DOGGIE

Two words say it all: Coffee Bark. It sounds like a great way to spend a Saturday, and you can get in on several events that are being held this weekend, May 3rd and 4th.

1.St. Nicholas Park. Coffee Bark events are held on the first Saturday of every month at the park from 9 a.m. till 11 a.m. Coffee and other snacks are served to help keep you awake and bring people together in the name of meeting new faces and giving our pups a chance to run around.

2. Prospect Park, Brooklyn. Also another month Coffee Bark that provides muffins for the humans and dog biscuits for your pooch. This particular meeting of dogs and those who love them is sponsored by FIDO, which stands for the Fellowship In the Interest of Dogs and Their Owners. This event last from 7 a.m. till 9 a.m.

3. Sir William’s Dog Run Coffee Bark. Located in the dog run in Fort Tryon Park at 190th St. and Fort Washington Ave., in Manhattan, this particular event is held on a Sunday. Coffee and donuts are provided, and they invite anyone who wants to help with maintaining this great piece of doggy play ground to stick around after the event.

Find more Coffee Barks here

We’re always trying to keep you up to speed on the best ways to pamper, take care of and indulge your precious pooch. But this one’s for you. OK, it’s really for both of you, but when you attend a meet up with your pup in tow, you’ll both be making friends. Meetup.com has a number of dog-related groups in the New York City area allowing you to find one that fits your breed, location, availability and virtually any other stipulation you may have! Here are a few of our favorites that you may want to check out:

1. The New York City Dog Fun and Events Group

This group is open to dog lovers and owners of all breeds and sizes. The group gets together for training sessions, play dates, dog and cat-related events and to let their pets socialize while they do some socializing themselves!

2.  The NYC Small Dogs Social Group

This group is for dogs under 20 pounds to get together and play, play, play till their heart’s content, without worried about being squashed under foot by bigger dogs. Here’s a bonus: All play dates are supervised by a certified trainer, and they have a standing meeting every Saturday from 1:45-2:45 at Animal Haven SoHo.

3. Kibble and Bark

This group is for doggie parents who want to be in the know! Not only does the group provide some fun play time for your pet, while your pooch is playing, you’ll get to talk with other dog lovers about the best dog boutiques, what’s hot in the pup world, and what canine events are coming up.

Check out the doggie meetings that you could be a part of!

~happy pampering!~

*alexis

I always get kind of panicky thinking about what could happen to my li’l darling in “off hours.” Vets and pet hospitals are typically only open during business hours but that doesn’t preclude emergencies from happening between 7 pm and 8 am. Fortunately there are agencies out there designed for just such occasions that are happy to take over in the off hours. Whether your pet has had an accident, or you just think she’s not acting like herself, there are several 24-hour pet-care facilities in Manhattan that will be happy to take your pup in and give you much-needed peace of mind.

1. VCA Animal Hospital
1 West 15th Street
Telephone: 212-924-3311

This is a chain of hospitals that have made 24-hour pet care their priority. Of course, because it’s a chain you might run into typical “chain” problems – like less personalized care and a “rush in rush out” mentality, but they also have what they do down to a well-organized system. They have specialists on staff and on-call to treat whatever ails your best friend.

2. Park East Animal Hospital
52 E 64th Street
(212) 832-8417

This organization has been in the biz for the last 40 years, and their team of vets, techs and assistants know that your dog is one of your top priorities, and they’ll treat her as such. Their 24-hour call relies predominately on phone support, with someone on call to answer your questions and advise you if an in-person visit is a necessary next step.

3. Animal Medical Center
510 East 62nd Street
(212) 838-8100

This is a learning hospital that is staffed around the clock, 365 days a year by doctors and technicians who are on hand to answer any questions you might have, and to be your go-to source in an emergency. Your pet will be in good hands so you can have peace of mind.

And that’s really the best you can hope for when you’re hoping for the best!

*alexis

It’s obviously to just about anyone who’s know me for more than five seconds – or any one who has read my posts before – that I LOVE dogs. So of course it breaks my heart to think about any pooch out there who doesn’t have someone to love and care for them on a daily basis. Which is why I also love organizations like the SPCA. Not only do they give animals temporary homes until they’re placed permanently – and people who love them in the mean time – the sponsor events like the one coming up this weekend.

The Wags and Whiskers Walk-a-Thon and pet fair is more than an opportunity to get out and enjoy the fresh air with your best bud. It’s also a chance for shelter animals to get out and hopefully get adopted!

By taking part in this walk-a-thon, you’ll have the ability to support the SPCA’s animal rescue programs. The $20 registration fee you pay for the 3-mile walk helps save the lives of animals each day!
Don’t think it’ll be all walk and no play, though! Following the walk, the SPCA will provide food and live music as well as the opportunity to participate in activities like games, crafts – for kids and pets! – and agility demonstrations.

Anyone can – and is encouraged to! – participate. Simply go to the website here and download the form you need to register. The event is this Saturday, the 26th, in FDR Park in Yorktown. You can also just show up on the day of the even and join the festivities!

~happy pampering!~

*alexis