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NewsHound 049
October 26, 2006 |
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Dear urbanhounders,
Here's another reason we love New York: Halloween in this city is all about dogs. Out-of-towners may spend Halloween outfitting their children in bumble bee costumes, but here in New York we devote Halloween to dressing up our dogs.
We don't expect outsiders to understand, but this is our favorite time of year. From Bay Ridge to Marine Park, from Van Cortlandt Park to Howard Beach, there are more canine-centric Halloween festivities in New York City than you can shake a stick at.
Of them all, our very favorite is Manhattan's distinguished Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade, the oldest and biggest mutt frightfest in town. We like it so much that this year we decided to become the event's official sponsor. So please, join us this Saturday at Tompkins Square dog run. We'll be the ones in the urbanhound t-shirts (and bumble bee costumes).
Read on for the details of every Halloween event in town. We hope to meet you all this Saturday (or, in case of rain, this Sunday).
With best trick-or- treat wishes to you and your hounds,
yours,
Nadia Zonis
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» Help! My dog ate a bowl of Halloween M&Ms! Just how toxic is chocolate to dogs?
» If your dog goes crazy every time the doorbell rings, Halloween night will be an ordeal. Here, from urbanhound's resident trainer, Andrea Arden, are tips on teaching your dog to sit quietly when guests arrive.
» Is pet health insurance worth the money? How much will I actually be reimbursed? What's with all those hidden surcharges? If my dog has a chronic condition, will he lose coverage? Answering those questions and more, urbanhound's indispensable new Pet Health Insurance Guide should be required reading for every dog guardian.
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Bobbi & the Strays Halloween Masquerade Ball
Thursday, October 26, 7 PM to midnight
Russo's on the Bay, 162-45 Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach, Queens
Bobbi & the Strays is a small non-profit animal rescue group based in Ozone Park, Queens. Their annual Halloween fundraiser features a three-course dinner, dancing, and raffle prizes. For tickets, which are $80 and go entirely to help the animals, contact Bobbi herself at 718-845-0779.
Urbanhound.com Presents the 16th Annual Tompkins Square Dog Run Halloween Parade
Saturday, October 28, Noon (Rain date: Sunday, October 29)
Tompkins Square Park First Run, E. 9th St. (btwn. Aves. A and B), Manhattan
The original New York canine Halloween event, this is one fabulous parade and costume contest, and we're not just saying that because we're this year's sponsor. $5,000 in prizes will be awarded to winners and runners-up in seven categories: "Best In Show,""Best Trick," "Best Costume" (for large and small breeds), "Best Dog with Kid," "Best Dog-Team Costume," and "Best Dog & Owner Combo." Top winners in each category get an iPod Nano.
8th Annual Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest
Saturday, October 28, noon to 1 PM (Rain date: Sunday, October 29)
Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn
One of our favorite Halloween events (and voted Best Dog Costume Contest in NYC last year by the Village Voice), the Great Pupkin Contest, organized by Fort Green PUPS, draws a big crowd of 50 or more canine competitors, one more outlandishly costumed than the next. The contest takes place in the park, at the top of the hill near the visitor's station.
Third Annual Howl-O-Ween Happenin'
Saturday, October 28, noon to 4 PM (Rain date: Sunday, October 29)
Astro's Community Dog Run, W. 39th St. at 10th Ave., Manhattan
This private dog run, operated by the Hell's Kitchen Neighborhood Association, is throwing open its gates to the public for a Halloween celebration. They hope that you will fall in love with the run and decide it's well worth the $25 annual fee to join. Whether or not you commit, this looks to be a fun event, with a BBQ for the humans.
Puppetry Arts Theater Haunted Halloween Carnival
Saturday, October 28, 2 PM to 6 PM
Camp Friendship, 339 8th St., Park Slope, Brooklyn
Like most things in Park Slope, this event, brought to you by the non-profit Puppetry Arts Theater, is all about kids and dogs. There will be arts and crafts, games, a haunted monster lab, a bounce house, and costume contests for kids and dogs both. There's a $5 entry fee for the contest.
Fifth Annual BPC Halloween Dog Parade
Saturday, October 28, 3 PM (Rain date: Sunday, October 29)
North Cove Marina/Volleyball Court, Battery Park City Esplanade, Manhattan
Hosted by Le Pet Spa and the BPC Dog Association, this parade will proceed north on the Esplanade to Rockefeller Park, then on to the North End Dog Run on North End Avenue and Warren Street. A costume contest will be held at the dog run with prizes for "Best Costume" (for large and small breeds), "Best Dog-Team Costume," and "Best Dog & Owner Combo." New this year: a tail wagging contest for small and large dogs.
FLORAL 12th Annual Halloween Party
Saturday, October 28, noon to 3 PM, costume judging at 2 (Rain date: Sunday, October 29)
West 72nd St. Dog Run, Riverside Park at 72nd St., Manhattan
Friends and Lovers of Riverside Area Life, more commonly known as FLORAL, is sponsoring this event, which features refreshments, free gifts, and a costume contest. This is among the oldest canine costume contests in town, and people really go all out. Last year, an amazing geisha pug was the winner.
Freedom Run Halloween Costume Event for Dogs
Sunday, October 29, 10 AM to noon
Freedom Run, Little Bay Park, Queens
The City Council recently announced funding for construction to turn this temporary run into a permanent one. Come and celebrate at this costume contest organized by the Freedom Run Dog Association. A donation for maintenance and supply expenses is optional but much appreciated. For more information, write info@freedomrun.us.
Washington Square Park Small Dog Run Halloween Weekend Ball
Sunday, October 29, 11 AM
Washington Square (Small) Dog Run, W. 4th St. at Thompson St., Manhattan
If you are a West Villager with a small dog, this is the Halloween party for you. For details, visit the Small Dogs Rule website. The run's big dog Halloween party takes place later in the day (see below).
Howl-a-ween at Sir William's Dog Run
Sunday, October 29, 11 AM
Sir William's Dog Run, Fort Tryon park, 190th St. and Ft. Washington, Manhattan
Bring your dog in costume and relax with free coffee and doughnuts at one of the largest and loveliest runs in the city. Photos of dogs in the run will be on sal, with all money going toward Fort Tyron DOG.
First Annual Marine Park Dog Show and Costume Parade
Sunday, October 29, noon to 3 PM
Terrace, Salt Marsh Nature Center, 3302 Avenue U, Brooklyn
All dogs, in costume or not, are welcome at this Halloween fair brought to you by the Urban Park Rangers and Marine Park Dogs. Pee Wee mascot of the Brooklyn Cyclones (a seagull, not a dog---but why quibble) and other special guests will put in an appearance. There will be low-cost microchipping courtesy of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals. Admission is free, but advance registration is requested. Please call 718-421-2021.
Narrows Botanical Gardens 10th Annual Canine Costume Contest
Sunday, October 29, noon to 5 PM (Rain date: Sunday, November 5th)
Narrows Botanical Gardens, Shore Rd. btwn. Bay Ridge Ave. and 72nd St., Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
This harvest festival isn't just about dogs; there's also an art show for humans, a crafts sale, and lots of games and activities for children. Still, our favorite event is the canine costume contest. To enter your dog, which costs $10, be sure to register no later than the end of the day Friday, October 27 (there will be no day-of registrations). You can either download the registration form or pick one up at Paws N Claws Grooming.
Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest and Party
Sunday, October 29, noon to 2 PM
Canine Court Dog Run, Van Cortlandt Park, Broadway and Lakeview Pl., the Bronx
A suggested donation of $10 for the first dog and $5 for each additional dog will go toward maintenance of the Canine Court Dog Playground. Visit the Van Cortlandt Park site or call Fieldston Pets at 718-796-4541 for more information.
George's (Big) Dog Run Halloween Party
Sunday, October 29, 1 PM
Washington Square Dog Run, W. 4th St. at Thompson St., Manhattan
Not to be confused with the party at the Washington Square Park Small Dog Run (see above), this is the Washington Square Dog Run's Halloween fest for BIG dogs. There will be a raffle and prizes for the best costumes, plus a vet and trainer on hand to answer questions.
Monster Mutt Third Annual Halloween Mutt Parade
Sunday, October 29, 4 PM
Monster Mutt, 297 Warren St. (btwn. Smith and Court Sts.), Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
Starting at Monster Mutt, a local doggie daycare and shop, this Halloween parade makes its way to the Carroll Gardens Dog Run on Rapelye St. That's when the costume contest begins, with prizes in many categories, including: "Most Original Homemade Costume," "Most Creative Costume," and "Ugliest Costume." Registration costs $5 a dog, all of which goes to benefit the Picasso Veterinary Fund.
Brooklyn Heights/DUM-BOO Halloween Parade and Costume Extravaganza
Sunday, October 29, 4 PM
This is the hound costume contest and parade for denizens of DUMBO and the Heights. If you'd like to march, be sure to pre-register at Perfect Paws or at the front desk of
the Sweeney Building (30 Main St.). There will be two starting points for the parade, one at the Remsen St. entrance to the promenade, and the other by the flagpole at Brooklyn Bridge Park's entrance, Water St. at Plymouth. From there, the two groups will parade a short 5 blocks, meeting at Hillside Dog Park and Harry Chapin
Playground. The $10 entrance fee will benefit the Hillside Dog Park and the Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition.
Animal Fair's 6th Annual Canine Comedy Halloween Party
Monday, October 30, 7 PM to 9 PM
Gotham Comedy Club, 208 W. 23rd St. btwn. 7th and 8th Aves., Manhattan
This evening of comedy and costumes benefits the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals. Contest judges include Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and Richard Belzer. Tickets are $40 and can be bought online or at the door as long as you reserve in advance by calling 212-252-2350 or emailing comedy@animalfair.com with your name and phone number.
Playwrights for Pets Mischief Night
Monday, October 30, 7:30 PM
Baruch Performing Arts Center, 55 Lexington Ave. at 25th St., Manhattan
An evening of readings of Halloween-themed short plays to benefit Animal Haven. A $10 donation is requested. For reservations, call 718-768-4213 or email gracomal@pipeline.com.
The 33rd Annual Village Halloween Parade
Tuesday, October 31, 6 PM
Sixth Avenue, from Spring St. to 21st St., Manhattan
Dogs and their people are invited to march alongside two parade floats this year. To join the MyPetScene.com float, meet at 6th Ave. between Canal and Spring Streets at 6. At the same corner at 6:30, you can join up with a float sponsored by BellaStarletDog.com, StreetTreats, Pupcake Studio, and New York Tails Magazine.
If there's an event you'd like us to mention in the next NewsHound, please email us.
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The battle to preserve off-leash hours is in its final stages. On Wednesday, November 1, the Board of Health will hold a hearing to consider formalizing the policy of allowing dogs to be off leash in city parks between 9 PM and 9 AM. Please voice your support for the policy by sending a letter or email to the Health Department or attending the hearing, at 2 PM at 125 Worth St. You'll find contact information, a form to send an email in one click, and other helpful information at www.nycoffleash.com.
The Big Fix is back. Animal Care and Control of NYC is re-starting their program to spay and neuter pets at a very low cost. The procedure costs $35 for dogs, $25 for cats, and is performed in the AC&C mobile van at 464 East Fordham Rd. in the Bronx. To find out more, visit the AC&C site.
If you are cleaning out your linen closet, get in touch with the ASPCA. The shelter is seeking donations of clean blankets, towels, and comforters to help keep residents warm and comfy in the winter months. Donated items can be dropped off at the shelter, 424 E. 92nd St. between First and York Aves.
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Copyright (c) 2006 urbanhound, LLC.
All rights reserved.
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