DOGGIE

If you’re like me, you don’t spend a lot of time doing the “touristy” things where you live. Unless you’ve grown up in your neighborhood, you might not have seen all it has to offer. You don’t want to be lumped in with all the crazy tourists who flock to tourist-traps, events, locales etc. After all, you are a local.

But now that the weather is warming up, you might feel like getting outside on the weekends or afternoons, and of course you want to take your four-footed-friend with you. What better way to do so than to explore your city with a special tour geared toward you and your pup?! And, the best part is you probably won’t have to fight the crowds and the tourists, because how many touring families bring their dogs with them? No, this “tour” is geared towards locals and NYC residents!

According to DogFriendly.com, the Zuckerman family offers these tours, which last between three and five hours.

Each tour will include many historical facts about the city including neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, Soho, Lower East Side, Little Italy, Central Park and any other area in Manhattan that you wish to visit. A special highlight is a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge at dusk. Call 914-633-7397 for more information and to schedula a tour.

~happy pampering!

*alexis

I was talking to a friend the other day who informed me, dogs are the new kids. This did not surprise me at all, as I’m one of those people who isn’t sure what the benefit of having a baby is, but can’t imagine life without a dog! Which brings me to my post topic: dog portrait artists. Who would have thought that someone could make a living painting and photographing people’s pets?! Now – when it comes to places, humans AND canines, I’m more of a photograph person than I am a painting person, so it stands to reason that I can see the benefit of a priceless pet photograph more than I can understand the value of, say, an oil-and-canvas rendering of your pup.

Never-the-less, it takes all kinds, and so here are a few recommended portrait artists and photographers alike!

1. Marina Micheli

I had to include Marina because her paintings look so life-like. I thought I was staring at a photograph when I first glanced at this painting. She’s taken everything into account, right down to the spittle on the dog’s tongue and mouth. She charges around $450, and can come to your home to take a picture of your pup (which she’ll then draw from), or you can send her a picture that she’ll re-create.

2. Mark Ulriksen

Another doggie portrait artist I had to include – his work is so original and recognizable, and that’s probably because he’s not just a pet portrait artist. He’s a designer whose work has appeared as cover art for magazines like the New Yorker. It seems fitting for a NYC dog to have their portrait done by someone like this!

3. Jim Dratfield

These pictures mesmerize me. I found myself just staring into the eyes of that adorable dog on the left. The black and white brings a level of depth and sophistication, and I love how he’s styled his shoots. You might think that there’s only so much you can do with dog portraits. You’d be wrong.

4. Karen Morgan

I couldn’t resist this action shot. It’s probably just yawning, but it looks like it’s trying to talk, or yell. I’m not sure I’d want something like that hanging in my house, but it’s good to know she can capture all kind of different poses and emotions.

~Happy Pampering~

*alexis

You gotta  love a dog lover that’s named her business “The Pet Maven” and after spending a few minutes on her site, and reading some glowing reviews, I’m pretty certain that she can live up to her name!

The owner, Helen, and her support staff have built a business around in-home pet care. Sure, that includes pet sitting and the like, but – what’s more impressive to me – is that her specialty is in-home grooming. She comes to you! In a city like New York, where few people have cars, and it can sometimes be hard to get out with your dog or cat – especially if you need to go a long distance – anything “in home” sounds great to me!

As if the convenience factor isn’t enough, Helen is  graduate of the New York School of Dog Grooming, and is certified in pet first aid – and brings a lot of other benefits with her. You can read about them here, and she has this to say about her services:

“The Pet Maven’s vision is to provide animal caregivers the ultimate in peace of mind for cat care & pet grooming through a house call solution. Passionate animal lover & professional Helen Adler established The Pet Maven in 2002. It first began with cat sitting & then expanded to in-home grooming services.”

You can treat your pet to “The Full Maven,” “The Mini Maven,” or “The  Kitty Maven.” While prices aren’t listed on the site – because requirements vary by size, breed, temperament, etc. you can contact her on the website or by phone (917 744-4709) with questions or to schedule an appointment.

You AND your pooch will be glad you did!

~happy pampering~

*alexis

Spring is here and that means summer – and warmer weather – are on their way. Which means more days outside, and more ways to try and cool off. A great option after a fun day out at the park with your canine is to take the plunge and go for a swim. But don’t think your pup can get her paws wet in any of NYC’s water. There are things you  need to know, and places to avoid before setting out.
There’s one place in the greater NYC area where dogs can splash around, unrestricted: The Dog Beach in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. You’ll want to go in the entrance at Prospec Park West and 9th Street. Go past the Tennis House and through the meadow to the Upper Pool. You’ll be glad you made the triek – the beach is paved, and surrounded by a fence to keep your pooch safe.

There are several other areas where people take their dogs to swim, that aren’t designated doggie swimming holes – and therefore pose threats of fines, contaminated water, even aggressive animals! According to urbanhound.com, in 2000, a swan in Central Park killed a Jack Russell Terrier that belonged to designer Donna Karan’s daughter.

If you and your pooch are up for some adventure there are places that other dog lovers recommend – although you might want to avoid the crowds and go early in the morning when you’re less likely to be bothered.  Here are some other swim spots around the area:

Jamaica Bay, Gateway National Recreation Area, Brooklyn & Queens/Floyd Bennet Field
718-338-3688
www.nps.gov/gate

A former military abse, this 317 acre park also has one of the last natural sand dune systems in the city.

Gravesend Bay Beaches, Coney Island, Brooklyn

This area has a few quiet beaches that are open to the public, but not “official” beaches – meaning it’s a “swim at your own risk” sort of a situation, with no lifeguards on duty.

Francis Lewis Park, Queens

This beach is kind of dirty so you may not want to hassle with it, but the appeal is apparently that the water is relatively calm, and there’s a gate that creates some security.
To get there take the Whitestone expressway toward the Whitestone bridge, and take LAST EXIT BEFORE TOLL. Go to the end and make a right.

~Happy Pampering (and/or swimming!)

*alexis