PetSmart Grand Opening
PetSmart on Atlantic Avenue officially opened this week and is celebrating its grand opening on Saturday, November 12. The first 50 people to visit the store starting at 9:00am will receive gift cards containing mystery amounts. You can also enter your dog in the “Hottest Dog” contest sponsored by the on-site Banfield Pet Hospital. Joey Chesnut will serve as a contest judge and hot dogs are on the house. The winning pooch will receive a year’s worth of vet care at Banfield.
Curious to see what PetSmart had in store, we took a field trip to the retail giant. Just before noon on a weekday, the store had a decent number of human and canine customers. I was surprised by the number of people making grooming appointments. It made sense after learning their prices, which are considerably less than the going rate in the neighborhood. PetSmart even has a “Look Great Guarantee” providing free grooming if you’re not happy with their service.
Pet Smart also features an adoption center that was made up of all cats from what we could tell and a training center. The location boasts a Banfield Pet Hospital that bases care around health plans starting at $299 a year and include routine vaccines and unlimited office visits. Going to a chain store for training, grooming, and veterinary care seems rather impersonal to us. I worry we’d run the risk of a revolving door of personnel making it difficult to develop relationships and become a regular. When I brought this up to a technician at Banfield, she assured me the hospital had two permanent vets on staff. We weren’t able to learn if this was the case for training and grooming.
As for the shopping experience, it’s all about convenience and some savings. PetSmart carries most brands and allows you to save money by signing up for their rewards card. That said, it’s a rather bland retail experience. The location lacked quirky and innovative pet gear. The closest we came to this was the line of Martha Stewart pet products and Rock n Retro doggie tees.
PetSmart
238 Atlantic Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-852-2519
Store Hours
Monday-Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Filed under Dog Services, Dog Training, Events, Retail Therapy
Wag Your Tail For Wag Club
Wag your tail for Wag Club, the new doggie boutique and day care located across from the Pier 6 Dog Run in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Wag Club fills a void for dog services in this part of the neighborhood offering day care, grooming, training, play groups, and overnight stays. Founded by John Squires and his Jack Russell Terrier, Lucy, Wag Club strives to be a home away from home for Brooklyn dogs and a place where their humans can interact.
We recently scoped out the spot during their open house and liked what we saw. Upon walking into Wag Club expect to be greeted by friendly staff at the storefront which carries gear and specialty items such as Isle of Dog toiletries and fashionable Harry Barker pooch wear. Behind the retail space is the play/day care area outfitted with non porous rubber flooring that’s easy on the paws. The loft like area felt big enough for small to medium sized breeds to have adequate play. The space also houses a grooming station and kennels for boarding.
Here’s a few things we like about Wag Club:
They offer a walking pick-up and drop-off service in Brooklyn Heights and Cobble Hill to and from their location. For an extra $3-$5, this is a nice perk. Taxi service is coming soon according to their website.
They host events ranging from a weekly puppy playgroups to workshops on doggie dinner etiquette and leash aggression led by DogBoy Robert Haussmann.
They foster a sense of community by supporting animal charities such as Best Friends and Waggy Tail Rescue. Stay tuned for a charity calendar featuring local dogs.
We’ll let you know about Laly’s upcoming spa day at Wag Club for grooming. In the meantime feel free to share your Wag Club experience in the comments section.
Filed under Dog Services, Dog Training, Retail Therapy
Halloween Festivities for Brooklyn Dogs
It’s that time of year when we eat too much candy and spend way too much time contemplating the perfect Halloween costume. Whether your dog is dressing up as Lady Gaga or Angry Birds this Halloween, Brooklyn is the place to be for dog friendly events. Happy trick or treating and remember to watch out for chocolate and candy on the sidewalks.
Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest
Sunday, October 30
Registration begins at 11:30 am, Contest starts at noon
This annual dog costume party and contest is hosted by Ft. Greene PUPS and the entry fee is a suggested $5 donation. Prizes will be awarded for best costume and the first 100 registrants will receive goodie bags from Brooklyn Bark. Be sure to visit Anthony Newman from Calm Energy Dog Training and Amos from Training the Urban Dog for training tips and advice. Doggie portraits and photographs will also be available. Proceeds go to the Wild Bird Fund and Sean Casey Animal Rescue.
Howl-o-Ween Costume Parade and Contest
Sunday, October 30, 1-3 pm
Starts on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade at the Remsen Street entrance.
Come see and be seen at our favorite canine costume party. Have your camera ready because dogs and their humans go all out for this event. The entry fee is $25 (participants receive a goodie bag) and can purchased at Perfect Paws. Proceeds go to the Friends of Hillside Dog Park and No Kill pet shelters. Winners are announced at the after party starting at 4:30pm hosted by Vinegar Hill Vet clinic in DUMBO.
Filed under Dog Friendly Brooklyn, Events
Dog + Baby = Double the Love
We’re back after a brief hiatus and are happy to announce a new member to the pack. Laly became a big sister in August and not to a new dog but to a baby girl named Penelope. Seven weeks later, she hasn’t eaten the baby and we’re adjusting nicely. That’s not without a few jealous sibling antics that include repeated attempts to sit on Penny, take over the crib, and make the nursery her new pee spot.
For the past two years, Laly has been a spoiled only child and I’m determined to not demote her to “family dog” with the addition of a baby. If anything, now there’s double the love. We go to the dog run more than before and Laly gets to play with cool baby toys that squeak, crinkle, and play music. A constant stream of visitors also keeps her entertained, which beats waiting for the dog walker when I was at work. Now, I’m just counting the months until Penny eats solid food so that they can really become best friends.
Filed under Dogs and Babies
Dear Dog, I Love You
Dear Dog, I Love You is a short romantic comedy filmed in Brooklyn about a guy who thinks his dog can talk, starring the up and coming dog actor, Paul Newman. Not to be confused with the late human actor, Paul Newman is an adorable Basset Hound with an under dog to wonder dog story. Just a few years ago, he was found in an abandoned garage by the Mid-Atlantic Basset Hound Rescue Group and matched with a wonderful trainer and caretaker.
The short is a passion project led by Columbia film student, Jed Cowley. He already shot the film and has created a kickstarter campaign to raise funds for post production. Cowley plans to share the film with shelters and the rescue community in hopes that some of the proceeds can help support the rescue process.
Filed under Dog Headlines
Keep Your Dog On A Tight Leash
Brooklyn dog owners beware. Dognappings are on the rise with three incidents occurring just this month. The most recent involves Matsu, the Yorkie who was dognapped in Fort Greene while its owner stepped into a deli. Remember that it only takes a minute for some creep to snatch your dog. You wouldn’t leave a kid alone so don’t do it with Fido.
During another incident, Winston the Westie got away from his owners in Prospect Park during off-leash hours. After being found and returned to a police officer, Winston was stupidly given away to a group of women in a car with Virginia license plates who falsely claimed to be his owners. Over a week later and this poor pooch is still missing. The only good thing to come of this tragedy is that during their frantic search, Winston’s owners were able to reunite another missing dog with its family.
This month I also read about a few dogs that got away from their walkers. You’ll be relieved to learn that Jack’s story in Brooklyn Heights has a happy ending. Jack was safely returned home after his owners canvassed the neighborhood with news of his disappearance. He was found thanks to some folks with a few Frenchies, the 2 NYPD officers who caught him, Monster Mutts, Mobile Mutts and other walkers and searchers. It was great to see neighbors post sightings and help with the rescue effort on the Brooklyn Heights Blog.
Now that I’ve spooked you into never leaving your dog’s side, remember to get your dog microchipped. It’s quick, painless, inexpensive and could help you recover a lost pet. Also consider investing in a device like Tagg, which uses GPS tracking technology that allows you to see where your dog is and be notified if they wander off. We had our own scare this month after Laly decided to go on rumspringa during our beach vacation. Blame us, blame an open fence but the important thing is that we got her back after the longest ten minutes of my life. No dog owner should have to go through that.
Filed under Dog Headlines, Dog Safety
Fun Stuff To Do With Your Dog in August
Don’t let the dog days of summer slip by without doing something fun with your pooch. August is filled with dog friendly activities to get you out of the air conditioning and outdoors. Just remember to keep hydrated.
Join the Wags For Wellness walk across the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, August 13. Start at the Salty Paw (38 Peck Slip, South Street Seaport) anytime between 11 am and 2 pm and end at Hillside Dog Park for an after party with treats, refreshments, and raffle prizes. Andrea Arden of Animal Planet’s Underdog to Wonderdog will be there to give a dog training demonstration.
The event is sponsored by the Salty Paw, Andrea Arden Dog Training, Throw me a Bone NYC, Rocco and Jezebel, and Pawgua. Tickets are $30. Proceeds will be donated to the Animal Medical Center and Animal Haven Shelter.
Let your dog strut its stuff at this year’s Wash Avenue Rocks! Doggie Fashion Show on Saturday, August 20. The second annual street fair hosted by the Washington Ave/Prospect Heights Association invites all breeds to join the runway party. The event starts at 2:45pm and there’s no cost to participate. To sign up, contact Guerline of Fanci Pooches & Purrs (347) 533-6655.
Take your dog to the ball game and see the Cyclones vs. The Tri-City Valley Cats on Monday, August 22. Dogs are welcome to the annual Bark in the Park event hosted by the Mayor’s Alliance for New York City Animals, Maddie’s Fund, and Brooklyn Bark. Look out for the Adoption Van with specially screened dogs and cats looking for a home. First pitch by the Maddie’s Fund mascot is at 6:30 pm and game time is 7:00 pm. There’s also a meet and greet with the stars of the NYC TV reality show, Doggie Moms.
Filed under Dog Friendly Brooklyn, Events
Dog vs. Human Anatomy Infographic
Here’s a fun infographic courtesy of Pet 365 in the UK to cure your Monday back-to-work-blues. We’re certainly having a case of the Mondays after spending a week off-leash on the beach.
Filed under Dog Science
Help a Soldier Bring His Best Friend Home
I’ve recently come across uplifting stories about dogs helping vets with PTS and the organizations that train these companion service animals. But what happens when a soldier stationed abroad bonds with a dog and has to come home? Bringing home their pet is a complicated and expensive process that could use your help. A soldier’s story on Reddit inspired me to write this post. While in Afghanistan he fell in love with a puppy named Khan and has two weeks to get him home to Colorado. Support the cause by visiting Khan’s page on the Puppy Rescue Mission, an organization dedicated to helping troops bring their dogs home.
Filed under Beyond Brooklyn, Dog Headlines
