Jayadeva's Brooklyn: Dogs, Babies and Love in Sunset Park

Blog Relaunch!

2010-04-08T21:40:00.004-04:00

Ok, so I still miss and pine for Jaya all the time, but a new baby has arrived and I've found I love her a whole lot too! So, in the spirit of life moves on and to honor Jaya, I'm relaunching this blog as Galayna and my adventures in Brooklyn, with emphasis on the lovely doggies we meet everyday.

More to come soon, I hope! (I've found babies are a bit more work than dogs.)

Rest in Peace our Beloved Jaya

2009-03-09T16:43:00.004-04:00

On Friday, February 27, 2009 at approximately 1:15pm, Jayadeva died at Animal Kind Animal
Hospital in Brooklyn.   She had just turned 15 on February 14th and we were so incredibly
lucky to have her in our lives  for that long.  If anyone with a geriatric dog would like to write
re: end of life  decisions, please feel free.  It was painful and difficult, but we knew we were
doing right by our girl.   Her passing was filled with intense love and as much comfort as
possible in her condition.

I found the following comforting and helpful resource online here:
http://www.chai-online.org/en/companion/health/caring_dog_geriatric.htm


When do I know it is time to say goodbye?

Pets offer companionship, emotional intimacy, and feelings of well being
to their guardians. This makes the reality of advanced age, and ultimately
death, difficult to accept. Guardians must ensure a happy, pleasurable,
and dignified quality of life to their pet. When that quality of life
cannot be maintained, alternatives need to be considered.

A decision about euthanasia is difficult to make. Euthanasia is a humane
course of action in cases where the prognosis is hopeless or where the
continued life of the dog would be painful or undignified. Please talk to
your veterinarian about all options available to you, to help you make
informed decisions.

In 2006, Rabbi Yona Metzger, the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel, issued a
issued a ruling, a Psak Halacha, stating that on the basis of the Jewish
mandate to prevent cruelty to animals, tsa'ar ba'alei hayim, a suffering
animal should be allowed to end its life in a dignified manner.
"Compassion is inherent in our people, a characteristic of the sons of
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; therefore, pity any suffering creature and
relieve it of its suffering in a quick manner, by euthanizing it so that
it will feel no further pain."

6/15 Green - 11/16

2008-11-16T18:59:00.004-05:00

Pictures from late Fall at our Community Garden

Colorful watering cans

and a very pretty pond.

Dan is a composting member of 6/15 Green, the Community Garden on 6th Ave at 15th Street

and is pretty handy with a pitchfork!

Something for Nothing - Freebies in Brooklyn

2008-08-31T11:50:00.006-04:00

For those of us with accumulated clutter, or those who need a little more in their lives, there are two great resources:

To check out what's free in Sunset Park, try clicking this link for Brooklyn FreeCycle @ Yahoo Groups. Of course, this is a Brooklyn-wide service; I just keep a link for Sunset Park offers, for obvious reasons. However, if the offer is good enough, I'll certainly consider traveling a little. I also gave away a bunch of stuff when we moved into our apartment: used cowboy boots, hanging closet organizers, hangers, moving boxes, etc.

Also, Craig's List has free listings where you can search exclusively for freebies in your neighborhood. Click here for for Sunset Park freebies.

I also just got an email alerting me to a Free Cycle Swap Meet. The details are as follows:

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle at the Freecycle™ New York City
Back-to-School FreeMeet: it's not just for students!

Date: Saturday, September 13, 2008
Time: 11am - 4pm
Location: Behind the Old Stone House, (5th Ave b/t 3rd & 4th Sts), Park Slope, Brooklyn
You will find the FreeMeet between the Old Stone House and the basketball court.

MORE INFO: www.RecycleThisNYC.org/freemeet

Bring unwanted clothing, housewares and other reusable items to share* or simply bring a tote bag to fill.
Leftovers will be donated or recycled to every extent possible.  As the name suggests, the Freecycle NYC FreeMeet is FREE!

Directions:
Subway F/R train to Fourth Ave, R to Union St, 
or B63 Bus to 3rd St & 5th Ave

*please bring portable items only and log on to www.Freecycle.org to give away furniture and other heavy stuff.

Got WIRE HANGERS? Bring 'em to the FreeMeet so we can hang clothes and recycle the hangers afterwards.
Bring used BRITA FILTERS to donate to the Take Back the Filter campaign.
To get your own alerts about these meet-ups, CLICK HERE: Free Meet Alerts

Picture from the Free Meets website...

2nd Annual Take Your (Doggy) Daughter to Work Day

2008-08-26T18:20:00.001-04:00

Jaya at the office, originally uploaded by maggie1000.

This time, Dan took our love to his new job at Schmatic. Thank you again "Maggie1000" for taking this awesome shot. I'm glad it wasn't Dan getting some shut-eye under his desk ;)

Summer Streets: August 23rd, 2008

2008-08-23T12:49:00.003-04:00

Dan and I wanted to experience NYC's Summer Streets before it ended. We walked up and down Park Avenue and it was quiet and peaceful and we met Teddy and Kathy!

We finally found a lovely, open-air brunch destination. Here I am eating my sauteed onion and asparagus omelet.

Jen @ L'Express - Park & 20th

Here's Dan eating his tomato sorbet, care of the Tour de France Local Tomato Festival.

Do you sense some ambivilance?

That's ok, because his fruit and pancakes were so beautiful and delicious.

Here's another great shot of Teddy...In motion!

7th Ave @ 40th St

2008-08-16T16:53:00.001-04:00

Lovely Summer Afternoon in Sunset Park

All Points West Rocks Liberty State Park

2008-08-13T11:02:00.002-04:00

The Statue of Liberty - All Points West What I saw when I looked away from the stage. Great view, awesome clouds. Just sorry I didn't have a "real" camera.

The New Pornophaphers at All Points West! This was taken by my Palm phone on 8/8/08. What an awesome show. Great weather. Missed Neko Case, but was blown away anyway. My first time seeing them live. Got to the 3rd row, but had to crane my neck (I'm 5'2") to see clearly. These were taken above my head (and those in front of me).

Learn more about this incredible band at, you guessed it, http://www.thenewpornographers.com/ .

Coming Soon - Andrew Bird, Spearhead and more!

Waterfall & Lee

2008-07-09T00:04:00.000-04:00

Addie and Jaya Meet at Sunset Park

2008-07-08T21:19:00.003-04:00

Gazing-up at the sunlight dappled Sunset Park trees...

we spot Signe and Addie!

We spy Signe walking Addie in the park. Jaya doesn't notice from her vantage on the sidewalk, but Addie does. She drags her mom over to the wall and almost right over.

A quick friendly butt sniff and they're all caught up.

I've learned that dogs are not particularly concerned with personal hygiene.

Jaya and Addie's relationship includes, but is not limited to, their shared love of littered leftovers and peed-upon grassy patches.

Finding Art in Sunset Market

2008-07-05T12:39:00.003-04:00

Moving is So Exhausting

2008-06-16T22:44:00.001-04:00

CD Jewel Case Recycling

2008-06-13T10:08:00.003-04:00

Dan and I are FINALLY moving out of our rental and into the Sunset Home Association, where Dan has owned an apartment for over 8 years that he has slowly been renovating. So, I am going through stuff today, packing dishes, putting clothing in clean, black garbage bags and also trying to deal with the tons of CD's I've lovingly amassed through my hitherto extolled favorite sites, LaLa and Swaptree.

After my Crate and Barrel CD tower filled-up, I went onto a milk crate, which was unwieldy and hard to sort through. Now I'm finally giving it and storing my CD's and liner notes in a 3-ring notebook I bought for $.50 at Housing Works and media pages I bought on eBay.

The next challenge was to find someplace that will recycle my old plastic CD cases. First, I looked online. Here are a bunch of resources accessible by mail:

1. CD Recycling Center
Before sending then your recyclables, they'd like you to log in to tell them what to expect.
68H Stiles Rd.
Salem, NH 03079
Phone: 603-894-5553

2. Plastic Recycling Inc.
2015 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Indianapolis, IN
Phone: 317-780-6100

3. Polymer Recovery Services
1440 Norman Avenue, Santa Clara, CA
Phone: 408-748-9715

4. Data Memory Marketing
1610 Lancaster Ave, Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Phone: 800-457-7484

5. Lacerta Group Inc.
Tape Recycle Dept.
120 Southampton St.
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-386-8952; Fax: 617-386-8969; Email: recycle@lacerta.com

Lacerta recycles VHS cassettes, 3480 & 3490 data cartridges, 9-track computer tapes, 4 & 8 mm tapes, CDs, and CD-ROMs.

6. MRC Polymers
Phone: (773) 890-9000
Mail-in Program: 3307 S. Lawndale Ave., Chicago, IL 60623
General Info: Mail-in program for recycling of CDs and cases (jewel cases). Prior to shipping please remove all paper, film plastic, and other materials -- these are contaminants.
Plastic This vendor handles:
* #6 PS-GPPS (CD jewel cases only.)
* CD / Jewel Cases: #6 PS-GPPS
* CDs / Laser Disks - Recycle
* Polycarbonate (CDs & laser disks only.)

7. Polysource International Inc.
13505 Yorba Ave, Unit R
Chino, California 91710

They write: "Please help our cause by spreading the word on recycling CDs & Jewel cases. You can refer people you know to our website or to our address to send their CDs to. You will be doing our environment a BIG favor."

8. 3R Living
Finally, for the service I plan to use, Brooklyn's own 3R Living! My favorite, friendly, neighborhood source for recycling and recycled goods.

276L Fifth Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Phone: (718) 832-0951
Store Hours:
Sunday thru Wednesday: 11am to 7pm
Thursday thru Saturday: 11am to 8pm
By Subway:
M or R train to Union Street. Cross over 4th Avenue at President Street.
Walk up to 5th Avenue. Make a right and walk 2.5 blocks.
The store is in the middle of the block.

They are also now in Maplewood, NJ:
147 Maplewood Avenue
across from the Maplewood Train Station

I want to thank Fort Collins, CO Recycling for leading me to the first 4, Costa County, CA for number 6 and my husband, for reminding me about number 8. 

I also found a few sites that offer some innovative solutions for your old CD cases.

A.  Apartment Therapy

B.  The blog, MakeZine also has some cool ideas.  Here are just a couple:
* The DIY jewel case desktop calendar
* Jewel Case photo frames

C.  The blog, CraftZine even shows a birdhouse made from old CD cases.

D.  Blogspot's own Geekware features a lovely office supply box crafted from old jewel cases.

E.  Craft Chi shows her creative solution for turning her jewel cases into specialized storage boxes.

F.  How about a jewel case chandelier?

Noah's Ark Pet Adoptions

2008-06-02T15:56:00.000-04:00

I just received a link from this wonderful Petfinders site http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/AZ76.html
from Mutts Comics.

Title Trader Disappoints & Lala Thrills!

2008-04-28T10:42:00.002-04:00

Alas my friends, I must change my previously glowing testimony about Title Trader. They've changed their format and if you're not careful, you may end up listing your item for Zero points. This happened in one of my trades and when I emailed Title Trader, weeks ago, I never received a response. I believe a site is only as good as their customer service, therefore, I have suspended my inventory there. Also, most of the bands in their music section are now wearing cowboy hats.

LaLa is my new best friend, because shipping is so easy with their pre-paid envelopes. It cuts down on a lot of time and cost (it's $1.00 a trade). Plus, I find a lot more of the music I'm looking for faster. My wish list usually has music I've discovered from Pandora or compilation CD's from WFUV, KRCW, or $2.00 ones I find at Housing Works.

My Incoming List contains:

Rei Momo by David Byrne,
The American by Angie Aparo,
Play Me Backwards by Joan Baez,
Capable Egg by Lullaby Baxter Trio,
Is This It by The Strokes, Star Maps by Possum Dixon,
The Future Soundtrack For America and
Hard Up by The Witnesses.

My recently shipped CD's were:

Besides by Sugar
Dummy by Portishead
Titanic Days (Disc 1/2) by Kirsty MacColl
Short Sharp Shocked by Michelle Shocked (Disc 1/2)
Music Of My Mind by Stevie Wonder
Viva! La Woman by Cibo Matto
Oral Fixation Vol. 2 by Shakira
MTV Unplugged by Alanis Morissette

Have fun!

My Favorite Dog Songs

2008-04-14T12:50:00.007-04:00

It's been a stressful weekend on the dog front, with Jaya still imprisoned in her Victorian collar at night (though she's not bumping into quite as much now) and Dan telling me that we need to "starting thinking concretely about..." and though he didn't finish his sentence, my heart raced and I replied that he would have to keep hugging me and our conversation would stop and start through my tears. We never got around to talking about it, but Jaya's benign tumor behind her left shoulder blade keeps growing and the strength in her back legs continues to deteriorate. I'd love someone to write back with positive "end of life" tales to help me through these thoughts and ultimate decisions.

Therefore, on a positive note, I thought I'd post about the songs that make my heart smile with furry joy.

1. Dog on Wheels - Belle and Sebastian. The first time I heard this song, I cried and it has since made it's way onto two mix CD's for friends and family.

2. I Love my Dog - Cat Stevens. Click on this link to watch the BBC video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWT2qHVftGk. I first learned of this song while watching Year of the Dog and immediately bought the soundtrack on eBay. However, I was so bummed to learned that it was not included on this! Alas, now I'm waiting for the Cat Stevens CD it's on to show-up on Lala.com.

3. The Shepherd's Dog - Iron and Wine. Ok, this song isn't really all that much about dogs, but there's a dog in the title and I adore this song and just about everything by Iron and Wine.

My beautiful friend and fellow dog-lover, Katie Fleissner, sent me the following dog song suggestion...

4. Dogsong AKA Sleep Dog Lullaby - The Be Good Tanyas

Be sure to check-out Katie's awesome Planetary Pastries. Here's some pictorial evidence of her beautiful work. This is a gorgeous chocolate ganache cake with chocolate decorations. All her ingredients are unrefined, organic when possible,
and which can be obtained directly from the source, and/or origins of which she can trace.

I am crazy for her tarts!

That's all I can think of at the moment. What am I missing? Send me more dog songs please!

At Home Veterinary Care

2008-03-30T21:52:00.006-04:00

Poor Jaya had been licking a sore till it was raw. Dan decided that we had everything we needed at home. While I hugged Jaya around her neck and scritched her ears, he shaved the area with his buzzer and applied hydrogen peroxide and Neosporin.

We put our biggest Band-Aid on her wound

We were amazed about how thick fur was and how good she was throughout her ordeal.

Sick Day - Day Four and a 1/2

2008-03-27T14:52:00.005-04:00

I'm so very sick of being sick. Yes, I love being home with Jaya and even took some experimental pictures of us.

The one thing that made me smile, laugh and even cry a little, was my catching "The Ride of Our Lives"by Mike Leonard. I loved how irreverent, loving, respectful and funny all their relationships seemed and the fact this range of emotions is probably how they could live together a RV together for so many weeks.

Ok, I really like "Between the Lions," too.

p.s. Happy Birthday, Alyse!

The Scarsdale Alternative School Reunion

2008-03-26T13:02:00.005-04:00

This is an idea whose time has come. My alternative school, which had such an impact on my, and most likely countless others', development and personal orientation, is finally reunited all it's fans from throughout the years. In 1992, the year I graduated, the school celebrated its 20th anniversary. 15 years later (yikes!) some folks started planning its first even reunion. As there are only 80 students at a time, spread across Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors, we are arguably become quite close. Therefore, having a specific year reunion would feel incomplete. I think this SAS history-wide reunion is the best possible format and am looking forward to seeing you all again!

As for those who I remain in touch with, here are some website links for their most current projects:

Sasha Kopelowitz
Lee Gross
Danny Katz

Yeasaying in Sunset Park

2008-03-23T22:41:00.006-04:00

While watching my favorite New York 1 show, New York Noise (Dan's favorite is the 15 minute, In Transit - the host is quite cute, so I don't mind), I see an "Intimate Encounter" with Yeasayer, a new band I've recently discovered I love. I think I found them via Pandora

So I was very excited to learn that the lead singer lives in Sunset Park. Just writing, I guess, to brag that my neighborhood is that cool. That's it. Check out Yeasayer at their website or via Lala

I just learned on New York Noise, that you can submit a video, send a DVD or mini DV right to them at:

Shirley Braha
New York Noise/ NYC TV
1 Centre St., 28th Floor
New York, NY 10007
sbraha@tv.nyc.gov

I need to pass this news onto my fabulous musician friends, like Chava and Rene and get them to digitize pronto!

Discovering Deity in Brooklyn

2008-03-22T22:41:00.008-04:00

Dan and I after a very tasty and fun dinner and drinks at my new, comfort-food favorite, Waterfront Ale House (155 Atlantic Avenue),

where Dan had vegetarian chilli (a medley of Beans, Grains, Vegetables and Spices. Served with Rice) and some wheat beer I didn't like and I had the tandoori veggie burger (Marinated with an Indian Spice Blend & served with Fruit Chutney) with Sweet Potato Fries (hand cut with Brown Ale Honey Mustard) and an Original Sin Cider.

For dessert, Dan and I shared an sundae made with Ben & Jerry's Beer and Donuts Ice-Cream (a tie in to the Simpsons Movie, a stout flavored ice cream with donut chunks mixed in - thanks, Chowhound for helping me figure out the origin of this crazy, but crazy delicious delight).

Then Dan and I were walking to the D train at the Atlantic/Pacific Terminal and even though it was raining and kind of cold, we kept walking, because there's so much that is new and interesting on Atlantic Avenue.

First, we stumble upon Acorn: A Brooklyn Toy Shop (323 Atlantic Avenue) where we simply wish we had kids that we could shop for there, because buying all those beautiful toys for ourselves may seem somewhat, I don't know, would it be retro, or regressive? We saw those mobiles and I simply wanted to move into the store.

Admission: I already bought some wooden toys for myself from Magic Cabin. Ok, I really got the catalog for my nieces and nephew, but the rainbows reminded me so much of my 70's childhood - somehow soothing, you know?

Alas, I digress. We're walking down Atlantic Avenue. We see the most beautiful, inviting, yet somehow intimidating facade.

We walk in anyway, but kind of tip-toe, as it looked like a private party's going on.
It's Deity (368 Atlantic Ave) and it is the most beautiful former synagogue turned night club I've ever seen.

The inside was even more fabulous. They were welcoming and had gorgeous displays of local artistry and alcohol. Dan and I agreed that they employed very cute bartenders and waitresses too.

Unfortunately, by the time we finally walked by this lovely, ice-cream store, it was closed! However, we spent quite a while looking at the flavors board and fantasizing (Blue Marble Ice-Cream, 420 Atlantic Ave). Then, double bummed, there are these unbelievable decadent looking cupcakes staring at us from their darkened window a few doors down (Betty Bakery , 448Atlantic Avenue. Anyone who saw my 2007 Birthday Bash pictures from Perch knows how I revel in a good cupcake! (This pictures features Perch's famous "Cupcake in a Cloud" dessert.)

Finally, there's Kimera (366 Atlantic Avenue), where Dan and I were entranced by the silky, color-block gowns and the adorable mock-ups fit on a few lucky Barbies.

When we finally got to the D, we were chilly and damp on the outside, but warm and toasty on the inside, thinking how lucky we are to live here (and to be going home to our Jaya).

Finding Art with Jaya in Sunset Park

2008-03-16T00:38:00.006-04:00

This is one of the lovely co-op's overlooking Sunset Park on 41st Street, between 7th and 6th Avenues. They do not allow dogs, so we never considered living there. However our friends just bought a great apartment there with a terrific view. They did a great job decorating too, so the inside is just as nice as the view outside.

Ok, I really shot this, because I love squirrels and rarely see them out of the park. Jaya walks so slow these days, that I have time to take pictures while she sniffs. She literally seems to experience life through her nose these days and while outside, the only times it's not glued to the ground, is when her mouth is opening to some revolting, semi-edible tidbit. The sad thing about this building though, is that a group of incredibly efficient, Chinese masons created a beautiful, new, brick front to this entire building in a matter of weeks. However, it's been steadily more and more covered with graffiti since then and hasn't been cleaned. I think it would be great to get a multi-lingual, volunteer graffiti clean-up crew for this block.

A caretaker and child stand in the "Baby Pool" area, enjoying the trees and winter sunlight.

These shots I liked because, perhaps I was feeling a little loopy this day, but I was delighted to watch Jaya's shadow walking with her.

Now we're back home and I find Jaya's sometimes friend, sometimes nemesis, Jazz, cushioned in her little nook under my bed. Jazzy used to be able to walk with us, when we lived in Pelham, NY. Neighbors would stare in wonder at Jaya walking down the block, sans leash, with me (in those days) always few steps behind her and Jazzy even further behind us. A few enchanted folks would tell us we should film these nightly walks for Animal Planet.

As soon as we moved to Brooklyn, though, this changed. Poor Jazzy Kitty was terrified by the noise and commotion of the city streets the one time she found herself outside. Dan and I had a chore luring her back to safety and she never traveled out again. Now I have a window perch for her, where she loves meowling at the birds who sometimes sit in my landlord's grape vines wrapped around the front
porch.

Jaya loves sitting with her daddy while he computes, but is clearly pining for her next trot outside.

More Free Music & Less Conspicuous Consumption - Part II

2008-03-15T13:23:00.008-04:00

Ok, thanks to another user on Swaptree, I've discovered a 3rd use of my time and trader of my music.

LaLa.com!

They're a little different from the others, in that there is a $1.00 charge for every trade. However, you also do a lot less work. For example, they send you prepaid shipping envelopes and inserts and you don't send the CD case. The only catch is that your lovely, eco-conscious, recycled cardboard CD cases, which are essentially the best artwork, can not be sent along, unless you want to pay extra. Also, for some reason, promotional CD are not accepted. Anyway, I really recommend this site and have already had a lot of fun trading. This site is CD's only.

They have another benefit, of being able to upload your entire music collection online to share with other users (though I must admit, I have not yet been able to pull this off) and manage online.

Enjoy!

http://forgetgiuliani.org/

2008-01-25T20:38:00.000-05:00

My friend just put together a New Yorker's comprehensive website exposing Giuliani's awful mayoral track record in order to wake-up voters before his campaign goes too far. Here's his introductory email:

I've put together a new website explaining why Rudy Giuliani would be a
lousy President, http://forgetgiuliani.org/. Giuliani has been basing
his strategy on doing well in the next two major primaries.

Florida's is this coming Tuesday, the 29th. Then "Super Tuesday" is
February 5th, with 24 states, including New York, New Jersey,
Connecticut, Massachusetts, California, etc. [1]

I'm hoping this site will help reduce his traction in those states. If
he does poorly in this round, I suspect he'll pull out of the race.

Please check it out and let me know what you think, particularly if you
have refinements. More importantly, please let your friends know about
the site. Thanks!


He offered the following Wikipedia link about Super Tuesday as well:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Tuesday_%282008%29

Husky House & the Curse of Adorable Dogs

2008-01-25T15:58:00.000-05:00

It seems there's a phenomenon of irresponsible Husky owners. So much so, that there are even devoted rescue organizations, thanks to Barbara Lukowski and friends at Husky House NYC. Barbara was kind enough to help Dan and I when we found an abandoned Husky in Sunset Park. Before I go into that story, here are more helpful links:

On March 8th, 2007, I met this beautiful puppy. He was with a random man who apparently didn't speak any English, motioned to a Husky and to Jaya and me. We'd walked over to them, because I thought it was Max. He motioned to us and walked away. I thought the Husky would follow him, thought the man was his owner, but the Husky was a puppy and simply bounded around the park without glancing at the retreating back of the man. Long story short, he came home with me and I struggled to find his owner and/or someone who could foster him. Jaya wasn't too psyched, the cat was pissed and my landlord was quite hysterical (especially because the puppy ran in through their open door, found his way into his bedroom and kissed his dog-phobic face all in the flash of an instant we turned our backs).

I didn't know what to do. Animal control was already gone for the evening and there was no answer at the ASPCA. I placed an ad at the Found Bin and on Craig's List. I received help from a lot of folks online.

Here was one response:

Hi. He may be microchipped so you should contact the NY cacc in case his owner is searching for him...but please hold onto him until someone trustworthy could foster him. Do you know if the handsome guy is neutered? If not PLEASE have him neutered before you adopt him to someone...they may use him to breed... and as you know there are too many animals dying in the shelters...so thank you for not bringing him there. Make sure you get an adoption fee of at least 200-250 to cover the cost of your neutering/feeding him. Never give an animal away for free..too many wackos out there! You did a great thing! He must love you already for saving him from the cold! Also...have you contacted "HUSKY HOUSE?" As per their name... they rescue Huskies! He is beautiful. Please let me know if you need help with anything ( low cost neutering etc)....They are neutering at the Bronx CACC for only 35.00

and unfortunately, here's an example of the other kind of response I got:

were u at i go see him

Finally, Anna, a foster parent with Husky House contacted me to say that our puppy foundling looked similar to the three 6-7 month old "owner surrenders" they'd recently encountered.

After much hard work in which we tried and failed to find him a true home, Barbara, the Husky Angel sent me the following email:

I picked up "Alan" the husky pup from the people in Sunset Park two nights ago. He is very cute and sweet. He is going to be neutered on Wednesday and microchipped, updated on shots etc. He is in a foster home in NJ with good friends of mine, their 4 female Siberians and Dragon who we believe is "Alan's" brother/littermate.

I do not know who the Brooklyn back yard breeder is. Wish I knew. I do know from the people that gave up Dragon and Shadow (who has since been adopted) that there were 8 pups in the litter one of which was all white (we think this is Malibu/Timmy who is also in foster care. He was found as a stray on Linden St. in Brooklyn).

So if all four boys are littermates....they are the same age and look similiar that means there are still four more littermates out there somewhere :(

While writing this post, I thought I'd check-in with http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/huskyhousenyc.html to see their "Already Adopted" list and there was my puppy! Apparently his name is now Elvis and they're using the below picture I took of Puupy/Alan/Elvis in my living room.

Poor Max is now a Lucky Boy!

2008-01-14T12:39:00.000-05:00

These pictures were taken last week on our slow, slow morning walk. As I mentioned in my post to Marjorie from WI, Jaya's doing so much better, no head tilt, no darting eyes, or vomiting. However, the poor girl's slowed down considerably and will quite often stop and sit, or even lay down, during one of her three daily walks.

As I've mentioned in several previous posts, Max, our Chinese Husky neighbor, is a wonderful friend to everyone in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, he is almost always stuck behind a pretty repressed gate.

In the picture to the right, one can see that Max is taking advantage of Jaya's new style of Chill-walking and straining his snout to the max (pardon the pun) and stretching his paw underneath his iron door. Jaya was kind enough to lay close to this barrier, but not too concerned about granting greater access.

First the bad news. Max apparently waits for any opportunity to flee. The family seems to be renting their front yard for parking spaces and unfortunately one day, someone let Max out and he ran right into one of the cars that careen down our street as if it were the BQE. Thank goodness, Max only injured one paw. If one looks closely, one may partially make out a little gauze wrapped around one of his joints.

Now for the good news. It seems Max now has a foster family! We met these 4 folks walking him (or trying not to choke him to death as he attempted to drag them) down the block. They said that one day Max escaped and joined them in the park with their Husky-mix. Once they discovered where he'd come from, the most likely Mandarin-speaking friend negotiated a fostering deal with the family.

Jaya's Home!

2008-01-02T23:25:00.001-05:00

We are overjoyed that Jaya has returned home to us. However, the doctor reported that her head tilt may remain for several weeks. A website I consulted stated that some dogs never recover from this skewed pose. It's quite devastating, as her head keeps leading her to the left and when she shakes her head after a routine ear scritching, she topples over.

However, we're delighted she's home and so grateful to Animal Kind for their skill and caring. Thank you also to our family and friends who expressed their concern and love for Jaya.

This picture was taken with the aid of a peanut-butter biscuit held just left of her nose. Notice the rapt attention. We know she loves us like we love her, but realistically know where her true priorities lay.

Geriatric Vestibular Syndrome or Canine Idiopathic Vestibular Syndrome or Jaya's Not Feeling Well

2007-12-31T08:34:00.001-05:00

Geriatric Vestibulitis/Ataxia

A story by James W.Barr III

Written by Max Bielohuby I

Clinical signs:

Signs of vestibular disease include ataxia, head tilt, and abnormal nystagmus. A wide-based stance and swaying of the head and trunk characterize ataxia. The patient may tend to lean and fall to one side. In severe cases, the animal may continuously roll to one side. Head tilt is an abnormal position of the head such that one ear is held lower than the other. Nystagmus is a rhythmic movement of the eyes, where the eyes move back and forth or up and down. In some cases of vestibular disease, there is a sudden onset of severe signs. This may initially be confused with a seizure.

Diagnosis:

Identification of vestibular dysfunction is based on recognition of the specific signs. The veterinarian diagnoses the cause of the disorder with a medical history and examination. In some cases, further diagnostic tests, such as x-rays, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging is necessary. Diagnosis is based on the signs and excluding other causes of vestibular dysfunction. Affected dogs improve spontaneously within 2 weeks, although there may be a mild, persistent head tilt. Nursing care is important during recovery. Unfortunately, affected dogs are sometimes euthanized because of the severe signs and concerns that the patient has a brain tumor or stroke.

The problem seems to be due to inflammation in the nerves connecting the inner ear to the cerebellum (which controls balance and spatial orientation). It usually lasts between a couple of days and three weeks. A few dogs have residual signs beyond this time, such as a head tilt. Most dogs will not eat or drink unless hand-fed or given water by hand because they have a hard time with the fine motor movements necessary to eat or drink from a bowl. As long as they are nursed through this condition almost all dogs will recover. There is no known treatment. Some dogs do have relapses but most do not.

At this time, Jaya is still being cared for by Dr. Morehouse at

Animal Kind Vetinary Hospital.

Park Slope Food Coop - the Pro(duce) & the Con(ditions)

2007-12-03T10:50:00.000-05:00

My mom sent me a link to Chowhound to read a post and threads about why someone would remain loyal to the Park Slope Food Co-op. I got in the debate and thought I'd publish my response here. Click HERE for the rest of the story...

Greetings All:

My mother send me a link to this thread, thinking I might be interested and, even though I'd run from a PSFC General Meeting, I do actually have some thoughts about why I'm a member.

I completely respect the views all writers have outlined in their responses. I think that the produce is usually awesome, but yes, those moldy strawberries were disgusting (and expensive)! Shopping in the grid-lock crowds is crazy and can be taxing on the nerves. Also, yes, they do sometimes employ non-eco-friendly packaging.

However, I do love the co-op and my love, I believe, goes beyond the food and the shopping experience. I love my workshift; childcare. I love that this is a place that thought childcare was a good idea and took up a large chunk of their obviously valuable and much needed real-estate to make it happen.

I love that the PSFC only marks their goods up by 20%, as opposed to the ~ 200% of supermarkets, because of the member-as-worker system. I love that even though I sometimes wish the aisles contained traffic lights to help with the weekend congestion, no one is ever cross, or rude and mostly navigate the mess with a smile. I love their dogged support of Hepworth farms (see the NYTimes article) and the trumping of minimally treated local, to imported organic.

I love the clothing swaps, the member movies, the non-NYC plastic recycling and the orange vested workers who amicably walk me to the bus on 5th Ave. I live in Sunset Park and travel to and from the co-op isn’t easy, but even if I’m in line for 20 minutes, I value grassroots ethics and community the PSFC has created in the city.

Doing a quick Google search, I found that PSFC even has their own blog!

1st Annual Bring your Dog to Work Day

2007-11-08T14:08:00.000-05:00

I feel so fortunate to work for a dog lover! Thanks to Assistant Director, Patty Batten, Jayadeva Dog got to shed (literally) her light on the Children's Aid Society!

She seemed to have a pretty good time, even though she was relegated to her travel bed under my desk most of the day.

We wanted to keep her contained, as some employees were scared of her, one was allergic and we have clients walking in and out who might be as well.

However, she had lots of visitors, a lot of good petting and even a bunch of pizza crusts, as we had to pizza catered events in the office that day. Thank you Monty's!

For a little while, I kept the door open, when her excitement wound down and I knew she'd be able to chill in the doorway. She liked keeping watch and Patty dubbed her, "PINS Mascot."

She liked having an official title. Created a great feeling of belonging, which we all know is very important to our pack animals friends.

Jaya finally tired out. She's used to napping all day long and this level of office-life excitement was just a little too much for her. She fell into her deepest sleep around 5pm and woke with an unaccustomed loud bark when Patty knocked on the door to bid her a goodbye. It was funny to hear her bark, because her elderly hearing doesn't even register when her daddy or I come home anymore.

More Free Music & Less Conspicuous Consumption

2007-11-05T09:54:00.000-05:00

To recap from my Fall Performance Line-Up post, there are several ways to avoid paying full-price for new cd's and still keep stock-piling your collection with your lastest favorites.

I already mentioned Title Trader which, as I wrote, had about dethorned Half.com as my favorite way to procure new music. The best thing about Title Trader is that it's essentially an egalitarian system, whereby you can trade in the old paperback you're not planning on rereading, earn a point and then use that point to request the cd you've been pining for. It a free service and easy to very navigate. Highly recommended!

I've also recently been swayed by Swaptree and have already made some highly (at least personally) lucrative trades! For example, after I finished playing Agatha Christie: And Then There Were None from The Adventure Company, I listed it in my "Items I Have to Trade" list and was almost immediately offered to trade it for a DVD of Waiting for Guffman which is one of my favorite movies. Whereas I could watch Waiting for Guffman a million times, how many times can one play a computer adventure game which one has already won? For me, this was a brilliant trade.

What I like best about these services, is what I like best about eBay and Freecycle, some one wants it, you have it, you don't want it. When you get it to that person, that's one less product that would have had to be produced from scratch, with all the requisite environmental stressors inherent. When you get it to that person, you've also prevented it from being another sad, discarded object of variable mass to be taking up space in a landfill. Not to mention, but of clearly similiar import, the money one saves in these transactions!

So, keep trading. There's also always Craig's List which may have just been at the forefront of this movement. Thanks, Craig!

A Jump Start on Holiday Shopping - Eco & Anti-Corportate Alternatives

2007-10-23T10:55:00.000-04:00

Ok, I know I'm incredibly early for most people's taste, but I like to know I'm ready for whenever Channukah decides to show-up this year. Over the years, I've compiled some excellent, eco-friendly sites for lovely holiday presents. I thought I'd use this forum to share some of them for the greater good of gift giving and receiving!

ETSY

Here's a new favorite. They have an incredible array of handmade gifts from crafters all over the world. It's no accident that they're based in Brooklyn. It's fun just to go on their home page and watch their, "Recently Listed Items" pictures change by the second. Really, an immense collection. Here are a few new favorites...

Because of Truth, by AmyGiacomelli

Description: (2) 28 x 44 panels of acrylic on canvas, gallery wrapped, sides painted and ready to hang, ORIGINAL and HUGE, One of a Kind

If you click on the piece name, it will bring you to the listing page and clicking on the artist's name will bring you to her personal store.

That may be out of one's price and size range. So, take a look at this...

Mod Tree On Yellow Pendant, by MadisonCraftStudio

Description: Add a fun splash of color to your day with one of our great pendants. We make them in a wide variety of colors and patterns so be sure to look around to find the perfect one!
Treat yourself or give as a fun, unique gift!! Our pendants are made from beautiful origami and other fun papers which are applied, decoupage style, to 1/8 inch masonite (a pressed wood fiber product). Measures 1.25 x 1.5 inches.

Sleepy Jaya

2007-10-13T18:11:00.000-04:00

It's been pretty cold in my apartment the past two days and my landlord is in Jordan. His 23 year old son refuses to turn on the heat, even though his wife and three young children live in the apartment above us. When I've gone to ask them to turn the heat on, I saw his wife and the kids huddled around a portable heater.

I'm very much looking forward to moving into Dan's apartment, where the heat's steaming already. Unfortunately, the renovations having been taking over 7 years. Really. Anyway, long story short, Jaya's little bed required an extra doggy blanket, because, unbelievably my thick furred friend was shivering.

I had to shoot a picture of her cuddled-up and snoozing warm. Then Dan came home and this next shot is an action photo of her looking-up as he opens the door. He was working on his apartment all day.

Baxter Bear & Anna

2007-10-13T15:53:00.001-04:00

I met Baxter Bear today while on the way to the Park Slope Food Coop. He was so cute and just patiently sitting outside of Union Market at the end of a blue, dancing turtles leash. He was little with floppy ears and his friendly eyes looked up at me and I just had to say hello. I stopped to pet him and he jumped up on my lap and tried to eat my Ipod earphones. I scratched behind his soft, silky ears and then his mommy emerged with her shopping bag. She properly introduced us and told me his was a super mutt like Jaya and was 6 months old, Jaya's age when I adopted her. I knew right then and there that I needed a new doggy update on my blog. She said her kids would enjoy seeing their puppy online, so here he is! It was great to meet you Anna and Baxter Bear :)

Capoeira in Brooklyn

2007-10-09T11:26:00.000-04:00

This past Sunday, I had the honor of watching my talented friend, Rene Collins, exhibit his Capoeira skills with a worldwide troupe.

Capoeira Angola: (pronounced Capo-air-a Ang-o-la): One of many cultural weapons used to break the chains of enslavement in Brazil. Music was played during Capoeira sessions to teach the rhythmic heart of the art and to mask its power. In front of the enslavers it looked like playfulness, acrobatic dancing, and joking around. Eventually the enslavers realized its power and outlawed Capoeira Angola. Death was the penalty paid if you were caught during the slavery years. For almost 400 years Capoeira Angola was taught and practiced in secret. Only in the 1930's did this African martial art become legal to teach and practice. (Thank you http://www.panix.com/~tishotto/capoeira/ for the description.)

Rene's also a fabulous mucisian. See his site for downloadable, original songs. http://www.renecollins.com/lyrics.html

Our Second Anniversary

2007-10-09T11:23:00.000-04:00

Last night, for our 2nd Wedding Anniversary, Dan took us out to great sushi at Bond Street.

It was light fare for vegetarians, but the presentation was beautiful and everything tasted delicious. Dan and I shared a Seaweed Salad to start and then shared:

Sundried Tomato & Avocado Roll with garlic ponzu oil & green tea salt

Arugula Crispy Potato Roll with carrot ginger dressing

Special Sushi Yasai Zushi vegetable sushi medley

We were still hungry, as our adorable waitress in the red dress had predicted, so Dan ordered the Ume Soba plum soba in hot vegetable broth and I got the Tempura Vegetable 7 pieces.

We capped off the meal with the Chocolate Meltdown Cake with coffee ice cream & fresh cream and a Plum Wine from Crystal Lake.

BONDST
6 Bond St
New York, NY 10012-2332
Phone: (212) 777-2500
Cross Street: Between Broadway and Lafayette Street
Directions: 6 at Bleecker St; B, D, F & V at Broadway-Lafayette St; R at Prince St
Best of Citysearch: Sushi 2007
Hours: Tue-Sat 6pm-11:30pm, Sun-Mon 6pm-10:30pm,
Lounge Mon-Sat 6pm-2am, Sun 6pm-1am

Erin McKeown!

2007-10-04T21:53:00.000-04:00

I had the express pleasure of experiencing this awesome lady with her swinging band last night at the Blender Theater at Gramercy. Her opener (was it Joshua James?) was a bit of a downer, but he made it just that more exciting to see Erin McKeown explode onto the stage. I found Erin personable, funny, with delightfully different arrangements for her recorded music. She also confidently displayed some new material. The band and the crowd all loved her and we gave her a standing ovation. I stood first and didn't stop clapping until she came back on stage for an encore.

Set-List:

Slung lo
Cinematic
White City
James!
Rhode Island Is Famous for You
Melody
Lullaby 3/4
Queen of Quiet
We Are More
My Kingdom
Don't Go
Amplify
Cosmopolitans
You Were Right about Everything
Blackbirds
pretty new sounding song I couldn't id

A Platform Bed, Jaya's Alley & PC Style

2007-10-02T22:40:00.000-04:00

A while ago, I had a dream for a platform bed. My living spaces seemed shrink inversely to my wardrobe expanding. I needed storage in new, unutilized locales. My step-father, the ever-talented James P. Iscaro built two the beneath-the-bed shelves the same height as my existing dresser and my full-size mattress perches on top. There is just enough room on the side for Jaya and this is where Jaya chills.

For more information on one of Jim's many talents, go to his Westchester PC Users Workstop:

"The multimedia workshop will be a cooperative effort by the workshop leader, Jim Iscaro, and suggestions by the attendees. The first three workshops will be:

Podcasting - Finding them, downloading, and using (listening).

Music - Ripping CD’s, listening on computer, burning audio CD’s, and finding music.

Music - Ripping vinyl, processing the audio files, removing the pops and hisses, and converting to MP3 format."

Rawhide!

2007-10-02T22:29:00.000-04:00

Dan and I took these pictures tonight of Jaya loving her rawhide and me loving Jaya.

Dan hates the sound of Jaya slobbering over her rawhides, especially as she loves to get them all wet and gooey

in order to swallow them whole and then hack hack hack them back-up, only to begin the whole process anew.

My Old Stiff Puppy - Loving Geriatric Dogs

2007-10-02T10:54:00.000-04:00

Yes, I miss how adolescent Jaya would set-off running into Sunset Park as soon as I unclipped her leash at the entrance. How she would drag me there and then unleash her pent-up power and fly to the trees taunting squirrils and daring me to catch her.

Now I drag her up and down the block, shaking old chicken bones from her mouth before she swallows them like a hound Hoover, ears back and low immediately after I catch her. It seems we do this catch and release a dozen times a walk now, so much so that I actually avoid the park when I can. As picnic/BBQ season draws to a close, we may be able to return without too much Jaya garbage collection.

However, when Jaya puppy would nearly pull my leash arm from its socket and I'd jog to keep-up, I would fantasize about her growing older and slowly down. I do believe in the joy of every season of age, for canine and human. I just love her too much to tolerate her pain and wince when her arthritic legs buckle when she tries to bound up the stoop steps. Sometimes I feel nostalgic for her energetic era, but then she makes such a delightful nap partner.

Our Cable-Free Netflix Life

2007-10-01T10:49:00.000-04:00

Hello Beautiful!

So, as I mentioned briefly in my last post, I did away with my beloved Comedy Central, as it came in a seemingly inexorable package with TNT and USA who play Law & Order on a continuous loop, from which my husband rarely reemerged. I heard a rumor that the FCC, who've historically loved a good Christian lobby and a bad Powell son, were mulling the issue over. I was overjoyed to hear that the new FCC chief, Kevin Martin now endorses what they're calling "A La Carte Laws." See the full article here, "Martin Endorses 'A La Carte' Laws."

The gist is that Martin is pushing for "a la carte" cable pricing, going so far as to suggest that he would support legislation forcing cable operators to offer cable channels individually. However, critics of the plan report that this would ultimately cost consumers more money. Maybe I could just keep my husband on a tighter leash. Really, I'm just kidding, because I think as we've identified the problem and he is prehaps in the Preparation Stage of his Law & Order addiction.

To assist his Action Stage, we joined NetFlix and watch movies instead. However, we started missing tv a little and started renting tv! We went through Six Feet Under, Dead Like Me, Carnivale, Monk and 4400. Then, this weekend, we watched Jesus is Magic and it changed my life. Now, I wouldn't start a new fan club or tell everyone to rush and go see it, because I think this life change was somewhat personal in nature.

I was telling my friend, Michelle Golden-Buck about my love and she fired a little friendly jealous by telling me that she and her husband, Chris were at the 2nd day of filming for this. Though it was years ago, she could still quote the jelly licking joke verbatim. So, the personal part is, well, I think I found a new role model. I really do love that she's Jewish, although I'm not religious, I still identify with my Jewishness and I think this identification and ambivilance are why I find her humor especially appealing. I guess, in some ways, perhaps without all the scatalogical references, I wish I could be her.

To this day, I tell people about how I almost landed an internship at Comedy Central in the 90's when The Daily Show just came on board, un-live and with a more 2-Dimentional host. Alas, I opted to go to France as my 1/2 brother's nanny and don't regret it, but still consider a career change. Don't get me wrong, social work can be hilarious, when it's not devastatingly depressing, but I wonder where I'd be doing the most good - working to make people laugh, or just helping them not cry?

Fall Performance Line-Up

2007-09-28T10:04:00.000-04:00

I must say that I think it's very ironic that I went the whole summer without seeing one free concert in any participating park throughout this great city within which I now reside and now that Fall is here, I'm paying for a great many performances - that I'm crazy looking forward to!

Through WFUV's Member Line, I won tickets to see Erin McKeown this Thursday, October 4th. She's playing at someplace called The Blender at Gramercy on 23rd St. I've never heard of it and really hope it's not general admission, but I'm betting it is. If you've only just heard of Erin McKeown, you probably know her beautiful Deco-Jazzy sounding, double-entendre ditty, "Blackbirds." It's a quite beautiful example of her vocal style, humor and intelligence.

Then we go to Carnegie Hall's Zankel to see the first performance of WFUV's City Folk Se ries, Cowboy Junkies on October 20th. Ironically, I subscribed to these 4 concert series for my all-time favorite singer-songwriter, Dar Williams and then we got invited to go to my husband's co-worker's wedding that night. Aye, burn. However, because of my digging in the internet for Dar tickets, I learned about this amazing series that's bringing us to the Junkies and Joan Osborne (March 7th), who I much prefer live and on someone named Josh Rouse (April 18th), who I never heard of, but if FUV recommends him, he's probably pretty great.

Oh, and if you like good, cheap music, don't miss Housing Works Bookstore's Out door Sale . It's September 29th from 10-6pm. They write, "Housing Works is very happy to announce the third annual Open Air Book Fair on Crosby St. (between Broadway and Lafayette) at Prince Street. We have tens of thousands of books, records and CDs marked down to a dollar! A sale you can’t afford to miss!" I'm very excited, because earlier this year I found Matt Costa's Songs We Sing and Tori Amos' Strange Little Girls there for $5. I'm looking forward to seeing what I can buy for 1/5 the price. I'm guessing I should get there pretty early.

Then, of course, there's Title Trader, which has just about dethorned Half.com as my favorite way to procure new music. The best thing about Title Trader is that it's essentially an egalitarian system, whereby you can trade in the old paperback you're not planning on rereading, earn a point and then use that point to request the cd you've been pining for. It a free service and easy to very navigate. Highly recommended!

Ok, end of tangent, what's next on my entertainment calendar? Oh yes, in late October, The Daily Show! I'm so excited. I got rid of cable when my husband moved in, so as not to enable his Law & Order addiction and now I so truly lament missing my Daily Show! This will be my 2nd time going to see Jon Stewart. The first was a year or two ago and I had the unfortunate experience of suffering though Hannity and Colmes as the guest appearance. I think the next day they had Alec Baldwin or someone equally funny. But, alas, I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth and I had like the greatest time ever there. Stewart is crazy personable and the studio audiance is small and intimate. The tickets are free, but you have to request them way in advance. Do it! Do it now!

Next, December 15th, my husband bought us tickets to see our favorite Lutheran, Garrison Keillor in Prairie Home Companion at Town Hall.

Now, if we can only swing Saturday Night Live tickets again this year, I'll be truly blessed! I also wanted to see Matisyahu at Roseland for his Second Annual Festival of Light and The Shins at Terminal 5, but I'm not sure how much more money I have to burn on music. Especially, because I was such a slouch for missing all that free music this summer - I feel a little guilty. Alas, this I truly truly wanted to see Rufus Wainwright with another new fav, A Fine Frenzy, but again I was taken aback by the ticket price. I've seen Rufus before also and it was in a really small bar in Providence and I think I may have been disappointed by the throngs and the outdoor summer heat. Maybe that's the real reason I missed all those summer stage shows. What about you? Anyone? Anyone? echo echo... Much love and well wishes for a super, musical Autumn and beyond!

Crafts Council Library Lecture

2007-09-21T10:36:00.000-04:00

Last night I had the honor of attending the American Craft Council's conversation with Amy Shaw from Greenjeans (post from Friday, August 25, 2006) and Rena Tom from Rare Device, about "Blogging the Handmade."

I got there a little late, so I had to stand in the back, but it was just in time for them to speak and their presentation was thoughtful, funny and inspiring. It prompted my to keep writing and updating this blog, that, even though it's names after my most faithful friend, is really mostly about me. Well, honestly, if she wished to add anything, she'd be heartily encourages. I'd even transcribe (offer's open, Jaya!).

These pictures are taken with my Palm, so they're not excellent, but I wanted to document the lovely spread the Craft's Council provided from Balthazar (I spied the empty shopping bags from my prime seating under the table).

I just wanted to thank Amy and Rena for sharing their lives with us on their blogs and in their uniquely satisfying stores. Keep on keeping Park Slope alive and thriving with creativity!

As the lecture was on Spring Street, I ran into the Housing Works Bookstore down there and then took myself out to dinner at my favorite SoHo sport, Hampton Chutney. I love this restaurant so much, that after my first visit, I told my fiance, now husband, that I wanted them to cater our wedding. Alas, we ended-up going in a different culinary direction, but the feeling still lingers. Maybe an anniversary party?

Here's my favorite menu item - Dosa #5 - Avocado, Fresh Tomato, Arugula & Cheese....$8.45. I'm always a little amazed at the cost, but then wowed by the size and amazing deliciousness.

Plus, I they have a very relaxing taste in art that creates calm amid the chaos of their busy popularity and the traffic of Price St.

The only stressful part of the place is choosing.

Addie's Daddy

2007-07-30T21:12:00.001-04:00

This is Addie. Addie's parents invited us to a BBQ in honor of her daddy's birthday.

This is Max. He is Addie's next-door neighbor. He really wanted to come to the party too. Unfortunately, Max's daddy speaks Chinese and Addie's daddy doesn't. No one knew how to invite Max.

Jaya loved snoozing in Addie's green grass yard...

Only sometimes waking-up to the sound of a crumb drop.

Thanks to Addie and her parents for a great summer garden party.

Jaya loves her football

2006-12-19T15:12:00.000-05:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Jaya's grandmother bought her this plush football that I was skeptical about, but that she loves. The squeeky toy obsession seems to have had gone the way of her puppyhood, but I'm delighted to see the resurgence in the shape of this football/rope toy. Our thank you note...

Dear Mom,
It's been a long time since Jaya's gotten excited about a squeeky toy, but she loves this one! Dan and I hypothosized that it's filled with bacon grease or something equally delectable.
Thanks, from the both of us!
- Jen & Jaya

Hope your holidays are filled with as much squeeky happiness as ours!

All That's Jazz

2006-12-08T20:47:00.000-05:00

Some have argued that I favor Jaya at the expense of Jazzy Kitty. Well, this is a little true...but wait, I have good excuse! I grew-up with a big dog and he was the love of my life. Cats were always foreign and scary and didn't respond the same way to a vigorous belly rub.

They have taken a little longer for me to learn to love. However, in her mellowing age and our work learning each other, Jazz and I have come to be close friends.

Jaya's not so sure...

but they definitely have their cuddly cohabitating moments.

Meeting Mabel

2006-12-02T15:34:00.000-05:00

This weekend, I had the good fortune to meet a special dog named, Mabel. She is a Catahoula Leopard dog. I have never seen such a beautiful breed before (except for mutts!). She had the disposition to match.

Here she is excitedly reuniting with her mommy who's just emerged from the Co-op.

She is doubly loved, with Marty and EJ to take her for walks and buy her treats at the store.

Jaya and Jazz Go to the Vet

2006-12-02T15:30:00.000-05:00

This is, paws down, Jaya's favorite part of the trip to the vet. Our vet recommended we take Eastern Car Service (718 499-6227), who were nice enough to take Jaya, Jazz and me and even roll down the window for Jaya's eager nose.

We've been lucky enough to find two vets we love, at Animal Kind Veterinary Hospital (365 7th Ave, 718-832-3899), Dr. Gibson and Dr. Werner.

However, although they're all very nice and well-educated, this doesn't impress the pets much.

This is Jazzy, just let out of her carrier, not so sure she wants out after all.

Leash Law Hearing

2006-11-06T15:45:00.000-05:00

From, New York Daily News
http://www.nydailynews.com

The leash of their worries at hearing
BY LISA L. COLANGELO, DAILY NEWS, CITY HALL BUREAU
Thursday, November 2nd, 2006

There was a lot of barking and snarling going on at the city's Board of Health yesterday. The topic was whether dogs should be allowed to roam leash-free in city parks - and the loudest yelps came from the people sitting in the audience.

"Dogs are simply property," Robert Doocey of Queens said to a chorus of boos and hisses at yesterday's hearing. "All dogs are potentially dangerous," he said.

For years, the Parks Department has had an informal policy of allowing dogs off leashes in parks between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. This year, a Queens civic group sued the city, saying the policy violates the leash law. Parks officials have asked the Board of Health to change the health code so that the parks commissioner can decide when and where dogs can be allowed off leashes.

"This proposal makes a lot of sense," said Matt Greller, the lawyer representing NYCDOG, which supports the proposal.

"The program has been a success for 20 years. The parks are safer and dog bites are down," Greller added.

But Robert Holden of the Juniper Park Civic Association - the group that sued the city - produced a stack of large color photographs showing what he said were the dangers of the policy.
The photos showed dogs running loose in protected wildlife areas, ballfields and flower beds.
One picture showed a dog walker letting 10 dogs loose in a park.

"How much more evidence do we need to prove this is lunacy?" Holden asked.

(Picture of a happy, leash-free pup, from FIDO Brooklyn's Prospect Park pages)

Jaya and Jazz

2006-10-30T19:59:00.000-05:00

Jaya on bed

2006-10-30T19:57:00.000-05:00

Jaya on Dan's leg

2006-10-30T19:56:00.000-05:00

Fall: Season of the Dogs

2006-10-21T12:03:00.000-04:00

When the weather starts gettings colder, dog owners start getting excited. Now the parks are ours! Rare is the jogger or picnicker at this time of year. Our human family and our furry friends now reign supreme.

These pictures are of a particularly dog friendly gathering on a glorious fall afternoon in Sunset Park.

Dogs In Transit II

2006-10-08T15:22:00.000-04:00

This is Buddy and his human buddy, Hank. Hank has taught Buddy to do all sorts of tricks.

Buddy also knows how to lure little girls from games of Hide and Seek they're playing with their Daddy on the Metro North train. Soon, her younger sister came out to meet Buddy too.

A Quiliting Bee Grows in Brooklyn!

2006-10-03T14:01:00.000-04:00

Dear My Fellow Bees,

Please feel free to use http://brooklynquiltingbee.blogspot.com now to post questions, comment, ideas, pictures, etc. We'll experiment and see where it goes!

-- Jennifer

Working Dogs - Park Slope style

2006-10-01T22:59:00.000-04:00

Here, below, is her mom, Jen.

Then, there's Dan meeting the very sweet, friendly Mika.

Here's Mika getting ready to help her mom carrying home the groceries. The red vest is actually the equivilant to doggy paniers.

Still, there's always time for a little fun when you're with your mom! Especially when you're getting your picture taken!

Update: I did not know the extent to Mika's fabulousness when I met her and went I subsequently made this post. Thanks to Jen's comment, I now know that Mika has her own blog! Please read more about them at: http://www.mikathemalinois.blogspot.com/ . Beware, they have a tearjerker of an adoption tale.

Hats Off to Stitch Therapy!

2006-10-01T19:14:00.000-04:00

This Fall, Stitch Therapy launched a handmade hat donation extravaganza! In return for being taught to knit a hat, I donated the first hat I made (the two-tone green one on your right) to C.H.I.P.S. Men's Homeless Shelter in Brooklyn.

As you can see from the pile in the window, Stitch Therapy's enterprising owner, with a well tuned heart, managed to compile over 100 hats to help cover the cold heads of Winter.

I love this shop!

176 Lincoln Place (Park Slope)

Between 7th & 8th Avenues

T: 718.398.2020F: 718.398.1311

Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 12 noon to 7:30 pm

Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12 noon to 6:30 pm

http://www.stitchtherapybrooklyn.com/

Oh, and here's mine. Leave me alone, it was my first attempt, ok? Anyway, I think it has character.

Animal Movie Stars

2006-09-20T15:26:00.000-04:00

I met this horse this week in Borough Hall, where he was busying getting ready for a supporting role in an Adam Sandler, Kevin James movie.

Appartently, the horse and actor/policeman (see below) have to break up a crowd of homophobic protesters, who object to the two guys getting hitched.

Hanging Out

2006-09-17T18:21:00.000-04:00

This is Dela, 8mts, hanging out with her folks, below a Union Street stoop.

These are her folks, Sean and Alexa.

Dan and I met them, walk to the bus, from the Park Slope Food Coop, thinking about how many cute dogs we'd seen hanging out with their people on this lovely Saturday. This is what Jaya was doing while we were out.

How pitiful (I mean the paint chips coming off the tub)! Jaya looks cozy, yes, but I think she'd rather be with us, outside in the sun.

Anyone ever use a Burley Trailer on their bike to cart their pooches around? I'm trying to think of ways of including Jaya in our day trips...

Ok, one more of cute Dela!

Thanks to Sean and Alexa for letting Dela be featured here!

Love Story in Sunset Park

2006-09-10T16:43:00.000-04:00

This is Max.

Max loves Jaya.

Jaya likes Max, but Max is never allowed out of his little cement yard, so they don't get to really play.

I encourage whatever contact they can achieve.

I love Max.Jaya's not as impressed.

Dogs Welcome

2006-09-10T02:04:00.000-04:00

Walking down 7th Ave in Park Slope last night, after a delicious run-in with the Cocoa Bar (http://www.cocoabarnyc.com/index2.html) Dan and I passed by 7th Avenue Books. I had to stop-in and say thanks, after reading this very friendly sign on the door.

This is why Park Slope is such a breath of fresh air. I love seeing 7th and 5th Ave stores with their dog bowls filled with cold water on a hot summer days, or dogs chilling with their guardians outside of Ozzy's, or the Tea Lounge. Park Slope, dubbed "Dog Slope" by some, is just a great place for dog lovers, and the dogs who love them.

The man behind the counter at 7th Avenue Books, Michael (below), was kind enough to introduce me to the owner and direct me to his own blog: http://hopelessabandon.livejournal.com.

Dogs in Transit

2006-09-09T12:02:00.000-04:00

Most of us know that the NYC subway system is a diverse place for people, but it is a sadly discriminatory venue for other mammels. I love to catch dog owners who manage to smuggle their sweet pups onto the ride home - thereby avoiding extra car carbon and extra expediatures of cash.

I love that this dog sneaked into the Subway. Her/his people were so nice. I think they said that their car broke down and they had to take the train. Our train was coming, so I was in a bit of a rush to capture their lovely little family.

If I could bring Jaya on the train, my life would be so much easier! Anyone lobbying for a change of these puppy-prosecutory laws? Or, is it a necessary evil to protect us, and our dogs, from all the unfriendly-Fidos out there (no offense to anyone named Fido, or course).

Dog-Sick

2006-09-02T21:51:00.000-04:00

Greetings:

I'm writing this post from up in Goshen, CT, where I'm dog-sick, a.k.a. missing Jaya. We're at a beautiful lake and I'm thinking about how much she'd love it here.

See...

Not being able to bring Jaya along on our holidays, is the only visible downside to not having a car in the city.

Now, I will illustrate what a Dog-Sick dog owner does on her vacation. Finds surrogate dogs! They project some sunshine into the dark vacuum left by her lack of fur. Here are the sweet surrogates I found!

Beautiful Bernese Mountain Dogs!

(Ironically, one of their human companions is originally from Park Slope!)

On our left is Gypsey and to his left, against the wall, is Duffy.

Aren't they beautiful? As I've stated, I'm really a give me a mutt, or give me a cat kinda girl, but I can definitely appreciate a gorgeous, sweet pure-bred.

Sadly, Gypsey and Duffy's parents informed us that they are only expected to live to age 7, when Bernese Mountain Dogs usually die of lung cancer.

Well, I'm happy to be home now. Dan and I had a great time in Goshen with my family-of-origin, but we're really glad to be reunited with our furry family here in Brooklyn.

Doggie Daycare

2006-08-31T14:48:00.000-04:00

Park Slope welcomes Dog's Den to 5th Avenue!

http://www.mydogsden.com/

Dogs Den Doggie Daycare

501 5th Ave, between 12th & 13th Sts.

I have not yet met these folks, but I'm excited to see a new dog related business in the neighborhood. Also, I did receive a couple nice email responses to my request to highlight their business here:

From Dog's Den Co-Owner, Bahman Danesh,

"Thank you so much for the press. It's much appreciated!! Please let me know when you want to come down and meet with our friendly staff..."

From Dog's Den Manager, Mike Nelson-Borriello,

"Hi! Great site!...previously, my dog and I worked at the Cato Corner Cheese Stand at the Grand Army Market, and so I really love the 'Dogs of the Farmers Market ' section...here are two guests reclining in style at Dogs' Den this week."

Send me a post with any reviews you might have.

As always, if there's a link you think should be here, let me know!

Dogs of the Farmer's Market

2006-08-30T18:40:00.000-04:00

Part One of an ongoing series.

I discovered this sweet Sheltie at the New York City Greenmarket at Borough Hall in Brooklyn. Her human companion works as a dog trainer for films and said she was trying to get her in movies. I hope she keeps us informed!

This is a picture of the beautiful wares we were all eyeing. My thanks to Ted, Dan & Nate King of Rexcroft Farm for letting me shoot their hydroponic produce.

Dan King who runs the 400 acre Rexcroft Farm in Athens, New York ( Greene County) is the seventh generation of his family to farm... Their greenhouses provide year round production of hydroponic vegetables as well as flowers which they sell through the New York City Greenmarket at Borough Hall in Brooklyn and at Bowling Green in downtown Manhattan...The farm is not organic but their vegetables are ecologically grown and their flowers are "low spray" i.e., grown with far fewer pesticides than the norm.

description adapted from: http://www.catskillmtn.org/past/festivals/2002_mcf/farms_festival.html

Literary Dogs

2006-08-29T13:09:00.000-04:00

Here is a collection of dog related books I've read, or have had recommended to me.
Alphabetical by Subject, Title, then Author.

Children:
For your child, or just the young at heart. I bought “Busy Doggies” under the auspices of gifting it to my little neice, but I just can’t let go. It’s such a pure, simple, dog-lover’s delight.

Bunnicula: A Rabbit Tale of Mystery, by James and Deborah Howe
I had to post the synopsis, because this is (notice "is" not "was" - no shame whatsoever) one of my all-time favorite books...
Harold the dog and Chester the cat are the contented pets of the kind Monroe family. Their life is gentle and quite--until the Monroes bring home a new pet, a rabbit they've named Bunnicula because they found it at the local movie theater while watching a screening of DRACULA. Bunnicula looks like your run-of-the-mill bunny to Harold, but Chester insists that Bunnicula has fangs, and the black markings on his white fur make it look like he's wearing a cape. Then something strange starts happening--all the vegetables in the Monroe house are suddenly dry and shriveled, as if they've had all their juices sucked out of them. And could those be fang marks? Is Bunnicula really a vampire rabbit? (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunnicula for a list of the 20 other books featuring the Bunnicula characters)

Busy Doggies, by Beverly Sparks and John Schindel

Clifford, the Big Red Dog, by Norman Bridwell
An entire series devoted to this loveable guy.

Doggies, by Sandra Boynton

Harry the Dirty Dog, by Gene Zion
Another little-Jen favorite.

Kipper, by Mick Inkpen
I just love hearing my neice, Maya's little voice in my head talking about her favorite PBS doggy, "Kippah."

Lily the Lost Puppy, written by Jenny Dale, illustrated by, Frank Rodgers
Admission: never read this, just fell in love with Frank Rodgers' cover.

Poky Little Puppy, The, written by Janette Sebring and illustrated by Gustaf Tenggren

Sally Goes to theMountains, by Stephen Huneck
Read his whole woodblock illustrated series.

Whistle for Willie, by Ezra Jack Keats

Children (Espanol):

Here I found an old favorite, “Big Dog, Little Dog” in Spanish. I’m sure plenty of other can be found in translation.

Perro Grande...Perro Pequeno: Un Cuento De Las Buenas Noches, por P. D. Eastman

Great Titles:
These are books that sounds great, but as I’ve never read them, I cannot actually recommend them.

Doga: Yoga for Dogs, by Jennifer Brilliant and William Berloni
It was bound to happen. I mean, who does the best Downward Dog anyhow?

Life is Good!: Lessons in Joyful Living, by Trixie Koontz, Dean Koontz (Editor)
Yes, The Dean Koontz. Here, jumping out of his professionally spooky voice, he apparently is demoted to editing his dog, Trixie.

Living With Dogs: Tales of Love, Commitment, and Enduring Friendship,
by Henry Korman and Mary Ellen Korman

I & Dog, by The Monks of New Skete

My Lead Dog Was a Lesbian: Mushing Across Alaska in the Iditarod-The World's Most Grueling Race, by Brian Patrick O'Donoghue

My Therapist's Dog: Lessons in Unconditional Love, by Diana Wells

Three Dog Bakery Cookbook: Over 50 Recipes for All-Natural Paw-Lickin
Treats for Your Dog, by Dan Dye, Mark Beckloff

Who Moved My Bone: A Guide for Multi--Dog Households, by Theresa Mancuso

Heath:

For the Life of Your Dog: A Complete Guide to Having a Dog From Adoption and Birth Through Sickness and Health, by Greg Louganis and Betsy Siino Sikora
Yes, the Greg Louganis.

Humor:

Mutts Sunday Afternoons, by Patrick McDonnell

New Yorker Book of Dog Cartoons, The
I love this one by, Danny Shanahan, Published in The New Yorker May 8, 1989

Why Dogs are Better than Men, by Jennifer Berman
http://www.jenniferberman.com/pages/product/product.html
My husband and I love all her comics in The Funny Times. Jennifer's online comic page is currently under construction.

Mutts:
My absolute favorite breed.

Just Mutts: A Tribute to the Rogues of Dogdom, by Gene Hill and Steve Smith
I just love this little guy on the cover! I keep hearing Jack's voice in my head saying, "Just Mutts!"

Mostly Mutts: Unforgettable Photographs of Man's Best Friend, by Darwin
Wiggett
My new favorite photographer.

Mutts: America's Dogs, by Brian Kilcommons, Michael Capuzzo
Underdog: A Celebration of Mutts, The, by Julia Szabo

Non-Fiction:

Getting Lucky: How One Special Dog Found Love and a Second Chance at
Angel's Gate, by Denise Flaim, Susan Marino
I haven't read this yet, but my friend, Poppy, brought it back for me from The Martha Stewart Show. Apparently the authors were guest staring; She said she was very moved. I'm looking forward to starting it!

Touring and Travelling:

DogFriendly.com's United States And Canada Dog Travel Guide, by Len Kain and Tara
Kain

Dog Lover's Companion to New York City, The, by Christian J. Lau and Joanna Downey

Novels:

Sight Hound, by Pam Houston
http://www.pamhouston.net/sighthound.html
I love Pam Houston so much. I've read everything by her. She seems to me the soul sister of Dar Williams, if that makes any sense. Well, I guess it does, becuase Pam quotes Dar in one of her books.

Timbuktu: A Novel, by Paul Auster
Fun, quick, very Auster, written from our dog hero's point of view, but never cheesy.

Science:

Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home: And Other Unexplained
Powers of Animals, by Rupert Sheldrake

Dogwatching, by Desmond Morris

Short Stories:

Dog Is My Co-Pilot: Great Writers on the World's Oldest Friendship, from the editors of Bark
Magazine

James Herriot's Dog Stories, by James Herriot

Literary dog: Great contemporary dog stories, The, by Jeanne Schinto

Old Dogs Remembered, by Bud Johns

Training:

Cesar's Way: The Natural, Commonsense Guide to Understanding And Correcting
All Common Dog Problems, by Cesar Millan

How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend: The Classic Training Manual for Dog
Owners, by Monks of New Skete

How To Talk To Your Dog, by Jean Craighead George

Where Dogs Run Free

2006-08-28T15:35:00.000-04:00

(Thanks again, Darwin Wiggett for the running dog photo!)

Jaya and I found each other in Boulder, Colorado, in the Boulder Humane Society (http://www.boulderhumane.org/index.html). There, we were introduced to each other in the play yard out back, where, honestly, she showed a lot of interest in the goat and geese behind the fence than in me. We had a good time that first day and continued to along the many mountain trails of the Rockies. Boulder is a progressive city. Dogs were allowed off the leash on trails, as long as they "had recall," or would come to their owner when called. Jaya did this right off the bat, within her own timeframe though, of course.

Country Dog, City Dog
(Our neighbor, Max, dreaming of the park)

Moving to Brooklyn, I knew I had to find an affordable place, in walking distance to a big park where Jaya could run free. Alas, the affordable part pretty much blew Park Slope off the bargaining table.

Sunset Park

(Dina and Rita from, DOGS OF SUNSET PARK)

However, my future-husband lured me to Sunset Park. Although the neighborhood lacks a Tea Lounge and suffers from an unattractive graffiti problem (not at all the creative, artistic graffiti of my South Bronx neighborhood where I worked), it seemed fairly safe, friendly and sports a fabulous park.

Jaya and I met many friendly dogs and even found a dog run. There, the dogs froliced, as the guardians gazed at the Manhattan skyline, chilling on a comfortable bench. However, then word came down that this was an unofficial dog-run and people who getting ticketed all over. Rumor had it, that the residents across the street didn't like to hear the barking and that a real dog-run would be constructed somewhere (smaller) on the other side of the park. Well, that's yet to materialize and cops are still handing out tickets like candy.

The good news is, there's a citizen's organization on the case! Sunset Bark Park http://www.sunsetbarkpark.org/

Their website reads;

"There are no legal dog runs in Sunset Park, nor is there an off leash privilege between certain hours of the day. Please be respectful to your neighbors and other park users by keeping your dog on leash at all times. We understand this is a problem for dogs and their owners, and are working hard to change this."

I found their site a good fix of news and fun. I clicked on their, "Dogs of Sunset Park" page and quickly emailed Webmaster Sarah to add Jaya to the list! I also marvelled at their fund draising and P.R. efforts.

I clicked on the link to sign their online petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/barkpark/petition.html

The text of the petition is as follows;

"Sunset Park Dog RunTo: Sunset Park Community Board and NYC Department of Parks and Recreation YES! I support the Sunset Park Dog Owners Group's efforts to create a successful dog run in Sunset Park. Si! Yo apoyo los esfuerzos de Sunset Park Dog Owner Group para crear un parque para perros en Sunset Park. Sincerely, You Name Here."

Before I signed, they already had 206 signatures!

Prospect Park
(Picture taken from FIDO's Pupnic 2006)

Someone's looking out for Prospect Park dogs too! FIDO (Fellowship in the Interest of Dogs and their Owners) Brooklyn;
www.fidobrooklyn.com

"FIDO is committed to ensuring that Prospect Park is a safe and healthy place for dogs; that responsible supervision of dogs will ensure enhanced opportunities for off-leash activity"

The first Saturday Of every month, they hold their "Coffee Barks". Dogs and their guardians meet in the Prospect Park Long Meadow, in front of the Picnic House, from 7 - 9am.

Dogs in the City
(Jaya's never been to Central Park's Conservatory Garden, below)

The lucky dogs of NYC, San Fransisco and Chicago have Urbanhound on their side.
www.urbanhound.com

Urbanhound describes themselves as;

the city dog's ultimate survival guide is the definitive source of information for urban dog owners.Covering topics that matter to people who care about dogs, urbanhound gives practical advice, makes informed suggestions, keeps up-to-date directories and data bases, and alerts you to hound happenings.Sunset ParkComing to New York was quite a shock for both of us. We're lucky enough never to have received a ticket, but have had enough near misses for me to never leave home without a leash.

As always, please let me know if there are any other links that should be here!

Dog Days of Summer

2006-08-25T09:38:00.000-04:00

Whew! Jaya did Not like the weather this summer. Ok, yes, she does look pretty happy in this picture. I assure you though, she's panting up a storm. We just got lucky enough that afternoon to lounge some in the cool grass of Sunset Park.

I know that I was feeling the dread of Global Warming upon us, while sweating through a silk sleeveless on my short jaunt from Subway to office. I even left my A.C. on (lowest, energy saving setting) for Jaya all day. Even so, I'd still often come home to the sound of my arthritic pooch leaping out of her cool bathtub retreat.

Political Action

What to do something about it? Working Assets' Act for Change and League of Conservation Voters are launching a joint campaign to get Congress to get off their air-conditioned butts and take action on renewable energy and conservation issues.

You don't have to sign-up for anything, or receive any email from either organization. It will get you to a screen asking you to pass this initiative onto your friends, but after you see the confirmation that you wrote your representatives, you can easily just close that window and you're done.

http://action.lcv.org/campaign/jeffords_waxman_gw_0810?qp_source=adv%5fwa%5f0806

Social Action

If you like getting daily, humorous and well-written updates about little things you can do to save the earth, sign-up for Ideal Bites Daily Tips. The site is run by down-to-earth, everyday people, who want to keep daily lifestyles green. I received a fast response to my request to post their link here,

"Thanks so much for adding our link to your blog! We're thrilled to hear you're enjoying the Daily Tip and helping to spread the Ideal Bite word...Cheers, Emily & the Ideal Bite Team."

http://www.idealbite.com/

Financial Action

This is my favorite form of environmentalism - shopping! I love that there are new eco-friendly shops opening up all over Brooklyn.

Here a two of my favorites in Park Slope...

3R Living

http://www.3rliving.com/

I received a few gifts from 3R Living and they're always welcome. They have an extensive online store as well as their well designed Brookyn shop (276L 5th Ave, bet. Garfield Pl & 1st St). They have fair trade handicrafts, gifts from reclaimed materials and green household items.

Here's my current online fav:

"Baaaa! Hand knitted by rural women in Kenya.

Made from Natural Wool.

7.0" x 4.0"

Our price: $25."

Greenjeans

http://www.greenjeans.com/ (under construction) & their blog (also on Blogger) http://www.greenjeans.blogspot.com/

I met Amy, half of the Greenjeans married duo, back when their store first opened. She had an easy kindness and patiently answered all my questions about the crafts’ creators. Visit them at 449 7th Avenue, bet. 15th & 16th Sts.

As always, please let me know if there are any other links that should be here!

Dog Sightings

2006-08-24T13:11:00.000-04:00

Ok, here's a close-up of our blog namesake. This is my sloppy hand at Printshop. Alas, it's all I have now.

I am an (almost) equal opportunity dog lover though. Jaya and Tramp (R.I.P.) will always be top dogs, but there are so many beautiful mutts (my favorite breed) in this world. When I'm at work and I need to distress, I like smiling at these dogs...

Jayadeva's Dog Sightings

Darwin Wiggett has a natural gift for capturing the canine and a nice way with humans too! I emailed him for permission to post a few of his photos here and he wrote back right away saying, "I am flattered, thanks for the link!" So, here are a few of my favs, along with a link to more. Thanks, Darwin!

http://www.darwinwiggett.com/Mutts.html

Adoption Sites

Beware - These next two sites may create the STRONG urge to adopt!Newsflash for Adopt-A-Dog...This September 10th, 2006, is their 19th Annual Puttin' on the Dog Show and Festival! It's held at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, CT, from 10AM to 5PM. My sister, a.k.a. T-

Rex's mom, will be volunteering, along with her three human kids (she promises to send us pictures). Adopt-A-Dog promises, "Bring your entire family and pets to enjoy a howlin' good time."

http://adopt-a-dog.org/ and
http://members.petfinder.org/~KS87/farmpics.html

Now this next one is a real tear-jerker of an adoption site. You've been warned: http://ny-petrescue.org/. Look at beautiful Blue, their Pet Rescue's Dog of the Week!

Little Boy Blue could be Jaya's cousin! Here's an excerpt from his profile:

Blue is a beautiful Blue Merle Heeler. He is 1 year old and around 40 lbs. He is very smart, and has mastered "sit" and "stay" especially when you offer him treats. He sleeps through the night on his doggie bed...is housetrained...very affectionate and likes lots of attention from his people....likes to sit and cuddle with you at night.

Dogs on T.V.

The Puppy Channel, as featured on This American Life (http://www.thislife.org/) , "Starting from Scratch," 3/7/03, Episode 233:
http://www.thepuppychannel.com/

Next is the number one "dog sight" of them all. I was so tempted to get Nature's DOGS: THE EARLY YEARS DVD, that I went so far as to become a WNET Thirteen member, so I'd qualify for the discount. Haven't gotten the DVD though, yet. I'm feel I'm getting my money's worth just checking it on this site once a day:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/puppies/

Fun and Fans

On the lighter side, there's the official site of Mutts, my favorite comic strip (obviously) :
www.muttscomics.com . Here, they have great, free screensavers and desktop drawings.

Here's a new site I just found. It's a "fanlisting" for Mixed Breeds. Haven't perused it too extensively, but the Home Page is beautiful:
http://www.wash-away.net/mutts/

Please let me know if there are any other sites that are worth highlighting!

The Birth of a Blog

2006-08-24T12:19:00.000-04:00

Why does a blogger start a blog? I suppose the reasons are near as multiple as blogs in the blogosphere. I designed this blog to be a way from me to organize my thoughts, share tips, vent, and serve as creative outlet.

My favorite blog is http://designsponge.blogspot.com/ and I don't think I could ever pull off the momentous feat that Grace Bonney has accomplished. However, I also see the blog as a respository for all the facts, skills and knowledge I've accumulated.

Obviously, by the title and description, one may already gather that my dog, Jaya, Eastern Religion (Jayadeva's name popped out at me from a deliberate search through my "Sources of Indian Tradition" textbook...more about this later) and Brooklyn.

Let's get started, shall we?