som|dog

See the Proposed Off-Leash Area at Sheepfold!

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 08:21:00 GMT

Dear Friends,

The DCR has scheduled two site walks which will set out from the Sheepfold Parking lot to provide the opportunity to view and discuss on-the-ground conditions and Draft Plan recommendations. The walks will cover the area of the Sheepfold proposed as an off-leash recreation area, spider-web trails north of the Sheepfold, and portions of the Skyline or Reservoir Trails. This is a great opportunity for the DCR to get to see just how many people with dogs care about options for off-leash recreation.

Please come to one of the site walks! Dogs must be on leash at Sheepfold and the Middlesex Fells.

Saturday, September 25, 9 a.m. � 10:30 a.m.
Thursday, September 30, 5:30 p.m. � 7 p.m.

Overflow parking will be available on Rt. 28/Fellsway East.

If you are not planning to participate in the site walks, you may wish to plan your visits to Sheepfold on Saturday and next Thursday so as not to coincide with them. Also, if your dog does not enjoy the company of other dogs while on leash, please consider making other arrangements for your pet while you participate in the site walk. Off-leash dogs--even friendly off-leash dogs--should never be allowed to approach a leashed dog or, for that matter, a human unless invited by the human to do so.

I am pleased that off-leash recreation has been elevated in the Draft Plan from illicit use to allowed use, and I am looking forward to the day in the not-too-distant future when it is among the managed uses at the Middlesex Fells (after the RMP process, which, according to the DCR, will take about a year and will begin in November 2010 [Note: RMP stands for esource Management Plan]).

I am less than pleased that the Draft Plan does not include off-leash trail use and specifically insists upon an "On Trail? On Leash!" policy. Without options for off-leash trail use, it will remain difficult to enforce this policy. It was mentioned during the presentation that the RMP process would offer an opportunity to continue to discuss off-leash trails.

Finally, I am deeply concerned about the proposal for a dog-owner tax: The plan recommends the evaluation, through the Resource Management Plan (RMP) process, options for a day use fee at the Sheepfold (see section 6.5 http://www.mass.gov/dcr/news/publicmeetings/materials/greenwaystrails/midfellsdraftplan2010-9-20.pdf).

All materials from the meeting last night including the full Draft Plan are available online at http://www.mass.gov/dcr/news/publicmeetings/greenwaysfellspast.htm

Cheers,
Michele
with Strummer (standard poodle)

Middlesex Fells (Sheepfold) Meeting Tonight

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 18:52:00 GMT

Dear Somerville Dog Owners and Friends of Somerville Dogs,

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is holding a public meeting tonight for the Middlesex Fells Trails Plan. The meeting is at the McGlynn School Auditorium, 3002 Mystic Valley Parkway, Medford. Note: This address is not reflected accurately on google maps and GPS. Directions are available on the school website.

The last public meeting for the Fells Trail Plan was on February 8, 2010. At that time the DCR said that that the final public meeting and release of the draft Plan for comment would be in April. Then in May they announced that the release of the draft plan would be delayed for another month. Shortly thereafter, a group that calls themselves the Friends of the Fells publicly advocated that the DCR abandon the Trail Plan. Despite the involvement of hundreds of residents and taxpayers in the public process for the Trail Plan, on June 4, DCR Commissioner Rick Sullivan announced that the state may never implement any of the recommendations in the trail plan."

Somerville dog owners have been the most active group of supporters of legal options for off-leash recreation at Sheepfold an on the Trails of the Middlesex Fells.

What is needed now is a terrier's tenacity. Please come to the meeting tonight and/or submit written comments via email to Fellstrail.Comments@state.ma.usor by mail to Fells Trail Comments, 136 Damon Road, Northampton, MA, 01060. The DCR will invite written comments on the draft plan for a period of 60 days.

Cheers,
Michele with Strummer (standard poodle)

Michele Biscoe
Chairperson
Somerville Dog Owners Group (som|dog)
www.somdog.org

The Somerville Dog Owners Group promotes responsible dog ownership, safe and legal options for off-leash recreation, and open space for all in Somerville, MA.

First-Ever FREE Somerville Dog Festival - Sunday

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 03:21:00 GMT

Dear dog owners and animal lovers,

You won't want to miss the first-ever Somerville Dog Festival this Sunday, September 19, from 10 am to 3 pm at Conway Park on Somerville Avenue.

There will be three rings of canine edu-tainment! One ring is a "Try It" ring where you and your dog can try agility, weight pulling, rally, and nosework. You can learn how to train recall (come when called); even get your Canine Good Citizen Certificate (written proof of rabies vaccination required)! The other two rings will have demos of all the above plus disc (frisbee), freestyle (dancing), mushing, obedience and a Police K-9 Suspect Take Down demonstration by Somerville's Police K-9, Max!

Best of all, it's FREE!

No, wait. Best of all, leashed dogs that enjoy the company of other dogs are welcome! (No retractible "flexi" leads.)

Thank you Porter Square Veterinarian, who are organizing Dog Fest to benefit Northeast Animal Shelter, and all the local sponsors and supporters who are contributing and participating. Donations are welcome, and there will be a silent auction for Northeast Animal Shelter.

Cheers,
Michele with Strummer (standard poodle)

Michele Biscoe
Chairperson
Somerville Dog Owners Group (som|dog)
www.somdog.org

The Somerville Dog Owners Group promotes responsible dog ownership, safe and legal options for off-leash recreation, and open space for all in Somerville, MA

Help som|dog WIN and Help Animals in Need!

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:07:00 GMT

Dear Somerville Dog Owners and Friends of Somerville Dogs,

Thanks to the positive responses from Amanda with Porter, Colleen with Bella, Jacki with Wendy and Khalid with Apple, som|dog will be participating in the MSPCA Walk for Animals and we have a chance to win a bowling party!

To join our team, go to our team page, and click on "Join Team" right above the list of names of the people already on our team. Registration is $25, which helps animals in need and gets you a free t-shirt at the event.

The Walk for Animals is a leisurely stroll around Boston Common on Sunday, September 12, featuring contests, freebies and demonstrations from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. There will be a Team tent at the Walk for Animals, where we will meet and get our team picture taken. Leashed dogs that enjoy the company of other dogs are very welcome!

If at least five dog-owner groups participate in the Walk, MSPCA will offer a prize to the dog-owner group that raises the most funds: a bowling party at Lucky Strike on Ipswich for 16 people. That's two hours of free bowling for 16 people w/complimentary shoe rental and complimentary chips and salsa (must be 21+; for use Mon - Thurs 6-8 pm. Not valid when sox are @ home game).

So far two other groups in addition to som|dog are participating: the Arlington Dog Owners Group (A-DOG), and the MSPCA Dog Recreation Space.

Since the prize is for the team that raises the most money in the Walk for Animals, if you can't walk with us, please consider supporting our team making a gift on our team page.

Everyone who helps animals in need is a winner. Be a part of our winning team!

Cheers,
Michele
with Strummer (standard poodle)

Michele Biscoe
Chairperson
Somerville Dog Owners Group (som|dog)
www.somdog.org

The Somerville Dog Owners Group promotes responsible dog ownership, safe and legal options for off-leash recreation, and open space for all in Somerville, MA.

MSPCA Walk for Animals - September 12

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 18:35:00 GMT

Dear Somerville Dog Owners and Friends of Somerville Dogs,

Please let me know by the end of August if you are interested in forming a som|dog team with me for the MSPCA Walk for Animals. The Walk for Animals is a a liesurely walk around Boston Common. Dogs that enjoy the company of other dogs are welcome.

I am looking for team members who will be willing

1) to register for the walk and join our team online (registration costs $25)
2a) to recruit friends to join our team and/or
2b) to commit to trying to raise $300 for the Walk for Animals

If there is interest, I will create a team page for som|dog on the Walk for Animals website.

Cheers,
Michele
with Strummer (standard poodle)

Michele Biscoe
Chairperson
Somerville Dog Owners Group (som|dog)
www.somdog.org

somdog - AT - somervilledog.com

Dog-Friendly Things to Do in September (Call for Volunteers)

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:56:00 GMT

Dear Somerville Dog Owners and Friends of Somerville Dogs,

There are two dog-friendly opportunities in September to benefit animals in need: The MSPCA Walk for Animals on Sunday, September 12, and the first-ever Somerville Dog Festival to benefit Northeast Animal Shelter on Sunday, September 19.

som|dog wants to support both causes. If you can help, please contact us at somdog - AT - somervilledog.com.

For the MSPCA Walk for Animals, we need people to help lead our team. Last year our team raised over $2700 for MSPCA-Angell! Check out the information about the event (a liesurely walk around Boston Common) at http://support.mspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=events_walk, and let me know if you're interested.

Admission is free to the Somerville Dog Festival (www.somervilledogfestival.org) which is being organized by Porter Square Veterinarian. The Festival will be held in Conway Park on Somerville Avenue (next to RiteAid). som|dog is helping to recruit volunteers to help set up before the festival begins at 10:00 and to help breakdown after it ends at 3:00. Let me know if you can help out.

Cheers,
Michele
with Strummer (Standard Poodle)

Michele Biscoe
Chairperson
Somerville Dog Owners Group (som|dog)
www.somdog.org

The Somerville Dog Owners Group promotes responsible dog ownership, safe and legal options for off-leash recreation, and open space for all in Somerville, MA

Nunziato Field Hosts OpenAir Circus: 7/30-8/1

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:04:00 GMT

Dear Somerville Dog Owners and Friends of Somerville Dogs,

This message is for all the good folks who plan to enjoy the off-leash recreation area (OLRA) at Nunziato Field with your dogs this weekend: As always please be courteous to our guests!

The OpenAir Circus returns for its annual performances at Nunziato Field Friday, July 30, at 7pm; Saturday, July 31, at 2pm and 7pm; and Sunday, August 1, at 2pm.

Be attentive to visitors who may not know that they cannot get to the main area of the field from the OLRA.
Be extra vigilant in helping to keep our dogs safe: Visitors may enter the OLRA "airlocks" without understanding how the double gates function to protect our pets from escaping from the park.
Make people feel welcome while helping them make their way to the big top!

Lets all cooperate to make Nunziato Field a park that everyone can enjoy with our pets!

Cheers,
Michele
with Strummer (standard poodle)

Michele Biscoe
Chairperson
Somerville Dog Owners Group (som|dog)
www.somdog.org

The Somerville Dog Owners Group promotes responsible dog ownership, safe and legal options for off-leash recreation, and open space for all in Somerville, MA

Sign the Fells Petition

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 01:23:00 GMT

Okay. There are over 600 people subscribed to this list. We need everyone to sign the petition for off-leash recreation at the Fells (http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/legal-off-leash-dogs-in-the-Middlesex-Fells). Sign before Saturday if at all possible.

Even if you don't visit the Fells with your dog, a victory for off-leash recreation at the Fells will be a victory for everyone who enjoys off-leash recreation in Massachusetts.

If you want me to wax on about why this matters, send me an e-mail.

Cheers,
Michele
with Strummer (standard poodle)

Michele Biscoe
Chairperson
Somerville Dog Owners Group (som|dog)
www.somdog.org

The Somerville Dog Owners Group promotes responsible dog ownership, safe and legal options for off-leash recreation, and open space for all in Somerville, MA

Petition for off-leash recreation at the Middlesex Fells

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:53:00 GMT

Dear Somerville Dog Owners and Friends of Somerville Dogs,

Sign the petition for legal options for off-leash recreation at the Sheepfold and on the trails of the Middlesex Fells Reservation.

We need legal options for off-leash recreation at Middlesex Fells Reservation sooner rather than later! Our goal is to get 1000 signatures on the petition by June 20.

The petition, sponsored by the Middlesex Fells Dog Owner Group (FellsDOG), could also help salvage the Middlesex Fells Trails System Plan. Details are available on the som|dog website.

After you've signed the petition, please share the link with your friends and family members who support the recreational needs of all at the Middlesex Fells: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/legal-off-leash-dogs-in-the-Middlesex-Fells.

Thank you for your support!

Cheers,
Michèle
with Strummer (standard poodle)

Memorial Day Parade

Mon, 24 May 2010 11:45:00 GMT

Dear Friends and Somerville Dog Owners,

For the sixth year in a row the Somerville Dog Owners Group will be marching in the City's Memorial Day Parade! This is a lot of fun for both the people and the dogs that march with us. Please walk with som|dog behind our banner on Sunday, May 30!

Dogs that are leashed (no retractible leads please) and licensed and that enjoy the company of other dogs are welcome. Dogs are encouraged to wear patriotic colors!

The parade sets off from City Hall at 1:00. The parade route is 2.25 miles along Highland Avenue to Davis Square; Holland Street, to Teele Square and Broadway to Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

To begin the parade with us, please meet us at 1:20 Sunday afternoon, May 30, at the bottom of Putnam Street (across the street from the Nunziato OLRA).

We especially want to have a big group behind our banner when we pass the grandstand at the end of the parade route at Veterans' Memorial Cemetery on Clarendon Hill where Grand Marshal is World War II veteran, John W. Mattuchio, will be watching the procession along with Mayor Joe and other Somerville officials. To ensure that we have a large group marching with us at the end of the parade, we encourage Somerville dog owners to file in with us behind our banner as we proceed along the parade route.

NOTE: Walkers are responsible for their own transportation to and from the parade. There is parking at the end of the parade route at Dilboy Stadium. There will be NO PARKING at City Hall on the day of the parade.

Follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/somdog) or send us your cell phone number and we will text you up-to-the-minute information about our location on Parade Day!

Cheers,
Michele

Michele Biscoe
Chairperson
Somerville Dog Owners Group (som|dog)
www.somdog.org

The Somerville Dog Owners Group promotes responsible dog ownership, safe and legal options for off-leash recreation, and open space for all in Somerville, MA

2010 Memorial Day Parade

Wed, 19 May 2010 03:30:00 GMT

Dear Somerville Dog Owners and Friends of Somerville Dogs,

The City of Somerville's 2010 Memorial Day Parade is on Sunday, May 30. Walk with the Somerville Dog Owners Group! Everyone is welcome to walk with us whether you will be walking a dog or not. This will be our sixth year walking in the Memorial Day Parade!

The parade begins at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall and ends at the Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Clarendon Hill on Broadway. You can start the parade with us at City Hall or file in with us along the route. Please contact me (michelebiscoe - AT - somervilledog.com) for details and to sign up to walk with som|dog in the Memorial Day Parade.

Cheers,
Michele
with Strummer (standard poodle)

Michele Biscoe
Chairperson
Somerville Dog Owners Group (som|dog)
www.somdog.org

The Somerville Dog Owners Group promotes responsible dog ownership, safe and legal options for off-leash recreation, and open space for all in Somerville, MA