Forums » Suggestions » Pet-friendly places around Boston?
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Pet-friendly places around Boston?
posted at 11/29/2007 10:19 AM EST
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Posts: 9
First: 11/21/2006 Last: 6/27/2008 |
In regards to the article titled, "Dog town, Going shopping or out to eat? Bring your pooch along -- they're welcome in a surprising number of places around Boston." What a load of unscooped poop! Outside of Denver, Colorado and the entire state of Ohio, Boston is one of the most dog-unfriendly places around. I don't see how any city can attempt to label itself as friendly to a species when members of that species are completely unwelcomed. In July of 2004, Mayor Menino signed into law Breed Specific Legislation that targets "pit bulls and pit bull mixes" -- a generic term that can encompass several to dozens of specific dog breeds, depending on who you are talking to. BSL is a useless, expensive, time-after-time-proven-ineffective panacea that politicians use to pacify the masses into thinking they are doing something for public safety. I implore Dennis Fisher to do a little research on how welcoming Boston is to all its canine inhabitants before declaring it anything as ridiculous as "friendly." Click here for Boston's Ordinance: http://www.cityofboston.gov/animalcontrol/petpeeves.asp#pit Dogfriendly.com actually has links listing Boston as among it's top WORST places for dogs: http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/general/corp/bsloverview.shtml Other web sites Mr. Fisher might want to visit include: http://www.understand-a-bull.com/ http://pbrc.net/index.html Sincerely, Melinda Fayette A former inhabitant of Boston |
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Pet-friendly places around Boston?
posted at 11/29/2007 10:35 AM EST
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Posts: 1
First: 11/29/2007 Last: 11/29/2007 |
according to the t's website, the t is dog friendly: http://mbta.com/riding_the_t/pets/ |
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Pet-friendly places around Boston?
posted at 11/29/2007 11:45 AM EST
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Posts: 1
First: 11/29/2007 Last: 11/29/2007 |
My dog, Coco, commutes to work with me on the bus, the Orange Line and the Red Line at least three times a week. Aside from one unfriendly bus driver (who wasn't very knowledgable about the MBTA rules about pets), nobody seems to mind her. When I lived in the South End, it was a well-known rule that dogs were prohibited from anywhere that sells food (I know of at least one instance where a coffee shop was temporarily shut down by the Health Dept. for having a dog inside while it's owner ordered a cup of coffee). This rule, along with the dog-unfriendliness in Copley and the Pru, made taking Coco with me somewhat of a calculated adventure. I have found, however, that some cities and towns surrounding Boston are much more dog-friendly. In my new Chelsea neighborhood, shop-owners frown when I leave my dog outside. The same goes in Harvard Square. I'm not aware of the rules and regulations outside of Boston, but dog-friendly areas do exist. Of course, after trips to Berlin and Paris, where dogs can readily be seen lounging next to their owners in restaurants, bars and coffee shops, a move to Europe does seem appealing... |
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Pet-friendly places around Boston?
posted at 11/29/2007 2:11 PM EST
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Posts: 1
First: 11/29/2007 Last: 11/29/2007 |
I must agree with Melinda Fayette, above. The Boston area is most un-friendly to dogs. It's nice that a few shops are welcoming, because those are the only places you can go! First, try to find a condo association or landlord that allows dogs, then try to find a decent dog park--you won't find many. And most city and state parks don't allow dogs off leash, at all, or only at certain times. |
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Pet-friendly places around Boston?
posted at 11/29/2007 9:26 PM EST
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Posts: 5
First: 11/29/2007 Last: 1/17/2008 |
Melinda, you misconstrue the truth when you say "Dogfriendly.com actually has links listing Boston as among it's top WORST places for dogs." In actuality, they only link to a site that says that. And the site is awkward looking, and very clearly, a Pit Bull site. I can live with Boston being a bad place for a Pit Bull. But I do agree that the author was a bit off-target in his article... (i.e. Boston isn't the type of place where dogs run free and all get treated equally in every establishment). To focus the entire article on stores and restaurant is really only writing about the exceptions in this case... And the article had a very elitist tone to it... I guess we have a few socialities roaming around town with tiny dogs in pocketbooks, but again I believe that is the exception. Dennis might have instead focused on the dog friendly parks around the city and beyond - and there is a nice list over here at my website I've been working on for about a year or so... DogBoston's Dog Parks list Normal people with real dogs that track hair and mud throughout their houses get out and walk their dogs, and drive them to places where the experience is great... I also think a better use of the Globe's resources might have been directed towards assisting/highlighting some of the dog parks that are trying to get off the ground. Ronan Dog Park in Dorchester is one that immediately comes to mind. Dog Parks = Community. The project only needs another $10,000 or so. That amount compared to what it could potentially bring to the area is a pittance compared to the potential Return on Investment of the dog park. Brian H DogBoston.com |
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Pet-friendly places around Boston?
posted at 11/30/2007 9:48 AM EST
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Posts: 9
First: 11/21/2006 Last: 6/27/2008 |
<< I can live with Boston being a bad place for a Pit Bull. >> You have photos of pit bulls right on your site. Do these folks know about your anti-pit bull sentiments? You're looking for monetary donations... have any of these pit bulls' owners donated to your dog park cause? Things that make you go "hmmm...?" Do the people who frequent dog parks have any idea that the deadly parvo virus can survive for months (some say years) in soil? One single poop from one single infected dog can spread that deadly virus to any non-vaccinated or under-vaccinated dog that steps on the same soil. Some breeds are especially suseptible, even when vacciated properly. http://www.workingdogs.com/parvofaq.htm By the way: http://www.pbrc.net/dogpark.html Melinda Blame the Deed, Not the Breed :-) |
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Pet-friendly places around Boston?
posted at 11/30/2007 10:09 AM EST
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Posts: 5
First: 11/29/2007 Last: 1/17/2008 |
Whoa! Hey, I love all dogs. Love people that love dogs even more. There's something weird about "some" pit bull owners though... where it's like this itch you can't scratch... no matter what I say you won't be happy and want to continue fighting. Sorry... but I don't have a pit bull. Although I do know BSL does get taken the wrong way (for example some insurance companies list labs as a dangerous breed... silly!) My point was that I think Boston is a great place for my dogs. And I'm not talking about walking them in and out of stores, or getting fake doggie coffee and doggie cake at the doggie bakery, I'm talking about trails and woods and hikes. There's so many amazing places around here for dogs (and people). Not sure what you are trying to do by talking about that parvo (btw there is a vaccination for that). So you're against dog parks? That's unusual. Brian |
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Pet-friendly places around Boston?
posted at 12/1/2007 9:15 AM EST
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Posts: 7
First: 12/1/2007 Last: 4/7/2008 |
Are you all insane??? Dogs don't belong in ANY public place - not the library, not a restaurant, not your office, and certainly not in any store, regardless of whether or not it sells food. A dog pees, poops, bites, and barks. They belong with their owner at home or in a protected area, such as yard or dog walk. Don't continue to bother the rest of us with your lack of manners and common sense. |
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Pet-friendly places around Boston?
posted at 12/1/2007 11:38 AM EST
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Posts: 5
First: 12/1/2007 Last: 2/22/2009 |
Humans also pee and poop and "bark" (yell). I've encountered some pretty annoying humans in public places who certainly do not exhibit common sense or manners. A well-trained dog does not pee or poop in a store, etc., (or bite, or bark). I know mine doesn't. Just like untrained humans, those particular dogs who are untrained should be left home. But, I see no reason why a well-trained canine cannot accompany its owner just about anywhere. You sound like a person who just doesn't like pets. If the pet is not bothering you, get over it. |
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Pet-friendly places around Boston?
posted at 12/1/2007 11:47 AM EST
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Posts: 1
First: 12/1/2007 Last: 12/1/2007 |
My pets are better behaved than your children, but your children are allowed in public places. Not fair. I take the time to socialize and train my dogs so they have good manners. I haven't noticed human breeders doing the same in ages. |
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Pet-friendly places around Boston?
posted at 12/1/2007 6:58 PM EST
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Posts: 1549
First: 4/2/2007 Last: 5/27/2008 |
I agree. These are animals. People domesticate horses and chickens and snakes but we don't allow those creatures in public places designed for humans [stores, restaurants, etc]. Why are dogs or cats any different? Don't get me wrong - I love pets - I grew up w/ dogs and currently have a cat- but come on!! I baby my pets, but you do need to have limits. This bringing of the pets anywhere and everwhere seems to be a relative recently trend. When I was a kid [and I'm only mid thirties], people did not bring their pets everywhere. If the dog did hop in the car and come along for the ride, the dog stayed in the car or was leashed in front of the store while the owners were inside. Then again, when I was a kid, they did not have day care for dogs, or the equivalent of beauty salons for pets, either. I can't say that these developments are a positive thing. Leave Fido and Fluffy at home where they belong. If the dog needs to be exercised, and you can't do it yourself, hire a dog walker. If you are not home enough to properly take care of your pet, maybe you should rethink having pets rather than bringing them everywhere you go. Pets should not be in any store that sells food - prepared food or otherwise. Like it or not, many people are allergic to pets. Also, many people are just afraid of dogs, or animals in general. Why should those people not be allowed in a restaurant, etc because your pet is in the establishment they wish to patronize? It does not matter that your animal is well behaved or does not soil the indoors. It is an animal and should not be treated as a human. Get a grip! |
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Pet-friendly places around Boston?
posted at 12/2/2007 2:49 PM EST
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Posts: 4
First: 12/2/2007 Last: 9/11/2009 |
Wow - I am thinking you made such an insulting post to garner some interest, but if you truly feel as you say - your problems run much deeper. My dog most certainly behaves much better than many toddlers and screaming children that I run into in stores, on city streets, in restaurants and parks. It is utterly ridiculous, the animostity that dogs face in so many circumstances. Sure - there are a certain few that sometimes set a bad example, but I would say that there are equal instances of children and adults that do the same. Those should be either left at home or disciplined severely.... But for the vast majority of dog owners in the city, we are law abiding citizens that pick up after our dogs, leave them on their leashes when we are supposed to, but cherish the THREE hours a day that the city of Boston has been kind enough to let us have a TINY triangle of the Common to exercise and socialize our dogs. So many people lately have been complaining about dog parks and that they aren't necessary, are a breeding place for disease and are an eyesore - PLEASE! Get over yourselves! Humans to more damage thru littering, walking thru the grounds, peeing on trees, you name it! I could go on and on - but I think you get the point.... LONG LIVE THE DOG! |
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Pet-friendly places around Boston?
posted at 12/2/2007 3:30 PM EST
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Posts: 2
First: 8/9/2005 Last: 12/2/2007 |
This forum is yet another instance of how dog un-friendly Boston is. Every time there is a question that is suppose to let dog owners share tips and places with each other, it turns into a forum of people fighting over whether or not dogs should even be allowed to exist. If you don't like animals ... stay out of this forum. I personally find it frustrating to bring my dog around the city. I have ridden on the T with her and we've walked around downtown many a time. However, it is only during good weather since I've yet to find anywhere indoors we can go. |
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Pet-friendly places around Boston?
posted at 12/2/2007 7:44 PM EST
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Posts: 18
First: 12/23/2005 Last: 3/22/2008 |
It's time to get over this separation between "man" and "beast" as if "man" were somehow better behaved, cleaner, more hygienic, and generally superior. This delineated hierarchy is imagined. Dogs, cats, and other animals are our companions and should be taken anywhere. I don't own a dog but I love all animals and really enjoy going to places that allow pets. I find these places to be friendlier to humans; likewise I think pet loving people are friendlier and better to fellow humans than non-pet people. And I love meeting the dogs I see at the places that do allow pets. |
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Pet-friendly places around Boston?
posted at 12/2/2007 8:26 PM EST
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Posts: 90
First: 10/12/2006 Last: 5/25/2008 |
When I lived in the South End, it was a well-known rule that dogs were prohibited from anywhere that sells food. I used to work in a coffee shop in Newton. I constantly had to tell people that dogs were not allowed. Some apologized, but most were offended, as if I'd just insulted their spouse, even after I explained that the Board of Health could shut us down. I love pets,and I have a cat of my own, but pets are not people. Not allowing them in restaurants is not discrimination. |
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Pet-friendly places around Boston?
posted at 12/3/2007 7:41 AM EST
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Posts: 988
First: 5/17/2006 Last: 11/16/2009 |
Oh ya, well I'm sure all people are very responsible dog owners. Here's what happened to me and my family two years ago. We where in Great Brook State Park, in Carlise getting out of our car with my 2 year old daughter. When we see two dogs charging at us with my daughter in stoller in front of us., with the owners yelling at us that their dogs are friendly, their friendly. So what did I do to protect my family. I picked up a good sized rock and threw it at one of those charging dogs, cloncked it off the head, it went down 10 feet in front of us, the other dog got scared enough to run off. Then we got into an argument with the dogs owners, the police came and the owners had to leave for a vet hospital. It was either their dog or my daughter. Perhaps if they had the dog on a leash they would not have had any problems.
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Pet-friendly places around Boston?
posted at 12/3/2007 7:45 AM EST
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Posts: 988
First: 5/17/2006 Last: 11/16/2009 |
Case in point. Dogs belong on a leash under the care of an owner. We had one women who brought her dog into work. Bid distraction for coworkers, as the dog was wandering all around everyones offices sniffing and barking. |
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Pet-friendly places around Boston?
posted at 12/3/2007 9:37 AM EST
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Posts: 92
First: 8/21/2007 Last: 1/29/2008 |
As per usual, it comes down to some people wanting to control others' personal rights and other feeling like their rights are violated. Unfortunately- for as liberal a place as MA and New England are- they region has a VERY poor track record of personal rights. Ironically- for as progressive as the Boston region suppossedly is, their are still many Puritan methods in practice. I am a proud dog owner and will openly admit that I enjoy coming home to my pets more than people sometimes... I will also adamently agree with other posters that the Boston region is clearly one of the LEAST dog friendly places in this country, even New York City has you beat. Finding pet friendly landlords, buildings, condo associations, retail and dining establishments, and parks is d@#$% near impossible other than the South End- where people can afford to demand companion animal rights. We all have heard rumors in the dog community of the supposed future " City of Boston black list" of breeds that goes beyond pit bull to include German Sheps. Bulldogs, Rotties, Rhodies, etc. Many of us have collided head first with "crazy condo commandos" and their zealous associations (A friend of mine had to sell her condo and move because her dog breached the building weight limit as he grew- she obviously took her tax dollars out of the city). Heck- I even had a realtor tell me that I should consider getting rid of my dog to make my boston apartment search easier. HAHAHA! Yeah right! But still, I grew up in the country, surrounded by animals- my house was a zoo growing up. There are still some places that are appropriate and some places that are not for your dog. Furthermore, there are basic human decencies that dog owners should take to respect others and not give those of us who are upstanding and responsible dog owners a BAD NAME. If you cannot control your dog- keep them leashed unless in an offleash area... Pick up after your dog... you know, basics... That being said- where are the off leash areas? Oh yeah, there aren't too many and those that are, are disappearing.... It's surprising that so many other cities are so far ahead of the "leading the way" folks of Boston. Go to both Portlands, Seattle, Colorado, California, New York City (?!), heck- even Pittsburgh, they have a perfect balance to keep both parties happy. Some dog friendly areas, some not. Some dog friendly restuarants, some not. Some dog friendly buildings, some not. On the home front- its more of the same- other people trying to tell you what to do and those with the money are the only ones who get to enjoy the "progressive" lifestyle of the metro region... Just like the Puritans! I would never bring my dog to work, or keep him unleashed around a baby. But the day someone tries to tell me not to even have the right to own or have a place to play fetch- well sir/ma'am you just made an enemy.... |
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Pet-friendly places around Boston?
posted at 12/3/2007 10:45 AM EST
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Posts: 4
First: 12/2/2007 Last: 9/11/2009 |
Sounds like you are one of those overprotective, close minded people. First of all, are you serious about throwing a rock?? That is unbelievable - and I wish that you had to face some sort of charges for that. Here's a thought, how about walking in front of the carriage, picking up your child? I'm sorry that you had a bad experience but it is a fact that most dogs love people and children especially! I am apalled at your behavior, and attitude. Especially given your ironic screen name - Live Free or Die - may be the state motto, but you stand for completely the opposite! One isolated experience (in which you completely over reacted), does not make all dogs bad. As it is - who knows if these dogs were even remotely bad, they probably would have come up, tails wagging, to show their love of children, instead you assault them and perhaps cause irrevocable damage! you should be ashamed...... |
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