Every year, the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, along with participating animal rescue organizations throughout the five boros, present the city’s single largest Adoption event in Washinton Square Park. And … it’s tomorrow! Come join us at this year’s Adoptapalooza!

The weather looks beautiful, and there will be over a hundred adoptable cats and dogs, like Monty, pictured to the left. Come for the raffle prizes (we added something to the mix too!), the entertainment, the sheer fun of being in the park on a sunny day with tons of animals!

(If you are interested in adopting Monty, a healthy and happy 5 month old lab mix, contact Lindsay – she’s our Bed-Stuy walker and foster supermom! )

ProspectBArk is also pleased to announce the launch of our New Leash on Life Adoption Support Program. If you adopt a cat or dog from a rescue or shelter, pB will provide you with a free month of dog walks or $100 of free cat sitting service. It’s a big deal taking in a new family member, and it can be overwhelming at times. Let our expertise help you through this time as you and your new pet adjust.

It’s our way of saying “Thanks!” for giving someone a New Leash on Life!

Toby or better known Tobalias when he was naughty, was born in Sydney, Australia on Aug 20th 2000.

Toby grew up swimming in the ocean nearly everyday, chasing lizards, snakes or any old ball.  He would run or swim for hours trying to catch just one dragonfly. He was such a sweet, but devious little puppy, all legs and flappy ears.  There was the day we arrived home to find an entire couch completely chewed up – yep foam and feathers everywhere.  Or the day a whole box of dry spaghetti was chewed to tiny pieces from one end of the house to the other.  He was a clever dog and learned many tricks, including bringing his own bowl for dinner, sometimes full of food.  With each minor disaster we were faced with a proud, wagging dog so excited about his hard work we were helpless with laughter rather than anger.

In 2005, Toby made the big 22 hour flight from Sydney to New York.  He nearly tore the door from his crate off at the airport when he heard our voices.  He adapted from lizards and took on chasing squirrels first in Central Park and more recently in Prospect Park. He caught the tail of a squirrel once and the look of surprise on his face was as priceless as his enthusiasm (he let the squirrel go unharmed).   He was spoilt rotten, slept on his own bed and joined us for several vacations — Cape Cod being his favorite.  Toby was a true friend and a sweet sweet adorable dog, who absolutely loved to cuddle especially on the couch with all members of the family.   He was our best friend and we miss him so so very much.

We love you, buddy – rest in peace.

If you’re a regular PB blog reader (and everyone is, obviously), you’ve by now heard us complain about other cities stealing our dogs.  We’re walking Fido, getting to know him a little better every day.  He becomes a dog we reference in conversation and smile.  And then BOOM!  Here comes Austin or Portland or London to steal our furry friend away.  No bueno.

Our most sinister pup-stealer has been our closest neighbor, right across the river.  Herkules moved there last year.  Sergio, his walker, was bummed.

And now, like Luke Skywalker to Tatooine, Herkules has returned to us! So often we bid pups farewell, but we rarely get to welcome them back. The rest of you Brooklyn emigrant canines could learn a thing or two from this trendsetting Frenchie.

Welcome back, Herkules.

Mama Bear (now known as “Bear”) is available for adoption at Animal Haven. After Elizabeth found her in Prospect Park, stayed with her, and made sure she had a safe place to stay, we have been keeping tabs on this loveable – tiny – pit momma.

According to Kristin, the Client Services Liaison at Animal Haven, Bear is doing very well and has passed her SAFER with flying colors. She does not exhibit any aggression toward other dogs, people, or anyone. She seems to be around 3 years old, and has recently had a litter. It is likely that she was a “throwaway” breeding female for some terrible, terrible people.

Bear is healthy and getting all the shots she needs. She is available for adoption at Animal Haven, and you can read her profile here.

If you cannot take her, please spread the word about Bear on your social networks. ProspectBArk is donating a month of FREE  dog walking support for the lucky family who gets to welcome this sweet pup into their home!

NEWS FLASH! “MamaBear” is in a safe, warm place tonight! When our client Elizabeth of PLG reached out for help this afternoon, ProspectBArk dispatched an APB to our list of over 400 clients, walkers and friends. Within a few hours, over fifty emails and calls came flooding in to support Elizabeth and the poor female pit she was sitting by in the Parade Grounds of Prospect Park. By 5:30 pm, our network of caring animal lovers had found a place to bring her for the night.

She is now in the loving care of Animal Haven, a Manhattan-based nonprofit animal rescue which places abandoned cats and dogs from all over the tri-state area. If you or anyone you know has room in their home and heart for a loveable, non-aggressive, young pit, please refer them to Animal Haven.

I’ll post an update on Mama Bear’s condition tomorrow.

Thank you everyone, for your support, and THANK YOU ELIZABETH for being so amazing.

Once known as the Island of No Dogs, Roosevelt Island now allows pooches! And where there are dogs… there is a need for dog walkers. The Island is home to many beautifully-kept lawns and parks – all forbidden to dogs.

It is true that dogs were once prohibited on Roosevelt Island – due to the high number of patients and wheelchairs who resided there. This special enclave offers so much to its current residents – a lighthouse, a quaint and convenient tram ride to the city, magnificent views, old churches and a rich, colorful history — let’s add the enjoyment of dogs to the list.

Dogs can enhance a community or divide it – but this difference hinges on the cooperation of responsible pet owners and pet-friendly residents/legislation. With an influx of people from Manhattan moving into RI each month, it’s time for us to demonstrate that dogs do have a place – and that reputable, conscientious, professional dog walkers can help make all the difference.

I will be at the Southtown Dog Run from 8-11 am with dog treats and special signup forms for Roosevelt Island pups. If you are a dog-parent on the island, come say hello! ProspectBArk is offering a 50% off your first month special for new clients.

]]> http://prospectbark.com/2012/03/roosevelt-island-here-we-come/feed/ 0 http://prospectbark.com/2012/02/obi-goes-west/ http://prospectbark.com/2012/02/obi-goes-west/#comments Fri, 24 Feb 2012 06:30:21 +0000 Matt Finucane http://prospectbark.com/?p=5067

“Every day when I opened the door to Obi’s room he would be sitting on his momma’s bed; but as soon as he saw me he would jump up, take a flying leap to the floor and scramble across it to give me kisses. He was always so excited for our walks that I had to give him a treat right away for the love he shared. Once he got to know a person he was a best and dear friend. “- Jeff, Obi’s walker/buddy

Sometimes our furry friends leave us for other cities.  How do we handle this?  Poorly, obviously.  We cry, cross our arms, stamp our feet.  But more often than not, leaving Brooklyn means the pup gets a yard.  Silver lining, we grudgingly admit.

Obi has had enough of the East Coast, and would like to try his hand on the West (you owe us a friend, Seattle).  He doesn’t dig strangers, but grew to love Sam and Jeff, his walkers, and was loved by them in turn.  We’ll miss you, Obi-San!

It’s February 2012. Do you know where our Pet of the Month is? He’s right here!
Paco lives in Clinton Hill with his Dad, Bradley. He is ProspectBArk’s one and only Lhasapoo – and so handsome!

Mike, Paco’s walker, says that he is “one of the most easygoing, obedient and well-rounded” dogs” he walks, and that he “loves to show off for treats and praise”.

So without further ado, here is our interview with this month’s luminary – Paco!

Name: Paco
Gender: Male
DOB: May 2nd 2008
Breed: Lhasapoo

About me: I’m four years old and a native Brooklynite (represent!). Most of my friends are French Bulldogs so I guess I’m the black sheep. I’m really a low key kind of dog. And fluffy. Very fluffy.
My Walker: Mike takes me on walks!
Favorite Toy: I’m always fascinated by the simple things, like a rolling tennis ball

My Best Friend: Chloe is my true love, but she moved away. However, I have lots of friends. Selma is an old pal. Elvis, Andy, Tate, Goose and I all hang at the dog park.
Favorite place to nap: I love sleeping behind the chair under the window in the bedroom.
The Perfect Day for me would be: A Saturday where we go to the dog park and hang out with all my friends. On the way back we stop at the flea market and sit around awhile. I’ll probably nap after that only to be awoken by a thrown tennis ball. After a few chases I’m pooped, but still ready to go to my friend’s house on Clermont. Henry and Izzie (cats!) live there…..they are so weird. I hang with all of my human friends. After a long day I go back home, grab some dinner, spend an hour on a marrow bone, maybe play some tug-o-war then hit the bed for a good night’s sleep.

The hardest part of caring for animals, by far, is that they just don’t live long enough.  Our friend Isis passed away a little over a week ago.  What follows are some words of remembrance from Leah and John, her loving owners.  We’ll miss you, Isis.  – Matt

Isis was born in Colorado on Dec. 20th, 1997.  Her name came from a
lyric in a Bob Dylan song.

She was a well-traveled dog.  Besides living in New York and
Colorado, she also visited Nantucket, California, Rhode Island,
upstate New York many times, and Michigan to be the flower dog in our
wedding.  She loved being outside, and could be found at McCarren Park
every Sunday (but at track instead of the dog park as she thought that
she was a person too.)  She loved camping, hiking, and playing with
her cat-brother Sammy.  Isis was sweet and loyal, a great friend who
will be missed deeply by all that knew her.

MOCHI UPDATE: At long last, Mochi has found a nice new home with tons of space to run and play! Who’s the lucky new mom? Marisela has lived with Mochilla for a week now, and reports the following:

We are all very happy. Mochi has adjusted remarkably well. I thought there might be a period of confusion and sadness but she has seemed right at home from the first day. She has used her wee wee pads from day one. She sleeps in our bed, she lays in the sun (which comes through our windows), she plays with her toys. We just love her and feel very lucky that she is so well trained and well adjusted!

Thank you for giving Mochi a new leash on life, Marisela!