Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Meeting Mr. Coyote on the Hill

Having actually gotten a decent night of sleep (added total of 6 hours), I felt ambitious enough today to take the dogs to explore a new place. Miss Precious' cooperative disposition in the car made the decision to go and not head home so much easier too. (I am hoping that she is finally loving her car rides and willing to leave the long opera performances that shake my nerves to the past.)

Following a suggestion from one of the moms in my new mother's group, I drove up to Prospect Hill. I have heard of this park and the Dogfather and I had actually hiked through it once when we had first moved here. Although there are a lot of trails there and it is closer to our house, it's really more of a picnic park so it hasn't been an ideal place to let my hounds off leash. It is also situated within a shady neighborhood so that's another reason it's less desirable to visit. Today was only 30-something degrees. No one was gonna be out there. Or so I thought. We stayed on the main road up past the picnic areas and walked out to the ledge where you can get a nice view of the city. On our way back down, I saw him. A lone gray coyote right on the path. I was the first to spot him and I saw him before he saw me. I immediately recalled the dogs and they happily returned to my side before they caught a whiff of him. He turned around and quietly disappeared into the woods. Then Sabrina caught wind of him, followed by Riley. But he was long gone by then. Seeing him brought a smile to my face. It was like an added bonus treat for making it out of the house today. It made me feel so good I even prepared a yummy dinner in time for the Dogfather's arrival home. A good day indeed!

Friday, January 11, 2008

It's 4am and I've been up...

I've been up for several hours with Miss Precious here. Seems I'm not meant to sleep tonight. Furkids were so much easier...

Monday, January 07, 2008

Didya know?

Brookline Booksmith on 279 Harvard St., Brookline is dog friendly?!

This Coolidge Corner staple is a favorite of locals looking for quality used books at a good price. The staff here is happy to have dogs in the store and is known to keep a bagful of treats behind the register. You might also find a bowl of water by the door on warm days.

Who knew they were so cool?

Friday, January 04, 2008

Winter Safety for City Dogs

DOG OWNERS: TIPS TO KEEP PETS SAFE FROM STRAY VOLTAGE
With the beginning of winter and the cold, damp weather it brings, the ASPCA is reminding pet parents about the danger of stray voltage—a unique phenomenon that occurs when dormant utilities leak excess electricity. When combined with wet streets caused by snow or rain, this current can shock, injure or even kill those in its path.

The ASPCA offers the following tips to help you avoid potentially hazardous areas, and advice on what to do if your pet has suffered from electric shock:

a.. Steer your dog away from metal fixtures, such as lampposts, grates or manhole covers that may potentially conduct electricity. If your dog avoids certain areas, that could also be an indicator of the area’s safety.
b.. Invest in rubber-soled dog boots, which may also offer protection from other hazards.
c.. Watch your dog’s behavior. If she appears skittish, frightened, angry or upset without warning, this could be an indication of electric shock.
d.. If your dog is unable to move due to shock, do not attempt to move her without protective gear. Use a non-conductive material such as wood or plastic, and take care to cover your own hands and skin. Remember, the electric shock may injure you as well.
e.. If you come across an area made dangerous by stray voltage, it’s best to call the City’s service.
Visit ASPCA.org for additional cold weather safety tips.