som|dog

Monday, 3/8 at 7:30 - Keep Off-Leash Recreation on the Fast Track

2010-03-05T08:37:23Z

Dear Somerville Dog Owners and Friends of Somerville Dogs,

I have just learned that the Parks and Open Space Meeting on Monday evening, March 8, will begin at 7:30. Please let me know if you plan to attend.

Also, please make other arrangements Monday evening for your canine companions: with the exception of service animals, dogs are not allowed in City Hall.

With apologies for the mistake and appreciation for your patience,

Cheers,
Michele
with Strummer (standard poodle)

Free Dog Training: Sunday at 1:00

2010-03-03T20:55:56Z

Whoops! I forgot to mention the time of City Dog Training's Free Recall Clinic in Perry Park. It's Sunday afternoon from 1:00 to 2:00.

The weather forecast looks good, but do check citydogtraining.com for weather cancellation.

Cheers,
Michele

Change the World: Free Dog Training, More Off-Leash Areas and Stopping Violence

2010-03-03T06:38:06Z

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

Aldermen Discuss Off-Leash Recreation Monday: All Are Welcome!

2010-02-19T07:35:17Z

Dear Somerville Dog Owners and Friends of Somerville Dogs,

Please support off-leash recreation in West Somerville and come to the meeting of the BOA Special Committee on Parks and Open Space, Monday, February 22, at 7pm at City Hall on the second floor.

The BOA (Board of Aldermen) received a total of ten letters in support of off-leash recreation in West Somerville! Great work everyone in writing letters to the BOA! The Board directed our letters to the Special Committee on Parks and Open Space.

BOA Committee meetings, like BOA meetings, are open to the general public. At Committee Meetings, as at BOA meetings, the public does not have an opportunity to speak. Nonetheless, these meetings are important opportunities for us to demonstrate to our elected representatives our commitment to this issue. The Aldermen will know why we are there--especailly if we are all wearing som|dog buttions (which I will provide)--and our presence does make a difference!

On Monday evening the Committee (comprising Rebekah Gewirtz, Ward 6, Chair; Maryann Heuston, Ward 2; and Sean O'Donovan, Ward 5) will discuss the issue and get input from city employees who work on parks and open space. The Committee will then make a report on their discussion, perhaps a recommendation on the issue, to the whole Board, possibly at the next BOA meeting (Thursday, February 25, at 7:00), which we also would need attend.

In addition to wearing som|dog buttons at the meeting, we will all be wearing smiles. This is not a contentious meeting: The members of the Parks and Open Space Committee have received overwhelming support for off-leash recreation in West Somerville, and we have every reason to expect that their discussion on Monday evening will be a sincere effort to find a solution that addresses the many and diverse recreational needs of people who live in West Somerville. The magnitude of the effort the Committee makes will depend on the number of dog owners who come to hear the discussion! Please do come to this important meeting!

If you haven't already seen it, check out the piece in the Boston Globe about all the letters!
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2010/02/18/somerville_considers_dog_park/

Cheers,
Michele
with Strummer (standard poodle)

P.S. Please make other arrangements for your canine companions; Dogs are not allowed in City Hall.

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

Directions to Middlesex Fells Meeting Tonight

2010-02-08T05:25:18Z

Dear Somerville Dog Owners and Friends of Somerville Dogs,

Greater Boston NEMBA (www.gbnemba.org) has posted helpful information for finding tonight's meeting about the Middlesex Fells Trail Plan:

Online maps for McGlynn School based on the school's address are not completely accurate. The school is actually located on the north side of the Mystic River. The best landmarks are the giant windmill (at the school) and Hormel Stadium (shares a parking lot).

Map for Hormel Stadium:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Hormel+Stadium&hl=en&cd=1&ei=jzhvS523IYLMM_GUscQE&ie=UTF8&view=map&cid=16869783144119225535&ved=0CBgQpQY&hq=Hormel+Stadium&hnear=&t=h&z=16

Directions from the school's website:
(Get to the Route 16 Mystic Avenue Intersection from I93 first)...
From I93 Southbound � take exit #31, From I93 Northbound - take exit #29 (to Mystic Ave). Take Route 16 toward Everett/Revere. Take a left at the lights under I93, a left at the next set of lights and an immediate left with the car dealer on your right across from MeadowGlen Mall. Take forced right and then a forced left. Take 3rd left and you are there. There is also parking at the Hormel Stadium.

See you there!

Cheers,
Michele

An Off-Leash Plan for the Fells by April

2010-02-06T03:38:30Z

Dear Somerville Dog Owners and Friends of Somerville Dogs,

We could have a plan that includes safe and legal options for off-leash recreation at Sheepfold and on the trails of the Middlsex Fells as early as April, but we need your help.

Please come to the public meeting for the Middlesex Fells Trail Plan, Monday evening, February 8, from 6:30 to 8:00 at the McGlynn School Auditorium, 3001 Mystic Valley Parkway in Medford.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) plans to complete a draft trail plan by April of 2010!

To get the most out of the meeting and to contribute best, please do two things to prepare for the meeting:

1) Prepare a brief (30 second) statement for the question and answer (Q&A) session (Ask for the plan to include off-leash options!), and

2) Plan to participate actively in the stakeholder workshops session.

The workshops, in particular, will be our opportunity to hear what is important to other Fells users (who may or may not be dog owners) and to tell other Fells users and representatives of the DCR what is important to you us a dog owners: options other that breaking the law.

Following is the DCR's proposed agenda for the meeting:

- Overview of Trails Planning Process

- Brief Overview of Fells Trail Conditions and Issues

- Q&A (time limited)

- Stakeholder Workshop: Attendees will participate in small group discussions during which they will review maps of the trail system and add their input as to access points, desired routes, potential connections, trail issues and problems, and potential solutions. Their input will be reported out to the group-at-large.

- Next Steps

Please let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to seeing you in Medford on Monday!

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

Middlesex Fells Meeting and Other Ways to Support Off-Leash Recreation

2010-01-28T06:24:30Z

Dear Somerville Dog Owners and Friends of Somerville Dogs,

The public meeting for the Middlesex Fells Trail Plan will be on Monday evening, February 8, from 6:30 to 8:00, in Medford at the McGlynn School Auditorium, 3001 Mystic Valley Parkway. We surpassed our goal in getting ten Somerville Dog Owners to write letters in support of off-leash recreation at Sheepfold and on the trails of the Middlesex Fells. Now we need people to come to the meeting and make sure that off-leash recreation is included in the Plan! Every comment in support of legal solutions for off-leash recreation counts! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise! (If people start saying, "we know that you want to let your dog off-leash," that will be a strong sign that our voices are being heard! Don't let them silence you!) If you need a ride to the meeting, or if you can drive other Somerville dog owners to the meeting, please let me know (michelebiscoe - AT - somervilledog.com). There is more information from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) a
bout the public meeting at the end of this message.

I would also like to take this opportunity to announce the City's next Dog Owners Task Force Meeting and to report on the som|dog meeting about off-leash recreation in West Somerville as well as the Free Recall (Come When Called) Clinic at Powder House Park.

The next Dog Owners Task Force meeting is Thursday, February 11, from 6:30 to 8:00 at City Hall in the third-floor conference room. The DOTF meets on the second Thursday every month. All are welcome. For more information contact Carlene Campbell, Community Outreach Director, at (617) 625-6600 ext. 2615 or ccampbell - AT - somervillema.gov.

Nine people attended the Somerville Dog Owners Group meeting on Monday, January 25, at the Nathan Tufts Field House in Powder House Park to discuss options for off-leash recreation in West Somerville. Our goal is to get nine more people to write letters to the Board Of Aldermen for the BOA meeting on February 11 thanking them for approving Alderman Gewirtz's order "that this Board requests that the Administration work with the Ward 6 Alderman on locations for an Off Leash Recreation Area for dogs and if necessary, to create a Task Force to advise the city" (file #188468).

Letters received by Wednesday, February 10, will be docketed on the agenda for the meeting on February 11. Please reference the file number of Alderman Gewirtz's order, #188468, and include your name and street address in correspondence to the Board of Aldermen and send your letter to:

Board of Aldermen
c/o John Long, City Clerk
93 Highland Avenue
Somerville, MA 02143
cityclerk@ci.somerville.ma.us

Finally, be sure to look at the pictures from the Free Recall (Come When Called) Clinic with City Dog Training that took place at Powder House Park on Sunday, January 17. Co-sponsored by the Somerville Dog Owners Group and the Somerville Youth and Recreation Department, this was the second in a series of free dog-training clinics that are being offered in parks around the city. Families learned how to play the "Get It" game with their dogs to train them to come when called every time. Pictures are on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/somervilledog/sets/72157623105581643/.

With a playbow to your dogs from Strummer,

Cheers,
Michele
Chairperson
Somerville Dog Owners Group (som|dog
www.somdog.org

+ + +

Preliminary Agenda from the DCR for the Fells Trail Planning Meeting/Workshop:
- Overview of Trails Planning Process
- Brief Overview of Fells Trail Conditions and Issues
- Q&A (time limited)
- Stakeholder Workshop: Attendees will participate in small group discussions during which they will review maps of the trail system and add their input as to access points, desired routes, potential connections, trail issues and problems, and potential solutions. Their input will be reported out to the group-at-large.
- Next Steps

The draft trail plan is anticipated to be completed by April of 2010.

For additional information and updates, please see http://www.mass.gov/dcr/news/publicmeetings/greenwaysfells.htm.

som|dog meeting tomorrow (1/25)

2010-01-24T19:27:11Z

Dear Somerville dog owners and friends of Somerville dogs,

Just a quick reminder that the Somerville Dog Owners Group is meeting tomorrow, Monday evening, January 25, from 6:30 to 8:00 in the Nathan Tufts Field House in Powder House Park to discuss options for off-leash recreation in West Somerville. I hope to see you there!

Cheers,
Michele
with Strummer (standard poodle)

Free Dog Training Tomorrow; Meeting for More Parks 1/25

2010-01-16T06:16:12Z

Dear Somerville Dog Owners and Friends of Somerville Dogs,

Bring your dogs to a Free Dog Training Clinic with City Dog Training tomorrow afternoon, Sunday, January 17, from 1:00 to 2:00 at Powder House Park. City Dog Training will be offering techniques and tips for teaching your dog to come when called every time. Leashed and licensed dogs that are up-to-date on their vaccinations and enjoy the company of other dogs are welcome. Please check the City Dog website for cancellation information in case of inclement weather: www.citydogtraining.com.

Also, the Somerville Dog Owners Group is meeting Monday evening, January 25, from 6:30 to 8:00 in the Nathan Tufts Field House in Powder House Park. Please come to the meeting to help create places in west Somerville where we can enjoy the many benefits of socializing and exercising our dogs off-leash! Please make other accommodations for your canine companions; Dogs are not allowed in the Field House. R.S.V.P. to somdog - AT - somervilledog.com.

At the regular meeting of the Somerville Board of Alderman, Rebekah Gewirtz filed an order "that this Board requests that the Administration work with the Ward 6 Alderman on locations for an Off Leash Recreation Area for dogs and if necessary, to create a Task Force to advise the city." The Administration and the Aldermen can not do this alone! A lot of Somerville dog owners worked together with the administration and the aldermen to get the OLRAs that we have in the eastern part of the city.

The purpose of this meeting is for som|dog to build relationships with people in West Somerville who can participate in our efforts to get safe and legal options for off-leash recreation. There will be a brief presentation about how Somerville dog owners helped create off-leash recreational areas in the eastern part of the city followed by a discussion of how we can get more off-leash recreational areas in the western part of the city.

If you would like to hand out flyers for the meeting to people with dogs you meet while walking your dog in your neighborhood, please contact somdog - AT - somervilledog.com.

Cheers,
Michele
with Strummer (standard poodle)

Michele Biscoe
Chairperson
Somerville Dog Owners Group
www.somdog.org

Making Somerville a Great Place to Live with Our Dogs

Free Dog Training and Other Things to Do

2010-01-03T15:31:59Z

Dear Somerville Dog Owners and Friends of Somerville Dogs,

Happy New Year! It's time to license our dogs for 2010. All dogs in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are required to be licensed each year in the city or town of their owner's primary residence. If you had a dog license in 2009, you should have already received information from the City Clerk about how to get your license for 2010. Information about how to obtain a dog license is also available online: http://www.somervillema.gov/CoS_Content/documents/forms/ObtainingADogLicense.pdf.

Support for off-leash recreation at Sheepfold and the Middlesex Fells is growing: The Board of Aldermen recently passed a resolution supporting off leash dog areas in the Middlesex Fells and requesting that DCR designate such areas, and the DCR has released a statement saying that the agency �is currently looking into the possibility of off-leash areas at a number of state parks and facilities across the Commonwealth, and the Middlesex Fells will certainly be part of that discussion� and that they, �appreciate how popular the idea of off-leash areas is among dog owners.�

The Somerville Dog Owners Group is still trying to get at least ten Somerville dog owners to write letters to the Middlesex Fells Trail Plan (More information is available on our website: http://www.somdog.org/news/1852.php). If you enjoy walking or hiking together with your dog on the trails of the Middlesex Fells or socializing your dog at the Sheepfold, it's not too late to write a letter. If you have already written a letter, please let us know; if you have not yet written a letter, please write or e-mail today and let us know when you do!

Middlesex Fells Trail Plan
136 Damon Rd
Northampton, MA 01060
Paul.jahnige@state.ma.us

Mark your calendars! The professional dog trainers of City Dog Training are offering another free clinic to teach your dog to stay and to come when called, Sunday afternoon, January 17, at Powder House Park from 1:00 to 2:00. Please check the City Dog website for weather cancellation: www.citydogtraining.com. (Photos from the first Free Recall Clinic are online at http://www.flickr.com/photos/somervilledog/sets/72157622712290334/.)

Finally, a seasonal reminder that, even if its dark and cold outside, please leave no pile behind!

Wishing you another great year living with dogs in Somerville,

Cheers,
Michele

Support of Off-Leash Recreation at Sheepfold and the Middlesex Fells

2009-12-11T09:50:23Z

[cross-posted from http://groups.google.com/group/somdog-discussion]

Dear Friends of Somerville Dogs,

If you enjoy walking or hiking together with your dog on the trails of the Middlesex Fells or socializing your dog with other dogs in the Sheepfold, write today to request that the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) include safe and legal options for off-leash recreation in the Middlesex Fells Trail System Plan:

Middlesex Fells Trail Plan
136 Damon Rd
Northampton, MA 01060
Paul.jahnige@state.ma.us

This is an opportunity for dog owners to make a strong case for the need for opportunities to enjoy the benefits of socializing and exercising our dogs off-leash without breaking the law, without interfering with other park users' enjoyment of the Fells and without threatening wildlife habitats.

The Somerville Dog Owners Group's goal is, before the end of the year, for ten Somerville Dog Owners to send letters in support of legal options for off-leash recreation at Sheepfold and/or on the trails of the Middlesex Fells. Please let us know if you send (or have sent) a letter!

You may wish to respond to some of all of the following questions, offered by the DCR as a guide for the kind of input that is especially helpful at this stage in the process.

� How do you (and your family) use the trails at the Middlesex Fells? (i.e. what parts of the Fells; how often; what kinds uses; what times of day, week and year; etc.)
� What would you describe as some of the highlights of the Fells trail system? (i.e. what scenic, natural or cultural resources and destinations are important to you?)
� What would you describe as some of the problems with the trail system at the Fells that affect your trail experience there?
� Can you describe the �recreational experience(s)� that you find most enjoyable at the Fells? (This might include the level of difficulty, interaction with other users, length of the use, type of use, etc. Feel free to write about your best Fells experience.)
� If you could make three changes in the Fells trail system, what would they be?
� What other comments would you like us to consider as we develop our trail system plan for the Middlesex Fells?
More information is available online:

Middlesex Fells Trail System Plan FAQ <http://www.mass.gov/dcr/news/publicmeetings/materials/Fells%20FAQs.pdf>

Invitation for Public Input and Guiding Questions <http://www.mass.gov/dcr/news/publicmeetings/greenwaysfellsusersurvey.htm>

DCR�s Trail Guidelines and Best Practices Manual <http://www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/greenway/docs/DCR_guidelines.pdf>

Please support The Middlesex Fells Dog Owner Group (FellsDOG)! <http://www.fellsdog.org/>

Happy Holidays!

Cheers,
Michele
with Strummer (Standard Poodle)