Holiday Etiquette for your Pet Dog

  HOLDAY ETIQUETTE FOR DOGS        

by Thomas Bennett ( Dad )

Be especially patient with your humans during this time. They may come home

with large bags of things they call gifts. Do not assume that all the gifts are yours.

Be tolerant if your humans put decorations on you. They seem to get some special

kind of pleasure out of seeing how you look with fake antlers.

They may bring a large tree into the house and set it up in a prominent place and

cover it with lights and decorations. Bizarre as this may seem to you, it is an important

ritual for your humans, so there are some things you need to know:

      ---don't pee on the tree

      ---don't drink the water in the container that holds the tree

      ---mind your tail when you are near the tree

      ---if there are packages under the tree, even ones that smell interesting or that

          have your name on them, don't rip them open

      ---don't chew on the cord that runs from a funny-looking hole in the wall to the tree

Your humans may occasionally invite lots of strangers to come and visit during this season. 

These parties can be lots of fun, but they also call for some kind of discretion on your part:

      ---not all strangers appreciate kisses

      ---don't eat off the buffet table

      ---beg for goodies subtly

      ---be pleasant, even if unknowing strangers sit on your sofa

      ---don't drink our of glasses that are left within your reach

A big man with a white beard and a very loud laugh may emerge from your fireplace in the

middle of the night.

                                DON'T BITE HIM!!

Celebrity Dog Owner in DUMBO

Celebrity Dog Owner Spotted in DUMBO

So, Thursday morning, I made my usual trek to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Dog Run under the Manhattan Bridge. I came across a former tenant from my apartment with his two dogs in the run and another dog owner whom I have never seen before in the neighborhood. She had a Chocolate Lab, whose name I am unaware of, but I may have heard "Penguin".

Anyway, as I got closer to the woman, wearing an overcoat, long scarf and hiding behind a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses. Low and behold it was Anne Hathaway of the Silver Screen. I posted the pic on Facebook, obviously, soon after, I was getting comments of being a "Stalker".  I mean c'mon already, I pretended to take a video of Maisy, so I got a photo of the starlet watching her lab run amok in the dog run.

Anne had recently been engaged to another actor not sure of his name or his previous works in the entertainment field, but a pic was taken of the two of them in Fort Greene park.  So without further ado, here is Anne Hathaway with her Chocolate Lab:



Salty Dog Part 2 - Thanksgiving 2011

My Fiance', Shannon and I drove down the Garden State Parkway to Cape May, NJ.  It was the first time for all of us to end up at exit "0".  So, when people say about those residents of NJ, "what exit do you live off of?" We actually ended up at the very end of the road.  We had made reservations to take the Cape May Ferry to Lewes, Delaware for a leisurely ferry ride, so that we could skip the monotonous drive through upper Delaware.

We arrived with ample time to spare, so that Maisy could stretch her legs and take care of business. Once on board, we got to sit atop the top check and enjoy the seasonably warm weather of the Atlantic Ocean. Maisy was not the only dog on board, there was a Daschund and a playful pit bull that tried very hard to play with Maisy, but were not having any of that.

Off in the distance is the north-eastern shoreline of Lewes Delaware to which we would disembark to Shannon's parents house in Bishopsville, MD. It was actually the best idea I had in a while, Maisy loves the open waters, though she is scared of waves washing ashore along the beaches of Assateague State Park, Md. During the ferry ride, we decided to stop by a local pet store that caters to the pampered pooches.  Maisy needed a new winter coat, since the one I originally bought her was too big, I had hoped she would grow into it, but I was wrong. So Maisys' cousin "Clarence" a Labradoodle is now the proud owner of the Fleece Coat size 16.  Joking "Clarence's" owners considered it a hand-me-down, even though Maisy only wore it like four times. We also purchased a stuffed duck, unknowingly until the woman said that you can stick an empty plastic bottle in it, for hours of fun and enjoyment.

Maisy loves the the salty air, the wind blowing through her ears and the sun beating down on for extra warmth. Once we got closer to the docks, Maisy began to simmer down and feel like royalty aboard such a huge vessel. As you can see from the picture behind me, there were tourists on board, they were not accustomed to ferries, they wanted to move the lounge chairs around, but the parents had to tell their kids that the furniture was bolted to the ground. We looked forward to having another Turkey Dinner for Thanksgiving Saturday night, plus celebrate Shannon's nieces' 1st Birthday.

Here Maisy rests before the big day, Saturday. She would always look for scraps that would fall fro Tess' high-chair. Maisy also learned from her mistake, by eating human food touched by an infant.  She had vomited several times on Sunday, and called the vet. She ate a lot of grass to tickle her throat, and it worked to get the issue removed from her.  It wasn't a pretty sight, but Maisy felt a lot better.  Being it was her first real Holiday, she will learn her lesson, then again maybe not. So may I say, bring on Christmas, but she will be boarded for the weekend, but Santa Paws will have Maisy on her GOOD list with lotsa toys to play with.  Happy Holidays Everyone!

Maisy Turned 9 months!

On October 26th, 2011, "Maisy" Bennett turned 9 months old. She has come along way adjusting to Brooklyn and NYC life. She has grown into a mature woman, she doesn't get separation anxiety anymore, nor does she terrorize the home, i.e. ripping furniture, destroying pairs of shoes, thank God!

Maisy was spayed about two months ago, and it didn't even phase her one bit. She also recently received her NYC dog license, which she proudly displays when she walks around DUMBO. Last week, Maisy did show signs of having parasites in her stool, so back to the Vet we went. She was given medication, thankfully her illness was resolved.

One thing I have noticed over the past several weeks, on certain Fridays, the Hassidic Community takes the East River Ferry from Williamsburrg to DUMBO, from there, they take ALL their kids to the playground. These kids are all wearing the same clothes, how odd. So as Maisy and I walk to Jane's Carousel, the parents and kids alike run for their life when they see her, and every dog for that matter.  I would tell the kids and family, "don't worry, she doesn't bite".  I didn't know why this happens, but found out that, during WWII, the Germans would have the German Shepard's attack the Jews during the holocaust.  From now on, I will stay as far away from them, respecting their space.

Maisy celebrated her first Halloween in Brooklyn, she saw other dogs in costumes, she was probably thinking to herself, "I wouldn't be caught dead in that get-up".  The dogs were dressed in everything you can imagine, though I cannot remember the costumes, maybe next year she will have her own costume.

With Thanksgiving coming around the corner, Maisy will have to spend it at Cheeky Dog. My brother-in-laws parents are coming to celebrate with the family, so Maisy is not invited.  But she will get to celebrate it with my girlfriends parents and close relatives that weekend in Md. Christmas will be a whole new experience for her, big trees, lights, and plenty of dog toys, so much so, she will get dizzy of what to play with next.

Stay tuned for new Dogs of the Week, but please send in pictures.

Chiens de la Rues a Paris ( Street Dogs of Paris )

True French Companionship

Some dear friends of mine of the West Village took a recent trip to Paris, France. They took in the sights, ate and drank all that Paris had to offer. Among their daily excursions through the streets of Paris, they came across the darker side of this "City of Lights". From pictures I received, it was not any different then the streets of New York City we see each and every day.

Friends, Michael & Elizabeth Corday too, had loving dogs, that they cherished, took great care of, and pampered to the ends of the earth. Knowing that I am caring for my now nine month old Boxer Maisy, they took pictures of urban dwellers and their canine family members. The Parisians shared their lives with their dogs, probably because it was the only family members they had left. All over Paris, it was a heartache to see these loveable dogs in such squaller, asking for Euros, so they can get a bite to eat.

An Excerpt from Elizabeth Corday: " Interestingly, the dogs were blissed out. They got to live out their dreams of being held by their owners for a good part of the day. They were all fed. So who knows ? They also offered their owners companionship in what could be a dismal experience ".

From a store in Paris.

No different then what you see in NYC.

Not sure if these puppies were for sale, but as you can see, they are not pure-breds. So Sad.

A woman holding her dog along the banks of the Seine river in Paris. She too looking for a hand out.

It just goes to show, that all around the world, dogs and people alike need companionship. However, this is also how dogs become strays and the pet population explodes with new unidentifianble breeds.

Au Revoir!

Dogs of The Week ~ The Twin Ibizan Hounds ~ Deimos & Phobos

Dogs of The Week - Meet Deimos & Phobos

Several weeks ago, while my puppy Maisy and I visited the Main St. Dog Run, we came across these gorgeous dogs who are twin brothers.  I have never seen this breed before in my entire existence on this earth. You will be astounded by their good looks and boyish charm. You could say that Deimos & Phobos are identical twins, though their personalities differ somewhat, as you will learn later on at the bottom of their pictures. Danny, the twins owner was kind enough to share the twins photos and their upbringing in all their splendid glory.

So, without further a do, may I present Deimos & Phobos

The twins at 8 weeks old, just hanging out, getting used to their new home. These guys can't stand be apart from each other.

Deimos had fallen asleep before he was about to go for a walk. Puppies lives are tough!

Phobos at 4 month asleep in the "cockroach" position.

These guys had their ears down as puppies, but slowly, the cartlidge firms up and their ears

stand up on their own.

Stretching before we go for a run? I have no idea why they are posing so well in this photo.

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I can't walk from D.U.M.B.O. to Hillside Park without beng asked 10 times about Phobos & Deimos, my two Ibizan Hounds. These two brothers named for the moons of Mars, joined our family in early 2010, eight weeks after they were born in Delaware. Their breed is historically from the island of Ibiza in Spain, and not very common in the United States. They are SightHounds, so they are related to the Greyhounds, Whippits, Pharoah Hounds, Borzois, etc... They can run pretty fast, but they are bred to jump extremely high. They can often be seen racing around and jumping over picnic tables at The Hillside Park, situated between Brooklyn Heights and D.U.M.B.O., Brooklyn.

Having the two of them as puppies was a complete nightmare. Although we were warned by everyone, we just thought they were exaggerating. Our Lives became puppy-only for many months, and our social lives were dead during that time period. Training two dogs at the same time was much harder then we expected as well, but in the end, with a ton of work, it all came together nicely.

They are smart, sweet, playful and extremely loving dogs. They require a lot of excercise ( 2-3 hours/day ) and tons of attention. They are complete goofballs, and love to impress people. Although Deimos is far more athletic, he is also neutered. His brother Phobos however is going to get bred later this year, due to his non-needy and easy going temperament., perfect for bringing this breed from Ibiza to American Homes.

So, if you see them around D.U.M.B.O., they will surely want to play with your dogs and they love showing off their good manners in trade for a petting.

"Signs" Of The Times

What Is Really Posted On The Streets Of D.U.M.B.O. Brooklyn

We are all used to seeing the signs in and around Brooklyn, but do we really stop and read them? There are hundreds of "No Parking" and "No Standing" signs, mainly due to the "Watch Tower" Group, since they occupy most of our neighborhood buildings. On a recent walk with Maisy in D.U.M.B.O., we happened to come across Street Signs we are not accustomed too. These signs originated from one individual in Manhattan, the group calls themselves the "Metropolitan Etiquette Authority",which demonstrates the common courtesy of how NY'ers should act in their daily lives.  It was televised on a local news broadcast, where one sign illustrates the courtesy of pulling your pants up for those from Urban backgrounds.  Some say it's a fashion trend, but who really wants to see the backside of your underwear?

Here are the signs from our recent walk:

With the new smoking ban in NYC Parks, more and more cigarette butts are littering the curbs just outside park entrances. In the olden days, the reason why men's pants were cuffed on the bottom, was to old on to all of your cigarette butts from littering on the sidewalks. I learned that from "Slim" Curtis, a former Co-Director of a summer camp I attended in Vermont.  He had noticed the counselors were ashing out their butts on the grounds of the camp and asked that they be placed in the receptacles around the campus. The picture was taken at the end on Main St., adjacent corner of Bubby's restaurant.

I assume, this is intended for those thumbing away on their "Crackberries".  Walking and typing away can be hazardous to your well-being, by not paying attention to your surroundings, you may get hit by another "crackberry" owner or livery cab, because they're not paying attention either. This picture was taken on Water St. between Adams and Washington Sts.

Ok, how many times have you seen a horse being ridden in DUMBO? Unless of course it is from New York's Finest, Mounted Police.

No need for any explanation on this one.  Please carry a baggy or two with you when walking your beloved pet, none of us like to walk into landmines.

Dog Of The Week ~ "Gabby"

Dog Of The Week ~ Please Meet "Gabby"





Gabby at Prospect Park looking for Squirrels.

Gabby being curious as to why we are taking so many pictures of her and she ain't doing anyhting.

Gabby being excited when we go outside to play in the park.

Gabby at Play when we get home from work.

Gabby wanting to know why there is weird art on the streets of DUMBO now.

Gabby loving her car seat as she thinks she is a human sitting and observing. Gabby being a good girl, always wearing her seatbelt.

Gabby on one of her thrones overeeing her Kingdom.

Gabby is now resting after a long day playing and patrolling the streets of DUMBO looking for cats and squirrels.

We adopted Gabby from the ASPCA January 2, 2009.  She had been abandoned in an apartment and picked up by one of the city shelters till the ASPCA brought her over to their facility where she got her name Gabby.  After doing a counseling session with a Pit Bull who was unable to be left alone at home but also unable to socialize at all with other dogs at doggie daycare, we asked the counselor what other dogs they had that were available for adoption.  he said she had a shy lab mix named Gabby, and as soon as she brought her into the room, we knew she was the dog for us.  Due to kennel cough, she was not being shown yet, so we were lucky to be in the right place at the right time.  Extremely shy with lots of separation anxiety, after about 3 months, her true colors came out: she likes to be queen bee and likes to bark, thus Gabby truly ended up being a great name for her.

Gabby loves the cold chilly days of winter.  Nothing is more fun than rolling around on sheets of ice or running through the snow.  She looks forward to those big snows where there are no cars so she can be off leash for hours running around the streets of Dumbo.  She can’t run that fast at all; she for sure is the slowest dog in the dog run; however, whatever she lacks in speed she makes up for in strength – she is known to throw a few body checks like a defensive linemen since she can’t chase you down. 

Gabby goes by a few different names.  On walks, sometimes it is just Gabs.  And when she runs into a southern adopted transplant to the north, she goes by Gabby Sue.  If you hear a dog howling like a wolf in the neighborhood when a fire, ambulance or police siren speed by, it is probably Gabby.  We did a DNA test to try to figure out what she is.  Being a mut, it said she had 5 different things in her but nothing more than 20%. 

If you see Gabby, don’t be scared by her.  She likes to bark, and she likes to be the one to approach people and other dogs, but when addressed by name, Gabby’s tail is sure to wag in meeting a new friend.

In Memorium ~ A Canine Farewell ~ "Miss Thing"

The Passing Of Our Beloved Four-Legged Fashionista

"Miss Thing"

9-18-1998 ~ 5-4-2011

"Miss Thing" a purebred Pekingese, was born on September 9th, 1998. She passed away on May 4th, where her Veterinarian discovered she was diagnosed with a latter stage of Lung Cancer. Her owner a long time Manhattan resident of the West Village, Kathy Bendersky, loved her precious pooch so much she had to show her off to the rest of the neighborhood.  Not only did Kathy treat "Miss Thing" as her pet, but a loving member of the family. Back when dogs were quietly allowed into Tavern on Jane, in the West Village, "Miss Thing" and other dogs would rest their paws on the bar after a long hard day with their owners at their place of business, playing catch or running after an occasional squirrel. "Miss Thing" would always strut her stuff showing off the latest in doggie fashion, onlookers would turn their heads on the street, even dogs would do a double take.

Like the Westminster Dog Show, "Miss Thing" was always entered in a different type of contest, a Fashion Show, where she won awards for Fashion, Style and Beauty. Sure enough, "Miss Thing" always came home with a Gold Medal. Her owner, Kathy was always ecstatic, that, in one part of her apartment on Jane St. was adorned with Ribbons, Achievements and other awards making her Top Dog. Kathy gives the accolades to her doggie designer Phyllis Capp for all of "Miss Things" award winning fashion breakthroughs

"Miss Thing" loved to take strolls in her pink stroller, while her owner Kathy would run errands, her favorite hot spots were Bon Signour, The Art Bar and especially her local watering hole Tavern on Jane.

For everyone who knew Kathy and her beloved "Miss Thing", she will always be known as the "Diva" of The West Village. She would've turned 12 years old last Sunday and Kathy still celebrated her glamorous pooch's Birthday with long time existing memories and tears.

Dog Of The Week ~ "Brooklyn"

Dog Of The Week ~ Please Meet "Brooklyn".

Brooklyn at The Hillside Park, enjoying the afternoon.

Brooklyn getting ready to sing (bark) in the rain.



Chillin' on "MY" couch.

Brooklyn @ Playa del Carmen, Mexico, taking in some nice Caribbean air.

About to take a nap in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Getting a FREE ride in the "Party People" bag.

Brooklyn has just arrived at her new home and is investigating her new surroundings.

"Brooklyn" enjoying the waterfront along the East River in Brooklyn.

Shhhh! Don't wake me til dinner time.

I love my parents, they take great care of me, ahhhh the sweet life!

Back at The Hillside Park, I am so spoiled to have such a great place to be myself and meet new friends of my stature.



Parents: Jenny Arredondo and Daniele Ciocio
Puppy's name : Brooklyn Beautiful Ciocio Arredondo
Age: 1 year old (Birthday September 11th 2010)
Type of dog: mix (street dog from Playa del Carmen, Mexico)
Likes: To be a princess, take naps, eat yummy healthy snacks and treats
Dislikes: other doggies trying to hump her, to walk around on rainy days (wet streets) yuck!

We rescued Brooklyn in Playa del Carmen, Mexico a beautiful town on the Caribbean when she was only one month from a woman on the street, she was really sick and was really in need of love and a nice home. After living in this town for 4 months we went to Mexico city my home town and stay there for 1 month and finally came back to NY where we she has been living for the past 6 months super happy and enjoying the city every day more and more.

She is the BEST PUPPY EVER! she is very shy but super friendly and happy, she is a total princess, loves to take long naps and play with all her toys specially her green rubber ball, she only likes to fetch at home not outside in public, she enjoys yummy healthy treats, she loves to be loved and she loves music (believe it or not she loves techno). She hates rainy days and to walk on wet streets and other doggies trying to hump her.

Maisys' Operation Was A Success

Maisy had a successful operation yesterday, in which she was spayed. The Vet, Dr. Pizzillo, from the VH Vet Group commented that Maisy was a sweetheart, she didn't yelp or give any bad vibes during her ordeal. She arrived home to two new toys, a Frog that ribbits, I decided of course to call him Kermit and a new Raccoon that squeaks. She went right to bed, didn't walk around til 130 am or so, she experienced tummy troubles and was quickly picked up.

With the recent dognappings in Park Slope & Fort Greene, I decided to get a microchip for Maisy.  She tends to wander away from me when off the leash, but only happened at my relatives house in NJ.  Maisy will be on a regimented schedule of not going to any dog runs, getting a bath nor any other strenuous activities she would normally do on a typical day.

A friend of mine photo shopped a picture of Maisy before I got her. This was her profile pic from the Breeder, how can you say no to this cute little bundle of joy. I was actually reading a book to my Nephew Alec, you can see his legs below the book.

Maisy will now be able to run free without having her male counterparts move in on the new kid on the block. It's all uphill from here, we look forward in a rewarding future for Maisy, trips to the beach, the numerous dog runs and being apart of D.U.M.B.O. BARKS Photo Album.  No deadline has been set, but for those who have not sent me their dog photos, please do so and they will be in line for "Dog Of The Week"

Now I will be singing off, just like Bob Barker did when hosting The Price Is Right, "Dont forget to have your pet spayed or neutered, please help ccontrol the pet population......"



"Lucy" Bennett ~ Our First "Family" Dog

Lucy enjoying some much needed rest after blazing new trails on Rainy Lake, Ontario, Canada.

When I was growing up, like most kids living in Manahttan, I really wanted a puppy. Unfortunately, I was faced with allergies, to dogs, cats, horses, mold and other symptoms that I cannot recall. My parents didn't want the responsibility of walking the dog when I would be in school, plus picking up after the pooch.

After begging Christmas after Christmas, there was still no puppy under the tree. So I had give up my requests of getting a dog. While continuing my education and finding employment after graduation from college, my sister called me asking, "What do you think about getting Dad a dog for his 60th Birthday?" Of course my reaction was DEFINITELY!!! After a few weeks, my Sister & Dad were speaking with each other, not knowing that my Dad wanted a Daschund. My Sister proceeded to investigate the Daschund Breed and to locate where Reputable Kennels are in the Tri-State area.

Within another week or so, my Sister & Dad went to visit a Daschund Breeder in upstate New York, near the town of Catskill, south of Albany. My Sister called me a week later, asking if I wanted to pick up the puppy at a Dog Show at a Community College. I was so excited to pick up the puppy, of course the next phase was naming the cute little dog.  There were only two names in the running, "Saphie"( from the British TV Show, "Absolutely Fabulous", which was my Mothers favorite show) or "Lucy". After some major brainstorming on the drive up, which we all decided to call her "Lucy".

My Mother was away at the time, and I knew she was thinking to herself, David, becareful of your allergies. After picking up "Lucy", the drive home was so much fun, she would eat diced carrots and have an occasional nap on the NY State Thruway. Once "Lucy" arrived home, she was a small bundle of joy and like most dogs started to investigate her new surroundings.  Both my Sister and I didn't want to leave, we wanted to play all night with my Dads Birthday present.

Well, after so many years later, "Lucy" has is still going strong at the age of 13 years old. She has the most fun going to an island just over the Minnesota border on a lake in Canada.  She will immediately find a rock, much bigger then her mouth, drag and roll it down to the tiny beach.  Dig a hole, roll the rock into the hole, then dig it out again. This can last for about an hour, but not before the top of her nose becomes a little bloody from the rough edges of the rock.

"Lucy" has always been a city dog, but she does like a little adventure in her life. The next set of pics was taken during my Dads 70th Birthday, while being a co-pilot of a Glider Plane (Dad, being the co-pilot in the front seat).