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Bradley Palmer State Park

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When I was younger, I used to play indoor soccer in Topsfields, MA.  On my way to one of my games my dad was the one that discovered Bradley Palmer State Park.  It has been years since I have been to the park but I remembered how amazing it was so Riley and I had to check it out again.  The park has so much to offer, such as beaches, canoeing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding trails, mountain biking trails, and more.

Riley and I saw a lot of people cross country skiing with their dogs right next to them!  It being winter and all, not all the trails are opened, but once winter comes to an end, the entire 721-acre park is open to everyone.  The friendly visitors of the park informed me that the best time to plan to come back is the middle of June.  And they said to make sure to have the entire day free because I wont want to leave.  Best part about the park is that the trails well maintained and clearly marked so it’s hard to get lost.  However, the trails are wet right now from the snow.  So, if you don’t mind getting a little dirty you can check it out soon, but if you wait till spring/summer it will be much dryer.

Asbury St., Topsfield
978 887-5931

Posted in Dog Friendly Places

GoDogGo!

img_0185.jpg   Recently, a client of mine purchased the GoDogGo, an automatic fetching machine for her high energized pup.  At first sight, I couldn’t help but laugh a little bit.  However, if you were around this little guy for about 15 minutes, you would understand why they absolutely needed it.  We got to try it out at the park and it does launch tennis balls pretty far! Riley didn’t really like the sound of the machine as it was on but its something she would be able to get used to.  The trick is to train your pup to put the ball back into the bucket to launch it again.  Or if your dog doesn’t seem to pick up on that, you can put 20 tennis balls at a time in the bucket and it will launch them every 7 to 15 seconds.  Now, I have always been a fan of the Chuckit myself.  I like to be apart of the fun when playing with Riley.  But, if you have a dog that is just go go go!  And you don’t have the energy to keep up, then the GoDogGo is pretty cool. 

Posted in Uncategorized

Elm Bank Reservation

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Riley and I are counting the days until spring to revisit Elm Bank Reservation in Wellesley, MA.  We have been there recently but during the warm weather is the best time to check it out.  It’s perfect if you have an active family.  When Riley, my roommates and I come to the reservation, we plan on staying the entire day.  There are playing fields that we play soccer in, hiking trails that seem to go forever and when we need a little down time we fish! Also, the reservation is surrounded by the Charles River and the Reservation provides canoes and kayak’s you can rent for the day.  My goal is to get Riley in a Canoe this summer.  I’m not sure exactly what the outcome of that will be but I’m hoping it will be a success!  Many people come to the Reservation purely for the beautiful scenery and the wildlife, which is what brought me to the reservation in the first place.   I have no problem taking the 30 minute drive out of the city to visit this reservation and I bet you wont either.

Washington Street
Wellesley

DCR Park Info

617-333-7404

Facility rentals

617-933-4900

Posted in Dog Friendly Places, Parks and Beaches

Zen Dog Training

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In my mind, Riley is perfect.  She gets along great with other dogs, listens very well and she does what shes told.  However, that all happened by accident.  I just happened to adopt a dog that was very easy to deal with and train.  Some people wish they could say the same.  If you are looking for a good place to learn how to train your pup then Zen Dog Training is the place to go.  The people there are amazing and they absolutely love what they do.  If you are looking for in-home training or group classes they have both. What I really love about Zen Dog is that they don’t just help train your pup but they train you as well.  They way dogs learn how to behave is by shes or hers owner constantly reinforcing training techniques over and over again.  Zen Dog teaches you everything you need to know so that you can reinforce those techniques in your own home.  They use fun and modern training techniques so you and your pup wont just be learning, but you will be having a great time doing it too.  It is a great way to get to know your dog better and it will bring the two of you closer together. 

 www.zendogtraining.net

Posted in Uncategorized

Estabrook Woods

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This past weekend Riley and I took a ride to Concord Mass.  We had heard about an off-leash parked called Estabrook Woods.  This park may be my favorite park so far.  There were 800 acres of land all for Riley to run around on.  There were ponds, pastures and awesome paths to walk around and take in the scenery.  It being winter and all the park was pretty covered in snow, but I could just imagine what the park would look like when the tree’s are full of leaves and the fields are covered in green grass.  The people and other dogs that we met there were super friendly and they let us know about Hutchins Pond that is in the reservation.  They said it is one of the best places to take your pup during the warm weather to let them take a dip and cool off.  Since Riley is part Lab, she loves to swim!  So if you don’t mind taking a little car ride to treat your pup for the day, Estabrook Woods is a dogs paradise.  Riley can’t wait for summer to roll around to try out Hutchins Pond.

Posted in Dog Friendly Places, Parks and Beaches

Cause To Paws

l2.jpg I’m definitely one of those owners that spoils their pup.  Whenever I find a shop that sales unique toys or treats, you can bet that I will be there.  Cause to Paws has so many different goodies to choose from, its impossible to pick out just a couple things.  The store was a little cluttered because they have everything you can imagine.  They even had sweaters that were big enough to fit Riley, who is 60+ pounds.  Even though I’m not big on sweaters for her, its nice that they provide clothing for large dogs.  I did think that their toys were overpriced and the owners dog that is free to stroll around the store can be a little nasty to other dogs.  However, that dog weighs less than Riley’s head so I wasn’t too nervous about it.  But if I was them I would want my pup to be a little better around dogs, it can be bad for business to have a dog that is aggressive towards dogs that are coming in the store.  I probably wont be visiting this store very often because of its prices, but if you don’t mind spending some money on your pup than this store is for you.  If not, I would suggest finding a different pet store. 

Coolidge Corner
1386A Beacon St
Brookline, MA 02446
(888) 318-7297

www.causetopaws.com

Store Hours:

  • Monday Closed
  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday   11-6:30
  • Thursday  11-7
  • Saturday  10-6
  • Sunday  12-5
  • Posted in Uncategorized

    Cloud Chaser Dog Jacket

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    Since I am a dog walker/runner, I am out in every type of weather condition. Whether it’s rain, snow, sunshine, or whatever mother nature feels like throwing at us the dogs still have to go out. Riley has the privilege of coming with me on a lot of my walking and running sessions during the day.  Since I have a great water and windproof jacket, I thought it was only far that Riley has one too.  I recently bought an all year round jacket made by Ruff Wear for her.  It’s a soft shell jacket that is waterproof and windproof with a fleece lining inside of the jacket to keep her warm.  The first time we tried it out, it happened to rain the entire day.  Riley can sometimes be a little bit of a baby when its raining out but with her new jacket on, she was running around like a crazy girl.  She loved it! We were out from 10am to 4pm and when we finally got home, I took the jacket off and her body was completely dry.  Not only did she love it but I loved that she wasn’t wet and covered in mud like she usually is after a messy day out.  This jacket has saved me from having to clean my car, house and Riley.  I definitely recommend it if you and your dog are very active and love the outdoors.

     You can find the jacket at REI or at ruffwear.com

    Posted in Cute Stuff

    Arnold Arboretum

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    Since the weather hasn’t been that great, it has been a while since Riley and I have checked out any new hiking spots.   However, we can only stay in the house for so long.  We decided to check out Arnold Arboretum located in Jamaica Plain.  It was muddy and wet, which if you ask Riley are perfect hiking conditions.  I prefer drying conditions, but I will never say no to a hike.  Putting the mud aside, this place was absolutely beautiful.  There are paved paths to walk along if you don’t feel like getting your sneakers super dirty.  Since it is the winter, Riley and I didn’t have the privilege of seeing all the different flowers that we heard so much about.  What is also very cool about Arnold Arboretum are the different species of trees from around the world that are all over the grounds.  Riley and I can’t wait for spring to roll around so we can see how amazing the this place really is.

     Jamaica Plain
    125 Arborway
    Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
    (617) 524-1717

    www.arboretum.harvard.edu

    Posted in Dog Friendly Places, Parks and Beaches, Uncategorized

    ‘sPoochies Spa and Boutique

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    What better way for your pup to bring in the new year than a clean fresh look! ‘sPoochies Spa and Boutique is an awesome place to check out. Located on Tremont Street, it is great even if you’re just walking around the Boston area and think that your fur ball could use a good scrub down.  I know Riley needs a wash at least a couple times a week and sometimes I just don’t feel like scrubbing her down myself.  Great alternative is for someone else to do it! The employees are really great and they absolutely love dogs.  Riley is always very excited to see them when we walk through the door.  The place itself is super cute.  They sell cool unique dog toys and treat that Riley just can’t get enough of.  They also sell bowls, beds, and pet accessories to spoil your pup.  Sometime we all need a spa day so why not let your buddy get one too? Riley will not be visiting this spa again anytime soon, this was a special because they are a little pricey.  However, if you feel like your pup has been extra good this year, its worth checking out.

    400 Tremont St
    Boston, MA 02216
    (617) 357-7387

    Posted in Dog Friendly Places

    Nine Zero Hotel

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    Riley and I are Boston natives, as are the rest of my family.  However, now that we are all grown up, we are scattered all over the place.  Boston is where we all come together for the holidays but there isn’t enough room for all my sibling, cousins, aunt, uncles and their dogs!  So when they are trying to find a place to crash I recommended the Nine Zero Hotel.  Located on Tremont Street, I have heard nothing but great things about this Hotel.  Some took my advice and others wished they had taken my advice.  My Brother stayed at the Nine Zero and he loved it.  This Hotel doesn’t have weight restrictions so whether your dog weighs 15lbs or 150lbs, they are all welcome! That isn’t always easy to find.  They provide food and water bowls, gourmet treats along with grooming, walking and pet sitting services.  The hotel has a cool urban look to it which made it comfortable to stay in.  My Brother raved about the hotel which made my aunt pretty upset that she decided to stay with noisy relatives instead.  So, if you have any relatives that just can’t seem to find a place to stay while they visit.  Let them know about Nine Zero, they will be thrilled!

    NINE ZERO HOTEL
    90 Tremont Street
    Boston, MA  02108

    Reservations 866.906.9090
    Hotel 617.772.5800
    Fax 617.772.5810

    Posted in Dog Friendly Places
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