let's take a ride

let's take a ride Dog-Friendly

NEWBURYPORT

By Darlene Woodward - Photographer Photography by Darlene Woodward - Pant the Town Photography

I live in Georgetown, Massachusetts and I love my little town! My design studio is here, and we do have some hiking trails that are perfect to photograph dogs. If I’m looking for something close to home but with a bit more “variety”, Newburyport is my “go to” for photo sessions. They have an adorable downtown with dog-friendly shops, a beautiful rail trail with art displayed along the paths, a harbor walk with gorgeous views, and a 450-acre park to easily get lost in! (Yes, I admit, I’ve been lost in Maudslay State Park during a photo session!) I thought I’d share some of the different locations with you in case you might be looking for some local dog-friendly outings to enjoy!

Rosie - Just Dogs, Newuburyport

Downtown

Newburyport is super dog-friendly! Many of the shops have water bowls set up for your pooch and good-mannered pups can browse with you. The city itself makes for some great backdrops, especially the brick buildings. Fall and winter are my favorite seasons with the streets lined with leaves, or even snow!When you hit Pleasant St., be sure to stop in and see Judy at Just Dogs! She will be sure to have a treat ready for your pooch! This is my favorite pet boutique.

Harbor Walk

Downtown Newburyport runs right next to the harbor, which has a lovely, scenic path to walk. There are grassy areas to kick back, and boats to watch go by.

Clipper City Rail Trail

The walk along Newburyport’s Harbor leads to the Clipper City Rail Trail. Entrance to the path is close to Michael’s Harborside Restaurant. The Clipper City Rail Trail is part of the “Coastal Trails Coalition,” which is developing in the four towns of Amesbury, Newbury, Newburyport, and Salisbury along the Merrimack River and will eventually be a link in the 28-mile Border to Boston Trail. Beautiful art aligns the trails in the form of sculptures, some being interactive for children.

Maudslay State Park

Maudslay State Park is one of my favorite trail spots north of Boston. The park features 19th century gardens and plantings, rolling meadows, towering pines, and one of the largest naturally-occurring stands of mountain laurel in Massachusetts. It’s the perfect place for a walk, bike ride or picnic. Just a heads up – there is a fee to park. For Massachusetts residents it’s just $5, but if you are from out of state it is $20. I’ve done photos here all four seasons of the year, and it’s always a beautiful place! If your dog is easily “distracted”, it’s a big enough acreage where you can hide

Darlene Woodward is a professional pet photographer and certified professional dog trainer in the New England, MA, servicing MA, NH and ME. Learn more about her work at: PantTheTown.com

Nica Love

Walter’s Wall

fun things to bark ABOUT

Hungarian Mudi

Russian Toy

Walter’s Wall

Words really do make an impact and kudos to Walter, Senior Helpers beloved black Lab, who writes a column in every issue of Seacoast Bark called “Walter’s Words of Wisdom.” Walter was thrilled to learn that their favorite office mail lady has not only read all of his columns, but also saves them and has a wall in her office displaying all of his words of wisdom! Boy, did that ever make him feel happy!

Nica Love 2021

Rye resident Julie Burke founded NicaLove in 2015. The non-profit focuses on animal rescue, veterinary care and spay & neuter for animals in Nicaragua. Julie has worked relentlessly to help family pets and street dogs, as well as educate the locals on animal care. Following is what Julie has to say when looking back at all they accomplished in 2021:

“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to those who have supported our mission in saving animals in Nicaragua this year. With 310 spay-neuter surgeries, 439 wellness checkups, 509 vaccinations, and well over 75 supported surgeries, we have had a great impact this year, all made possible by your support. As many of you know, I am the human heart behind NicaLove.

With boots on the ground, I see firsthand the crushing challenges faced in these under-served communities, and on their pets and working animals. We have the power to make a difference in the lives of many, despite the challenges that the last year and a half have brought. NicaLove continues to have a significant impact on those in need in the communities we serve. Your support means the world to us – and the animals we serve.”

For more information please visit: www.nicalove.org or julie@nicalove.org New AKC Breeds

The American Kennel Club added two new breeds to their purebred line-up in 2022: the Hungarian Mudi and the Russian Toy. That means they're eligible to compete for best in show at many U.S. dog shows, including the AKC's big annual championship and the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club show. The Mudi (pronounced like "moody") descended from long lines of Hungarian sheepdogs before a museum director took an interest in the breed and gave it a name around 1930. Fans say the medium-size, shaggy dogs are vigor-

Storytime

Summer Camp

Photo by Sean McNeil

NoBowl Cat Bowl

ous, versatile and hardworking, able to herd sheep, hunt boars, snag rats and compete in canine sports such as agility and dock diving. The Russian toy developed from small English terriers that gained the fancy of Russian elites by the early 1700s. These small dogs weigh no more than 6.5 pounds, have a leggy silhouette, perky expression and lively demeanor. The AKC is the United States' oldest purebred dog registry and recognizes 199 breeds, including the two newcomers.

Fun for Kids (NHSPCA)

Looking for some fun things to do with your kids? The New Hampshire SPCA offers an array of interesting, educational and fun opportunities for children to interact with animals and learn compassion and kindness for all living things. Check out their “programs for kids” page for a complete overview! Some of their unique programs include

Animal Pen Pals, Reading with the Animals,

Story Time with Animals as well as birthday parties, various camp programs and more! nhspca.org/programs-for-kids/ The NoBowl Cat Bowl

Instinctually, cats are hunters and very skilled at finding mice and other little creatures to eat. Now there is a unique new feeding system that makes eating all about “the thrill of the hunt!” Instead of feeding your kitty with a bowl, the NoBowl comes with five rodent-shaped pods that you fill with dry food and hide around your house. Their website states, “The NoBowl Feeding System is designed with a soft skin to simulate its prey. It’s designed to roll and move in the way a mouse or bird would.” The feeding system comes with 5 NoBowls so your cat can hunt for five small meals a day…also offering a fun new way to play! (www.nobowlcat.com)

seacoastbarkmagazine.com 13

Energy Drink Update Energy drinks (well, kind of energy drinks) are now available for cats and dogs! Fur Loco drinks were created by Denver-based Apollo Peak, makers of wines for cats and dogs. They offer four varieties. Fur Loco Purple, intended mostly for dogs, is made with peppermint extract for fresh breath. Fur Loco Pink contains catnip and valerian, which they say "provides excitement followed by a high-like relaxation in cats," and offers a mellow mood for dogs. Fur Loco Green, with lemongrass and hemp oil, is designed to relax your pooch. And Fur Loco Blue is made with chamomile and valerian, which makes cats excited while keeping dogs calm. The drinks are made with natural ingredients like beet juice, plant extracts and salmon oil for color and flavor. What will crazy humans think up next? (www.apollopeak.com)