Scoop!

Napoleon and Finn on the case

A good crime-fighting partner is hard to find. Napoleon and I met this year and have already developed a strong bond. He picks me up five days a week at my apartment and we patrol the streets of Park Slope, Brooklyn. We walk with intent and keep a look out for any trouble brewing in the hood. We are a big presence and most people feel safer knowing we are out there. Napoleon is the heavy behind our two-dog operation and although he is really smart, I’m the brains. I’m calm and collected and only lose my cool when someone nice wants to pat my head. Napoleon is pretty weak in that department as well. The second anyone comes over to say hello, he lays down and rolls over on his back for a belly rub. I tell him that we’ve got to stay alert and on guard because you never know what could happen. our daily routine is often very intense, rife with the possibility for chaos.  We check out the children playing at PS 321. We stop and have a quick pet and play with the kids and if everything seems in order, we move on up towards the park. If the strollers are moving in harmony, we head on back down to the dog run near 5th Avenue and 4th Street to exchange stories with our buddies. Napoleon spins a great tale and together we’ve collected quite a few. The streets of Brooklyn have come a long way. They are safer than ever before and we want to keep it that way! For more about our neighborhood adventures, see www.scoopnewsnow.com 

I’m a Brooklyn dog, born and bred, so what am I doing living all the way across the ocean in the U.K.? Well, two years ago my human got married to a Scotsman, so she packed me, my feline brother, Jones, our beds and all our toys and bundled us in a big airplane to start our new life. 

I really dig it here, but the trip over was horrible. Before we could leave, me and Jones the cat had to get a ton of shots and lots of paperwork filed, plus we had to wait six whole months before we could go. It’s all about keeping rabies out of Britain, which is cool I guess, if a little insulting. As if I carried rabies! Still, it was better than having to wait six months in quarantine—in a jail cell!—like transcontinental pups had to in the old days.

When it was finally time to fly, we had to stay in our kennels in the cargo hold of the airplane—like we were suitcases. It was so noisy, and I was so scared. Jones kept trying to talk me down, but I’m ashamed to admit I soiled myself a little, so I really stunk when our humans picked us up at the “Animal Reception Centre” in London. What a horror show. 

Then we had to wait around for hours for our humans to finalize yet more paperwork with the Defra people (that’s Britain’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). They managed to find a reason for our humans to pay yet another fee. But at last we were free to go … on a nine-hour drive up to Scotland (and I always get carsick). Wow, talk about the great schlep!

After all that, I’d say I’ve settled in really well. Sure, I miss my old chums from the ‘hood, but the wee Scottie (and Westie) lassies here have really taken me under their wing. I do love the ladies! And I get to take lots of trips out to the countryside, because the Brits (who are very pro-dog, by the way) let us ride the trains just like people. But no more airplane rides for a long while! 

Thinking about flying to the UK with your pet? Check Defra’s website for rules and procedures: www.defra.gov.uk. Flying abroad with pets is expensive, and each airline has different rules, so check with them well in advance.

Dear Butter, As you can see, I’m overweight. I know people love me for who I am, but I feel the pressure to be thin all around me. There are ads on TV of thin cats running around, having fun. I see posters in my veterinarian’s office of small cats looking happy and healthy, but I just can’t seem to get it together. I try going back and forth to my food dish over and over during the day for exercise, but the pounds don’t seem to be coming off.  I’m going on a Caribbean cruise soon and am devastated at the thought of squeezing myself into my swim trunks. I need results now! What can I do? Sincerely, Marty

Dear Marty,You’ve come to the right place. I was once heavier than I am now and know how the pressure to be thin can weigh on you, no pun intended.  For exercise, ask your owner to get a stick with a feather and a string attached. He or she can dangle it in front of you for endless entertainment and activity.  You’ll bat at it over and over and each time you play, it will seem like a whole new experience.  I promise. As far as diet goes, you could try one of the low fat dry foods.  Some don’t taste as good and you might not like them, so ask your owner to mix in a bit of the regular food to keep your taste buds kicking and make sure you get your nutrients.  I know you want quick results, but you should never go on a crash diet!  Your best bet before going on any type of reduced calorie diet is to check with your veterinarian for recommendations. You’re a handsome guy. Please don’t let your concerns ruin your vacation. Besides, it’s a cruise. You won’t be the only one whose gut hangs over his trunks. Love, Butter

From last issue

Thank you so much for your fabulous advice on my hairstyle. I’ve done some experimenting and found that I get tons of attention on the street when I wear a tiny pigtail on top of my head. This also saves me a lot of time when getting ready to go out in the morning and keeps my hair out of my eyes. You’re the greatest! Love,Callie

Little Mar is a Chihuahua Jack Russell Terrier that was adopted with his brother, Zephyr, a year and a half ago. He was brought home to live with an older Jack Russell Terrier brother, Henry. All together, they make up a threesome of cuteness that is actually heartbreaking. 

Other than the sometimes crazy and chaotic life with three dogs, things seemed to be going well for the new brothers. They played together; sometimes tormenting each other, but soon became inseparable. Mar had a few funny quirks like falling asleep as he lifted his leg to a tree or missing a step as he walked, but nothing seemed to keep him from playing and enjoying time as a puppy. After a short while, his quirks became more noticeable and he often seemed lethargic. He soon had trouble walking up and down stairs and shortly after that could not stand by himself.

The doctor thought he had discovered water on Mar’s brain and said that he may not have long to live. Mar was given blood tests, bile tests, an MRI, and a spinal tap. It was finally concluded that something was possibly wrong with Mar’s tiny liver. As a last resort he underwent liver surgery to close up and opening that might have occurred. Turns out, there was no hole to close. Mar’s liver simply wasn’t working properly. It wasn’t cleaning his blood and ammonia was going straight to his brain and keeping it from functioning. It seemed hopeless, but no one was giving up on the little guy. By this time, everyone who knew him had fallen completely in love with him and would try anything that might help him heal. The doctor prescribed medicines that would protect him from infection and change the PH balance in his blood. 

Mar had trouble sleeping, eating, and still couldn’t stand on his own. It was touch and go for a long time, but his parents worked hard to do the best thing for him. They needed to find a diet that his liver could handle so he could continue to grow. This was tough because he needed protein, but chicken, beef, white fish, and even soy were too hard on his system. After some experimentation, Mar’s parents bought Morningstar Farms Garden Veggie Patties. This seemed to be his magic food! He loved them and began to eat them for every meal with a little half and half and tea biscuits for dessert.  

His progress was slow but noticeable.  After his health spiraled downward so quickly, each positive adjustment in behavior and responsiveness was reason to celebrate. Soon his tail began to wag and he could walk a bit on his own! Little Mar is now approaching his second birthday and doing remarkably well.  He eats a diet of Evanger’s vegetarian dog food and vegetarian kibble, (purchased at BARC Shelter, www.barcshelter.org) and still gets tea biscuits and occasional homemade biscotti from grandma to give him extra calories. He can run up and down stairs and take short walks with his brothers around Park Slope. Mar has come such a long way. His journey was not easy, but he is as happy as a dog can be. He has a wonderful home, loving parents, and two playful brothers that keep him happy and always on his toes. He’s felt so much love in his short life and given so much more in return. 

Mar with Zephyr and Henry

Who will my new parents be?

The first day I met my new parents, who found me at a rescue shelter.

My first-ever bath! Not the welcome I was looking for!

What the…A bath! Nooooooo!

Wow! A bed fit for a princess!

Finally, a well-deserved nap, clearly I’m recognized as
a princess!

Looking chic in her new coat

There’s a lot of this stuff called “weather” around here. My
parents make sure I’m chic for every
occasion.

Yup, I did pretty well in obedience school!

Graduation Day from obedience school! I was nervous, but passed with gold stars! Everyone was so proud, and I got lots of treats. 

This is my first diary ever! Keep checking back for more entries! Support your local animal shelter–shelter dogs rock!

The summer humidity has wreaked havoc on my beautiful hair. I spend hours getting ready to go out with friends or on a date only to walk outside and have it fall flat because of the weather. What can I do to keep it out of my face and looking good even when it’s nasty outside? Callie

Dear Callie, Summer in New York can be brutal when it comes to keeping hair manageable. You must come to terms with your fur and it’s texture. Stop fighting against it. Embrace it! If it falls flat, use a nice clip or a flirty headband to hold it back. Doing so is a great way to express your personal style. Judy from Park Slope’s Paws in Paradise recommends putting a bow on top of your head for a functional and attention getting effect. Finally, if all else fails, get a fun, fall haircut! A cut and blowout will give you a fresh appearance for the upcoming season. Everyone knows a great haircut can change your whole attitude!  

Send questions to askbutter @yahoo.com and we might publish it in our next issue!

by Pru Provenzano

This Cairn Terrier knew she had to confront her addiction before it hurt the family she loved

I am so lucky to have been rescued almost 2 years ago and brought to my wonderful new home in Brooklyn. Although I was a tiny puppy when I arrived, I had already developed a nasty chewing habit. It wasn’t the kind of habit that all puppies have growing up. I loved to chew and destroy very expensive household items. If it wasn’t expensive, I wasn’t interested. Rubber toys, tennis balls, or even old shoes were no match for the monster living within. I needed fancy throw pillows, sturdy couch cushions, and delicately stitched duvet covers. My new parents had the most beautiful, vintage Navaho rug draped over the back of the couch. When I walked in and saw it hanging there, I knew I would not be able to resist sinking my teeth into it. My family loved me so much they tried everything to help me. Putting temptation out of reach, watching my every move, and placing me in my own little house when they were away from home helped. I wanted to change and even attended Chewers Anonymous! It’s a great 12-step program that helped me tremendously—there were times when I thought I had fully recovered! I thought that as long as people were in the room I could control myself, but then I’d have a setback. I would find a nice pillow and quietly chew as they sat totally unaware reading or watching TV. My habit cost my family a lot of money, but they never gave up on me. With their love and support, I am happy to say that I am 6 months sober and doing quite well. I’m happy with my toys. I like to destroy a sock once in a while, but what’s a sock compared to a fine leather sofa!  

I’m a Cairn Terrier and others like me need rescuing. Many of us don’t chew at all, like my adopted brother, Quinn, below. Go to www.cairnrescueusa.com to check out my friends in need.