By Maggie Mae…with Ronni Diamondstein
As a dog, I couldn’t be happier living in Chappaqua. There is a lot to like about the town so I thought I’d share my thoughts on what makes New Castle such a great place to live.
First there are some very special people just doing their jobs. What would any of us do without the New Castle Police Department and especially Officer James Moore, the animal control warden? When I walk in town the police officers help me and my owner cross the busy corner of King Street and Greeley Avenue and always say hello to me. You will recognize Officer Moore helping you cross or exit the train station but his main job is to protect animals and help dogs find their homes when they are lost. “And lately,” he recently told me “it’s everything from coyotes and foxes to snakes.” Officer Moore, who works out of the Town Clerk’s office, has been very helpful to me whenever I have dog related questions or when I’ve had unpleasant encounters with unlicensed dogs in town.
Owen Cahn, a volunteer in the Chappaqua Fire Department made me feel safe in my home by giving my owner a Pet Finder decal for the window by our front door. In case of a fire, they know that even if no hu- man is home, they need to rescue me.
People always say that dogs don’t get along with mailmen. This is an age-old problem. We dogs are territorial and unless we’ve been trained, we may think the mailman is intruding. But it’s not true for me and our mail carrier, Hope. Hope is the one of the kindest people I know. I met her when I was a puppy and we have been friends ever since. I wag my tail when I see her mail truck coming into our neighborhood.
Then there are the many pet friendly businesses in our town – and you all know who you are. I’ve been offered water and treats from many of them. Some staff comes out to greet me. And others honk their horns and wave at us when they drive by on their way to work. We are so happy to see one another.
And then there are the special events in town. One of my favorite activities is the Memorial Day Parade. People and pooches line King Street and South Greeley and gather at the train station to honor our fallen heroes. It is always fun to see everyone and there is such a good feeling of community togetherness for us dogs as well as our owners.
When all is said and done, next to being cozy in my home, having a good meal and the love of my owner, just a simple walk in town makes me the happiest. I never know if I will see someone I already know and wag my tail at them, if I will meet a new friend, be it canine or human, or there will be a parade. And that is what I love the most about living in Chappaqua.
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.
