August 2007


Where to bring your dog when he wants to play?  Check out this list of all the official dog runs in Manhattan.  (There are several "unofficial" dog runs, but we don’t want to encourage the parks department to shut them down.  Just ask around at your local dog park and you may discover one or two near you!)

Downtown Dog Runs
Kowsky Plaza
, Battery Park City near Gateway Plaza: This brand-new dog run has mounds for dogs to jump over and a water fountain for them to splash in or drink from.
Battery Park City, River Terrace near Murray St.: Nice dog run with a view of the water.
Fish Bridge Park, Dover St. between Pearl and Water: Public dog run with a wading pool and water hose.
Tribeca Dog Run, Warren St. between Greenwich and Chambers: Use of this run is by membership only. Call 212-732-9657 for more information.
West Village D.O.G. Run, Little West 12th St.: Membership at this private dog run costs $40/year. Because membership is limited, there is often a waiting list.
Tompkins Square Park, East 9th St. at Ave. B: The historic first dog run in New York is large with separate areas for large and small dogs, benches and picnic tables, and water.
Washington Square Park, West 4th St. and McDougal: In the southwest corner of the park, you’ll find the very popular and recently renovated dog runs. There are separate runs for larger and smaller dogs.
Mercer-Houston Dog Run, Mercer St. at Houston St.: This private run across from the Angelica movie theater has a plastic wading pool for doggie splashing. Membership costs $50/year.
Union Square, West 15th St. and Union Square West: This well-maintained and recently-renovated dog run has benches and a water source.
Madison Square Park, East 24th St. at 5th Ave.: Clean and rarely crowded.
Stuyvesant Square, East 15th St. between 1st and 2nd Aves.: This run is actually a section of the park (on the west side of 2nd Ave) that is cordoned off for a few hours each day by volunteers.

Midtown Dog Runs
Thomas Smith Park/Chelsea, 11th Ave. at W. 24th St.: This unique dog run has rock formations and a fallen tree bridge.
Hell’s Kitchen Dog Run, West 39th St. at 10th Ave.: This private dog run features chairs, umbrellas and a garden. Membership costs $25 a year. In addition, members are expected to volunteer 4 hours of maintenance time per year or to donate an additional $40 per year towards maintenance costs.
Robert Moses Park, E. 41st St. at 1st Ave.: This is a small run without many amenities, but functional.
Peter Detmold Park, E. 49th St. at FDR Drive: Lots of space, but a bit noisy and windy.
Dewitt Clinton Park, W. 52nd St. at 11th Ave.: This small run has a water supply, with a small swimming pool in the summer.
E. 60th Street Pavilion, 60th St. at the East River: Small private dog run.

Uptown Dog Runs
Riverside Park at 72nd St., Riverside Drive at W. 72nd St.: This run features a river view and benches.
Theodore Roosevelt Park, Central Park W. at W. 81st St.: Water faucets, shade, and plenty of benches.
Carl Schurz Park, E. 86th St. at East End Ave.: Here you’ll find a good-sized main run with benches and running water, along with a smaller run with a nice view of the river and the 59th St. bridge.
Riverside Park at 87th St., Riverside Drive at W. 87th St.: This run has a fountain, a hose, and a separate area for small or shy dogs.
Riverside Park at 105th St., Riverside Drive at W. 105th St.: This lovely dog run has a water fountain and a paw-friendly crushed gravel surface. A dog-friendly outdoor café is located across the promenade.
Morningside Park, Morningside Ave. at 116th St.: A hilltop run with a view.
Thomas Jefferson Park, E. 112th St. at 1st Ave.: A small run, but the only one in the area.
Marcus Garvey Park, E. 120th St. at Madison Ave.: A dog run in a lovely historic park.
Fort Tryon Park, 190th St. and Fort Washington: Large, fenced-in lawn is a 24-hour off-leash space for dogs. Dogs are also allowed at the nearby outdoor cafe.
J. Hood Wright Park, W. 173rd St. between Fort Washington and Haven Aves.: An enclosed dog run with a dirt surface.
Inwood Hill Dog Park, W. 207th St.: Small gravel dog run.

"My dog always has gunk coming out of her eyes. Can you tell me what it is and what I can do?" – Wesley

Answer:

Dogs have eye discharge, just like people do.  It is just a natural secretion, and it is the body’s way of cleaning out the eyes.  Any dust or dirt that gets in your dog’s eyes should get washed away in the secretions.  However, I know it is not always the prettiest thing to look at.  Here is how you can clean up that "gunk" and keep your dog looking pristine and pretty:

If you have a white dog: there are many products out there that are created for white dogs.  When your dog tears, the tears create brownish stains on their white hair.  Tear stains are also an area that may become a hotbed for bacteria. Some dogs, such as Poodles, Cockers, and small Terriers, don’t have the proper mechanism for draining the tears out of the lachrymal gland (tear duct). The excess tears spill down the lower eyelid causing unsightly staining. Trimming hair around the eye, keeping the eye clean, and using a tear stain remover like Synergy Tear & Fur Stain Remover can all help. There are also supplements that you can add to your dog’s daily food such as Angels’ Eyes Tear-Stain Eliminator for Dogs and Cats  that work from the inside out!  Just a pill a day and the stains go away! )I found this hard to believe at first, but it really does work!)

For all dogs: Remember to wipe just the outside of the eye. If the eye itself needs cleaned, you can get an eye wash like Eye Clear that is meant just for dogs. Never wipe the eye itself.  You could scratch the cornea and cause more damage. Just use a cloth soaked in warm (not hot) water and gently wipe the outside of the eye.  Many dogs with protruding eyes, such as Pekingese, Pugs, and Boston Terriers may need eye drops.  Their eyes are more exposed to the elements, and so they may be more prone to getting dirt, dust and bacteria in their eyes.  Don’t use human eye drops, use drops that are specially made for dogs such as Pet Vision Lubricating & Cataract Eye Drops.  You can also canine eye drops at your local pet store, or you can ask your vet to recommend something. 

Note: If your dog seems to be tearing excessively and is constantly wet under the eyes or if you notice unusual redness or swollen areas in or around the eye, you need to consult your vet.  If you notice a cloudy-ness in your dog’s eyes, he/she may be developing cataracts.  Please check with your vet to see what your options are.

August 26, 2007 -Story from K9Magazine.

US rapper DMX has had his home raided by police who discovered 12 neglected dogs as well as the bodies of three more.

dmx album featuring dogDMX, who has also made appearances in a number of films, is no stranger to dog neglect charges.

In 2002 the musician was forced to do public service after pleading guilty to animal cruelty.

The rapper has previously spoken of his love for dogs. Speaking via his lawyer he said;

"We had a caretaker that wasn’t taking care, that’s what happened," DMX’s lawyer Murray Richman said.

"He loves dogs – he loves these animals. Those dogs are practically his family."

The star has his own line of dog clothing named after one of his pitbull terriers.

This animal cruelty controversy comes on the heels of US footballer Michael Vick pleading guilty to organising dog fights.

A spokesman for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s office told Reuters news agency: "We served an initial search warrant for animal neglect, and 12 pit bulls were removed."

A bar in NYC that allows dogs?!  Yes, it's true! 

In a quaint little bar on 11th street between avenue A and avenue B you will find a plethora of pups.  Some think that it is illegal to have dogs in a bar, but this is just not true!  The health department does not allow pets in any establishment that serves food.  However, if it is a bar that serves drinks but no food, it is A-OK! 
The 11th street bar is a low-key place.  I can't quite call it an Irish pub because it has more of an East Village feel.  It has wood benches, floors, and bar stools.  There is a small room in the back where patrons sometimes throw small parties or baby showers. (No joke.)  The 11th street bar is known for its welcoming atmosphere.  It is what that "Cheers" bar should have been like, if it had been in Manhattan. 
The best part about the bar?  The adorable dogs, ranging from corgis to boxers, laying at their owners' feet.

Interested in visiting the bar?  Just make sure your dog is uber-friendly because you are sure to run into some canine pals there!

11th Street Bar, 510 E. 11th St., New York, NY 10009, nr. Ave. A, 212-982-3929
Check out this review from NY Magazine:  http://nymag.com/listings/bar/11th-street-bar/


For a complete list of bars that allow dogs: click here for Manhattan bars or click here for Brooklyn bars.

"how do i get my puppies to stop jumping on me and others when we enter a room that they are in?" –  Ladysbugsmommie


Answer:
Puppies are exhausting but great fun.  You have to be patient with puppies.  It takes a while for them to learn.  Also, you cant expect them to behave like adult dogs.  They are puppies!  Aside from that, there is a basic way to teach puppies to stop jumping. 

First, make sure you teach them to sit.  And give them treats and praise them every time they sit on command.  When you come in the house, hold up the treats and say "sit!"  They should all be so eager to get the treats that they will sit right away and you should give them the treats once they are sitting and praise them.  ("good sit") 

If they are still jumping, turn your back to them and ignore them until they sit.  Everytime they jump on you or others, tell them to sit.  DO NOT PET THEM UNTIL THEY SIT.  This has to be all the time.  They will learn that jumping is not ok, but that they get treats and praise for being good and sitting!

From Garret Rosso of First Run NYC: Two Reports:


DANGER IN DOG PARK: IS SOMEONE GIVING YOUR POOCH DRUGS?

Hazel Sanchez reports | Aug 18, 2007 3:30 am ET
Animal owners in Chelsea are worried after some of dogs get sick in
nearby popular park. Doctor says the symptoms seem to suggest the dogs
were drugged.

CBS VIDEO REPORT:
http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=102547@wcbs.dayport.com&cid=48

:: :: :: :: :: :: ::


NYCDOG ALERT:
DOGS MAY HAVE BEEN INTENTINALLY KILLED AND INJURED BY POISONING AT
CHELSEA WATERSIDE DOG PARK

posted by Bob Marino, NYCdog | Aug 18, 2007
Years ago a similar incident happened at Union Square and when
reported, the miscreant moved to other dog parks including Tompkins
Square where he was spotted and chased off (unfortunately without ever
being captured).

This incident at Chlsea Waterside Dog Park should serve as a warning
to all of our groups to be watchful at your local park. If you spot
suspicious activity report it, use your cellphone camera to take a
photo, get the attention of other dog owners nearby, and, most of all,
be mindful of your dog. Watch for items left on the ground. If
strangers appear to be feeding dogs, intervene. Do not challenge
anyone, but do not sit back silently.

Sitting in a dog park reading, talking on your cell, or just chatting
with others while ignoring your dog is dangerous – and irresponsible
to boot.

Please spread the word. Share this video story.

Play with your dog. Encourage dogs to interact responsibly. And follow
the rules we all worked so hard to get enacted.

From Garrett Rosso, of First Run NYC:

In May we learned from the Chelsea dog run group (located at West 23rd and Hudson river park) that a dog had ingested a toxic substance at the run — believed to be methamphetamine  — and had died. This was confirmed by the veterinary hospital which treated the dog.

The Chelsea dog park group learned this week that two other dogs have died — and a total of 9 dogs have been treated by local veterinarians for a toxic substance consumed at the Chelsea dog run. NYCdog was contacted today by Channel 2 and the Associated Press who are both running a story on the poisonings.

No one is sure what the substance is or how it got into the park.  After the first incident, it was believed to be an isolated case where an illicit drug may have fallen out of someone’s pocket. But now, with 9 reported cases, it appears to be the act of deliberate poisoning.

I’m not sure how this will effect other dog parks — if it all. But NYCdog has asked that we put out a warning to all local dog parks.

Please be careful when with your dog in the park this summer!  Watch your dog carefully, and hopefully they will catch this psycho soon and our dogs can go back to their carefree playing!  Keep safe and well! – Wiggly Pups

"How can I motivate my dog to run and spend some energy ?" – Hulio10

Answer:

How old is your dog and what are you doing to help him excercise?  Bring him to a dog park, or better yet, go jogging or hiking with your dog!  He/she will love it and you will get some excercise too! Dogs love treats and they also love to be with their owners.  If you put your sneakers on and get yourself ready for a run, and bring your dog with you, he will most definitely run to be with you.  Also, if you bring your dog to a place with a lot of grass, you can play "tag" with him/her.  If you chase your dog, he/she will want to be playful with you and run around either chasing you or running away from you.  You can also play the classic game of fetch.  You throw a ball or dog toy, and teach your dog to bring it back to you, of course rewarding him a few times when he brings the toy back. 

Every one needs a break from the daily grind. Check out this video of adorable bulldog puppies! We hope that it helps make the work week a little more bearable!

Here are a few tips from PETA on how to make sure your dog or cat is safe and having fun this summer.

During the "dog days" of summer, heatstroke can come on quickly and result in brain damage or death.

  • Watch to make sure that a dog’s pads don’t burn on the hot pavement! Surface temperatures of sidewalks and surfaces like black asphalt far exceed the ambient temperature. For dogs, walking on such surfaces on a hot day can be like dancing on hot coal!
  • Never leave a dog in a parked car. Even if you are running a quick errand, someone or something can distract or delay you. On a mild 73ºF day, the temperature inside a car can reach 120ºF in 30 minutes. On a 90ºF day, the interior of a vehicle can reach 160ºF in several minutes.
  • If you see a dog who is panting excessively, drooling, or teetering inside a car, take down the car’s color, model, make, and license plate number; have the owner paged inside the store or call local humane authorities or police. If the situation is an emergency, do whatever you can to get the dog out of the car—his or her life may depend on it.
  • Trim heavy-coated dogs’ fur, but leave an inch for protection against insects and sunburn.
  • Watch for symptoms such as restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, rapid heartbeat, fever, vomiting, or lack of coordination. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, get him or her into the shade immediately and call your veterinarian. Lower the animal’s body temperature gradually by providing water to drink; applying a cold towel or ice pack to the head, neck, and chest; or immersing the dog in lukewarm (not cold) water.

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