Meet Oscar
6/26/2007:
Hoboken411 becomes a loving dog owner!
Sigh. Say hello to the official Hoboken411 “Mascot”, Oscar.
Yep, I did what I thought I’d never do again; become a dog owner. Although I am very much around during the day, I somehow held off on the responsibility of caring for another living being. Didn’t think I’d be ready for the constant commitment. I’ve had dogs before (via roommates, or by being bamboozled by an ex-girlfriend, etc), this is the first time I’ve made the choice myself.
A friend of mine had fostered this dog that was rescued by the Holly Waggy Tails Rescue group in New York. Oscar was found near 190th St. along Highbridge park in Upper Manhattan. To put that in perspective, it’s nearly 11 miles from the World Financial Center. He was apparently chained to a fence for more than 3 days. He was rescued on June 2nd, given all his shots, and (sadly for him) neutered as well.
When she sent me the email, I was immediately drawn to this pup. A 45lb Chow mix (they believe Collie) that reminded me of my favorite dog growing up, “Ice”, who was a chow that a friend from high school had. Was a very cool dog. Could even speak German!
So I took the plunge, and now I’m (happily) stuck with this 2-year old hound. Life goes on without any harsh disruptions (other than spending a little money on him!)
He’s been practically the ideal mutt so far. No accidents inside, no jumping on furniture, and no household damage. No excessive barking (unless someone is coming up the stairs), minimal whining, hardly “needy”, and a super temperament with other dogs.
I believe this responsibility is good for me, because it forces me into somewhat of a better (and earlier) routine. While I spend time with him, I also get to see even more of Hoboken, meet some great people that I normally wouldn’t be interacting with on a regular basis, and of course, more exercise. I’m sure I’ll be annoyed when it’s pouring rain, 10 degrees outside, or if I’m under the weather, that will be the exception rather than the norm.
I carry like 15 extra dog bags with me, too (so I’ll never end up on my own website as a “poop offender” – and $2,000 poorer).
Any advice fellow dog owners can provide? One reader already recommended some flea/tape worm medicine (Sentinel). What are some tried and true golden rules for owning a dog in Hoboken? Where do you get them washed/bathed? (I tried Hoboken unleashed last week for a bath.. pretty good). What about vet care? Or dog walkers or boarding places in case you take a vacation? I’m sure I can get some volunteers to help watch him though.
Overall, I’m very pleased with this animal. He’s very loyal, stays by my side all the time, and is very low maintenance (for the time being.)
See a few more pics below.
35 Responses to ** Meet Oscar **
June 26th, 2007 |
Congrats, 411 – sounds like a lucky puppy!
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June 26th, 2007 |
Wait, I thought the lazy squirrel was the mascot!
Congrats on the pup.
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June 26th, 2007 |
I’m sure, like you said, some of your fine readers will volunteer to help you out from time to time, in light of your humane act. I unfortunnately can’t, I’m allergic (I’ll be waiting for the first Yoda comment, like my skin is already green, etc.). Plus, no pets allowed in my building.
On another note, that shot of Oscar and the cannon in Stevens brings back memories. That thing has been there for years, since as far back as I can remember in the early 70s. I haven’t actually walked up there in a long time. Does anyone out there know exactly when it was put there?
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June 26th, 2007 |
How adorable
Congrats!!
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June 26th, 2007 |
I, for one, would like to welcome our new Canine Overlord.
I found this funny:
“He’s been practically the ideal mutt so far. No accidents inside, no jumping on furniture, and no household damage. No excessive barking (unless someone is coming up the stairs), minimal whining, hardly “needy”, and a super temperament with other dogs.”
Sort of sounds like what you are looking for in a girl, too. LOL.
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June 26th, 2007 |
Llongyfarchiadau! (Congratulations!)
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June 26th, 2007 |
In response to Furey who said:
I think that’s doable (except for the accidents!)
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June 26th, 2007 |
Wow, he’s adorable!
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June 26th, 2007 |
Congrats on your new puppy. As for bathing, a neighbor of mine goes to the PetSmart in Secaucus and is very pleased with the groomers there. I have a little shih tzu, so I give her a bath in our laundry sink. Good luck!
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June 26th, 2007 |
Congrats 411! I’ve used Dierdre, the groomer at Hoboken Animal Hospital on 7th and Washington for the past 2 years, I’m very happy with her.
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June 26th, 2007 |
In response to Lady who said:
411, you sly little devil. You are gonna get so much tail outta this move. You dog you.
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June 26th, 2007 |
Good for you & lucky Oscar. Later on, I’ll post around the questions you noted in your write-up, re suggestions for groomers, vets, walkers, etc.
As I’m sure you’re discovering, you won’t find a better best friend in the entire world! Congratulations!
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June 26th, 2007 |
My dog advice:
- City offers free rabies shots twice a year…take advantage.
- Animal Infirmary on 6th & Adams is MUCH cheaper than the hospital on 7th & Washington.
- Join Hoboken Dog Association (www.hobokendogs.org) – most of the pet stores around Hoboken give a 10% discount. Cornerstone Pets does anyway. Tons of resources on their site for dog walkers, parks outside Hoboken…
- The dog run on 4th & Park smells like pee most of the time. And attracts the more irresponsible dog owners (not to say all are – but thats the concensus)…the dog run in Elysian Park is cleaner. Take advantage of the dog runs – I got many great tips, advice, suggestions, etc. just from talking to people while there.
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June 26th, 2007 |
In response to ANONMOM who said:
I take my lab there. the people are great and it is by far the cheapest I have I have have ever paid. (36 dollars) includes nails and teeth brushed.
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June 26th, 2007 |
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww whosagoodboy? whosagoodboy? yesyouare yesyouare!
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June 26th, 2007 |
When’s the steelcage deathmatch of Oscar vs Oliver?
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June 26th, 2007 |
In response to Furey who said:
HAHA Oliver definitely has the advantage – grumpy old man. Oscar’s too sweet, Oliver took all of his toys and growled when he even walked past.
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June 26th, 2007 |
Don’t worry a few weeks with 411 and Oscar will be as angry and jaded as the rest of us.
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June 26th, 2007 |
Congratulations!! I am so happy for you. Can’t wait to meet him!!
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June 26th, 2007 |
Stabone, above, covers alot of good resources. Hoboken Dog Assn. does have great information.
And revisiting Oscar’s pics….he looks just delightful & somewhat small for a 2 y.o. Chow…curious about what else is in there, too, as he looks more squat??
And looks like he had a blast at the Church Sqr. Park dog-run!! I can only imagine he’s in heaven w/411, after having been tied up in Innwood.
So, here are my opinionated recommendations, based on 411′s queries…. And this may be a LONG post….
Dog Groomer: Deirdre is totally wonderful & loving. But some folks don’t like the vibe in the basement at Hoboken Animal Hospital. Another great groomer is Corinne Wahl, who grooms out of 127 Park. Her # is 201.610.9527. She’s so busy now, appointments need to be scheduled 2 wks. in advance. Easier than schlepping to PetSmart.
Vet: Yes, Animal Infirmary is far superior to Hoboken Animal Hospital. Both competence & the Ka-Ching factor. I especially like Lisa Capelli.
Walkers: Many out there. Some better than others & some to be avoided (Pat’s Pets/Brian Freedman’s business). Audrey Mahar is especially wonderful: 201.232.9204.
Obedience Training: Joana Watsky, Sit & Stay, 201.933.3369. She trains at the Elk’s Club on Weds. nights, but also does private home training. All positive behavior-shaping. She’s really wonderful.
And on her lead, if you haven’t gotten Oscar a Gentle Leader harness, I’d suggest you do that ASAP. It’s the very best way to help Oscar walk on leash w/out pulling. Gives the correction at the sternum, instead of the throat or snout. Both Beowoof & Cornerstone sell it.
Dog Runs: Wonderful in concept. Horribly maintained in reality & a major breeding ground for contagion. For ex., there’s been a major outbreak of giardia & roundworm, mostly, I suspect, via the dog runs. Nasty, nasty intestinal parasites that are often asymptomatic in dogs & can also be transmitted to dog owners. Not the way anyone really wants to lose weight—unless you like the Maria Callas weight-loss method of eating a tapeworm….
The Dog Assn. has tried, for such a long time, to have the runs maintained more conscientiously (Odor-Mute, etc.), w/little effect.
Perhaps now that Peter Cunningham (a kingpin in the Dog Assn.) is the 5th Ward Councilperson, there might be some shift in the City’s dog run maintenance.
Boarding: Many folks seem to like Boca in JC & also the woman in either Weehawken or UC, I believe it is? There’s also a fabulous place in Morristown: Morris Animal Inn. It’s not cheap, but it’s a wonderful place.
Guess I’m revealing just how dog-centric I am. Honestly, I prefer dogs to most people. They ask for so very little & offer so very much. And they’re very intuitive, much more so than many folks I know.
And finally, which I’ve posted elsewhere….after dogs have their one-year booster-shots, aside from rabies, they have lifetime immunity, as per the protocol at all the vet-schools in the U.S. Research on over-vaccination has shown links to disease in later life, esp. Cushing’s Disease.
Perhaps more info. than anyone wants or needs, but hope it’s helpful….
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