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Dogs

When There’s A Dog in Your Life

February 25, 2023 by Ronni Diamondstein

BY MAGGIE MAE with RONNI DIAMONDSTEIN

“I’m a dog – a very special dog. I’m a black-and-white, Toy Parti Poodle. My name is Maggie Mae, and I am the Inside Chappaqua Roving Pup Reporter. With a nose for news, I will give you the dog’s eye view of Chappaqua and beyond.” This is how it all began in May 2010 when I started my very first column for Inside Chappaqua magazine. I am honored to be back writing again for the 20th anniversary issue.

Dogs can make a difference in your life in so many ways. My owner tells people that I am the dog that changed her life, and that makes me very happy because I feel so lucky to live with her for the past fifteen years.

“Nobody will ever love you as much as your dog does.” Jean Craighead George

George wrote that in her book “How to Talk to Your Dog.” She was one of my favorite interviews. And truer words were never written. My unconditional love for my owner warms her heart. I am always happy to be around her, and I think she feels the same way. She often takes me with her in the car for company especially when the ride is long. I like to ride in the car. I’m a great travelling companion, and I love when she takes me to a hotel on vacation with her.

“My little dog – a heartbeat at my feet.” Edith Wharton

I know that during the pandemic lockdown my owner appreciated my company a lot. We already were used to being together most of the time since she retired from teaching nine years ago and now works from home as a writer. I know that I have enhanced her life because she thinks about me more than she thinks about herself. And she talks to me all the time. She calls me a “lovebug” and I show her my love with cuddles and kisses.

“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive.” Gilda Radner

And even though she’s lived alone most of her life and was never really lonely, I know that she never feels alone because I’m always here for her. I make my owner laugh a lot. She is more relaxed when she’s with me, especially when I stick my head under her hand so she will pat me or when I curl up next to her feet and give her my version of a hug.

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” Rodger A. Caras

In our home there is a coffee mug with the saying, “dogs are the best people.” I know I am more than a pet to my owner. I am her family. She is my person. She takes good care of me–I even have pet medical insurance–and she cooks for me. And in return, I know when she needs me by her side. The more she loves me, the more I love her.

Ronni with Maggie Mae PHOTO BY RANDI CHILDS

“Dogs are better than human beings because they know but do not tell.” Emily Dickinson

She meets a lot of people because of me. The funniest thing is that when we take our walks–and we walk quite a bit–people often say, “Hi Maggie Mae,” to me, and she thinks they don’t know her name. She doesn’t really mind that at all. I’m her child after all, so this pleases her when I’m acknowledged.

“Dogs are our link to paradise.” Milan Kundera

I’ve become her muse of sorts. She has had more writing opportunities because of me. She started the Maggie Mae Pup Reporter blog and has written several stories with me as the main character that are posted on it. I also think she is amused that I act like her. She is very curious, and I am too. And we both like to know what’s going on in the neighborhood.

“Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them.” Thom Jones

My owner says we have a powerful connection, so I asked her to say a few words. “Life is so much better when there’s a dog in your life. One of my friends says that the chance to be loved by a dog is one of the true gifts of life. I couldn’t agree more,” she said. “Maggie Mae, you’re my girl and you bring out the very best in me!”

Filed Under: Inside Thoughts Tagged With: dog quotes, Dogs, Maggie Mae, Maggie Mae Pup Reporter, pets

Rescue Right Seeking Forever Homes for their Adorable Charges

August 25, 2022 by Abigail Glickman

Rescue Right is just located north on Old Post Road, yet is home to many adorable animals. It is the largest dog kennel in all of New York State that aims to find dogs their forever home. They average about 60 dogs at all times and have a surprising low return rate of 2-3%. They make sure all their dogs are able to sit, walk on a leash, and provide all the kisses they can. I had the pleasure of meeting their sweet, adorable dogs that need a home. Here are some of the heart-warming dogs that I learned to love within a matter of minutes…

Meet Bobo!

Bobo is 4 years old and a lab mix. He may seem friendly at first, but he is an old soul at heart. He is super calm and sweet. He is the kind of dog you want to come home after a long day of being bossed around by your haggish boss and have a glass of wine with. His previous owners were no longer able to take care of him, so he wound up at Rescue Right. How rude of them! He even knows “shake”, what a good boy! If you are lucky enough, you may even get a kiss. Thankfully for me, I was and had to get a picture. I mean, how could I not, it’s me after all…

Meet Jackson!


Jackson is only 4 months old and a Jack Russel…get it? He was unwanted by a pet store and found his way at Rescue Right. I know, how is that possible? Look at that sweet face! Him and his sister Jayce are the softest, charming pets that would make any family that much more complete. He can be a lap dog or a good boy to play fetch with. Despite his English roots of hunting foxes, he will also hunt for your heart and make you fall in love with him. Some might even call him a player…

Meet Doyle!

Doyle is about 14 weeks, but the charmer skills of your ex trying to take you back! He is a mix of many different breeds. BUT, what I can tell you is his personality makeup: about ¼ heart of gold, ¼ fur as soft as butter, ¼ smart as Einstein, and ¼ the best companion for long walks on the beach or long walks to go adopt another dog ;). He will make you feel protected, loved, and appreciated… way more than half the people you dated could say! Allow Doyle to replace that void in your life all your past relationships left you with!

Meet Logan!

Logan is a Lab mix and 6 months old. You know what people say, “eyes are the windows to the soul”. If those are not the most pure, innocent eyes, I do not know what is. Just imagine how he can make your family feel that level of calmness. Imagine this: it’s Thanksgiving night, all the in-laws left (about time), the day was spent arguing politics and realizing how much you cannot stand your mother-in-law, because yes, you did in fact make the stuffing, it was not store bought. You have a full kitchen to clean with leftovers spilling over the counter, and little Logan comes by and gives you a kiss and lays down next to you while you clean. How calming! Adopt Logan and allow him to bring serenity into your home that clearly you are not getting from the 5 year old candle you bought at Target that said “tranquility & calmness.”

Meet Ronnie!

The star of the show! Ronnie is a bear of a dog, providing the most soul-soothing hugs and softest place to rest your head. He is 4 years old and a Cacausion Shepherd. When I first saw him, I was immediately shocked by the size of this gentle beast, but that only meant the bigger the cuddles. If he was a person, he would be the guy that would come running if you called that you have a flat tire, he would be the guy to bring you soup when you are sick, he is the kind of guy that would be the staple in your life. Everyone needs a Ronnie in their life. Because as we all know how unpredictable life is, Ronnie will be the one factor remaining the same of constantly supplying the same love and affection. Ronnie is the perfect companion all wrapped into one: the perfect therapist to listen to all your problems, the perfect shoulder to cry on after the fifth speeding ticket you got, the perfect best friend to give constant cuddles and kisses. 

Go and adopt one of these furry friends, or any of the lovely dogs at Rescue Right!

Rescue Right, 402 Old Post Road, Bedford, NY 

 Visit www.rescueright.org

 

 

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Abigail Glickman, adoption, Dogs, Don't Shop, Puppies, Rescue Right

A Dog’s-Eye View of Protecting Against Coronavirus

March 28, 2020 by Jessie Greenstein

Dogs. Perfectly situated to relay the weirdness, but also the silver linings of families staying home and staying safe.

Something seems strange in our once very predictable world and we are having trouble putting our paw on it. We used to wake up in the morning and after a hearty breakfast and a scratch behind the ears, our family would depart.  Now, suddenly, our family doesn’t leave in the mornings anymore. In fact, they don’t leave at any time during the day. They are home all day long, all five of them, from the time we roll out of our crates in the morning to the time we head back in at night. And why aren’t they getting dressed? Something has definitely changed and we can’t decide if we are happy about it. What we know for sure is that we are being affected, both positively and negatively, by the change in their daily routines and accordingly in ours. 

We used to lay around most of the day, resting and dozing in our curled up positions on the couch in our calm house.  Now it is impossible to get any peace and quiet as the five of them are constantly arguing about what’s for dinner and who gets the X-Box in the basement that night. They are so loud; we just want to nap!

As for our comfy couch, it has been replaced by the not so comfy floor as there is always someone in our familiar spot either watching tv, doing homework or zooming with their friends.  However, lucky for us, they brought back family movie night, a tradition of days past. During these times the eight of us sit together on the couch. We get snuggled and kissed a lot and they even share their snacks with us. We really like family movie night.    

And what is with all the exercise?!  We have gone for more walks over the last 2 weeks than we have in the last 2 years. And it’s not just us. Suddenly our neighborhood is filled with our friends and their families. It is so nice to see everyone and show off our new and improved physiques. Have you seen the rump on that one?  

Unfortunately, we would love to go up to our friends for a sniff, but for some strange reason, all the humans stand on opposite sides of the street when they chat. They make jokes about a new term called social distancing, but does it apply to dogs too?  Smell ya later Chase.  

And the food! Everyone in the house is always, I mean ALWAYS eating. There is always food on the counter for one of us to try to steal and lots of crumbs on the floor for us clean. It’s a good thing we are all getting the extra exercise. We sure do need it. 

My family is also doing some very unique activities. My mom and sister have just started doing a jigsaw puzzle and they seem to be getting along.  (The second part is very unique!) My dad is finally fixing things around the house that he “never had time” to do before. My youngest brother is growing a beard. My mom is cleaning all the drawers and the closets (head to Jessie’s room please) and they keep sending out my oldest brother for toilet paper.

Finally, we have become show and tell objects. My brothers and sister are constantly talking to their friends through their computers and they keep making me wave my paws at the people in the screens. Annoying! I never had to engage with these people before, why am I now being introduced to new people now?  How about a little social distancing please!

Filed Under: Surviving COVID-19 Tagged With: Calm, change, Dogs, exercise, Humor, Neighborhood, Quarantine, Silver Linings, social distancing, Surviving COVID19

All in a (Dog) Day’s Work:Meet Some Caring & Compassionate Canines in your Neighborhood

February 22, 2020 by Robin Goetz

It’s almost time for Armonk resident Tobie Di Pietro’s shift at The Bristal Assisted Living Facility. He stretches and gets into his uniform. As he enters the building, it’s clear that he’s a valued member of the Bristal family–he is greeted with excitement from both residents and staff alike, a small crowd has formed awaiting his arrival. Ready to get to work, he enthusiastically makes himself comfortable, curling up in the lap of one of the eager residents. Tobie is a therapy dog–an 8-year-old Havanese whose job is as simple as it is important- to bring joy, comfort and calm to the people he meets.

It is well-known (and scientifically proven) that interaction with pets has significant benefits to the psychological and physiological well-being of their human counterparts. Animals, and dogs especially, are said to reduce anxiety and stress, lower blood pressure, build confidence and encourage communication. As Tobie moves from lap to lap –27 in all–his impact is clear. Residents regale Tobie and his human partner Karen with stories of their own dogs, their grandchildren, their ailments, and even gossip about fellow residents. Smiles spread across faces as Tobie gently snuggles, stiffened hands relax with every stroke of his soft fur.

TOBIE’S PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROBIN CHWATKO

Tobie: A Havanese with Heart

Karen, Tobie’s owner, is a first-time dog owner and lifelong volunteer. She contends that the level of giving she experiences through Tobie is unmatched. “Sharing this with Tobie is truly something special, magical even,” she says. “Volunteering together leaves me on Cloud Nine–we connect with people on so many levels, it’s like Tobie seems to know what each person needs.”

This is even more evident in the “Reflections” wing, home to residents in the memory care program at the Bristal. “It’s incredible that the minute they see Tobie, they can recall the name of a childhood dog, or a story about a pet they used to have,” says Karen.

Maytha Ramirez, Director of Recreation at the Bristal, agrees. “It is so important in this community to have that positivity, energy and stimulation–the dynamic changes completely when Tobie enters the room. He gets them talking and brings so much happiness into their lives and their routine.”

In addition to the Bristal, Tobie and Karen volunteer at several county libraries, corporations including Pepsi and Amscan, and women’s shelters. “Tobie is my boyfriend,” exclaims one resident, pulling Tobie closer. She winks and whispers, “He really just comes here for me.”

Maus’ PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTINE MEYER

Schnauzer Soothes Stressed Area Students

When Alexa Krugel was a sophomore at Horace Greeley High School, she started to feel the stress of the high-pressure, high-achieving environment. She soon came to realize that there was a lack of student-run organizations or initiatives to help alleviate this stress and address mental health issues and the stigmas that come with them. She took it upon herself to create such an outlet for her peers and called it the Mental Wellness Club. The club meets regularly throughout the school year, but around the time of midterms and final exams, they partner with the PTA for “Stress Less Week”. Open to all students, the week focuses on distracting, stress-reducing, mindful activities to allow them to decompress, including yoga, meditation, exercise and, of course, therapy dogs.

Enter a 92-pound giant schnauzer named Maus and his owner, Christine Meyer, who were participants since the club’s inception. Dogs are actually Christine’s business, as she is the owner of Wags N‘ Whiskers, a pet groomer and supply store in Chappaqua, a town staple since 1991.

“Maus’s presence was commanding, truly remarkable”, said Christine. “Physically he was just such a striking dog, people were drawn to him and had questions–what kind of dog he was, how his eyebrows grew so long–he was magnetic. He looked intimidating, but he was just a big mush.” Certified as a therapy dog at age 6, Christine says that he had no idea how large he was, and practically demanded attention, nudging closer to students, even leaning on them or sitting on them until they gave in and pet him. “Maus just KNEW what his role was. As humans we don’t necessarily know who is hurting, but dogs always do. It is a real gift to share my dog with others.”

“My favorite part of having Maus at Greeley was the sense of community he brought. I would always see students who were not friends petting him together and laughing over their common love of the dog,” said Elizabeth Mortati, another Greeley student and club member. “It was really sweet to see how Maus would lift everyone’s mood and bring students together.”

Sadly, Maus passed away this January at the age of 11. A fixture in Chappaqua and at the schools he visited, he touched and will be missed by many. His legacy will continue with his 4-year-old sister, another giant schnauzer named Freedom, who was recently certified.

Now a freshman at the University of Michigan, Alexa reflects on the positive experience and indelible impact Maus had on her and her fellow students, and what a positive addition he was to the program she started. “Maus brought so much joy- he was happy, he was comforting, and everyone loved him. He was a familiar face-people developed close relationships with him. Every time he came to the school our worries melted away for a moment.”

SKYE’s PhotoS by Lynda Shenkman

Pleasantville’s Skye Is Always Bright

You can’t help but grin when you meet Skye–a 3-year-old sheepadoodle (Old English Sheepdog/Poodle mix) who is a 60 pound shaggy poof of kindness, calm and love. Under all that fluff seems to be a knowing smile that, no matter what your mood, she has the power to brighten your day.

Skye’s owner Lynda Shenkman has had and loved many dogs. But the moment she met mellow, sweet Skye, she knew she was destined for therapy work. The mark of a therapy dog is its stable temperaments and friendly, easy-going personality–basically Skye in a nutshell.

“We started our training with Skye early, when she was just over a year old,” says Shenkman. “It was clear right away that this was her calling, she knew right away what she needed to do. The minute she puts on her vest and bandana, she knows it’s time to work.”

Therapy dogs may be trained by just about anyone, but must meet set standards and be tested  to be certified and registered and actively participate in a program.

Skye works primarily on college campuses and libraries–where kids build confidence by reading to her. She makes private home visits and is a popular resident of Pleasantville, where she can be seen getting pets and snuggles from neighbors on the street. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs are encouraged to interact with a variety of people while they are on-duty.

Skye recently made her first trip to hospice, visiting a woman who had not spoken or communicated in days. Yet, the minute Skye entered the room, her eyes lit up, and she was even able to pet her once Skye every so gingerly offered her sweet, furry paw.

Sometimes, it seems, you just need a helping paw.

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Animals, Calm, Caring, Comfort, confidence, Dogs, Havenese, Helping Paws, Joy, Reduce anxiety, Therapy dog

Puttin’ on the Dog Festival by Adopt-a-Dog Brings Out Dog Lovers in Droves

October 24, 2018 by Stacey Pfeffer

PHOTOS BY HANNAH ROSENBERG

 
Petunia an English bulldog, in her tutu

Dog lovers were out in full force at the 31st annual Puttin’ On The Dog Festival that took place in Greenwich’s Roger Sherman Baldwin Park on Sunday, September 16th. The annual event was created by Adopt-a-Dog, a non-profit whose mission has been to save, socialize and secure loving homes for unwanted or abandoned dogs. The Armonk-based organization has been serving the tri-state area and beyond for more than three decades and their shelter is open seven days a week.

The fun-filled event had approximately 5,000 attendees and featured dog demonstrations, food trucks, vendors, competitions for dogs to enter and adoptable dogs. Originally the day was conceptualized to help match abandoned dogs with potential adoptive families but the day has grown into an event where people bring out their families, including their furry ones for fun and socializing with other dogs and their owners. The event yielded 20 applications for adoption and the organization was happy to report several matches were made as of press time.

Ellie Gottlieb with dog, Ozzy

Filed Under: Happenings Tagged With: Abandoned Dogs, adopt, Adoptive families, Dog festival, Dogs, greenwich, pets, Puttin' on the Dog Festival, Rodger Sherman Baldwin Park, Unwanted Dogs

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