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NewsHound 037 December 16, 2005 |
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Dear urbanhounders,
Most dogs love the snow, which makes it especially cruel that snow in New York City means stinging rock salt and, worse, electrical shocks from stray currents passing through manhole covers, lampposts and steel service-box lids. Last week, more than a dozen dogs suffered shocks on East 83rd Street in Manhattan, and one dog was shocked on the corner of Saint John's Place and 7th Avenue in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.
None of the dogs shocked last week was seriously hurt. Still, the news is a jolting reminder of just how dangerous and widespread stray voltage can be, especially in winter, when salt, mixed with melting snow, corrodes electric wires.
Because they don't wear shoes, dogs are especially vulnerable to so-called hot spots. To protect your dogs, avoid lampposts, manhole covers, and other metal on streets and sidewalks; consider waterproof dog booties with rubber soles; and be sure to read Urbanhound's winter hound health tips for more on guarding your dog from ConEd, as well as from extreme cold, ice-melting salt, and dry flaky skin.
With best wishes to you and your hounds for a happy and healthy new year, yours,
Nina Munk & Nadia Zonis
P.S. If you still haven't found the perfect holiday gift for your best friend, be sure to browse our Hound Holiday Buying Guide in last month's NewsHound.
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Hound of the Moment Learn all about Moose (and make your dog a contender for the next Hound of the Moment).
Hot topics on Hound Talk Can anyone recommend a wonderful doggie day care in Brooklyn?
Help! Should I get a Pug, Shiba Inu, or a Beagle?
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» We hate dogs who beg, especially during holiday gatherings. If your dog whimpers for table scraps, be sure to consult trainer Andrea Arden's tips on how to break him of the habit.
» If your dog is staying at a kennel or a boarding facility over the holidays, you may be anxious about canine influenza. Be sure your kennel or boarder practices good infection control, has a plan for isolating dogs that develop respiratory infections, and will let you know immediately if your dog's been exposed to dogs with respiratory disease. For other preventative measures, read Urbanhound's definitive Guide to Canine Influenza.
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WhippetArt Show
Now through February
Grey Dog Coffee, 33 Carmine St. btwn. Bedford and Bleecker Sts., Manhattan
The paintings of artist Hilda Spain-Owen capture the delicate beauty of Whippets, often in brilliant color. Her WhippetArt exhibit is on display now at Grey Dog Coffee, a tiny dog-themed Greenwich Village café named in honor of two Labrador Retrievers (Moose and Goose).
Animal Planet's Animal Precinct
Friday, December 16th, 10 PM
This Animal Planet TV show follows NYC's very own ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement Agents as they investigate animal cruelty complaints all around the city.
Have Your Dog's Picture Taken With Santa
Saturday, December 17th, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
HouseBroken, 603 Vanderbilt Ave., corner of Bergen St., Brooklyn
HouseBroken, a Prospect Heights gift-shop for dogs and humans that also offers dog-walking services, is hosting this fundraiser for the animal victims of Katrina. For a donation of any amount, you can have your dog's picture taken with Santa Claus. All proceeds will be donated to the Lousiana Humane Society. For more information, call 718-622-0600.
Small Dog Playgroup
Sunday, December 18, Noon to 1 PM
Dog Abby Daycare, 90 Verona St., btwn. Van Brunt and Richards Sts., Red Hook, Brooklyn
Brooklyn's Dog Abby Daycare is hosting this free gathering for dogs under 20 pounds. A dog trainer will be supervising play and answering questions. Please bring proof of vaccinations and r.s.v.p. by calling 718-387-7767 or emailing dogabbydaycare@aol.com.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Hartsdale Pet Cemetery
Sunday, December 18, 1 PM
75 North Central Ave., Hartsdale, NY
This tree lighting, an annual tradition at America's oldest pet cemetery, is a good opportunity to visit Hartdale's lovely grounds and historic monuments that commemorate the pets of people like Gene Krupa, Xavier Cugat, and Mariah Carey. Please bring along sealed pet food or supplies to be donated to local shelters. You'll find more information and directions at Hartsdale's website.
Walking in a Weiner Wonderland: The New York City Dachshund December Meetup
Sunday, December 18, 2 PM
Happy Paws, 316 Lafayette St., corner of Houston, Manhattan
The New York City Daschund Meetup Groups's holiday spectacular will feature a raffle and toy swap. Please bring a new or gently used dog toy. Cost is $5. Many other Meetup Groups devoted to specific breeds are also gathering this month. Check them out at the Meetup website.
Holiday Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, December 18, 6 PM to 7 PM
Central Presbyterian Church, 593 Park Ave., corner of 64th St., Manhattan
This will be the 21st year for this holiday tradition at the Central Presbyterian Church. Dogs and other pets (stuffed animals, too!) are welcome for this ceremony that will include caroling and individual animal blessings by Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish clergy. A special event this year is the awarding of medals of appreciation to the Canine Team of the NYPD. Optional contributions will go to the ASPCA's Trooper Fund, which subsidizes vet care for pets whose owners could not otherwise afford it.
Amanda Jones Casting Call
Tuesday, December 20
Dog photographer Amanda Jones is casting for a commercial photo shoot that will take place in Manhattan on January 4th through January 6th. The pay is $200. She's looking for mutts (especially Bassett mixes), and pure-breds with patterned or multi-colored coat (dogs that are solid black or white are out) who are well-trained, well-behaved, and calm enough to handle the stress of a set. If your hound is a contender, and is available on one of the three days of shooting, email a low-resolution photo to Christine@amandajones.com and include the following information:
Your name, email, and daytime and evening contact phone numbers along with your dog's name, breed type, age and sex. If your dog looks promising, you'll be asked to show up for the December 20th casting call.
Dogs of Washington Square NYC 2006 Calendar Release Party
Wednesday, December 21, 7 PM on
Eury & Chuckie's Loft, 49 E. 4th St. btwn. Bowery and Second Ave., 7th Fl.
This fundraiser for the Washington Square Park Dog Run celebrates the release of the Dogs of Washington Square NYC 2006 Calendar. The party will feature an open bar and appetizers courtesy of Chumley's. Cost is $20 and all proceeds go to the Dog Run, which is 100% user supported. A calendar is included in the cost of admission. If you don't plan to attend, you can order a calendar, which costs $10, by writing to smokeay@gmail.com.
Coffee Bark
Saturday, January 7, 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.
Animal Planet's North Shore Animal Rescue
Friday, December 23 and Friday, December 30, 9:30 PM
A documentary about the rescue and adoption process at Long Island's North Shore Animal League in Port Washington.
An Introduction to Tellington Touch for Animals
Friday, January 13, 7 PM to 10 PM
The New York Open Center, 83 Spring St. btwn. Broadway and Crosby St., Manhattan
Tellington Touch is a type of specialized massage that, according to its practitioners, can help with behavioral problems in dogs like excessive barking, chewing, jumping up, agression, and shyness, among others. This seminar at The New York Open Center will explain how the method works and teach some basic techniques. You'll need to bring along a stuffed animal, a notebook, and an ace bandage. Cost is $45. For those interested in learning more, there will be a continuation of the class on the following evening. For more information or to register, call 212-219-2527 ext. 2 or write registration@opencenter.org.
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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NYC dog walkers website:
Downtown Pets offers great NYC dog walker and New York City pet sitter resources for Lower Manhattan.
They also have a wonderful NYC dog trainer who can help with house training, leash aggression and much more.
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If you are a pit bull advocate, you'll like the Unexpected Pit Bull Calendar, which features photos and stories of pits living happily and harmoniously with families and other pets. It costs $13.99 with all proceeds going to the Liberty Humane Society in Jersey City. Order online at the Unexpected Pit Bull website.
Looking for a worthy holiday volunteering opportunity? Canine Companions for Independence, a non-profit group that raises puppies to be assistance dogs for people with disabilities, is organizing several gift wrapping events at Borders bookstores in Manhattan, through Saturday December 17. For more information, write info@cci-ny.org.
If you'd like a chance to pitch in longer-term, The Brooklyn Animal Foster Network is looking for people to help show adoptable animals at the PETCO in Marine Park, at Flatbush and Utica Avenues. For more information, call Dani at 347-280-2863, or email volunteer@brooklynanimalfosternetwork
The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS) introduced by Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA), would require states to include pets in their evacuation planning. The ASPCA has a form that will help you write to your congressperson to show your support.
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All rights reserved.
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