The refurbished McGolrick Park dog run, almost ready to re-open. Photo: Stephanie Valente
A quick walk along the southwest corner of McGolrick Park in the last few weeks reveals it has been getting something of a facelift.
At some point in early July, a sign appeared on the fencing outside of the McGolrick Park dog run, announcing renovation and that the run would be closed from July 12th – Aug. 1st. It came as somewhat of a surprise to the dog owners who frequented the park. Soon, enough secondhand information (and in some cases third and fourth) began to filter its way down from parks department employees; there would be a transition from dirt to gravel, that the trees would be preserved, and there would be a pavilion to provide shade for owners.
The talk, coupled with the sign, elicited a chorus of mixed replies: some owners praised the idea of gravel, noting it would clean their dog’s paws and possibly help with the endless amounts of broken glass that seemed to rise, Poltergeist-like, out of the mud after every heavy rain. Others were more wary, saying the mulched and dirt-y run provided pets a little relief from the concrete of the city, and the switch to gravel would take that cushioning away. Also, there was speculation about dust—an oft-heard complaint about the newer dog runs in Cooper Park and Bushwick Inlet. Continue reading →
Do you want to help every stray cat you see? Does the sight of whiskers make you go “awww?” Well, you’re not alone! The Greenpoint Cat Club meets once a month at Archestratus (160 Huron Street) to discuss issues and solve problems on behalf of the feral cats of our ‘hood. You already know that many local residents try to help the outdoor kitties. Bowls of cat food are tucked away in corners all around our neighborhood waiting to feed the hungry masses. We’re a sympathetic bunch!
There are over 50,000 stray cats in New York and hundreds in Greenpoint, presumably subsisting on kielbasa scraps and other fallen Polish delicacies. One of the major problems facing our community is that when people move, they sometimes sadly leave their house cats behind to fend for themselves. This is cruel behavior, as domesticated cats are not equipped to care for themselves in the wild. The streets are very dangerous for feral cats, and the best you can do if you find yourself in the sad situation of having to give up an animal is to find them a new home. Muddy Paws (447 Graham Ave) pet store has adoption events every Sunday from 2pm-5pm and you can find someone there who will help you find the resources you need. Continue reading →
Fall has finally arrived in New York and as happy as I am to break out my own over-sized sweaters and leggings, my favorite part of this season is seeing the dogs out and about in their sweaters and winter gear. Of course, in North Brooklyn, our dogs are extraordinarily well-adorned. The smaller dogs are premiering the first of this season’s fashion and we are very excited by what we’re seeing so far. Whether rocking vintage sweaters or layering like professionals, these pooches have it all going on.
This is Henry, a young and dashing Frenchie. At just 1 1/2 years old, we are impressed with his fashion sense and knowledge that plaid is totally in this fall.
Muddy Paws, a holistic pet supply store, hosts cat and kitten adoptions every Sunday from 2pm-6pm!
I should really get a pet. Surely the thought has crossed your mind. Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone to cuddle up and be lazy with? The dating scene in New York isn’t getting you anywhere. You’re tired of watching Stranger Things alone on the couch, curled up with a pint of Van Leeuwen. Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone soft and furry to watch with you? Someone who returns your calls (meows)? Someone who doesn’t cancel dinner plans (the food dish is expected to be filled by 6pm sharp, or else)? Well, it’s time to give in to your urges and do some good. Consider adopting a kitty, many of whom have had rough starts in life and are all-too-ready to have a place to call home. Every Sunday from 2pm-6pm holistic pet store Muddy Paws (447 Graham Avenue) hosts a cat (and kitten!) adoption event.
Calling all cat ladies and dog freaks! You know who you are. You spend more money on doggy day care than on personal grooming and you buy kitty litter in bulk. If you need some non-human puppy love on V-Day (because let’s face it, people aren’t furry enough) then make sure to check out Valentine’s Day Pet Snuggle and Adoption Event hosted by Cafe Grumpy & Sean Casey Animal Rescue at Cafe Grumpy Lower East Side (13 Essex St, NYC) on Saturday, February 14th, noon-5pm. Continue reading →
(sponsored) The District Dog Halloween Parade and Costume Contest hosted by World Famous *BOB* is happening this Saturday October 25th at 1pm at McGolrick Park. There will be prizes for the top 3 costumes and treat bags for all contestant from Stella & Chewy’s, Grandma Lucy’s, Empire of the Dog. Brooklyn Waggers will be on hand hooking up our four legged friends.
You have less than a week to come up with a killer dog costume! If you need a refresher on how awesome this event is – take a look at this video we made a few years back!
Is Mr. Gray Your Cat? Help Find A Home For This Gorgeous Animal!
Have you ever met my dog D? She is amazing and we found her at the Ridgewood Reservoir – an amazing place I highly recommend you visit.
This past weekend as we walked through wildflowers and watched swallows dive into the pond, we heard a sweet kitty cat cry. Mr. Gray, as we are calling him, was hunting for lizards (there are lizard there) but he wasn’t doing a great job. When we called back to him, he ran to us and we were immediately friends. This cat is amazing. And he is gorgeous: light gray with subtle stripes and golden eyes. A real stunner.
He was clearly not feral, but he was very hungry and on the skinny side. We couldn’t walk away from this magical animal and while I waited for Jon to get the cat carrier, Mr. Gray sat in my lap, purring and gently playing with me. Some animals are gifts – Mr. Gray is a gift. (Jon’s theory about all pets at the reservoir is that they were abducted by aliens, had their brains scrambled and return as perfect pets.) Mr. Gray is perfect.
We brought the handsome boy to the vet and he was extremely calm in the car and friendly to the doctor. With no tags or microchip, it turned out that he is a young male neutered cat who has a recently healed surgery scar on his shoulder. He is feline leukemia and FIV negative and was given a flea bath. We can’t seem to find Mr. Gray’s owners and are seeking a new wonderful home for this incredible animal.
If this is your cat, please email me – editor (at) green pointers [dot] com. If you would like to adopt Mr. Gray – I am bringing him home from the vet tonight and you can come and see him anytime.
Please spread the word so we can help find Mr. Gray a home.
Local dog rescue, Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue, is hosting a fundraising sidewalk sale this Saturday, July 19th from 11am to 4pm outside of the Shoe Market at N. 6th St and Bedford Ave. Badass Couture will feature a curated selection of vintage and gently-used clothing, Badass merchandise, and of course adorable and adoptable doggies. All proceeds go towards the rescue, who rescue dogs from high-kill shelters in the southern U.S. and get them adopted into loving, New York homes.
Our friends at Empire of the Dog, who have helped my little mutt D become a more refined and less-barky lady, have pulled together super important Summer Safety Tips so you can rest assured your premium pooch will be as cool as he looks during the warmer months.
Summer is here! And while you’re putting condiments on your hot dog, your REAL hot dog may be in harms way. Be aware of the danger that high heat and outdoor environments can have on your dog.
Follow this checklist to ensure summer safety for you and your dog:Continue reading →
(sponsored) Fido makes a new friend through Brooklyn Waggers while you're on vacation!The winter from hell is finally over, and for many New Yorkers, the travel fantasies that got us through the snow-pocalypse are about to come true. But where do our pets fit into our summer vacation plans? Brooklyn Waggers can provide an answer. Continue reading →
