December lost and found pets

• December 4th- lost cat- male DSH, solid black, Orris Place. See photo above
• December 6th- found cat- young female, longhaired tortoiseshell, Washington St.

November lost and found pets

• November 1- found dog- male pug- Damon Ave. Adopted!
• November 29th- lost dog in Saugus- male Doberman, cropped ears. FOUND!

October lost and found pets

October 6- lost cat- large, fluffy, orange- Belmont Pl. FOUND!
October 12- found cat- DSH, white with yellow eyes, Main St. Wakefield near Melrose border.
October 15- found cat- DSH, black and white, Lynde Ave.
October 18- found cat- DSH, brown tabby with white facial markings, Lynde Ave.
October 18- found cat- DSH, brown tabby, no white markings- Marvin Rd.
October 18- found cat- DSH, solid black, very old and thin, Essex St. area.
October 21- found cat, DLH, all grey, Oak St.
October 22- found cat- DSH, black and white, Upham St. near Wildwood. Owner found.

October 25- lost cat- DSH, orange tabby, Beacon St. See photo above

September lost and found pets

• September 12- lost cat- large, grey, fluffy- Franklin St. FOUND!
• September 13- found rabbit- domestic, black with white belly- Russell St.
• September 14- lost cat- M/N orange tabby- Cleveland St.
• September 24- found cat- large brown tabby DSH, blue collar, Lebanon near Beech.
• September 30- found cat- DMH male, solid grey, friendly, Oak St.

Cotton needs a home

Cotton is an adorable 5 week old kitten. He is an orphan and had a rough start in life. However, he's doing better every day, and will soon be ready for his forever home. Adopted!

Tompson needs a home

7 year old Maltese/Shih Tzu mix needs a new home. He is a friendly dog whose owner is leaving the country and can't take him. Photo to follow.

August lost and found pets

• August 1- found cat- grey tiger with white, DSH- appears older- E. Foster St. See photo above.
• August 4- found cat- long-haired, white with blue eyes- Hurd St. OWNER FOUND!
• August 6- lost cat- large M orange tabby, Ashland St.
• August 2 or 3- lost cat- small calico, white back legs- Warwick Rd.
• Still lost- since mid June- small grey tiger cat, DSH- Crystal St.
• August 17th- lost cat- very small female- no other decription given- Laurel St.
• August 20- lost cat- male, grey Maine Coon- Marmion Rd.

Animals available for adoption

Several pets found in Melrose are currently available for adoption. Two dogs, Shadow and Pumpkin, pictured below, as well as many wonderful cats, are being helped to find their forever homes by PAWS Wakefield. Please contact them for more information. UPDATE- Shadow and Pumpkin have been adopted!

Pumpkin

Shadow

In addition, Melrose Canine Control has a parakeet who needs a new home. "Charlie" is mostly white and appears young and friendly. UPDATE: Charlie has been adopted! Call 781-979-4102 for more information.

Dog Park Grand Opening- Rescheduled

The grand opening of the Melrose Dog Park has been rescheduled to Thursday, August 23rd. Please check back for more info later.

July lost and found pets

• July 3- found parakeet, mostly white, near Beech and Meridian Sts.
• July 7- lost cat, grey tabby with a lot of white on face, chest and paws, Renwick Rd./Highlands train station area.
• July 12- found cat, calico, medium haired, Maple St.
• July 13- found cat, DSH tortoiseshell, south end of Main St. OWNER FOUND!
• July 13- found cat, young Maine Coon with a lion cut, double paws, Slayton Rd.
• July 21- lost cat- black and white DSH, black face and white paws, Melrose/Wakefield line.
• July 25- lost cat- brown tiger DSH, black spot on nose, white chest and neck- Pearl St.

• July 29- lost cat- grey and white DSH- Oakland St.- see photo above.

Upcoming presentation on dog play

The City of Melrose and the Melrose Dog Society present:

Dog Park Discussions:     ”Dog Play”

Tuesday, June 26th
6:30-8:30pm

Melrose Memorial Hall – GAR room
590 Main Street, Melrose
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. We will look at video of healthy and unhealthy play and discuss ways to make the dog park fun for all. Liz Shaw CPDT-KA, owner of Magical Mutt, will lead the discussion.

Suggested donation $5 per person. Proceeds to go toward the speaker’s fee and to dog park improvements.

No pre-registration required.
FMI: call Melrose Canine Control 781-979-4102

This is a human only presentation, please leave your canine friends at home.

                   Responsible Neighbors.  Happy Dogs!

Hot weather safety tips for pets

As we enter our first hot weather of the summer, let's take a moment to review hot weather safety tips for our pets. Though it all seems like common sense, this office still gets several calls each year about pets left in hot cars. Never leave your pet in the car in hot weather- even with the windows rolled down, even in the shade, even with a dish of water. You may think you'll only be gone for a minute, but you could get delayed. The temperature inside a parked car can kill a pet in just a few minutes.

The following safety tips come from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:

Caring For Your Pets in the Hot Weather


As the summer heat approaches, here are some preparedness tips to consider when caring for your pets:

• Never leave pets in a car, even with the windows down. The inside of a car can reach temperatures in excess of 150 degrees in a matter of minutes.

• If possible, pets should be kept indoors during excessive heat.

• If keeping a pet outside, make sure that pets have adequate shelter from the sun and plenty of fresh water at all times.

• Plan outside activities with your pets during the cooler parts of the day: early morning and evening. Limit the outside activity of your pets during the heat of the day.

• During hot weather sidewalks and pavement radiate excessive amounts of heat and can be too hot for the pads of your pet's paws. Consider that if the sidewalk is too hot for you to walk barefoot, it is too hot for your pet to walk on.

• Allow access to the coolest part of your home. If you don’t have air conditioning, or you turn it off while at work, make sure your pet can get to a cool place, such as a basement.

• Take extra precautions in hot weather for dogs that are elderly, overweight or snub-nosed.

• Always have a disaster plan in place for you, your family and your pets.

• Remember, WHEN YOU GO, THEY GO. DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM. If you are told to evacuate, take your pets with you. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND.

June lost and found pets

• June 1- found dog- small female terrier, tricolor, Grove St. Call Melrose Canine Control 781-979-4102
• June 1- lost cat- small female Siamese, Black Rock Rd.

• June 1- lost dog- small brown female (not the one found in Melrose), lost from Medford. FOUND!

• June 1- lost rabbit- mostly brown and black, Ashburton Place.
• June 10th- lost cat- male DSH orange cat, no white markings, First St./Sewall Rd. area. FOUND!
• June 12th- found cat- brown tiger with white on nose, chest and paws, DMH. Found on Melrose St.
• June 19th- lost cat- DSH, grey tiger with white nose, paws and belly, Crystal St.
• June 24th- lost cat- DSH, female, black with white nose and belly, Swains Pond Ave. near Malden border.
• June 25th- found dog- black and white male Lhasa or ShihTsu, Sheffield/Sharon Rd. OWNER FOUND!
• June 28th- lost cat- white and grey Siamese, Rowe St.

An excellent resource for outdoor information

Commonwealth Conversations: The Great Outdoors

Sharing ideas and working together to protect and enjoy our environment.

05/25/2012

Rapids are always changing

Tim Purinton

Director, Department of Fish and Game's Division of Ecological Restoration

View Tim's Bio

At last spring showers are falling and rivers are back on the rise. Rising water is often the trigger for our migratory fish to start swimming upstream in search of spawning grounds. It is also the trigger for many paddlers to start paddling downstream through the rapids.
Massachusetts offers a bounty of paddling opportunities. Though it is the whitewater paddlers who will don a drysuit or wetsuit, life jacket and helmet this early in the season when water temperatures may be hovering just above freezing. Fortunately, there are opportunities in Massachusetts to enjoy a whitewater paddling excursions throughout the summer and fall.
Regardless of whether you explore rivers in the company of a professionally trained raft guide, as part of a fishing and boating tour, by renting a canoe or inflatable raft or simply grabbing your kayak and paddle in your garage, there are several things you should keep in mind.
River recreation has certain risks that can be minimized with proper judgment and equipment. Safety is an attitude and awareness, as much as a set of rules. Have an honest knowledge of your skills and experience, and only attempt activities within your ability.
RIVER SAFETY:

• Because whitewater releases from the hydropower dams can raise water levels quickly, visitors are advised to be alert to changing conditions. River flow forecasts and water level reports for several river segments in Massachusetts may be obtained by phone and online at http://www.h2oline.com/.
• Practice extra caution above and below dams. Do not paddle close to the tops of dams, or approach the outfall below the dam. Despite a seemingly benign appearance, the hydraulic created by the outflowing water can create a deadly trap.
• Brush, fallen logs, bridge pilings or anything else which allows the river current to sweep through but pins you or your boat against it can be dangerous. This is especially true due to recent storm events and fallen trees. Keep in mind, fallen trees provide many benefits to fish and wildlife. Check out DER's and Appalachian Mountain Club's Trees, Paddlers and Wildlife: Safeguarding Ecological and Recreational Values on the River brochure and video for guidance on ways to assess and ways to address obstacles in the river created by woody vegetation.
• Do not stand up in fast water if deeper than mid-calf. Your feet and legs could be trapped, allowing the current to push you under. Instead, float on your back with your feet on the surface "in front of you" or "downstream of you."  Hold your boat downstream of you so you do not become trapped between your boat and a rock or barrier. Wait to stand up until the current slows or the water becomes shallow.
• If you hear thunder and see lightning, get off the water. Take shelter in a thick stand of trees if lightning strikes nearby.
• Know without a doubt what poison ivy looks like. In some areas of the river it is plentiful as some of us outdoor enthusiasts have come to know all too well.

Be a well-prepared paddler:

• Wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD), especially if you are in rapid current, are a weak swimmer, or the water is cold. By law children are required to wear a properly fitting PFD, and each adult is required to have one in the boat. Think of it as a seatbelt—it only works when you are wearing it.
• Wear footgear to protect against sharp rocks or other hazards, and sunscreen and a hat to protect from the sun.
• In case the boat tips over (mishaps do happen), stow your items neatly in a waterproof bag, so they can be retrieved easily. A duffel or backpack lined with plastic bags that is secured to the boat works well.
• Be aware of the signs of hypothermia. Symptoms include: uncontrollable shivering, mental confusion, physical sluggishness, pale complexion, and an inability to get warm. Hypothermia can occur even during the summer if you're not equipped properly.
• Don't drink any surface water unless it has been chemically treated or physically filtered.

Now that you are well-prepared (or, if you prefer, being a spectator), then you might want to check out some river events happening this spring listed in the DER's Rivers and Wetlands Month calendar.

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05/21/2012

Weekly Outdoor Events 5/21/12

Madeleine Barr
Multimedia intern, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)
View Madeleine's Bio

This is the week to take a good look around and enjoy the beautiful nature that surrounds you.  There are paddle trips this week on the DCR's Blackstone River, the Ipswich River, and a special sunset paddle along the Slocum River in South Dartmouth.   Each of these trips will allow you the unique opportunity to interact with nature and mosey right down the middle of a watershed reservation that is bursting with bird and animal life. Then, on Friday you can join ecologist Julie Richburg to search for the Juniper Hairstreak butterfly along the banks of the Connecticut River and through the hills above Holyoke.   We found 41 Hairstreaks in 2009 but none in 2010.
On Saturday, May 26, at 10am starts Glendale Falls Scenic Work Day.  We are looking for some wonderful volunteers to help us repair nature trails and spruce up the scenic area.  Some of the most stunning waterfalls in Massachusetts are located here, and you can be a part of their preservation.   If you are not able to make any of the river tours, the butterfly hunt, or nature restore day, I challenge you to take note of at least two beautiful things you find in the nature around your own home.  Feel free to share with us in the comment section below!     
And remember to check out the Great Outdoors interactive calendar for a complete listing of outdoor events in Massachusetts. Bookmark the MassWildlife events page too, for wildlife related talks, events, hikes and more!

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May lost and found pets

• May 15th- lost cat- black with white paws, whiskers, belly and forehead, Pleasant St. FOUND!

• May 15th- lost dog, older black lab mix, lost from Cedar St. Stoneham. See poster above.
• May 25th- lost Cockatiel- yellow with orange cheeks and grey on the wings. FOUND!
• May 28th- found rabbit- black, lop-eared, with white markings., West Emerson St.
• May 28th- lost cat- large orange tabby, Stoneham/Melrose line- has microchip.
• May 28th- lost cat- white and grey Ragdoll, Stoneham/Melrose line. Found.

• May 31st- found dog- medium sized brown female, Upham Street.
• May 31st- lost cat- medium-haired orange female, Main St. Wakefield on the Melrose border.

April Lost and Found pets

• April 10th- Found cat- small, female black DSH. Chestnut Park area. Owner located.
• April 11th- Lost dog- male Shiba Inu, wearing purple collar with tags. Forest Dale cemetery, Malden. FOUND!
• April 13th- Found cat- grey tiger with white paws and nose. Dyer Rd. area.
• April 18th- Lost cat- small female dilute calico (grey, tan and white). Derby Rd. area.
• April 20th- found dog- neutered male chihuahua/doxie mix, brown and white.

March lost and found pets

• March 22- found cat- grey, long haired, with white legs. Found near corner of Larrabee and Laurel.

Foster home needed for dog

Older, neutered male Chihuahua needs foster home. Please call 781-979-4102.

Special Home Needed for Shadow

Shadow is a ten and a half year old German Shepherd mix who came into our care when her owner died. In spite of most likely being in extreme pain from severe dental disease, her friendly nature was obvious right from the start. Though some people might have seen just a sick old dog who should be put down, her spirit and enjoyment of life shined through, and we decided she needed a second chance.

With the loving care and expertise of the VCA Animal Hospital in Wakefield and generous financial help from Poundhounds, she has been nursed back to health and is ready for a new home.

We are looking for a very special adopter for Shadow. While her health issues have been brought under control, she is an older dog and will need some daily medications for the rest of her life. Nobody knows how much healthy, happy time she has left, therefore the person who adopts her will have to be brave enough to give their heart to a dog knowing that they’ll only have a few years together at best.

Shadow loves car rides, short walks, and just hanging out with her people. She gets along with other dogs and loves to play. She’s actually a little too playful with cats, though she has lived with a cat in the past. Therefore, we do think she would do best in a home without cats. We don’t know how she feels about children, so we’re looking for an adult home for her as well.

If you think you might be that special person for Shadow, please contact Diane Kurkjian at Melrose Animal Control 781-979-4102 or Jen Park at VCA Wakefield 781-245-0045.

February lost and found

• February 1- lost cat- declawed female DLH, grey stripes with a peach colored underside. Bellevue Ave.

• February 6- lost cat- male, grey with white chest, kinks in tail. Park St. See photo above.FOUND!
• February 13- found cat- large, short-haired, black and white. Vinton St. near Otis St.

Urgent- new home or foster home needed

Friendly, male short-haired black and white cat, 2 years old, needs new home or temporary foster home by next Tuesday, February 7th. Please call 781-979-4102 for more information.

URGENT- Medical Foster Home Needed

This message is cross-posted from my good friends at MUSH- Massachusetts Union for Siberian Huskies. Some of you may have met MUSH members at the dog festival. Their website is http://www.mushdogs.org/.

About Maverick
Maverick is a beautiful, 3-year-old, intact male with a tale to tell. Some time ago, he and his mate were brought to a boarding kennel to stay while his human family was in the process of moving. However, 6 months later, the family still hasn't reclaimed them, and attempts to contact the family have been unsuccessful. While at the boarding kennel, they lived mostly outside with very little exercise. Maverick became very stressed due to lack of exercise and social interaction. He was recently surrendered to the Animal Rescue League (ARL) in Brewster, MA.

Unfortunately, at some point during his outdoor time, Maverick also became infected with heartworms. This was discovered as part of ARL's routine intake screening. Maverick needs to start treatment soon. MUSH and ARL will pay for this treatment as well as his eventual neuter.

Maverick's Prognosis
The prognosis for Maverick's recovery is excellent, if treatment can begin shortly. Heartworm is, of course, very treatable, but the process is a lengthy one (months, not weeks). In order for Maverick to survive his treatment, he needs to be kept relatively quiet. After 6 months in a kennel, he is what we call "kennel crazy". He is circling in his kennel and anxious. ARL and MUSH volunteers have begun walking with Maverick every day, and his stress levels appear to be decreasing. For his treatment to be successful, he MUST be treated in a home setting with structure and love where there is a chance for keeping him quiet and resting.

We are optimistic that he will do very well in a home. We have let him run in the paddock at ARL. Once he works off some energy, he comes over and leans into you to be petted. While he appears to have had no formal training, including housebreaking, he learns fast. In 5 minutes, he was sitting for treats which he takes ever so gently. So manners are mostly a matter of training which can be carried out simultaneously with his heartworm treatment and mild exercise. He has been temperament tested and show no signs of aggression. Just love. His spirit is clearly not broken.

Help Us Help Maverick
There’s very little about Maverick that is not correctible. His only fault is that he hates cats, and it is apparent that he would best be placed in a home without cats or other small animals. At 3 years of age, he should have many long years of good health and happiness ahead of him. If you have room in your home and a place in your heart for Siberian Huskies, this guy is definitely worth the effort. He responds to treats, and he can be bribed, which should facilitate training. His coloring is spectacular, and he should get lots of attention no matter where you take him. Those who have had the experience of fostering a dog through heartworm treatment have been amply rewarded with a bonding experience they will always cherish.

If you are interested in fostering and saving Maverick's life, please email us ASAP at help@mushdogs.org. Here are the requirements for fostering:

• NO CATS or other small animals. Although he likes other dogs, he is very cat aggressive

• The patience and leadership to teach a very smart and loving boy to be a house dog.

• Willing to work on crate training so he can be crated during the height of his treatment.

• Willing to commit to foster for approximately 3 months which is the estimated length of treatment.

• Willing to go to either Wakefield, MA or Eastham, MA for vet visits.

• Preference to homes with only one or two other dogs in order to increase the probability of keeping him quiet during treatment.

For more information, please email MUSH at help@mushdogs.org.

Please help us save this beautiful boy!

Thank you from all of us at MUSH

Time to renew 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, 2011. 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 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.

Volunteers needed

Melrose Humane Society is looking for one or more volunteers to help at their adoption center at PetSmart on Route 1 in Saugus. Volunteers would care for the cats and assist with adoptions. Help is needed at various times- days, evenings and weekends. Please contact Melrose Humane Society at 781-662-3224.

New Catmobile dates- February

New Catmobile dates- February

New Catmobile dates are available here: www.mrfrs.org/subpg/news/calendar.php

Low-Cost Mobile Spay/Neuter for Cats
A non-profit program dedicated to helping end cat overpopulation.

Neuter Packages $75
Spay Packages $100
Package Includes: Exam, Spay/Neuter, Rabies Vaccine, Flea Treatment
Microchipping available for a $20 fee

Join the Catmobile on Facebook at www.facebook.com/catmobilemrfrs

To book your appointment call 1-978-465-1940 or email catmobile@mrfrs.org

January lost and found

• December 31- lost cat- DSH grey tabby with a lot of white, extra toes on all 4 feet, Vinton St. area. See photo above.
• January 3- found cat- grey tabby with white markings (different cat from above), Gooch St.

• January 6- lost cat- longhaired brown tabby- Vinton St. near Lynn Fells Parkway. See photo above. FOUND!

• January 8- lost cat- neutered male Bengal cat- Upham St. See photo of cat on right, above.FOUND!