Wednesday, July 27, 2011

About dogs and the T? -

Someone commented on one of my answers to another question (thanks to whoever that was, I didn t see your response until the question was in voting so I could not see your username. I did vote you best answer!) So, has anyone in the city taken your dog on the T? I think mine would be very scared and nervous at first but that she would eventually get used to it. Have your experiences been good with this? I might not keep my car much longer so I just want to make sure I can get my doggie around as she needs to go to the vet or daycamp or something. I could not even think of giving her up, she is my best friend.

That was me! If I remember, you are in Brighton. My dog is about 25 pounds, too big for a lap dog, but not the biggest by far. I take my dog on the T all the time. She likes to get on and find the seats with space under them. She doesn t much like the red/orange/blue lines, but she s a big fan of the tunnel in Park Station where the bums all pee. Don t let anyone pet your dog until she gets used to it. Also, try her out on a Sunday morning when no one is on the T. The rules are non-rush hour, at the discretion of the driver. Green Line is best. (Fewer people) You are fine any weekend hour, and weekdays after 9:00 and before 5:00, then after 7:00pm. If a packed car comes by, wait for another. We ve never had a problem. I ve never had a green line driver say no, but a couple of the 57 bus drivers don t like dogs. Just wait for the next one. Places to take her: Back Bay Vets (pricey), Hynes. Brookline Animal Hospital (Brookline Center on the Green Line D, or the 66 bus)Angell Memorial, many ways. Also cabs are cheap depending on where you are going from/to. Make sure you mention that you have a dog when you call. Walks: Charles River. Green Line to BU Central, walk over the overpass. Or to Arlington. Fabulous walk. Riverway - Green Line Fenway(D), or St. Mary s(C), or BU Central(B). Wonderful. Reservoir - Reservoir on the Green Line. Newton: Chestnut hill has a huge park. Off Leash parks: Brookline Playgrounds, Brookline Village (D) or Bus 66. Check the Brookline Parks Department website for more, that town has the best off leash parks. Petco: Green Line Lechmere. Brookline Grooming (Expensive brands of pet food): Coolidge Corner on the C line, or Bus 66.Also -- some pet stores will take an order over the phone and send it to you by cab. (Think dog food.) Also investigate Zipcar for times you really need a car.

Duing off-peak hours, non-service dogs are allowed at the discretion of T vehicle operators. Dogs must be properly leashed and are not allowed to annoy riders or take up a seat. For safety and convenience during rush hours, small domestic animals must be carried in lap-sized containers.