Maisy VS. The Christmas Tree

A Boxer Christmas

Well this is Maisys 2nd Christmas here in Vinegar Hill, Brooklyn.  I think she gets it now, with all the Xmas trees on the street and her jingle bell collar around her neck. Last year, Santa was very good to her, she got her favorite squeaky toys and a few edible treats as well. 

The downside is that she likes to rip off the ornaments off the tree. My wife Shannon and I thought she may have been over the sneaking around and chewing of the wooden frosty the snowman and the stars with bling on it.  We thought wrong!  We have been out a few times, including during the day and each time, an ornament was broken or chewed in many pieces.  What is the fascination with our ornaments? Does she think they are chew toys, is she bored with her old toys, or maybe she is antsy for new Xmas toys.  And just yesterday I sprayed the apple spice on the limbs and the ornaments that hang on our tree, hoping she wouldn't tear them down. Is there a chemical deterrent to dogs do not take a particular liking to?

As you can see, our tree is not very big this year, a request made by my wife, a 7 ft tree was trimmed to reach just over 5 1/2 ft, 2 of the 3 light strands didn't work, so one is just enough for this year. And most of the ornaments have been placed out of the reach of Maisy. But she still finds a way to grab them with her teeth and tear them apart.  If this keeps up, Maisy will get several lumps of coal in her stocking.

This is what happened when she turned 1 year old last January, it must be nice to get gifts so close to the holidays, do you notice her left ear is up, she heard everything I said  when I took this picture on 1/26/2012.

Happy Holidays & A Happy New Year to all my readers.

Do Our Dogs Appreciate Art, Like We Do? Part II

Well it's August, and you know what that means. An open air Art Gallery in the Brooklyn Bridge Park. We know dogs do not see in color nor do they understand the concept and appreciate art as we do. They come to the park to meet other dogs, fetch balls and take care of business. As dog owners, we look at these pieces of art and imagine what the artist was thinking when they created their works, what inspired them and how do they want spectators to feel when they see what they have created.

This years exhibit, again, is colorful, thought provoking and stimulating for the eye. Without further ado, here are this years contributions. Enjoy!

This is called "We". The top portion resembles jean shorts, legs made out of wood with brown shoes. What you cannot see is that it is a full circle around. In the foreground is the Freedom Tower, the Brooklyn Bridge and a portion of lower Manhattan.

This piece is called "Bread Line". It speaks for itself.

Here we have a large disk propped up sitting underneath the Manhattan Bridge. What you are unable to see are the letters circumventing around. There are letters, "H - C", which is the "Benzene Molecule", which this exhibit is also called from the Periodic Table of Elements, which we all learned in science class.

"Time", this is a sun dial and the paddle like piece faces due north. Not sure if this can actually tell time, but if you stand next to it all day, it may actually work.

"Perpetual Motion", strangely enough, it's a bunch of ping-pong balls attached to one string. The funny thing is, it doesn't move.

This one is called "Muse IV".

And finally, this one is called "Pregnant Queen". As for me, I don't get it, but it's really cool to look at. I think Maisy can crawl through that space.

Hope you enjoyed the newest installments of the open air Art Gallery in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Woof!

Maisy's Memorial Day Weekend

Her Masters Voice

Maisy came with us to the shores of Maryland, just west of Ocean City for the Memorial Day Weekend festivities. She loves visiting her fiance's parents, tucked away in the bay with plenty of space to run around outside of their home, hang by the pool and enjoy a small pontoon boat excursion while we had lunch.

Every morning, Maisy will wake up, shake herself silly, then look at me wanting to be taken out for a walk. There is a house next door that has two dogs, one a Golden Retriever who is about 80 years old and the other is a smaller dog, the name I do not recall. So as we walk down the driveway, these two dogs will bark until they reach the end of their driveway, because they have an electronic collar on them. Maisy desperately wants to play with these two, but I forbid it. After Maisy does her business, I decided to let her off the leash, I was so happy with her. She didn't run off, I said "stay" and she waited 'til I started to walk again. Then when we got to the end of the driveway, I let her run on ahead of me to the front door. She got an extra treat for being very obedient. Since there wasn't any other dogs in the neighborhood, she payed most of the attention to me. Of course I would never let her off her leash here in DUMBO/Vinegar Hill. There is too much commotion going on to attract her attention. As you can see from the picture above, last year, Maisy would slide her way through the gate mid pool and walk down to the dock where she happened to jump into the weeds and mud, fearing she would get stuck. But not this year.

Maisy had gotten her paws on a mini basketball, which was also a pool toy. When we were swimming in the pool, I tried to encourage Maisy to jump in. However, Shannon, my fiance' clearly stated at least a dozen times, dogs were not allowed in the pool. She even had to communicate to her Dad. "Dad, tell David, Maisy is not allowed in the pool". Of course, I had to abide by the rules, but I really wanted Maisy to learn how to swim, since she is scared of the ocean.

Always keep your eye on the ball!!!

The one that got a way!!!

In a previous story last year, Maisy had become a Salty Dog in Maryland, she loves being on the boat. This year was no different. She loves to watch the waves, smell the ocean air and look out at the scenery around her.  I know deep down in her heart that Maisy would rather have the leisurely lifestyle we all care to love and enjoy.  But visiting relatives in Maryland only happens a couple of times a year and Maisy will always cherish the hours spent near the shores of Maryland.

Thanks for reading, Love Maisy, Woof!!!

Happy Mother's Day Boxer Style

Mother's Day 5-13-12

On Sunday we celebrate our Moms, they have taught us right from wrong, always achieve our goals and to nurture the ones we love. Being that, this is a Dog Blog, I would like to wish my Boxers Mom, "Brea", A Happy Mother's Day. "Brea" gave birth to 6 gorgeous Fawn and Brindle Boxer Puppies on the 26th of January, back in 2011. Though "Brea" will never see her young again, she knows that she will always be loved by her owners.

 I am one of the lucky few to take home a Fawn Boxer on the 4th of April 2011, we named her "Maisy", if you do not know Maisy, please check out my Blog devoted to Maisy and her daily life under the two Brooklyn Bridges.

I have installed pictures of Boxer Puppies and their Mother's, though there is no relation to "Brea" or "Maisy", I thought you may want to see how cute Boxer pups are after they are born.

Happy Mother's Day to all those who read my latest installment. Spread the word about DUMBO Barks. "Maisy" will thank you.

Dog & Car Owners Unite! Jehovah's Witnesses are Shuffling Up to Buffalo!!

Real Estate is up for Grabs in DUMBO & Brooklyn Heights

Dog Owners Unite

With the recent and factual news that the Jehovah 's Witnesses are leaving Brooklyn, that puts a lot of positive ringing into the ears of Dog and Car owners. Why you ask? Well, this will allow more people to move into Brooklyn who own dogs, plus a lot more parking spaces for those who have a hard time finding one on any given day.

Several articles and newscasts have been publishes regarding their move. " After nearly a century in Brooklyn Heights, Jehovah's Witnesses are abandoning their official headquarters in favor of new digs upstate (NY)..... Their new property will hold 850 people, and it will be Green!"  " For more than five years the group - best known for its bible printing and cater waiter outfits, has been selling off its millions of dollars worth of Brooklyn Heights real estate piece by piece."  "With Jehovah's Witnesses clearing out, real estate developers are sure to take an interest in the area where they prayed, printed and proselytized - especially considering prime location between DUMBO and Downtown Brooklyn." - Gothamist.com

The picture above was taken from the Brooklyn Bridge Park, near Pier 1, where you can hop on a Water Taxi, eat pizza on the lawn from Grimaldi's, or a Lobster Roll, under the tent, right next to the Lighthouse where they sell ice cream during a hot summer day. While watching a recent ABC new report, Marty Markowitz, the Brooklyn Borough President mentioned he would like to see some of the real estate be turned into a health facility, educational center and possible another hotel.

With this aerial view, you can see the monstrous buildings on Prospect street, right next to the off ramp of the BQE to the Brooklyn Bridge. Will developers tear down these buildings? Or will they gut out the entire insides and start from scratch?

Maisy, my 1 year old Boxer, doesn't care much for any of this, but it may bring  more dogs living in the area. She sees the witnesses all over town, carrying their bibles with them spreading the word of The Lord. On Saturday mornings, they leave in droves out of their enormous parking lot in DUMBO between Bridge and Jay Streets. What will happen to their lot, another high rise? I am hoping as well as other tenants in the area will see residential space erected, but not as high as the 100 Jay Building, or the 85 Adams apt. building, which reaches well into the sky.

Have you seen these kids? Or maybe even adults in the far reaches of the globe? On several trips to Western European countries, I have seen young adults wearing the black suits, long black neck ties and white shirts, trying to induce new members to their flock. It was amazing to see them in a foreign country, even though they didn't even speak their language! What ever the case may be, they are finally leaving Brooklyn, and moving ( or shuffling) onward to Buffalo, NY. Do they know how cold it will be during the winter months? I don't think their cars are fitted with snow tires. For them to decide to move upward and onward, I would think, they have thought out their goals and pursue their religious teachings in unchartered waters of Northern NY State.

Though Brooklyn will slowly see the Jehovah's numbers diminish, DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights will have a new look and feel to the neighborhoods.  Let me know what you think.

Thank You for reading, Sayonara, Auf Wiedersehn, Ciao, Das Vadania, so long and goodbye!

The Stray Cats of Harrison Alley, Vinegar Hill, Brooklyn, NY

Harrison Alley

Here in Vinegar Hill, Brooklyn, NY, there lies a street that is gated and chained from the public. Nestled among the old Naval Commanders Mansion on Little Street, lies Harrison Alley.  Dating back to the 19th century, when Irish immigrants settled down here, small row houses stood above cobble-stone streets, where they hoped to start a new life and raise a family. During the 1960's, two brothers who once lived in the private residence still shows its vintage car ( see picture below ) and other mechanical equipment which is now home to several stray cats. There are 2 woman, who feed these cats several times a day, as well as the cats at the Buddhist Temple just a few blocks away.

When I walk Maisy to the Naval Mansion, she is determined to find one of these disease ridden felines, but I always ask her, " Maisy, once you catch one of these cats, what are you gonna do with it? " Of course, I do not want her to get scratched, plus she may be allergic. The area surrounding Harrison Alley has so much potential, either to build new Brownstones, small cafe's or maybe just a new Garden. There is also a lot of junk in there, but then again, they may be antiques in there too. For example, the large black Cadillac or other merchandising equipment used back in the day. I wish I knew the real history behind Harrison Alley, but as for now, enjoy the mystery behind it all and enjoy the pictures.

Harrison Alley & Evans Street, Vinegar Hill

Opposite of Harrison Alley, the Cherry Blossoms a Bloom'n.

It reads, "Closed Circuit Television........"

To your left is Harrison Alley, their mailbox, plus this blue piece of modern art?

Here is the black Cadillac that has been parked here for quite some time, as you can see from the trees that have grown in the back of its rear bumper.

And lastly, one of the stray cats, you can see brown fur growing from his/her side. I have never seen anything like this before. Maybe a vet should stop by and make a diagnosis of this abnormal feline.

Thanks for reading.

Brooklyn Bridge Struck by Crane Atop Barge

Mayhem In DUMBO/Bklyn Heights

Last night, my fiance and I decided to go pick up Mexican food at Calexico in Red Hook. We drove, bringing along Maisy for the ride so she can get a limo ride, the pampered pooch that she is. When we were approaching Old Fulton St., we saw several Fire Engine Companies taking up all the parking spaces towards the East River. We thought it may have been a fire above the New Grimaldi's at 1 Front St., but the emergency seemed a lot more serious then realized. There were droves of people at the Brooklyn Bridge Park checking out all the commotion, but didn't have any idea the enormity of the issue.

Maisy was mesmerized by all the commotion and all the red flashing lights, then again, Maisy, like all dogs are color blind, so she probably saw shades of white and gray. Shannon, my fiance' and I thought the worst, maybe a car had plunged off the bridge or something even more horrifying. Upon our return from picking up our food, we stopped at one of the fire engines, and a member of the FDNY, stated there was damage to the bridge. That gave both of us a sigh of relief and that no one was hurt in the ordeal.

A tugboat was hauling a crane towards the Verranzano Bridge around 8pm, people on both sides of the river heard a large scraping sound and was startled by the noise. Even those walking on the bridge were nervous about the structure may have been heavily damaged and immediately traversed to either side of the bridge, where they could see land beneath them. It was stated in the Gothamist that the tugboat and crane were ordered to steer towards Newark for an in depth investigation by the US Coast Guard. I do not believe the Captain of the tugboat is Italian, like the cruise ship that ran aground earlier in the year.

Maisy is not prone to such events of the human kind, but she gets scared off by loud noises, men in uniform, i.e. FDNY, NYPD, plumbers/electricians etc... So this morning, Maisy and I walked to the park to the damage in the cheerful morning sun. The damage is that of the undercarriage, where work crews have been repainting the underbelly of the bridge and no one was hurt, the work crews have already gone home for the day.

Here are some pictures taken this morning from DUMBO/Pier 1 at the Brooklyn Bridge and those from the Gothamist Website from last night.

The damage is directly above the FDNY fire boat.

The damage stretches 20' feet in length.

The damage is mid-span of The Brooklyn bridge.

Photo credited from the Gothamist Website. 

Traffic was backed up for miles from all directions.

FDNY's Bravest blocking traffic on the Brooklyn bound side.

A closer look at the enormity of the damage,

 I do not think the Captain of the boat is Italian.

Keep Off The Grass!

The Brooklyn Bridge Park Brant Geese

Towards the end of 2011, the NYC Parks Department put up a fence around The Brooklyn Bridge Park, just under the Manhattan Bridge to let the grass re-fertilize for the 2012 season. Leading up to the winter months, residents of Vinegar Hill, DUMBO & tourists flock to the park to take pictures of the both bridges, view the breath taking skyline and lie out on the grassy knoll to eat their lunch or watch the sunset as it sets in the west behind the concrete jungle. 

During the absence of visitors, new residents of the park have taking refuge on the grassy knoll. Brant Geese, a species of bird I never come across. What are they doing here? Shouldn't they be flying south for the winter like their relatives?

 Each and every day when I walk Maisy, for those who don't know Maisy, she is a one year old female fawn Boxer that loves the run amok in the dog run. We come across the fenced-in grassy knoll, she used to love and play tug-of-war with her leash, but now she has to resort to the dried up grassy area along the walking path to play.

So what the NYC Parks Dept. doesn't know is that the once lush grass, is now what you would call dead land. It's looks barren, as if an area of the park saw a lot of foot traffic. With Spring fast approaching, the landscaper needs to follow-up on the status of the lawn. Dogs love to play on the grass, but have now been subjected to the dog run. 

Here are pictures taken the morning of 3-7-2012, you be the judge:

This posting explains that the lawn is closed for the Winter season, they have reseeded the grass and no dogs will be allowed on the lawn.  This should be said for the Brant Geese as well, so this is unfair to the dog owners, dogs who live in the neighborhood know not to defecate on the lawn, and if they do, the owners always pick up after them.

Dogs are thankful Spring is coming.  They will love you even more that they can run around on a lawn, as long as it's not in BB Park. So speak your mind, but dog runs are safer and away from any traffic.

Thanks for reading, Woof!!!

Giants Fans Have Gone To The Dogs

Dogs Are Giants Fans Too!

With the recent Super Bowl win by the NY Giants, we forget that Dogs like Football too! Owners who treat their pets like kids will dress them up in their favorite Giants Jerseys, though some have gone a bit too far. As for Tom Brady, he was sent to the Dog House by his girlfriend Gisele B., as you have already read in the papers, tabloids and on your favorite news channel.

Here are some recent pictures from Dog Owners that enjoyed the Big Game with their beloved pets. Send me your pictures of your dogs dressed up in their favorite teams or Sunday Best to: david.hotel99@gmail.com

Puppy Bowl 2012 - Super Bowl for Dogs

Puppy Bowl 2012

So as you may have noticed, I am a Giants Fan, being the Font colors are RED & BLUE. With the big game being just a day away, I thought I would let you in on another big game. The Puppy Bowl 2012, if you haven't seen this highly televised game for the younger crowd, I suggest you watch it before the actual game.  

Sponsored by Pedigree Dog Food Brands, not being sure where the game is being held, they have designed the set to look like a football stadium. The show airs on the Animal Planet network, and watching from previous seasons, it is very cute to watch the puppies run and chase each other around. Of course the real battle is to grab the football and run it into the end zone.

The main reason why they have the Puppy Bowl is for dog lovers adopt one of the players on the field. If you google Puppy Bowl 2012, you can see the line up, and having just visited the site, they all look adorable. How can you not want one of those cute little girls or boys making your household fun for any family.

As you see below, here is a Boxer named Hunter, cute huh? I haven't see any boxers in the Puppy Bowl since it's existence. Hunter is just one example of the breeds that will playing for all of his might to be adopted. So if you are looking to adopt, check out the website, "Go Boxer Rescue". Being that I have a Boxer named Maisy, she is a little past her prime to play in the big game. Though she would jump at getting all of those endorsements the real players get, Maisy might as well be cheering from the sidelines.

Enjoy the big game and root for the Giants, I know I will. 

• Puppy Bowl VIII Starting Line-up

• Return to Puppy Bowl Main »

 

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Player Stats

 

Name: Hunter

Breed(s): Boxer

Sex: Male

Age: 9 weeks

Fun Fact: Plans to go into politics