The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Dogs

I Love a Parade

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

With President Clinton
With President Clinton

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 ReporterTM 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.

Veterinary Care at Home

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Rachel Kleiner, VMD
Rachel Kleiner, VMD

Products and Services:

No Place Like Home Veterinary Care is a veterinary house call service for dogs and cats in northern and central Westchester County. Dr. Rachel Kleiner is dedicated to treating your pets like the special members of your family that they are, in the comfort of their own home. Services include complete physical examination, pet vaccinations, diagnostic and laboratory procedures, end of life care (hospice and euthanasia), and access to our online pharmacy.

Greatest Strengths:

Dr. Rachel Kleiner prides herself on being compassionate, providing the highest quality veterinary medicine and developing strong relationships with both her patients and clients. After practicing for over eight years, Dr. Kleiner felt that evaluating animals in their home environment would provide a better understanding of their overall lifestyle and how they interact with their human and animal family members. You and your pet will receive personal attention and can rest assured that all your concerns for your pet will be heard.

No Place Like Home Veterinary Care

Proprietor: Rachel Kleiner, VMD

In Business Since: 2013

noplacelikehomevetcare.com

Shopping with your Dog

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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
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 ReporterTM 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 and award-winning photographer. Visit Maggie Mae’s blog:www.maggiemaepup.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

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By Maggie Mae…with Ronni Diamondstein

Maggie Mae with her Wee-Nut and Jive Ball. Which one to play with first?
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 ReporterTM 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 and award-winning photographer who has worked in the United States and abroad.

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

Bringing Home Baby

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Mason loves his canine “brother” Riley who always watches out for him. Photo by Ronni Diamondstein
Mason loves his canine “brother” Riley who always watches out for him. Photo by Ronni Diamondstein

By Maggie Mae…with Ronni Diamondstein

My friend Riley, a Staffordshire Terrier, always walked with his owners Alysa and Bryan Paul. Then one day last summer Riley and the Pauls started walking with a stroller and a little baby named Mason. This excited me, because I love babies. When I was a puppy my owner took me to meet humans of all ages, including little babies, but I had never lived with one. So I decided to ask Riley what it was like and if his owners did anything special before the baby Mason arrived.

Riley told me he had been well trained and had learned boundaries in his home before the baby came to live with them.  Now he was happy to have his new brother. The Pauls got advice from Riley’s trainer Gary Pietropaolo, and I listened carefully when they told my master 
about it.

“Safety comes first,” said Pietropaolo. “Know your dog and whether the dog, especially an older one, will be able to adapt to a baby in your home.”  He told them that it may be necessary to call in a professional, who will work with your dog to reinforce the rules in your home and your position as pack leader. “There are a lot of dogs in shelters because they are not good with children,” said Pietropaolo.  I didn’t like to hear that, but I knew it wouldn’t happen to me or Riley.

Besides training, Pietropaolo told them to get Riley used to the sound of a baby.  “Try to have a friend or neighbor bring over a baby. The dog needs to be acclimated to the sound of a baby crying.” There are CDs with baby sounds and even some on You-Tube.  Riley watched Bryan set up the baby’s crib and sniffed it. It also helped to turn on the baby swing and have Riley sniff baby lotion too. Once he got used to the changes and smells, Riley was ready for the new addition to the family.

Before they brought Mason home, Bryan took Riley into the nursery. He dressed a Teddy Bear toy in one of Mason’s Onesies and wrapped it in a blanket so Riley could get used to the smell. Bryan held the teddy bear in his arms just as he would hold the baby.

Soon after that Alysa and Bryan brought their newborn home.  Alysa came inside first and let Riley smell Mason on her and know that something was different. Bryan followed with the baby.  Following Pietropaolo’s advice, they had Riley sniff the baby’s feet first.  The trainer had told them that it was important always to be in the room with Mason and Riley. “My concern is accidental injury,” said Pietropaolo, stressing that they should keep a leash on Riley, even in the house.

At first Riley wondered if the new baby would take a lot of their attention away, but it worked out fine.  Riley told me that his owners still spent time alone with him every day and took him for walks without the baby.  He still felt a lot of love from them.  Not only is Riley good around his baby brother Mason, but Mason is also good around Riley. Mutual respect has to go both ways. And some mutual admiration, too.

Whenever I see Riley he is right beside Mason’s stroller and happy to have the company of Mason and his owners Alysa and Bryan.  They are one happy family.

For more information on bringing home babies go to www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/preparing-your-dog-new-baby

Contact Maggie Mae Pup ReporterTM 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 and award-winning photographer who has worked in the US and abroad.