When the dog walker gets sick.

Dog walkers are among the seemingly indestructible, ranking right up there with the U.S. Postal worker, because not rain nor sleet nor hail stays the dog walker from his or her appointed mission.

For the dog walker who works for a service, getting sick isn’t too complicated because there will be others to cover the assignments.  For independent contractors, like myself, there is an enormous amount of angst attached with calling in sick.

Personally, I try to hide the times when I am ill from my clients, preferring to show up and get through the assignments.  That is, as long as I can stand up and walk.  On the days, like today, when I am truly down for the count, I have no choice but to call off the walk.

And then I am wracked with worry about losing the job to another walker or the housekeeper.  My dear and loyal clients assure me I’m indispensable, but, we all know, no one is truly indispensable.

Today, recent events and ill health caught up with me.  I know I’m out for the week (and I hope that is going to be enough time for me to regain the strength I need to get back to walking).  I miss “my” dogs.  I hate disappointing my people.  I hate giving in to illness.

Gosh I wish I knew how to take the time I need without feeling so awful about it.

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Cold, cold dog-walker in NYC today.

As you can see from my photograph of Rochester the English Springer Spaniel in Central Park, the sun was piercing bright, despite the freezing air.

It felt colder today than yesterday, even though temperature-wise, it was warmer, but, still freezing.  The sun, however, was strong and clear and such a gift on a cold, cold day.  Especially when a person has dragged herself outside on a day when she really should have stayed in bed with some nagging virus.  I did hear something about a sun spot reported?  I’m not sure.  Maybe I dreamed it.

So I picked up Rochester (English Springer Spaniel) and we walked South (that’s downtown in Manhattan) around twenty-five block, and then cut West across Central Park to Columbus Avenue and headed North (that’s uptown).  By the time we got to the 72nd Street entrance to the park at Central Park West, I could barely lift my feet to take a step.  Rochester, however, was prancing along eager to find squirrels and give me a chance to shout “leave it!” 

Walking along in the cold air, it was fairly quiet and my mind kept going back to that poor family whose baby boy was killed by their pet dog.  Honestly, I think it could happen to anyone with any breed of dog, but, I do wish people who choose to bring powerful dogs with bites that can kill in a second would do so with greater planning as to how they’ll manage their little humans and keep both dog and family safe from harm, even accidental harm.  Stuff happens.

And I thought a lot about the fire fighter who lost his life in Crown Heights last night in an apartment building fire.  And the elderly couple who died in their home this weekend in Yonkers when their space heater sparked a fire amid their clutter (both people were in their mid-eighties, alone, and obviously unable to keep up with housekeeping).  There’s a hidden story here about people forced to use space heaters or stoves when they can’t afford heating oil or gas, or, when the landlord is barely providing enough heat in freezing weather.

Thought alot too about Britney Spears and how messed up she is.  Too late for her?  Not too late for her children.

Then, thought about how tired I am.  There’s something about wearing woolen tights, three pair of socks, boots, jeans, two sweaters, a hat, and a down coat with a hood that makes walking a dog for two hours a most exhausting experience.

I swear tonight I feel like I climbed the Matterhorn.

We did manage to get in a fifteen minute rest on a sun-drenched bench over looking Hernshead and The Lake.  As I’ve already said, that bright sky and gorgeous sun was a wonderful gift and I’m so thankful.

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Too cold for dog walking today.

And yet, there we all were, out walking the dogs.  Days like today I feel really badly for the small dogs being walked in packs with larger dogs, waiting on the cold sidewalks while walker goes in to drop off a dog or pick one up, being pulled along the sidewalks for longer walks than the dogs really need in such freezing temperatures.  The small ones really don’t need to be outdoors for hours on end.

As for me and Rochester, we had Central Park to ourselves, pretty much.  We only had one hoard of tourists break the icy silence.  Of course, there was one rude dog.  There’s always at least one it seems.

Maltese off leash leaving the park at the East 76th Street path, at 10:00 A.M., a good hour after the off-leash period.  Thankfully, the owner leashed the dog for me when asked and didn’t put me through the usual bull I have to tolerate (“what are you, the police?” is one of the more polite comments I hear).

Good thing too.  I’m not sure Rochester cares whether the small animal is a squirrel or a small dog–to him, its all prey.

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First walk of 2008

It felt really good to see Rochester (English Springer Spaniel) again this morning.   I didn’t realize how I had been missing him.

Rochester is my only big dog (mine meaning a dog I walk or sit for).  Walking a big dog is something of a break for a small dog person.  You won’t believe this, but, big dogs are easier to walk.

I think it may be because they are in closer contact with the arm, and, definitely easier to maintain eye contact with a bigger dog.  One small dog who shall remain nameless almost caused me to break my neck going down the stairs here the other day.  Out of the blue she (there’s a hint) broke from walking behind me and to the left and crept in between my legs as I walked down a step.  Good thing I had my free hand on the banister.

Central Park was cold and gray looking, but, I was happy to be back out walking the park lanes.  Rude Dog Alert:  Of course, the first thing we see is a female jogger with her Golden Retriever, off leash, walking alone way behind her.   My heart was in my mouth as they crossed the main drive–cars are still running.  And of course, it was after 9:00 A.M. and time for all good dogs to be leashed in Central Park.

I watched as a Parks Patrol car came into sight.  Jogger bent down and took the dog by the collar until the PP passed and was out of sight, then promptly jogged off onto the Bridal Path, dog still off leash.  N.B.  Dogs are never allowed off leash in the Bridal Path area–that’s a “dogs must be leashed at all times” posted area, protected for the horses and the wildlife (not to mention the other joggers).

Not in any mood to crusade for the cause (that is, for people to stop being rude dogs and leash their dogs), I walked in the opposite direction to avoid any confrontation.

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Rainy Day in NYC: December 27, 2007

Rainy dog day in NYC and all the dogs and puppies are staying in bed, being very lazy.  Which is, in fact, just fine with me.

A hectic day.  After Gilbert Kitty’s sudden heart failure and death this past weekend, I had to get his brother, blind Sullivan in for an echocardiogram and diagnosis.  How heart-wrenching it is to withhold food and water from a blind cat!  His cries this morning were pitiful and I couldn’t get him into a carrier and taxi to the vet’s office quickly enough.

I’m going to join the pup’s for a nice winter’s nap.

Lola Toy Poodle is doing better, but, only if I stick to her small, bland meals of boiled skinless chicken and simmered 20 minute rice, pureed nice and soft.  It’s ok with me if that’s what she wants to eat, as long as she tolerates it and these meals keep the bloody diarhhea away. 

Bloody stool in a small dog is nothing to take lightly so we’re being very cautious.  Lola doesn’t seem to mind having me cook for her.  Oh, check out the size difference between these two Toy Poodles, Parker (the parti-colored TP) and Lola, the red.  Lola is NOT huge–it’s Parker who is teeny.

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December 21, 2007: The Grinch of Rockefeller Center

Rochester, Springer Spaniel,
at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, 2006

Every year, for as long as I can remember, I walk a dog or bring my own dogs to The Plaza at Rockefeller Center, to visit “the tree.”  I don’t have many Christmas traditions, but, checking out the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree with my dogs has been my one holiday tradition and joy.

Soon after the tree had been raised this year, but, before it was decorated, I walked with Rochester (the Springer Spaniel) thirty blocks downtown to Rockefeller Center to check out the tree.  As we approached the plaza, a guard rushed up to us and stuck his hand in my face and pronounced “no dogs allowed.”

What?  Since when?  The guard said it was the policy, set by Jerry Speyer (Tishman-Speyer Properties)  Believe me when I say I was deeply hurt and walked away with my tail between my legs.  Imagine a year without Christmas.  That’s what it feels like to me.  This is my first year without a visit to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree with my dogs and for us, it is a year without Christmas.I wonder if Matt Lauer and Meredith Viera and Al Roker of The Today Show are aware of this new restriction?

I watched the Tree Lighting ceremony on TV and when I saw the smiling Grinch-Jerry Speyer, I had to turn the program off.

I’m tired of tilting at windmills, otherwise I would make a huge public stink about this.  I think it is a very sad commentary on New York and dogs.

Suffice to say, shame on Jerry Speyer and Tishman-Speyer Properties, the real estate Grinches of NYC.

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December 20, 2007: Extra! Norovirus and dogs

The dreaded Winter Vomiting Bug has arrived.  It’s the Norovirus (or Norwalk Virus).  Now, there is nothing I can find (as of this writing) to indicate that it is a zoonetic virus, one that can be transmitted to or from our dogs.  However, it is awfully coincidental that just when we humans get caught in a a period when Norovirus is striking, an awful lot of dogs seem to experience some sort of stomach bug as well.

Pure coincidence?  Possible.

I do know one thing for certain:  nasty things are transmitted to humans and other animals from that dog poop some people leave lying around.  More than being courteous and abiding by The Pooper Scooper Law, we can help keep viral bugs at bay by picking up after our dogs at all times.

Be safe when you scoop that poop and use a heavy duty doggie poop bag.  Use a bag that can be securely closed and discard of it responsibly in the trash.  Carry a hand sanitizer for your use after poop-scooping, and, wash your hands frequently with hot soapy water.  Remember to keep the soap working for the length of time it takes to sing the Happy Birthday song.  A quick wash isn’t enough to eliminate germs.

When it comes to poop bags, I am not a fan of the biodegradable hand gloves calledScoopies because they aren’t quite heavy-duty enough and I’ve had glove failure (ick).  I haven’t yet sampled the flushable bags, and can’t see much use for them for dog walkers.  They might be very useful for paper trained dogs who “go” indoors, or, people who let their dogs potty in their yards.

The blue baggies, Bags On Board, are very popular here in NYC and they’re ok if you have a small dog and small poo to contend with.  Again, I’ve experienced bag failure with these and they’re not my favorite, although they will do in a pinch.

I can’t find my favorite online, but, they are available at Petland Discount stores.  They’re black and heavy and have never failed me.  Unfortunately, I buy them so routinely, I can’t remember what their brand name is.

At home, a mild Clorox (bleach) solution (or perhaps that new Clorox hard surface spray cleaner) is a must for every pet owner.  A little bit of bleach goes a long way toward sanitizing your home. 

For information on the Norovirus, check this link to the CDC:  What Are Noroviruses?

I so don’t want to get the Winter Vomiting Bug.  And I hope you stay well too!

 PS:  If anyone out there actually catches their dog’s poops as they free fall, you’ll be interested in this product:  Doogie Poop Catcher.  For my clients, this is where I draw the line.  I don’t do poop catching.

Edited January 3, 2008:  I’ve noticed a number of people surfing to this entry and wanted to stress, if your dog is in distress, please get professional medical help right away, especially if your dog is very young or very old, and, most especially if yours is a small breed dog or new puppy.  Please see this link for more information on hemorragic gastroenteritis (bloody diarhhea) and note also that if you have a puppy or young dog that hasn’t been vaccinated, the problem may be a serious virus and you need to see a veterinarian post haste.

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December 20, 2007: Children and Dogs Part Two

Some days, walking a dog on the streets of New York City is more like maneuvering through an obstacle course.  What’s the biggest obstacle?  Nannies and strollers.

With all due respect to my nanny friends whom I adore and who are wonderful with their charges, I’m afraid they are the exception to the rule.

Case in point, this morning on Madison Avenue, Rochester and I were forced into the road by an oncoming nanny pushing a stroller.  This nanny (a young girl who looked too young to be given charge of my dog let alone my two-year-old in a stroller) was in her own world, walking on the wrong side of the sidewalk (remember the pedestrian is to keep to the right?), pushing the stroller with just one hand while the other held her cell phone to her ear.

She could care less about who was heading towards her.  In fact, she seemed to care little about the toddler in the stroller.  This nanny, like many I encounter, was just too engaged in her phone conversation to notice anything, not even that she was pushing the toddler right into the face of a dog.

Often, the nannies are walking side-by-side, sometimes three across with their strollers, taking up the entire sidewalk and having a grand old time chatting with one another.  Ever wonder why your child has lost a shoe or sock or mitten? Chances are, it flew off and the nanny didn’t notice its loss.

One of the more dangerous things I see is the nanny who stands at a street corner, with the stroller or carriage pushed out ahead of her in traffic while she remains  safely up on the sidwalk.   This is just so dangerous.  Not only is there the awful chance an oncoming car or truck will hit the stroller, but, many cars and trucks back up and don’t see those strollers (and often the nanny is looking at oncoming traffic and unaware of the danger of a car moving back out of a parking space at the corner).

I may be a little more sensitive to this than most because my mother almost lost two of her children this way to a truck, in the Bronx.  She had my brother in the stroller and was holding my sister’s hand and the stroller went right under the truck.  Fortunately, it cleared the wheels and injuries were minor.  Please advise your nannies to always keep the strollers and carriages up on the sidewalk when waiting to cross the street.

To any mom’s and dad’s reading this, how I wish you would have a conversation with your nanny about stroller ettiquette on the sidewalks of New York, as well as stroller safety.  Better still, some day, do a little spy work and check on how your nanny is handling the stroller and her passenger. 

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December 19, 2007: Children and Dogs–thumbs up!

Began the day with a long trek downtown to bring cat Gilbert to our doc’s office for an echocardiogram, after his near fatal heart failure event last week and emergency hospitalization at the Animal Medical Center (where everything is so dang costly it is almost impossible to save your own pet without a little help from a friend or two).

Arrived to walk Rochester a little off my game.  We wandered and strolled a little less briskly than usual but made our way through Central Park to exit at around 68th Street and Central Park West.

There we encountered the most adorable little girl munchkin, probably no more than two years old, all bundled up and wearing a gold puffy down jacket.  Her Mom was busy buttoning up another adorable little munchkin and didn’t immediately notice me approaching with Rochester.  Munchkin #1 did see us and she stood pointing and on the brink of running up to us.

Rochester assumed his sit/stay and I put myself between him and the little one.  It was then that Mom saw us and said “oh I will move the girls over this way.”  And she was so grateful to us for stopping and waiting for her to move the girls. 

I explained that Rochester is perfectly sweet, but, he gets so excited he might frighten the girls.  And she said that’s exactly what usually happens.  The girls want to say hi to the dogs but then they get more than they bargained for and get too frightened.  She thanked us most sincerely for waiting until she could get hold of her little ones.

I thanked her for understanding and doing her part to keep everyone safe and happy.

Good dog!  Good girls!  Great Mom!

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December 18, 2007: Please and Thank You

An interesting walk this morning.  First, because of a close encounter with Paul McCartney, on Madison Avenue, near the Carlyle Hotel.  Be still my heart.

After I regained my composure, Springer Spaniel Rochester and I continued walking down Madison Avenue.  He was such a courteous dog.  When we encountered a woman with a rambunctious and young wire haired terrier of some sort and the woman was having a difficult time with the dog who was a little dog aggressive, Rochester sat, looked at me, and put himself in a down/stay.  I blocked the terrier’s view of Rochester as the woman passed by.  And was very happy when she called “thank you!” Two little words go such a long way to making a person feel good.

For the remainder of the day, I made a point of being extra courteous to everyone, with the magic phrases that can move mountains:  pardon me, please, and thank you.

Try it.  You’ll like it!

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