Celebrating the canine-human bond!
We've missed you! Wags and Tags took some time off but we are back! Our new themed issues will be less frequent than monthly, approximately seasonal. This is our
February, 2020 "Puppy Love" edition
for winter.
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, and Ellen Leigh. Contact our
managing editor
if you'd like to submit an article. (Guidelines: 500 words or fewer, with 1 or 2 photos of 1 mb or smaller.)
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
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- Paws for Calendar
- Feel The TUG of Puppy LOVE: Join A-DOG
- ACO Diane's Critter Corner
- Stopping by Scutra: the Taste of LOVE
- Legacy of LOVE: Sydney, Hennessy, & Julia
- Common Ground of Puppy Love: A-DOG Puppy Bowl Watch Party
- Membership Kick-Off Wine Tasting
- Pawsome People and Awesome Dogs
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A-DOG member and trainer
Ruth Hegarty
will be speaking
Saturday April 11 & Saturday May 16 between 11:00am–3:00pm (Time TBA)
Creature Good Dog Training is Ruth's business.
A-DOG will plan a Meet UP for one of those dates. Watch for notification!
February14–March 15
"Early Bird" Membership Drive:
"NEW or ReNEW"
A-DOG Wants YOU to Join Our Pack for a chance to win a Basketful of Prizes.
Two Year Memberships are awarded two chances. JOIN or renew (or extend) your full membership now to be eligible for the drawing!
Tuesday March 24, 2020
2nd
A-DOG Members & Board Meeting
: Arlington Town Hall Annex Conference Room, Mass Avenue (Enter from parking lot) 6:30pm Social. Please join us for Soup-er Soup & Salad Potluck. Business Meeting follows 7:00–8:00pm. Agenda includes: Spring Events, Membership & Wine Tasting, Volunteer Opportunities etc. Come for dinner, meet new friends & bring ideas. ALL are Welcome.
Tuesday March 31. 2020
Annual
A-DOG Wine Tasting Membership Celebration,
Menotomy Beer, Wine & Spirits, 80 Broadway 6:30–8:00pm. Sample wine, enjoy delicious savory refreshments, meet some dog loving people & enter to win amazing door prizes. Leashed friendly dogs with well behaved human companions welcome.
Saturday April 11, 2020
Animal Rights Day
, Massachusetts School of Law, 500 Federal St, Andover, MA: Live Animal Demonstrations, Crafts, Rescue & Vendor Tables and so much more. Free & Open to the Public. Details to follow, including on Facebook. Usually 10 am–2:00 pm.
Sunday April 19, 2020
.
Arlington's Patriots Day Parade
: HELP Wanted: Is there interest in an A-DOG walking team? People can march w or w/o pups. A-DOG has a large banner, bandanas for dogs, red white & blue pinwheels & Mardi Gras Beads available. Children, costumes, decorated carriages or wagons etc all welcome. In past years A-DOG has been one of the most popular participants. NEEDED: People to help organize. Contact Joan <
joan.c.black@gmail.com>
if interested. Consider attending March 24 Members & Board Meeting.
Photo: Joan Black with A-DOG founder and honorary board member, Ann Smith.
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Feel The TUG of Puppy LOVE: Join A-DOG
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"The Early Bird catches the worm". The Early NEW or ReNEW Member catches the chance to win a Basketful of Prizes. "New or Renew" A-DOG Wants YOU to
join the Pack
before March 15th when our official Membership Drive begins. You could be a winner in more ways than one.
“Early Bird” Full Membership automatically entities you to a chance to win the following Basket of Prizes (see photo below): Grounds for Hounds: Puppy Bowl Coffee (sales benefit shelter dogs), Fabulous FIDO Dish Linen, Cookie Time Bakery Gift Certificate (one dozen cookies), Special Blue Puppy Bowl Bandana. and A-DOG Coffee Mug, Button & Magnet (~$80 value)
Join for two years and you’ll receive two chances. Join or renew as a full member before March 15 to be eligible for this drawing.
Help us continue our mission of providing free educational & recreational programs as a community service.
Being an A-DOG Facebook group member or receiving WAGS & TAGS does not necessarily mean you are an A-DOG member.
If you have not yet considered joining A-DOG, here is a perfect opportunity. We hope you will. There are one or two year dues paying (Full member) options. Per household: $20.00 for one year and $35.00 for two years.
Please note: Current Full Members, if you wish to participate in the drawing & your full membership has not yet expired, that's okay; the additional years will be added to extend your membership. (This is what we always do when full members renew early.)
A-DOG is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit, all volunteer organization. Our programs, workshops and advocacy efforts are funded by our memberships and powered by volunteers.
One year old pup Cricket Doctrow-Peterson (shown above) invites you to join in the FUN. Become a Member of A-DOG TODAY.
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ACO Diane's Critter Corner
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by ACO Diane Welch
The law requires all dogs 6 months or over to be licensed in Arlington annually as of January 1. The dog license period runs through December 31. Note that after March12, there will be late fee of $50.00 added to regular annual license fee. $20.00: Unaltered Dogs, $15.00: Spayed/Neutered Dogs, Senior Citizens (70+) No Charge.
Registered dog owners who provided an email for license notification should have received an email from the Clerk’s Office with this information. If you did not, you can view information and
renewal form here
.
Why License?
License tags have proven to be the most effective way to identify a lost or injured dog. Help keep your best friend SAFE with a license tag securely attached to the collar. Smitty (in photo above) displays his license proudly as the latest 2020 fashion accessory.
“How worried would you be if your dog got out of the yard? Many people panic, run down the street and then post on social media. If your dog is registered and is found, APD is usually notified immediately. The dog can be identified faster and brought home sooner.”
Arlington Animal Control Officer Diane Welch
April’s WAGS & TAGS will “Spring into Spring” Celebrating ACO Diane Welch for her many contributions & services to the Arlington Community. If you have a “tale/tail” to tell, contact
joan.c.black@gmail.com
. YOUR story could appear in W&T.
(Please send it as a Word document 11 pt/ Arial with photographs (<1 mb) as separate attachments.)
Photo: ACO DIane with her dog Smitty.
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Stopping by Scutra: The Taste of LOVE
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My dog excitedly waits here at the same time every afternoon on our way home from the park. On the other side of this unassuming door is the kitchen to Scutra on Summer Street in Arlington. The owner of Scutra has a soft spot for dogs, but in particular for this gorgeous creature featured in the photo, who is now sadly in his sunset years at the ripe old age of 9. He has been renamed “Prosciutto.” Every day my dog drags me impatiently to the door. The owner disappears for a moment and reappears with the finest cut of prosciutto his kitchen can provide which is enthusiastically devoured in less time then it took to procure it. There are so many small things about Arlington I appreciate. However, this microcosm of a moment in my daily schedule is one that is so lovely and fleeting in a human world which is so chaotic. Thank you, chef Didier Baugniet, for not only catering to our human community, but for also being an integral part of a moment my dog most looks forward to. You have rekindled my belief that there are strangers out there who care and have the capacity to be kind and generous to all locals including ones furry and four-legged.
💗
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Legacy of LOVE: Sydney, Hennessy, & Julia
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Here am I cuddling with my loves on my couch. The white dog is Sydney. She is my first baby, a golden doodle who made me fall in love with all dogs. Hennessy is the large one kissing my hand. She was rescued from Turkey; found by the side of a highway in danger of being hit by a car. Hennessy came in 2015 and she is the kindest, sweetest. most gentle giant ever. Julia, my little terror, is from Serbia. She was abandoned in trash with her siblings at only 3 weeks old. The volunteers had to hand feed them. I saw her in a boarding facility. Julia lived her first 1.5 years in boarding but you could never tell. She is the most loving, happy, a bit devilish baby ever. I totally foster failed with Julia. These dogs are the loves of my life.
I am a first generation immigrant from Turkey who came to US in 1989 as a trainee after college. In 1993 I met my first husband and was married. I had my daughter in 1995. By 1997 i was divorced and a single mom until 2006 when I met my current husband. I have worked all my life and provided for my daughter by myself. In 2012 I received a call from Turkey informing me i had lost my mother. I knew I had to do something and had to honor with her Legacy. Her Legacy became mine when I rescued Hennessy and since then over 400 dogs from Turkey, Serbia, and Azerbaijan. They are all happy in her home. It’s as if it is me, being first generation immigrant. I am paying back. I am paying forward.
These dogs are the same as people. They are just looking for a chance to stay alive. We have rescued Sully and Java in US. They are also doing superb. Now my life has changed forever. I have a purpose greater then what I thought. It makes living worthwhile.
For further information about
Legacy Rescue
or to donate, volunteer, foster or adopt, contact: Esra
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Dobi is available for adoption through Legacy. He was purchased from a breeder and has pedigree papers. Dobi’s owners left him at their summer home visiting only once a week. He lived outside in the yard. They finally surrendered him to Legacy last year. He was HW positive but we provided the necessary vet care. Dobi is now healthy and just flew here. He is an awesome dog ready and hoping to find his forever home.
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Common Ground of Puppy Love: A-DOG Puppy Bowl Watch Party
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The first Annual A-DOG
Puppy Bowl
Watch Party was held Super Bowl Sunday February 2nd at Common Ground in Arlington center. The Puppy Bowl was 3 to 5 pm, televised on Animal Planet before the actual Super Bowl, so you could still see the big game. The manager of Common Ground restaurant in Arlington Center was happy to show the Puppy Bowl for us at the bar. An enthusiastic group gathered to raise a glass, enjoy delicious appetizers and engage in enthusiastic conversation during the BIG Game. Rough & tumble moves with active tail wagging, fast action spontaneous plays, and power packed energy were the Highlights. Teams were well matched and ready for action. It was a GREAT Game and fabulous Winter Warmer Event. Don’t miss the “rematch” next year Puppy Bowl 2021 when A-DOG returns with another Watch Party.
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Membership Kick-Off Wine Tasting
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by Joan Black and Mary Parent
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A-DOG Annual Wine Tasting: Raise A Glass
You are invited to the 2020 Membership Drive "KICK Off" Wine Tasting: Tuesday, March 31, 2020, 6:30–8pm: Menotomy Beer Wine & Spirits: 80 Broadway.
Enjoy delicious appetizers & enter to win FUN door prizes. Renew friendships. Make new connections. Discover more about A-DOG, who we are, what we do and how YOU can be involved.
* Leashed friendly dogs and well behaved humans of all ages are welcome. Come join us for a delicious end of winter warmer and help A-DOG's Membership Drive get off to a GREAT start.
*
Renewal letters for Members whose memberships are expiring will be sent at the beginning of March.
NEW or ReNEW A-DOG Wants YOU to join Our Pack.
Please note Membership donation/dues fund A-DOG’s community service educational, recreational and social programs. Arlington Dog Owners Group (A-DOG) is a 501(3)(c) organization and donation/dues are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
Hope to see you March 31,
Mary Parent & Joan Black
A-DOG Board Members
Photo: A-DOG member Ellen Kravitz.
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Pawsome People and Awesome Dogs
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Collected by Joan Black
Help Prevent Service Dog Fraud: Consider Adding YOUR Signature
by Joan Black
Ellen Leigh & Ricky, NEADS Service Dog Team & A-DOG Board Members, alerted me to this important bill. I URGE you to take action for one minute &
SIGN the petition in support
.
H3657is a step toward controlling the increasing numbers of untrained, fake service dogs. This regulation will help protect legitimate, trained service dogs from sharing facilities & situations with fakes. Untrained dogs pose potential hazards to trained and/or legitimate service dogs & create negative impressions. They are not prepared for the many situations which arise in public.
Fraudulent online companies will sell vests & "certifications" that are fake, giving dogs
access to areas & businesses which should be restricted.
Service dogs that are legitimate are extensively trained for up to 2 years to train them for the specific skills needed to assist their partner with a disability, as well to handle being in various public environments.
They deserve & require safe environments to provide valuable skills & support essential for their handlers. These service dogs are lifelines to independence for their partners. Please SIGN & help them do the job they were born and trained for. *NOTE: Donation request at the petition site is neither required nor supports NEADS.
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by Veronica Walsh-Snow
Ricka (registered name: Fredricka Meriwether Snow) turned nine years old on February 1. She was born in Minot, Maine, at Munster Abbey Kennels. Her lineage is mostly Eastern European – thus the straight back and not the sloping back of most American GSDs. She had two knee surgeries on the same knee this past summer and was confined to the house for most of the year. Thankfully, she has now fully recovered, and we are back to walking five miles every morning. We do have to avoid other dogs as she is not a fan. I took her to many classes as a puppy, but she would just as soon not interact with any other animal. So, that is life. My husband and I adore her and spoil her.
Photo: Rikka next to the VOTE art installation, in the front green at Arlington High School (AHS). VOTE was created by
Griffin Gould, an AHS senior and climate activist.
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Our new
ONLINE SHOP
for buying A-DOG apparel (T-shirts, sweatshirts and hats) and coffee mugs is open for business.
Your A-DOG products will be printed and sent to you by
QRST's
of Somerville!
Wear your A-DOG colors! And, send us a photo of you wearing your new stuff for a future Wags and Tags fashion feature.
We hope to include future products to help our local partners with fundraising: apparel for the Arlington High School Dog Enthusiasts Club and A-CAT -- stay tuned!
p.s. Sue Doctrow reports that she bought this peach hoodie and it is even more pretty than the photo, and super-soft!
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A-DOG Meetings in 2020
A-DOG holds five meetings per year, in January, March, May, July and October. Unless otherwise noted, meetings are on the fourth Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is March, 24, 2020 at the
Town Hall Annex, conference room
(6:30–8 pm). (Accessible on Academy St, behind the main Town Hall). Schedules and locations of 2020 meetings will be announced in
Wags and Tags and elsewhere
.
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 expired, you should have received a reminder letter 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. If you are not an A-DOG member,
join here
anytime! (If you join after Sept 1, expiration will be extended to the next membership period so you don't miss out. If you renew too early, your membership will also be extended accordingly.)
Shop for A-DOG
NEW!! Buy A-DOG apparel and other goodies at our
A-DOG ONLINE SHOP
, sponsored by QRST's in Somerville!
(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.
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Arlington Dog Owners Group | www.arlingtondogowners.org
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