DOGGIE

Meeting people in any new city can be hard. I’ve found as an adult, when I move, it usually takes me about six months or so to feel like I’m really starting to get plugged in. Without the confines of things like school, college, play dates set up by parents or after school activities options, sometimes it looks like work is your only option for meeting people. And – while some of my closest friends are ex-co-workers – when you first move to a new place (or if you’ve been there awhile but haven’t really laid down any roots), you really want to branch out beyond work.

Using your pet to do this is a perfect, genius idea! Walking around with your pup isn’t nearly as purpose-less or lonely as strolling around by yourself, and you can meet friendly, dog-loving people along the way. Still, there are even better ways to connect with other pet-lovers, beyond just taking your pooch to their favorite park or dog run.

Thanks to NYCDog (which is pronounced “Nice” dog), if you’re looking to meet people, play with your dog, and hey, even give back to the community a little, you’ll find plenty of options. NYCDog compiles lists of dog owner groups around the city that meet to socialize with eachother and with their pets. Plus the site and groups alike are active in, ” improving our communities by promoting the establishment and maintenance of humane off-leash recreation opportunities, responsible dog ownership and respectful park stewardship.”

Sounds like a great way to meet some new people and make new friends – for your self and your best friend!

*alexis

~happy pampering!~

I constantly see people toting their dogs places I’m not really sure they’re supposed to be – like into grocery stores, bars, delis – this seems to be especially easy if your precious is only pint-sized. Far be it from me to judge – I love seeing dogs everywhere, and if I thought I could sneak little Bailey into the fine establishments I frequent, I totally would. But she’s old and crotchety, and – while totally adorable – not very inconspicuous.

That’s why I love it when I can find places that *encourage* me to let the Bail-ster tag along. One of these areas is the historic South Street Seaport. The actual sea port itself is a great place to bring your pooch, especially if you want to enjoy a nice day outside, but need a change of scenery from your normal parks and walks. And if you happen to find a restaurant that won’t let your pup sit with you, you can always get something to go, and sit along the port.

Il Porto is a great place to grab some seafood – which you’ll no doubt be craving, since you are, after all, at the port. Aside from great grub, there are many tables outside where you and your companion can sit together.

J.P. Mustard is a yummy deli that offers sandwiches to go, or will bring you and your pet full table service if you sit at one of the many tables outside this restaurant.

Same goes for establishments like Red – a deliciouso Tex-Mex place – and the Seaport Cafe – which offers up quintessential burgers and salads.

No matter which restaurant you head to, you’ll be sure to find a spot at the Seaport for you and your faithful friend!

A spa visit is something I relish at the end of a particularly grueling week, or as a way to wind down with the girls, or to celebrate a big event. New York Dog Spa is taking these ideas and adapting them for our canine companions. You won’t find pedicures or massages here (although there are places where you CAN find that for your pooch!) what you will find is an attentive staff, the option for boarding, day care and grooming, complete with vet care, training and a boutique. You’ll be hard-pressed to find something that covers all these bases!

The New York Dog Spa is available to board your pet for as little or as long as you need – even for months at a time! And if you’re worried about your precious pooch having a home away from home – the Spa offers a day care environment in which your pup can play during the day – complete with walks and canine interaction!

If you utilize the Dog Spa to groom your dog, here’s where it starts to sound like an actual spa! According to their website:

“Our groomers will pamper your dog with a refreshing bath, optional skin conditioner, and blow dry. If possible we will cut the nails and clean the ears. Our groomers are expert in hand-scissoring and are familiar with the standards for most breeds. We can also use prescription products including flea/tick treatments if provided by your veterinarian.”

Minus the obvious canine references, the description sounds like a page off of the website of your favorite spa! Dogs who are also being boarded or are in day care get $10 off the cost of their grooming session – now if MY spa only offered some sort of long-time user discount!

I like how the word “people” comes before “pets” in the name of this salon and store: Karen’s for People and Pets, when everyone knows this store is more for the pets and the people who love them – and are willing to spend obscene amounts of money on them!

For my past few posts I’ve been talking about some higher-end stores and services for your pets like birthday parties, clothes and boutiques, but this one will probably blow all of those out of the water. It would have to. The owner, Karen, actually spends a lot of time at fashion and runway shows (shows for people of course!) and then creates pet-related clothes and accessories that will match these up-and-coming seasonal looks.
Karen told Pampered Puppy that most of her clients stop in repeatedly to stock up on the new doggie outfit and seasonal purse combo. The store carries everything from doggie strollers to $6,000 doggie carriers. Maybe it is fitting that this store is named “Karen’s for PEOPLE and pets!”