Suppose that you would like to devote a bit of time to volunteering for a local dog-related effort? What are your options in and around Cambridge?

Here are some that come to mind, but please add your own ideas so that we can generate a comprehensive and creative list!

CDOG:

Dog park cleanups (which are scheduled by CDOG but if you'd like help organizing one in your local park, drop us a line and we'd be happy to help you put it together and rally the troops!)

CDOG Logo design- if you're a pro or amateur graphic designer, please submit any ideas at the info@cambridgedog.org email address. We'll choose from all submissions in the late Fall)

We can always use members who are interested in sitting in on our monthly steering committee meetings and becoming more involved in our many political advocacy efforts.

Non- CDOG:

Volunteer at a shelter- The Cambridge Animal Commission does not operate a shelter, but this year is sending dogs to Petcetera Kennels at 820-A Pleasant Street in Belmont. This is also the shelter serving Watertown and Belmont. Please contact them directly to find out what kind of help they can use- most shelters are always in need of volunteers. Their number is 617-484-6133.

You could also get involved with a breed-specific rescue organization. For example, the closest group for Goldens is Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue: http://www.ygrr.org/. Poodle Rescue New England is based in Somerville: http://poodlerescuene.org/. Check the web for your favorite breed!

Getting your dog certified as a therapy dog is also a great way to serve the community. It may require a bit more of a time committment than some other opportunities, but it's incredibly rewarding. Local therapy groups include Caring Canines (http://www.caringcanines.org/) and Dog B.O.N.E.S. - Therapy Dogs of Massachusetts (http://www.therapydog.info/). Therapy Dogs International (TDI) isn't local; it's based in New Jersey, but it's a great resource at http://www.tdi-dog.org/whatdo.html.
Therapy Dogs International, Inc.
88 Bartley Road
Flanders, NJ 07836
Telephone: (973) 252-9800
Fax: (973) 252-7171

All of this is just a start- please add your ideas to the list!