Pet Photos with Santa? Upcoming Photo Shoots in Boston



Copley, Christmas 2009



Three years ago, if you told me that I'd be booking a photo shoot with Santa for my dog, I would have told you that you were out of your freakin' mind.  Well, here I am... very concerned about who is going to take the Copley's holiday photo.  Thought I'd share some of the best places to get your pet's photo taken this holiday season.

December 5th - Pet Photos with Santa

Location: The Switch, 21 Fairmount Avenue, Hyde Park

Time: 12p
Cost: $10 per photo

Notes: Proceeds to go the Poodle Rescue of New England

December 5th - Professional Pet Photos with Santa
Location: The Pet Cabaret, 4404 Washington St, Roslindale
Time: 11a - 4p
Cost: $20 Sitting Fee (includes JPG) / $10 additional for 5x7
Schedule in advance: Call Tammy @ 617-773-6635 OR email tammy@rubicat.com
Notes: Tammy is a professional photographer.  Check our her website.  All proceeds go to UnderDog ResQ

December 11th and 12th - Homeless for the Holidays Gift/Bake Sale AND Photos with Santa

Location: MSPCA Animal Care Center, 350 S. Huntington Avenue, Jamaica Plain

Time: 10a - 6p
Cost: $20 per framed photo
Schedule in advance: 617-524-5690

Notes: Proceeds go to the MSPCA-Boston.  And, you could give another pup a home this holiday season!

FREE!!! December 11th and 12th - Santa Paws at Hotel Marlow
Location: Hotel Marlowe , 25 Edwin H Land Blvd, Cambridge
Time: 2-4p
Cost: FREE
Notes: Polka Dog Bakery treats will be served.  Pet Parents can enter a drawing to win an overnight stay at one of the Kimpton Boston properties.  Looks like there will be a dedicated in-door doggie play area too!

Holiday Deals for Pets

Who doesn't love a great deal? 

BEDS:
PetSmart has already released their Black Friday Flyer.  One of the best deals is the Great Choice MicroSuede bed at 50% off (Reg $39.99)

BassPro Shops has a smokin' deal on dog beds at $9.94.  They also have released their Black Friday Deals.

ONLINE COUPON CODES:
Fetchdog.com is offering 20% off PLUS Free Shipping.  They've got a lot of great product to choose from and dont run promotions very often.  Their coupon ends 11/28.  Use Code: EFD2626.

LOCAL BUSINESS SATURDAY:
Don't forget to get out on Saturday and support your local pet businesses.  Some of my Favorites:

Pet Cabaret
4404 Washington Street
MA 02131-3422
(617) 323-7387

Chatham Dog

416 Main ST
Chatham MA 02633
508-945-3395

Especially For Pets

444 Great Road
Acton MA 01720
978-264-4444

CYBER MONDAY
Most of my favorite pet websites have not released their CyberMonday deals yet.  But I'll post when they do!

Hiking at Wilson Mountain

It's a beautiful fall day in New England.  

Back in the day, Nick & I used to walk around Wilson Mountain Reservation in Dedham.  It's short loop around a hill (which I'm not sure why it is a mountain!).  Since we moved back, we haven't had a chance to take our fur-kid to one of our favorite spots.

But, today we had all the time in the world.  Copley trotted through the crunchy leaves with her nose to the ground taking in all the smells. 

The trail is nice and flat with a few small inclines.  It's a great spot for dogs of all ages including puppies and seniors.  They do ask that your dog be kept on a leash but noticed many well trained ones who weren't.    If you do go off-leash, make sure your dog has a good recall.  We did run in to several other dogs including a guy with three jet-black pugs that he shouted to "com'on laides."  (adorable!!)

What are your favorite pet friendly nature trails?

Directions:
Off rte 128/95.  Exit 17. Rte 135.  Head towards Dedham.  Parking lot 1/2 mile on right.

Rte 109 heading towards Dedham.  Make left onto Rte 135.  Parking lot about 1.5 miles on left.

Ever run into a Coyote or other wild animal?

After doing a little research, we learned that Coyotes are afraid of people.  Generally speaking, they'll stay away.  But, if they don't here are some tips to protect you and your dog:

Around the House:

• A fenced in yard is a great defense against unwanted friends like Coyotes, Fischer Cats, and Bobcats.  Check for breaks in the fence line where they could sneak through. 
• Keep all trash in secured containers away from where your pet goes potty or plays.  This will help deter Skunks, Raccoons, and other mean critters that feed on our trash cans from stopping by.
• Add in lights.  We added in two motion detector lights outside so we can see the whole yard at night.  Lowe's has a really great Solar Light.  It's easy to install and doesn't need any electricity. 

Good Safety Tips:

• Using a leash for potty trips at dawn and dusk will help keep your pet close by. The close your pet is to you, the greater your chances are of keeping them safe.  With Copley, I can scoop her up into my arms if needed.  Having her on a leash would make that happen quickly!
• Walk in well lit, well trafficked areas at day break or sunset.  The more active life, the less likely a Coyote is to be hanging around. 
• Visit dog parks or other community places in months when it gets dark early.  This will help your dog get the exercise they need with no stress for you!
• Don't feed the animals - Coyotes and other animals become more comfortable with humans if we become a food source.  Never, never feed the wildlife.

What to do if you run into a Coyote:
If they don't notice you.  Move away as quickly and quietly as possible.

• Make yourself look as big as possible.  Stand tall and confident.
• Make lots of loud noise - bang things together and shout.
• Back away while maintaining an eye on the Coyote - never turn your back, run, or make sudden movements.
• And, if the Coyote does decide to attack - fight back.

The Coyotes are Back

It's official.  The Coyotes are back. 

Back in May, when we moved to Dedham, all of our friends said..."you live down the Manor? Watch out for the Coyotes - they are known to attack dogs."  Excellent.  For the past few months, I dismissed people's comments about both living in the Manor and the Coyotes.  We hadn't heard from them or seen evidence of them...until last week. 

Around midnight, I heard that distinct Coyote howl-at-the moon sound.  He was so close that I actually heard him walk down the dirt road next to my house/bedroom.   Two nights ago, just after bringing Copley in from our last potty of the night, a pack of Coyotes took something out.  Their screams followed by the evilest cackle seemed to suspend time.  And, Copley wasn't so quiet this time.  She barked and growled with all her might - the hair on the back of her spine stood straight up. 

When living in Arizona, we occasionally ran into some "friends": Coyote and a Bobcat.  But, around here there are many more trees, shrubs, and piles of leaves to hide behind!  I've become afraid of the dark.

Have you ever been near any wild animals with your dog?  Share here.