Big News for the dogs of Somerville! 

1: Som-Dog Wants Input
Som-Dog  made some big changes last fall. Founder Michele Biscoe stepped down as chairperson of the Som|Dog group. She worked with Somerville officials to get off leash dog parks through the city, and was the voice of Somerville dogs for 8 years. Now that Brian Davis is at the helm, the Som-Dog team is looking to build on the foundation that Michele set. What is important to you? What would you like Som-Dog to take on? There is a 5 minute survey that you can take. I talked with Brian, and he said the input that they have received so far has been quite helpful: 

Click Here To Take The Survey

2: Pints for Pups
If you love beer and love dogs, this is the event for you. 

"Pizza & Pints for Pups" will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.on Tuesday,
Feb. 5. at Flatbread Company in Davis Square, 45 Day Street in Somerville.

Tickets are $25 and entrance includes pizza, all you can drink Rapscallion
Honey Ale, a year-long som|dog membership which will offer discounts to
local businesses, and the chance to win treats for dogs and humans. Each patron will also receive a gift bag courtesy of Riverdog.

Can't make it out on Tuesday night but still want to help? From 5 to 11p.m., order a pizza for take-out from Flatbread in Davis Square. A portion of the proceeds from every pizza sold that night, take-out or dining-in will benefit som|dog. 

My understanding is that they are almost sold out of tickets (already!), so if you're interested in going, you might want to jump on this sooner rather than later. 

3. Dog Training Comes Back to Somerville: 
Last August, Magical Mutt closed its doors when owner Liz Shaw went on to greener pastures (literally! She opened a sheep farm in New Hampshire!). Since then, I had a baby, and my training partner, Leah Tremble, started running classes at Riverdog in Union Square. With the New Year, we are both now fully up and ready to teach with our friends at Riverdog. Thanks to Peter and Priscilla to giving us a place to teach!

We aren't ready to teach Agility and Frisbee just yet - but we are teaching basic manners, advanced manners and puppy classes. If you are interested in taking a class with your dog or puppy, or if you have an idea for a class you'd like to see offered, please contact Peter at Riverdog by calling 857-998-3343  or emailing Riverdog@riverdogdaycare.com

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Melissa McCue-McGrath, CPDT-KA is a certified dog trainer in Somerville. In her spare time, she brews beer, is training a 4 month old human, and runs the Muttstuff Blog. She is available for private training, group classes, and free hugs.