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).

REMINDER: Is Your Dog Photogenic?

 Is your Dog Photogenic?  D.U.M.B.O. BARKS wants your dog picture in hardcover!  DUMBOs population has a large percentage of dogs living amongst the tall high-rise apartments and brownstones.  I am spreading the word to have all the dog owners of DUMBO and Vinegar Hill send in their best profile Dog Picture for a new book of the same name.

I already have several dogs posted on the blog for "Dog of the Week", wait til you see who will be next, awe!!!!!

Please send in your picture to david.hotel99@gmail.com, please include a small bio of your dog, as you may have already done on Dogster.com, or other pet websites.

I look forward in seeing your pets, no deadline has been set yet, but I will wait til I get as many pictures as possible before starting the book.

Woof!

Dog Of The Week ~ Teddy

May I Introduce To You ~ Teddy!

We adopted him from Social Tees in the East Village. They’re a wonderful shelter, they save many dogs and could always use a little publicity.  Not necessary, but without Social Tees rescuing him from animal control, he wouldn’t be here today.   http://www.facebook.com/SocialTeesAnimalRescue

Teddy at Home in DUMBO, waiting for a morsel of food to drop onto the floor and in his mouth.

Teddy in The Hamptons!!! "I can get really used to this place...."

Teddy hard at work as my paper weight. "Later on, I will file these papers and make my parents proud of me."

His current favorite stuffed animal, "I can't wait for the Holidays to come around again!!!"

Teddy enjoying the park.  "Ooh, do I see a pigeon in my sights"

Teddy, also known as:

 T. Bear Pickens

 Teddy Ballgame or

 Teddy Seuss!

"Teddy is a Cocker Spaniel mixed with something else; could be a deer or an

Irish Setter. He's new to the area and is still getting his feel at
the local dog parks, but he has big plans for the place (he thinks he
is a lost member of the Walentas family.)"

 For those who do not know who Mr. Walentas is, he is the mega-developer, who came up with the name D.U.M.B.O., as well, modernized the neighborhood to what it is today.  His wife Jane, is the curator of "Jane's Carousel" which is set to open on the 16th of September in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

"He loves stuffed animals, any and all dog food, belly rubs and, oddly enough, he enjoys baths.

He also told his parents he's looking forward to crisp morning walks along the

river, although that could be his dad projecting.”

CAUTION: 2 ~ Way Traffic Ahead

For the longest time, driving East on Old Fulton Street, towards Red Hook has always been One - Way.  Since last week, the D.O.T. has made this very common route for Staten Islanders now a 2 ~ way street.

For all the Dog Owners of the surrounding neighborhoods, a new STOP sign has been erected, linking Old Fulton St., and Pier 1 ~ Brooklyn Bridge Park. On a recent walk with Maisy, we watched the traffic zip on through, not even paying attention to the new crosswalk, STOP sign or even the NYPD Traffic Enforcement Agents ( they were wearing their neon yellow jackets as well).

In the past, cars would careen around the corner and jostle for a spot on the BQE just past the Little League Ball Field, beating some of the traffic headed towards Staten Isl. It will take a lot of getting used too, for these drivers to see and react to the new traffic modernization of the area.

This morning, Maisy & I took our normal walk to Pier 1, that's when we came across members of the D.O.T. slightly changing the solid yellow double lines ( as you can see in the picture #3 ). They sanded down the original double lines, probably due to a mishap in the original measurements of the road itself.  I approached a Supervisor of the D.O.T., he said in the near future, while listening to his Russian/English dialect, that a traffic light, gearing towards a flashing red light will be put in place. This will hopefully resolve the speeders headed to the forgotten Borough of Staten Isl.

So, the next time you are crossing Old Fulton Street with your adorable pooch, be sure to look both ways,



Dog of the Week ~ "Harry" T.

Here is our first canine installment of the NEW Dog of the Week, Please meet "Harry"

Here is a photo of Harry. He is a country dog that re-located to DUMBO last year. City life has been great for him as the breed can be protective and anti-social. But riding in elevators with lots of dogs and people has made him a better dog!

Hello, my name is Harry and I am a Miniature Schnauzer. I was born on December 3, 2007 in Ipswich, Massachusetts to a family of four in a house with five acres of land. Not sure what happened, mid-life crisis or something, but my humans decided to move to Brooklyn, New York.

Harry T. , Brooklyn, New York, now I live in a loft and we go to dog runs. At first I was in shock over how many dogs live on my land. And so many that are my size! My humans had to buy these eco-friendly plastic bags to clean up after me. How embarrassing is that!  I do like all the smells here though and the Brooklyn Bridge Park is pretty cool. I also like to go to Hillcrest Park in the morning where I am trying to make friends.

 My big question is though, what happened to the CAR?

- Excerpt taken from Harry's owner and new to the DUMBO BARKS blog, Welcome Guys !!!

Maisy ~ The Salty Dog

After 3 1/2 hours driving south on I-95, Rte. 1 and Rte. 113 to Maryland, Maisy arrived at her country home early Friday afternoon. Well, it's not really hers, her grandparents live just north of Ocean City, Md. Maisy spent her first Labor Day Weekend on the southern shores, taking in the sun and surf by crab loving Americans.

With a new Pontoon Boat parked at the dock, which was raised due to Hurricane Irene, Maisy was about to embark on her first boat ride. She was first hesitant on getting aboard, but then she may see other dogs doing the same thing, so she went testing out her sea legs.

As "Paba"- Capt. of the boat, myself & Maisy started on our native voyage, Maisy got to feel the motion of the ocean and inhale the fresh sea air.  During the excursion, Maisy took in the enormity of what else the world has to offer. She was probably thinking, "I can definitely get used to this. If I play my cards right, this will happen every time I sit in a car and behave for roughly 4 hours!!!"

Maisy was not nervous, from what I could tell, she was enjoying every minute of it.  She was calm and collective, she didn't relieve herself on the boat, actually she waited until I took her for a walk by way of her usual route. Maisy has been a very photogenic pup in the past through vigorous walks, however, she has yet to learn how to swim. Does anyone out there know how to train a Boxer on how to swim?  Please send me your thoughts.

Hope you and your pets enjoyed the Labor Day Weekend.