All Over Albany

Memories of a good dog

There wouldn't be dogs without humans. And it's probably fair to question what would have become of humans without dogs. I mean, who would want to live in a world without dogs?

Humans and dogs are so symbiotic, their stories so intertwined, that it's easy to overlook the fact that dogs are absolutely amazing. A whole separate species that lives alongside us, follows our directions, reads our emotions, and brings us joy. They'd seem like magic if they weren't already such a part of us.

And because they are such a part of our lives, there's an empty spot when they're gone.

We've been feeling that absence acutely ever since we lost Otto two weeks ago. He was such a presence in my family's life, in our neighborhood, and here at AOA.

We miss him. A lot.

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Dog-friendly weekend trip and hiking spots?

Otto at Vroman's Nose.

J emails:

Any recommendations on local and weekend trip, dog-friendly places to visit? Hiking suggestions are also welcome!

One of the great things about this area is that you can go an hour or two (or not even that far) in just about any direction and there are good day trip and/or hiking spots. (And if you're going to bring your pup to a park or preserve or something similar, it's a good idea to check ahead about the rules for dogs.)

So... got a suggestion for J about particularly dog-friendly destinations? Please share! And sentence or two about you're suggestion a place can be helpful.

Neon Dog

Speaking of Lark Street businesses... After visiting the new Pint Sized Friday we had a chance to stop in at the new pet supplies store just across Jay Street.

Neon Dog has been open a week in the second-floor retail space at 252 Lark Street. The shop, owned by Romel Pryor, offers a range of pet supplies, from food to toys to grooming accessories. And if you don't see something you're looking for, ask -- we heard today that they've already changed up the dog food lineup based on feedback from customers.

The store is open Monday-Sunday 9 am-7 pm.

And pets are welcome in the shop. (Even the unusual ones.)

Recommendations for good puppy classes?

It's hard to believe Otto was ever this tiny. He's 10 years old now!

Heather emails:

I am hoping to get some help from the AOA community on suggestions for puppy classes. I've just adopted a four-month-old puppy and know training is needed for both of us. The person who was highly recommended the last time this was asked in 2012 has since retired (Jody Diehl) and am wondering if there are other trainers who fill that void. I'm looking for someone who does positive reinforcement training instead of other methods (choke/slip collar).

Props to Heather for seeking out this sort of training. It can make a big difference -- for both dogs and people. A well-socialized (and exercised!) puppy that gets good training often ends up being a calm adult dog with good manners.

Got a suggestion for Heather and her pup? Please share! And a sentence or two about why you're recommending a trainer or place can be helpful.

Capital Hills is open for winter, by the way

From the file for "things everyone knows that maybe everyone doesn't know"...

The Albany city municipal golf course -- Capital Hills (map) -- is open for all sorts of winter activities, as it is each year between golf seasons. That means lots of people walking dogs off leash and, when there's snow, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding.

The course, on hilly acres alongside the Normans Kill, is a beautiful section of land. Don't miss the loop through the old course, which is especially beautiful after a blanket of snow.

To that end, there are new snowshoe and cross country ski trail markers. (At least, they were new to us -- we don't recall seeing them before this season.) And look for the trail map on the building that faces parking lot. (Here's a pic.)

One more thing
Capital Hills is a dog wonderland during the winter. It's one of Otto's favorite places because he can trot around off leash and meet all sorts of other dogs. (He'd stay there all day if we let him.) But here's the thing... please be responsible about it. That means making sure your pup will be polite with dogs and people. And, yep, you've gotta pick the up the poop.

See also: It's winter. Your dog has pooped. What now?

The new downtown Albany dog park is ready

The dog park that's been in the works for downtown Albany officially opens today.

The park is in Wallenberg Park, the slice of land that sits diagonally from The Palace, up against the on-ramp for I-787. The 15,000-square-foot enclosure will be open dusk to dawn dawn to dusk, seven days a week.

Here are few more bits and pics...

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Good swimming spots for dogs?

Laura emails:

We added a puppy to our family this spring and now that the days are hot and humid, I was hoping someone would have a suggestion on where to take our pooch swimming. We are looking for a place where we wouldn't be breaking any laws by letting our guy in the water.

Following the rules is an important consideration, and we'll add another one: water quality.

So, got a suggestion for Laura and her dog? Please share! And sentence or two about why you're suggesting a spot can be helpful.

Downtown Albany's getting a dog park

The newest development in downtown Albany: a dog park.

The new fenced-in play space for pups is scheduled to open this summer.

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Classes or a trainer to help a dog with a fear of kids and strangers?

Jeff asks via Twitter:

Seeking recs on dog behavior training; mainly to correct fear of children. Jody crushed the 2012 topic but retired & moved.

I'm open to individual training/classes, but most offerings seem to be general training & behavior. Specifically need work w/ kids/strangers

Jeff's reference to "the 2012 topic" was a question back then about puppy classes. (Props to Jeff to searching first before asking.)

Training can make a huge difference for a dog -- and the dog's people. It can help everyone be happier and calmer. It really is worth the effort.

So, got a suggestion for Jeff and his dog? Please share! And a sentence or two about why you're recommending a trainer or class can be a big help.

The ethics of dropping your dog's poop in a neighbor's garbage can

The world is currently full of big, important questions. This is not one of them.

That said, we all have to get along with our neighbors (to some extent), and that's especially true in places where we live close together.

We were thinking about that when we recently passed this sign -- with, um, evidence -- tacked to a tree on Euclid Ave in Albany. And it got us wondering about the ethics of dropping a bag of dog poop in a neighbor's garbage can.

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The Mr. Mo Project

We hadn't heard of this local org, so maybe it's new to you, too: The Mr. Mo Project helps find homes for senior dogs -- and pay for their medical care, which can really add up. Blurbage:

The Mr. Mo Project saves senior dogs from kill shelters across the United States. These dogs often come with hefty vet bills in order to regain their health so they can live comfortably in their forever foster homes. But, the Mr. Mo Project doesn't stop after covering their initial medical costs, they continue covering the medical needs of each dog in their program for the remainder of their life. This takes the financial demand of a senior dog, that often deters people from adopting them, out of the question and provides homes that give these seniors "The Best of Life for the Rest of Life."

The people behind the org are Chris and Mariesa Hughes from Clifton Park. Back in February they told News10 they would have to slow their adoption work because funding had become tight -- at that point they paying for the care of 75 dogs.

The website has info about adoptions, donations, and events.

(Thanks, Randal)

Recommendations for dog boarding with some room to roam?

C emails:

I was hoping to get some recommendations from AOA readers on a reasonably priced kennel for our sweet 9 year old golden. He's a big boy, at about 100 lbs, but super mellow and easy going. ...

We'd like to find a place that's not going to cage him all day. Some place where he can socialize with other dogs and have a little vacation, just like us!

A similar question came two years ago, but things change. And C mentions that one of the places they're interested in -- Camp Bow Wow ("makes me laugh just to type it!") -- appears to have opened since then.

The part of C's question that caught our eye was the bit about finding a place that will allow dogs to get out and socialize and maybe roam around during the day.

So, got a suggestion? Please share! And a sentence or two about why you're recommending a certain place can be a big help.

Mohawk Hudson Humane using facial recognition tech for dogs

The Mohawk Hudson Humane Society announced today that it's now using facial recognition technology as part of its efforts to reunite missing dogs and their owners. Specifically, the org is using a mobile app/service called Finding Rover. Press release blurbage:

Beginning November 11, 2015, all dogs entering Mohawk Hudson Humane Society will be registered on Finding Rover. When a dog is registered on Finding Rover, he or she is protected with revolutionary facial recognition technology. This 98% accurate, photo-matching technology is FREE and available for anyone to use on a smartphone or computer. Every dog that leaves the Humane Society, through a reunion or an adoption, can remain protected on Finding Rover when the pet-parent completes registration with an email. If that dog ever gets lost, his or her record will already be in the system, and identifying that pet will be a snap.

The service works in the other direction, too. You can download the app, scan a picture of your dog, and then if the dog is found by someone using the service -- Mohawk Hudson Humane, for example -- the dog can be identified.

The app is available for both iOS and Android.

We were curious about the background on Finding Rover and this NPR article filled in some of the details -- among them, how the company makes money. "For now, Finding Rover relies on investors for funding, but [founder John] Polimeno expects advertising in the app's social network for pet owners will pick up soon."

screenshots from Finding Rover iTunes store page

(happy bark) (unhappy bark)

Apparently we can do polls on Twitter now. Let's try it out: What do you think about dogs on restaurant patios?

— All Over Albany (@alloveralbany) October 28, 2015

We tried out the new Twitter polling function by asking people this week about how they feel about dogs on restaurant patios -- an issue on which people seem to have many opinions.

(This is, of course, not scientific in any way.)

Dogs now officially allowed on restaurant patios (with some restrictions)

Andrew Cuomo has signed the bill allowing dogs on restaurant patios -- "This action will give restaurants an additional option to boost revenue and grow their businesses by appealing to this new audience of dog-owning New Yorkers and their four-legged friends." The last takes effect immediately. [NYDN] [Open Senate]

Among the provisions in the law:

+ Whether dogs are allowed on a restaurant's patio is at the restaurant operator's discretion.

+ The dogs must enter the patio in a way that doesn't lead through the inside of the restaurant.

+ The area where dogs are allowed can't be used for food or drink prep, nor for the storage of utensils.

+ Water provided to dogs should be in disposable single-use containers.

+ Food employees aren't allowed to have direct contact with the dogs while on duty.

+ "Surfaces that have been contaminated by dog excrement or other bodily fluids shall be cleaned and sanitized."

+ The dog must be kept on a leash or in a carrier and under the control of its handler.

+ There is "reasonable signage" indicating that companion dogs are allowed in the outdoor dining area.

It'll be interesting to see how many restaurants officially open up their patios to dogs under this law. (There have been a number of places that already allowed this to happen unofficially.)

As we've said before, we love dogs -- but there's probably a good argument that dogs don't need to be everywhere, and maybe restaurants are a place to draw the line. A big part of how this goes over will probably come down to how well dogs (and their owners) act -- a calm, well-behaved dog probably isn't going to be an issue for most people. And, of course, all this will be at the discretion of the restaurants.

Advice for new dog owners?

Otto, like most dogs probably, enjoys taking walks in new places. Here he is at Vroman's Nose.

Greg emails:

We have just finished the process of adoption our first dog - who we pick up this weekend. Its been quite a while since either of us have had one and we are wondering about some things;

Good places to walk the dog (on a leash) - rural, urban, paved, out there, doesn't matter. Weve seen people with their dogs at LIsha Kill and Peebles Island and plan on taking her there with us

Good veterinarians?

Good trainers/schools?

Good pet stores?

Good dog parks?

Any 'lesser known' etiquette or general things we should be aware of - or things people find annoying about dog owners? Were hoping for something a little more than 'pick up after your dog'

Social things - like yappy hours

Or anything else, really?

Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated

That's a lot! But there's a lot that goes into being a good dog owner. If you have thoughts on any of this stuff for Greg, please share.

As you know, AOA's goodwill ambassador is AOA Greg's household dog/neighborhood celebrity Otto. Here are a few responses based on our experience with Otto...

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Four paw drive

Because dogs: This is Theo, a pitbull in Glenville who needs a home.

Oh, and Theo comes with a custom-designed four wheeled cart that helps him get around because of a brain deformity that affects his balance.

Kelly de la Rocha has the backstory on Theo over at the Daily Gazette.

Proposed state legislation would allow dogs in outdoor dining areas

No matter how many times we explain the law to Otto, he just doesn't seem to understand.

In New York State it is against the law to allow a dog in a restaurant -- even (technically) on an outdoor patio. But a bill sponsored by Assembly member Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan) would open the door for dogs to legally be in outdoor eating areas.

The bill includes a bunch of qualifications for allowing dogs in these areas -- here are just a few:

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Still Life with Dogs

We've been enjoying the dog photos posted on Instagram by local dog trainer Dylan Boyce -- they capture these great moments of joy and excitement as dogs romp around local dog parks. So we were happy to see this week that Boyce, a trainer and dog park playgroup leader for Hounds on the Hudson, is publishing a book of the photos.

Still Life with Dogs is an 8x8 soft bound saddle stitch book with 33 photos. And it's available for pre-order via an Indiegogo campaign for $20. They'll also be available at the Hounds on the Hudson storefront at 472 Madison Ave in Albany starting Monday, December 8.

Boyce says the campaign to raise money for the initial printing has gone well enough that he'll be donating 10 percent of all sales to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society.

A good dog park?

Mary asks via Twitter:

Any recommendations for dog parks in the Albany or Colonie areas? Django needs some friends...

Mary included this pic of Django. (Too... much... cuteness...)

There are multiple dog parks in the city of Albany and some of the surrounding towns. Speaking fro experience going to some of them with Otto, each park kind of has its own feel and set of regulars -- and that can be both good and/or bad for your dog (and for you).

So, got a suggestion of a good for Mary and Django? Please share! Bonus points for a line or two about why you like that park.

Eateries that allow or accomodate dogs?

M emails:

I am wondering if there is a casual eatery around where dogs are at least allowed, but I hope they are welcome. This place would ideally be anywhere at all between Albany and Gloversville. The casual [category] would necessarily include those places that only sell hot dogs and hamburgers, I guess, since we'll be eating outdoors. But I'm open.

Non-service animals are prohibited in restaurants by state regulation. But we've seen a bunch of places that (perhaps informally) allow dogs on (just off) patios. And it would seem seasonal outdoor places will have much more leeway.

Have a spot to suggest to M? Please share!

Henry Loves Betty

Paula Matt with her dogs, Betty and Henry

Paula Matt really loves animals.

Growing up she had an imaginary dog named Josie, she works as a vet tech, and she just opened a pet boutique in Troy named Henry Loves Betty. The offerings are quite posh, with dog button-ups, candles for dogs, and loads of organic treats.

I was skeptical, but Matt insists it's all worthwhile.

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Dog etiquette

You know, it's usually a good idea to ask first before doing something like this...

Now that the snow is gone, once again evidence re-emerges -- perhaps "unthaws" is the better word -- that not every dog owner is as courteous as he or she could be. As Albany Common Councilwoman Leah Golby said today on Twitter of people who don't pick up their dog's poop: "You are giving us responsible dog owners a bad name!"

There are a lot of neighborhoods in the Capital Region that include a lot of dogs. And we think this is generally a good thing -- dogs are often a way for people to get to know each other. We've met a bunch of people in our neighborhood because of Otto.

As with any situation involving other people (and dogs), a little bit of responsibility on everyone's part can go a long way toward creating a more courteous environment. Also: We're all better off when people aren't stepping in dog !@#$.

So, based on things we've seen around town, here are a few thoughts on dog etiquette...

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Yappy hour at the Confectionery

This will sound either fantastic -- or perhaps less so -- depending on whether you're a dog person: The Confectionery in Troy is starting a weekly "yappy hour" on its back garden patio.

The first "canine friendly cocktail party" is scheduled for June 10 from 4-8 pm. After that it will be each Sunday in June from 2-6 pm, weather permitting.

From the announcement:

At "Yappy Hour," pooches, hounds and pups will enjoy a complimentary canine "charcuterie" and liver-infused water. Doggie dates will enjoy wine and beer specials.

Dog owners and their sociable furry pals can enter the garden patio through the Franklin Street Alley entrance (off Broadway). Each Yappy Hour party is asked to donate $10 to support local animal rescue organizations.

Dogs at a food establishment? We heard from a Confectionery rep that they checked with the Rennselaer County department of health and got the OK for having dogs on the patio.

And, by the way, yes... The Confectionery's back patio is now open, if you hadn't heard.

Yappy hour in Saratoga: Sloppy Kisses, a dog boutique in Saratoga Springs, organizes a yappy hour during the summers, and it just started up for the season. The next is scheduled for June 13 at the Parting Glass.

The Olde English: A while back Matt Baumgartner proposed a sort of "dog park" for the Olde English. But we haven't heard how that worked out. Anyone have an update?

photo: The Confectionery

Winter decision making assistance

Here it is in large format.

A bit of recycling this morning, at the request of Jennifer:

I think @alloveralbany needs to post the Pick Up The Poop flowchart again. People, seriously, BE RESPONSIBLE & pick up after your dogs.

It's obviously a difficult question for some people, so this should help.