Meeting about the Union Square Open Space Plan

Please join the Somerville Dog Owners Group in supporting the City's goal, as stated in the Union Square Open Space Plan, to

Initiate development of an OLRA at 111 South Street within next two years ( City of Somerville's Draft Open Space and Recreation Plan for 2008-2013, p. 95)

Somerville residents who own dogs are strongly encouraged to attend a public meeting, Tuesday evening, January 6, about the Union Square Open Space Plan. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Aldermanic Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 93 Highland Avenue.

Of especial interest to Somerville residents who own dogs is the new open space at 111 South Street. Residents of the Perry Park neighborhood were told at a community meeting on February 6, 2007, that, though an off-leash recreational area had been taken out of the plans for the Perry Park renovation, a new off-leash park would be created at 111 South Street. At the time, City officials projected that the South Street OLRA would be designed in 2007 and constructed in 2008.

A draft of the Union Square Open Space Plan is included in the City of Somerville's Draft Open Space and Recreation Plan for 2008-2013 (Section 11, pp 79-96).

Click on the image below for the City's flyer for the public meeting:

som|dog Holiday Party

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Our dogs were cozy and warm celebrating the holidays with the Somerville Dog Owners Group, Saturday afternoon, December 13, at City Dog Training, Somerville's community dog training and education facility. Dogs got to try out the agility equipment and, for the dogs' owners, there was a potluck feast!

Special guests, dog trainers Marjie Alonso (City Dog Training) and Liz Shaw (Magical Mutt), congratulated everyone on our great dogs and offered suggestions for the agility equipment.

The fun for dogs continues throughout the year: City Dog Training offers indoor playgroups: The adult playgroup is Monday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00; the puppy playgroup is Friday morning from 9:00 to 10:00.

Liz has two classes starting in January: Basic Manners for Adult Dogs (Level I) starts Tuesday, January 6, at 8:00 p.m. and Beyond Basic Manners (Level II) starts Tuesday, January 20, at 7:00 p.m. Both classes are seven weeks.

More information, including Saturday morning agility classes with Vera Wilkinson (The Cooperative Dog) and Sunday evening agility classes with B.A.R.K. (Boston Agility Racing K-9s) is available from City Dog Training.

Free Professional Pet Photos with Santa! Friday and Saturday Only!

UPDATE 19 December 2008: (via e-mail) With the storm due to hit the Boston area today, Santa and Boston Dog decided it was best to cancel today's photo session. BUT! - Santa will still be at Boston Dog Saturday (tomorrow!) between 3pm and 8pm. Come by the store and get your FREE pet photos with Santa Claus!

For details and to schedule a sitting for your pet with Santa call
Boston Dog
70 Beacon Street, Somerville MA
(617) 661-3436

Best in Show: Artists and Their Dogs

via e-mail

Opening reception Sunday, December 7, 4 to 6 pm, Brickbottom Gallery (1 Fitchburg Street).

This is a great exhibition: Eleven artists represent their much loved dogs! The show runs from December 4, 2008 to January 10, 2009.

Mystic River Water Toxicity Alert

From the Mystic River Watershed Association via e-mail

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY: Potentially Toxic Cyanobacteria Found in the Mystic River in Medford & Somerville: During routine water quality monitoring of the Mystic River in Medford and Somerville on November 13th, 2008, Mystic River Watershed Association staff and volunteers observed widespread cyanobacteria blooms ranging from Medford Center to the Blessing of the Bay boathouse. Certain types of cyanobacteria can be toxic and may pose a potential health risk to humans that come in contact with the water. The cyanobacteria can also be harmful to dogs that ingest the water.