Holly, Jolly and Oh-So-Safe! Of course you want to include your furry companions in the festivities, pet parents, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations:



O Christmas Tree Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe.



Tinsel-less Town

Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.



No Feasting for the Furries

By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.



Toy Joy

Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Choose gifts that are safe.



Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallowing the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible.

Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer—and tons of play sessions together.

Forget the Mistletoe & Holly

Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.



Leave the Leftovers

Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills.     Have a Happy Holiday and keep those fluffy friends safe!

Welcome, new ACO Coral Hope!

As of December 16th, the city's new animal control officer is Coral Hope. Coral comes to us with a wealth of excellent experience. She can be reached within the Health Department office. Her direct line is 781-979-4102.

October lost and found

• October 4- lost cat, long haired, grey, Main St.
• October 8- lost cat, short haired, orange and white, clipped ear, Greystone Rd.
• October 10- lost cat, all black, green eyes. Mt. Vernon Ave.
• October 10- lost cat, small, grey and white, Washington St.
• October 9- lost cat, greyish browm tiger, Grandview Ave.
• October 20- found cat, orange and white, Lynde St.
• October 21- lost cat, large grey DSH male, Penny Hill Rd.

Melrose Dog Festival



Across from Melrose High School, 360 Lynn Fells Parkway






Dog Show, Games, Give-aways

  



Door Prize proceeds to benefit Melrose Dog Park

 



Info on responsible dog ownership and training
Check back frequently for more info.
12:00- view booths and try dog games
1:00- Urban mushing demo by Boston Snow Dogs
1:30- Dog show starts

 

September lost and found pets

• September 4- found dog- small, young adult male Beagle, Penny Rd.
• September 8- lost cat, male Ragdoll, blue eyes, Hunnewell St.
• September 10- lost cat, black and grey tiger cat, Washington St.
• September 10- python, Penny Rd./Dexter Rd. area.
• September 9- lost cat, male Himalayan, flame point, Rockwood St.
• September 10- lost cat, large long-haired black and white, Hancock St.
• September 20th- found cat, DSH, small, solid black, Lynn Fells Parkway at Aaron St.
• September 23rd- lost cat, DSH, solid black (not same cat as above), Stone Ave. Stoneham
• September 25- found cat, small, black with white spot on neck, Penny Rd
• September 26th- lost cat, mostly grey calico DSH, Carlida Rd.
• September 26th \- lost cat, grey DSH, Crescent Ave.
• September 30th- lost cat, black Manx (no tail), Hancock St.

Found dog

Found dog- young male Beagle, found September 4. Please call 781-979-4102 to claim.

August lost and found pets

• August 7- Found cat- declawed female, mostly black, Perkins St. OWNER FOUND!
• August 9- Found cat- Siamese mix, Washington St.
• August 11- Lost cat, male Maine Coon, brown and black, Elm St.
• August 12- Lost cat, male Bengal, Upham St.
• August 11- Found cat, black and white, double paws, bent over ear, Crystal St.
• August 14- Lost cat, DLH, orange and white, Wheeler Ave.
• August 19- found cat, DSH, calico, collar and untraceable microchip.
• August 21- Found cat, long haired calico and 4 kittens, Prospect St.
• August 25- Lost cat, large buff/orange Maine Coon, Rowe St.
• August 26- Found cat, small balck Persian, clipped fur, Whittier/Baxter St.

July Lost and Found Pets

• July 2- Found cat, female brown tabby DSH, Wyoming Heights.
• July 4- Lost cat, neutered and declawed tiger cat, Washington St.
• July 14- Lost cat, male neutered DSH, tan tabby with white chin and paws, Main St. near Wakefield border.
• July 19- Lost cat, very small female DSH, orange and white, lost in Wakefield.
• July 21- Lost cat, DMH grey tiger, Edgemere near Sylvan.
• July 23- Lost kitten, orange female near Oak Grove Village.
• July 30- Lost cat, DSH, black with small white spot on chest, Lebanon St.

June lost and found pets

• June 3- found cat- female Bengal- about 10 days ago. Russell St.
• June 6- lost dog from Stoneham- small female balck and white spaniel mix.
• June 10- lost cat- black and white female from Coolidge Apts. on Main St.
• June 13- found cat- Grey with white paws, nose and neck- Edgemere St.
• June 17th- found cat- black with a little white on chest. W. Wyoming Ave.
• June 17th- found cat- Solid grey DSH- Youle St.
• June 19th- lost cat- solid grey Russian Blue (not the same as above cat)- Thurston Rd.
• June 27th- found Cockatiel. Call Melrose Canine Control 781-979-4102 to claim.

May Lost and found pets

May 15th- found dog- male Jack Russell Terrier, white and brown, Pine Banks Park.
May 20th- lost cat- male Siamese, Washington St. area.
May 24th (approx.)- female Bengal cat, Russell St.
May 25th- lost cat- female, black, long haired, Green St.
May 27th- lost dog- female, 7 mo., hound/shepherd mix, in Fells near Sheepfold. See flyer below.

March lost and found pets

• March 4th- found cat- male DMH, brown and black tiger, fluffy tail- Hopkins St.

February lost and found pets

• February 8th- lost cat- large male DSH, black and white, has microchip but no collar- Tremont St. near Auburn St. See photo above. FOUND!
• February 8th- lost cat- DLH, grey tabby- Youle St.

New dog behavior education series

Next class is February 16th!


Dog Park Discussions

A video & observation series on: ”Dog Play”

Want to make the dog park a happy, healthy and safe place for your dog and others? Learn about good dog play, how to help your dog be the best of the buddies at the park and when to intervene to prevent problems before they happen.

For the first two sessions we’ll watch and discuss excerpts from Dr. Patricia McConnell’s Dog Play DVD. For the second two, Amy Campbell, owner of Wags While You Work in Somerville will help us take our knowledge on the road, and improve our observation skills while our dogs play.

4 Saturdays: Jan 19th, Feb 16th, March 16th, and April 20th, all from 1:00- 3:00 pm

January 19th and February 16th, 1-3 pm- humans only, @ A Better Companion, 162 Tremont St.

March 16th and April 20th, 1-3 pm- bring your dog to the Melrose Dog Park.

FMI and to RSVP: 781-979-4102

This series is brought to you by Melrose Animal Control, the Melrose Dog Society, A Better Companion, and Wags While You Work.

Beat the Heat, low-cost cat spays in Melrose!

Must mention this ad when making appointment


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January lost and found pets

• January 7th- found cat- male, black and white, short haired- Lebanon St. near North Mountain Ave.
• January 7th- found cat, male, grey and white, short haired- Mt Vernon Ave., has been in the area for awhile.

• January 19th- lost cat, male, black and white DSH- Otis St. area.

Time for your 2013 dog license!

2013 Dog Licenses


Melrose Canine Control Officer, Diane Kurkjian, would like to inform all dog owners that it is time to renew your dog licenses. All dog licenses expired on December 31, 2012. Per City ordinance, the licensing period begins on January 1st and ends on December 31st of each year.

Your dog’s rabies tag is not a license; it is given to you by your veterinarian after your dog receives a rabies vaccination. Massachusetts state law requires you to keep both the rabies tag and the license attached to your dog’s collar or harness at all times.

If your dog is lost, both tags are a source of identification allowing you to be reunited quickly with your pet.

Dog owners may bring or mail a copy of your dog’s up-to-date rabies certificate and $20 for spayed or neutered dogs, or $23 for intact dogs to the City Clerk’s office, 562 Main St., to obtain a license. Office hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30-4 and Friday 8:30-12:30. After March 15, a $15 late fee will be added. Alternatively, you may use the renewal form attached to your yearly census form, which you should be receiving shortly in the mail.

Please note, if you no longer have your dog, we would appreciate a call at 781-979-4102, so that we may update our database. Thank you.