Dogs

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Everything Dogs: Little Boy Blue Needs a Home

By Leslie Yager

For days Blue’s dog walker didn’t see him in the apartment building and grew concerned. After  remembering that Blue’s owner sometimes tied him to the roof, the dog walker went there to have a look. Blue had been left tied out on the roof in the pouring rain. The dog walker later found out that Blue’s owner had died in a car accident. Now this owner had a shady past and our friend, and hero, the dog walker opted to bring Blue into his small apartment in the South Bronx where he was watching another woman’s pit bull and caring for his own poodle and cat. Continue Reading →

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Time to Paint: Old Greenwich Artist Specializes in Pet Portraits

By Leslie Yager

Old Greenwich painter Karen Schlansky always had talent. Last month her pastel “Freedom” was selected for Greenwich Art Society’s 97th Juried exhibition at Bendheim Gallery, which runs through March 28. Yet, as with many young people striking out on their own, or parents making practical decisions for their family, the mother of two grown children had other priorities over the years. After majoring in art at Skidmore, Schlansky launched a career in business, snagging a spot in the executive buying program at Ohrbach’s department stores, where she became a manager and buyer. “I received great training six days a week and two nights a week,” Schlansky said of her time at the store chain, which for decades was a destination for savvy shoppers. Continue Reading →

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Everything Dogs: Buddy and Roscoe

OPIN writes to Greenwich Free Press that Buddy is awaiting his own “buddy.” A longtime resident of the shelter, Buddy is estimated to be about 3 years old, weighing in at about 55 pounds. Buddy wants to trust and please people. He takes treats gently and knows, sit, down and will roll over for a belly rub. He is housetrained and good with other dogs. Continue Reading →

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When Dogs Flash Their Teeth. Smiling Faces Pretend to Be Your Friend?

Three-year-old black Lab “Curlie” flashes her teeth at me when I’m about to give her a really good treat. It was so disarming the first few times she did it, but now I think of it as a smile. I’ve never seen another dog flash their teeth at me and visitors have asked me, ‘Why is your dog barring her teeth at me?” I showed these photos to several experts and asked their opinions. The photos are actually freeze-frames taken in about two seconds worth of video I shot after giving up trying to capture a single photo. Continue Reading →

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Everything Dogs: Puppy and Dog Training Classes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A new series of classes on offer through Pet Pantry and taught by Heather Trocola of In The Lead Dog Training are set to start March 30. In Puppy Basics, a 4-week puppy foundation course for dogs under 20 weeks, common issues like house training, chewing and socialization are covered. “Basic Manners” a 7-week class for all dogs over 20 weeks covers basic obedience commands as well as good manners. Recently, in a session of the “Better Manners” 7-week class that builds on skills from Basic Manners, dogs and handlers worked on prepping for the Canine Good Citizen Test (CGCT). Some of the elements of the CGCT test  include walking nicely on loose lead. Continue Reading →

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Adopt-A-Dog Rescues Puppies from Uncertain Future in Deep South

Brian Gordiski has driven south to rescue dogs before. The trek to South Carolina trek is about 15 hours. But, his recent trip to Alabama was a 17 hours each way. Gordiski,  events coordinator for Adopt-A-Dog, the local rescue sanctuary organization, said he doesn’t mind the long drive, especially if one of his colleagues accompanies him in the Adopt-A-Dog van. “Having someone else saves me three or four hours that I’d spend cleaning,” Gordiski explained. Continue Reading →

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Everything Dogs: Flex, Sydney and Annie

Sydney is an energetic young male, approximately 1 year old. He is has soft brindle fur and an impressive fluffy tail. Sydney’s personality is goofy and playful as a young adolescent, which would be perfect for people who are active and enjoy a spunky and curious dog who sometimes thinks he is a lap dog and will just park himself on our volunteers laps and be totally content. Sydney becomes attached to people who spend time him and enjoys all the attention he can get. He has not yet discovered the joy of playing with toys in our yard which can be a nice trait to have because we have also not seen a hint of chewing, destruction or mouthy behavior from this guy which is fantastic! Continue Reading →

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Everything Dogs Double-Feature: Look at Roscoe Now!

This weekend’s “Everything Dogs” column featured Snow and Dynomite. But, readers may remember “Roscoe,” who was featured in the debut of Greenwich Free Press’s “Everything Dogs” column a few weeks ago. GFP photographed Roscoe at Mt. Vernon Animal Shelter while accompanying two Greenwich moms who make the trek several times a week to volunteer there. Tina Aronson and Kerri Ann Hofer wanted to volunteer at Greenwich Animal Control, but our municipal shelter does not allow volunteers. Continue Reading →

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