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NewsHound 043
June 21, 2006 |
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Dear urbanhounders,
Remember Vivi, the champion Whippet who bolted in February while being boarded onto a Delta flight at JFK? Despite multiple sightings since then, Vivi remains on the loose. Meanwhile, the owner of Willie, an English Bulldog who died last August shortly after getting off an American Airlines flight to San Francisco, is suing. North of the border, a family whose Labrador-mix died of carbon monoxide poisoning on Air Canada has created a website advocating safer air travel for pets.
How dangerous is it for dogs to travel by air? Last year, for the first time, domestic airlines started filing official reports of animals lost, injured, or killed in their care. Digging through all the airline's monthly reports, we've found that in the past year 28 animals, including 22 dogs, died while or soon after flying. Injuries were suffered by 19 animals (13 were dogs). Gone missing were six animals (including Vivi).
What do these numbers tell us? Not much. Without knowing the number of animals transported, it's impossible to calculate just how risky traveling by air actually is or isn't.
What we do know: Continental Airlines is the most dangerous airline for animals. In the past year, 10 animals have died and another five have been injured in the care of Continental. In other words, though it flies only half as many passengers a year than do American or Delta, Continental accounts for a third of all animal deaths and injuries.
So: What should you do to keep you dog safe in the air? Read on for answers to that question.
With best safe summer travel wishes to you and your hounds,
Nadia Zonis
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Hound of the Moment
Learn all about Bugsey (and make your dog a contender for the next Hound of the Moment).
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» Reading through the airlines' bleak reports on animal deaths and injuries, it occurred to us that many incidents might have been avoided if dog owners had read urbanhound's Tips on Flying with Hounds before departure. Among the tips we offer: take direct flights only; do not fly on holidays; avoid hot weather; tip the baggage handler; and use the best kennel you can buy.
» Having flown with our dogs all across the country, up to Canada (many times), and even across the Atlantic, we're convinced that good planning and plenty of research is the best way to keep our dogs safe in the air. Before you book your flight, read urbanhound's newly updated Air Travel pages, which outline the pet policies of 16 major airlines. Who allows hounds onboard and who doesn't? How much does it cost? Which airline forbids Pit Bulls? What is a "certificate of acclimation" and do I need one? We cover it all.
» If you don't plan on flying this summer but still want to bring your hound along on holiday, check out our Getting Around guide. It details the pet policies of regional transport companies from the Hampton Jitney to Metro North to the Staten Island Ferry. |
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Drool in the Pool Doggie Swimming Party
Wednesday, June 21, 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
The Dog Run NYC, 136 9th Ave. btwn. W. 18th and W. 19th Sts., Manhattan
No doubt in all this heat your dog is ready for a good soaking. She'll get one (and so will you) at this fundraiser hosted by The Dog Run NYC for the North Shore Animal League. Beer, wine, and hors d'oeuvres, as well as doggie ice cream, will be served. Cost is $25. To attend you must become a member of NSAL's new Party Animals social group, which organizes pub crawls, BBQs, hikes, and dog-friendly vacations throughout the year. Membership is $35 per person, or $50 for a family. Call 516-883-7575 for more information.
National Take Your Dog to Work Day
Friday, June 23
This is the eighth year of this national event, created by Pet Sitters International to spread the word about what wonderful companions dogs make. To download PSI's 17-page "Business Action Pack" with tips, forms and ideas to help organize "Take Your Dog To Work Day" at your company, click on this link.
Pupnic
Friday, June 23, 5 PM to sundown
The Nethermead, Prospect Park, Brooklyn
This annual pot-luck picnic for dogs and their humans has become a great Brooklyn tradition. In addition to food and good company, there will be games, agility demonstrations, and free Frosty Paws. The Nethermead meadow (where dogs are allowed off-leash after 5 p.m.) can be reached easily from all sides of the park, but the closest entrances are: Prospect Park Southwest and 16th Street; the Willink entrance on Flatbush Avenue near Empire Boulevard; and the Lincoln Road entrance off Ocean Avenue. For more information, visit the FIDO website.
ASPCA Central Park Dog Walk
Saturday, June 24, 9:30 AM
East Meadow, Central Park, Manhattan
This half-mile walk and festival (face painting, raffles, live music), rained out on its orginal date, has been rescheduled. It's designed to raise funds for Animal Care & Control of New York City, the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, and the ASPCA; and to raise awareness about the efforts of these groups to turn New York into a "humane community." The cost is $20 for all humans over the age of 10; free for others. The East Meadow is near 5th Ave, between 97th and 100th Streets.
Pet Pride Pageant
Saturday, June 24, noon to 2 PM
Rubyfruit Bar & Grill, 531 Hudson St. btwn. Charles and 10th Sts., Manhattan
A contest to benefit the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, and to select a dog to ride in the Pet Pride Mobile in the Heritage of Pride Parade on Sunday the 25th. The deadline to enter has passed, but even if your dog isn't in the running this looks to be a hoot, especially since winners will be crowned by Liza Minelli. For more information, write pageant@animalalliancenyc.org.
Mayor's Alliance/Maddie's Pet Adoption Festival: Bronx
Sunday, June 25, 11 AM to 4 PM
Broadway and West 246th Street, near Van Cortlandt House Museum, Bronx
Thinking about adopting a(nother) dog? Along with hounds seeking homes, this adoption festival will include tables manned by a veterinarian, a groomer, and a trainer, all of whom will gladly answer your questions. As well, microchipping will be available for all dogs and cats (not just those adopted at the festival) for $25. For more information, call 212- 252-2350, email info@animalalliancenyc.org or visit the Mayor's Alliance website.
Carnivale of the Dogs
Sunday, June 25, noon to 4 PM
Commerce Bank of Park Slope, 269 5th Ave. at 1st St., Brooklyn
Park Slope residents were enraged last year when Commerce Bank announced plans to open a three-lane drive-through branch more suited to the suburbs in their neighborhood. To its credit, the bank listened to its critics and eventually opened a traditional looking branch instead. Now, in an effort to highlight its pet-friendly policies in a very pet-friendly neighborhood, the branch is hosting this party for local dogs and their humans. There'll be a costume parade and contest, free photo portraits and caricatures, a professional trainer to provide advice, and plenty of treats and other giveaways. The event is free, but please rsvp by June 22 to sulay.vishnupad@yesbank.com.
Coffee Bark
Saturday, July 8, 7 AM to 9 AM
Long Meadow, 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 the Picnic House), the monthly Coffee Bark includes muffins for humans and dog biscuits for hounds. The long standing social is sponsored by Brooklyn's FIDO, officially known as the Fellowship In the Interest of Dogs and Their Owners.
Broadway Barks!
Saturday, July 8, 3:30 PM
Shubert Alley, west of Broadway btwn. 44th and 45th Sts., Manhattan
This annual fundraiser and pet adopt-athon, hosted as always by Bernadette Peters and Mary Tyler Moore, usually draws thousands of theater fans, pet lovers, and a whole bunch of animal-friendly Broadway stars. Best of all, the event raises money for all the city's animal shelters and helps out lots of homeless pets. Details on this year's Broadway Barks are still vague, but we expect the event's website will soon inclue plenty of information.
Sir William's Dog Run Coffee Bark
Sunday, July 9, 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 (pushed back because of the holiday) 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.
McCarren Dog Run Work Party
Sunday, July 9th, 9:30 AM to 1 PM
Driggs and 12th St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Because of the holiday weekend, this monthly event at the Williamsburg dog run which usually happens on the the first Sunday of each month, has been pushed back a week. Help your neighbors spread wood chips and install a wire fence around the small dog run.
Schnauzer Sunday
Sunday, July 9, 11 AM
Washington Square Dog Run, W. 4th St. at Thompson St., Manhattan
Schnauzers and their people gather the second Sunday of every month for this social. More info at NYC Schnauzers.
Animal Haven's First Annual Golf Classic
Monday, July 10, 8:30 AM
Montammy Golf Club, Rt. 9W and Montammy Dr., Alpine, New Jersey
Calling all golfers! This day of golf, cocktails, and dining takes place on a championship course and is accompanied by such luminaries as Yogi Berra, Andrew Cuomo, and Walt Frazier. The event is not cheap (golf and dinner packages start at $625) but all money raised is for a good cause: the Animal Haven shelter.
Tellington Touch Workshops
Wednesdays, July 12 to August 9, 7:45 PM to 9:45 PM
The New York Open Center, 83 Spring St. btwn. Broadway and Crosby St., Manhattan
Mary Cummings-Bruce and Peggy Marino of Mindful Tales will provide instruction on how to use this form of healing touch or massage to improve your dog's health and behavior. The five-week series costs $150, each class is $26. For class topics and more information, visit the Open Center website.
Animal Communication: A Professional Training
Thursday, July 13, 6 PM to 10 PM
The New York Open Center, 83 Spring St. btwn. Broadway and Crosby St., Manhattan
Better communication with our hounds is every dog lover's dream and, who knows, this workshop with animal communicator Jeri Ryan might help. Cost is $35. More information at the Open Center website.
Angel's Gate 5K Run for the Animals
Saturday, July 15, 9 AM
William T. Rogers Middle School, Old Dock Rd., Kings Park, Long Island
This respected animal hospice is being threatened with eviction by the town of Smithtown. Show your support by entering or sponsoring this 5 K run. It costs $15 to enter.
Stray Pride Benefit for the Homeless Animals of Brooklyn
Sunday, July 16, 2 PM to 5 PM
Ginger's Bar, 363 5th Ave. btwn. 5th and 6th Sts., Park Slope, Brooklyn
An evening of fun to benefit the Brooklyn Animal Foster Network, a group that places homeless animals in foster homes while they await adoption. There'll be karaoke, bingo, dancing, food, and a raffle. A $20 donation at the door is requesed. For more information call Laurie Bleier at 718-789-6865 or email her at lbleier@nyc.rr.com.
Q & A on Coat Care and Nail Clipping
Thursday, July 20, 6 PM to 7:30 PM
Dance Theater Workshop, 219 W. 19th St. btwn, 7th and 8th Aves., Manhattan
This hands-on workshop on caring for your dog's coat and claws is free, and one in a series of weekly summer events organized by pet groomer and boutique Downtown Doghouse. Please bring your dog. For more information call Downtown Doghouse at 212-924-5300.
If there's an event you'd like us to mention in the next NewsHound, please email us.
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The lawsuit challenging off-leash privileges in city parks has not gone away. On June 27, the anti-hound Juniper Park Civic Association will put its lawsuit before a judge for the second time . (For details on the lawsuit, see last month's NewsHound.) To help defend off-leash recreation, print and distribute this petition ASAP, and call 311 to express your support for the Parks Department policy.
Calling all Central Park hounds! Central Park PAWS wants a photo of you for its 2007 calendar. Send a photo plus your dog's name, breed, and the location in the Park where the photo was taken to Susan Eden at seden1@earthlink.net or to Kelly Kehn at 55 W. 76th St., NY, NY 10023.
Rabies vaccine recall. Fort Dodge Animal Health, a division of pharmaceutical giant Wyeth, has recalled 330,000 doses of its rabies vaccine (Rabvac 3 TF, serial
number 873113A) after a vaccinated dog contracted the disease. Dogs who received one of the vaccines, in use starting in January 2005, should be revaccinated. Vets have been contacted and instructed to inform their clients about the problem, but if you are in doubt, ask your vet.
A campaign is under way to raise funds for a statue to honor Sirius, the bomb-sniffing dog killed in the World Trade Center attacks. The life-size statue, which depicts a Port Authority officer with his arm around the yellow Lab, would be placed nearby the Brooklyn Wall of Remembrance in Keyspan Park in Coney Island. Donations in the name of Sirius can be made at the Wall of Remembrance website.
Canned dog food manufactured by Simmons Pet Food has been recalled. The brands affected by the recall, due to defects in the cans, are Twin Pet, American Fare, Strongheart, Ol' Roy, Pot Luck, Fit and Active, and Fred's Canine Cuisine. Cans can be returned to the store where they were purchased for a refund. More information from the company at 800-232-9880.
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Copyright (c) 2006 urbanhound, LLC.
All rights reserved.
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