Dog Parks - we need more!

One thing I think most (if not all!) of us can agree on is that there aren’t nearly enough places in the city where dogs can run free and play with one another. Admittedly, there’s a huge shortage of real estate, which immediately limits the number of potential dog parks. But how frustrating is it to finally find a great place to bring your dog, only to have it closed down, the hours limited, or have other seemingly unnecessary restrictions imposed?

I’ve met dog owners who drive a considerable distance just to bring their dogs to a park where they’re safe and able to run and play with other dogs. As dog owners, we understand how important dog parks can be on so many levels:

Socialization – every dog should be socialized with other dogs and behave
properly with them. What better way than by regular, consistent exposure
to other dogs in a controlled environment?

Health & Fitness – a healthy dog is a happy dog! Regular exercise is just
as important for dogs as it is for people. Dogs have lots of energy (some
breeds have tons of energy!) and shouldn’t be kept indoors all day. By
expending their energy at the park, they become better canine citizens,
better housemates and better pets. Dogs spend all day dealing with all their pent up
energy, ther least we can do is provide a place where they can rum themselves out.


Dog Owners – dog owners speak a common language and have a
common set of needs and concerns. They have consistently shown
a willingness to work together for the betterment of the dog community.
By organizing play dates, meet ups, and even birthday parties, dog
owners continue to try and create environments and situations where
dogs are free to just be dogs with one another.

So, what are the solutions? How can we convince the public at large and the local governments that dog parks don't just benefit the small segment of society that are dog owners? It's up to us to educate them about our dogs, and what's important in their lives.

I'm interested in your thoughts - please drop me a line.

Thanks -

Linda

Holiday gift giving - for people and pets!

Good afternoon dog lovers!

Do you include your dog in your holiday plans or celebrations? Do you buy gifts for your dog, or for someone else from your dog? Well, you're not alone. Believe it or not, more than half of all dog owners include them in the holiday planning. I speak from experience - both of our boys have Christmas stockings that my mother made for them using specially themed dog / holiday fabric, and we always have a little something for them under the tree. Food or treats are the biggest hits, clothing or accessories are met with a disdainful look that asks, "Is this it? Where's the food?" In any event, there are lots of you great gifts for the dog or dog lover in your life.

A few suggestions:

a photo or portrait - maybe just the dog, maybe the owner with the dog

a new leash and collar set with an appropriate theme - they're not just plain anymore! Sports teams, unique designs, causes, bling, holidays, almost everything is available. They even have collar charms, for the doggy about town! They make excellent gifts, as many owners don't replace their dog's collar and leash regularly.

a gift certificate for services: dog walking, pet sitting, grooming or training can all get pricey!

I didn't mention food as a gift because the dog on your list may have allergies or some other bad reaction to certain foods or treats. Check with the owner before feeding or giving any food or treats!


That was the fun stuff, now a few safety tips:

BEWARE of antifreeze!! It tastes and smells sweet to dogs, but it's fatal as well. Clean up any spills immediately.

Out door dogs should have adequate shelter and a heated floor mat in their "house".

Invest in those little booties for winter walks. They're a pain to put on, but not stopping every few minutes to wipe the salt from their pads is well worth it!

Treat your own walkway and driveway with a pet friendly ice melter.

Some holiday plants (poinsettas, holly and misletoe) can be poisonous. Either keep them out of reach of the dogs or invest in some of that spray that deters the dogs.

Be careful in the kitchen - raw dough is no good for your doggie's tummy. The dough will actually expand in their stomach and the yeast will begin to ferment! If you're baking bread or cookies, you might consider leaving Rover in another room - better safe then sorry!

And that should just about take care of things today. Enjoy the season, be kind to one another.

peace,

Linda

Fall in New England, time to get ready for old man winter!

Good day, all!

It's unseasonably warm today, with just an occaisional hint of the colder weather to come. Now is a great time to begin making preparations for the winter months:

Is your yard clean and free of animal waste? If not, give us a call! Animal waste left through the winter will damage your lawn, creating dead spots and "burn" marks where it was left. We will clean your yard and remove all waste - you won't have to do a thing!

Are you planning any trips? If so, we can take care of your dog or dogs while you are away. By leaving them with us, in our home, you can avoid the potential health issues (and guilt!) of leaving them in a kennel. Here, they will have the full run of the house, plus 2 resident playmates...check out our website for more info: http://www.pup-cleanup.com

Thanks for checking us out - hope to hear from you!

Peace,

Linda

Pup Cleanup at the Neponset Valley Humane Society Walk for Animals May 21, 2006

Pup Cleanup: on site with poop bags and home made dog biscuits!



Well, the weather was just absolutely perfect! It was a beautiful, sunny day, not a cloud in the sky and hundreds of people and their dogs came to Borderland State Park in Sharon, MA to support the NVHS (check their website at www.nvhumanesociety.org). Pup Cleanup was on hand to dispense bidegradable poop bags to the walkers. That shadowy figure is me, weilding the bio-baggie for all to see! (is it me, or do I look like the guy in the grassy knoll?)

This is one of our new friends, Amber, with some of the younger walkers:

All in all, it was a great day and we're glad we participated. We made lots of new friends (dogs and people!), and got to enjoy the nice weather while doing something worthwhile to help animals in need.

Look for us in your neighborhood - for dog waste removal, "we're always on Doody".

Thanks for stopping by,

Linda

www.pup-cleanup.com

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Greetings!

Hello All!

Since this is my first post I would like to welcome everyone and thank you for stopping by. I will post periodically about a variety of things: industry news, local events, health concerns, my life with dogs, whatever springs to mind!


I've spent the past month trying to get my business started, and it's going quite well! I've met a lot of great people in the area - groomers, walkers, day spa owners, vets, you name it. I've also gotten to meet a lot of great doggies and their owners.

Of course, my dogs Yorke and Bailey (left and right respectively) are very jealous when I get home!


Please email me with any comments or feedback, questions, whatever. I want to hear from you.

Peace,

Linda