DOGGIE

 Don’t you want to be assured that if something were to happen to your dog that you would be able to track them down relatively easily? Of course having a dog run away or get lost is an amazingly tragic experience. (I once had a pup get out of his yard – I found him about a block away on someone else’s lawn, but for those ten minutes of searching I was an absolute basket case, although I think he thought exploring the neighborhood was  pretty fun!) But if you can do something to help make sure your dog gets home to you, I’m sure you’d want to do it!

That’s why you’ll definitely want to take advantage of an amazing microchipping clinic on Saturday, September 13th from 1:30-5:30 p.m., at  Wantagh Park, 1 King Road (just south of Merrick Road), Wantagh, Long Island. It may be a bit of a trek outside Manhattan, but your peace of mind is totally worth it – especially when you consider you can get the microchipping done at a reduced cost of $25. Microchipping has been around for a while now, but I feel like many people don’t get it done – especially in the city where your dog can’t go out (usually) without you in tow! I know I’ve been putting off getting it done because I figure my pups are always with me – but it’s always better to be prepared and this is a great opportunity!

The clinic is going on in conjunction with  a Dog Walk and Family Fun Day that benefits the Last Hope Rescue and Rehabilitation organization.  The microchipping event is being put on by the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals. So come out, see some cute pooches, and insure that yours will be safe for years to come!

~happy pampering!

*alexis

Looking for something to do this Labor Day weekend that’ll enable you to spend some quality time with your four-legged friend? There are few things that I enjoy more than spending a sunny morning outside with my pooches, and if I get to eat breakfast (or brunch) with them by my side, so much the better! AND, if I’m doing it on an extra day off, or as part of a three day weekend, we’re in heaven. To get your three-day-weekend fix with your pup, check out some of these places:

1. The Barking Dog (150 E 34th St, New York NY 10016, 212-871-3900)

This yummy place has pet friendly patio seating and so many delectable dishes, my mouth is watering just looking at the menu.  They’re open from 8 a.m. for your breakfast fix (from oatmeal to eggs to pastries) to 11 p.m. to satisfy a late dinner, dessert, or snack craving.

2. Gemma (335 Bowery, New York NY 10003, 212 505 9100)

Also open from early (7 a.m.) to late (midnight or 1 a.m.) this hip bar is perfect for the breakfast, brunch and lunch crowd. It’s super-trendy look would also make it a great place to grab a drink … although we might not recommend doing that with your dog in tow!

3.  Cafe Gigante (242 Mott St, New York NY 10012, 212-334-9552)

Billed as a “local gem,” this place  could do well as a go-to spot for you and your pooch. Outside seating makes it dog-friendly and the menu is sure to hit the spot for you as well. A mixture of French and Moroccan, you’ll find Middle-Eastern-themed dishes alongside French-sounding cheeses.

Wherever you choose, make this holiday a pet-friendly one!

~happy pampering!

*alexis

Fall fashions may be hitting your fave stores but that doesn’t mean the hot weather is over. August can be a rough time when it comes to heat waves and humidity, and that means your pup is likely feeling the temperatures more than you are! Here are couple of my favorite, creative ways to help keep your pup cool – and occupied – whether you’re going to work for the day, out on the town with the girls, or just want a few minutes where you know your pooch has something to keep her busy, and to keep her from melting.

I’ve mentioned my love for the Kong before because they are wonderful puzzle toys that stimulate your dog’s mind while keeping them engaged for long periods of time.

(This has come in particularly handy with my recent adoption of two beagle puppies who are – as you might guess and in spite of this picture here – very boisterous and active!) But what’s more, the Kong can double as a frozen popsicle treat for your four-legged friend. There are all kinds of things you can fill this toy with – from peanut butter to chicken broth to treats and cottage cheese – and then pop it in the freezer. Once frozen, it will be a welcome sight on a hot summer’s day. If you do opt for a more liquid filling, don’t forget that it’ll likely be messy as it is licked, or as it begins to melt!

Another one of my favorite tricks is frozen baby food or frozen applesauce. Since most baby food comes in glass containers, this might be one best done under mom’s supervision! A frozen applesauce container, since it’s plastic, will usually serve as some sort of chew toy for your pup once they’ve finished their fruity treat. If you opt for baby food, be prepared to be engaged in conversation by overly-friendly mothers, as I have been, who question your favorite brands and types of baby mush. I’ve gotten some funny looks when I tell them it’s for my dog – but hey, my animals ARE my children!

So freeze up something yummy for your girl and enjoy a day in the shade!

~happy pampering!

*alexis

I’ve talked before about overnight dog-friendly tips for traveling in the NYC area, but what if you want to get out of town and you’re not into road-tripping? Summer is winding down and you may be looking to take one last getaway and if you’re like me, you’d prefer not to leave those precious pups behind! Well, airlines are buckling down on a number of things, it’s true – like luggage restrictions, in-flight services and more – but you can still find wants to get your pooch into the friendly skies. Part of the reason flying with dogs has become even more complicated is because airlines are tightening up rules to help ensure your pet is safe throughout the flight – and that’s a good thing!

If your dog fits under the seat in front of you, things are still relatively easy. Of course, with updated carry-on restrictions and airlines charging for checked bags, you may be forced to check a second carry-on and incur that cost. But at least you’ll have your dog with you through the flight.

For pups that are larger than that, be aware that weather restrictions may exist for your airline. Maybe won’t transport animals in very cold or very hot weather – which may pose a problem in August, depending on where you’re flying to!  At least one major airline (Southwest) won’t transport dogs under any condition. Although different carriers have different restrictions, it’s usually not because it just gets too hot or too cold in the cargo bay. They’re kept in a live-animal hold that’s kept between 50 and 70 degrees

You should also be aware that on some airlines, your dog can travel as checked luggage – which, even with the newly imposed baggage charges on many airlines, may still be cheaper than paying for your dog to “fly.” On other airlines you may only be allowed to send your dog as cargo. In both cases your dog will travel in a pressurized luggage compartment— the one that’s kept between 50 and 70. But generally, dogs shipped as cargo are carefully monitored and handled by experts responsible for handling precious and fragile items – which of course means a greater cost.

And be prepared to show paperwork:  most airlines require a health certificate issued by your vet no more than 30 days – or ten days for some – before departure and a current rabies vaccination certificate. Check out the USDA’s site for some more tips on pet travel.

~happy pampering!

*alexis