The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Maggie Mae Pup Reporter

Top Ten Reasons I Love Writing for Inside Chappaqua

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Maggie Mae doing what she loves to do in our special town! With New Castle Town Board member Robin Stout at the Memorial Day Ceremony last May. Photo by Ronni Diamondstein
Maggie Mae doing what she loves to do in our special town! With New Castle Town Board member Robin Stout at the Memorial Day Ceremony last May.
Photo by Ronni Diamondstein

By Maggie Mae…with Ronni Diamondstein

In honor of the 10th anniversary of Inside Chappaqua, I want to share the top ten reasons I’m proud to write for the magazine.

10. It gets my owner out of the house: Not only does she walk me all the time, but she gets to come along with me on my interviews, take pictures–which she loves to do–and she meets the interesting folks I write about.

9. I get to showcase important causes:  I was proud to interview rescue dogs and the staff at the SPCA of Westchester in Briarcliff.  I hope to do more stories like this in the future.

8. I’ve learned a lot and shared what I have learned: Why it’s great for kids to have a pet and how it’s good for people of all ages to own a dog. And one of my favorite columns was why I am a child at heart and always will be.

7. I can help other pets and their owners: My friend Biscuit’s owner Gary told me that he didn’t realize dogs needed to be licensed in the state of New York and our town until he read my first column “Why I Wear My Dog Tag Proudly” in May 2010. And I’ve shared a lot of other important       information on pet health, dog safety in the winter and being careful about coyotes. From the foods that are toxic for dogs to having a whistle to scare off a coyote, I am happy to pass along what I have learned.

6. I can have fun. I met my friend Rocky at Gedney Park for my story on dog parks. And it was an honor to be asked to be a celebrity dog judge at Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester’s first Dog Social last spring.

5. I get my picture taken. I’ve been in front of a camera since I was a puppy so I love when people want to pose with me!

4. I am recognized wherever I go. One day my owner was surprised when someone she didn’t know said hello to me on one of our walks into town. The woman explained that she recognized me from my picture in Inside Chappaqua magazine. I am always very happy to meet my readers!

3. I go interesting places and meet very nice people. I wrote about pet friendly lodgings and toured Crabtree’s Kittle House and Inn with John Crabtree, one of the original owners. I was so happy to visit author and animal lover, Jean Craighead George at her home and talk to her about her book, How to Talk to Your Dog. And I’ve been to Town Hall to talk to New Castle Animal Control Officer James Moore and Town Clerk Jill Simon Shapiro.

Maggie Mae meets up with her beloved editor Grace Bennett at the Chappaqua Farmers Market in the summer of 2011. Photo by Ronni Diamondstein
Maggie Mae meets up with her beloved editor Grace Bennett at the Chappaqua Farmers Market in the summer of 2011.
Photo by Ronni Diamondstein

2. I’ve met some very intriguing animals. I loved meeting Ronnie, a rescue dog at the SPCA and was happy to hear he was adopted after my visit. One of my favorite and scariest interviews was at Dr. Laurie Hess’s Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotic Pets. I loved meeting Dr. Hess and I was very brave to have my picture taken with her parrot Target whose beak got a little too close to me!

1. And the number one reason is Grace Bennett.  In this “dog eat dog” world (I can’t believe I really wrote that!), Grace had the vision and imagination to give me, Maggie Mae Pup Reporter, and my owner this amazing opportunity to have a voice.  Thank you, Grace! Congratulations! Here’s to another ten years!

Contact Maggie Mae Pup Reporter at 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, award-winning photographer and a School Library Media Specialist and teacher who has worked in the US and abroad.

House Calls: Pet Services that Come to You

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Maggie Mae gets TLC from Rich Caporizzo of Bark, Bathe and Beyond Inc.
Maggie Mae gets TLC from Rich Caporizzo of Bark, Bathe and Beyond Inc.

My friend Angelo, a Tabby, is really a scaredy-cat. Like most felines he doesn’t like to ride in the car or go to veterinarians. In the past when he was sick and needed treatment, it was a problem. But, not anymore.

His owner found Westchester Mobile Veterinary Service, PLLC, who comes right to his house. Sonja Ghersini DVM, who had worked in traditional veterinary offices, started this service for dogs and cats like Angelo.My owner and I paid Dr. Ghersini a visit. “When I arrive at the home of the pet,” she said, “it’s like I’m just visiting the owner, and animals find that much less stressful.” She brings with her all the equipment she needs to examine a dog or cat. She can do blood work, vaccines, cytology and even sonograms-everything except x-rays. Like an old-fashioned country doctor, she isn’t rushed and can spend more time with her patients. Angelo is happy when Dr. Ghersini comes to his home, because he doesn’t have to travel or sit in a waiting room with lots of strange animals.

I have discovered that there are other services that come to an animal’s home. On a recent walk, we met my friends Belle and Wilson. But a stranger was walking them. That made me curious. Soon I learned that there are services that take care of dogs when their owners are out of town. One of them, Pets A Go Go, provides services 365 days a year,” Its owner, Nicole Rigger, who has been in business since 2002, says the service will pet sit, feed your dog and take it for walks. “We offer a full range of services for all types of pets including exotics,” says Rigger. “We provide pet taxi service to any necessary appointments and supportive veterinary care.”

Another pet service is Nonni’s Pet Sitting. Pam Rosman, the owner, does more than just walk dogs. “I make visits to the house to feed, walk, play and schmooze,” says Rosman, who has lived in Chappaqua for 30 years. Most of her visits are to cats and dogs, but she has cared for turtles, rabbits, ferrets, fish and once she took care of a pot-bellied pig.

We provide pet taxi service to any necessary appointments and supportive veterinary care.”
Nicole Rigger, Pets A Go Go

If you ever see a big van driving around that says “Bark, Bathe and Beyond” on its side, that is my groomer, Rich Caporizzo, who is Pet CPR certified. I don’t mind going to a groomer in the car, but my owner likes having Caporizzo come to our house. That way I get his undivided attention in his fully equipped grooming vehicle. When my owner says, “Rich is here,” I wag my tail and run to our front door. He bathes me, and I get a haircut and come out looking and feeling beautiful.

I was happy to find out that there are so many services that make house calls for pets. They make life easier for owners and pets alike.

Contact Maggie Mae Pup Reporter at 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, award-winning photographer and a School Library Media Specialist and teacher who has worked in the US and abroad.

Keeping your Dog Safe in the Winter

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Jeremy Tubbs, DVM, helps Maggie Mae get prepared for the cold winter months.
Photo by Ronni Diamondstein

By Maggie Mae…with Ronni Diamondstein

When it’s cold outside I’m happy that my owner dresses me in one of my winter jackets. Being a small dog and close to the ground, I really feel the cold. And she makes an extra special point of wiping off the salt on my feet when we come in from the ice and snow. It made me wonder if there were other things dogs needed to know about in the winter so I contacted a local veterinarian, Jeremy Tubbs, DVM, of the Millwood Animal Hospital.

I love wearing my coats when I go out but I don’t always see other dogs wearing one on very cold days so I asked Dr. Tubbs if all dogs should wear a coat or sweater.  “I think every dog is different and has its own level of tolerance,” says Dr. Tubbs. “Of my two dogs, Solo and Jasper, one loves wearing a sweater or a coat outside, the other will try to take it off. I feel that smaller dogs, and those with shorter hair coats would benefit from one, especially if they are going to be outdoors for a prolonged period of time.”

Sometimes when I’m out in the ice and snow I stop walking because my paw hurts. I lift it up and wait for my owner to make it feel better. I asked Dr. Tubbs about that. “With prolonged activity in the snow, snowballs can accumulate between the pads of a dog’s foot.  This may become uncomfortable, or simply make walking difficult,” says Dr. Tubbs. “In this case boots may help, but like anything, a dog has to be trained to use them.” I tried them once but it was hard to walk in them. Dr. Tubbs said he has heard of people using PAM cooking spray on their feet to prevent snow accumulations. “The most important thing is to know your own dog and its limits.”  And like my owner, he is all for washing paws when you come in the house. “Some ice melt products can also irritate a dog’s pads and inter-digital spaces.  I always recommend a quick wash of the feet after a walk to remove the snow melt and salt to prevent licking and further irritation.”

My friend Willie, a French Bulldog who is eight years old once slipped on the ice and sprained his rear leg. Dr. Tubbs said it very important to consider our older dogs in ice and snow. “By the time they are two years old, over 85% of dogs already have arthritic changes, and it may be more difficult for our geriatric dogs to step over high snow accumulation, or navigate icy sidewalks or areas.  In this case, booties may be a good idea for better traction and footing.” And puppies need to be careful too. “Puppies will have more of a challenge over all,” says Dr. Tubbs. “Navigating through snow and ice, immature bones can be more prone to injury.  So using more caution with the youngsters is always important.” I also wondered if I still needed topical treatment of flea and tick medication during the winter and Dr. Tubbs agreed that it was a good idea.

“All it takes is for the temperature to become a little mild for fleas and ticks to come out.”

Just like when it is very hot outside it’s not a good idea to leave your dog unattended in the car in the very cold weather. Dr. Tubbs says that dogs have a natural coat 365 days a year, though some are more dense and warm than others.  “Air between the skin and the coat acts as a natural insulator.  But if a pet is inactive, its core body temperature will lower, and if a pet is not acclimated to cold temperatures, it can become uncomfortable very soon.”  Dr. Tubbs says that he would not leave his animals in his car for a prolonged period if the temperature is below 40 degrees. “But my dogs are used to the toasty confines of their dog beds and our home.”

I get excited when I see snow and love to be out and about in the winter, but I do get cold. Like Dr. Tubbs’s dogs nothing makes me happier than being cozy and warm in the house curled up with my owner or on my dog bed.

For more cold weather tips for pets you can go to the ASPCA website: www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/cold-weather-tips.aspx

Maggie Mae lives in Chappaqua with her adoring owner Ronni Diamondstein, who, when she isn’t walking Maggie is a freelance writer, PR consultant, award-winning photographer and a School Library Media Specialist and teacher who has worked in the US and abroad.

It’s A Small World for Dogs in Chappaqua

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By Maggie Mae…with Ronni Diamondstein

When my editor and publisher Grace Bennett was off on her adventure in Africa with Secretary of State Clinton, I started to think that most of the dogs I meet on the streets of Chappaqua are not native American breeds.  I, for one, am a Poodle.  Most people think poodles are French, but we really came from Germany.  Secretary of State Clinton has a Toy Parti Poodle, Tally, just like me. She and President Clinton also have a Labrador Retriever named Seamus.  Labs are the most popular dogs in America, and their ancestors came from Canada.  On my daily walks, I meet lots of them; some are chocolate, others are black or yellow.

Walking around Chappaqua, I have met dogs from all around the world. One of the first dogs I met when I was a puppy was Gizmo, a Tri-Color Australian Shepherd. Though he was about ten times my size, Gizmo seemed shy at first.  When I got to know him, he was gentle and friendly.  He was like the mayor of Greeley Avenue and made me feel right at home on the street.

Out of Egypt comes my friend Jester, the sleek and speedy Greyhound. “We are one of the oldest breeds known to man,” Jester, a former racing dog, told me, “ and came to America in the 1500’s with the Spanish explorers.”

I’ve met lots of dogs from Europe: the very friendly and low-key Puffy, a Black and Gold English Spaniel and Oliver, the exuberant Yorkshire Terrier, and Milo, the very affectionate cream-colored French Bulldog.  Another handsome dog is Finnegan Patrick O’Keefe, the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier whose name lives up to his breed’s Irish roots. Don’t be surprised when Finnegan gives you his Wheaten greeting, playfully prancing on his hind legs and showing off.  Wheatens are very outgoing and self-confident that way.

Maybe you’ve seen “Q,” the Golden Retriever, romping in Gedney Park.  He collects tennis balls, which are about the only thing this Scottish lad retrieves.  Or Harry Houdini, the Wire Hair Terrier who also hails from the British Isles, springing into action at Gedney and around town.

And there are all the “Doodles” and “Poos”.  Goldendoodles  and Labradoodles were first bred in Australia. Although he is not a service dog, my friend Blue, a Goldendoodle told me that his ancestors were Golden Retrievers bred with Poodles to create hypoallergenic dogs for visually impaired people with allergies. Taz, a Labradoodle, actually flew over from Victoria, Australia via pet jet 11 years ago, when he was only 4 months old.  He was picked up at JFK cargo by his owners. And I mustn’t forget Cody the Malti-Poo, who is a mix of the aristocratic Maltese with the intelligent Poodle.

My neighborhood is like the United Nations. We have French Papillons with butterfly-shaped ears, Chinese Shih Tzus and a Hungarian Vizsla, to name a few. There are two All American dogs on our block, MJ and Lucky, who are Boston Terriers. I did some research and found out that their breed began when Bostonians combined two British breeds: English Terriers and English Bulldogs.

And so as I stroll around town greeting dogs from all over the world, I realized we have some things in common.  No matter what our size, color or country of origin, we are and always will be man’s best friend and feel right at home in Chappaqua.

My owner says there are lots of other breeds from abroad in Chappaqua so you can let me know who you are.  Contact Maggie Mae Pup Reporter at 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, award-winning photographer and a School Library Media Specialist and teacher who has worked in the US and abroad.

Coyotes in the Neighborhood

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By Maggie Mae…with Ronni Diamondstein

Last fall I heard our neighbor Dana leave a message on our answering machine, “Please be careful when you take Maggie outside. I just saw a coyote walking on the road in front of your house.” Other neighbors had told my owner that they heard coyotes howl at night, but we had never seen one. As soon as I could, I contacted Officer James Moore, the New Castle Animal Control Officer to find out what my owner and I could do to stay safe.

The Eastern coyote has readily adapted to living in the suburbs.

Officer Moore said that the coyotes probably already knew where I lived. That really scared me, so I listened closely to his suggestions. So did my owner. He said to carry a whistle when we went out before daylight. If we saw a coyote, we should make noise and never turn our backs on them. If we ran away, the coyotes will think we were prey and go after us. He also put me in touch with Kevin Clarke, Wildlife Biologist with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. “Coyotes are part of our environment,” he said, “and we can live peacefully with them.”

Coyotes are out there, Clarke says, and people need to modify their behavior so they and their dogs, especially small ones, don’t have a bad meeting. He said to stop doing the things that attract them to our homes. Don’t feed pets or stray cats outside, don’t use bird feeders, compost food items or leave trash uncovered. If you do see a coyote, you need to make it afraid of you. Like Officer Moore, he said to make lots of noise, to throw rocks or sticks, wave your arms and make yourself look scary. Don’t let them hang around and feel comfortable. “Most coyotes around the state do exhibit a healthy fear of humans,” says Clarke, “but in more urbanized areas they are comfortable around people and become bold and curious.” He said the likelihood of coyotes attacking people is very low, but he warned us that there have been cases around the country when coyotes attacked young children.

“To keep pets safe,” he said, “keep cats inside and keep dogs on a leash or in a fenced enclosure. Invisible fences are not a good way to keep them safe as coyotes will often come into a yard to kill a dog.” He also told us that small dogs like me should stay on a leash and in closed quarters–or bulk up. Coyotes don’t usually attack dogs larger than 35 pounds.

Over the summer, while I was writing this story, I realized how important it is. A little dog was killed by a coyote right in her own backyard in our town. The scary part was that the dog was right near the house.

Clarke says to enjoy wildlife from a distance. “We can never predict the behavior of wild animals with 100% certainty.” The best advice he offers is to change our behavior so we don’t attract coyotes and make them feel comfortable around us. You can find out more about coyotes and other things you can do around your home to keep these animals away from you and your pets. Just visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6971.html and the Westchester County website health.westchestergov.com/coyotes

Now I hear there was a Black Bear seen near the Duck Pond. I’d better find out what to do about them. Contact Maggie Mae Pup Reporter at 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, award-winning photographer and a School Library Media Specialist and teacher who has worked in the US and abroad.

Photo Courtesy of New York State DEC