The Boston Dog Lover's Companion: The Inside Scoop on Where to Take Your Dog

Invaluable Information. My dog and I have been to so many of the places listed in this book that we otherwise never would have known about. Each park has a very descriptive summary. They even mention places to lodge or eat with your pet. Getting out with your pet is a great way to explore nature, get some excerise and bond ever so closely with your best friend and this book shows you where to do it. I can't wait until a central and western MA area guide is released :)

I live by this book. My dog and I try to visit at least 3 new places a month, besides our old favorites, and this book is what we use. One note: Lynn Woods is now an on-leash spot, as of the summer of 2000. But don't worry, there are many other great spots you can go offleash, even close to Boston, the city that never met a leash law it didn't like. I only wish this book covered all of Massachusetts, or even southern New Hampshire! Maybe the authors will sleuth out a few more places to enjoy, hint, hint. One note: you may want to bring a road atlas with you, because sometimes street signs are down and not replaced, etc., especially in smaller towns. I cannot recommend this book strongly enough. My dog is so happy, visiting these great places, and so am I. And the scenery at some of these places is just beautiful. You and your dog will love it.

When we arrived in the Boston Metro area with our golden retriever, this was the first book we bought. It is a god-send! Immensely detailed and highly accurate, it lists hundreds of places to take your dog in Boston, the surrounding communities, the Cape, and even as far afield as New Hamsphire. The book is divided into 12 geographic areas. In turn, each broad region is sub-divided by town. Within each town, Downey and Lau first list Parks, Beaches, and Recreation Areas. These are subjectively rated from 1 to 4 paws. In our experience, one paw sites are only good for a quick pitstop. Four paw sites, however, are routinely wonderful. Usefully, a running dog symbol indicates off-leash parks. Directions, a map, and a reasonably detailed description of the facilities follow. Downey and Lau also list for each towndog-friendly restaurants, accomodations, festivals, pet sitters, and the like. So far their advice has been dead accurate--up-to-date and on the money. If you love dogs and live in the Boston area, you need this book. Highly recommended.

You name a outdoor recreation spot near Boston and it's in this book! Even if you don't have a dog and you simply enjoy the outdoors, you need this book! It lists ALL of the places to hike and explore in and around Boston. My dog Lucky says hello too. I also agree with the other reader that Great Brook Farm State Park should be on your top doggy list. You rated it 4 paws with leash-free roaming. This place rocks.Thanx- Shawn

My wife and I love your book. We have visited 10 of the parks you list. However, please warn your readers that there is an adjacent rifle range in the Dogtown walk in Gloucester. If you have a dog that is frightened by gunfire, thunder, or cars backfiring then stay away from this walk! Our Bearded Collie ran away when the rifles started firing. We were very fortunate to find our dog (although about 4 miles away) in about 4 hours. I would not want this to happen to anyone else.