My Urban Sherpa

Dog spelled backwards…

It’s Monday morning at 8:30 as I enter Central Park at West 72nd Street. I’ve done this trip before so I expect to see dogs. New York loves dogs and Central Park is Manhattan Island’s biggest dog run. For no particular reason, I decide to count how many dogs cross my path before I exit the Park at East 60th Street.

Even a cat lover like me can appreciate a dose of early AM canine energy.

I’m past 30 as I stroll by the Sheep Meadow Café: dogs of all shapes, sizes, ages, and breeds. Human companions almost as equally diverse. By the time I reach the Mall, I’ve encountered 60 dogs. When I get to Balto, it’s over 70.

As I approach the zoo, the dogs are now on leashes but no less plentiful. The artists are setting up shop for the day when I hit 80. I glance up at an American Elm and see a solitary raccoon watching me…and all the dogs.

Just before I exit the Park on my way to the W Train, Dog #81 strolls by and I’m sure it’s gonna be a good day.

(Mickey Z. can be found at www.mickeyz.net)

Bedtime for Bonzo?

We love our dog whisperers, our animal planets, and our funniest pet videos. Put all of them together and, well…you sort of get “The Sex Lives of Animals,” now on exhibit at the Museum of Sex. When we say the city never sleeps, we’re not kidding.

Sunday – Friday: 11:00am – 6:30pm

Saturday: 11:00am – 8:00pm

233 Fifth Avenue (@ 27th Street)

Jeff Koons on the Roof of the Met

The Metropolitan Museum of Art presents an installation of sculptures by American artist Jeff Koons on the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden, which offers a spectacular view of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.

Beverage and sandwich service is available from 10:00 a.m. until closing, including Friday and Saturday evenings.

Bike During Wartime

David Byrne, according to the New York Times, is “an installation artist, author, blogger, recording executive, photographer, film director and PowerPoint enthusiast. He’s even been known to dabble in music.” New Yorkers can now happily add: “bike rack designer.”

Byrne’s blog describes his collaboration with the New York City Department of Transportation and New York art gallery PaceWildenstein here.

You may ask yourself: “Well, how did I get here?”

Relax. It’s Sunday.

Travelling to New York? Bring along your dog.

People often wonder what to see in New York, what guidebook to consult, whose recommendations to heed, what time of year to visit…I would like to offer that visiting New York with a friendly dog is an excellent way to see New York and to meet New Yorkers.Dog in tow, you won’t be able to enter the M.E.T or MoMA, but perhaps you’ve seen the current exhibition elsewhere, or perhaps you visit museums because you think you ought to. Visiting New York with a dog means that you will enjoy the city and her residents in a way no guidebook, nor concierge, not even, or perhaps only, Bill Fischer can arrange without renting you a dog.People who love dogs are the warmest people. Whether or not they own a dog, people who like dogs are worth liking. Bring your dog to New York and you’ll meet people worth meeting.New York can use some warming up. I lived in a building of Gramercy Park for several years knowing no one, no one knowing me, until I adopted a castaway Dalmation named Coco who soon became my identity in my building and neighborhood. I became known to the dog-owning and dog-loving population in my building and my neighborhood as Coco’s mother.Here is my short list of places where you and your dog can fall in love with New York, and her residents.If you are coming downtown with your dog, stay at theSoho Grand310 West Broadway @ Canal & Grand (212) 965-3000If you are coming uptown, stay at the Lowell.28 East 63rd Street @ Madison & Park Avenues (212) 838-1400 The Carlyle35 East 76th Street @ Park & Madison Avenues (212) 744-1600Many neighborhood restaurants with sidewalk tables accommodate diners with dogs. Officially you may not bring a dog to the restaurant, but many restaurants permit dogs under toe at their café tables. Rather than bring the attention of the Department of Health to the establishments we like, let’s say that the neighborhoods with lots of outdoor cafes are Battery Park, the East Village, Union Square, Gramercy, the Upper East Side and Upper West Side.For sure, you can bring your dog to Shake ShackMadison Square Park @ 23rd & Madison (212) 889-6600There are recommendations on dog-friendly bars for the public at Chow Hound.If you’d like to outfit your dog with luxuries or necessities, you’ll want to visitCanine Styles Uptown1195 Lexington Avenue @ 81st & 82nd Streets (212) 472-9440trixie + peanut23 East 20th Street @ Broadway & Park Avenue South (212) 358-0881And don’t miss Central Park. The park’s 843 acres provide miles of walking paths and its green lawns are often overflowing with friendly dogs. Local playgroups dot the park and provide ample socialization. There are a few rules you need to obey. Keep your dog on a short leash between 9 am and 9 pm. If your dog is aggressive, never let him off the leash. Finally, always pick up after your dog. Central Park Paws lists more information.For more information, visit the dog listings at My Urban Sherpa or UrbanHound.com