What's up with Roxie?

A few readers have asked what my pup Roxie is up to, so I thought I'd share briefly...you'll see her schedule is quite full! :-)

During the week, she's getting belly rubs and scratches from mommy and daddy. It's a must!

And when she's not modeling (see photo above), she is flinging herself into anything dirty, smelly, or just plain disgusting. Ahhh, the joys of bathtime!



On weekends, she visits nana and grampa in Long Island for some super off leash fun.

And finally, she's working on writing a review as soon as she can get her paws on my laptop. I have to admit, I've been hogging the blog lately. So much news, so little time!

Please stay tuned for Roxie's review of a fantastic pet food company with an emphasis on natural and freshly prepared foods!!

Warm woofs,
Roxie and her mama

Dog-friendly parks on Long Island

There's nothing better than enjoying the great outdoors with a few good friends, but what if your friends are among the four-legged set? Long Islanders enjoy several parks where dogs are free to socialize, romp and play to their heart's content. So go ahead, BYOD -- bring your own dog -- and check out a few great spots for you and your furry friends.

Get the list of dog-friendly parks by clicking here.

Watch video of Long Island's newest dog park - West Hills in Suffolk County.

Rich Bitch: Leona Helmsley's dog inherits $12 million

This story is awesome on soooo many levels.

You can read the official document by clicking here.

Helmsley leaves dog $12M, grandkids zilch

Leona Helmsley's dog will continue to live an opulent life, and then be buried alongside her in a mausoleum. But two of Helmsley's grandchildren got nothing from the late luxury hotelier and real estate billionaire's estate.

Helmsley left her beloved white Maltese, named Trouble, a $12 million trust fund, according to her will, which was made public Tuesday in surrogate court.

She also left millions for her brother, Alvin Rosenthal, who was named to care for Trouble in her absence, as well as two of four grandchildren from her late son Jay Panzirer -- so long as they visit their father's grave site once each calendar year.

Otherwise, she wrote, neither will get a penny of the $5 million she left for each.

Helmsley left nothing to two of Jay Panzirer's other children -- Craig and Meegan Panzirer -- for "reasons that are known to them," she wrote.

But no one made out better than Trouble, who once appeared in ads for the Helmsley Hotels, and lived up to its name by biting a housekeeper.

"I direct that when my dog, Trouble, dies, her remains shall be buried next to my remains in the Helmsley mausoleum," Helmsley wrote in her will.

The mausoleum, she ordered, must be "washed or steam-cleaned at least once a year." She left behind $3 million for the upkeep of her final resting place in Westchester County, where she is buried with her husband, Harry Helmsley, and where the pair have a view of the New York skyline.

She also left her chauffeur, Nicholas Celea, $100,000.

Everything else, including cash from sales of the Helmsley's residences and belongings, reported to be worth billions, she ordered sold and the proceeds given to the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

Her longtime spokesman, Howard Rubenstein, had no comment.

Helmsley died earlier this month at her Connecticut home. She became known as a symbol of 1980s greed and earned the nickname "the Queen of Mean" after her 1988 indictment and subsequent conviction for tax evasion. One employee had quoted her as snarling, "Only the little people pay taxes."

Scamp knows death when he sees it

From INSIDE EDITION:
Scamp is the live-in pet at an Ohio nursing home, but the Schnauzer doesn't just bring companionship to the lonely. He has an eerie gift that also allows him to bring comfort to the dying.

Scamp can somehow sense when the end is near for one of the old folks. He then waits loyally by their bedside in the final hours.

Scamp's owner, Deirdre Huth, is a staff member at the nursing home, The Pines, in Canton. Ohio. She says Scamp even tries to raise the alarm when he gets the feeling that one of the seniors is at death's door.

"He has either barked or he'll pace around the room. The only time he barks is when he's trying to tell us something's wrong," Huth told INSIDE EDITION.

Yvette Notturno had a dear friend in the nursing home, and had heard stories about Scamp's gift. So when she got a call from a nurse that Scamp wouldn't leave her friends' bedside, she came right away knowing that her friend didn't have long,. Yvette's friend, Andrew Popa, died soon after.

Another critter made the news recently performing a similar feat. A cat named Oscar is known to curl up on the bed right before a patient dies at a nursing home in Providence, Rhode Island. Oscar's gift was featured in a top medical journal after he predicted more than 20 deaths.

But Scamp's record is even more amazing than Oscar's. Director of nursing Adeline Baker says Scamp has forecast practically every one of the 40 or so deaths that have occurred in the three years he's been at the home. She also insists Scamp's presence is welcomed by patients as the end draws near.

"It's not like he's a grim reaper," she said. "It's kind of comforting to know that maybe at the end of our lives, if we don't have family members, there will be somebody there to be with us."

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.

Small Dogs Have Big Reason to Smile

Ada Nieves of the NYC Chihuahua Meetup and her precious pups are featured in a book called Pocket Pups: The Definitive Guide to Diminutive Dogs . The book was written by Nikki Moustaki, an author and member of the NYC Schnauzers Playgroup and parent to 2 lovely mini Schnauzers. Congrats Nikki! Support dog lovers and pick up a copy today on Amazon.com.

Also, be sure to check out Nikki's latest online venture - www.Dogfessions.com. Dogs and their owners reveal their secret lives!

A vet's goal: Gas masks for animals

Newsday.com loves the dogs...check out this article on a Long Island vet's mission to equip all the fire departments in Nassau county with specialized oxygen masks for animals.

Read the full article here.

Love-ly Pup

My pal Jennifer sent me this adorable bit of news:



How much is that doggie in the window?
I do hope that doggie's for sale."

A Chihuahua puppy born in Japan with a natural heart shaped pattern on his coat has captured the hearts of animal lovers around the world.

Heart-kun, as he has been named by owner Emiko Sakurada, was born on May 18, 2007, one of a litter of puppies at the Pucchin Dogs shop.

His natural heart-shaped markings on his fur have made him an instant star in Japan. And it was a case of puppy love across the world as the tiny dog made television appearances worldwide.



Shop owner Ms Sakurada got the surprise of her life when she saw the birthmark heart markings in the fur of her tiny pooch.

She said it was the first time a puppy with these marks had been born out of the 1,000 animals that she has bred.

Since Heart-kun was born, he has brought a lot of luck, according to Ms Sakurada. He sister got lucky on the lottery and won a concert ticket.

Heart-kun's owner has been inundated with requests from people wanting to purchase the unique puppy. But they can keep their paws off him, she says, for her little four-legged friend ain't going nowhere!

Kennel Cough Epidemic?

A friend of mine just realized her dog may be a victim of a possible kennel cough epidemic in Brooklyn. The NY Post has even speculated on the issue:


SICK AS A DOG IN BROOKLYN

Brooklyn kennels that are dogged by an epidemic of a dangerous canine illness are turning away scores of pooches - and, in some cases, closing their doors - to prevent spreading the highly contagious infection.

Numerous cases of "kennel cough," an airborne viral or bacterial disease that effects the respiratory system, have popped up, particularly in Park Slope, experts said yesterday.

Brooklyn Dog House, a Park Slope kennel, temporarily closed last week after five of their dogs turned out to be sick.

"There is an outbreak in Brooklyn, and it seems like Park Slope is the epicenter," said manager A.J. Catanzaro.

"We shut our doors Aug. 16 as a preemptive measure so we can be ready for the holiday weekend coming up," said Catanzaro.

Park Slope veterinarian Dr. Dionne Burnett has seen an increase in kennel cough in the past two weeks. She said dog owners should look out for a dry cough, eye and nasal discharge and loss of appetite.

"If your dog is showing these signs, consider an exam," Burnett said.

"The best possible scenario would be to not put your dog in a boarding facility for the next two weeks."

Catanzaro said staffers at the Brooklyn Dog House scrub all surfaces in their facility and quarantine sick animals.

"It's extremely contagious - it's just like the common cold for us. You just have to let it run its course," he said.

Infected dogs have a distinctive sound, "like they have something stuck in their throat, like a cat coughing up a hairball," Catanzaro added.

The Dog House, which usually holds about 80 animals, now has fewer than 30.

"We took a big financial hit. This is a very busy time for us. But you have to do the right thing," said kennel owner Malcolm Smart.

Another Brooklyn kennel, Woofs 'n Whiskers, in Red Hook, will not be accepting any new dogs until Labor Day as a precaution.

"We've tripled our security at the front door," said owner Danielle Vidals. "We want dogs to be symptom-free for at least two weeks before we can accept them."

Freebie: Playtime at Biscuits & Bath

Small Dog Play Groups (Under 20 lbs.)
Every Monday from 7pm - 8pm

Get your pup out of the house and on their way to becoming a social tiny tot!

Nothing is more important than socializing and playing with a variety of dogs and people in a safe environment. Come enjoy spacious indoor running fields at Biscuits & Bath and meet with friends for a great time - its FREE!

All dogs must be spayed/neutered, friendly with other dogs, fully vaccinated and healthy. Registration required - Do it on line. For general inquiries, please send their customer service department a question or request at customercare@biscuitsandbath.com.

Wanted: Dog Parks on Long Island

Suffolk County Unleashed 3rd and final "Meetup at Southaven Park," a gathering for dogs and their owners, is Saturday August 18 at 1 p.m. prompt. The event will feature contests galore and a visit from Legislator Kate Browning--for more information, please see the events section at www.suffolkcountyunleashed.com or e-mail gina@suffolkcountyunleashed.com

Check out Newsday list of dog-friendly parks and beaches.

Pictured: A war dog memorial on Long Island

Uptown: Booze Hounds

Harlem Fur blog says: Uptown Hound & Harlem Vintage team up for an evening of wine and dogs and cats)

Surf's Pup!

The NYC Schnauzer Playgroup proudly presents Cha Cha the Surfing Schnauzer! Check her out catching some waves on our online TV station dedicated to all Schnauzer videos all the time. It's free to watch and share!


Wanna take your dog to the beach? Check out Newsday's list of dog-friendly beaches and parks.

Enjoy the final dog days of summer!

Tell the AKC: Did you choose your dog or did he choose you?

There are plenty of tales about people looking like or acting like their dogs, but are certain personality types really attracted to certain breeds? The American Kennel Club wants to find out.

We hope to be able to offer more insight into what types of lifestyles and personalities are most compatible with the 157 breeds that AKC registers with the compiled findings of this survey.

We look forward to sharing the fascinating results with you, but first, we need your help. Click here to take the survey and feel free pass this along to your family and friends. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes and individual responses will be kept strictly confidential.

Take the survey!

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)

No Sleep Til' Brooklyn!!

The New York City Schnauzers playgroup has a morning playdate in Brooklyn's Prospect Park. It's awesome!! Just imagine a huge grassy field where your dog can romp and play off leash. I took Roxie during the winter and she enjoyed it so much and was tuckered out on the subway ride home. I high recommend it!

Check our event calendar for updates (free registration required.)

Be sure to save this handy map of Prospect Park so you can find your furry pals at the playdate!