The Dog Days Of Summer
It can be grueling enough to find ample apartment space for yourself in New York City, let alone for an extra furry roommate. But for pet owners Travis Morin and Ralph Meitzler, the happiness of their canine companion, Rex Meitzler-Morin, is just as important as their own. Soon after moving into their last apartment, it became evident that more room was needed for their effervescent Pomeranian. So, they moved, spending a little extra for a more spacious quarters with closer proximity to Astoria Park. “We take Rex at least once a day, sometimes two or three times,” explains Travis. “It’s also really close to our favorite shop, Whiskers, [which is] a holistic pet store and has everything we need.”
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Paw Mall—Local Services & Retailers
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Whiskers
(1800whiskers.com)—Think blueberry facials are just for day spas? Think again. “We teach people how to bring their pets back to nature,” explains Randy Klein, owner. Whiskers offers products and services based on the model of how your companion animal would eat and live in the wild. From flower remedies to nutritional consultations and certified Touch Therapy, they cater to virtually every pet’s need. Whiskers has been 100% natural and chemical-free for over 25 years, and they even offer a unique, cageless rescue cat ranch, where cats in need of a family are available for adoption.
19-31 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria I 718-956-6706
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LIC Doghouse
(www.licdoghouse.com)—When owner-administrated Facebook pages aren’t enough for your outgoing puppy (Rex Meitzler-Morin has one), LIC Doghouse is an ideal spot for a little canine carousing. “Some people use it as a treat for their dog; others use it on a daily basis” says Ronny Beyer, owner. Clients enjoy daycare, dog walking, grooming and boarding. Beyer further explains: “Most aggression in dogs is caused by insufficient exercise – a dog content during the day is a dog who’s calm at night.” And although LIC Doghouse is run separately, it shares a facility with City Vet, making it a one-stop shop for all of your pet’s needs. The first visit is complimentary.
45-44 Vernon Blvd, LIC I 718-389-3647
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City Vet
(www.cityvetnyc.com)—According to Dr. Julie Adams, three important tips for raising a happy, healthy dog are annual examinations, frequent exercise and socialization and regular grooming. Despite the vintage feel of the clinic, state-of-the-art blood machines allow for results within 30 minutes. City Vet will be hosting a silent auction featuring items donated by LIC businesses on Wednesday, August 10 at 7pm. Proceeds will benefit Dr. Adams’s elementary school in Joplin, Missouri, which was recently destroyed by a tornado. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Donations and children’s books are also being accepted.
8/10 7PM-930PM Tornado Relief fund for St. Mary’s Elementary School in Joplin, MO
City Vet – Long Island City / Open House/ Silent Auction
45-44 Vernon Blvd I 718-433-1334
www.cityvetnyc.com
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Jumping Bulldog
(jumpingbulldog.com)—After her French bulldog, Oskar, entered her life, Tania Firrigno quickly noticed a lack of puppy boutiques in the Astoria area. And with that, The Jumping Bulldog, a true cat and dog boutique in the heart of 23rd Avenue, was born. In addition to organic pet food, dog walking referral services and eco-friendly toys are available, along with every accessory imaginable. Check their website for upcoming events and specialized classes, including Pawject Runway (a pet fashion show).
28-10 26rd Avenue I 718-274-2510
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Redefining the Doggy Bag
When James Palminteri, former GM of the Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden, decided to open the Lil Kitchen That Could (24-01 29th St.) with his wife, Lena, he knew he wanted to open up more than just the typical eatery. And so, while human customers can enjoy fresh sandwiches and omelettes from local farms, the canine clientele can now also jump on the farm-to-table bandwagon. For $5, a pet menu is available, with offerings like Beef Stew and Arroz con Pollo (available for takeout only, unless you secure one of the outdoor patio tables). So order yourself some silver dollar pancakes with dandelion jelly and strawberries, and don’t forget the gourmet meal for your furry companion.
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Hair Style for Dogs
(www.hairstylefordogs.com)
When your hectic schedule cannot accommodate travel, an experienced house-call groomer might better suit your needs. A transplant from Venezuela, Jose Luis Rojas received his New York dog grooming certification in 2007. Collaborating with some of New York’s finest groomers, Rojas resides in Astoria, where he can make house calls “at the last minute for grooming emergencies,” allowing for a more personalized experience for both dogs and owners alike.
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Breeding vs. Adoption
In the United States alone, 45 cats or dogs are born to every one human. (What?? Wording of this line makes the stat unclear…is it “45 cats are born for every human born?”) And the colder fact is that only one of ten dogs born ever gets a home. The result is that hundreds of dogs without a home are killed each hour. Simple economics tells us that if we lessen the demand, the supply will decrease too.
Heavenly Angels Animal Rescue (harescue.petfinder.com)—As a loving and much-needed alternative to private breeders and puppy mills, Heavenly Angels Animal Rescue just opened a few months ago at 14-42 27th Avenue and is open from noon to 5pm daily, with Saturday open houses at 11am. The adoptable dogs and cats have been rescued from high-kill shelters. Each animal adopted is guaranteed spayed or neutered with up-to-date shots, microchipped and comes with one month of medical insurance. Donations and volunteers of every kind are also welcome.
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