Fort Greene PUPS Spring/Summer Coffee + Membership Drive

From Fort Greene PUPS: On Saturday, June 7, PUPS will hold its annual Spring/Summer Coffee and Membership Drive in Fort Greene Park during off leash hours (between 8AM-9AM). We'll have Gorilla coffee and pastries to help you wake up and get your weekend started. We need two volunteers to help sign up new members! With so many people and dogs moving into the area it's very important that we reach out to newcomers and keep our membership current.

Fort Greene PUPS and bringing your dog to the park for off leash hours are great ways to meet people in the neighborhood!! Plus, membership is FREE! Definitely stop by with your pup this coming weekend.

mallow admires her image on a garbage can

URGENT: CH KITTY NEEDS HOME!

A friend of mine who has recently moved to London desperately needs to find a home for her adorable cat ASAP. Here are the details: Boris -- fantastic, smart, loveable Boris -- lived in Clinton Hill from 1999 until this month, when his mom (Clintoncentric) moved to London because her husband took a job there. It was too hard to bring Boris with them, not knowing where they would live, or whether their new apt would allow cats, so she found him a new home and mom in Williamsburg.

The problem is, Boris has warmed up to his new mom, but she's realized she doesn't have the time to take of him, and wants to get rid of him by this coming Wednesday, June 3.

Boris is a fantastic cat for the right owner -- i.e., one who has the time to love him. He's also famous (as you can see from the video in this link http://mycatboris.blogspot.com/). So if you are interested in adopting him, or know someone who would be, email boristhefamouscat@gmail.com asap. Thanks!

boris.jpg

NYC Pet: Nice Inventory!

I stopped into NYC Pet on Myrtle last weekend (at Washington), and was tre impressed with their stock! chb-3.jpg

First, they have a really nice selection of cat posts. As someone who owns a large cat who likes to scratch things, I can attest that it can be almost impossible to find an aesthetically pleasing cat post.

chb-1.jpg

Plus, there's plenty of food and pet toys:

chb-2.jpg

I must say, they seem to offer the most comprehensive selection in the hood right now. I didn't look at prices, but I'm sure I'll be back to look more closely.

No Starbucks on Myrtle (Yet)

Thankfully, the Starbucks rumors were wrong. They will NOT be moving into the storefront on Myrtle across from Kum Kau (at Washington). Instead, NYCPet.com will be moving in. _dsc4346.jpg

(photo by David Velez)

They already operate two stores in Park Slope and offer delivery and online ordering. Word has it that they will also be offering veterinary services!

We do have a few vets in the area already (at Kiki's on DeKalb and Brooklyn Vet Hospital on Vanderbilt), but anyone who has had to lug an overweight cat to the vet in an unwieldy carrier will surely appreciate the convenience of additional services in the area.

Fort Greene PUPS Holiday Coffee

The weather outside may be getting frightfulBUT that's never kept PUPS members inside on a cold winter morning!

Please join us at our Annual Holiday Coffee on Saturday, December 15 during morning off leash hours (approximately 8AM-9AM). We'll be serving coffee and baked treats and will have a few t.shirts with us to sell in case you're still looking for a great gift idea.

The Great PUPkin: Recap

This year's PUPkin was great! I was fortunate enough to be a judge, which meant that for the first time ever I was able to see ALL the costumes. Lots of great homemade costumes this year. I wasn't able to take as many photos as I'd have liked, but here are a few of my favorites: top dog

li'l devil

albus dumbledor

second prize

Prizes:

First: Astronaut (This is the same guy who did the flying monkey in 2005. How he got his dog to wear the plastic bubble on his head is the question of the century.)

Second: The Three Tenors (Three gigantic slow-moving dogs dressed in human tuxedos with a banner and an entourage)

Third: Nipper, the RCA Dog (Complete with gramophone that was actually playing music on the dog's back)

Honorable Mentions: Albus Dumbledore (wonderful homemade wig and spectacles made of tin foil), Sunflower (TINY Chi dressed as a sunflower bigger than her head, made out of recycled materials), and Gilligan (complete with red shirt, life vest and sailor hat).

Other favorites of mine (and close finishers) included Carol Burnette dressed as Scarlet O'Hara, a tiny Chi dressed as a devil (his ears were his horns, pictured above!), a Frenchie in pajamas and slippers, and a Boston Terrier as the G train.

Thanks to my fellow judges, Ellie Balk and Carl Graur!

the honorable judges

Great PUPkin: MOVED TO SUNDAY

Hello PUPS, Due to a forecast for rain and thunderstorms tomorrow, we will be moving the 9th Annual Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest to this Sunday, October 28. The registration time will still be 11:30 am at the top of the hill. Judging will start at noon. PUPS asks for a suggested donation of $5.00 per dog.

Sorry to have to move the event, but it does give you one extra day to work on your dog's costume! I hope you will be able to join us on Sunday, and if you would, please spread the word about us moving the contest. I am not sure, but I think the Fort Greene Park Conservancy may also be moving their Halloween Festival to Sunday (try checking their website later today).

Sunday looks to be sunny and warm, so I'll see you on Sunday with dogs in costume!

Myrtle Gossip

This just in from a reader: Not sure if you've heard this one before or not but according to my favorite waitress at Kum Kao, the space across the street from them (the one they own on the corner) will become one of the following: Either a pet supply store or (drum roll please)...a Starbucks!

Take it however you like, I thought it was potentially good gossip.

I believe the original gossip was that it was slated to be some sort of health food store or restaurant. Hmph -- there goes the neighborhood.

9th ANNUAL GREAT PUPKIN DOG COSTUME CONTEST

dorothy! An important reminder to get your dogs ready! Plus, I'll be a judge this year!

Voted “Best Halloween Dog Costume Contest” in 2005 by the Village Voice, Fort Greene PUPS will host the 9th Annual “Great PUPkin” Dog Costume Contest in Fort Greene Park on Saturday, October 27, 2007 (rain date Sunday, October 28). The contest will be held from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the top of the hill, near the monument in Fort Greene Park.

As in previous years, the 2007 contest will feature dogs competing for prizes in front of three judges. This year's judges are Robin Lester (founder, Clinton Hill Blog), Ellie Balk (fine artist and muralist), and Carl Grauer (co-owner, RePop). Contest sponsors, including ScooterFood, Thirst Wine Shop, Jill Seitz Custom Dog Portraits, and Who’s Your Doggy, will be donating prizes. Prize winners will also be awarded custom rosettes.

A suggested donation of $5.00 per entrant will help defray event costs. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.; judging begins promptly at 12 noon.

picture-1.png

Reader Questions: Dogwalker Wanted

Received this note from a reader:I’m writing because I really need your help. I adopted a dog two weeks ago. For the past week, a friend of mine has been walking him during the day, but I need to find a permanent, reliable dog walker in the Clinton hill/Fort Greene area. Is there anyway we could get a discussion about this going on your Clinton Hill blog? I’ve asked around at the park, but am coming up short. I would also be interested in knowing what people think of Kiki’s doggie daycare.

People, weigh in! Personally, I use dogego.

Found Kitty

This in from a reader: My husband and I found a cat last night (9/1) on Clinton between DeKalb and Lafayette, who is very skinny and dirty but didn’t seem feral at all; she came right up to us. She has a few scratches on her ears. She has really pretty green eyes and a pink nose. She came home with us and is definitely domesticated. We’re pretty sure she’s lost. We were wondering if you would post her picture and where we found her, to see if we can find the owner. She didn’t have any tags. I’ve attached her picture. If anyone has information on her they can call us at 917.309.9697.

greeny.jpg

Is this kitty yours? Call the above number.

Opening Soon: A Recap

It's hard to keep up with all the stuff about to open in the 'hood, along with the stuff that's newly opened. Here's a recap: Recently-ish Opened:

1001 Affairs 1001 Fulton St. 718-398-2211 Teleflora vendor, potentially great selection of greeting cards, promising selection of fresh flowers, friendly staff

Bidonville 47 Willoughby Ave. 718-855-4515 Coffee and pastries from Choice Market, cozy space, friendly staff

Bittersweets 180 DeKalb Ave. 718-852-2556 Balthazar pastries and tasty coffee

Il Torchio 458 Myrtle Ave. 718-422-1122 JUST opened Monday! Italian tapas, large wine selection.

LOX 15 Putnam Ave. 718-622-5349 Large bar/event space with gorgeous back yard. Soon to be home to a second event space downstairs. Good for large groups.

Paws-n-Claws 448 Grand Ave. 718-622-0060 Mostly grooming services, but carries small selection of leashes, clothing and toys for dogs

Still Hip Brooklyn 283 Grand Ave. 718-398-0008 Gorgeous renovation of old Karrot space, gently used kids' clothing and toys, plus maternity; classes and activities for kids

Threading Place 262 Vanderbilt Ave. 718-662-0883 History of grammatically incorrect signage, but are good for well-priced brow threading and also offer facials and other treatments. May have already closed?

Little Piggy (Market) 64 Lafayette Ave. 718-797-1011 Soulful sides and desserts, to stay and to go Coming VERY Soon:

'Cure 921 Fulton 718-622-3100 Beauty treatments, natural products. Opens FRIDAY and looks gorgeous.

Manee Thai 372 Myrtle Ave. 718-222-9992 Third Thai restaurant on Myrtle in our area. Confusing sign. Owned by the guys who run Myrtle Thai.

Tamboril 527 Myrtle Ave. 718-622-5130 Nuevo Latino cuisine and lounge, bar, live performances

Upcoming:

Telos Apothecary Natural treatments

New Place by Choice Market Flowers, meats, cheeses

Dog Wash

FYI, the Laundra-Mutt idea came from Fort Greene PUPS founder Kath Hansen. So witty, that Kath! dscf1258.jpg Anyway, here's the new sign for Who's Your Doggy's grooming They'll also be offering a do-it-yourself dog wash, which will be a great thing. I've seen countless large dogs rolling in the mud at Ft. Greene Park by that old plugged fountain. Now owners can stop in for a wash on the way home.

Injured Cat

From a reader: hey there, if you guys can post this on the neighborhood blog(s) that would be great:

This morning my boyfriend and I took in a small black cat, medium hair, that was lying in the rain next to our co-op at 325 Clinton Ave. We took it in, it looked like it might have been hit by a car--it was immobile, very scared, and not moving -- although it was fairly alert/mewing, etc. Animal Control picked it up a few hours later. If anyone you know is missing a black cat, please let us know! (kinklosity -at- earthlink.net)

Poor kitty :(

BARC Benefit in Fort Greene

Received this info from a reader: I wanted to write to you to let you know about an event I'm running in Fort Greene (in my backyard on Carlton Ave) next month. Its local, and its a charitable event, its competitive and its going to be incredibly silly, but fun. I thought it would be great to get some neighbors involved in the event, instead of just my regular crew.

Please take a look at the site. www.thegreathotdogcookoff.com And if you're a hot dog fan, you might it enjoy it yourself. The site has all the details about the event, how this started, and how people can sign up to attend or compete.

Proceeds benefit BARC shelter in Williamsburg.

Who's Your Doggy Grooming

From Fort Greene PUPS: Just wanted to pass along an invitation to the grand opening of the Who's Your Doggy dog grooming and washing shop (I think Tracy should call it the Laundra-Mutt). Who's Your Doggy is located at the corner of Adelphi and Willoughby, and the grooming shop is right next door. The party will be this Sunday, June 24 from 2:00-5:00. There will be people treats, doggy treats, and a keg o' beer.

Tracy says to come on down and help her celebrate!