Subject: In New York magazine
From: "Merilee:::Kern Communications" <[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2008 11:59:31 -0700

http://www.in-newyorkmag.com/stories/080108/feature1_080108.shtml

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Rex & the City 
Visitors and locals treat their pups like perfect divas during the dog days of August. 

BY JENNIFER CEASER AND LESLIE JAY

Dainty teacup Chihuahuas poke their heads out of Prada bags. Sleekly muscled Vizslas tug at the end of Italian leather leashes. Impeccably groomed Shih Tzus with polished paw-nails, shiny coats and pearly teeth perch at sidewalk café tables. Even if you don't have a furry friend of your own, when in New York City-where there are roughly half a million canine residents and many more who bring their caretakers along on vacation-you can't help but fall in puppy love.

    Like a legion of lucky local dogs, four-legged visitors can partake of scheduled appointments with trendy hairstylists, enjoy nose-to-tail beauty treatments at luxurious spas and don couture clothing accessorized with Swarovski crystal collars. "In the last 10 to 20 years, there's been increasing recognition of the role animals play in the family," says Peter Borchelt, Ph.D., a Brooklyn-based certified applied animal behaviorist. "Pets are like children. Indulging them is part of enjoying life." And what better indulgence than to give your dog a change of scenery by taking Fifi or Fido on a trip? In one year, U.S. dog owners spend more than $43 billion on their hounds, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.

    The doyenne of over-indulgent dog owners was late hotelier and real estate magnate Leona Helmsley, who left nothing to two of her grandchildren, but bequeathed $12 million to her aptly named Maltese, Trouble. In New York State, pet trusts are legal and enforceable, although they may be challenged in court. The poor puppy had her bequest reduced to $2 million earlier this year.

    Coddling canines is de rigueur at many restaurants with outdoor cafe tables, where leashed quadrupeds are welcome to linger in warm weather. As their names suggest, casual eateries Barking Dog Luncheonette (1453 York Ave., 861-3600) and Fetch Bar & Grill (1649 Third Ave., 289-2700) are both destinations where everyone in the travel party can sit and stay. The West 79th Street Boat Basin Café (W. 79th St. & the Hudson River, 496-5542) lets pooches of all sizes-from miniature schnauzers to Great Danes-join their human dining companions for alfresco meals all summer long, while both species enjoy people watching at sidewalk tables in front of Bubby's (120 Hudson St., 219-0666) and Old Homestead Steak House (56 Ninth Ave., 242-9040).

    Stops at dog-friendly restaurants and dog runs are on the itinerary of Greenwich Village walking tours led by Tawny Tours (1-914-633-7397), but sightseers who'd rather leave the dog walking to someone else can rely on the pros as Pet-A-Holics (1-866-910-5430). FETCH! Pet Care (1-866-338-2463), a national pet-sitting and dog-walking company opening a New York City franchise on Aug. 15, literally picks up the pace with a dog-running program tailored to the pet's age, fitness and temperament. Alas, obesity is not a uniquely human phenomenon, observes FETCH! founder Paul Mann. "We get dogs up and moving," he promises. "It's good for them physically and mentally." During a "doga" partner class for masters and dogs at East Yoga Center (212 Ave. B, 420-8411), both species perform sun salutations and go through a variety of traditional and modified poses, improving canine digestion and circulation-and human flexibility and balance-in the process.

    "I use acupuncture as an adjunct to conventional therapy," says Jeffrey Levy, D.V.M., a veterinary pain management specialist who is certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and uses both conventional and alternative therapies in his mobile practice, House Calls for Your Pet (465- 1667). Dog lovers also summon the services of spiritual advisers and pet psychics-35 of whom pooled their telepathic talents in an unsuccessful effort to recover an awardwinning whippet who escaped from her crate at Kennedy International Airport in 2006. Veronica Burke, a massage therapist who specializes in muscle relaxation and pain relief, combines the Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais Method at pupculture (529 Broome St., 925-2090).

    Most boutiques and many department stores that cater to Homo sapiens admit pets, as long as they are on a leash or in a carrier. Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., Bloomingdale's, Tourneau and Ralph Lauren welcome dogs, as do the Shops at Columbus Circle, where Bouchon Bakery (10 Columbus Circle, 3rd fl., 823-9363) is the source of scrumptious handmade French chocolates and Chef Thomas Keller's gourmet dog biscuits, made with bacon and foie gras, that have pups begging for more.

    In the fashion capital of the world, many dogs turn the dog run into a catwalk. Designer Isaac Mizrahi and actress Kristin Chenoweth are among the celebs who dress themselves and their pets-his is Harry, a golden retriever-border collie mix; hers is Maddie, a Maltese named after actress Madeline Kahn-in color-coordinated outfits. Special occasions require special attire. To dignify puppy love, Sigourney Weaver dressed her Italian greyhound in a faux Vera Wang gown and married her to a neighbor's greyhound. Each year, the latest trends in dog apparel and accessories are showcased at Pet Fashion Week NY (Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St., Aug. 23-24), a trade show with ready-to-wear and couture fashion shows during which animal models trot down the runway, donning the latest clothes, jewelry, wigs and hats.

    Pups with a snout for luxury practically drool over the Argyle sweaters and "I Love New York" hoodies at Canine Styles (1195 Lexington Ave., 472-9440). Flirty dogs look fetching in the Sex and the City-style dresses at Trixie + Peanut (23 E. 20th St., 358-0881). They stay dry in nylon raincoats from Zoomies (434 Hudson St., 462-4480) and pause for treats at the in-store Biscuit Bar.

    Whether they dress up or go au naturel, grooming is essential for the fashionista set. At the posh Le Chien Pet Salon (Trump Plaza, 1044 Third Ave., 861-8100), stylists bathe, comb, fluff and spritz clients with perfume. A crystal chandelier, sweeping staircase and animal artwork adorn Ritzy Canine Carriage House (148 E. 40th St., 949-1818), where dogs can have a Pawdicure, massage and scamper-time on the rooftop garden. Who said it's ruff being a dog in New York City?