New York Tails - A Pet Magazine for the People of New York

More Pick-Up Sites for Pets In Need of Post-Hurricane Shelter

2012-11-18T20:30:00.001-08:00

ASPCA will do 'pick-ups' of pets who need to go to their emergency 30-day holding shelter for people displaced by Sandy. The shelter itself is in Brooklyn and opened on Saturday. There seems to be a little over 150 spaces left in the 300 pet shelter; not sure what happens when it is filled up (have a few questions in with ASPCA, will keep you guys posted.) The direct link to the announcement is below:

http://blog.aspca.org/content/emergency-boarding-facility-sandy-victims-additional-intake-locations

Does anyone have any experiences to report in terms of how they have found the response of the various pet agencies to the needs of people with pets in the disaster areas? Good, bad, ugly? Gotta be honest, the stories I and some of my colleagues are hearing are running more bad than good.

Emergency pet shelter pick-up days, times locations:
On Monday, November 19, between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.:
Belle Harbor, Queens:
Waldbaum’s parking lot
112-15 Beach Channel Drive

On Tuesday, November 20, between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.:
Rockaway Park, Queens:
Rockapup
145 Beach 116th St

On Tuesday, November 20, between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.:
Coney Island, Brooklyn:
Municipal Credit Union (MCU) parking lot
Surf Avenue and 19th Street

Staten Island (Wednesday, November 21, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.)
Father Capodanno Boulevard and Hunter Avenue in Midland Beach, Staten Island

Red Hook is supposed to have a pick-up spot this week as well; not listed on ASPCA site yet.

Hurricane Help Starts To Arrive, But What Took So Long?

2012-11-17T10:36:00.000-08:00

So a bit of good news to start the day--starting today (Saturday, November 17th), the ASPCA is letting people drop pets off at a 'pop up' shelter in Brooklyn. The shelter is only for people who were displaced by Hurricane Sandy and are now struggling to rebuild their homes and their lives. I have the info posted at the end of this entry. A safe place to put pets for these families has been particularly hard to find in the weeks following the storm.

And that is the question many are asking: what took so long for the major pet rescue organizations, the ASPCA, New York City Animal Care and Control, the Mayor's Alliance for New York City Animals, to get their act together? People who were desperately searching for their lost pets post-hurricane abound, frustrated by roadblocks in the form of hotlines that were perpetually busy or unanswered, or, perhaps worse, dispensing wrong information. The same was true for people looking for basic supplies like food and other necessities for their pets. If you didnt' have power, for example, you didn't have a computer or even a phone (batteries do need to be charged) and "looking on Facebook" or "on the Web" was not an option for you. Still isn't for far too many people. Amy Sacks of the New York Daily News touched on some of these problems in her column today, also posted at the end of this entry.

Speaking of getting acts together, I'm going to try to continue my boro-to-boro coverage and go out to Staten Island today to talk to people who are still dealing with the post-Sandy pet problem. Last weekend we went around with some great people from the Rockaways and I have the interview and some videos up on Pet Life Radio:

Shelter From the Storm--Hurricane Sandy Heroes

http://petliferadio.com/cityep43.html

Info about the ASPCA facility in Brooklyn today:

ASPCA Opens Emergency Boarding Facility for Sandy Victims

http://blog.aspca.org/content/aspca-opens-emergency-boarding-facility-sandy-victims

If you or someone you know was affected by Sandy and needs to temporarily house an animal at our facility, please see the details below.

Where: Pet parents in need can bring their animals directly to the emergency boarding facility, located at 1508 Herkimer Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11233, as early as today. Map

When: Starting today, the facility will be open seven days a week from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., and will remain open for 30 days.

Standard of care: Veterinarians and specially trained staff will care for these pets and keep them healthy and happy, and pet parents will be welcome to visit.

What to bring: Pet parents are encouraged to bring the following, along with their pets, to the emergency boarding facility: one government-issued photo ID (i.e., driver’s license, passport, military ID, or non-driver ID) and a proof of address (i.e. utility bill, driver’s license). If possible, we encourage people to put ID tags on their pets and bring a carrier or crate, vaccination records, and medications or supplies for pets with special needs.

Sandy victims hunt for missing pets

Lack of a single database frustrates hunt

Notable quote: “There’s no one place you can look,” said George Jacimovic, a Rockaway resident who is searching for his brindle-colored Boston terrier/Jack Russell mix.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/sandy-victims-hunt-missing-pets-article-1.1203559#ixzz2CVK8Rqpg

For Rockaway Pet Owners, The Trunk of a Car is A Connection to the World

2012-11-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

I spent a very eye-opening day with Zina Skachinsky and Jeff Moratti of ARF-ARF Far Rockaway in the Far Rockaway section of Queens this past Saturday, November 10th.

With still no heat or electricity in their own apartment, Zina and Jeff have been spending their post-Sandy weekends walking up and down seven flights of stairs from their apartment loaded down with donated pet goods. The goods are then loaded into the trunk of a borrowed car (theirs was claimed by the Hurricane), and carefully drive through the unlighted, still-demolished streets of Far Rockaway. With gasoline running low and cell phones burning through battery power fast than the next charging outlet can be located, this dynamic duo is an example of the many 'guerilla Samaritans' who have taken their good works to the streets to reach out to pet owners in need.

Please listen to an audio tour of my day with Zina and Jeff. If you are so moved, please share it with your friends far and wide. I have asked my producer at Pet Life Radio to let me produce a number of these (boro-by-boro). If you know of someone who is an unsung hero like Zina or Jeff let me know.

Shelter from the Storm -- Angels in the Rockaways Helping Pets and People Weather the Storm
http://petliferadio.com/cityep43.html

I also have a number of videos coming. One of them that really brings home the saddness one feels after seeing places near and dear to them destroyed is of Zina visiting the dog park she and her group fought hard to build.

Dog Park Destroyed by Hurricane Sandy

Walking For His Dog In the Rockaways, A Man Comes Home Empty-Handed

2012-11-08T13:31:00.000-08:00

Without warning, the driver of the Q53 began to turn the bus around.

"What are you doing, man?" one older gentleman called out, a sentiment reiterated in other, more colorful ways by our fellow riders. "Just keep going! Straight up!"

But with the rain pelting the windows and the wind rattling past, the driver decided, rightly or wrongly, that discretion would be the better part of valor. Especially when your foe is a temperamental winter storm right on the heels of what was being called one of the worst hurricanes to hit the East coast. Ever.

The bus struggled and groaned as it tried to turn around in an empty McDonald's parking lot off of Beach Channel Drive and 91st Street. Angry passengers clamored to be let off. The driver obliged. Not knowing exactly where I was, but knowing I did not want to go back and start my long journey over again, I got off too.

The rain from the looming Nor'easter began to change into hail. No matter, I had come this far. A little rain, hail or wind wouldn't stop me. Besides, for many people this was a twice-a-day ordeal to commute to their jobs into Manhattan. If they could suck it up every single day then surely I could suck it up for one.

"Excuse me," I said to a man who was walking in the opposite direction as me. "Do you know how to get to Beach 116th Street?" He had a well-worn black parka and a neat white beard.

"Why do you need to go there?" he said. "It's far."

The hail began to hit us like fistfuls of pebbles.

"I am trying to see what kind of help is being offered to the animals as part of the Hurricane Sandy relief effort," I said. "I heard there is a FEMA center near there, or at least a place where people could pick up food and other supplies for their animals from animal rescue groups.

"Well, you're in the same dilemma as I am, then."

He told me he was just getting back from a futile trip to 116th Street, the same place I wanted to go. His journey had begun several hours before, from what was left of his home on Beach 67th Street. I quickly did the math in my head. That's a 100 block journey round-trip, the equivalent of roughly five miles. On foot. In a storm. In the cold. He wasn't a young man.

Waiting for him at the remains of his home, he explained, was his elderly German Shepherd. "It is barely habitable," he said. "But we have nowhere else to go. I can put up with the cold and the wet and the filth for a while, but I don't want her to get sick. So I went to see if there was an organization who could take her while I get the house back together for us."

"What happened?" I asked.

"I walked to the Waldbaum's parking lot over here," he said, pointing to the direction he had come from. "FEMA already left."

"FEMA left? In the middle of a storm?"

"That's what people who were still there told me," he said. "They told me they might come back later. Then they told me to try going to another place on 116th Street. But nobody was there, either."

He looked tired. Not in an "I'm-about-to-give-up' way. Not yet, anyway. More like confusion and disappointment over why promised help was not there to greet him after his long journey to find it.

I handed him one of my now water-logged cards with the name of my magazine on it. I asked him if I could walk with him back to his home to take some pictures and talk to him some more, so that I could show others what the people and pets of the Rockaways were dealing with.

"Why would you want to walk with me?" he said, suspicion rising in his voice.

It was then that my eyes noticed the spray-painted words on the boarded-up McDonald's behind us.

Trust me, save your energy!! Someone beat U here already. U can't rob an empty store!

And there I stood, with a black 'Warriors' hoodie and dark sunglasses, asking if I could follow this already weary stranger to his storm-ravaged home.

I thanked him for the directions.

He continued on his way.

And I continued on mine.

Hurricane Sandy Pets: Updates On Assistance Efforts, Helpful Lists and Info, and Fun Election Day Facts

2012-11-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, this is going to be a bit sloppy, my apologies. I just want to get this info out there. I'll give you a summary of the types of info and lists included in this post and then you can pick from it what you find helpful, either to you or someone else.

First and foremost--it is getting cold. Damn cold. If you or someone you know is in a hurricane-slammed area with no power or heat, the next night and perhaps two have a high probability of sucking. If you or they need help, now is the time to 'put your pride to the side' and get you and your family (including your pets) somewhere warm. Now. If your mom, dad, sister, or Uncle Fester has a pull-out couch, go. I'm going to list a number of 'disaster relief'' places for the Rockaways at the end of this post. I've also included some links from FEMA regarding temporary housing options (ie, hotels) and more permanent ones. Please look over these carefully before you show up at a hotel and say "I'm from the Hurricane." Be nice if it were that easy, but I doubt it. Same for the more permanent housing. This is a very easy-to-use interactive site. Take a look--you will see that, for both the hotels and the more permanent housing, they do indeed list whether they accept pets or not. Very interesting how it is broken down by 'pet size' or 'weight' and whether there is an extra fee or not. I will look into this more later. New York Tails has already reached out to a few of the pet-friendly realtors we've worked with on occasion on behalf of readers to see if something more formal can be done.

Some good news: the ASPCA and other rescue groups are starting to make some progress getting to the hard-hit areas of our city and tri-state area to deliver help, including for your pets. Will list some info about that at the end of this post, also. Latest thing I just received is that the Long Island Bulldog Rescue is in desperate need of foster homes after the storm. So be a bully--invite a bulldog into your home. The Mayor's Alliance has also set up a list where you can apply for a foster home for your pet if you have been displaced by the storm.

Hopefully you have voted, or are on your way, or will vote after work. (Yes, I know, on top of everything else, there is a national election and several important state and federal elections. Having fun throwing all of this at us at once, aren't ya, God?) It's cold. It's inconvenient. But you know you should do it anyway. Perhaps more than ever, in fact. I found a number of interesting articles and website on Obama and Romney's records on various animal-related legislation, and an interactive site from the HSUS where you can punch in your zip code, find your representative, and see how they 'scored' on the 'humane scorecard.' Pretty neat, actually.

Stay warm, keep someone warm, or do both at the same time. :) Will check in later. Please feel free to cross-post anything you find helpful here, and remember that people without power may not have access to their computers or battery chargers for laptops/phones yet. If you think it would benefit someone, consider printing out whatever might be helpful, below, and posting it in your building if you have power/phone but someone else does not.

ASPCA finally made it through to some of the hard-hit areas

http://blog.aspca.org/content/aspca-conducting-field-rescues-rockaways

Mayor’s Alliance including info on applying for an emergency foster home for your pet/s

http://www.animalalliancenyc.org/wordpress/2012/11/resources-for-nyc-pet-owners-impacted-by-hurricane-sandy/

North Shore Animal League

http://www.animalleague.org/rescue/pet-rescue-programs/emergency-rescue/hurricane-sandy.html

Collection efforts: the awesome Molly Pitcher Ale House at 85^th and 2^nd continues to be awesome and will take up collections again this coming weekend, Nov. 10^th and Nov. 11^th.During the week (now through Friday, up to 5pm, please drop donations off at the nearby church they are working with, Our Lady of Good Counsel, 230 East 90^thStreet. Both of them report having collected enough clothing and shoes; other items are still desperately needed. (Batteries, especially flashlight batteries, cleaning supplies, infant items such as diapers, etc.)

Our Lady of Good Counsel Website: http://olgcny.org/

Molly Pitcher’s Ale House Website: http://www.mollypitchersnyc.com/

Yankee Stadium is open for Hurricane Relief collection items. (This is a good site to visit also to get an idea of what types of things people need in general, no matter where you are able to drop off items.)

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20121105&content_id=40175916&vkey=pr_nyy&c_id=nyy

The Mets may also be doing a hurricane collection at Citi Field but, being that I don’t subscribe to their newsletter like I do the Yankees (sorry, Mets, love ya!) I know they'll be hosting their regular annual food drive on November 14^th. I can only imagine how much more such kindness will be needed this year; please give. http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/nym/community/mets_food_drive.jsp

Help Distribution Points (also accepting donations) in the Rockaways:

Breezy Point

Silver Gull Beach Club, 1 Beach 193rd St. (donations going to Breezy Point/

Fort Tilden Parking Lot Disaster Relief Area

Fort Tilden, Highland Place, between East Market St. and Rockaway Pt. Blvd.

204-24 Rockaway Point Boulevard

Rockways

St. Francis de Sales Church, Small Hall, Beach 129^thStreet, close to Rockaway Beach Blvd.

Rockaway Beach Blvd./Beach 113^th Street

FEMA Assistance 112-15 Beach Channel Drive

Beach 113 and Rockaway Beach Blvd.

Beach 96^th and Rockaway Beach Blvd.

Beach 94^th and Rockaway Beach Blvd. 100^thPrecinct

302 Beach 87^th , Rockaway Beach Surf Club

St. Gertrude’s Church, B38h and Beach Channel Drive

Beach 84^th Street and Rockaway Beach Blvd.

Additional places:

Broad Channel

American Legion

209 Cross Bay Blvd.

VFW Hall in Broad Channel

Rockaway Beach Surf Club, 87th & the freeway

135 Beach 91 St

Arvene/Far Rockaway

Old Firehouse in Far Rockaway, Beach 59^th and Rockaway Beach Blvd. (Rockaway Waterfront Alliance)

FEMA: Beach 44^th Street and Rockaway Beach Blvd.

St. Gertrude Parish, 336^th Beach 38^th

27-16 Healy Ave., Jewish Community Council

Redfern Avenue and Beach 12^th Street

Hamilton Beach

Hamilton Beach Firehouse, 102-33 Davenport Court

No’easter and also telling midtown and lower to conserve energy

http://www.coned.com/newsroom/news/pr20121106_2.asp

Remember, there were as*holes before the storm, and they are still as*holes. Please be careful.

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/looters_swipe_up_the_mess_in_chaos_D9SbBRGiVvEVZzEI4AIxaN

Daytime Warming Shelters – Citywide

http://www.nyc.gov/html/misc/html/2012/warming_ctr.html

Overnight Warming Shelters – Citywide

http://www.nyc.gov/html/misc/html/2012/hurricane_shelters.html

Main FEMA interactive site

http://www.disasterassistance.gov/

FEMA Providing Hotel Rooms for People In Shelters Since Sandy

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-11-03/fema-providing-hotel-rooms-for-people-in-shelters-since-sandy

List of FEMA Participating Hotels In New York -- note pet or no-pet policy, and if there is an extra fee for pets

http://www.femaevachotels.com/index.php

Longer-term housing – lists “Pets Allowed/Not Allowed” status and deposit

http://asd.fema.gov/inter/hportal/home.htm

Election Day Stuff

The Obama Administration’s Animal Protection Record (from About.com “Animal Rights”)

http://animalrights.about.com/od/animalrights101/a/ObamaARissues.htm

Mitt Romney’s VP Pick, Paul Ryan, Is An Avid Bowhunter (from About.com “Animal Rights”)

http://animalrights.about.com/od/animallaw/a/Mitt-Romney-S-Vp-Pick-Paul-Ryan-Is-An-Avid-Bowhunter.htm

The Humane Scoreboard and The Humane Scorecard (including “Find Your Legislators” for Congress)

http://humanescoreboard.org/

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

http://fund.capwiz.com/bio/id/51447&lvl=C&azip=10001&bzip=

Long Island Bulldog Rescue--full email announcement:(Nov. 6th)

Due to the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy many of our volunteers have been left without power, evacuated from their homes, and tending to getting their own affairs in order.

We are in great need of foster homes in New Jersey, Long Island, and surrounding areas.

Fostering is a rewarding, and sometimes trying experience. You are getting a dog that is at worst stressed and at best confused. Fosters are there to provide a supportive, understanding and loving environment. This does not mean your foster is going to be the perfect dog for you, it does not mean this dog is going to be introduced into your own pack right away. It means that you genuinely want to help a Bulldog who has nowhere else to turn, and it means that you are helping this organization do it's work. Some are in and out right away, others are around a long time. Sometimes a dog turns out to be the perfect fit for a foster family, in that case, it is possible to adopt him/her. We cover all approved medical expenses and will provide a crate if needed.

If you would like to volunteer to foster please contact:

Bulldogrescue1@aol.com

After The Storm...

2012-11-01T09:05:00.000-07:00

Wow. So it really turned out to be that bad. Even worse. Like most of you, I imagine, I’m still not quite registering that some of the images I’m seeing are actually from lower Manhattan, the Rockaways, Staten Island, and other places actually within the five boroughs, as well as our neighbors in the tri-state area. Many of our friends downtown still don’t have electricity or hot water. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone.

By now we hope everyone’s high and dry (although they may be in the dark or in need of a hot shower!)–but just in case, remember that ALL New York City shelters must accept you and your pets. Here is a list of shelters and a copy of the policy that they must let you in:

Here is the list of shelters:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/misc/html/2012/hurricane_shelters.html

And here is the original announcement from the ASPCA that says you can bring your pets with you to the shelter (print it out or bookmark it to your phone if you need to present it.)

http://blog.aspca.org/content/breaking-news-hurricane-sandy

If you are okay, and are going stir crazy, now might be a great time to see if your local shelter or rescue could use a hand with emergency placement of displaced cats, clean-up, replenishing lost supplies, etc. Petfinder is giving an update of shelter needs here:

http://www.petfinder.com/blog/tag/hurricane-sandy-shelters/?utm_source=billboard&utm_medium=billboard&utm_content=hurricane-sandy&utm_campaign=hp-test

If you are a feral cat colony caretaker, or just know about a bunch of cats that live in the neighborhood that you are worried about, please check out these tips from Neighborhood Cats:

http://www.neighborhoodcats.org/article/HOME/130

Finally, if you need a hot shower, or a cell-phone charge, or just need to let off some steam with a vigorous jog on a treadmill or punching a heavy bag, several NYSC locations are offering access to non-members. Call or walk by your local club first to see if they have power/water first! Or ask them where the nearest participating one is.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/31/storm-relief-gyms_n_2046436.html

Please let us know how you and your neighborhood are doing.

President Eats Dog, Candidate Traumatizes Dog, And Other Political Punches

2012-04-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

Here's one from the 'You know it's election season when..." files.

Credit: Nate Beeler, The Columbia Dispatch

In a Huffington Post article titled "Dog Wars Escalate: Barack Obama Ate Dog Meat", Mitt Romney supporter Jim Treacher, a blogger for The Daily Caller (The "D.C.", get it?) sinks his teeth into President Obama over the President's own admission of having eaten dog meat during a childhood stay in Indonesia. (The original passage can be found in the President's best-selling memoir, Dreams From My Father.) Obama, who also said he ate snakes and grasshoppers on this culinary adventure, described the dog meat as 'tough' in texture.

This oddball President-eats-dog story is being viewed as a direct bite-back to those who tore into Romney about the now-infamous 'Seamus Incident", where the uber-rich Republican contender for the White House is alleged to have tied his Irish Setter, Seamus, to the roof of a car for a 12-hour car trip from Massachusetts to Canada in the early 1980s. (Lest you have a picture of a ginger-haired Irish Setter pawing on for dear life on top of a speeding car's roof, let it be known that the dog was in a carrier that was then lashed to the roof. Sometime during this trip, the dog got the 'runs', and Romney apparently pulled over to the side to hose the carrier and the dog off.

Which is Worse--The Roof of a Car or Roof of a Mouth?
"Say what you want about Romney, but at least he only put a dog on the roof of his car, not the roof of his mouth," Treacher wrote. "And whenever you bring up the one, we’re going to bring up the other." (You presumably meaning anti-Romney camper and 'we' meaning Romney supporters. Or at least Mr. Treacher.)

Romney haters are way ahead of the President in this dog fight, so to speak. Seamus (may he rest in peace) has a well-established "Dogs Against Romney" website (and almost 50,000 fans on Facebook). Recent comments made by Mrs. Romney in an article titled "Dogs Against Romney" Unsatisfied With Mitt Romney's Latest Dog Comment" aren't likely to be helpful. "The dog loved it!" Ann Romney reportedly said in defense of their family's creative way of transporting Seamus.

What do you think, fellow New York dog lovers? Are Obama's dog-eating days as howl-worthy as Romney's dog-flying days? Does a political candidate's treatment of animals and/or stand on animal issue affect your vote?

More from The Ball...Pets and Taxes...Cool Pet Events This Weekend

2012-04-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

A ball wouldn't be a ball without a Cinderella story, so hopefully this pretty girl will find her handsome prince (or princess, to be inclusive)...

This lovely girl (on the right, in orange) is "Kay", and she's up for adoption through the ASPCA. She was working the crowd with ASPCA volunteer Elizabeth and charming the guests (such as Lisa Crawford, above) at the ball last night. I was really impressed with how calm and friendly "Kay" was, even with all the people, activity, and noise going on around her. I've been trying to guess what breed/s she may be. In some ways she looks like she could be part Spinone Italiano (although she is a bit on the small side for that) or perhaps a Schnauzer/Retriever/'Doodle mix. In any event, very sweet, very pretty--if you're interested in meeting 'Kay' please call the ASPCA at (212) 876-7700 ext. 4900 or ext. 4900 or 4120 and ask for her by name. (You can forward this photo if you wish and say she was at the Bergh Ball on April 12th.

Upcoming Events for tomorrow (Saturday, April 14th)
This is a quick-and-dirty list (I have to ship my laptop back to the factory because the screen blew out) but here are just a few gems coming up this weekend. If you haven't done your taxes yet don't worry, you have until Monday, April 17th to file this year.You can even do it from your cell phone this year! Actually, there was an attempt by a Michigan lawmaker to introduce a federal tax break for pets (the "HAPPY" Act) back in 2009, but, alas, they let that sleeping dog lie in Committee. Interesting story, though.
While you can't deduct your pet care expenses from your taxes (yet!) you can wish 'Bo' Obama (the Obama's Portuguese Water Dog) a "Happy Anniversary" for his three years as the First Dog. Ah, you know election season is upon us when even the family dog is appealing for the popular vote. It's only fitting, being that the Republican primaries have been such an in-party 'catfight' so far (yes yes, I can hear you groaning from here.)

Saturday, April 14th -
Pawnation Pet Rally" (Dogs and cats, mostly dogs)
Tompkins Square Park -- 10am to 2pm
Pet 'Pageant' at 1pm.

This event is being billed as a 're-launch' of AOL's Pawnation.com site. Corporate sponsors include Bayer K-9 Advantix, Arm & Hammer (cat litter) and others, so that usually means lots of free goodies for you and the furkids. Chihuahua lovers are meeting at the event to enjoy it together with their pint-sized companions, a great opportunity to meet our good friend (and all-around great lady) Ada Nieves of the New York City Chihuahua Meetup Group. Visit the Chihuaha Meetup Group for all of the details about the Pawnation event as well as the meeting of the chis at the event.

Not ready to venture out into the nice weather yet? Not to worry...there are indoor activities for you guys as well. Stop by the "April Showers" party with the Lower Manhattan Small Dog Meetup Group starting at 1pm at 'Spot' in Chelsea. You have to register beforehand for this one, and there is a charge of $9.00 per person plus dog/s, but this includes lunch (and Elaine and 'Mandee' always find great local places to feed you from!) and playtime, and helps Social Tees.

More of an uptown dog? Head over to the St. Nicholas Dog Park from 9am to 11:00am for their first Coffee Bark of the season! I have to confess--this is one of my favorite dog runs because it's like finding a hidden 'doggie forest' in the middle of Harlem, where four-footed woofers frolic on the side of a hill in a clearing under beautiful, towering trees. The folks there are good peeps, too. It's a mini-adventure to find it, but what better way to spend a wonderful spring day than with an urban hike with your best friend? Visit the St. Nicholas Dog Run site for directions. Trust me, like the old Dunkin Donuts commercial used to say, it's worth the trip!

Now this sounds like it could be a lot of fun...The Tartan Day Parade and Post-Parade 'Pawty'. Apparently it's Tartan Week in New York (!) and tomorrow along 6th Avenue there will be a full-kilt parade, starting on 46th Street. If you have a Scottie or Westie-breed dog you can actually walk in the parade, and all breeds are welcomed to an 'after party' at the Carousel. Please check the link above for the full info, including times and meeting places for various dog and non-dog activities. Keep in mind, however, that there will likely be lots and lots of bagpipes-a-blowing and drums-a-drumming, so if your dog is a skittish type you might want to just join the party in the Park vs. the parade. Same advice goes to you humans if you're planning to celebrate with some Scotch (the liquid kind) on Friday night...bagpipes and drums do not good hangover music make! (I speak from experience.)

Okay, time for me to snail-mail that erstwhile computer I mentioned, and all this talk about the wonderful weather is beckoning me to partake of it. Like I said, this isn't a comprehensive list of events, just a few things that are coming up this weekend. As always, I'll put together a fuller list for you soon. If you're not on our list to receive the automatic "Calendar of Pet Events" (monthly) please visit us at New York Tails Magazine, pop your email in the "Sign Up For Our Newsletter" field, and boom, done.

And, if you have an event you'd like us to consider listing that takes place in the five boroughs or nearby suburbs, please feel free to submit it to us using this easy-peasy form. I try to break the events up by borough (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island) and by 'burb (Westchester, Long Island, etc.) for easy reference. (You'll see.) Non profit pet events, fundraisers and adoption events take priority when considered for listing.

If you happen to get to any of these events, or some that I've not mentioned here, or your cat has somehow figured out how to make an iced mocha frappachino, please feel free to take pictures/video and send them to the blog. We'd love to see and share them!

A Night At the Plaza -- That Ain't Eloise In the Elevator!

2012-04-12T21:20:00.000-07:00

I was invited to stop by the ASPCA's 15th Annual Bergh Ball at New York's iconic Plaza Hotel tonight and who should I happen to be standing next to as we waited for the elevator to the Ballroom?

Star Jones and 'Pinky!' "I left our big guy, Jake, at home," Ms. Jones said. Apparently, 'Jake' is a 90-lb or so hunk of a dog that probably wouldn't be able to put a paw in Pinky's petite carrier. Jake, Ms. Jones said, was adopted from the ASPCA by her family about nine years ago, and her mother has quite an attachment to the big guy. So is he like a 'grand-dog' as far as your mother is concerned, we asked Ms. Jones. "More like a son," she said.

This year's black-tie ball, "Fetching", was emceed by famous designer Isaac Mizrahi and honored Simon Cowell (now of The X Factor Fame, but of course we all came to know and, er, 'love' him as the surly slayer of fragile egos on American Idol.) Didn't see Simon, sorry to say! Then again, with the way I was dressed compared to the ball gowns floating around me, perhaps I was saved from a devastating public tongue lashing that only he could deliver.

I also elbowed my way into the mosh pit of photogs to take a few shots of other notable attendees:

(Pretty sure that's Isaac Mizrahi himself third from left; feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.) Feel free to 'tag' other folks you recognize...

And Tinsley Mortimer (above) often described as a New York socialite (she is) but she also is a designer in her own right (you can see some of her uber-high end bags at Madison Avenue's Samantha Thavasa.) She also has a roman a clef coming out this May called "Southern Charm". Did she actually describe it as a roman a clef? (Google it.) No, but the book blurb says:

"A modern Manhattan fairy tale with the sparkle of a champagne cocktail, Tinsley Mortimer’s debut novel provides a delicious peek into her world of society, fashion, and big-city fame." (Did I mention the main 'character's name is "Minty Davenport?") Oy vey.

Actually I did meet Ms. Mortimer at another animal fundraiser about a year or so back--she envied me my flat shoes as opposed to her toe-crushing stillettos (which must have cost more than my entire waredrobe.) Later I ended up interviewing her for our "Pets In the City" radio show for her work with the American Humane Association . She seemed nice enough and is absolutely devoted to her Chihuahuas.

Anyway, this night owl is getting squaked at by the early bird who shares the nest to "shut the @#% lights off", so more tomorrow. I'll try to highlight some events from the New York Tails Magazine famous Calendar of Events round up, too.

Pet-friendly housing in New York -- great article in today's New York Times

2011-12-17T11:26:00.000-08:00

Great, comprehensive article in today's New York Times, written by reporter Susan Stellin, about finding pet-friendly housing in New York. (New York Tails Magazine, the mother site/magazine to the blog you're currently reading, also mentioned in the article.) Thanks, Susan!

Would love to hear from you guys. What was it like for you to find 'pet-friendly housing' in New York City? Have you/do you have any current struggles, tips, or advice for both newbie and not-so-newbie? Which neighborhoods have you found the pet-friendliest?

"Not Without My Pet" -- Pet Friendly Housing Hunting Tips for New York City
http://www.nytimes.com/realestate/getting-started-not-without-my-pet.html

Mayor’s Alliance and ASPCA Return to Central Park for ‘Fall Fix’

2011-10-10T19:20:00.004-07:00

The crisp Fall air on the first day of October was the perfect backdrop for the ASPCA’s “Fall Fix”, held on the North border of Central Park. Four spay/neuter mobiles, parked in the tree-lined area on the north end of Central Park at 110th Street and Lenox Avenue/Malcolm X Boulevard buzzed in the background as vets and vet techs within carried out spay and neuter surgeries on cats and dogs. The “patients” had been brought there earlier that day by neighborhood residents wanting to take advantage of this opportunity to do the right thing for their animals.
The ASPCA was offering spay/neutering for free that day for as many dogs and cats as they could accommodate – all in all 72 dogs and cats. The ASPCA also runs a spay/neuter program focused on pit bulls, called Operation Pit, which offers free spay/neuter for pit bulls. More info found here.

In addition to ASPCA-sponsored spay and neuter services, the Mayor’s Alliance for New York City’s Animals was also on hand to help pet owners, offering Home Again microchips at no cost. All told, the Alliance microchipped 60 dogs.
Microchipping is sometimes overlooked but nevertheless very important service pet guardians should employ for their pets. Having your pet microchipped is one of the best ways to increase your pet's chances of getting home if he or she is lost or stolen and winds up at an animal shelter or veterinary office. Unlike dog tags and collars, which can fall off or be removed, microchipping is a hidden and permanent form of identification. All vets and shelters should – and most do – have a hand-held scanner that they use when any animal arrives at their facility as stray or lost. Since the Alliance began their first low-cost microchipping clinic in 2005, the group has microchipped more than 2,000 dogs and cats.
If you missed the October 1st spay/neuter event, you haven’t missed out completely on opportunities to get your pet fixed at low or no cost. Click here for information on low-cost and free spay/neuter services.

Next to the Mayor’s Alliance booth was Mindful Tails, a professional pet services company specializing in the Tellington Method of Behavior Modification training, Rehabilitation and Wellness – also known as TTouch. It is a holistic approach to healing physically and mentally, improving behavior, and helping animals who have been through trauma to recover and become happy, healthy pets. Mindful Tails offers private consultations and group workshops at locations throughout NYC and Long Island. They also have an online pet products service offering unique pet gifts and products.
Find out more at ttouch.org.

Sue Pike shared a table with Mindful Tails at The Fall Fix. Sue, who lives in Brooklyn, is an Animal Communicator, Reiki Master, and Medium. She was doing pet readings at the event, helping people find out what their animals are thinking and feeling. As a Reiki Master with over ten years practicing the traditional Usui Method of the healing art, Sue uses crystals, guided imagery, and shamanic techniques with her clients to detect, among other things: physical ailments, areas of low energy, and points of imbalance.
Check her out and contact her for more info at reikisue@gmail.com.
Looking for a ghoulish way to celebrate the Halloween season while also helping animals? Check out Rational Animal’s rockin’ fundraiser next Thursday night. Partnering with the Morison Hotel Gallery, the concert will take place at the new Cutting Room on East 32nd St. Full details and ticketing here.

And the Mayor’s Alliance is having a fundraiser on October 29th in downtown New York. Called “The Creature’s Ball”, this fundraiser will take place at Surrogate's Court, 31 Chambers Street. Buy tickets here.

Keep your eye on this blog for more Halloween pet events. Subscribe now so you don’t miss anything!

Hurricane Irene Pet Preparedness-MUST READ

2011-08-26T20:46:00.001-07:00

As Hurricane Irene approaches NYC, the ASPCA wants to inform the public that pets are welcome at all the emergency evacuation center and shelters in the city's 5 boroughs. Many pet owners are uncertain if they’re allowed to take their pets with them, and we strongly recommend that people do not leave their pets behind!

If pet owners go to any of the emergency evacuation centers, it's recommended they bring:

- a copy of your pet’s vaccination and medical records;
- a leash and muzzle;
- crate or carrier; and
- pet food and medications for animals with special needs.

The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), NYC Animal Care & Control (AC&C), the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, Bideawee, and NYC Veterinary Emergency Response Team (VERT), as part of the NYC Office of Emergency Management's Animal Planning Task Force, have committed resources that include veterinary support, search and rescue, supplies, staff, volunteers, and sheltering in the days ahead.

For more information on disaster preparedness tips, pet owners should visit www.aspca.org/pet-care/disaster-preparedness.

People should also visit the OEM’s website at www.NYC.gov/oem, or call 311 to find an evacuation center.

If you would like to speak with an ASPCA expert on what pet owners can do to plan ahead for their pets, please contact one of us below.

New York City's Office of Emergency Management created the Animal Planning Task Force to develop plans for disasters — both natural and otherwise. The task force includes representatives from the ASPCA, the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, Animal Care and Control of NYC, NYC Veterinary Emergency Response Team, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, American Red Cross in Greater New York, Bideawee, Humane Society of the United States, Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and Veterinary Medical Assistance Team One (VMAT-1).

Serious Questions Over Whether Executives of NYC’s Animal Shelter System Broke New York State’s “Open Meetings Law”

2011-07-05T16:50:00.001-07:00

BREAKING STORY

Serious Questions Arise Over Whether Executives of NYC’s Animal Shelter System Broke New York State’s “Open Meetings Law”

"Anticipated Number of Attendees" A Key Question; Public May Have Right To Petition The Court For Another Public Meeting If Adequate Meeting Space Was Not Provided

Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer Steps Into Debate

Did top-ranking members of the City's shelter system break the law last month when they turned scores of people away from their quarterly public meeting? A top official within New York’s Department of State says maybe, and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer has expressed concerns to the head of the City’s Department of Health.

Protesters are accusing the city's shelter system, Animal Care and Control of New York City, of purposely shutting them out of a well-publicized public meeting on June 21st. According to an official at New York's Department of State, the following two questions must be answered:

“Could it have reasonably been anticipated whether the meeting room would accommodate the number of people who’d expressed interest in attending? And was there an alternative place the meeting could have been held to accommodate those interested in attending? If the answer to both of these questions is in the affirmative, then there was a failure to comply with New York’s Open Meetings Law,” Robert Freeman, executive director for the Committee on Open Government said in an exclusive interview with New York Tails Magazine. “If [AC&C] had no inkling as to how many people would be attending, they would have been in compliance with the law.”

The Committee on Open Government is a branch of New York’s Department of State. The Committee does not make legal rulings but does issue legal opinions in matters pertaining to freedom of information and the interpretation of the Open Meetings Law. Legal opinions issued by the Committee have been cited by judges when issuing a ruling about a case. One such case involved a NYS Supreme Court ruling against the Board of Trustees for the City University of New York (CUNY). In this 1998 ruling (Crain v. Reynolds) members of the CUNY board was prevented from implementing a resolution because it was made during a meeting held in a room which could not accommodate an anticipated influx of attendees.

The date and time of the AC&C’s June 21st quarterly meeting was widely publicized by many animal protection organizations for several weeks through several media platforms, from simple posters to elaborate Facebook petitions. There was particular emphasis placed on attendance of the June 21st meeting in light of several recent controversies, including the firing of several popular volunteers earlier this year. (See previous articles.)

However, many who showed up early with the intention of attending the meeting day—-most estimates place the number at well over 100 people, including representatives of the media—-were turned away. The overflow crowd was escorted from the building on 125 Worth Street, many holding protest signs, as they awaited news about the proceedings within.

The AC&C is a registered non-profit and not technically a city or state agency, however, almost 100 percent of its budget comes from New York’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DoH). Several AC&C board members hold high positions in City government, including Dr. Thomas Farley, Commissioner of the DoH, and Adrian Benepe, Commissioner of NYC’s Department of Parks and Recreation.

“It is our belief, since the AC&C carries out certain functions of the DoH, that it is under the control of a government organization,” Mr. Freeman said. “The board members could say the sky is green, but if it’s blue, it’s still blue.”

Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer Expresses ‘Dismay’ Over June 21st Meeting Lock-Out
Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer has also stepped into the debate. In a June 29th letter addressed directly to Dr. Farley, Mr. Stringer said he was "dismayed to learn that approximately 100 animal care advocates were turned away from the June 21st AC&C board meeting due to the limited capacity of the hearing room."

Mr. Stringer went on to write it was ‘crucial’ for the City to “maintain an open dialog between public officials and the animal care community”, particularly in light of "the City’s dire financial situation.”

Courtney Kistler, reporting for New York Tails Magazine, was among the members of the media who attempted to gain entrance to the June 21st meeting but was turned away. Her report on the experience, as well as comments from both attendees as well as representatives of Animal Care and Control will be posted here soon.

Link to Open Meetings Law – Department of State
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/coog/index.html

Department of State -- Committee on Open Government
One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Suite 650, Albany, NY 12231
Telephone: (518) 474-2518 Fax : (518) 474-1927

'Stranglehold' On Adoptable Animals, Or Protection from Hoarders?

2011-06-17T13:01:00.000-07:00

Animal Activists’ Charge of a ‘Stranglehold’ on Adoptable Animals By Large Non-Profit Strongly Refuted By Agency Head

Board of Directors of Animal Care and Control to Meet Tuesday, June 21st

Two bills addressing animal shelter reform duke it out with supporters, detractors for both as time Runs Out on the 2010 New York Legislative Session on June 20th; Meeting of Board of Animal Care and Control of New York City (AC&C) on June 21st

The emotional subject of animal shelter reform while increasing the number of animals adopted rather than destroyed reached a fever pitch this week, as activists and legislators on both sides of the debate marshaled their forces for one last push before pivotal meetings at the city and state level begin.

“The Mayor’s Alliance has a stranglehold on who can pull the animals out of the AC&C and the number of animals that can be saved,” said Zelda Penzel, founder of the New York-based non-profit group Save Our Shelter Animals (S.O.S.), a self-described coalition of activists and rescue groups ‘working toward a No Kill New York City.’ “The Mayor’s Alliance for New York City’s Animals and Animal Care & Control of New York City control who and what rescue groups can get animals out of the shelters to groups where they would be saved.”

The Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals is a not-for-profit coalition of more than 150community-based rescue groups based in the New York metropolitan area called “Alliance Participating Organizations” (APOs.) Jane Hoffman has served as president and chair of the Board of Directors for the Alliance since its inception in 2002.

The majority of the funding for the Mayor’s Alliance comes from Maddie’s Fund, a national, multi-million dollar foundation started by billionaire software developer David Duffield. By following specific protocols, some of the Mayor's Alliance APOs, called "New Hope Partners", are selected at the discretion of administrators of the ACC to ‘pull’ animals from the city’s shelter system and are eligible to receive special financial and other support to get them adopted.

While many Mayor's Alliance APOs are "New Hope Partners", the ACC decides who receives "New Hope Partner" status, not the Mayor's Alliance. Nonetheless, activists like Ms. Penzel allege the Mayor's Alliance has influence on who receives "New Hope Partner" status from the ACC.

“The Mayor’s Alliance controls the purse strings with the money they receive from Maddie’s Fund,” Ms. Penzel alleges, “and they get to say who can and who will not be members of their ‘selected’ group to save animals’ lives. I think the conflicts of interest and obvious ‘gag’ rules implied in such a relationship are evident.”

Animal Care and Control of New York City is the city’s main shelter system. Funded by the Department of Health, AC&C is compelled to take in every abandoned animal throughout the city’s five boroughs, usually somewhere around 40,000 per year. The agency is an arm of the City’s Department of Health. While there has been a significant decrease in the number of animals euthanized by the AC&C due to overcrowding over the past several years, approximately one of every four animals taken in by the AC&C will be destroyed.

Ms. Hoffman of the Mayor’s Alliance strongly disagreed with Ms. Penzel’s sentiments.

“Stranglehold?”, Ms. Hoffman said in a statement. “Approximately 150 animal rescue groups and shelters who have the ability to responsibly care for and find good homes for the animals entrusted to them have been approved by AC&C as New Hope Rescue Partners. The majority of the New Hope Partners are also APOs. One-hundred fifty rescue groups and shelters work with the AC&C.”

Ms. Hoffman continued: “Stranglehold? The numbers speak for themselves. Last year 15,500 cats and dogs were transferred to approved New Hope Partners. And as far as the number that can be saved; add the return to owners and direct adoptions from AC&C to the public to the 15,500 cats and dogs transferred to New Hope Partners and that resulted in over 23,500 lives saved.”

Two Shelter Reform Bills Duke It Out for Passage In New York State SenateAs the volume on the shelter-and-rescue debate turns up on the City level, the divisive issue has made it’s way up to Albany. Two bills, similar in spirit but dissimilar in several key areas, are currently battling it out as the New York State legislative session comes to a close. However, with lawmakers’ hands already full with an eleventh-hour push toward a historic step in legalizing gay marriage and an extension of New York City’s rent regulations, it is unclear if the bills will make it to the floor before the session ends on June 20th.

A groundswell of vocal, community-based animal rescues as well as national allies, such as Best Friends Animal Society and Alley Cat Allies, have thrown their support behind the Companion Animal Access and Rescue Act (A.B. 7312/S.B. 5363) sponsored by Assemblyman Micah Keller (D-Upper East Side/Manhattan) and State Senator Joseph Robach (R-C-I, Rochester). Modeled after a similar law in California, “CAARA” calls for key animal shelter reforms while making it somewhat easier for smaller, independent rescue groups to obtain animals from larger shelters.

Another bill, “The Shelter Access Bill” (A.B. 5449/S.B. 5433) sponsored by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D-88th District, Westchester) and State Senator Greg Ball (R,C, 40th District, Putnam County) also calls for animal shelter reform but additional provisions such as a public database of community-based rescue groups, is supported by the American Society for the Protection of Cruelty To Animals (ASPCA) in New York (see full statement in previous blog entry) the Mayor’s Alliance, and the Animal Law Coalition, a watchdog group for national and state-based animal laws.

Next: Exclusive interviews with Assemblyman Micah Kellner, Assemblywoman Paulin, and statements from the Animal Law Coalition and Maddie's Fund.

Links of interest: “CAARA” Law text: http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A07312&term=2011

“Shelter Access Bill” text: http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S5433-2011

Side-by-Side Comparison of Bills (summary by ALC, which supports the Shelter Access Bill) http://www.animallawcoalition.com/public-shelters/article/1739

AC&C Statistics Through April 2011:
http://www.nycacc.org/pdfs/DOH_Reports/2011/April/intake-outcome-2010_cats_dogs_v11.pdf

BREAKING NEWS ASPCA, Mayor's Alliance: "Shelter Access" Bill Would Protect Shelter Animals Better Than "CAARA" Bill

2011-06-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

In what may be one of the first detailed, public statements issued by the ASPCA and the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals on the issue, New York Tails Magazine has today learned the agencies believe shelter animals in both the City and State would be best served under the provisions of Assembly Bill A05449, often called the "Shelter Access Bill", being supported by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and New York State Senator Greg Ball. The two agencies have recently been criticized for what some consider an extended silence on a competing bill of sorts, the "Companion Animal Access and Rescue Act" (A7312)which has recently gained large and vocal grassroots support.

New York Tails Magazine also had an exclusive interview with Assemblyman Micah Kellner today, sponsor of the aforementioned "Companion Animal Access and Rescue Act" (often called 'CAARA').

With the New York State legislative session scheduled to end June 20th, action may come quickly on either one of these bills.

The interview with Assemblyman Kellner is currently being transcribed and will be posted later, please watch this blog and our Facebook page for updates.

In the interim here is the full unedited statement obtained by New York Tails Magazine from Anita Kelso Edson, Senior Director of Media & Communications for the ASPCA:

Both the ASPCA and the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, a coalition of more than 150 animal rescue groups and shelters (including the ASPCA), are committed to working with NYC Animal Care & Control (AC&C) with the goal of ultimately transforming New York City into a “no-kill” community. While we are passionately optimistic about this, we also recognize there are serious challenges–including AC&C’s underfunding and lack of resources–to overcome before we can achieve our goal. Despite the hurdles that still exist, there has clearly been improvement over the past eight years.

In 2010, more than 44,000 animals entered our city’s shelters and rescue partner organizations, and of those, 32,000-plus, or 73 percent, were adopted, returned to owners or transferred to rescue. We recognize that 27 percent of these animals were euthanized, and that New York City’s homeless pet problem cannot be solved by transfers and adoptions alone.

The ASPCA gets to the root of the issue, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year, by providing low- and no-cost spay/neuter surgeries. In 2010 we provided spay/neuter surgeries for more than 31,000 cats and dogs. The ASPCA’s mobile clinics are in all five NYC boroughs daily providing spay/neuter services to low income New Yorkers as well as rescue groups and shelters including AC&C. We also just opened a stationary spay/neuter clinic in Queens—focused just on animal rescuers and which is expected to increase our surgery capabilities by 10,000 animals per year, aiming toward a goal of 40,000 total surgeries in 2011 and hoping to ultimately decrease the intake number of animals in our city’s shelters.

The ASPCA is committed to our mission of preventing animal cruelty, both nationwide and in our own backyard, and continues to work hard to improve the lives of dogs and cats both in New York but also across the U.S. Our donors contribute to us with the expectation that we maintain a national reach in fighting animal homelessness and cruelty, and we are proud of the lifesaving work we have accomplished around the country with the support of our mission by donors, the public and local communities.

The ASPCA strongly supports shelter access legislation that includes essential safeguards ensuring rescue organizations requesting animals meet necessary standards of care and do not jeopardize the health and well-being of dogs and cats in their facilities. Unfortunately, some organizations end up warehousing animals in the name of saving lives, but which only results in neglect and abuse. Our recent field responses to such cases has been heartbreaking and reminds us that our mission requires that we place the best interest of the animals first to ensure adequate standards of care exist wherever animals entrusted to shelters are subsequently placed. We believe shelter access is essential, and the shelter access bill being proposed by NY State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and NY State Senator Greg Ball has the best interest of animals at heart.

Sunday, March 27th -- SO Many Pet Events Today!

2011-03-27T08:38:00.001-07:00

Times vary -- plan your trips accordingly! (Just cut and paste each URL in your browser for details)

Macy's Petacular -- Dress Your Pet In His/Her Springtime Best! (Manhattan) http://www1.macys.com/campaign/flowershow/newyork/instore.jsp

Day Two of the Second Annual Brooklyn Mutt Show! (Including a ‘Snookie-Look-A-Like’ Contest at 6pm!
http://www.brooklynmuttshow.com/

Doggie Dancing! Love Your Pet Disco and Boogie! (Yes—doggie dancing) -- Brooklyn
http://loveyourpetnyc.blogspot.com/

Mother’s Comfort Project Sewing Pet Beds for Shelter Animals! -- Brooklyn
http://www.rational-animal.org/

Congratulations to the Doggie Moms of NYC!

2011-02-16T19:47:00.001-08:00

Just a quick update. Has been a whirlwind of activity for the last week with Pre-Westminster, Westminster, and post-Westminster activities all over town. Got lots of pix and great stories for everyone.

In the meantime, just wanted to give a big cyber hug and congrats to our friends on "Doggie Moms", which aired tonight for the first time. If you missed it 'tune in' online at
http://nyc.gov/html/nycmg/nyctvod/html/home/home.html

Also check out the interview I did with them on "Pets In the City" on Pet Life Radio--really funny!
http://www.markiac.addr.com/PET_LIFE_RADIO/cityep39.html

Just for fun-- pix from AC&C Fundraiser this evening

2011-01-21T21:35:00.000-08:00

Just for fun...have a good night! More pix coming this weekend.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?fbid=1648896456386&id=1056199888&aid=86625

A Big Gay Cat Wedding! And Changes to NYC Licensing, Tethering Laws

2011-01-18T15:13:00.000-08:00

Only in New York, my friends. It's for a good cause, and should be a good laugh on a cold winter night...this Thursday, January 20th, Upper East Side

http://www.meetup.com/CrazyCatsNYC/calendar/16098088/

In 'other' news, a law passed the NYC Council today (Tuesday, January 18th) regarding dog licensing and anti-tethering bills; all dogs owners should give this a look. This press release is background for what was passed at the Council today. (I received a media update that it indeed passed this afternoon.)

http://www.aspca.org/Home/News/Tri-State/01-14-11-3.aspx

NYC Dog Licensing Changes/Increase Coming Your Way; Outdoor Tethering Bill Introduced

2010-12-17T10:31:00.001-08:00

Editor's Note: Note that increased surcharge refers to *unaltered* dogs (ie, not spayed or neutered.) However, IMHO this probably means increase in general. Thoughts?

In another sort-of related note: we had interviewed Assemblyman Lentol of Brooklyn on our radio show not too long ago, and we touched upon the coming changes to the New York City dog licensing law. Hopefully we'll be able to revisit with him soon. In the meantime, here's the audio of our interview on Pet Life Radio:http://www.markiac.addr.com/PET_LIFE_RADIO/cityep35.html

ASPCA Urges NYC Council Health Committee to Support Dog Licensing & Anti-Tethering Bills
Hearings to discuss Intro. 328 & Intro. 425, both boons to public health, safety

NEW YORK—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today announced its support of two pieces of legislation beneficial to New Yorkers and their pets.

Intro. 328, introduced by Councilmember Jessica Lappin (D-Manhattan), would allow the City to raise the license fee for an unaltered dog from $11.50 to $34.00, with the new surcharge of $25.50 going to a specially designated City Animal Population Control Fund administered by the Department of Health to help NYC Animal Care and Control (AC&C) implement a population control program. This surcharge, which was previously sent to the State, will now remain in New York City.

Intro. 425, known as anti-tethering legislation and introduced by Councilmember Peter Vallone, Jr. (D-Queens) would prohibit pet owners from restraining animals outdoors for longer than three hours in a continuous 12-hour period.

"We are grateful for the council’s consideration of these two very important bills, which will improve the lives of New York City’s two- and four-legged residents,” says ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres. "We hope that the increase in the licensing fee will encourage dog owners to spay or neuter--as well as license--their pets in order to make this program as effective as it can be. We are also excited by the possibility of AC&C having access to increased funding to address NYC’s animal overpopulation problem.

“The ASPCA has long recognized the importance of spaying and neutering and provides free and low-cost surgeries in all five boroughs, seven days a week,” adds Sayres. “A well-funded animal population control program would reduce the number of cats and dogs euthanized and decrease potential threats to public health and safety. We look forward to working with the City, the Council, and Speaker Quinn to find innovative ways to educate and encourage people to license their pets and greatly increase dog license compliance rates.”

Chained dogs can and have become aggressive due to constant confinement, a lack of socialization with humans, and an inability to escape from perceived threats. Tethering also exposes dogs to injury by other animals and people, extreme weather conditions and the tether/chain itself. Prohibiting tethering could help reduce threats to public safety.

The ASPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement department receives numerous calls each year from NYC residents reporting instances of neglected dogs tethered outdoors. “Unfortunately, there is little we can do until the dog is suffering from clear signs of starvation, injury, or illness, and can pursue cruelty charges against the owner,” says Sayres. “This proposed legislation is an important first step in enabling law enforcement to take action before a dog begins to suffer, and we look forward to working with Councilmember Vallone and his colleagues on strengthening the bill’s language to make it as effective as possible.”

Special Halloween Party Update and Bonus Events -- today, tommorow and next weekend!

2010-10-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

They just keep pouring in! This is a supplement to our previous posting ('We Got Ya' Halloween Parties -- Right Here') so check both of these listings out. Following are some that came in after that posting plus some other fun events this weekend and next weekend. To stay updated, please keep it bookmarked on the New York Tails Calendar of Events and feel free to visit the rest of the New York Tails Magazine website while you're there, too!

TODAY -- Saturday, October 23rd, 2010
After you go to the big blowout at Tompkins Square Park, keep on wagging up and over to the 'Ghost and Goblins Dog Halloween Party' at Biscuits and Bath, 41 West 13th Street (near 5th). For $8.00 per person and $4.00 per dog, you'll get to enter several contest categories and eat some of the best lunch downtown. Free samples and coupons for the doggies, too! Well worth the price of admission. Hosted by the Lower Manhattan Small Dog Meetup Group with Elaine and 'Mandee.'

Saturday, October 23rd AND Sunday, October 24th -- 11am to 7pm (Sun 11am to 5pm)
Happiness is a warm doggie or kitty wrapped in a gorgeous blanket and snuggled up with you on the couch as the days get chilly. So stop by the ASPCA on 92nd between York and First and adopt! This weekend's Adopters will receive deluxe, ASPCA-exclusive pet blankets from European Home Designs®, and toy giveaways also will be provided to dog (and cat) adopters. Up to $250.00 in health care and services come with each dog and cat!

Saturday, October 23rd and Sunday, October 24th -- 12 noon to 4pm
'Dog Days At Old Westbury Gardens". Bring your (leashed, please) dog for an invigorating walk on the beautiful grounds on a crisp fall day. Our friend Rick Caran and the famous poker-playing 'Jilli Dog' will be there on Sunday. Visit
http://www.oldwestburygardens.org/index.htm for more information about Old Westbury Gardens and www.jillidog.com for more info on Rick and Jilli!

TOMMOROW -- Sunday, October 24th
Sunday, October 24th -- begins 12 noon
East River Esplanade Dog Park – Halloween Parade! Tricks and treats for all in costume. Parade starts at 1:00. Human welcome! Esplanade is at 63rd Street and York Avenue ramp and has one of the best views from a dog run in the entire city. Visit www.east63.com for more information.

Sunday, October 24th -- 1pm to 3pm
Carl Schurz Park Conservancy Annual Howlooween Howl! After you stop by the East River Esplanade keep walking up the East River Promenade to 84th Street to Carl Schurz Park. Come see the new dog runs and compete in the contests. This year the focus is on healthy hounds. Good vittles, good health, good care and good lovin' for the health of your dog.Booths located above the HOWL arena, along the John Finley Walk starting at East 84th Street.

Sunday, October 24th -- 12 noon to 2:00pm
Bowl-of-Milk-and-Cookies Celebration to Launch Careers for Your Cat
The cats have found their true calling after taking the Meowers-Briggs Career/Personality Test. The test was specially designed for felines by Ann Dziemianowicz, a “Cat Career” Coach and author of the new book Careers for Your Cat.
The shelter kitties...er, that is professional career cats... will appear with Dziemianowicz, as she launches her new book, Careers for Your Cat. The “Bowl-of-Milk-and-Cookies” book celebration will be held at Animal Haven, 251 Centre Street, NY, NY 10013.

And for you Staten Island and Long Island Folks
Long Island
Sat, Oct 23 -- Parade starts at 1:00pm
Howl-ween: Corky's Canine Costume Parade on Main St in Cold Spring Harbor.
Canines from all over are planning to participate in the chic
canine costume parade considered a Paws for A Cause celebration. Spectators
will line Main Street to see canines model their finest costumes as they march
to the tune Who Let the Dogs Out! The parade will begin at the corner of Main
Street (Route 25A) and Shore Road at 1 pm. Canines will parade their beautiful
Howl-ween costumes down Main Street (which will become the official Cat Walk
for the Parade throughout the Village). The Parade will end with a local
Sidewalk Street Sale where the canine celebrities will be warmly greeted by
pupparazzi throughout the afternoon. In addition, Cold Spring Harbor Village
will be declared Corky s Canine Friendly Town for the day and canines and
their owners will be welcomed with open paws to browse the shops and experience
the beauty of this charming village. Call 631-367-2565 for more info.

Staten IslandSunday, October 24 -- 11:00am to 1:00 pm
Pup Hollywood Howl'o ween Pup Party at 3479 Richmond Road, Staten Island NY 10306.
Hosted by Pup Hollywood (718) 979-9274 www.puphollywood.com Fun & Prizes! Treats for tricks! Shop by our BOO'tique today for a great selection of costume!
Free gifts to the first 20 pups!

And here's some more fun events coming up this week!
Bronx

Saturday, October 23 1:00–4:30 p.m.
What's Halloween without cats? Do something nice for them by attending this workshop: Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR): How to Manage a Feral Cat Colony. At Fort Schuyler House, 3077 Cross Bronx Expressway (at East Tremont Avenue), Bronx.
Come learn how to care for the feral and stray cats in your community and make use of the many resources now available to assist you. All steps in setting up a managed colony will be covered, including establishing good community relations, feeding, building and placing shelters, arranging vet care, finding recovery space, safely handling feral cats, and trapping (with an emphasis on conducting a mass-trapping of an entire feral colony at once). All workshop attendees will become TNR certified, and NYC residents will gain access to no-cost spay/neuter and trap rental. Join the 3,000+ caretakers trained to date! Sponsors: Neighborhood Cats, NYC Feral Cat Initiative. Course Fee: There is no fee to attend this class, but advance registration is required.More Info & Registration: Advance registration is required. E-mail lois@NYCFeralCat.org or call Neighborhood Cats at (212) 662-5761 with your name, address, phone number, and date of workshop you wish to attend. For more information, visit the Neighborhood Cats website.

Manhattan

Monday, October 25th -- 8pm to 9pm
Now here's an interesting twist on Halloween week and pets: Playwrights for Pets: A Tribute to Sci/Fi Horror. A reading of 4 plays to benefit Glen Wild Animal Rescue; running time approx. 1 hour. $10 donation requested at door.Visit http://www.playwrightsforpets.com/ for more info!

Tuesday, October 26th -- 6:30 to 8:00pm
Okay, not Halloween-y per se, but still very cool, with our friends Mary and Peggy (and some of the best friends pets in the city could ever have.) TTouch Tips for Pets-About-Town! At the training Room (at animal haven), 251 Centre Street, Manhattan. DOES YOUR PET ACT UP? WANT TO ENHANCE THEIR WELL-BEING? HAVE SPECIFIC ISSUES YOU WANT TO ADDRESS? Join this workshop series and take home some well-targeted TTouch Tips for your own special companion pet! Learn the TTouch! Learn the Body Wrap! Learn the Groundwork! Learn how TTouch makes the difference! Visit www.mitails.com to pre-register.

Halloween Parties -- Weekend of October 30th, 2010

Queens
Saturday, October 30th -- 11:00am to 1:00pm
Canine Costume Carnival at Rockaway Freeway Dog Park! All dogs and puppies from Rockaway and surrounding areas of Queens and Brooklyn are invited to the Freeway Dog Park to strut their costumes between 11 and 1 on October 30. Prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place costumes in big and small dog categories. There will be music and give-away bags. North Shore Animal League mobil adoption unit will be present with puppies and adult dogs available for adoption. For more information email zina@arfarfrockaway.org.

Sunday, October 31st -- 7:30pm to 9:00pm
The Fifth Annual Forest Hills Dog Lovers Assn. Halloween Dog Costume Event!
At Yellowstone Park, Yellowstone Blvd. between 68 Ave. and 68 Road (67-71 Yellowstone Blvd.Forest Hills, NY 11375). Free!

Manhattan
Sat. Oct 30 11-4
Halloween Sale & Celebration! At 46 West 73rd St. Meet dogs available for adoption from 12:30-2:00. Meet Chris Hamer, author of "Parenting with Pets" from 11:30-12:30.
All dogs in costme receive a free gourmet treat. Free Goody bag with any purchase over $50. One day sale specials through out the store, including our famous $5 blow out table! Plus much more! Call 212-595-0800 fore more info.

EventDescription:
Sunday, Oct. 31 – 11am to 1pm (registration until 11:30)
Howl-O-Ween Fundraiser – ‘Project Run-A-Way’ Costume Contest at the
Bullmoose Dog Run (Museum of Natural History Planetarium Entrance, 81st Street between 81st Street Columbus and Central Park West.) Registration fee: $10.00; proceeds to go to upkeep and maintenance of the dog run. Prizes and raffles! For more information visit facebook @FaceBook/Bull Moose Dog Run or bullmoosedogrun.org.

Westchester
Sunday, October 31st – 1pm to 4pm
Costume Ball Fur All! 93 State Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
Penny Lane & LilyPads welcome Beth Joy and Bella Starlet Dog clothes and bows for sale, portion donated to SPCA Westchester. Rsvp delicaterose9@aol.com.

Oct. 2010 -- Get Ya' Halloween Parties Here!

2010-10-15T23:52:00.000-07:00

October 2010 – Calendar of Howl-O-Ween Events (as of October 15th, 2010)

Need I say more? Yes, yes, info about the big Tompkins Square Park Dog Halloween Parade is here (October 23rd, BTW) but there's something in every boro and every nearby county over the next few weeks. Weekend of October 23rd/24th is particularly busy, so pace yourself.

Manhattan Saturday, October 23rd – 12 noon to 3pm
Tompkins Square Park 20th Annual Halloween Dog Parade! Yes, this is the BIG one. Competition is fun but fierce, so think about the most outrageous dog costume you can conjure up and then take it one step further! Lots of raffles and prizes at stake, including iPods! At the Tompkins Square Park Dog Run, East 9th Street between Avenues A & B. Raindate: Sunday, October 24th. Visit http://www.dogster.org for pictures from last year’s parade to see what you’re up against!

Saturday, October 23rd – 1pm to 2pm
Howl-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest (various PETCO locations; check your local PETCO)
Dress up your pet and enter to win a prize at PETCO’s Annual Howl-O-Ween pet costume contest! Free; registration begins 15 minutes before contest starts.

Sunday, October 24th 1pm – 3pm
The Annual Halloween Howl! Free your and your dog's creativity and dress your pet in costume to compete in the annual CARL SCHURZ PARK CONSERVANCY dog costume event. http://www.carlschurzparknyc.org/events.html
(rain date October 31) At the hockey & basketball courts in the southern end of the Park along the John Finley esplanade.THIS YEAR!: For the FIRST TIME the CONSERVANCY presents THE HALLOWEEN HOWL HEALTHY HOUND Fair. To learn more about becoming a sponsor and marketing your healthy dog treats, foods and services please call the CONSERVANCY general number at 212-459-4455

Saturday, Oct. 30 – 11am to 4pm
The New York Dog Shop: Howlin' Halloween Party and Sale. At The New York Dog Shop, 46 West 73rd Street. Join us for Halloween fun with goodies for both humans and their doggies! $5 and $10 clearance tables with collars, leashes, treats, and grooming supplies. Don't forget to dress up — free gifts for pups dressed in costumes. Free goody bags with purchases over $50, and other promotions throughout the store! Certified trainer and Parenting with Pets author Chris Hamer will be in the store to sign her book and offer a short training seminar.
For more information, visit The New York Dog Shop website.

Saturday, Oct. 30th – 1pm to 6pm
Anjellicle Cats Rescue: Adoption Van at the Tucker Square Greenmarket. Tucker Square Greenmarket, Columbus Avenue and West 66th Street, Manhattan.Cats and kittens will be available for adoption in the North Shore Animal League America adoption Van at the Tucker Square Greenmarket. Please stop by our spooky Halloween theme adoption event and check out our kitties! Treats for our rescued cats are welcomed! For more information, contact Anjellicle Cats Rescue at (646) 457-2130 or visit the Anjellicle Cats Rescue website.

Sunday, October 31st -- 12 noon to 2:00pm
Happy Chilloween! Perhaps one of the cutest Halloween costume contests around, this is for Chihuahuas only. A very popular, annual event hosted by Ada Nieves. At Happy Paws, 316 Lafayette Street. Visit www.adanieves.com for more info.

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Bronx
Sunday, October 31st – starts 12 noon
Howl-O-Ween at Van Cortlandt’s Canine Court! Bring your dog all dressed up for this costume competition, or just observe unleashed cuteness.Location: Canine Court (in Van Cortlandt Park), Bronx, Broadway & 252nd Street. Cost: Registration: $10 per dog, $5 each additional dog to benefit the dog run.Event Organizer: Paws Across America

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Brooklyn
Saturday, October 30th – Registration begins 11:30 -- 12 noon to 3pm
(raindate Sunday, Oct. 31st)
The 12th Annual Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest! At Fort Green Park. Register by 11:30 at Momument Plaza near the stairs. Suggested entry fee is $5.00 per dog and will go to buy refill bags for dispensers in Fort Greene Park. Prizes for the top six winners of this year's Great PUPkin contest were donated by: Who's Your Doggy, Green Pets, TheaterMania, Brooklyn Veterinary Hospital, Green in BKLYN, Square Root Cafe, ScooterFood LLC, Chez Oskar, Bittersweet, Thirst Wine Merchants, Brooklyn Cares Veterinary Clinic, Madiba Restaurant and more TBA. The official Westminster Dog Show photographers, Wild Coyote Studios, will be at the event to take dog portrait photography (in or out of costume). If you are interested, the suggested donation for a portrait is $25 (normally $475). Wild Coyote Studios is donating all proceeds from donations to Fort Greene PUPS. Fort Greene Park is located between Dekalb and Myrtle Avenues in Brooklyn. Closest trains are the 4/5 at Nevins Street or the B/D/N/Q/R at Dekalb Ave. The contest will take place on the stairs leading to the Martyrs' Monument. Visit Fortgreenpups.org for more info.

Sunday, October 31st – 12 noon to 5pm
Sean Casey Animal Rescue Halloween Block Party! Sean Casey Animal Rescue, 153 East 3rd Street, Brooklyn
This fun-filled adoption event and block party will feature a five-piece band, games, activities, costume contest, and parade for kids and dogs, raffles, food, and beverages. Cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies (and maybe some exotic animals) will be available for adoption in the North Shore Animal League America adoption van. We hope you will join us for this special occasion and bring your family, friends, co-workers and dogs. Costumes optional, but very welcome!
For more information, contact Charles Henderson at (718) 436-5163, charles.seancaseyanimalrescue@gmail.com, or visit the Sean Casey Animal Rescue website.

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Staten Island
Saturday, October 16, Noon-3pm
Pooch Parade! Garner awards at this "Howl-een" for longest tail, shortest dog, floppiest ears and owner look-a-like, and a doggie obstacle course. At the appropriately named Wolfe’s Pond Park, Hylan Boulevard and Corenlia Avenue. Visit http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2010/10/16/pooch-parade fore details and directions.

Sunday Oct. 24th 11:00-1:00
Pup Hollywood Howl'o ween Pup Party, 3479 Richmond Road Staten Island NY 10306. Hosted by Pup Hollywood (718) 979-9274 www.puphollywood.com. Fun & Prizes! Treats for tricks! Shop by our BOO'tique today for a great selection of costumes! Free gifts to the first 20 pups!

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Queens
Sunday, October 17th – 11:30am to 2pm
Seventh Annual Canine Costume Contest and Socrates Sculpture Park Halloween Harvest Festival
Go all out with the help of Socrates Sculpture Park artists at this celebration of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Join workshops to make beautiful paper flowers, skull masks and more with found and recyclable materials, then use the creations to decorate a giant altar. Take a costume-making workshop to transform yourself into the living dead, enter your dog in the 7th Annual Canine Costume Contest, enjoy a "Mexican Bluegrass" concert and take in a presentation of "Hood: A Tale of Robin and his Merry Men."

Thursday, October 28th – 7:00pm to 11:30pm
Bobbie & The Strays Halloween Masquerade Ball [NOTE: NO DOGS ALLOWED] Dance and party while MRG productions spins all night long in this elegant banquet hall on the water! Enjoy a fun evening of music, dancing, costume contest, full white-glove dinner, and unlimited beer, wine, and soda. Costumes are optional — but don't forget that there will be a costume contest with prizes awarded. Raffles and silent and live auctions will give you the chance to win some wonderful items. Attendees can also bid on fabulous items during our silent and live auctions. Admission is $100 for adults, $50 for children (12 and under). For more information or to reserve tickets or tables, contact Bobbi & the Strays at (718) 845-0779 events@bobbicares.org, or visit the Bobbi & the Strays website.

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Long Island
Sat, Oct 23 – Starts 1pm (raindate Sun, October 24)
Howl-ween: Corky's Canine Costume Parade

At Main St, Cold Spring Harbor. Canines from all over are planning to participate in the chic canine costume parade considered a Paws for A Cause celebration. Spectators will line Main Street to see canines model their finest costumes as they march to the tune Who Let the Dogs Out! The parade will begin at the corner of Main Street (Route 25A) and Shore Road at 1 pm. Canines will parade their beautiful Howl-ween costumes down Main Street (which will become the official Cat Walk for the Parade throughout the Village). The Parade will end with a local Sidewalk Street Sale where the canine celebrities will be warmly greeted by pupparazzi throughout the afternoon. In addition, Cold Spring Harbor Village will be declared Corky s Canine Friendly Town for the day and canines and their owners will be welcomed with open paws to browse the shops and experience the beauty of this charming village. Call 631-367-2565 for more info.

Thursday, October 28 from 6:00–11:00 p.m.
Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center: Halloween Party & Casino Night. Chateau La Mer, 845 South Wellwood Avenue, Lindenhurst, Long Island. Join Little Shelter for a frightfully fun evening at the hauntingly beautiful Chateau La Mer on the Great South Bay. Enjoy faboolous food, fangtastic casino games, transylvanian twisting, a spooktacular silent auction, and awards for the most bewitching costumes. Costumes are encouraged by not required. Tickets are $100 each, with discounts available for tables of 5 or 10 people. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center at (631) 368-8770 the Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center website.

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Westchester
Saturday, October 30 – 10am to 2pm
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
New Rochelle Humane Society: Howl-O-Ween Open House at New Rochelle Humane Society, 70 Portman Road, New Rochelle, NY. Meet our dogs and cats, tour the shelter, enjoy complimentary baked goods, shop for shelter merchandise, and have your pet microchipped at this Halloween-themed open house! Free and open to the public.For more information, contact New Rochelle Humane Society at (914) 632-2925 or visit the New Rochelle Humane Society website.

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Connecticut
October 23, 2010 – 10:30 am to 4:30pm
Howl-oween Charity Canine Event
Bring your dog and join us for a howling good time; activities include: doggie costume contests and dog fun matches, vendors, animal rescue groups, Silent Auction, refreshments, DJ, face painting, police K-9 display, petcare workshops, kids activities and more. Location: The Riverwalk & Veteran's Memorial Park, 40 Canal Street in Shelton, CT. Adults, $5; youth under 203-922-2643 or visit www.howloweenct.org.

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New Jersey
Sunday, October 24th – 1pm to 4:30pm
New York’s own pet-tastic radio host, Maria Milito of Q104.3 is the rockin’ hostess of “October Tails”, a Halloween event for dogs and their humans! Doggie costume contest, agility demos, children’s activities and lots more! At Verona Park, Bloomfield Avenue and Lakeside Avenue in Verona, NJ (rain date October 30th.) Proceeds from fundraising of $50.00 or more are eligible for great prizes, including a Netbook! Donations help St. Barnabas “Paws for Patients’ hospice program. Visit http://www.saintbarnabas.com/hospitals/hospice/acrobat/octobertails_factsheet2010.pdf

October 2010 Calendar of Events -- Dog Day Afternoons October 16th and 17th!

2010-10-15T23:27:00.000-07:00

Lots of great stuff going on this weekend (Saturday, October 16th and Sunday, October 17th) so I just wanted to mention that right up there first, before you head out. But there's lots of other great stuff going on this whole month, so check it out!

As always, events are arranged by boro/county and then date, so you have NO EXCUSE for staying indoors this weekend. The rain and the hail are gone, it's nice out, get off of that couch and doggie/kittie bed and enjoy! And if the links don't automatically click for you, just cut-and-paste in your brower. You know the drill.

October 2010 – October/November Calendar of Pet EventsNationwide: Alley Cat Allies: National Feral Cat Day
Saturday, October 16, 2010
National Feral Cat Day is your opportunity to help protect and improve the lives of cats around the country! We know how much you care about cats and want to help protect them. Now you can celebrate National Feral Cat Day by reaching out to others with the message that feral cats are healthy and happy outdoors and that Trap-Neuter-Return improves cats' lives. Get involved and show your support for stray and feral cats by distributing educational materials or hosting local events like workshops, fundraisers, or special neuter clinic days. With your help, we can truly make a difference in cats' lives. You can be their voice — on National Feral Cat Day, and all year round. For more information, contact Alley Cat Allies at alleycat@alleycat.org, or visit the Alley Cat Allies website.

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Manhattan
Saturday, October 16th – 11am to 4pm
Central Park Paws presents the Eight Annual “My Dog Loves Central Park” Country Fair! A taste of the fall countryside in the middle of Central Park, this event is filled with fun and dogs, dogs, dogs! At the Naumburg Bandshell, Central Park (enter mid-park at 72nd Street from either the West or East Side and walk straight to the Bandshell) The day will be jam-packed with activities, from agility to mazes, to an Oral History project, auditions for “Stupid Pet Tricks’ to ‘Tails of the City’ Music to Wildlife Look-Alike contests to Costume Contests. Visit www.centralparkpaws.org for more information.

Saturday, October 16th – 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Bats In the Park! What better way to get ready for Halloween than to spend some time with these wild, natural residents of the Park! (Don’t worry—they won’t bite.) Meet at The Great Hill, 106th Street and Central Park West. Call 212.860.1370 for more information or visit http://www.nycgovparks.org.

Saturday, October 16th and Sunday, October 17th – 10am to 5pm each day
“Meet the Breeds” at the Jacob Javits Center, 33rd Street and 11th/12th Avenues. ‘Meet’ over 160 different breeds of dog and dozens of different cat breeds while checking out the latest pet products. Tickets are $15.00 at the door and $10.00 for children under 12 both days. Visit http://www.akc.org/meet_the_breeds/the-details.html#nav-details for more details and directions to the Javits Center.
Sunday, October 17th – 11am to 12 noon
West End Collegiate Church: Blessing of the Animals Celebration
West End Collegiate Church, 77th Street and West End Avenue, Manhattan
All creatures great and small will be welcomed at this celebration. All are welcome to bring pets, and each pet will receive a blessing. Those who cannot bring living pets are welcome to bring favorite stuffed animals to the service instead. Please bring your pet in a carrier or on a leash. Free and open to the public.
For more information, contact West End Collegiate Church at (212) 787-1566 or visit the West End Collegiate Church website.

Monday, October 18th – 7pm to 10pm
Stray from the Heart: 10th Anniversary Celebration
Hudson Terrace, 621 West 46th Street (between 11th and 12th Avenues). Join Broadway stars Bernadette Peters and Nick Mayo along with Animal Planet's Victoria Stilwell and Q104.3 host Maria Milito for this celebration! Two hours of premium open bar and specialty hors d'oeuvres and live jazz/Latin music by Spectrum. Admission is $100 (tax-deductible). For more information or tickets, visit the Stray from the Heart website.

Tuesday, October 19th – 6:30 to 8:00pm
Mindful Tails / Tavi & Friends: TTouch Tips for Pets-About-Town Workshop
Animal Haven, 251 Centre Street, Manhattan
Does your pet act up? Want to enhance your pet's well-being? Have specific issues to address? This three-part workshop series (October 19, October 26, and November 2) is for you! Join us and take home some well-targeted TTouch tips to use with your special animal companion. Learn TTouch, Body Wrap, and groundwork. Learn how TTouch can make the difference. The workshop will be taught by experienced Guild Certified TTouch Practitioners/Instructors. Pets comfortable in group settings are welcome — and encouraged — to attend with you. Pre-registration is required to confirm your spot and ensure the class will be held. Registration is $99 for the series. Proceeds benefit Tavi & Friends and Animal Haven.
For more information or to register, contact Mindful Tails at MiTails@mindfultails.com, or visit the Mindful Tails website. (Also happening on October 26 and November 2.)

Thursday, October 21st – 6pm to 9pm
Art Dogs & Cats of New York Exhibition and Benefit. Join us for a silent auction hosted by Patrizzi & Co. and gala celebration with music, refreshments, and of course some of the most amazing dog-and-cat inspired art you’ve seen and mingle with the artists themselves! Suggested ticket donation is $15.00, $10.00 for students. Call the Pet Health Store for tickets at 212.595.4200. Show will be held at 548 Broadway, 3rd Floor, New York, New York 10012. Proceeds to benefit local New York City animal rescue groups. Visit http://artdogsandcatsofny.com for more information.

Monday, October 25th – 9:30pm to 11:30pm
JD Productions: Broadway Off'Leash
The Duplex, 61 Christopher Street (at 7th Avenue). The first in this series of charity-cabaret shows will benefit Abandoned Angels Cocker Spaniel Rescue. Performers include John Forslund, Sarah Cumings, Allison Maldonado, Michelle Caniglia, Lana Grube, Leandra Ramm, Joanna Shea, Ambar Aranaga, Jessica George, Sean Elias, Hakim McMillan, David Davila, Taylor Williams, Kim Blanck, Jessica Stewart, and emcee Tyler Kane Whitman. Brian Crum from Grease, Wicked, and Next to Normal will be the Broadway guest performer. Tickets are $10, with a two-drink minimum. For more information or to reserve tickets, contact The Duplex at (212) 255-5438 or visit The Duplex website.

Tuesday, October 26th – 6:30-8:30pm
Pet Socialite Events: Career Opportunities for Pet Lovers
TRS Professional Suites, 44 East 32nd Street, 18th Floor. Love your pets more than your co-workers? Want to be your own boss? This class will give you the basics to begin and the guts to get going with an overview of twelve pet-friendly career options, including Dog Walker/Pet Sitter, Blogger/Writer, Veterinary Technician, Pet Chauffeur, and more. Registration is $35.
For more information, contact Michelle Murphy at (888) 286-6475 or info@petsocialiteevents.com.

Thursday, October 28th – 6:30pm to 8:00pm
“My Dog: An Unconditional Love Story” is a film by Daryl Roth and Mark St. Germain exploring the relationship between dogs and their people with notable dog lovers. At Spot, 145 West 20th Street, New York. Wine and cheese reception at 6:30, screening starts 7pm. Tickets: $25.00 to help the Picasso Veterinary Fund. Presented by The Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals. Visit http://www.animalalliancenyc.org/mydog for more information.

Saturday, October 30, 2010
11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Cats and kittens will be available for adoption in the North Shore Animal League America adoption van outside Trader Joe's. At Trader Joe's, 575 6th Avenue (at 21st Street). For more information, contact Rosary Immordino at (718) 507-6843 or adoptions@savekitty.org, or visit the SaveKitty Foundation website.

Saturday, October 30th – 2pm to 7pm
Social Tees Animal Rescue Foundation: Adoption Van at The Bean Coffee & Tea
Cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies will be available for adoption in the North Shore Animal League America adoption van outside The Bean Coffee & Tea. For more information, contact Robert Shapiro at (212) 614-9653 or socialts@aol.com, or visit the Social Tees Animal Rescue website.

Sunday, October 31st – 1pm to 6pm
Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals / A Tail at a Time: Adoption Van at Unleashed by PETCO
Unleashed by PETCO, 159 Columbus Avenue (at West 67th Street). Cats and kittens will be available for adoption in the North Shore Animal League America adoption van outside Unleashed by PETCO. For more information, contact the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals at (212) 252-2350or pvfadoption@AnimalAllianceNYC.org, or visit the Picasso Veterinary Fund website, or contact A Tail at a Time at (917) 216-1748.

Thursday, Nov. 4th – Cocktail hour at 6pm – Dinner and Awards 7:00pm to 10pm
North Shore Animal League America (NSALA): Fourth Annual Dogcatemy Celebrity Gala
At Cipriani Wall Street, 55 Wall Street. In its fifth year, this gala benefitting NSALA has become a tradition for celebrities and their pets. Each year, artists and newsmakers create videos starring their beloved animals for this Hollywood-style award show. The categories for this year's awards include: Best Pawformance, Best Reel Life Tail, Best Tail Waggin, and Best Dogumentary. Well-behaved dogs welcome. Silent auction. Black tie optional. Mistress of ceremonies will be comedienne, actress, and singer Sandra Bernhard. Tickets are $350–500, with corporate tables available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the NSALA website.

Sunday, November 7th – All Day
ASPCA: "Furry Friends Untied" Team Runs in the ING New York City Marathon
Make your marathon count by joining our ASPCA team and helping out our animal friends! You don't have to be running to donate, but if you are, promote your own donation site within Furry Friends Untied to your friends, family, and co-workers. Funds raised go directly to the ASPCA. For more information or to join the team, contact Ana Landis Velazquez at analandisvelazquez@yahoo.com, or visit the Furry Friend Untied website.

Sunday, November 20th – 7:30am to 9:00am
Central Park Paws ‘Bagel Bark’. Stop by for our monthly ‘coffee klatch’ with a bark while your dog enjoys off-leash play hours. At the Conservatory Water, Fifth Avenue and 74th Street near Pilgrim Hill. Visit www.centralparkpaws.org for more information.

Saturday, December 18th – 7:30am to 9:00am
Central Park Paws ‘Bagel Bark’. Stop by for our monthly ‘coffee klatch’ with a bark while your dog enjoys off-leash play hours. At 59th Street and Columbus Circle. Visit www.centralparkpaws.org for more information.
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Bronx
Saturday, October 23rd – 11am to 4pm (arrive 7:30am for free spay/neuter service; cats also accepted)
‘Pet’ Bull Palooza in Crotona Park hosted by The Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, the ASPCA and Best Friends Society team up to provide services and information about pit bulls and pit bull terrier mixes in a festive environment in the South Bronx, where there is a large concentration of pit bulls and terriers in need. Free spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping, mini-grooming! Free leashes and collars for the first 300 dogs and free dog food. Visit www.petbullny.com for more information and instructions for spay/neuter prep the night before.

Saturday, October 23rd – 1pm to 4:30pm
“Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR): How to Manage a Feral Cat Colony” Workshop. At the Fort Schuyler House, 3077 Cross Bronx Expressway, Bronx, New York.

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Brooklyn
Saturday, October 16th – 9am to 12 noon
Reaching-Out Community Services: 2010 Pet Walk For Hunger
At the Kimberly Cassas Dog Park, 86th Street and 7th Avenue, Brooklyn. Reaching-Out Community Services provides emergency food and other social services to low-income families and individuals in the Brooklyn community. This walk is to support the RCS program that distributes pet food to low-income food pantry clients. For more information or a pledge form, visit the Reaching-Out Community Services website.

Saturday, October 16th – 11am to 3pm
Pet Health Fair: The makers of Pedigree, Whiskas and other well-known pet foods host a ‘pet health fair’ (for dogs) and the Prospect Park YMCA to emphasize the ‘power of pets’ and how both pets and people can keep each other healthy and happy. The event will feature a community education discussion by Dr. Karyl Hurley, a dog obstacle course, free pet health screenings, “doggie” bags with health giveaways including free samples, pedometers, waterbowls and more. Face painting, music and more for the kids. Rrain date: Oct. 23. Additional on-going activities, such as community dog-walking programs, may follow in the coming months. Visit http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=31&id=38780 for more info.

Saturday, November 6th – 7am to 9am
FIDO Brooklyn’s Monthly Coffee Bark! At the Long Meadow beside the Picnic House. Dish about dogs and Danish at the city’s most unique breakfast experience with your dog. Free! Visit www.fidobrooklyn.org for more information.

Saturday, November 6th – 11:00am to 12:30 noon
Wild Parrots of Brooklyn Safari! Monthly parrot safari of the now-famous Brooklyn Quaker Parrots with Steve (Stephen) Baldwin. Meet at Brooklyn College’s Hillel Gate, intersection of Hillel Place and Campus Road. Free, but birdseed appreciated (really!). Please email steve@brooklynparrots.com if you plan to attend.

Saturday, November 13th – 1pm to 4:30pm
“Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR): How to Manage a Feral Cat Colony” Workshop. At the Bay Ridge Library, 7223 Ridge Boulevard, Brooklyn.

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Queens
Saturday, October 16th – 9:30 am to 1:00pm
“Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR): How to Manage a Feral Cat Colony” Workshop. At the Queens Library, 21-45 31st Street, 2nd Floor in Astoria.

Wednesday, November 3rd – All Day
“Dining to Donate” – Applebees at 430 New Dorp Lane will donate 10 percent of your bill to PLUTO Recue of Richmond County when you dine here today! Visit the PLUTO website at http://members.petfinder.com/~NY190/ or call 718.980.7800 for more info. Visit the PLUTO website for a downloadable flyer to present to your server for the 10percent donation to be activated.

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Staten Island
Stay tuned! To submit your event visit the www.newyorktails.com website and click “Submit an Event To Us”.

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Long Island
Sunday, October 17 -- 7:00 p.m.
Brookhaven Animal Shelter: Desert Highway Benefit Concert at Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Garden City, Long Island. New York's premiere Eagles tribute band, Desert Highway, will perform a concert to benefit the homeless animals at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and children under 12. All proceeds from the event will go towards Help the Animals Fund, Brookhaven's non-profit corporation established to raise the funds necessary to improve shelter conditions and to better meet the needs of resident cats and dogs. For more information, contact Gina De Haan at (631) 747-7754 or write gilicreative@yahoo.com. For tickets, call (631) 286-5598

Sunday, November 14 -- 11:00 a.m.¬5:00 p.m
Tavi & Friends / A Home At Last / Forgotten Friends: FOUR PAWS AFFAIR Pet Adoption Fundraiser and Family Day Expo '10
At Doggie"U" K9 Academy, 41 Saxon Avenue, Bay Shore, Long Island. Come out for a fun day with the whole family and support us in our mission to help save the lives of animals. Cats and dogs will be available for adoption! Raffle prizes, giveaways, TTouch and agility demos, animal communication, Reiki, massage, facepainting, balloon sculpture, pet photography, food, lots of vendors to start your holiday gift shopping, and so much more! Open to the public. Well-behaved pets are welcome to attend. Admission is $5 for adults; children are free. The proceeds raised from the event will benefit rescue animals.
For more information, contact Tavi & Friends at Tavi2@earthlink.net, or visit the Tavi & Friends website.

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Westchester and Upstate New York
Saturday, October 16th – 11am to 4pm
“Finding One Another: Courage Beyond Measure” Macy’s Shop-for-a-Cause Event. At Macy’s at the Palisades Center Mall, West Nyack, New York. Tenth Anniversary Tribute to Search and Rescue Dogs who served during September 11th. Search and rescue dog teams will be on hand throughout the store to meet and greet visitors while they shop. Discounts range from 10 to 25 percent off and entitle the ticket holder to enter a drawing for a $500.00 Macy’s gift certificate! For directions to this Macy’s location visit http://www.palisadescenter.com. To learn more about “Tails of Hope” visit www.tailsofhopefoundation.org.

Friday, Oct. 22nd – 7pm to 9:30pm
SPCA of Westchester: "Top Hat & Cocktails" Benefit
Ritz-Carlton, 3 Renaissance Square, White Plains, NY. Hundreds of guests and their canine companions will step out in style to support the SPCA's many life-saving programs. You'll enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and a fabulous live and silent auction. Canine companions will be pampered with gourmet dog treats. After having professional photographs captured by Liza Margulies of Snootydog.com, your pet can high-tail it over to the Canine Ice Cream Bar courtesy of Pets a Go Go, while enjoying the music of Top 40 Entertainment! For more information or to purchase tickets, visis the SPCA of Westchester website.

Sunday, Nov. 7th – 10am to 1pm
New Rochelle Humane Society: Holiday Pet Portraits
At New Rochelle Humane Society, 70 Portman Road, New Rochelle, NY. Celebrate the holidays with a photo of your pet! $20 for a Christmas- or Chanukah-themed 5x7 portrait taken by a professional photographer! Additional prints and holiday card options available. For more information contact New Rochelle Humane Society at (914) 632-2925 or visit the New Rochelle Humane Society website.

Saturday, Nov. 13th – 10am to 3:00pm
New Rochelle Humane Society: Howliday Shopping Event
At the New Rochelle Humane Society, 70 Portman Road in New Rochelle. Get some holiday shopping done at the New Rochelle Humane Society! There will be many pet-related items for sale, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the homeless pets at our shelter! For more information contact New Rochelle Humane Society at (914) 632-2925 or visit the New Rochelle Humane Society website.

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Connecticut
Stay tuned! To submit your event to us, visit www.newyorktails.com and click “Submit an Event to us.’

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New Jersey
Stay tuned! To submit your event to us, visit www.newyorktails.com and click “Submit an Event to us.’

About Face--Mayor's Alliance WANTS You To Attend Meet the Breeds

2010-10-08T06:51:00.000-07:00

Apparently, so serious negotiations going on. From what I understand, reaction to the absense of adoptable cats and information about adoptable dogs (not dogs themselves--this was the case last year also--was fast and furious.)

This is what I know for now, will try to find out more later:

Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals Encourages New Yorkers to Attend “Meet the Breeds”

Something good for NYC’s homeless cats and dogs might result from dispute with American Kennel Club

NEW YORK, NY – (October 8, 2010) – Despite its disappointment with the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) decision to forbid adoptable dogs and puppies from local animal rescue groups and shelters from being on the premises at this month’s “Meet the Breeds” event at the Javit’s Center, the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals says it does not want to discourage New York animal lovers from attending the event and gaining the benefits of its educational components, particularly with regard to responsible pet ownership. “Meet the Breeds” will be presented by the AKC and Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) on October 16-17.

“We have a long-standing relationship with CFA and a history of partnering with them to present adoptable cats and kittens in tandem with their New York City Cat Show at Madison Square Garden,” explained Jane Hoffman, Mayor’s Alliance President. “We don’t want to hurt CFA by discouraging New Yorkers from attending ‘Meet the Breeds.’

“It appears your voices have been heard,” Hoffman continued. “Because of the tremendous feedback resulting from our statement earlier this week, we now feel we have an opportunity to create something positive for New York City’s homeless dogs and cats. We ask that the public please stop contacting the AKC, CFA, and event sponsors and vendors for now, and also ask that there be no event picketing or product boycotts. At this stage, that will not help the animals.”

In the meantime, the Mayor’s Alliance encourages New Yorkers to mark their calendars for December 18-19, when the Mayor’s Alliance and Best Friends Animal Society, joined by CFA, will present an exciting Holiday Pet Adoption Event at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Manhattan’s Chelsea district. Watch for details at AnimalAllianceNYC.org.

About the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals

The Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, Inc., founded in 2002 and powered by Maddie’s Fund®, The Pet Rescue Foundation, with support from the ASPCA, is a coalition of more than 150 animal rescue groups and shelters working with Animal Care & Control of New York City (AC&C) to end the killing of healthy and treatable cats and dogs at AC&C shelters. To achieve that goal, the Alliance, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, helps its Alliance Participating Organizations (APOs) work to their highest potential to increase pet adoptions and spay/neuter rates, with the goal of transforming New York City into a no-kill community by 2015. www.AnimalAllianceNYC.org.

Dog Fight: Mayor's Alliance Thanks Supporters, Pleads For Them to Back Off in Meet The Breeds Controversy

2010-10-07T15:47:00.000-07:00

My, what a difference a day makes.

One day after the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals issued a scathing press release about the lack of adoptable animals (or information about adoptable animals) at this year's 'Meet the Breeds' event, the Mayor's Alliance started asking supporters to stop the snipping because 'something positive' may be coming out of the dust-up:

The brief statement reads as follows:
Good news — and a request — regarding the upcoming AKC/CFA Meet the Breeds event. Our voices have been heard! Because of your feedback, something positive is coming out of this for NYC's cats and dogs, with MANY more adoption venues now opening up! We'll have the details shortly.

We ask that you please stop contacting the AKC, CFA, or event sponsors/vendors now. We also ask that there be no event picketing or product boycotts. Watch our website, Facebook, or Twitter for updates!

Thanks!

We (New York Tails) was also personally asked to remove the original release issued by the Mayor's Alliance from this platform--which we have done--with the promise that we'll be filled in on what changes have transpired to bring this about-face. That said, you can still read the initial rumbles on the Mayor's Alliance own Facebook page (checked as of 7pm Thursday, October 7th).

In the meantime, New York Tails Magazine (and this blog in particular) has been receiving some interesting comments on the story. Like I initially predicted, we were going to get trounced by both sides (pro and con) if I was doing my job in terms of trying to presenting both sides of the story.

On a personal note, and for future reference: It is the policy of this blog--and has always been--not to publish 'anonymous' comments. However, in this case--and in this case only--I am making an exception. Why don't we publish anonymous comments? Because I need to confirm your comment. This is usual editorial policy anywhere you go. Vigorous debate is welcomed, flame wars between faceless entities are not.

I am particularly tickled by the comments we received that accuse us of not having asked the AKC for comment on their side of the story. To those people: do you know how to read? If you need help in this area I would be more than happy to help you get in touch with the United States Literacy Information and Communication System. It is easy to use: when you get to the home page, click on the link that says "America's Literacy Directory" and you'll be directed to a field where you can put in your zip code and be connected to literacy help in your neighborhood.

Why am I fired up about this? Because, really, people. Look at the comments below, and then look at the original article I wrote. First thing I did was reach out to the AKC (and the CFA, for that matter) and ask them for their take. I put their comments right up front and ended with the AKC's forays into 'mixed-breed' outreach. You guys on the other side (the 'pro' adoption side) aren't much better--first comments I got (mostly phonecalls) were asking me why was I coming down on the side of the AKC and the breeds? I don't mind if you disagree with what I wrote--indeed, this country was built on the idea of healthy debate and the ability to speak freely, but at least read what you're disagreeing with first.

Still, I am glad if this somehow has acted as the catalyst for a healthy debate on the larger issues this story emcompasses. I do appreciate each and all comments, but, next time, man-up (or woman-up) and identify yourself, even if it's by an alias.

Or I will not publish your comments.

Bite Me.

Here's some of the comments we received--all but the first one which was received by email to New York Tails were 'Anonymous.' I publish them here against policy because I think some of the opinions are very telling.

[Received by email to New York Tails and republished here...] New York Tails has mischaracterized the AKC' Meet the Breeds event. It is a purely educational event that has nothing to do with shelter or shelter adoptions. The purpose of the event is to educate the public and prospective pet owners about the different breeds of dog. The dogs present at the event are not available for adoption but are much loved pets. The owners have chosen to participate in order to help the public learn about the dogs. To have shelters, pet shops or groups interested in selling dogs represented at such an event is not appropriate in my opinion. It is very possible that, after learning about a breed at this event, a person might very well go to a shelter or rescue organization and chose to adopt a dog based on exposure at the Meet the Breeds. It is also possible that a person who is thinking of choosing, say, a Ukrainian Garbage Hound (Joke) might learn that this (fictional) breed is not suited See more... to his lifestyle and choose another, quite possible from the local shelter. This could avoid yet another dog being rejected by an uninformed owner for being unsuitable and thus avoid another poor dog ending up at the shelter. I find it depressing that groups who claim to be dedicated to bettering the lives of dogs spend their time attacking groups like the AKC that have been helping dogs and dog owners for generations. Jean Richardson

By New York Tails Magazine on AKC To NYC Adoption Community -- Drop Dead at 3:38 PM
If this is an "unbiased" "both sides of the story" report, where is AKC's position on why they didn't want the adoptions taking place during Meet the Breeds? Did you ask? I'll bet you'd discover that adoptions based on impulse and emotion rarely last. The best adoptions require time to investigate the new home and be sure the new pet will receive good care and not be returned to the shelter. Try actually researching your subject next time.

By Anonymous on AKC To NYC Adoption Community -- Drop Dead at 3:16 PM
Apparently you don't know the first thing about journalism, to ask questions. Further you will not post opposing comments to your own, even worse. Has you asked you would have found out there are no dogs for sale at this AKC sponsored event. It is an informative session whereby people learn about authentic purebred dogs, exclusively. Now that's not to say there may not be good advice on what to do about health, training, etc that might be useful to a mixed breed dog owner. One thing you neglect to mention is without parentage of these dogs mixed breed owners are left puzzled by some of the characteristics/ behaviors these dogs do, It is only with the help of purebred breeders that can provide the tools for successful training and care needed to keep them in a lifelong home. If people are interested in mixed breed adoption they can got to any number of shelter/ public events. Stop bashing the purebreds!

By Anonymous on AKC To NYC Adoption Community -- Drop Dead at 6:37 AM
The AKC "Meet the Breeds" event is not at all tied to acquisition of a dog--purebred or mutt. It is an educational event. I am sorry that you and others misunderstood and used this as an opportunity to attack the AKC. There is no relation between "Meet the Breeds" and a shelter adoption fair, therefore they cannot and should not be tied together. By not including shelters, The AKC is not passing judgment any more than they are endorsing a point of view because they failed to invite political groups. It's just that the two have little in common.

By Anonymous on AKC To NYC Adoption Community -- Drop Dead at 5:18 AM
I don't think responsible hobby breeders are allowed to set up shop outside shelters and/or adoption events to present well-bred puppies with a known background from parents with known backgrounds and temperaments. So why should shelters be welcome at an event that focuses on purebreds? So let them set an example - let those shelters and rescue programs pay the hefty fees to rent a NYC event center, then extend a hand to purebred breeders and show how they can work together!

By Anonymous on AKC To NYC Adoption Community -- Drop Dead on 10/6/10
It seems that there is some confusion as to what an AKC Meet the Breeds event actually is. It is an event only for pure bred dogs, and it is NOT an adoption or sale venue. AKC Meet the Breeds has a long history of being an educational event for the public to learn about pure bred dogs by meeting them and having an opportunity to ask questions of their owners and breeders. Typically Meet the Breed owners will explain the history of the individual breed, discuss the AKC breed standard, answer questions about training and the most appropriate home environment for that breed. Meet the Breed is not an event for mixed breed dogs or for adoptions or litter sales.

By Anonymous on AKC To NYC Adoption Community -- Drop Dead on 10/6/10
It seems that there is confusion at the root of the issue over the AKC events called Meet the Breeds. An AKC Meet the Breeds event is NOT an adoption event but an educational event for the public to learn about pure bred dogs that are being exhibited. Those dogs are NOT for sale or adoption but merely present to help the public see a specimen of that breed that adheres to the breed standard. It also affords the public to ask questions about breed history, longevity, health, responsiveness to training, and the type of home and owner that makes the best match. The AKC refusal to include any representatives of mixed breeds, or any adoption opportunities is in keeping with the purpose of an AKC sanctioned Meet the Breed event. Meet the Breed Events are purely to provide educational information on pure bred animals.

By Anonymous on AKC To NYC Adoption Community -- Drop Dead on 10/6/10
What in the world is the problem here? This is obviously a conflict of interest for the AKC and the Mayor's Alliance shouldn't have asked to push in on the AKC event just because it also concerns animals. AKC represents people who breed purebred dogs and those dogs are for sale. Sorry, but if there is a group there giving away puppies, most of which are mixed breed dogs, that's not good for AKC or the people OR dogs they represent. C'mon! Get real. The world isn't built to revolve around rescue animals all the time. There are other people and other pets in the world.

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