The dogs of New York

It’s early morning in New York so we do what the locals do , go walking. People and dogs,  all shapes, sizes, colours and dress sense. There is obviously also seasonal attire, but the dogs must have their walkees. The outstanding observation is just how many people with dogs there are in  The Big Apple.  I’ve spent over three months in this most vibrant city. What surprises me is how many dogs are out there taking their owners for a walk. Some  of the dogs are  large, some  cute and some rat sized. From inquisitive hounds , graceful Great Danes, to dashing  Dachshund, yawning Cocker  Spaniels , hairy  Huskies,  some must be a handful if they live in a small apartment. New York State is the highest state in the USA for pet ownership , 48% of homes have a pet. There is said to  be no state limited to how many dogs one owner can have, as long as they are all licensed .

They always say dogs reflect their owners . In N.Y. they all look quite fit . It's noticeable if you walk with a dog, other people who you don't know but are also walking a dog will start a conversation . In fact the dogs start first. It’s called “sniffing. “ This is fine if both dogs have done the familiarization training . If they have not then  it’s likely to be “fight on. “ It happened to me walking my two Scottie dogs [ no I don't think there is owner likeness, may be a bit of a height deficiency ] The lady with her floppy eared spaniel insisted the dogs would be fine together, they weren’t- the dogs got tangled in each other’s leads  and both sets of owners had to grab their dogs amongst  the snapping etc . I did end up paying the vet fee for the lady owner, as  she was from my dad’s church .

Reminds me of the sketch in the Pink Panther movie in 1976 when  Peter Sellars asks 

“Does your dog bite “

“No “, replies the hotel owner . 

The dog then bites  Clouseau 

“I thought you said your dog doesn't bite “

“It’s not my dog “. 

New York  is extremely dog friendly,  there are city parks for dogs , dog exercise areas, some linked to the size of the dog - Eg the small ones can’t mix with the large dogs . This also lets owners mix and find new friends . Dogs in the city mainly live in apartments, so dog walking is essential . You can employ professional dog walkers and you often spot someone walking six  or more  dogs on leads.  Obviously most of these dogs are  living in apartments but many with only one owner. I think walking your dog is a way not only for the dogs to find a friend, but their respective owners to meet new people. Many apartments allow dogs to live in but  charge an extra fee within the rent .

There are about six hundred thousand in New York . Back in 1836, 8000 stray dogs were slaughtered as rabies was a big issue for a hundred years ending with compulsory licensing of all  dogs . Ironically today there are more dogs than kids . Smaller dogs are more common , Bulldogs , Pugs , Poodles. Some say that dogs look somehow like their owners , eg athletic , short , aggressive.  They say dogs can have the same aspects of personality similar to their owners . I can imagine for some living in apartments that a dog is therapeutic , great company , uncomplicated etc. 

Dogs can eat with their owners in many  locations in NY .  I personally dislike dogs in enclosed restaurants . New York has created a dog beach so dogs can enjoy the water and sand. In public places, if your dog's poo is not picked up, the owner can be fined $250.

So when you next walk this city start up a conversation with an owner or even their dog..