Musings about dog life, canine couture, and dog-friendly events.

Friday, August 24, 2007

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.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

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!


Monday, August 20, 2007

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.

Friday, August 17, 2007

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)

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

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!

Monday, August 13, 2007

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!

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

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)

Me and Ro

Me and Ro
Roxie and I attend the 2007 Canine Cocktail Pawty hosted by Jenna Gates

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