"Isn't it cruel to keep a dog in the city?" I can't tell you how many times I've been asked that question. I look down at the pooches waiting, politely but somewhat impatiently, at my feet. They looked happy, healthy and restless at my loitering to prattle on about something which they obviously feel is pointless. "No," I answered, "I think that city dogs have it better than most!" Kallei and Kipling apparently took this to be the end of the conversation as they set off resolutely towards Central Park. 
Better than most? How could that be? I don't have a fenced yard, actually, I don't have any yard, I live in a studio apartment, decent sized by NYC standards, but still one room (unless you call the bathroom a "den".)
The city is noisy, busy and smoggy. I've been known to work long hours. And yet I claim that my dogs have it better than most!
Yup, I think they do! City dogs have it best. They are never just dumped outside to provide their own entertainment and exercise; after all, you can't just let your dog roam Manhattan! So few have a chance to develop neurotic behavior without it being immediately noticed, and nipped in the bud, by their owners. They have plenty
of canine buddies that the play with every day. If I'm home from work early enough, they can go for a swim in the somewhat greenish Central Park lake (what can I say, they seem to enjoy it.) They are well socialized with a wide variety of people and in a wide variety of situations. And they can go shopping at Bloomingdales. Well, maybe the last is really my own pleasure, but there's a trendy pet store just a few blocks up from Bloomies and the sales clerk always has a few treats to share.
But of course, the joy of choosing a smaller companion for city living is that your dog is not stuck in the kennel when
you want to bolt for the weekend thanks to the miracle of the airline bag. Although these are designed specifically for small dogs for airline travel, if you start training from puppyhood, I've managed to convinced my 16.5 inch, 30+ pound mini Aussie, Kallei, to enjoy traveling in a medium. While this does place some wear and tear on my shoulders, I don't use it to carry her long distances. Rather, it's ideal to hop on the subway for a ride downtown to my friends' place. Of course, I bring Kallei and Kip so they can play with Hans and Franz, their Rottweilers. It's equally useful for weekend trips to favorite weekend retreats! Don't allow pets on the bus? I have yet to be stopped for bringing two on board "packed" as luggage.
And of course, the restaurants. While federal restrictions prevent dogs from being seated inside
most restaurants (the French really have it so much better!), during the warmer months, many restaurants (and all our favorites) have sidewalk cafés set up, in which the well behaved pooch is welcome to lounge by the table. Kallei and Kip can usually be kept entertained by passing them the odd morsel of Sag Panir (they're crazy about that homemade cheese) or leftover maki rolls.
Most NYC parks are relatively dog friendly during off-hours, that is, before 9:00 AM and after 6:00 PM. And there are numerous dog runs available at all hours. If you are going to be working late, don't forget the option of doggie daycare available in several locations. Or just call the dogwalker for that day.
The annual Dog Walk and Blessing of the Animals as St. Francis' church are just some of the events planned with dogs specifically in mind. There are a dozen dog training schools in Manhattan alone, and several more qualified independent trainers. And it seems
there's a groomer on every corner. Pet supply stores range from the larger discount chains to specialty boutiques, in case you want a matching collar and coat set for man's (and woman's) best friend.
So, by all means, if you or someone you know is wondering whether it's fair to keep an urban pooch, I am assuring you that it is! Just next time you take a stroll, don't forget a few extra plastic bags. Membership has its responsibilities.
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