Maggie Mae Pup Reporter

I Love a Parade

April 20, 2014 by The Inside Press

Waiting and excited for the parade to start with my friend Cody and his owners Chris and Kristen. Photos by Ronni Diamondstein

(As seen in Inside Chappaqua)

By Maggie Mae…with Ronni Diamondstein

One of my favorite activities is the annual Memorial Day Parade down King Street and South Greeley Avenue. I have been going to the parade since I was a puppy. Lots of people line the parade route, and many of them bring their dogs. We are so lucky to live in such a dog–friendly town. My favorite place is at the bottom of King Street, and once I see the police motorcycle, I know the fun has started. As the parade turns the corner, I see the big Fire Trucks, Ambulances, all the volunteer first responders, Veterans, and Girl Scouts. There is a lot of music and lots of kids play in the Marching Band.

A lot of people I know march in the parade. The Town Supervisor and Council Members walk along with the Town Clerk and Town Justices.  I always like to see President Clinton and Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, who march in the parade too. Last year I met the Governor of our State, Andrew Cuomo and County Executive Rob Astorino, who was there with David Buchwald, our NYS Assemblyman.

Once the parade reaches the Chappaqua Train Station, everyone gets together to honor the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces. Most of the other dogs and I are good listeners and behave well as we gather on the lawn to watch.

But the parade is definitely not for every dog. My friend Finn, a Wheaton went once, and it was just too exciting for him, so his owner never took him again. Penny, a two-year- old Portuguese Water Dog, would like to go but she isn’t trained well enough yet. “Until I can resist my urge to jump up on people, I won’t be attending any parades with my parents,” says Penny. I hope she learns before this year’s parade. Rocky, a Black Labrador Retriever, says his owner has a sturdy body harness on him. “If I see another dog, I get excited and pull hard on my leash. Once when I saw another dog, she accidentally dropped the leash and she almost had a heart attack.” Luckily, Rocky didn’t get that far. The first year I went to the parade, the muskets were so loud they scared me. Rocky said that the same thing happened to him, but like me, he is used to them now.

If you want to bring your dog to the parade, here is some good advice that will let both of you enjoy yourselves. First, know your dog. He or she needs to be well-trained and behave around other people as I have learned to do. Make sure you have your dog on a leash. Voice command is allowed in our town, but in such a crowded place it is much safer for your dog to be on a leash. At that time of day, it can get very hot out in the sun, so bring along water and a treat to reward your pet’s good manners.

Enjoy this special day in our town.  I just can’t wait!

Maggie Mae’s Must Do:

ECAD – Denim Heels Boot Tail, Thursday, May 15

starting at 6:30 P.M. at Brynwood Golf & Country Club  in Armonk, NY.

This annual fun-filled event raises funds for ECAD  (Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities,)  the not-for-profit organization that raises, educates and places Service Dogs with people with disabilities, many of them Veterans.

An evening of dinner, dancing and an inspiring program, ECAD will honor individuals and entities that have shown their support for ECAD’s work and for help given to Veterans of the Armed Services. ECAD clients and their Service Dogs will be in attendance.  Tickets are $200.00 per person.  For information call

914-693-0600, ext. 1950.  For further information visit www.ecad1.org

Contact Maggie Mae Pup Reporter^TM at maggiemae10514@gmail.com Visit Maggie Mae’s blog at www.maggiemaepup.com

Maggie Mae lives in Chappaqua with her adoring owner Ronni Diamondstein, who, when she isn’t walking Maggie is a freelance writer, PR consultant, and award-winning photographer.

A Stroll Around Armonk

April 20, 2014 by The Inside Press

On a Spring walk, Nate, a Cavapoo stops at the Gazebo at Wampus Pond Park in Armonk with his owners Renate and Charlie Golden. Photo by Ronni Diamondstein

(As seen in Inside Armonk)

By Maggie Mae with Ronni Diamondstein

I’m a dog–a very special dog. I’m a six-year-old, black-and-white, Toy Parti Poodle. My name is Maggie Mae, and some of you may know me because I am the Inside Chappaqua Roving Pup Reporter. I was so excited to hear about the new, Inside Armonk magazine and to be able to write about a neighboring town I enjoy visiting. With a nose for news, I will give you the dog’s eye view of Armonk and beyond.

I thought it was important to find out about the Town of North Castle for dogs, so I got in touch with the Town Clerk, Anne Curran. She told me that the town has a leash law for dogs, and the least can’t be longer than eight feet. “The leash law protects dogs as well as people,” says Curran. I agree. I like to run around on my own, but I’ve seen cars suddenly come around corners and whiz by. A leash keeps me from forgetting the rules and dashing into the road where I might get hurt. If other dogs are on leashes I know they’ll be safe.

Registering your dog is important and I wear my dog tag proudly. No dogs are allowed in Town parks unless they are licensed. And it’s a good way for your dog to be identified if you  get separated. The North Castle Town Hall issues dog licenses, but only to North Castle residents. Your owner can apply for the license in person at Town Hall or by mail using the application that is found on the Town website. The fee is $10 for spayed and neutered dogs and $18 for unspayed and unneutered dogs.

“People like to walk their dogs in our parks and the nature preserve,” says Curran. I know North Castle has nice parks, and sometimes walk in Wampus Brook Park with my owner. My friends Max and Peanut like to walk there, too. Max is an 11–year-old Pug and his sister Peanut is an almost 2-year-old French Bulldog. They know a lot of great places to get exercise in Armonk. “We like to walk at the track at North Castle Community Park on Business Park Drive,” says Max. Milo, a Pug I know, also loves to walk in town. You can often see him walking with his buddies Max and Peanut.

Some of the other places to walk in the town are Betsy Sluder Nature Preserve, Winkler Park, Cat Rocks Park, a designated nature conservancy, and Johnson Tract and Fountains Park which are wooded areas.

The Town of North Castle has some important rules when dogs visit the Town Parks that we must follow. Besides being leashed and licensed, we must be under the visual and voice control of a responsible person at least 18 years old. Of course, whoever is with the dog in any Town park or recreational facility must pick up after their pet.

Some dogs just like to walk in their own neighborhoods I learned when I reached out to my friend Nate, a two-year-old Cavapoo to get the scoop on the town from his point of view. Nate, a Cavalier King Charles and Poodle crossbreed doesn’t like to go in the car that much so he enjoys walking the loop in his lovely Windmill neighborhood with his 13 year old sister, Lizzy, a Standard Poodle.

It’s so exciting to be a roving reporter in Armonk as well as Chappaqua. Please let me know where you like to take walks. You can contact me at maggiemae10514@gmail.com

Visit Maggie Mae’s blog at www.maggiemaepup.com

Maggie Mae lives in Chappaqua with her adoring owner Ronni Diamondstein, who, when she isn’t walking Maggie is a freelance writer, PR consultant, and award-winning photographer.

Maggie Mae’s Must Do:

ECAD – Denim Heels Boot Tail, Thursday, May 15

starting at 6:30 P.M. at Brynwood Golf & Country Club  in Armonk, NY.

914-693-0600, ext. 1950.  For further information visit www.ecad1.org

Where Oh Where has My Little Dog Gone?

March 7, 2014 by The Inside Press

What to Do if your dog is Lost

By Maggie Mae…with Ronni Diamondstein

I have to say I am a pretty good dog and always stay close to my owner. But to tell you the truth if I saw a squirrel and was off my leash I would chase it forever. I am always on a leash so I have never been lost, but I have seen dogs wandering around town without a leash or their owner. That made me sad, so I decided to find out what people could do when their dog is missing.

Joe, a Cocker Spaniel who was lost and brought in from Mount Kisco by a good Samaritan, gets lots of TLC from Lisa Bonnano-Spence, Development Manager at SPCA of Westchester in Briarcliff Manor. Photo by Ronni Diamondstein.

When I contacted Officer James Moore the Animal Control Officer for the Town of New Castle and Town Supervisor Robert Greenstein for advice, they told me that every year either Moore or police officers pick up dozens of lost dogs. “There are even more,” said Moore, “because the good Samaritans in this town pick them up too. Sometimes they keep the dogs over night until we can take them to the SPCA in Briarcliff Manor.” The town has a contract with that SPCA of Westchester to shelter dogs that have been lost in our town. It’s a no-kill shelter and that is good news to me.

As soon as you realize that your dog is gone take immediate action. Call the police and report the dog missing. Both Moore and Greenstein suggested using Social Media as well. “Chappaqua Moms on Facebook is a great place to post a lost dog,” said Greenstein. That sounded like good advice to me. When my owner checked the Internet, she found other Facebook groups, pages and websites like Lost Pets of Hudson Valley that help reunite pets with their families. And there are national lost pet networks like www.petkey.org. Posting a picture of your dog is very helpful. Moore also said to contact local veterinarians and kennels like Gracelane in Ossining.

Ask people to help you look for your dog. It’s a good idea to have them bring along something that your dog likes to hear. The shaking of a treat box or the squeaks of one of your dog’s toys, will attract your dog to come toward them.

Man the phones. Someone needs to be home if your dog’s identification has your address and phone number on it. “Do have your cell-phone number on your dog’s ID tag if you are out searching,” said Greenstein. Moore said that if a dog is picked up and doesn’t have any form of identification there isn’t much the town can do. “Micro-chipping is important so make sure the information that the microchip company has is up to date.” Moore said it also helps to register your dog with the Town. It is one more form of identification. Remember that if you have an Invisible Fence and the dog has a special collar for that,  he or she needs an ID-collar too.

If you haven’t found your dog by the second day, post signs with contact information and your dog’s picture all over town. Give these flyers to delivery people like UPS and FEDEX and postal carriers. They drive all over town and may see your dog on their routes. And you can expand your search.

Don’t give up. If your dog has proper identification and a microchip you’ll probably be reunited sooner or later.My owner says, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That makes sense to me. Moore agrees and says that the most important thing you can do is to take precautions so that your dog doesn’t get lost. Now there’s another article for me to write.

Contact Maggie Mae Pup Reporter^TMat maggiemae10514@gmail.com

Maggie Mae lives in Chappaqua with her adoring owner Ronni Diamondstein, who, when she isn’t walking Maggie is a freelance writer, PR consultant and award-winning photographer. Visit Maggie Mae’s blog:  www.maggiemaepup.com

Maggie Mae’s Must Do:
SPCA of Westchester-Walkathon and Pet Fair, Saturday, May 3rd, from 10am-2pm at FDR State Park in Yorktown Heights, NY. There are over 70 Sponsors and Vendors at this fundraising event with food, fun games and activities for people, their pets and kids. Walkers can sign up at the event that day for an entry fee donation of $20 or $35 for a family or you can go online to www.spca914.org and form a fundraising page asking people to sponsor your Walk for the shelter animals. If you raise $100 you get in free.

Shopping with your Dog

January 29, 2014 by The Inside Press

Since Finn can’t go in, Ed Wechsler, owner of La Mer Seafood in Armonk comes out to say hello to him and his owner Kelly

I love to be with my owner, and when she takes me along with her to shop, I couldn’t be happier. I have been tagging along with her since I was a puppy, because our trainer said I needed to be socialized. This meant I got to meet a lot of people, and most of them were friendly. She also took me to many of the stores in town, which was exciting. Every store has new and different sights and smells. And because I am so small, I sometimes travel in a little tote bag, which is fun because I can see things that would be high over my head when I was on the floor.

I regularly go to the bank with my owner to deposit my paychecks. Everyone there seems happy to see me. My friend Finn, a Wheaten Terrier also likes to go to the bank with his owner. Finn says he likes seeing the people at the ATM in the vestibule.

When my friend Rocky, a Black Labrador Retriever was a puppy, he went everywhere with his owner. “She didn’t like to leave me home and I loved going with her,” says Rocky. “Now I have a big waggy tail that can be a problem in a crowded store, so my owner always asks before she takes me inside.” Some say yes and some no, but Rocky isn’t insulted if he can’t go in.

My friend Poppy, a Labradoodle and Pet Therapy Dog in training is well socialized and likes to go to the Farmers Market where the friendly vendors treat her to samples of cheese. “I am too big to fit in a handbag, so I don’t go into most stores, ” she says.

I have had some good experience shopping, but once in a while encountering another dog can be unpleasant. Recently I was in a shop and a feisty big dog came in. His owner wasn’t paying attention to him and the dog was on a flexi-lead, which is only good for dog parks–not for a place with high traffic. He wanted to play and got right in my face. I knew that was wrong so I let him know it with a quick bark, which I usually don’t do in a store. My owner picked me up to get me away from the aggressive dog.

Dog owners who want their shopping experiences to be fun for them and their pets need to start socializing their dogs when they are still puppies and remember to follow good pet etiquette rules. Here are some “Do’s and Don’ts” to help you.

Take your dog for a walk before you go shopping so he/she doesn’t have the need to do his/her “business” when you are in the store.
Ask first and if a sign on the door says, “No Dogs,” realize that they  mean it.
Shopping can be stressful for your four-legged friend. Watch for signs that your dog needs a break.
Please leash your dog, no matter how big or small. (No extension leashes–you need to be in control)
Bring along water, a water bowl and snacks if you are going shopping for a long time.
No barking. It can scare people.
Keep your dog close to you and out of the way of other shoppers.
Bring along paper towels and “poop” bags just in case there is an accident.
Be prepared to leave if your dog causes a commotion.
Reward your dog for good behavior while you shop. Treats are always appreciated for good sitting, staying and walking nicely in a crowded store.
Remember that not everyone shares your pleasure in your dog’s company.

It’s great to live in such a dog friendly town. It’s more fun to go with your owner than stay home or be left in the car. I hope my tips help you to help your dog be a good canine citizen shopper.

Contact Maggie Mae Pup Reporter^TMat maggiemae10514@gmail.com

Maggie Mae’s Must Do:

FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL PET DENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

When was the last time you checked your pet’s teeth or took him/her to a veterinarian for a dental exam? Just like humans, pets need to take care of their teeth. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, oral health care is very important for your pet’s overall health.

For more information on  Pet Dental Health visit: www.avma.org

A Few of My Favorite Things

December 4, 2013 by The Inside Press

By Maggie Mae…with Ronni Diamondstein

Maggie Mae with her Wee-Nut and Jive Ball. Which one to play with first?
Photo by Ronni Diamondstein

There’s nothing I like to do more than sleep, eat and cuddle with my owner except play. I am not fussy about my playthings. I love socks and tags and rags so I don’t need fancy toys but I do like them. Since it’s the time of year to think about gifts I want to tell you about some of my favorite toys. Your dog might like them too.

I am a chewer, I will confess. You may not believe a petite poodle like me could be so destructive, but when I was a puppy I tore through two Orvis Tough Chew Dog Beds. Because of this I don’t get some toys that other dogs enjoy so I decided to get some advice from Jeremy Tubbs, DVM of Millwood Animal Hospital. “Know your pet,” says Dr. Tubbs. “Toys are anything they get excited about. Every dog is different, just like their owners.”

I love to fetch. I have many bones and balls. I place one of them at my owner’s feet and if she doesn’t pick it up and throw it, I let her know! I love treats so I love Kong toys because there is always something delicious inside them. I have to work hard to get the treat out. I also love my Wee-Nut: it’s a smaller version of the Peanut by Ruff Dawg. I bring it to my owner and when she picks it ups I play tug with her too. She said that she likes this toy because it is a soft rubber and gentle on my teeth. It doesn’t tear and it is made in the United States, which she says is important to her. My favorite ball to fetch, West Paw Design’s Zogo-flex Jive ball, is eco-friendly, which also makes my owner happy.

Some dogs, like my friend Buddy, a Labradoodle, like to cuddle with a little stuffed animal. A lot of my dog friends like those comfort toys. Although I got over my big chewing problem and have managed not to destroy my new Tough Chew Dog beds, my owner doesn’t let me have any of those toys. So these days I am happy when I can snatch a washcloth or towel and snuggle with it.

But you have to be careful about plush toys. Any toy with squeakers can be a problem if the squeaker gets swallowed, and Dr. Tubbs says, “If your dog tends to chew these toys up, its best to take them away before they do.”

Dr. Tubbs says he is a big fan of rawhide chew toys. But he offers a little warning about them too, “They are great for teeth and stimulating gum tissue. But if your pet swallows large pieces, or gets some gastrointestinal issue, I would stay away from them.” He says that owners who give their dogs these rawhide toys should be very careful because they can be dangerous. My friend Jules, a rescue dog, got a piece stuck in his throat and he did not survive. “It is important to monitor your pets, see how they handle and tolerate any particular toy before walking away and leaving them unsupervised.”

Toys of all kinds can be fun for you and your dog. “It can be as simple as picking up a stick outside. You just have to find toys that match your dog’s personality and what you like to do,” says Dr. Tubbs. “Exercise and quality time with your dog is most important.” I could not agree with him more. So just have fun and be safe in this holiday season and all year round.

Contact Maggie Mae Pup Reporter^TMat maggiemae10514@gmail.com

Maggie Mae’s Must Do:

Gifts can be to charities which my owner tells me are tax deductions too!  Here are some local pet charities  I hope you will consider:

SPCA of Westchester- A no-kill shelter in Briarcliff Manor, New York.
Visit their website: spca914.org/donations

East Coast Assistance Dogs, Inc. ECAD- breeds and trains Assistance Dogs for clients with a wide variety of disabilities and needs in our area.
Visit their website: ecad1.org/default.htm

Pets Alive Westchester: A no-kill animal sanctuary located in Elmsford, NY.
Visit their website: petsalivewest.org