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NewsHound 036
November 18, 2005 |
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Dear urbanhounders,
Any day now, retailers will plug in their plastic Menorahs, Santa will appear at Bloomingdales, and it'll be time for the office holiday party.
In the spirit of the season, and for the first time, we at urbanhound.com have put together the ultimate hound holiday shopping guide. Scroll down for the full (and long) list.
We don't want you thinking we've gone soft, however, so we've also compiled the authoritative guide to canine influenza.
Tapping sources that range from the CDC to the American Veterinary Association, we answer the big questions. Among them: How do dogs catch the flu? What are the symptoms? How deadly is the flu? Can I catch it from my dog? And: How do I protect my dog?
Finally: those patient enough to scroll through our shopping list below will be rewarded with news of many wonderful upcoming dog events, including the International Dog Film Festival and Bark! The Herald Angels Sing.
With best holiday wishes to you and your hounds,
yours,
Nina Munk & Nadia Zonis
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Hound of the Moment
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» If you are planning to fly with your dog this holiday season, check out urbanhound.com's Air Travel page for tips on how to get from here to there safely and smoothly.
» Did you know that macadamia nuts can cause paralysis in dogs? Or that mistletoe berries are toxic? Before you sit down for Thanksgiving dinner or host a holiday party, be sure to read urbanhound.com's checklist of holiday health hazards.
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Sponsor
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The must-read new book for dog owners
"KATZ ON DOGS: A Commonsense Guide to Choosing, Training and Living with Dogs," by Jon Katz
"One of the best books ever penned about why one should have a dog and what to do with it once you get it." --- Baltimore Sun
For more information, click here.
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| Hound Holiday Buying Guide |
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Traditional Swiss dog collar. Elegant and handmade, this leather collar, studded with brass or silver cows and edelweiss, hasn't changed in centuries. More, it's the very collar Jackie Kennedy bought for her dogs. In Manhattan, they sell for $100 to $125 (depending on width) at Canine Styles, at 830 Lexington Ave. Online, go to Schaussi's Alpen Schatz where prices are $70 to $110.
Organic truffles for dogs.
Peanut-butter flavored with an oatmeal crunch, these $25 organic bonbons from Dog Town Bites are beautifully packaged, and healthy. Started by New Yorker Elise DiRuggiero, who can be found peddling a Dog Town Bites' cart around Manhattan, Dog Town Bites makes treats for dogs that can also be eaten, happily, by humans.
Retro Brooklyn logo dog tee. Let your dog display borough pride with an old-school Brooklyn dog t-shirt from Rowf, at 43 Hicks Street in Brooklyn Heights. Available in a variety of retro logos and colors, these all-cotton T's are $19.99.
Vintage dog knickknacks. From a 1960's dog charm bracelet to Victorian holiday cards, from early editions of Lassie Come Home to a 1946 New Yorker cover devoted to dogs and illustrated by James Thurber, Vintage Dogs sells delightful dog ephemera and collectibles. Cleverly, the site lets you search by breed. Prices range from $6 to $372. For a 10% discount, type "holiday 0510" into the coupon code as you check out.
Oregon convertible parka. This great-looking water-resistant nylon parka has a removable sleeves and a removable fur-lined hood. In pink or black, it's chic enough for Aspen-bound dogs. In army green, it's edgy enough for Williamsburg. At Manhattan'sTrixie + Peanut, 23 East 23rd Street, it's $65.
Pet portraits. To immortalize your dog, or someone else's, check out urbanhound.com's guide to pet photographers and painters. Prices start at $175. If it's classical dog art you seek, Manhattan's William Secord Gallery, at 52 East 76th Street, is the place to go: inventory includes more than 700 dog-themed 19th- and 20th-century oil paintings, antique walking sticks, and bronzes.
Gorgeous dog beds.
Our friends Anna and Tim of Brooklyn's Deadly Squire make dog beds in three delicious patterns. They sell for $150 to $220 (depending on size) at Trixie + Peanut, Williamsburg's Brooklyn Flat design store (150 Ainslie Street), and online at Muttropolis. For utilitarian chic at a great price, the $35-to-$95 twill dog beds in khaki or classic awning stripes at L.L. Bean can't be beat.
Messenger pouch carrier. Unlike most dog carriers, this one is very New York: smart, practical, and good-looking. Designed to look and feel like a messenger bag, available in colors like green camouflage duck and tobacco, and made by the East Village's own Wagwear, it's sold for $88 to $96 (depending on size) at Canine Ranch on the Upper West Side (452 Columbus Ave., between 81st & 82nd Streets) and DoggyStyle in Soho (100 Thompson St.). For dogs up to 14 pounds.
Wonderfully wacky dog sweaters. Working from her home in Brooklyn, Louise of Adogable Apparel makes charmingly off-beat granny-knit sweaters for dogs. For a custom fit, pick a design on the (confusing) website, then provide your dog's exact measurements. Our favorite pattern is the new "Fur Fantasy:" red-and-orange worsted wool stripes with scattered bobbles of yellow, teal, violet, and pink. Wow. Prices range from $50 to $80.
Great new dog books. The Underdog: A Celebration of Mutts (Workman, 2005), by Julia Szabo, pets' columnist for the New York Post, celebrates America's favorite "breed." If you are looking for a gift for a Doxie person, there's Dachshunds Short and Long by Amanda Jones (Berkley, 2005). For younger hound lovers, Bella Basset Ballerina (Pretty Please Press, 2005), a picture book by Laura Aimee Garn and Valerie Sokolova, tells the story of a Bassett who overcomes her physical, well, limitations, to become a ballet dancer.
An indispensable dog book. We love the 480-page Hound Health Handbook: The Definitive Guide to Keeping Your Dog Happy, Healthy & Active (Workman, 2004), by urbanhound.com's own Betsy Brevitz, DVM. The AKC Gazette calls it "The Bible of dog care." Elle magazine says its "Dr. Spock for dogs." Dog Fancy magazine declared it "The one book every dog owner should own." And to think: in paperback, it's only $11.53 on Amazon.com.
A helping hand. A donation to a non-profit animal organization is an easy gift, and a good one. Many local animal shelters enthusiastically accept donations in someone's or some dog's name and will send a card on your behalf. To find a deserving shelter, browse urbanhound.com's Adopt a Hound page. Or consider these options:
- Make a homeless dog more comfortable by donating a comfortable and sturdy Kuranda Dog Bed to the Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition (BARC). The beds are sold at wholesale prices ($54 or $64, depending on size).
- Sponsor a shelter dog by buying a $250 "Rescued Pet Wellness Package" from the Humane Society of New York. The money covers all the veterinary care (neutering, inoculations, heart-worm tests, and more) necessary to get a rescued dog ready for adoption. You'll receive a photo and bio of the dog you've sponsored. For more information, call Susan Richmond at 212-752-4842.
- Support the ASPCA with personalized wine labels featuring your dog's name and photo. A case of Private Reserve Assortment includes two bottles of the six most popular wines from California's Windsor Vineyards. The case costs $199, of which 5% goes to the ASPCA .
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Making Kind Choices: Everyday Ways to Enhance Your Life Through Earth- and Animal-Friendly Living
Friday, November 18, 7 PM to 9 PM
Call for location
The New York Open Center presents PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk, who will discuss ideas from her book "Making Kind Choices" (St. Martin's Press, 2005) on how to conduct your daily life in a way that will harm animals and the environment as little as possible. Cost is $22. For more information or to register, call 212-219-2527, x 2 or email registration@opencenter.org.
Thanksgiving Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, November 20, 3 PM
Unitarian Church of All Souls,
1157 Lexington Ave. at 80th St., Manhattan
A service in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi will feature music, readings, and a homily by Senior Minister Forrest Church. Pets (on a leash or in a carrier, please), stuffed animals, and photos of pets will be blessed. For more information, call Bill Edwards at 973-275-1757 or Cheryl M. Walker at 212-535-5530.
Nature: Katrina's Animal Rescue
Sunday, November 20, 8 PM to 9 PM
The PBS series Nature will air a special episode about animal rescuers' attempts to save animals left behind after Hurricane Katrina. Learn more at the Nature website.
Vegan Thanksgiving
Monday, November 21, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
The Wingate Inn, 801 Crooked Hill, Brentwood, New York (exit 52/53 off the LIE)
Angel's Gate is a non-profit hospice for sick and injured animals in Fort Salonga, on Long Island, where, at any given time, about 200 animals of various species are in residence. The Vegan Thanksgiving is a fundraiser for the organization, and will feature a lecture by Angel's Gate founder Susan Marino about her experiences saving animal victims of Hurricane Katrina. Tickets cost $25 for individuals and $40 for couples. RSVP at 631-269-7641 or to susan@angelsgate.org.
International Dog Film Festival
Saturday, November 26, 7:30 PM
Peter Norton Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at W. 95th St., Manhattan
All of the short films that will be shown at this festival are about dogs, but that is about all they have in common. There's animation, live action, humor, parody, and the moving tale of a musher who came in last in the Iditarod with a team of cast-off dogs. In other words, something for every dog lover. Tickets are $18 in advance, and $20 the day of. More information, including a link to buy tickets, is available at the International Dog Film Festival website.
Animal Care & Control Adoptathon
Sunday, November 27, 11 AM to 4 PM
Posh Paws Tall And Small, 1758 1st Ave. (btwn. E. 91st and E. 92nd), Manhattan
Hosted by an Upper East Side pet boutique, this AC&C adoption event will include dogs and puppies in need of homes. All are spayed or neutered and fully inoculated. The $75 adoption fee includes the dog's first post-adoption visit to a veterinarian for a check-up. For more information, call Posh Paws at 212-410-5360.
Gingerbread Homes for Animals: A Holiday Exhibition and Fair
December 1 through 11, 10 AM to 5 PM (closed Mondays)
Dana Discovery Center, Central Park, 110th St. and Lenox Ave. entrance
New York City's top pastry chefs are designing whimsical edible homes for animals to be displayed at this annual event that benefits Rational Animal, an NYC non-profit dedicated to publicizing the plight of homeless animals. Entrance to the event is free. Raffle tickets to win the gingerbread houses cost $1.50 each and can be bought at the Rational Animal website.
Home for the Holidays
Thursday, December 1, 7 PM to 10 PM
Summers, 49 Clinton St. (btwn. Rivington and Stanton), Manhattan
The annual benefit for Stray From the Heart, a rescue group that has found homes for more than 1,000 dogs since it was founded in 2000. Dogs and people are welcome at this event which will feature theme martinis, pet treats, live music and prizes. Buy tickets online or by phone at 917-957-4194. Tell them you learned about the event through urbanhound.com's NewsHound and get $10 off the door price and a free gift.
Coffee Bark
Saturday, December 3, 7 AM to 9 AM
Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Held in rain or in shine, in the park's Long Meadow, behind the Picnic House (enter at Prospect Park West and 4th Street, then go left around Picnic House), the monthly Coffee Bark includes muffins for humans and dog biscuits for hounds. This long-standing social is sponsored by Brooklyn's FIDO, officially known as the Fellowship In the Interest of Dogs and Their Owners
What to Expect When You're Expecting (a Dog)
Saturday, December 3, Noon
Dog Abby Daycare, 90 Verona St. (btwn. Van Brunt and Richards), Red Hook, Brooklyn
Trainer Dawn Prentiss of Brooklyn's Semper Fido will lecture on how to decide if you are ready for a dog, how to find a dog that is a good match for you and your family, and how to dog-proof your home. Suggested minimum donation for the lecture is $5.00. All proceeds will be donated to Noah's Wish to aid animal victims of Hurricane Katrina. RSVP to 718-832-4806 or to info@semperfidony.com.
Sir William's Dog Run Coffee Bark
Sunday, December 4, 8 AM to 10 AM
Sir William's Dog Run, Fort Tryon Park, 190th St. and Fort Washington Ave., Manhattan
The Fort Tryon Dog Owner's Group invites everyone to this gathering the first Sunday of each month at their beautiful run. Free coffee and donuts. If you'd like to help out with maintenance of the run, stick around after the event.
First Annual Animal Care & Control ACES Awards
Friday, December 9, 6 PM to 8 PM
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 50 Central Park South, Manhattan
The ACES Awards (the acronym stands for Animal Care---Exceptional Spirit) are awarded by New York's Animal Care & Control to recognize people who have worked to advance the cause of animal welfare. This champagne cocktail reception will feature a raffle and silent auction to benefit the AC&C. Tickets are $125. For more information, email events@nycacc.org.
Bark! The Herald Angels Sing
Saturday, December 10th, 8 AM to 10 AM
Prospect Park, Brooklyn
FIDO's annual Christmas carol &
Chanukah sing-along (also known as the Annual Holiday Noise-fest) takes
place in the park's Long Meadow, near the pond in front of the Tennis
House. Chestnuts will be roasting on an open fire, holiday hot
refreshments will be served, and song sheets will be provided. Everything
is free. Dogs are welcome, of course---but, as per park rules, they must be
on leash after 9 AM.
Rescue, Reunite, Rebuild Cocktail Party
Tuesday, December 13, 7 PM to 9 PM
WoofSpa & Resort, 678 Hudson St. (btwn 13th & 14th Sts.), Manhattan
The rescue group A Cause For Paws is organizing this benefit to raise money for the ASPCA's hurricane rescue effort. Dogs are welcome. Tickets are $75. All proceeds go the the ASPCA. For more information, contact Jen Mohr by email or at 646-388-1631.
If there's an event you'd like us to mention in the next NewsHound, please email us.
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Sponsor
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Divine K-9 Dog Training & Behavior Counseling Services in the Bronx, Manhattan, and lower Westchester Countypresents a series of clinics and workshops
Saturday December 10th
1:30 PM: Housetraining & Crate Training
3:15 PM: Polite Leash Walking
5 PM: Understanding Canine Body Language
Clinics take place at Society for Ethical Culture, 4450 Fieldston Road, Bronx
To register, email divinek9@hotmail.com or call 718.432.2927. Learn more at www.divinek-9.com.
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New York City residents with valid Medicaid cards can have their dogs and cats spayed or neutered for just $10 for cats and $20 for dogs, thanks to Maddie's Spay/Neuter NYC, a new initiative from the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals and the Veterinary Medical Association of NYC.
People with small dogs know that training them is no simple task. Trainer Denise Herman of Empire of the Dog, a small dog specialist, is, for a limited time, hosting a free small-dog playgroup on Saturdays from 10 AM to 11 AM at Kiki's Pet Hotel, 80 Washington Avenue (between Park and Flushing), in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Call 718-222-5585 for details.
If you have a pure-bred hound, breed-specific Meetup groups may be of interest to you. Groups large (The New York City Pug Meetup has 917 members) and small (The Brooklyn/Park Slope Shih Tzu Meetup Group has 5 members) hold (usually) free monthly Meetups around the city to discuss the pleasures and pitfalls of a beloved breed.
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