. He must have gotten a hot pepper once, because he pretty much leaves the peppers alone.
Sometimes we haven't seen him but can tell he's been out from the way Milo and Domino run around smelling the grass. Lynn says they're "reading the news."
Additional information about Groundhogs & Woodchucks (provided by Joan Black from Wikipedia)
This February 2
, Groundhog Day watch for Wilfork's prediction. According to folklore, if Wilfork emerges from his burrow on a cloudy day, spring will arrive early before the vernal equinox. If he encounters a sunny day and sees his shadow, spring will be delayed for six more weeks. It will be in Wilfork's hands or paws.
"Going Wild in Arlington" Requests continue. If you have a Wildlife sighting, photograph or story, please send it to Joan Black
FYI She is still on a vision quest for "The White Squirrel."
******
Heather Fowles is an A-DOG member.
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Be aware that we share our environment with predators
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by Katie Kozikowski
Arlington (and non-Arlington) residents please remember that we share our beautiful community with wildlife and that includes predators. Unfortunately for an Arlington family, their beloved West Highland Terrier had a negative encounter and was killed by one of the resident coyotes.
Cats and small dogs are considered prey for coyotes and it is best to keep them at close range and on leash. They should never be left unattended in a backyard. Cats should be kept inside at all times to avoid any conflicts or heartaches. Remember coyotes are excellent jumpers and can easily leap over a 4 foot fence. Two informational programs about "Living with Coyotes" were cosponsored with Arlington Dog Owners Group. The most recent was presented October 2015.. Keep informed and prepared by attending "wildlife" presentations when offered in Arlington or neighboring communities.
Please see the Public Service Announcement sent by the Arlington Police Department (below), which includes tips on preventing interactions with wildlife.
Arlington Police Warn Residents About Coyotes Following Attack on Dog
After a coyote attack this morning, which resulted in the loss of one family's dog, Chief Frederick Ryan and the Arlington Police Department, along with the Animal Control Officer Kathryn Kozikowski, would like to remind the community to be vigilant with their pets while outdoors.
Around 7 a.m., police received a report that a coyote had attacked and killed a resident's West Highland Terrier while the dog was in the backyard. The resident's property abuts the Menotomy Rocks Park, a wooded area where coyotes have been known to reside.
Additionally, Animal Control Officer Kozikowski reports that, given last year's mild winter, there has been an influx in some wildlife, which has created a greater supply of food for the coyotes and could be the reason residents have seen them in the more populated areas of town. While coyotes are crepuscular, meaning they generally hunt during low light hours (sunrise and sunset), it is not unnatural to see them during daylight hours.
"There will always be coyotes in Arlington," Animal Control Officer Kozikowski said. "The best ways that we can prevent further interactions with coyotes is to make our homes less of an attraction for them."
To prevent coyote attacks, Arlington Police and Animal Control Officer Kozikowski advise residents to follow safety tips from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife:
* Do not approach, feed, pet, or try to interact with wildlife, including coyotes, foxes, or other wild animals.
* It is always a good idea to leash pets at all times if outdoors. Small cats and dogs are seen as prey and larger dogs, competition.
* Don't hesitate to scare or threaten coyotes with loud noises, bright lights, or water sprayed from a hose.
* Cut back brushy edges, as these areas provide cover for coyotes and their prey.
* Secure your garbage. Coyotes raid open trash materials and compost piles. Secure your garbage in tough plastic containers with tight-fitting lids and keep them in secure buildings when possible. Take out trash when the morning pick up is scheduled, not the previous night. Keep compost in secure, vented containers, and keep barbecue grills clean to reduce attractive odors.
* Keep bird feeder areas clean. Use feeders designed to keep seed off the ground, as the seed attracts many small mammals coyotes prey upon. Remove feeders if coyotes are regularly seen around your yard.
"This was an extremely unfortunate incident where a family lost their beloved pet," Chief Ryan said. "While residents should not live in fear of coyotes, we do advise that those with small children and animals be vigilant while outdoors, and follow these safety tips to help prevent interactions with the animal."
Please report any coyote sightings to Arlington Animal Control by calling 781-645-8014.
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***WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!!***
Meet Jake who was observed walking around the Arlington Reservoir and Hurd Field on leash and proudly wearing a license tag. Along side Jake at the opposite end of the leash was owner Maggie carrying poop bags. That is a "trifecta" of responsible dog ownership. Jake was so incredibly excited that he had the wining ticket that he could barely contain himself when I appeared. Both Jake and Maggie received the September "Leash it and Ticket" prizes, an A-DOG Membership and an Arlington Community Discount Card which offers discounts at many local businesses for an entire year. "Thank you" to A-DOG for donating the prizes for September. As you can see in the photo, Jake is licking his chops and thinking about all the yummy treats Maggie may be able to purchase with this awesome card!
Thank you, Jake and Maggie, for following town by laws and setting an excellent example for the rest of the community!
ACO Katie's Corner presents updates from Arlington Animal Control Officer (ACO) Katie Kozikowski.
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Our new Friend of A-DOG, Camberville Dog Treats, offers a 15% discount to A-DOG full members on online orders of their wholesome treats. Camberville also recently donated treats that were included in our gift basket on Town Day. Owner Katie Collings contributed this story:
Camberville Dog Treats are plant-based treats handmade in Cambridge, MA by owner Katie Collings. Freshly ground organic oats are combined with fruit and vegetables from organic and sustainable local farms. The nutrient-packed and allergy-free squares are full of flavor, low in fat and gentle on your dogs' bellies. We never use any chemicals, preservatives or fillers. We also offer local farm catnip and handmade hemp rope toys.
Camberville Dog Treats is named after our neighborhood on the Cambridge/Somerville line. Each flavor is named after one of the neighborhood squares and made with only three ingredients. Treat flavors are based on locally available produce.
Our amazing rescue puppy Maeve is our very willing taste tester. Her mom and siblings were rescued in TN and fostered in MA, where we ecstatically adopted her. As a baby, she had prolonged tummy complications. When she was old enough, we looked for meat-free and allergy-free locally sourced options. We found a gap in the market for these sensitive tummy treats and wanting to give Maeve the freshest and most minimal-ingredient snack, we started baking our own.
We love supporting our local farms and using the best ingredients possible. We bake in small batches to maintain quality and taste. We bake them at a low temperature, which breaks down the complex nutrients of the fruit and vegetables, making them easier to digest and increasing the amount of nutrients absorbed. We want to provide a super fresh and delicious option while avoiding chemicals and allergens, so as many dogs as possible can enjoy!
You can shop all of the
Camberville Dog Treats products at our website. You can also find us at many local and nationwide pet and specialty food shops and Whole Foods, which are listed on our website. Check out our social media accounts for dates of farmers markets and events - Facebook: @cambervilledogtreats; Instagram: @cambervilledogtreats; Twitter: @cambervilledog.
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PAWS to Mark Your Calendar!
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Save the dates for coming events
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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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- Saturday October 22, 11th annual Horses Helping Horses Fall Beach Ride to benefit Equine and Farm Animal Center at MSPCA Nevins Farm will be hosted at Crane Beach in Ipswich! Bring your horse, or "hoof it" on two feet for an eight-mile ride/walk along the ocean. Meet adoptable horses & 'equine alum'!
- Tuesday, October 25 (7-8 pm, doors open at 6:30). A-DOG's Annual Meeting. Jefferson Cutter House, lower level meeting room (Community Room). Come celebrate A-DOG accomplishments for 2016, be part of ideas and planning for 2017 and meet the new Board and officers. A-DOG will provide plates, glasses, utensils & napkins. Everyone please bring an appetizer/ beverage to share or just yourself. This is the final meeting of the year. We hope to see you. Meeting are open to the public and members are encouraged to attend. Come make new friends and have your voices heard.
- Tuesday October 25, & November 8 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. Nov 8 & 22, Dec 6 & 20, Jan 3, 17 & 31, Feb 14 & 28, Mar 14, & 28, Apr 11 & 25, May 9 & 23. Jun 6 & 20
- Saturday October 22, the 11th annual Horses Helping Horses Fall Beach Ride to benefit Equine and Farm Animal Center at MSPCA Nevins Farm will be hosted at Crane Beach in Ipswich! Bring your horse, or "hoof it" on two feet for an eight-mile ride/walk along the ocean. Meet adoptable horses & m 'equine alum'!
- Nov 8, election day. Vote YES on 3 To Protect Animals. Ballot question to prevent farm animal cruelty will be Question 3 on Massachusetts statewide ballot this November 8. MSPCA urges you to speak for those who can't by voting YES on 3. This measure will give breeding pigs, egg-laying hens, and veal calves room to turn around and extend their limbs and also establishes meat and eggs sold in the state meet this modest animal welfare standard. For more information and to get involved to help lead the animals to victory in November, click here.
Agenda for the Oct. 25 Annual Meeting:
Annual Meeting & Appetizer Potluck October 25, 2016
6:30 pm Refreshments & conversation
7-8 pm Meeting
AGENDA
Introductions & Enter Drawing for Lucy's Real Meat Treats Samples
OLD Business
Accept Minutes August 23, 2016
Town Day & Moonlight at The Res September 14
Love, Loss & Senior Pets October 13 Program
NEW Business
Howl-ween Photo Contest, Animal CPR, Holiday Craft Fair, Art Lounge {other?}
New Business Friends & Donations update
Membership Report
Annual Report & 2016 Calendar in Review
New BOARD
*****
Send us calendar items for possible inclusion in this section in future Wags and Tags issues!
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Protect consumers and prevent animal cruelty
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by Tegan Gregory
Residents of the Commonwealth have shown time and time again that they support commonsense protections for animals, the environment, and food safety. Right now, Massachusetts is the epicenter of the animal welfare movement. With the help of more than a thousand volunteers, over 170,000 voters signed the petition to place Question 3 on the ballot in November.
You can be a part of this historic measure by joining the grassroots campaign to secure a resounding YES! vote on Question 3 at this site.
Vote YES! to prevent farm animals from being crammed into cages so small they can't even turn around or extend their limbs. A YES! vote will also ensure that certain food items sold in the Commonwealth are compliant with these modest standards. Major companies like Walmart and McDonald's are already making similar improvements.
Vote YES! is supported by a broad coalition of veterinarians and farmers, the MSPCA, Animal Rescue League of Boston, ASPCA, Humane Society of the United States, United Farm Workers, Massachusetts Sierra Club, and mainstream environmental and food safety organizations dedicated to banning the cruel confinement of farm animals. Check out our full list of endorsers at this site.
Prohibits cruel confinement of farm animals
Extensive science shows that chickens, pigs and cows are highly intelligent and social animals, and they suffer enormously when confined in cramped cages. These animals suffer from atrophied muscles and brittle bones. They're deprived of painkillers or individual veterinary care. They also suffer from weakened immune systems, leaving them more susceptible to respiratory illnesses and disease. In addition, the lack of mental stimulation and social interaction causes severe mental distress.
Ten other states have already passed laws protecting at least some farm animals from this nightmarish cruelty-it's time for the Bay State to become the eleventh.
Establishes modest sales standard
Vote YES! to ensure that substandard, inhumane, and unsafe products from these cruel confinement systems aren't sold in the Commonwealth. The measure will not affect liquid eggs (eggs out of the shell) and it will not affect food that includes eggs, veal, or pork as one of multiple food items.
Improves humane health and food safety
Industrial animal operations put our health at risk: cramming tens of thousands of animals into tiny cages promotes the spread of diseases. Numerous studies show that egg operations that confine hens in cages have higher rates of Salmonella, the leading cause of food poisoning-related death in America. Animals kept in extreme confinement often live in their own waste and are pumped full of drugs that can taint the food we eat.
Please read this additional statement by State Representative Dave Rogers, 24th Middlesex.
This month I will share my thoughts on Question 3, An Act to Prevent Cruelty to Farm Animals.
On a personal note, it is with enthusiasm that I endorse this ballot question because it is based on legislation which I filed and for which I was the lead sponsor. Although, we were not able to get it passed in the legislature, this ballot question provides a second opportunity to get it done. This law would prohibit any farm owner or operator from raising any breeding pig, calf, or egg-laying hen in a way that prevents the animal from lying down, standing up, fully extending its limbs, or turning around freely. The law also prohibits any business owner or operator in Massachusetts from selling whole eggs intended for human consumption, or any uncooked cut of veal or pork if the business owner or operator knows that the animal that produced these products was raised in a manner prohibited by this law, even if imported from another state.
Not only will this law help prevent animal cruelty, it will also improve food safety for consumers by reducing chances of foodborne illnesses, which are less likely to spread in more spacious quarters. It will also help protect the environment because animals raised in the way prevented by this law have been shown to produce extremely concentrated amounts of waste that have negative impacts on the environment and public health. It will also promote responsible farming. For instance, this question has been endorsed by the United Farm Workers because when farms follow these practices it leads to higher-quality jobs, higher skilled labor and thus higher paid jobs.
I will be voting yes on Question 3 and am a strong supporter of this initiative.
******
Tegan Gregory is field organizer for Citizens for Farm Animal Protection.
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Help Wanted: Your Dog's Face Here?
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Wags and Tags Welcomes Your Contributions
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A-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 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. (Please send the photo as a separate file, not imported into a Word document.) Depending on the topic, you might want to write a longer version for our website, with a link in the Wags and Tags article.
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.
The Irish Setter on the computer photo is reprinted from a website called "iget2work".
The "Bad spelling...image was posted on Facebook by Grammarly.
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Our next
A-DOG meeting for 2016
A-DOG holds four meetings per year. The next one will be our Annual Meeting on October 25, (6:30-8 pm). 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!
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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.
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