~ Our News, Events, Suggested Links ~ 

It is our mission to help your family improve your dog's quality of life by providing them with a nurturing, stimulating and secure environment to enjoy while you are away from home. Providing your pooch with Daycare allows them  to be a social member of a canine family, and can help to reduce or eliminate unwanted behaviors, add to socialization skills and is beneficial exercise! A well-exercised dog is a happier, healthier, better-behaved dog! We encourage you and your canine to visit our pack!  We offer over a 1/2 acre of fenced play yard and a climate controlled daycare facility with rubber flooring, for easy on the joints while playing. Many of the smaller dogs have their own days, Tuesday & Thursday's to be with dogs compatible to their own size.  

We look forward to getting to know you and your furry friend and to assist you with all of your canine's needs. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. If we can not directly assist you, we will refer you to an animal specialist who can! 

Bonnie Buckley; the owner of Alternative Dog has been an active part of the Animal Rescue community for over 20 years. Bonnie welcomes local rescuer's to make contact if your rescue would like to use our facility to house an "Adoption Event". Adoptive pets must be fully vaccinated and have current health certificates & originate from MA. 

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Have a friend or family member with a pooch who could benefit from one of our services? Contact us at 978-346-7266 or at paws@alternativedog.com to purchase a Gift Certificate for your 4-legged friends!

**Dogs&Storks™ offers, positive, practical and fun solutions 
for families preparing for baby. This program clears up myths,
emphasizes realistic expectations and sets families and
their dogs up for success before baby arrives!
Go visit: DogsandStorks.com

Dogs, Babies, and Expectations – Getting You Ready!

Childproofing Your Dog : Brian Kilcommons
Parenting with Pets : Christine Hamer
Raising Puppies & Kids Together : Pia Silvani

 

**DISCUSSING CANINE TICK DISEASE'S

by: Pam Barbe, MT (ASCP)

What is Tick Disease?

  1. What is Tick Disease?
  2. What are the signs and symptoms of tick diseases?
  3. What is meant by the terms acute, sub-acute (sub-clinical) and chronic?
  4. Can tick disease mimic other medical conditions?
  5. What routine lab tests can be indicators of possible tick disease?
  6. How many strains of Ehrlichia are there?
  7. Which ticks in the US transmit disease?
  8. Which diseases should my dog be tested for?
  9. Where can the testing be done?
  10. What will the result of the titer tell me?
  11. How do you remove an attached tick?
  12. What preventive measures are available to avoid ticks on my dog?
  13. What is used to treat tick disease?
  14. How do you identify the type of tick?
  15. References and other Valuable Links
  16. DISCLAIMER

 

** UPCOMING CANINE GOOD CITIZEN TESTING **

Canine Good Citizen Tests — Practice your skills at drop-in classes beforehand. Go HERE to see the requirements and remember your dog’s brush and rabies certificate.  This test is offered by Old Colony Obedience Club.

 

** UPCOMING THERAPY DOG TESTING **

MA:
Happy Tails Doggie Daycare
Franklin, MA
October 22, 2011
10:00 AM
Pre-registration required
For more information please contact TDI Evaluator: GINA LYN HAYES at (508) 274-0610 or ghayes7299@verizon.net 

 

Especially For Pets
Sudbury, MA
October 22, 2011
10:30 AM
Pre-registration required
Limit 8 dogs
For more information please contact TDI Evaluator: LINDA WRIGHT at PLJWRIGHT@VERIZON.NET 

 
Performance Plus
Taunton, MA
November 5, 2011
10:00 AM
Pre-registration required
For more information please contact Performance Plus Dog Training at 508-821-7587 or performanceplus@wahoo-lets-train.com 

 
MasterPeace Dog Training
Franklin, MA
December 10, 2011
12:00 PM
Pre-registration required
Limit 20 dogs
For more information please contact MasterPeace Dog Training at (508) 553-9300 or masterpeacedog@aol.com 

NEW HAMPSHIRE:

Finlayson Pet Care Center
Chichester, NH
October 29, 2011
12:30 PM
Pre-registration required
For more information please contact TDI Evaluator: LINDA HEATH at (603) 848-7149 or linsborders@comcast.net 

MAINE:

American Legion Post #1
Rockland, ME
October 26, 2011
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Pre-registration required
Limit 4 dogs
For more information please contact TDI Evaluator: STEVEN SEEKINS at (207) 594-9747 or PetTherapy@roadrunner.com 

 
American Legion Post #1
Rockland, ME
November 23, 2011
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Pre-registration required
Limit 10 dogs
For more information please contact TDI Evaluator: STEVEN SEEKINS at (207) 594-9747 or PetTherapy@roadrunner.com 

 
American Legion Post #1
Rockland, ME
December 28, 2011
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Pre-registration required
Limit 10 dogs
For more information please contact TDI Evaluator: STEVEN SEEKINS at (207) 594-9747 or PetTherapy@roadrunner.com 

 
American Legion Post #1
Rockland, ME
January 25, 2012
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Pre-registration required
Limit 4 dogs
For more information please contact TDI Evaluator: STEVEN SEEKINS at (207) 594-9747 or PetTherapy@roadrunner.com 

 

Therapy Dogs International (TDI®) is a volunteer organization dedicated to regulating, testing and registration of
therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers for the purpose of visiting nursing homes, hospitals, other institutions and
wherever else therapy dogs are needed. VISIT THEIR SITE!

**Testing Requirements

Daycare Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday: 6:30AM - 6:00 PM

57 Bear Hill Rd - Merrimac, MA 01860 
Phone: 978-346-7266
Toll Free: 877-DOG-PAWZ (364-7299) 
Email: paws@alternativedog.com