New Pet Magazine Coming to NYC!

Hey dog lovers!

Sorry I've been away for so long. As you know, life can take some twists and turns when you least expect it and my life is twisting and turning!

Well, I recently found out some great news and I just had to share it with you.

A pet magazine called City Tails is going to debut in New York City in December! I'm excited about this news because I was so disappointed after a very popular pet magazine ceased operations several months ago. Where was I going to get my regular dose of doggie fashion, entertainment and animal welfare news? It looks like City Tails is ready to give New Yorkers something to read and talk about!

Here's more information about the City Tails launch:

Janice Brown, founder of the Tails Pet Media Group, Inc., a Chicago-based publisher of local area pet magazines dedicated to animal rescue and adoption, announced the launching of City Tails.

Debuting in December, the magazine will offer practical, interesting, and entertaining local and national pet news and related features. It will also provide complete and up-to-date shelter listings, breed-rescue organization information, and emergency contacts. “New York City is one of the country’s best metropolitan areas for pets—it has a very active and passionate pet community—an ideal audience for our magazine,” said Ms. Brown. The Tails Pet Media Group, Inc. publishes award-winning magazines in 14 markets nationwide, with more on the way.

The American Humane Society estimates that six to eight million dogs and cats are euthanized in animal shelters annually across the US, costing local governments an estimated two billion dollars and according to the most recent available data, more than 40,000 animals were euthanized in New York City in 2005.

"We want to make people aware of the fact that they can adopt healthy and playful animals—even purebreds—and save that animal’s life," said Lorraine Sakli, City Tails Regional Publisher. "I consider this a great opportunity to bring valuable information and insight to pet guardians, and look forward to the challenge of building this magazine and making it available to everyone who has a pet they cherish."

City Tails will be distributed each month in street boxes strategically placed throughout NYC, as well as at pet product retailers, veterinarian offices, grocery stores, book stores, coffee houses, and many other mainstream and pet-friendly locations on a free basis. Content and resources will also be available online at www.CityTails.org.

Classes: Who's Walking Who?

Stacy Alldredge and the staff of Who's Walking Who will teach two 5-week obedience classes in Tompkns Square park starting Thursday, September 20th.

Enrollment is limited to 7 dogs per class. There are two instructors per class so you'll get plenty of hands on help. Classes are taught on long lines in the park, not in the dog run.

BASIC OBEDIENCE
Starts Thursday, September 20th at 7:00 p.m.
Costs: $225/5 weeks
Topics Covered:
• Introduction to positive training
• Say It Once - one command, one action
• Sit (untl I tell you otherwise)
• Down
• Stay (owner walks away and returns)
• Come (and sit in front of me)
• Heel (Walk when I walk, sit when I stop)
• Plus where to get help with house training, crate training, dog run issues, separation anxiety, problem jumping, barking, nutrition

INTERMEDIATE OBEDIENCE
Starts Thursday, September 20th at 8:00 p.m.
Costs: $225/5 weeks
• Review of Basic Obedience
• Perfecting the walk (walk at my side, no pulling, no lunging)
• Down (at a distrance)
• Stand
• Stay (long stays while owner walks away and returns)
• Heeling (on and off leash)
• Heel (Finish, swing to my side)
• Stay on Heel (moving stay while dog is heeling)
• Distance work with all commands
• Distractions (Do it every time, not when you feel like it)

For more information about the classes, visit Stacy's websites
http://www.whoswalk ingdogtraining. com
http://www.thedogru n-nyc.com

These classes will fill up soon. Space is reserved for Tompkins folks through labor day.

Bark in the Park!

The Brooklyn Cyclones in Coney Island are hosting an event in August called "BARK in The Park!"

They allow dogs to come to the baseball game that night! It is a $6 charge and you may be able to reserve space for your group!

Carlene of the NYC Chihuahua meetup group was kind enough to share this information.

Check out the Brooklyn Cyclones page for more info:: http://www.brooklyncyclones.com/tickets/individual/

THU, August 23 vs. ONT -- Bark in the Park (bring your dog to the game! Call 718-449-8497 for more info)

Watering holes for you and your dog

There’s nothing better than enjoying a cold beer with a few good friends, but what if your friends are among the four-legged set?

New York is brimming with dog lovers and booze hounds alike. Several bars are taking notice too! So go ahead, BYOD – bring your own dog -- and check out a few great spots for party animals.


MANHATTAN

Revival

Have a martini with your mutt inside this hidden gem located just a few blocks away from Union Square’s dog park and Irving Plaza. This quiet, casual bar plays an eclectic mix of rock and some hip hop, but on Thursdays they mix it up with “iPod night” where you set the atmosphere with queued-up tunes from your iPod. While you’re there, plop down on one of their comfy velveteen couches with a glass of chardonnay on the upper level or enjoy a pint with your pooch in their lush outdoor terrace. 129 E. 15th St., New York, NY 10003 nr. Irving Pl. 212-253-8061


Shake Shack

Hold a glass of wine in one hand and your dog’s leash in the other at this “roadside” food stand nestled in Madison Square Park and just a stone’s throw from James’ Run, a newly renovated dog park. The Shake Shack serves up casual fare, such as hot dogs, burgers, delicious frozen custards and for your furry friend -- a pooch-ini. 212-889-6600, www.shakeshacknyc.com, Southeast corner of Madison Square Park, near Madison Ave. and E.23rd St.


Bailey’s Corner Pub

This dog-friendly Irish pub boasts a dozen TVs that are strategically placed to keep sports fans from craning their neck, and it’s so cozy too. The owner is a dog lover and is known to play host to several dogs and their owners in search of a stiff drink after an afternoon romp at the nearby Carl Shurz dog run. 1607 York Ave, 212-650-1341


BROOKLYN

Moonshine

On every third Sunday, the owners of Moonshine encourage you to bring a bull dog and have a beer at their spot in Red Hook. What makes this local hangout stand out from the rest is the BBQ pit in their “beer garden” complete with two gas grills and smoker. You can get your grill on and use their condiments for free, but call ahead before showing up with your own meat or veggies to avoid a traffic jam. Come out for the jukebox filled with classic rock, arcade games from the 80’s and, of course, the wide variety of beers and whiskey too. 317 Columbia Street, between Woodhull and Rapele Streets, off of BQE, www.brooklynmoonshine.com

DRINK AND DO GOOD

A dog-friendly pawty with a purpose:

Canine Cocktail Pawty
Mix plenty of cocktails and several do-gooders together and you have a "pawty" for a good cause. Jenna Gates, organizer of a doggie playgroup for her favorite dog breed – Shiba Inus – concocted the Canine Cocktail Pawty as a way to amuse her playgroup members and raise money for canine charities. There will be another cocktail pawty in November 2007. Stay tuned! (For more information: www.caninecocktailpawty.com)

Canine Cruise is Sold Out!

Hey gang!

I hope you got your tickets to the 2nd Annual Canine Cruise hosted by Rece Reid and Tasasha Chavis. This dynamic duo has already sold out of tickets for this special event. And they are ready to sail and fun events to boot!

One of the events is the fashion show. Check out video of doggies strutting the dogwalk at last year's fashion show on the Canine Cruise.



To see their 2007 event program, visit www.caninecruise.com

Fitness with Fido!

Bideawee invites you to join us for the launch of FITNESS WITH FIDO!

Every Saturday, at 9:30am

Meet Location: Central Park Pedestrian Entrance at 66th St. & 5th Ave.

Meet other dogs and their pet parents while taking steps to a healthier lifestyle.

A free, weekly opportunity for you and your dog to exercise together along with Bideawee trainers, veterinarians, and adoptable dogs.

All welcome. Your pooch will thank you!

Info: 212-532-4986, info@bideawee.org

Pictured above: Woody and Benny playing at a NYC Schnauzers playdate.

Canine Cruise Video!

Roxie and I are attending the 2nd annual Canine Cruise. Will you be there? Don't miss the fun! Watch this video to see all the action.



Get your tickets today! Visit: www.caninecruise.com

A Reading (with dogs) at the Museum of the City of New York

Bring your dog to a special program for dogs and dog lovers in the Museum's courtyard. Best-selling novelist Cathleen Schine will read from The New Yorkers: A Novel (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2007), a hilarious account of the interactions among residents on an Upper West Side block and the important role their dogs play in their lives.

Adam Gopnik, award-winning critic-at-large for The New Yorker will introduce the program. In case of rain, the program will be held in the Museum's auditorium (without dogs). The author will donate all her proceeds from books sold at this event to Animal Haven.

Don't miss it! Even will be held on Saturday, JUNE 16 at 1 PM

FREE with Museum admission!
Please call 212.534.1672, ext. 3395 for more information.

Museum of the City of New York
1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street
212.534.1672
www.mcny.org

Directions
By subway: #6 Lexington Avenue train to 103rd St., then walk three blocks west.
#2 or #3 train to Central Park North/110th St., walk one block east to
Fifth Avenue, then south to 103rd St.
By bus: M1, M3, M4, or M106 to 104th St., M2 to 101st St.

Accessibility
Headsets and neck loops available for hard of hearing visitors for programs in the Museum Auditorium. Ramp access is available at the 104th Street entrance.


Thanks Jenna for the tip!

Is Your Dog a Good Citizen?

To find out, take the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test!

Your dog can earn an award from the AKC!

This two part test is conducted in approximately 10 minutes and is scheduled for the first Wednesday of every month from 6-7 p.m.

The test fee is $20 per dog and 100% of the fee is donated to Animal Haven.

To register contact us at 212-414-9597 or info@AndreaArden.com

Summer Pet Care Tips

When the lazy days of barbecues and swimming pools roll around, you can make them even better by sharing them with your favorite pet. By following a few summer pet safety tips, you can keep your animal friends healthy and enjoy the months of sun and fun.

* Never leave your pet in the car. Though it may seem cool outside, the sun can raise the temperature inside your car to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes, even with the windows rolled down. If you need to run some errands, leave the furry ones at home.

* As you're outside enjoying the warm weather, keep your pet leashed. It will keep her from getting lost, fighting other animals, and eating and drinking things that could make her sick. This tip isn't just for dogs--even cats can learn to walk on a leash if you train them.

* Water, water everywhere. Whether you're indoors or out, both you and your pet need access to lots of fresh water during the summer, so check her water bowl several times a day to be sure it's full. If you and your furry friend venture forth for the afternoon, bring plenty of water for both of you.

* Pets need sunscreen too. Though all that fur helps protect her, your pet can get sunburned, particularly if she has light skin and hair. Sunburn in animals can cause problems similar to those it can cause in people, including pain, peeling, and skin cancer. So keep your pet out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and when you do go out, rub a bit of sunblock on unprotected areas like the tips of her ears, the skin around her lips, and the tip of her nose.

* Say no to tangles. Keeping your pet well groomed will help her hair do what it was designed to do: protect her from the sun and insulate her from the heat. If she has extremely thick hair or a lot of mats and tangles, her fur may trap too much heat, so you may want to clip her.

* Watch out for antifreeze. Hot weather may tempt your pet to drink from puddles in the street, which can contain antifreeze and other chemicals. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that animals like, but it's extremely toxic. When you're walking your pet, make sure she doesn't sneak a drink from the street.

* Be cautious on humid days. Humidity interferes with animals' ability to rid themselves of excess body heat. When we overheat we sweat, and when the sweat dries it takes excess heat with it. Our four-legged friends only perspire around their paws, which is not enough to cool the body. To rid themselves of excess heat, animals pant. Air moves through the nasal passages, which picks up excess heat from the body. As it is expelled through the mouth, the extra heat leaves along with it. Although this is a very efficient way to control body heat, it is severely limited in areas of high humidity or when the animal is in close quarters.

* Make sure your pet doesn't overexert herself. Though exercise is an important part of keeping your dog or cat at a healthy weight, which helps her body stay cool, overdoing it can cause her to overheat. Keep the walks to a gentle pace and make sure she has plenty of water. If she's panting a lot or seems exhausted, it's time to stop.

* Take it easy on pets that can't deal with the heat. Elderly, very young, and ill animals have a hard time regulating their body temperature, so make sure they stay cool and out of the sun on steamy summer days. Dogs with snub noses, such as Pekingese, pugs, and bulldogs, have a hard time staying cool because they can't pant efficiently, so they also need to stay out of the heat. Overweight dogs are also more prone to overheating, because their extra layers of fat act as insulation, which traps heat in their bodies and restricts their breathing capabilities.

* Bring them inside. Animals shouldn't be left outside unsupervised on long, hot days, even in the shade. Shade can move throughout the afternoon, and pets can become ill quickly if they overheat, so keep them inside as much as possible. If you must leave your pet in the backyard, keep a close eye on her and bring her in when you can.

* Keep an eye out for heatstroke. Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, you must act quickly and calmly. Have someone call a veterinarian immediately. In the meantime, lower the animal's body temperature by applying towels soaked in cool water to the hairless areas of the body. Often the pet will respond after only a few minutes of cooling, only to falter again with his temperature soaring back up or falling to well below what is normal. With this in mind, remember that it is imperative to get the animal to a veterinarian immediately. Once your pet is in the veterinarian's care, treatment may include further cooling techniques, intravenous fluid therapy to counter shock, or medication to prevent or reverse brain damage.

Even with emergency treatment, heatstroke can be fatal. The best cure is prevention, and Fido and Fluffy are relying on you to keep them out of harm's way. Summer does not have to be fraught with peril--with ample precaution, both you and your furry friends can enjoy those long, hot dog-days of summer.

Signs of Heatstroke

* Panting
* Staring
* Anxious expression
* Refusal to obey commands
* Warm, dry skin
* High fever
* Rapid heartbeat
* Vomiting
* Collapse

Content provided by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Visit the AAHA pet owner Web site at www.healthypet.com for more pet care advice and to find an AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital near you.

Roxie's favorite: Benny's Brownie Bites

On special occasions, I like to give my pup Roxie something yummy and fun to eat as a reward -- Benny's Brownie Bites!

Yes, these brownies sure are a hit among the four-legged kids.

They are made by The Dog's Business (www.thedogsbusiness.com). This small upstart is the brainchild of Jennifer and her Schnauzer Benny. She bakes her 'paw lickin' treats out of her home in Brooklyn and Benny is the official taste tester.

Jennifer uses natural ingredients and also takes special requests, such as doggie birthday cakes, cupcakes, and more.

Roxie went stir crazy the first time she bit into one of those brownie bites. I was amazed at the response, so much so, I took a bite out of the treat myself! Not bad at all...haha! What the heck? They're all natural!

Amid the pet food scare, many owners are having a hard time finding suitable snacks for their dogs. I highly recommend The Dog's Business! As her Web site says, "your dog will love you for it!"


Here's a limited-time offer from The Dog's Business:

Hey Guys!

With all this hoopla about so many dog foods and treats being contaminated with poison, I would like to offer 10% off your total order on my Web site.

I make carob dipped banana chips, mini bones covered in either yogurt, carob or peanut butter with colorful sprinkles, dog brownie bites (a best seller) and other items.

If you would like to place an order please go to www.thedogsbusiness.com and when you get to check out under coupon code put in YUMMO.

I also can do special requests if your dog has allergies or if there is anything special you would like have done for your pup. Just let me know!

Jennifer & Benny
The Dog's Business

UWS Schnauzer Playdates are Baaack!

When: Sunday, May 20 at 12:00PM
Where: Riverside Dog Run @ 72nd
West 72nd Street & Riverside Drive
New York NY 10014

FREE!

Spring has finally sprung and Upper West Side Schnauzer playdates are back! Woohoo!

This Uptown affair is free to all and will be at the 72nd & Riverside Drive small dog run, hosted by Carl and his Schnauzer Dudley Walnuts! Yay! Thanks for volunteering Carl! :-) You're da best!

What to expect:

* Dogs romp and play off leash
* Doggie parents chat about Schnauzers and anything you like
* Enjoy fun moments in a beautiful setting near the water
* Bring a camera, bring a friend, and come to have fun!!

In warm weather, this outdoor dog run has a hose and water bowl for thirsty pups.

Schnauzers and Schnauzer mixes are very welcome to attend :)

Please RSVP today!

See who's coming or update your RSVP:
http://schnauzer.meetup.com/4/calendar/5588191/

Calling All Active Dogs!

You've seen it on Animal Planet and ESPN...teach your dog to crawl through tunnels, walk across a see-saw, jump through hoops, leap over hurdles and more! Agility strengthens the bond between you and your dog, teaches you and your dog to work as a team and is a great way for you and your dog to have a blast!

Classes are held at Animal Haven Soho (403-407 Broome Street)in their 2,500 square foot training room.

Next Start Date for Agility Classes:
May 17 (Thursdays) 5:00pm (Advanced Beginner)
May 17 (Thursdays) 6:00pm (Beginner)
May 17 (Thursdays) 7:00pm (Beginner)
May 17 (Thursdays) 8:00pm (Intermediate)

To register contact us at info@AndreaArden.com or 212-414-9597.

Thanks Andrea for the tip!

A Zen-like Experience

The battle for off leash rights in New York City is finally over. (Read coverage from AMNew York)What a relief!

Like many urban dog owners, I relish the hours between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. when I can take Roxie to my local park for some fun and frolicking without her leash.

Depending on the day, she'll chase other dogs or we’ll play catch and review basic obedience commands. Going to the park during “off leash hours” for exercise keeps my dog fit and I enjoy the fresh air and surrounding nature. It’s a Zen-like experience.

Bob Marino and his organization, the New York Council of Dog Owner Groups (NYC DOG), were instrumental in winning the legal battle to maintain the special privilege of dogs playing off leash during off hours at local parks. Anyone wishing to express gratitude or make a tax-deductible contribution can visit their Web site: www.nycdog.org.

Now that it’s official, please don’t abuse this freedom. Be a responsible dog owner and leash your dog promptly at 9 a.m., scoop the poop, and allow others to enjoy the park as you do.

Got a great picture of your dog playing off leash? E-mail it to me and we’ll feature the photos on the blog.

Wags,
Corris & Roxie pup