DOGGIE

As most of you probably know, I had an adorable beagle growing up, Bailey, who now lives with my parents – and they live in Japan, so I don’t get to see her very often. So, after years of waiting, and planning to be in the right place geographically, financially, career-wise, etc., I brought home two of my own precious beagles this weekend. Barkley and Bianca are about seven weeks old and completely full of energy! (In fact, there making it very difficult for me to write this!) But in the short time I’ve had them, I’ve already found there are a few things you shouldn’t do without when raising puppies.

1. Puppy pee pads. Since we live in an apartment building and since the pups are just too young, at this point teaching them to go to the bathroom outside is just not an option. Fortunately puppy pads are a great solution. Sure, it’s not ideal, but after only a few days B&B have learned to use the pads fairly consistently. I’m hopeful that this will help when, in a few weeks, we will be taking them outside.

2. Kongs.  Not only is this toy frikkin adorable because it is SO SMALL, it provides good mental stimulation and, of course, is an excellent chew toy. Our trainer did caution against feeding them anything but their kibble and “natural treats” (like veggies) at this point, so I didn’t use the free Kong treats the toy comes with.

3. Puzzle toys. Along the same lines, puzzle toys are great for feeding your pup. They should be learning new things, and be stimulated and challenged as much as possible, and mealtime is a great time to do this. Feed them with their kibble in a puzzle toy and not only will they get some mental exercise, you’ll get a few minutes of free time.

4. Dog carriers. Another  important aspect of puppyhood is becoming properly socialized. As I mentioned, Barkley and Bianca are just too young to go for walks or be taken to parks, but they need to get out, become desensitized to the city noises and meet people at a young age. Putting them in a tote bag has been the solution to this problem. They can see the world, but they are safe and sound.

~happy pampering! (and puppy raising!)

*alexis

There are a lot of small dogs in the NYC area and surrounding communities – after all, small spaces and small apartments lend themselves to small furry friends. And there’s one boutique who’s made it their mission to pamper and cater to all these small dogs (and of course, their normal-sized owners)!  Canis Minor in Jersey City knows how to treat you and your pooch – and they’ve got it all!

Their boutique features toys, food and the hottest in dog clothing trends. They also offer cat and dog grooming, and a small dog day care. This indoor facility has rubber floors that are safe, slip-free, and easy on the joints. They provide a full range of toys as well as couches and soft pillows where your dog can relax watching television (I know, right?!) or nap while listening to soft music. And if it’s a nice day out, we take our daycare campers outdoors to Newport’s dog park. If you’re really concerned about your precious pooch’s day care schedule, down to the hour and activity, you can check out a schedule on the site’s day care page.

In addition to a day care facility, they also offer overnight boarding with much of the same amenities. It’s cage free – which makes me think of chickens, but we assure you, there’s nothing poultry-esque about this set-up! According to their site:

“we offer a level of comfort not found anywhere else including radiant heated floors with separate ventilation and air conditioning to keep your pooch cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Our premium boarding facility allows our guests to choose if they want to sleep with others or on their own. It comprises both individual “hotel suites” and open sleeping spaces designed to look and feel like home. The space features hardwood floors, upscale furnishings, and a high definition widescreen television for your companion’s entertainment.”

I know I’ve seen my share of warehouse-like facilities that don’t seem to be particularly warm or inviting! But then on the flipside, it sounds like my doggies might be enjoying better facilities than I would be in a human hotel! The store features an in-house vet office, which would make me feel better about leaving my babies for day care or an overnight.

Even if you’re based in the heart of NYC, it may be worth a trip to check out this boutique and day care – and may be fun for your pooch to take them here if you need a long weekend or are going away on a business trip.

If you’re like me, you like to take your precious pooch or pooches with you anywhere you go, whenever possible. A venue typically not super dog-friendly is opening its doors to our furry friends for a special fundraiser.  Bark in the (Ball) Park is hosted by the Newark Bears and sponsored by the Liberty Humane Society, and will take place this Saturday, the 19th, from 5-10 p.m.

To cater to you and your dog alike there will be $1 hot dogs, a Frisbee Dog demonstration, and dogs available for adoption – not to mention an amazing opportunity to pet and cuddle up to some of the cutest dogs in the area!

Tickets are $10, and $4.50 of that goes to the Humane Society. All dogs, however, receive free admission, and if you bring an item to be donated, you’ll receive $1 off of your ticket. For more info check out the site.The Liberty Humane society – like all other Humane Society branches – fosters a community of compassion and respect and provides animals in need with the chance for a loving, lifelong home.

Bark at the (Ball) Park
5:00-10:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 19th,
Riverfront Stadium, 450 Broad Street, Newark, NJ

It seems at Le Petit Puppy, the end of this phrase (“master of none”) doesn’t apply! This boutique has many different specialties and seems to cover them all beautifully. They sell limited quantities of puppies, and work with private breeders in order to make sure that the dogs (and cats) they offer are well-taken care of, loved and nurtured before they get to you.

It is also an upscale puppy boutique that carries fine pet food and different accessories you may need for your new puppy or kitten. In addition to these services, Le Petit provides grooming, daycare, and boarding.

The store is featured in the book, “50 Most Inspiring Places in New York,” and it’s easy to see why.  With so many puppies passing through its doors, it’s somewhere I would just go to hang out and get my puppy fix. So, even if you don’t have a puppy, this place may be just what you need on a bad day – or any day! And if you do, you’ll be sure to find everything you need – and some things you don’t, but just can’t pass up – in this  one-stop-shop!

Le Petit Puppy
18 Christopher St. in the heart of Greenwich Village, Manhattan
http://www.lepetitpuppynyc.com/

~happy pampering!

*alexis