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NewsHound 052
December 14, 2006 |
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Dear urbanhounders,
It's the best holiday gift New York hounds and their people could have hoped for.
After a neighborhood group in Queens sued the city, we all feared that the cherished 9 PM to 9 AM off-leash hours in city parks would be lost. But in late November, a State Supreme Court judge ruled that the existing policy was legal. Then—and this is the really good part—the NYC Board of Health last week voted unanimously to make off-leash hours official. Now begins a three-to-four-month amendment process. With any luck, the informal off-leash policy will at last become a rock solid part of city law.
Beware: Under the new policy, you'll need to carry proof that your dog is licensed and vaccinated against rabies. Need a license? Download an application now.
The collective voice of urbanhounders is what led to this happy ending: More than 13,000 New Yorkers contacted the Department of Health to support off-leash hours (while only 202 grinches decried them).
To stay involved and show your support through the Parks Department amendment process, visit NYC Offleash.
With best New Year's wishes to you and your hounds,
Yours,
Nadia Zonis
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» Looking to spoil your dog this holiday season? There's still time. For a sleighful of ideas, consult our Ultimate Hound Holiday Gift Guide.
» Are you avoiding holiday entertaining because your dog harasses your guests? Urbanhound vet Dr. Betsy Brevitz will guide you through coping with fear aggression.
» Abundant holiday feasts produce abundant garbage, and eating garbage can make your dog seriously ill. If you need extra motivation to make sure your dog stays out of the trash, read Dr. Brevitz' scary explanation of garbage-can poisoning.
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Gingerbread Homes for Animals Exhibit
Through Sunday, December 17, 10 AM to 7 PM
Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave. btwn. 15th and 16th Sts., Manhattan
Pastry chefs from the French Culinary Institute, davidburke & donatella, the Water Club and elsewhere will turn their talents to building fantasy homes for pets for this exhibit, which has become an NYC holiday tradition. The gingerbread creations will be auctioned off, with funds going to the Picasso Veterinary Fund and Rational Animal.
ASPCA Historical Exhibit
Through Wednesday, January 31, during business hours
350 Fifth Ave. btwn. 33rd and 34th Sts., Manhattan
A small historical exhibit about the ASPCA is on view in the lobby of the Empire State Building. On display are photos and documents that illustrate the development of the organization, from its founding in 1866 to today.
BARC Benefit
Friday, December 15, midnight
Joe's Pub, 425 Lafayette St., Manhattan
Drag legend Sweetie hosts this tribute to telethon variety shows that's also a fundraiser for the Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition. Joining her will be Greg Walloch, the Gay Men's Chorus Uptown Express, Brandelle the Magic Lady, the Grand Hole Opry Band, and many others. Tickets are $12 in advance (call 212-967-7555) and $15 at the door.
Bark! The Herald Angels Sing
Saturday, December 16th, 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.
Bow Wow Pow Wow
Saturday, December 16, 11 AM to 2 PM. Rain date Dec. 17
Leroy Dog Run, Leroy St. at the northeast corner of Pier 40, Manhattan
Pictures with Santa plus coffee and holiday treats will be on offer at this gathering organized by Friends of Leroy Dog Run.
Photos with Santa at BARC
Saturday, December 16 & Sunday, December 17, noon to 5 PM
253 Wythe Ave., corner of North 1st St., Brooklyn
For the price of a donation to BARC, have your hound's photo taken with Santa.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Hartsdale Pet Cemetery
Sunday, December 17, 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 Hartsdale'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.
Holiday Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, December 17, 6 PM to 7 PM
Central Presbyterian Church, 593 Park Ave., corner of 64th St., Manhattan
This will be the 22nd 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. Optional contributions will go to Puppies Behind Bars, a program that trains inmates to raise guide dogs for the blind.
North Shore Animal
League Holiday Paw-ty
Thursday, December 21,
6 PM to 8 PM
Felissimo Townhouse, 10 W. 56th St., Manhattan
Hounds, preferably in festive holiday garb, are welcome
at this celebration hosted by the North Shore Animal
League. You're also invited to bring a dog toy for the grab bag.
Cost is $15, $10 for members of NSAL's Party Animals
program. Tickets can be purchased online.
Volunteer Orientation: Animal Care and Control, Staten Island
Wednesday, December 27, 6 PM
3139 Veterans Rd. West, Staten Island
Learn all about volunteer opportunities, including dog walking and cat cuddling, at the Staten Island branch of the city shelter. Kids and seniors welcome. For more information call 212-788-4000 or email Volunteer@nycacc.org. Note: There will be another volunteer orientation on December 30. Please call the AC&C to confirm the time.
Coffee Bark
Saturday, January 6, 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.
If there's an event you'd like us to mention in the next NewsHound, please email us.
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If you're still on the lookout for stocking stuffers, keep in mind that tons of worthy non-profits—from your local dog run to national animal protection groups—publish calendars to help raise funds. Some of our favorites this year: Fort Greene PUPS, The Unexpected Pitbull, McCarren Dog Run, SPCA of Westchester, and Puppies Behind Bars.
The Bide-a-Wee shelter is having a holiday gift drive. Toys, beds, leashes and collars and other supplies for the shelter's residents will be accepted at six locations in Manhattan. For a complete list of gift items and drop-off spots, visit Bide-a-Wee.
Are you a Staten Islander? Through the end of the year, if you adopt a dog (or cat) who's over seven years old from Animal Care & Control, your new pet is entitled to a free senior wellness exam from one of four Staten Island animal hospitals. More information from AC&C.
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Copyright (c) 2006 urbanhound, LLC.
All rights reserved.
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