1. How are these for-profit crates anchored to the sidewalk?
2. I once tied my dog to a railing outside a coffee joint where I could see her. She was OK but I was a wreck watching her through a window. I was only ten seconds away.
3. Are these things clean? Impossible to keep them clean all the time.
4. Not for my or my dog.
1
I wouldn't even leave a dog tied up outside an establishment let alone trapping it in a mini-house. If my dog can't go somewhere with me, I'll leave it at home (not in the car).
New York pizza is the only pizza. Chicago-style pizza is soup with pieces of floating bread.
NYC pizza is without peer. Says I as a New York native no longer living in the city. Grimaldis (aka Patsy's) in Brooklyn is the best, with Don Pepe in Pennsylvania Station a surprise runner up.
umm. many dogs might panic contain in a strange place. their own crates are their dens. Most of all, why charge people to park their dog? Middle man conjuring a middle money belt break. DIsgusting. If their dog, when at a street post, can settle down, while they shop inside, why should they pay? If your dog is not calm when you leave them by the post maybe don't tie them up or shop with them.
To the person in the article who is "just going to wait until you can bring your dog inside everywhere":
Non-service dogs have no place in grocery stores, shops, cafes, offices, etc.
There's this growing trend of business owners allowing customers to bring pets in. Not only do most local and state health codes prohibit this for reasons that may not be obvious to dog lovers, but it is also highly inconsiderate to customers and workers who suffer from dander allergies.
4
i was walking with my youngest child. They were just back in NYC from a transcontinental trek - and I we were walking on 5th Ave past Fresh Pizza in the low 30s. Insisting we stop, we bought our 99¢ slices. Their comment: Dad this is only ok but for 99¢ in NYC you get better Pizza than you can get anywhere else in the country for $3.
This would merit a 'nuff said but I will add that having eaten pizza in places that claim to take pride in their pies, the best of NYC is still the best.
1
I crate trained my dog, but that doesn't meant she's content in all boxes and crates!
They may clean them everyday but there still are strange smells from the dog before. I wouldn't dare lock my dog in a strange box, and walk away. That would deliver stress to her, not knowing what is going on and why I'm leaving her somewhere she doesn't know.
Let dogs in more places and you won't need these boxes and less people will fake service dogs.
1
The sad reality is that New York City is just not a safe place to leave dogs tied to bike racks, parking meters, etc. I just couldn't do that when I lived in the city. Even for five minutes. I ask myself, would I leave a stroller out here with my baby in it? If not, why would I leave my helpless dog out here alone?
Another fact is that dogs really like to trot alongside their owners as much as they can. So what do you do?
Maybe these parking crates for dogs are one answer for people who have dogs who will accept them. I have two dogs, and I know they would be fine in there together, just as they are when they are kenneled together when I am away. Each one alone in there? I think that would be extremely stressful. Both for the dog and for me.
4
BUSINESS TROTS ALONG
Dog lovers around the land
Bark the same distress
Every single time that they
Have to acquiesce.
Maybe they are shopping online,
Talking on the phone,
Prepping dinner for the kids
Or enjoying time alone.
Walking time! Walking time!
Got to take the pet
For his twice-daily outing
--It's the owner's debt.
Now no more, no more now,
Enough of being hypers!
Entrepreneurs have gone and made
Disposable doggie diapers.
Indoor time for you's unlimited
Once you switch to these wares,
Which are guaranteed the answer
To your canine prayers.
4
LIVING STATUES
Their appeal's obvious
To even a dunce;
Why, I even honeymooned
With one once.
3
If the dog is used to a crate and will happily go inside, I could see this being a short term safe solution to having to run into a store or do a quick errand.
5
That slice of pizza looks pretty damn good to me in Arizona.
3
Sick idea for people who should not have dogs.
1
New York pizza is ephemeral. Chicago pizza is interminable. Balance in the pizza-verse can only be achieved by the existence of both.
5
Regarding some of the comments below from dog owners who claim that their dogs are "therapy dogs" so they can take them into stores, etc.:
What can we do to reverse this trend of people falsely claiming that their pets are "emotional support animals" needed closeby for therapeutic reasons at all times? $70 to an Internet "therapist" gets you a certificate and a vest for your dog. My daughter's roommate now takes her Staffordshire terrier everywhere with her, even on airplanes. It's a joke.
Don't get me wrong: I love dogs -- I have two myself. I also deeply respect the role legitimate, trained assistance dogs play in the lives of people with disabilities.
But it's just plain wrong for the non-disabled to game the system this way. It reminds me of how, some years back, Disney World altered its policies regarding speed passes for families of children with actual but invisible disabilities because wealthy families were hiring intermediaries to qualify fraudulently for these passes.
Here's to hoping that I have shamed at least person into throwing away a fake "assistance dog" vest.
Can't we all just try to be slightly better community members?
11
You are so diplomatic and nice to these lazy frauds, who are abusing a system set up for disabled people that REQUIRE a REAL service animal; Also people that park in the handicapped zone, stating "I'll only be there for a second or two" - Then and actually handicapped person will need the space to park… The next car that pulled in the lot that is. That's why am so popular. Another pet peeve is people who get on your tail (gate), flash their lights, etc. in an attempt to get ahead of you – or so that you pull over and let them by – then use their emergency flashers to flicker on and off a couple times for a silent "thank you": this is an abuse of an Emergency lighting system, And should be used by the vehicle that is stopped!
4
Armchair warrior --
My mom taught me long ago that you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar ....
2
I don’t understand how dog owners don’t see how this is *sooo* much better than tying your dog up or not taking them with you at all. The amount of paranoia you feel in a store for even 5 minutes while you leave your dog tied up is horrible. Especially dogs with social anxiety! You want to be able to take them everywhere with you but you can’t leave them alone and exposed. This is honestly brilliant. If you don’t like it, don’t use it but the option is really going to change the lives of so many dogs who would otherwise be tied up or left at home. #teamdogparker #teamtakeyourdogwithyou
7
Chicago Pizza is a cassarole. New York Pizza is pizza with the best in Brooklyn. And, please, no pineapple.
2
As an "outsider" who has eaten pizza in many places, my favorite comes from my own oven. I don't like the thick crust of Chicago pizza. And I am not a real fan of the NY 'slice' that is expected to be folded to keep the toppings from falling off. I like a thin, crispy crust and that is hard to find except in some local places. I have tried Grimaldi's in Brooklyn and it was OK. A good coal-fired oven usually gives a decent crust. Just don't let it sit too long or it gets soggy.
I'll never eat anywhere that allows dogs indoors, nor will I buy groceries in an establishment that allows them. Leave dogs and other pets at home.
5
I do not understand the hubbub surrounding the Dog Parker. My wife and I have a goldendoodle, the epitome of a glamor breed, and he feels safe and sound in a kennel situation. It's because we have kennel trained him from a pup. The Humane Society supports crate/kennel training because it takes advantage of a dogs natural instincts to den which makes them feel safe.
Everyone's dog is different, but I don't see the Dog Parker as inhumane or cruel. Just don't leave your animal in there for hours on end. I'm sure your pet would be more comfortable in a climate controlled den while you run in for a coffee than tied up in the elements or bored and not getting exercise at home.
9
Tyson is not home alone for more than 2-3 hours a day. The rest of the time he is home with his Mom or Dad or both!
1
Oh for God's sake, crate train your dogs!! Crate training gives dogs a safe, anxiety-free haven that you can use in case your dogs needs restraint due to an injury, you are moving or have workmen in the house, or you need a safe way to transport them in a car. Crate training doesn't mean you are leaving them there for hours at a time; you are just ensuring they understand they have a safe, secure place. They aren't going to die if they are safely contained while you go in a store. The door to my dog's crate is always open, and he often goes in there on his own to chew on a toy or take a nap.
2
The "Dog Parker" is an unbelievably bad idea and one which, If it persists, will lead to "Toddler Traps". Ghastly in either case!
2
Hi Woodycut Kid! Dog Parkers are monitored 24/7 so in the event someone tried to put their toddler in one, we would know and contact the customer right away.
5
Dog parker team – –
How would it help to notify the "customer," since the customer would have to be the person who placed toddler into the dog box? Perhaps a better idea to call the police?
3
Be sure to roll the window down a little bit, So the punk or pooch won't overheat and while Parka pooch is sure to notify the person that voluntarily left their phone number, I don't think they'll notify EMS for any unfortunate being locked up in one of boxes… They count on some good citizen to have eyes and do the notifying for them, because I'm sure they don't have a monitoring camera or something of that sort on the box
I'm from New Orleans. I eat gumbo several times each week. Make vats of it and keep at least six types (seafood, chicken, ya-ya, z'herbes, with and without okra, duck, turkey, etc) in the freezer at all time.
But pizza in NOLA or DC where I now live? Rarely. Just not like New York pizza.
Not even the much-praised pies in New Haven - but then college kids eat about anything. Chicago? Tastes like meatloaf with some crust.
I especially like the pizza around Arthur Ave in the Bronx. Always get a few extra slices to munch on the Jersey TP driving home.
NY pizza - hands down. No knife and fork.
2
It's pointless to compare regional foods to other regional foods, and dumb for a freshly re-elected mayor to pooh-pooh one of the very best foods available in his district. He has to know he's stirring the (sauce) pot. Pizza rules. NYC pizza rules. Chicago pizza rules. Our elected officials should not pick winners and losers, even if it's pizza.
4
My dog goes nearly everywhere with me. Occasionally I️ do leave him outside (where I️ can see him) and he tends to get pampered and loved by strangers because he exudes friendliness. I️ live in a sleepy hamlet however. My levels of concern are considerably lower than those posters here who live in your august metropolis.
To me this is just another sad attempt to monetize based on something where perceived need is based on perceived fears.
1
New Haven!
3
Yup. Dogs aren’t the same as cars.
1
Dog Parker doesn't seem like such a bad idea, but I live across the street from one and I've never seen a dog in it. (I do see it being cleaned regularly.) So how are they expanding?
Hi Charles! Yes we clean the houses everyday. You might not see them in use because they are intended for short uses. Most clients trips are less than 10 minutes but we can assure you the houses are being used everyday.
4
I once witnessed a little girl crouched down looking into one of these dog boxes, delighted. When her mom asked what she saw, the girl exclaimed, "A mouse!"
5
Choices are good. You can decide to use a dog parker, or not. Having the option is a good thing.
I wouldn't choose to use a dog parker, but I def would not leave my dog tied to a tree where it could be stolen either. Neither option appeals, but IMHO the dog tied to a tree while trusting passerby's is the poorest choice of the two.
21
I LOVE the dog box idea!! In cities where many walkable errands can be achieved accompanied by your pooch, why not? I would feel so much more at ease knowing my dog was safe and confined vs tied to a pole and vulnerable. In fact, I have stopped taking my dog on errands for that same reason. In saying that, however, how will it look when on a cold and rainy day your dog is safely sheltered while people are sleeping outside? Therein lies the moral dilemma.
13
Yes, much better than leaving the dog at home. Most errands are just a few minutes.
Note, people have homeless shelters to which they can go. Many prefer the streets, especially those with mental health issues.
Boxes should be provided outside restaurants, theaters, etc., for people to crate their children. My dog is better behaved, cleaner and quieter than many children. It always bothers me when I am bothered by noisy, obnoxious and disruptive children (to say nothing of their self-absorbed parents) in places where I cannot bring my dog.
32
If you look carefully in the dictionary under "liberal elite", you'll see a picture of these things.
In the bluest of blue counties, where we all are supposed to recycle, reuse, reduce, stop eating meat, trade in our cars for bicycles, and are happy to lecture the rest of the country about saving the planet, we're very happy to have Little Snowball luxuriate in a climate controlled dog house. The additional carbon foot print is worth it.
This is why people vote for Donald Trump.
3
" . . . we're very happy to have Little Snowball luxuriate in a climate-controlled dog house. The additional carbon foot print is worth it.
"This is why people vote for Donald Trump."
You are correct only to a certain point, Neighbor2.
Many moderates are unhappy, it's true, with the liberals' demonization of, say, Teddy Roosevelt, among others. And we do not like the self-absorbed, smug ranting of college students. Nor do we care for white-washing of the aberrant behavior that makes living in our urban areas problematic.
But attributing Donald Trump's win to silly behavior on the part of "blue states" is a fabrication. He won among people who are just as intolerant, self-absorbed, and self-righteous as those blue-state ultra-liberals -- albeit in a different way: against a woman's right to private medical decisions, against marriage equality, against preserving our environment against the depredations of polluters and developers; against education, against science, against a modicum of gun control, against equal rights.
Trump voters are people who tolerate a heterosexual male's assaults against young women but cannot tolerate a middle-aged gay couple living next door to them. Go figure.
By the way, I inserted a hyphen into your compound adjective: "climate-controlled."
14
Because Trump's lifestyle is down-to-earth and environment-conscious? Huh???
8
Clinton voters are people who tolerate a heterosexual male's assaults against young women. Bill Clinton is a predator; and Hillary is OK with that.
People elected Trump because 1) they were tired of the entrenched establishment; 2) Hillary is a criminal who sold out her country to become a multimillionaire; and 3) Hillary called blue collar workers "the deplorables."
If we are on a dog walk, and I want to stop for a quick errand - maybe get a coffee or pick up laundry- I keep our pup outside, within view. Never longer than 5 minutes.
I’d be hesitant to use this dog house only because it would be filled with the scent of other dogs.
I’d also want more ventilation for him- I like the idea that if someone wants to pet him, when he’s tied up outside, they can. If he was inside this box, it might be more stressful for him, since he is such a social animal.
4
Hi Anise. We have designed our service with the comfort and love of dogs as our top priority! Dog Parker was created as a safer alternate to tying your pup up outside. This is a solution for the people who don't feel comfortable tying their dog up when they need to run a quick errand. Each house is throughly by our maintenance team everyday and each house auto-sanitizes after each use. As more ventilation, each house has plenty of it along with AC/heat depending on the weather. We know that the Dog Parker isn't for every pup, but we've learned once the dog gets acclimated to it, they love it!
1
Ever heard people say, “Oh, I can’t board my dog when we go away. The place always calls me bc my dog is having so much anxiety, he may not make it.” It happens. Dogs are very smart. And they will not like being locked up in a box, knowing someone has left them any more than we would. Unless you’re ok with your dog having an anxiety fueled experience, stay away from these.
I remember the first time I saw one of these in Brooklyn without ever reading or hearing about it. I caught on immediately and my first reaction was to say “Nooooo” out loud that someone did a double take on the street and asked if I was ok. That was my natural reaction.
3
Hi June! We have designed our service with the comfort and love of dogs as our top priority. We understand that the Dog Parker isn't for every pup, but we created it as a safer alternate to tying your pup outside if you need to run into the store quickly. We do not encourage anyone to leave their pup in one if they are feeling stressed and if we see this through our puppy cams (which we monitor 24/7), we will contact the owner right away. Pup safety is our main concern. I myself have a very anxious Pitbull. I put her in one and to my surprise she was very comfortable. Dogs are den animals so you'll be surprised how many take to the houses and win up loving them!
5
They wouldn't have anxiety if you trained them!!!! Dogs naturally gravitate to a small, secure den unless you make them a neurotic mess.
2
I left the city (sigh) in 1991 and have been a pizza snob everywhere I’ve lived since. There is no better slice anywhere, period. Many have tried. Some come close (we have an NYPD pizzeria here in Tucson run by an expat). But nothing has or ever will beat the city.
6
No offense to dogs, but in a city facing increasing scores of homelessness, this 'Dog Parker' comes across as some kind of a mean joke.
37
I too wouldn't take my dogs anywhere where I'd need to leave them unattended. I've heard too many stories of dogs stolen all over Brooklyn. But for those people who must take their dogs shopping, these Dog Parkers seem like a much better alternative to just tying up the pooches to the parking meter. Whether or not the dogs would like waiting inside these boxes is another story; I am pretty sure one of mine would bark hysterically but the other wouldn’t mind at all.
8
Hi Taksa! We have designed our service with the comfort and love of dogs as our top priority. That being said, we created Dog Parker has a safer alternate to tying your pup up outside. We never encourage people to leave their pups in one if they are barking uncontrollably, and if we see this through our pup cams, we will contact the owner right away. We know the houses aren't for every pup, that's why we encourage people to acclimate their dogs to them first, you'll be surprised which dogs love it and won't leave!
A native New Yorker who lived in Chicago, I am so sick of the pizza question! It's like saying which is better, apple pie or chocolate cake? They're entirely different things. I love Chicago style pizza, and I love actual Roman style pizza, but not in place of ny style pizza slices.
Other kinds of pizza can be great. The problem is when the rest of the country tries to do "ny style" pizzas... the chain versions (dominos, I'm looking at you) are revolting, and usually the hand crafted ones aren't very good either (although there may be exceptions.)
15
Were we talking about a dog box or a pizza box? I've forgotten....
Regarding the “And Finally” section on pizza and the Mayor’s press guy
Tune of That’s Amore (one of my favorite classic pizza songs)
When Bill’s media guy
Knocks New York pizza pie
That’s annoying.
When he says hey, no dice
To New York’s perfect slice
That’s annoying.
See his tweet, then see him repeat
So will this unseat that completely wrong fella?
Hornet’s nest, we say ours is blessed
Folded with the best sauce with fine mozzarella.
When Chicago’s deep dish
Is what he finds delish
That’s annoying.
New York pizza is dissed
And we proudly insist he is wrong
Some folks think it is clear
That this poor guy’s career needs destroying.
But like all things with Bill,
This will pass, but it still is annoying!
That’s annoying!
28
"That's annoying" is right, Freddie. Insofar as I'm concerned, when in Rome...
Actually, the best pizza I have ever had was in Rome. However, in NY, I expect NY pizza -- I love it -- and in Chicago, the very different variety. What I do reject is what I call mall pizza, which hasn't changed at all since I was a kid hanging out at Roosevelt Field. Cardboard, anyone?
As always, Freddie, thanks for the lovely song. That's amore!
13
Living on a farm in flyover land it is difficult to even comprehend these boxes. Our world is so different. Here, we need "pods" for the homeless and addicted.
11
I've seen one box in my neighborhood - but never saw a dog in it. I think whoever came up with the idea and designed this does not know a whole lot about dogs. Our dogs (a beagle and a whippet) would hate to be "parked" in it.
5
Hi Catarina! We have designed our service with the comfort and love of dogs as our top priority. Our founder Chelsea actually designed the Dog Parker for her dog Winston, a very anxious dog who refused to get crate-trained, and he now trots right into the Dog Parker - sometimes he even paws at it TRYING to get inside. That being said, we know that the Dog Parker isn’t going to be for every dog, and that’s okay too.
1
Pizza is a matter of taste. If you prefer a thicker, whiter slice, Chicago style pizza is for you. Ours has more red gravy, olive oil and paprika--on a thinner slice.
The one glaring problem with a Chicago pizza slice is not so much the taste, but that it is so thick that you cannot fold it. How in the world can you walk with a coke in one hand and a slice in the other--and eat it unless it is folded? Eating an unfolded slice is like eating a floor tile.
Politically speaking, would it be out of line to advise her that Chicago probably has a press secretary with more common sense then herself? Just sayin!
4
Oops....himself, not herself.
1
I walked a dog almost every day for 7 yrs. Here are the things I learned if you want to avoid trouble with both the dogs and owners.
1-Unless the dog is in a wide open space, always keep you dog on a short lease, especially if another dog is approaching. If the two dogs want to play with each other ask the other owner first if their dog is friendly and make sure there are not people that will be blocked.
2-If you want to let your dog run free, go to a dog run and never let them off the leash outside the dog run. They could be stolen, escape and/or get into a fight with other dogs or people.
3-Re above, never tie your dog to a post and leave them alone at all. Use the dog house mentioned in this article or have somebody else you trust hold the dog.
15
Cargo shorts are awesome.
10
There are times life would be easier if I were allowed to enter a shop with my impeccably behaved 9-pound Chihuahua. Having lived here all my life I know perfectly well where he is and isn't permitted to go. Out of respect for others and in the spirit of cooperation, I leave Rip at home when I go somewhere he is not allowed to enter. It's no big deal.
16
But in my experience most NYers are not so considerate...I find dog owners a very selfish lot.
19
Some are, some aren't. I've run across more than a couple of non-dog people who are obnoxious and rude about it. Takes all kinds.
4
Unfortunately, Michael, you are in the minority. At least in NYC, and I would imagine in other places as well, many dog-owners are entitled and short-sighted narcissists. They lie (by buying fake "companion" dogs certificates and vests from the web), bully, foul the streets and parks, scare children, endanger those allergic to dog dander, make life difficult for seniors and the disabled....and a long and sad etcetera. Food stores, public transport, playgrounds, nothing is off-limits ME ME ME MY DOG MY DOG MY DOG.
3
I love the idea -- if one's dog is used to being crated. It's a good idea until we can take our dogs inside stores and restaurants, like the French. HOWEVER, NYers need to take better care of their dogs and train them. I've been walking other people's dogs recently and have discovered that there are a lot of MESSED UP dogs in NYC. For the most part, they are good dogs who are poorly trained, not trained at all or whose neuroses go unchecked. It's sad. I think that rescues have mismatched dogs with issues with first time dog owners. I also think observe that separation anxiety is rampant with city dogs. Until we train our dogs better, they won't be invited inside.
20
Best pizza is at Kinchley’s in NJ. There, said it.
2
Haven't tried them yet because I live in Manhattan, but I would at least once before knocking it. Dogs naturally like den-like spaces. On the other hand, other dogs' scent could be an issue.
I feel nervous when I leave my dog tied outside and rush whatever I'm doing or constantly check on her. Stressful for both of us. If my dog looked relaxed in them I would use them.
Maybe I look at my dog w rose-tinted glasses to assume she would be stolen, but I've had two strangers wait w my dog and scold me for leaving her outside upon my return. I bring her w me whenever I can.
2
"They cost 20 cents a minute, are temperature-controlled, cleaned daily and have webcams inside."
Cleaned DAILY? That leaves a lot of room for fleas, ticks, and viruses being passed from dog to dog all day before the thing's cleaned. I'd never put my dog into a cage just vacated by another dog.
5
Do you ride public transportation? Sit in restaurants? Go to rest rooms anywhere? Think how ridiculous your comment sounds.
4
My shih tzu is small enough to stick in a bag so if I go in a store, she comes with (she’s also very quiet in her bag, easier to go undetected). But I appreciate the idea of the rental boxes, if I had a bigger dog I might consider. What I would NEVER do is tie her to a pole, too many dogs are stolen each year and that would be devastating.
8
“easier to go undetected”
Undetected until you happen to stand next to someone highly allergic to dogs who has an asthma attack
1
Hi Lynn - an excellent point. But the shih tzu is a hypoallergenic breed. She does not shed or produce dander, she has hair and not fur. Safe for allergies.
I’ve been on maternity leave for the last three months and I walk past the three Dog Parkers in my neighborhood multiple times a day. In that time I’ve seen one occupied once, by a Pomeranian. We have a golden retriever who we tie up when grabbing coffee or a few groceries, and looping her leash around a bike rack works just fine.
2
I hope you're leaving your dog where you can see her. Plenty of dogs get stolen when their well-meaning owners leave them outside unattended.
5
Bring your dog inside "everywhere"?? No. You are certainly free to keep animals in your own house and to walk them on public streets (provided you clean up after them!) I, for one, don't want dogs or other animals in restaurants, bars or retail stores. As for Chicago pizza being better than the average New York slice? You must be kidding.
35
New York slice to Chicago pizza: FUHGEDDABOUTIT!
1
Truthfully? The best pizza I ever had was in Manhattan. My quest to find such a veggie topped, dough-cooked-to-perfection slice elsewhere has yielded no match. Carry on NYC!
4
This seemingly brilliant idea is obviously a huge fail. I live and work in the slope where there are many of these, and many dogs I might add, and have never seen a dog in one. I have a year old golden doodle and I personally would NEVER put him in one. It just seems too weird. What if he freaks out when I leave? I do hate to tie my dog up, but on the rare times I do, I usually come outside to find someone petting him. Seems like a better option than sticking him in a locked box.
3
I spent years as a dog walker in Park Slope and knew of so many instances where dogs were quickly snatched oustisde of stores on 7th and 5th Avenues. Most of these dogs are not recovered... I don't take my dogs on errands, but if I did, I'd rather they "freak out" for a couple of minutes in a secure box than to have them stolen.
9
Hi Tara! Dog Parkers are meant for short uses. Most of our clients use them for under 10 minutes. We can assure you the houses are being used everyday and we never encourage anyone to leave their pup in one if they are freaking out. If we see this through our puppy cams we will contact the owner right away. We have designed our service with the comfort and love of dogs as our top priority. That being said, Dog Parker is a safer alternate to tying your pup up.
2
you would need a thousand of these in our neighborhood to even make a dent in the dog traffic near the grocery stores. I prefer a hitching post that is easy to hook a leash onto. A video camera aimed at the store front with an App to monitor the dog from inside makes more sense to me... A volunteer from the SPCA who watches for dog thieves would also make shopping at a particular store more attractive.
8
A volunteer???? You decided to get a dog-you pay for it's security! NY Times readers: I love dogs--I just hate most dog owners! My lifestyle is not suited for pet ownership: that's why I don't have a dog, it would be fair to the animal!
5
Chicago? What? No pizza - anywhere - compares to Totonno's in Coney Island.
4
Jenna--
Gotta agree. I had two female guests from Germany in town for a few days this summer, and I took them to Coney one afternoon. They experienced a Nathans dog and later, Totonno pizza. Figured if they were to sample two NY staples, they should taste the best.
Not sure any dog would appreciate being locked in a box filled with the scent of every animal who preceded it that day. So many shop owners and hotels accommodate — and even encourage — dogs. We plan our walks and errand runs accordingly, so that my best friend can truly sense that she’s my companion...
11
If my dog is with me, and I need to duck into a store, I pick her up (she's a 20 lb Terrier mix) and carry her into the store. If I get questioned, I simply say that she is my "Therapy Dog". That usually stops any questions.
My dog is like my child, only better. She will never wreck my car, and she is always happy to see me return (unlike some children I know). She never asks about her trust fund or inheritance, and all I need to do is scratch her head and tell her what a good girl she is.
And the best part, you will NEVER sneak up on me. My personal alarm system. "What a good girl you are!"
7
Calling your dog a therapy dog when it is not is extremely harmful to service and therapy dogs which help owners with life threatening situations. For example, a dog that is not properly trained as such, being in an area where there could be working dogs who are on the look out for when their owner may have a seizure or a dog who is helping their owner in a wheelchair navigate the world can be distracting. Not to mention that the more people toss off the idea that their dog is a therapy dog the less likely organizations and businesses are going to believe it, which causes problems for patrons who have legitimate working dogs. I know pets are an important part of everyone's life but for some people they are also saving their life.
46
As a veterinarian I could not agree more. This new trend of lying about your dog being a "Therapy" dog in order to get special privileges is out of control. It does a major disservice to the dogs who spend years training for special services(seeing eye, hearing impaired, etc.) Too many people prefer to cheat the system when they don't like the rules rather than trying to change them through the proper channels. And I think the "pay to leave your dog crates" are a TERRIBLE idea. I can just see the anxious dogs freaking out behind the plexiglass as their owners walk away, or the fear aggressive dogs barking and frenzied as people walk by. I would never leave my dog in one of those. Not to mention the risk of spreading contagious diseases!
25
'If I get questioned, I simply say that she is my "Therapy Dog".'
But Fred, is she your therapy dog? I don't think I could just sashay into a store and lie to the shopkeeper. It doesn't do.
18
Recently moved from NYC to MA. You asked for comments on the dog box. I take my dog everywhere and will tie outside as long as I can see him fro inside. I also leave him in car as long as the temperature is okay. In summer I leave the ac on and car unlocked. I have a Prius which will run the ac off battery until the battery runs out which is a long time but usually I am just running into a store to get a few things. I would not leave a gas car running because of the emissions. So that is the background.
I would not leave a dog in the box because dogs get very scared in confined spaces. It takes a long time to get them used to crates at home. Putting them into an unfamiliar box would stress them out too much. Whoever thought this up, while well intentioned, doesn’t not understand dogs.
8
You would leave your dog in a box but you would leave your dog alone in your car as long as the temperature is ok--what does that mean? Temperature outside or inside the car, which is magnified by the windows? There is a reason this is illegal in Florida...yeah, it gets hot in Massachusetts too!
4
Pretty soon humans will be so cheap, the handful of rich dog owners will be paying the rest of us to walk and play with their fur babies; no box needed.
Hi Susan! We have designed our service with the comfort and love of dogs as our top priority. Dog are actually den animals, so most of the time being in a confined space makes them more comfortable. However we know this isn't the case sometimes so we do not encourage anyone to leave their dog in one if they are stressing out and if we see this through our puppy cams, we will contact the owner right away. Our founder Chelsea actually designed the Dog Parker for her dog Winston, a very anxious dog who refused to get crate-trained, and he now trots right into the Dog Parker - sometimes he even paws at it TRYING to get inside. That being said, we know that the Dog Parker isn’t going to be for every dog, and that’s okay too.
Never! Who knows if the previous dog might've been sick and left germs. I would not take my dogs on errands. They get their own quality time. It's called a walk.
20
I'm surprised no one in the article mentioned disease or cleanliness.
1
Hi Melanie! Each house is equipped with a UVC sanitation light that goes off after each use and kills all diseases, bacteria and germs.
2