Dog heaven

Angie has rarely met a dog she doesn't love... and vice versa! She came to The Doggie Den in October 2008. She supervises the daycare dogs in the afternoon, and there's serious competition for her attention. Her favorite part of the job is cuddling the pups. Her next favorite is ... cuddling the pups!

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Enjoying Dog Walks

Dog Walking 101: Tips to Make Your Outings Safe & Fun

It can be a job or a joy, pet parents, but we’ve all got to do it—yup, we’re talking about walking the dog! The beginning of spring is a great time to consider some ways to reinvent this daily ritual and make it more enjoyable for the both of you. Whether you’re a proud new pup parent or a long-time, experienced dog handler, our experts have got some advice for you. Who says you can’t teach an old owner new tricks?
Among the tips you’ll find in the complete article:- "Retractable leashes are best reserved for walks in the park, when it’s safe for a dog to explore a bit further away from her pet parent,” says the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center’s Kristen Collins, CPDT. NOT a good idea if you’re walking in an area with high foot traffic or off-leash dogs, as the long line may get wrapped around your dog, a person’s leg or another dog.
- Walk with buddies. If your dog likes other dogs, consider group walks. You can either borrow a friend’s dog to accompany you, or invite family and friends who have dogs to meet you somewhere.
- Even though popular spring plants like tulips and daffodils add much to our landscape, they can cause significant stomach problems for our furry friends. If your pooch likes to stop and smell—or nibble—the flowers, keep him on a short leash during walks.
Read the complete article Dog Walking 101.

Reprinted from an ASPCA newsletter

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Puppy Poisoned by Popular House Plant

It’s hard to believe a houseplant could harm a tough cookie like the Woytek family’s Lab mix, Amber. A survivor of Hurricane Ike, the young pup was diagnosed with distemper in the months after her adoption from the Houston SPCA in September 2008. But according to Laurie Woytek, Amber defeated the often fatal virus—and went on to form a tight bond with her canine “sister” and partner-in-crime, Scout, a one-year-old Rhodesian ridgeback mix.
Early last month, Laurie discovered that Amber had eaten parts of a sago palm plant. Sago palm—with its dark green leaves and hairy trunk—has become a popular houseplant in recent years, but unbeknownst to many green-thumbed pet parents, it’s also highly toxic to cats and dogs.
Immediately ill, Amber was hospitalized at a nearby emergency clinic. Says Laurie, “I was very scared, but thought, ‘She's tough—she'll make it through.’” After several days in the hospital, the emergency veterinarian delivered the heartbreaking news to the Woyteks—Amber had developed jaundice and life-threatening liver failure.
“We took Amber to our regular veterinarian to discuss our options with him,” explains Laurie. “She suffered seizures in the car on the way, and we ultimately made the very difficult, yet humane decision to let her go.”
Sadly, Amber’s story is all too common. Since 2003, the ASPCA has seen an increase by more than 200 percent of sago palm and cycad poisonings, and 50 to 75 percent of those ingestions resulted in fatalities. According to Dr. Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, veterinary toxicologist and vice president of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, all parts of the plant are toxic, not just the seeds or nuts, and common signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, depression, seizures and liver failure.
Before the Woytek family said their final goodbyes to Amber, they took her home to see her best buddy, Scout. “As Amber lay still on the floor, Scout kept nudging her as if to say, ‘C’mon, get up,’” Laurie says. “They weren’t just 'sissies'—as we referred to them—they were best friends.”
“It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do,” reflects Laurie. “Amber is truly missed and will forever be in our hearts. She was our little princess.”
In memory of Amber, and to mark the end of National Poison Prevention Week, March 15-21, the ASPCA reminds all pet parents to stay informed about protecting pets from accidental poisonings. Please read our poison prevention tips online.



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Happy Birthday, Samantha!

Samantha was three years old on March 19th! She was a little hesitant about her Frosty Paws birthday treat, taking only a few licks. Then her brother, Simon, helped her out by carrying the cup off into a corner and digging in. Samantha was not perturbed. She watches her girlish figure, and was delighted with the special attention. Simon and Samantha light up the small dog play area every Wednesday.

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Romance at The Doggie Den

It's early New England springtime and cupid's arrow has struck Cleo (Great Dane) and Teague (Irish Terrier). They're both very shy with others, but together... watch out! Lots of play and snuggles - and jealousy when anyone tries to butt in!


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Plants That Poison Your Dog

Mark your calendars, people! Sunday, March 15 kicks off National Poison Prevention Week—a perfect time to learn what’s poisonous to your pet. In 2008, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center handled more than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxins, many of which were everyday household items. Some of the worst offenders were those living things that keep your home fresh and green—household plants!In honor of National Poison Prevention Week, as the ASPCA, we put together a video of our top toxicologist, Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President, ASPCA Animal Health Services, discussing the dangers of 17 common plants that you may have in your homes right now, including lilies, chrysanthemum and sago palm. Dr. Hansen shows you examples of each plant, so you’ll know exactly what to look out for. To watch the video, go to www.aspca.org/news/national/03-13-09.html#1. Remember, if you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous, please contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.P.S. Keep an eye on our website during National Poison Prevention Week, when you can ask ASPCA experts about potentially toxic plants and substances directly. Join our live “Ask the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center” chat from noon to 2:00 P.M. on Friday, March 20, in the ASPCA Online Community, and stay tuned for the relaunch of our popular Ask the APCC online column.



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Little Shepherd, Big Puggle

Meet Lenny and Tucker, otherwise known as Mutt and Jeff. They're constant companions because Lenny the shepherd thinks he's a little dog, and Tucker the puggle has the mind of a bull mastiff. They play for hours with Lenny usually on the floor and Tucker all over him. But sometimes Lenny gets scared and runs away, like in this picture. Tucker is looking at me like, "What is wrong with this guy?"


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Welcome Carolyn!

Carolyn came to The Doggie Den from Dirty Hairy's in Hudson, MA. The daycare dogs can't wait for her to finish her daily grooming work so they can play with her! She's a long-time dog lover - here she's died and gone to heaven!

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Happy Birthday Luke!

Luke was born on Valentine's Day so we had a special party for him and his puppy pals. Homemade dog cookies and Frosty Paws treats for everyone! Luke was a great host!

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Snow and ice getting your pup down??

Doggie Den pals are just what he or she needs! Safe from the soiled snow and ice that plague your yard, s/he can play all day long in our clean, cheerful environment with like-minded pals. Here, take a look!

Ringo the Australian Shep, Lily the Standard Poodle, Cody the lab mix, Fenway the beagle and Gunner the adorable bulldog hardly take breaks:















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