A Doggone City!
Mary Ann
One thing that you notice in New York City, it has gone to the dogs! There are dogs everywhere. There is also dog do-do everywhere so watch where you step. You are supposed to curb your dog, but not everyone follows the rules. However, it is not as bad as Paris.
There are all kinds of dogs. French Bulldogs are a favorite. You are surprised with Burmese Mountain Dogs – apparently, they are excellent apartment dogs. Just about every kind of dog you can imagine live in NYC. When you see an Irish Setter trotting down the street, you wonder how a hunting dog finds space to run. There are lots of rescues with suspect lineage. Then there are the Designer Dogs – a deliberate cross breeding of two pedigrees dogs to create a new breed. Maltipoos, Labradoodles, Cockapoos, Pomskys, and on and on are the “new” breeds. All are quite cute. There are pet shops that specialize in Designer Dogs.
On the streets of NYC, there are bowls of water in front of restaurants for furry customers. There are specialty services for dogs that include Doggie Day Care, Doggie Gyms, Pet Sitters, Shuttle Service, Groomers with salons that rivel human salons, and vets with clinics and mobile units. Dog walkers are walking dogs all over the city with solo clients and groups of 3 or more. The dogs all seem to get along well – it is kind of a pack mentality. Some dogs are on a walk in a stroller. I guess getting some fresh air. Dog parks dot the city scape where dog people gather and friendships bloom.
We had a school dog that on Mondays had play dates in Central Park with his other dog friends. The dog loved it, and I am sure he knew when it was Monday. The rest of the week the dog loved being everyone’s pet at school. Many of the little boutiques in the city have a dog that minds the shop. It adds charm to the shopping experience. Dogs are everyshere.
There were all kinds of Doggie Shops with normal pet shop items; however, they had a large selection of outfits accessorized with sparkly jewels. All kinds of “shoes” were available which is not a bad idea on city sidewalks – hot cement in the summer and salt on dog pads in the winter. It can prevent issues for the dogs. There are colorful canine raincoats and boots that deck gray rainy city sidewalks. There are several dog bakeries with custom dog biscuits among many other doggie treats. (The picture below is of two Italian Greyhounds dressed in matching PJs on a cold Winter’s day. Just too cute!)
The dog subculture is everywhere now. It is just more noticeable in New York because the population is so dense with people and dogs. New York is also innovative with new dog services and the like. It is fun to people watch in the city, but dog watching is more fun! You might just get a slobbery kiss while you watch. New York City is an interesting place, but it is truly a doggone city!
Silver Sage Sisters 