Ha! Rules Apply to You Too...MOM!

First off – let’s just say I was NOT a happy camper last night.

Mom dashes in from work and is in a BIG hurry. I don’t get a proper walk – but a quick spin in the cul-de-sac. Hmmm. What’s the rush?

Back in the apartment she starts throwing things in a boat bag – umbrella, baseball cap, the camera, a blanket..there's a quick phone call to Aunt Dana….HA – we’re going to Central Park!! Midweek!!

But wait, Mom tosses me a cookie and heads out by herself…without me. I DON’T THINK SO PEOPLE.

Turns out Mom and Aunt Dana were going to the (7^th Annual) Central Park Film Festival. And they didn’t take me. Funny thing – seems they didn’t do their research. When they arrive at site – they found a list of RULES…

Now I’m not going to tell on them – but apparently they were in violation for more than one of the above listed rules (and we KNOW it wasn’t the one that said NO PETS).

So instead of watching “Sex and The City” they had their picnic on the benches lining the Mall – and then headed home.

All was not lost – by leaving early – Mom was home before the huge summer thunderstorm. Complete with thunder, lightening, and lots of fallen branches in my Park.

So the lessons we can all take away from this….

1) Never go to Central Park without me

2) Do a little research before attending any event – find out the EXACT location and if it’s in a theater (or playground with bleachers) – you probably shouldn’t lug beach chairs all the way to the park, and rethink your beverage packaging and serving options (oops – did I just spill the beans).

Here's hoping for a break in the August heatwave! AND here's hoping Hurricane Bill stays far out in the Atlantic and leaves my Park alone! (Not to mention my friends in the Carolinas and those on the Cape and the Islands).

Until our next adventure....

Copyright 2009, Central Bark Designs, All Rights Reserved

Balto, My Balto!

Here is a true Dog Hero.

Of the 51 sculptures dotted throughout Central Park, this is by far my favorite.

Just off East Drive at 67th Street, a bronze sculpture by artist Frederick George Richard Roth (1872-1944) was added to the landscape of my Park in 1925.

The slate tablet on the granite boulder explains it all. Balto, a black & white Alaskan Malamute lead a dogsled team through a blizzard to deliver the antitoxin to halt a diphtheria epidemic. Balto and his teammates are all heroes.

Best of all, when we enter the Park at Central Park South, meander through the zoo, (run up hill #1) take a left at BALTO, walk through Mom favorite promenade, past the band shell, around the Bethesda Fountain....and then it's time for BACON!

That's how I spent my Saturday. It's just been so hot here in NYC it took me 2 days of rest (and plenty of a/c) to write about it!

Untill our next adventure...

Copyright 2009, Central Bark Designs, Inc., All Rights Reserved

Who's Al Fresco anyway?

Tonight was another first. I joined Mom and Aunt Dana for a little sidewalk dining at our neighborhood Irish pub, Parnell's on First @ 53rd. Mom first stopped into Parnell's when she was scouting the neighborhood before we moved into our apartment. She knew she found the perfect spot when she walked in and they had the Red Sox game on.

Being a Sox fan in NYC can be trying. Trust me. During the season I proudly wear a Red Sox collar amongst all the Yankee fans - and a few Mets fans. (Yes - this past weekend was more difficult than others - let's not dwell on the sweep. - We'll see you in October)

Sidewalk seating is located on the 53rd Street side of the pub. We found a table in the back corner so I had plenty of room to stretch out without getting in the way. Besides - now I could keep my eye on all the action.

Our server took great care of me. When Mom asked for a little ice, I never imagined I'd get my own BOWL - filled to the brim with ice cubes! Of course - I would have really liked to share in one of the cheeseburgers I saw brought to our table. Mom explained to me there was no BACON involved - and this was not Central Park. Apparently my table treats are limited to our Saturday morning brunch!

Bacon or not - I'm just glad I got to join in on the evening's outing. The perfect way to relax at the end of another long day.

Saturday will be here soon - and so will another adventure....

Copyright 2009, Central Bark Designs, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Rescue ME!

Well – not ME exactly– but I did want to mention the great work pet rescue organizations are doing around the country. My dear love, DUE is a rescue dog. In fact he was in a kill shelter and his days were numbered when Tom and Deborah rescued him.

Oh Due, Isn't he one handsome devil!

ALL dogs take a little work - but the amount of love you get in return is 10 fold - make that 1000 fold (at least that's what Mom keeps reminding herself when I come home from Central Park - covered in mud - again!) Rescue dogs may come from homes where they were abused or mistreated - all they need is a little love.

If you, or someone you know is looking for a companion pet – think about looking at the shelters in your area. You can register online at petfinders.com and they will send you updates on available dogs in your area. You can list the size, sex and even breed and age of dog you're looking for. Mom has a thing for goldens - we checked out the Petfinders website the other day - just doing research of course - we found TWO golden/lab puppies - girls - 10 weeks old at the Charlottesville, VA ASPCA. Although we don't have room in our tiny NYC apartment for 2 more golden girls - I wish we did.

Adopting a shelter dog is not the only way to help. If you are just thinking about getting a dog - and maybe want to "try it on for size", FOSTER a dog! Fostering a dog will remove them from the kill shelters, helping not only the dog you are fostering - but making room in shelters for more dogs - doing so can save a life. You "foster" the dog until a permanent home is found. If you are in the New York area - take a look at Foster Dogs NYC. This wonderful blog is updated daily. Make it one of your favorite blogs and get the latest profiles. Check out the stories, fall in love with a dog! SAVE A LIFE!

Copyright 2009, Central Bark Designs, Inc. All Rights Reserved

I Take the 5th

You may notice from the evidence above that it "appears" I am soaked from head to toe (or tail to snout depending). Appearances can be deceiving. Swimming is illegal in Central Park and I'm not talking, other than to say:

1) all the other kids (labs in particular) were doing it,

2) it's been really hot in NY

3) I'm one happy camper...and after all isn't that what really matters. (p.s. - MUD was involved!)

It was a beautiful day in New York. I hope you enjoyed your Saturday - as much as I enjoyed mine!

Until our next adventure....

Copyright 2009, Central Bark Designs, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

It's August - and I'm wearing FUR....

....so forgive me if I haven't been blogging lately...the extent of my adventures have been moving from one cool spot on the hardwood floor to another trying to maximize the a/c effect!

I know...it's August, this is New York. AND IT'S HOT. You'd think the way everyone (Mom) is complaining about the heat - they (she) would be grateful we have yet to break 90 degrees...and did I mention....it's already AUGUST.

Here's an idea...you throw on a full length fur - run around town - and let me know how comfy you feel!

One good note - due to the heat....I think I've convinced Mom & Co. that we need to leave for Central Park - half an hour earlier come Saturday! Rise and shine people!

Until then....

Copyright 2009, Central Bark Designs, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Another Glorious Day...in the Park

What can I say - there's nothing I like to do more on a Saturday morning - than romp and roll in Central Park with my guy, Due. Mom really needs to get a video camera so she can share the full extent of our adventures.

Did somebody say BACON? OK - maybe I just heard someone say its time for coffee - but I KNOW that's just code for B A C O N !!! Someone says coffee - we head to the Boathouse Patio - sit down and along with the coffee I know there will be bacon.

See - there it is - now if I can just get someone to share with me! Mom is a tough sell - Deborah and Dana don't seem to be on board either.....then there's TOM - Maybe if I give him "the look"

Works every time! Now I don't want to leave the impression Mom is not willing to share. But she makes me wait until all the people are done - then gives me just a little nibble.

Someone said it was time to go. I strongly disagreed and tried to take things into my own hands.

Well that was that for this week's adventure in Central Park. I asked Mom to take some photos of my favorite fountains and statues so I can tell you all about them in a later post. Just one of the things we're working on.

It's raining AGAIN in New York, so looks like I'll be napping followed later by some beauty sleep and eventually I'll get around to a power nap. Girl's got to do what a girl's got to do!

Until our next adventure...

Copyright 2009, Central Bark Designs, Inc. All Rights Reserved