Looking for some adventure this weekend? Head over to Winthrop Park to hear Jenna Ringelheim discuss her new book, Best Hikes with Dogs: Boston and Beyond. The event is sponsored by the Globe Corner Bookstore in Harvard Square.

Not only will you learn about some great new places to take your pooch, but there will be “Biscuit Bags” for all canine attendees. For more information about the event, click here.

You would be hard pressed to find a dog  owner who didn’t complain (at least once in a while) about the rising costs of veterinary care. It is true that the medical bills for any animal can get quite expensive. That said, is there a limit to what one should spend to keep his/her pooch healthy? While catching up on the latest business fodder, I came across this article on the Wall Street Journal Online in which the author angrily whines about the amount of money spent on taking care of his dog when the dog got hit by a car.

Don’t get me wrong, I too feel the pinch of my wallet everytime I take a pet to the vet.  My most recent trip cost me a couple hundred dollars…and that was for my hamster.  I get it, it’s expensive, but when you decide to adopt a dog (or any animal for that matter) you are really making a lifetime commitment.

According to the AVMA, in 2006, 49.7% of pet owners considered their pets to be family members.  Additionally, I’m sure most dog owners would consider their dog some form of companion.  You can’t put a price on a family member or companion.  I feel that people get caught up in the purchase price of an animal.  For example, my father thought it was slightly ridiculous to pay expensive vet bills for a $12 hamster.  Simply because an animal has a certain purchase price does not mean that there is a cap on what should be spent for that animal.  It’s free for people to have children.  Does that mean that $0 should be spent on keeping that child healthy?

Personally, I think that unless it is more humane to put an animal to sleep, a pet owner should take full responsibility and consider the cost of veterinary bills a small price to pay for unconditional love and the good feeling of knowing you are your pet’s hero!

- Liz

Liz, Chopper and I had the opportunity to attend an awesome fund raising event put on by the MSPCA Angell. The scene was set at the Foundation Lounge in Kenmore with like minded individuals enjoying one another’s conversation while a small pack of doggies were exchanging stories through tail wags and sharing their favorite toys.

The night proceeded with personal stories by supporters of the MSPCA and a speech by their CEO, Carter Luke. One of the main attractions was the raffle that gave participants the chance to win packages that included dinner in the North End, gift certificates to local boutiques, and even a SNIF Tag.

There was also an award for best dressed dog - guess who won? That’s right - Chopper aka Kevin Garnett did! We got a gift certificate for a really nice collar and leash combo from Bowchies.

All and all it was an excellent evening and most importantly we helped an unbelievable organization earn $11,000 with the event.

Every time little Indie Pie comes home with me, she just LOVES to follow me everywhere around the house. I think that this is AMAZING and I love how she shadows me! Mitch, on the other hand, doesn’t think this is so great. He says that this behavior is the beginning stages of separation anxiety.

It is true whenever I leave her alone, Indie starts to whine. So of course I pick her up and take her wherever I am going. Mitch says that in order to change this, you need to come and leave without overly acknowledging your companion. Long goodbyes and extraneous hellos make it easier for your pooch to get attached and as such, harder to cope without your constant attention.

Maybe Mitch is right, but those adoring eyes and little smirk make it difficult for me to leave Indie by herself…perhaps it’s me with the separation issues!!!

Dear Readers,

We have updated the Boston Maps page so it is easier to navigate. Please be patient whilst we work on the Boston Dog Friendly Restaurant Map! If you have any comments or suggestions on some great places in Boston to bring your dog, please let us know and we’d be happy to accommodate them! Thank you for your loyal readership!

Sincerely,

Elizabeth & Mitch

Stuart had a tough day at the office today testing our new product! Stuart says: “Thank goodness it’s Friday! Hope all you readers have a great weekend!”

Stuart is pretty uninhibited when sleeping!

Stuart taking a siesta after lunch!

This weekend, I got to spend three glorious days with Indie whom I often refer to as lovebug because she LOVES to cuddle! This weekend I had to do lots of research and Indie was always there to provide study hug breaks and to lend a paw!

Indie lending a paw with researching!

Indie providing me with a much needed study/cuddle break!

Indie cruising along, coming home from the ice cream shop!
Slightly miffed she wasn’t able to eat the WHOLE ice cream cone.