Pets are non-returnable!

You're getting two posts in one night because this NY Post story just made me so angry. Apparently there is a huge spike in the number of animals given to shelters following the holidays because people, you know, just can't deal with that once-cute puppy when he gets big enough to chew on their Manolos. WTF? How shallow and self centered are these people?

I probably shouldn't admit this, but when I got Indy I was young and probably not the best mom. I didn't take him out enough, and as a Boston Terrier mix, he was so hyper it was unbearable at times. I think he chew ten pairs of my shoes over the years and totally tore up my bathroom floor in my old place. BUT I KEPT HIM. Now he is the sweetest, most docile guy in his old age. He has a sister who was raised in a not-very-structured environment (I actually adopted her afterward, so she, at least, isn't my fault), and now she isn't quite housebroken. But I don't kick her out because of it.

My point is this: You wouldn't get rid of a problem child and you shouldn't get rid of a dog or cat except under the most extreme circumstances, when someone's life is in danger for example.

Dog snatchers

This post on Craigslist about not leaving your dog outside while you are in a store or restaurant really hit home with me. It happened to me once, so I've been wary ever since. Thankfully I got my dog back, but it was a heart-wrenching experience.

I live in Williamsburg, and there was a restaurant that allowed you to leave your dog outside while you ate, in fact it's pretty common here. Anyway, I came outside and Indy was gone. He was just a puppy then and to say I freaked out would be an understatement. I asked everyone (including random stranges walking by) if they had seen him and by pure chance someone had. It turned out some high school kids had taken him because they "thought he was abandoned." Uh huh. I caught up with them and got him back, but it was too close of a call.

Anyway, I understand the urge to take a dog with you. We're New Yorkers, and we all lead hectic lives, which sometimes means taking your pet on errands is the only time you get to spend together. But don't leave your dog tied up outside, even if everyone else is. Consider bringing a friend along to watch your companion while you are inside or patronizing animal-friendly stores. Better safe than sorry.

If anyone else has an opinion on this feel free to email or comment.

Snip, Snip.

Does anyone remember Have-A-Heart clinic? I took one of my dogs and my cat there before, sadly, it closed a few years ago. Anyway, I want to spay my second dog and need an affordable alternative to a regular vet. I will post anything I find, but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions? I would like to put together as comprehensive of a list as possible. In the meantime, please enjoy these ads from the Human Society.


Pets

The furry guy: 1. Landlord: 0.

We've all done it. You read a sob-story post on Craigslist about an abandoned 6-week-old kitten or your friend's sister's cousin has a dog that just has to have a home. If you're an animal lover, taking in the strays just comes with the territory. The problem: that pesky lease you signed saying you wouldn't take in any pets or more than one pet. Woops.

Well my friends, the wonderful city of New York is friendlier to our furry (and scaley and feathery) friends than you might think. Administrative Code of New York City § 27-2009.1, or if that's too dry for you, the "Pet Law," says that if you keep an domesticated animal "openly and notoriously" for more than three months, he or she can stay, permanently, no matter what your lease or rental agreement says. I know it sounds too good to be true, but for once being a tenant works in your advantage.

Here's a good summary of the law from the ASPCA. We know none of you will abuse this law.

Good karma

Ok, so technically it's my third post and already this is a bit off topic, but today I donated to a really cool charity. The Marine Mammal Center in California allows you to adopt a seal (for a mere $30 donation). You'll get your seal's photo and bio, sort of like the adopt a kid charities, only without Sally Struthers. The potential adoptees have already been rehabilitated and released, but your money will go toward the costs of medicine, food, and rescue for other marine animals.

NYC leash laws formalized

For years, savvy pet owners parks are leash-free zones 9 a.m. and after 9 p.m., but the city council finally got the memo apparently. It recenlty published regulation amendments to formalize the off-leash policy, which came under attack from a lawsuit filed last year. A public haring is scheduled for February 22.

It's a dog's (urban) life

This is the first post of my new blog about having pets in NYC. About me: I have two dogs (my landlord only knows about one of them, so shhhh!) and a cat in a 300-square-foot apartment in Brooklyn. Crazy? Probably. Fun? Always. In any case, I want to connect with other urban pet owners/lovers, dispel myths about living in the city with animals, and provide you with all the information and news you and your pooch (or kitty or gerbil or fish or you get the point) need. I'll be checking all the other magazines, blogs, and resources for pets and the city, but please write me at any time with your comments!

P.S. Who are the cuties below? My dogs Lennon and Indiana of course! Who could start a blog without showing their pets off?