Date: March 3rd, 2010

I write this morning with three exciting opportunities to make the world a better place to live with dogs--at least our small corner of it!

1. On Sunday afternoon, March 7, the Somerville Dog Owners Group is co-sponsoring with the Somerville Youth and Recreation Commission, another Free Recall (Come When Called) Clinic, at Perry Park on Washington Street between Dane Street and Leland Street. In canine obedience the ability to get your dog to come when called every time is known as "Recall." A reliable Recall could save your dog's life! It can also protect others, especially small children, when pets do get away from their owners.

2. On Monday evening, March 8, the Parks and Open Space Committee will consider five possible sites for off-leash recreation area in West Somerville:

• Adjacent to the Community Path on the east side of Cedar Street
• Adjacent to the Community Path on the west side of Cedar Street
• Adjacent to the Community Path at Willow Avenue
• Near Powderhouse Circle
• Near Dilboy Field

Keep off-leash recreation in West Somerville on the fast track!

The Committee meets at 7:00, Monday evening, March 8, at City Hall on the second floor. See you there!

3. There is a bill in the Joint Committee on the Judiciary that would protect pets and help people get out of domestic violence. House Bill 1499 would specifically allow judges to include pets in temporary restraining orders (issued pursuant to Chapter 209A) and would be one step in the process of breaking the cycle of abuse. Please contact your state legislators and ask them to support H.1499, an Act to Include Animals in Abuse Prevention Orders. More information is available from the MSPCA:

http://www.mspca.org/programs/animal-protection-legislation/government-affairs/current-legislation/domestic-violence/pets-and-abuse-prevention.html

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