Twitter user @txl201 caught a man on a unicycle walking his dog down Atlantic Avenue in Boerum Hill this afternoon.
Sure we’ve seen dog walkers of all shapes and sizes — even one on a scooter. But a unicycle? Heck, the only cool person we know of who rides one is Adam Carolla. But that’s another story.

So, what do you think? Is it crazy or awesome? You decide.

Yup a guy on a unicycle walking his dog… #brooklynheights #notnormal #dogwasembarrassed http://t.co/9slKp1j9H3

— ?TR?V? (@TXL201) October 3, 2013

Source: Cobble Hill Blog
http://cobblehillblog.com/archives/9124

Juno with Kate, Paddington, Winnie,and Ballo

When Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition took in a pregnant cat who appeared  after Hurricane Sandy, the organization had no idea that she would become a TV star.

Juno gave birth to three of her own kittens, and then the magnanimous mom also adopted an orphan kitten, nursing her along with her own babies, who are now all of adoptable age and who will be featured at this Sunday’s Maddie’s Pet Adoption Days free adoption event in Union Square.

Also attending the event will be an Animal Planet television crew, filming the final episode of a Too Cute series that will feature Juno and her babies, focusing on the day that they get adopted and get to go to their forever home.

“She was just an amazing mother to her own kittens,” BBAWC’s Anne Levin said of Juno. “She’s incredibly sweet and good-natured.”

“In February we got a call from Animal Care and Control—not everyone will take orphan bottle babies, and these were particularly sad cases, and Juno was just so sweet and affectionate towards them.”

Juno has been fostered in Brooklyn Heights since she was taken in last fall, and she and the four kittens—three of her own and one she “adopted”–have been filmed every couple of weeks since they were born.

Levin doesn’t know exactly when the Juno episodes will air. Animal Planet airs in Brooklyn Heights on TWC channels 86 and 786 and FiOS 130/1565.

Click here for more photos of Juno and her babies here, and here to see other cats and kittens available for adoption from BBAWC.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/59554

Run! Catch! Post! Brooklyn Bridge Park is accepting submissions for its “Cutest Dog at the Dog Run” contest, for those who bring their pooches to the BBP dog runs at Main Street and/or Pier 6. One winner at each location will receive a $50 gift certificate to Wag Club.

To enter, submit a jpeg pic of your pup playing at either of the Brooklyn Bridge Park dog runs by Tuesday, January 22 (info@brooklynbridgepark.org with the subject “Cutest Dog at the Dog Run”). Include dog’s name and age in the email, as well as which dog run. Please, one submission per dog, per owner. All entries will be posted on BBP’s Facebook page, and winners will be announced February 5, 2013.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/53628

Silhouette artist Deborah O’Connor will be at the Brooklyn Women’s Exchange, 55 Pierrepont Street (between Henry and Hicks) this Wednesday, November 14 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Thursday and Friday, November 15 and 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Her silhouette portraits of children or pets are priced at $35 each, with up to three duplicates available for $15 each. Framing is available in several options, from a simple mat for $10 to a black classic oval frame that can hold up to four silhouettes for $65.

To make an appointment, please call 718-624-3435.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/51808

We interrupt this storm for… the 10th-annual Howl-o-Ween Doggie costume charity contest! Despite brisk breezes and the imminent threat of Hurricane Sandy Sunday night, the pet parade took place as planned on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade from 1 to 3 p.m., with Vinegar Hill Veterinary Group sponsoring the after-party.

All proceeds for $25 entry were donated to three animal-related charities: Friends of Hillside Dog Park, Sean Casey Animal Rescue and Blue Rider Stables. Each participating dog was also awarded a goodie bag. See pics below. (Photos: Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/50002

On their afternoon jaunt through Brooklyn Heights today, Baby Fink noticed an interesting window display at the ClarkPet.com store and asked Mrs. Fink, “Mommy, doggie, what doin’?” The only way post modern parents like us can even attempt to explain such a menagerie is with the late 90s classic by the Bloodhound Gang, “The Bad Touch”. For those of you who were well into your “hey you kids get off my lawn” years by then suffice to say that A) They did, in fact, get off on your lawn and B) do the phrase “you and me baby ain’t nothin’ but mammals why don’t we do it like they do it on the Discovery Channel” ring a bell?

Larger photo and the full BHG video after the jump.

Folks, do you really think this is NOT a posed display? For Mrs. Fink’s part: A Gold Star Day for the most likely bored teenager who pulled this off.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/49685

An unused area of the Main Street Park in DUMBO is among expansion plans being discussed for Brooklyn Bridge Park. The area currently houses an unused Department of Environmental Protection building & Department of Transportation paint shed. Brownstoner reports that discussions are ongoing to add a sports court, dog run, skate park, boating program or climbing wall.

Reps will be at the Community Board 2 parks meeting Monday, October 15 at 6 p.m. (121 Dekalb Avenue) to discuss a design for the proposed Main Street conversion. BBP’s proposed timeline: A Board plan review in November, presentation to the Public Design Commission in December, and submitted design to the National Parks Service in January 2013.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/49276

Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition will host its latest cat & kitten adoption this Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Sammy’s Pet’s Emporium, 105 Montague Street, in Brooklyn Heights. BBAWC tells BHB that this is their “Big Event” for October, and they are eager to find homes for the rescued felines. The non-profit is a no-kill, all-volunteer cat rescue and adoption group. All cats have been rescued from the streets and “kill shelters.” While waiting for forever homes, they live with loving foster caretakers. See the poster with more info below.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/49134

Four four legged friends enjoy the sunshine and each others’ company on a bench in front of the Granite Prospect on Pier 1, Brooklyn Bridge Park. On the right is Wellington, named best tail wagger at this year’s Brooklyn Heights Association Dog Show. Next to him, in pink harness, is neighbor and occasional walking companion Sadie. We don’t know the names of the two at the left, who seem to be becoming very good friends. Perhaps someone can help. (Click on image to enlarge.) Another photo after the jump.

Tweety the pigeon, found as a baby in a trash can, rests contented in the hands of rescuer Helen after receiving her blessing at Grace Church on Sunday evening.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/49000

More details have come our way for the 2012 Cranberry Street Fair this Saturday, October 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., from Hicks to Willow streets: While Eric Loffsfold and Bruce Edward play cool jazz throughout the day, take part in games and contests (count the cranberries and guess the weight of the pumpkin). Little ones are invited to paint mini pumpkins, while older children can explore the 205th’s fire engine. Also: fortune telling, artistic face painting and voter registration.

Children’s Yoga begins activities at 11:30 (no mat or age requirement); the Pet Parade is at noon (all entries take home the blue); and at 12:30, Mimi Soltana’s troupe Tribal Dance Manhattan performs (and then treats all to a belly dancing lesson). A raffle concludes the Fair at 3 p.m. And… the bar at Jack The Horse Tavern will be open from 11 to 3.

For sale: eats, autumnal flowers, books, Cranberry Street logo T-shirts designed by James Childs, fleas and collectible treasures. All proceeds go to neighborhood beautification.

Organizers invite all neighborhood residents to donate books, CDs, used but working electronics, toys and treasures. Please bring items to the Fair. There is also consideration for a Cranberry cookbook, so bring recipes! If you’ve made the dish, feel free to cart that to the baked goods table. Merchants who wish to donate to the raffle may also do so at the Fair. And finally, volunteer! Assemble at 10 a.m. in front of 23 Cranberry Street.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/49083

St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church at 157 Montague Street advises BHB readers that it’s not too late for pets and beloved stuffed animals to receive a St. Francis Day blessing, a remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. Come by Sunday, October 14, at 2 p.m., and gather in the church’s North garden on Clinton Street in Brooklyn Heights. Should it rain, the blessing will take place inside. Photos from last year’s blessing can be viewed here. Read more about St. Francis Day here.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/49020

St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church at 157 Montague Street advises BHB readers that it’s not too late for pets and beloved stuffed animals to receive a St. Francis Day blessing, a remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. Come by Sunday, October 14, at 2 p.m., and gather in the church’s North garden on Clinton Street in Brooklyn Heights. Should it rain, the blessing will take place inside. Photos from last year’s blessing can be viewed here. Read more about St. Francis Day here.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/49020

Dog lovers, cross dressers and children of all ages: Cool autumn winds are signaling that the time is again approaching for the annual Howl-o-Ween parade/contest on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. And again this year Vinegar Hill Veterinary Group is providing the legendary after-party. Save the date and register your pet at Perfect Paws, 102 Hicks Street (corner of Pineapple) prior to the event. To enter the parade and contest, it’s a $25 tax deductible donation per pet. As in previous years, all proceeds will be donated to animal-related charities. Howl-o-Ween is free to watch.

Business, corporate donors and employees of companies that match donations: A small number of sponsor tables will available at the event. It’s a unique opportunity to get your organization face to face with many Brooklyn animal lovers. See here for more information and contact details.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/48500

The third-annual Brooklyn Heights Association Dog Show Sunday, held during the Montague Street Business Improvement District’s Summer Space event, certainly demonstrated the passion neighborhood residents have for their pooches. Before hundreds on onlookers, 63 dogs participated, with nine dogs crowned the 2012 victors in the following categories…

Finn, Best Treat Catcher; human companion: Rachel Epson
Wellington, Best Tail Wagger; companion Stacy Mankoff
Grace, Most Affectionate; companions AnneMarie Carley & Gerry Dempsey
Cassie, Coolest Ears; companion Roxanne Murray
Finn, Best Trick; companion Rachel Epson
Lulu, Cutest Small Dog; companion Liz Haney
Oulo, Cutest Medium Big Dog; companion Robert Edmonds
Chloe “Bear Bear”, Dog Who Most Likes the Judges; companion Nicole Gershon

The winning dogs in each category returned to the ring for the finale “Best in Show” category, which was determined by audience applause. And the grand prize went to… Finn.

The BHA Dog Show’s volunteer committee comprised Dick Dadey as Master of Ceremonies; and judges Derek Divine, Sara Graziano and Ashleigh Thompson. Stuffed treat bags were donated by Tom from Perfect Paws, Sami from Pet’s Emporium and Andrea from Rocco and Jezebel for Pets. The Watchtower provided stanchions used to create the dog show ring, Levy Lorenzo from Issue Project Room managed the sound system, and Ashley Kalmar was videographer (stand by for video). (Photo: Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/48353

While Sunday’s second Montague Street BID Summer Space event included plenty of recreational activities, with music, games, dance, restaurant & retailer goodies, the main event was without a doubt the annual Brooklyn Heights Association-sponsored Dog Show, which offered prizes for: Best Treat Catcher, Best Tail Wagger, Best Hairdo, Coolest Ears, Best Trick, Cutest Medium-Big Dog, Most Affectionate, Cutest Small Dog and Dog Who Most Likes The Judges.

The show not only prompted dozens upon dozens of canine entries, but drew a massive crowd of hundreds of enthusiastic onlookers on Montague Street, between Henry and Hicks streets. Your correspondent was consumed pawning his wares down the block during his coop’s (well-timed) annual sidewalk sale, so no news on the victors… but for the many that visited the neighborhood, it couldn’t have been a more perfect advent for autumn. (More photos below)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/48154

Reminder: This Sunday, September 9th, the Montague Street BID launches its annual Summer Space, with a fun-filled day of freebies. Brooklyn Heights’ main thoroughfare will be closed to traffic and re-imagined as a pedestrian oasis from noon to 5 p.m., as restaurants expand outdoor seating, retailers offer special promotions and services, and hundreds of tables and chairs line Montague Street.

The day includes opera by The Martha Cardona Theater; AfroBrazilian Samba Reggae by Batala New York City, an all women’s drumming band; Muzik by DJ Ricardo Campos; and dances by the Brooklyn Ballet’s Company and Youth Ensemble. Free outdoor yoga and Zumba classes will convene, as well as chess tables, craft-making demonstrations; and for the kids, a photo booth, scavenger hunt, hula-hoops and chalk drawing.

Summer Space will also take place on Sunday, September 23, featuring the Brooklyn Heights Association’s Third Annual Dog Show, from 1-3 p.m. (More here).

For the full rundown on Summer Space, take a look here.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/47180

The proprietor of Rocco and Jezebel for Pets at 89 Pineapple Walk found a dog wandering the neighborhood this morning, and is eager to return him to his family. Andrea contacted BHB with the following info: “Pugle, young male found around the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and Willow Street, black collar with white paw prints, no leash. The dog is with us at the store. We will also be taking him to the vet to check for a microchip.” She has provided a photo, enlarged below the jump. If the pooch belongs to you, contact the store at 718-855-8686.

Rocco and Jezebel offers grooming, boarding, at-home cat sitting, at-home cat grooming, playtime, dog walking and more. Their webbie is here.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/47031

With pets front & center on the Brooklyn Heights Blog of late, what could be more appropriate for the fifth in our series of “Best of the Heights” Open Posts than to share the poop on a combo: Best Veterinarian and Best Dog Walker in the neighborhood? For the former, please share the name of the practice, the doc your pet sees and the address (as well as any info you’d like to reveal about $$). For the latter, name, contact info and rate, if you please. We’ll take on Best Pet Groomers in a future post.

If you’ve missed past recent Open Thread “Best Of” surveys, see them here: Best Dry Cleaner, Best Pizza Pie, Best Handyman, and Best Car Service. (Photo: Spencer!/Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/46943

In the aftermath of last week’s Mom vs. Wack Jobs in Brooklyn Heights debate comes evidence of another controversy brewing in the neighborhood.

The issue: Dog owners who dump their pooch’s poo into someone else’s garbage. One resident of Cranberry Street has had enough and posted this quite polite and reasonable notice on the street:

To Whom It May Concer:
Thank you for picking up after your dog.
Now, what to do with that trash?
Please be responsible and respectful and:
1)take it home to your trash bin, or
2) place it in the public trash bin on the corner

Please DO NOT put it:
1) in your neighbor’s plastic recycling
2) in you neighbor’s paper recycling
3) in your neighbor’s trash
4) in the planters or tree pits on the street
5) ever so neatly on top of your neighbor’s trash
6) on the sidewalk

Thank you,
Brian @ 31

If this message does not apply to you, please disregard.

Is this an issue on your street?

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/46821

The Brooklyn Bridge Animal Welfare Coalition sponsored Kittenpalooza this weekend, hosted at Brooklyn Heights’ beloved Pet’s Emporium, run by wonderfully warm owner Sammy. Cats of all ages, sizes, stripes and colors were available for adoption during the two-day event at 105 Montague Street. A huge van provided by the North Shore Animal League housed the posse of pussies.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/46361

With the Brooklyn Heights Association’s annual Dog Show returning to Montague Street Sunday, Sept. 23—part of the BID’s Summer Space—it seems apropos to share info about how much New Yorkers prize their pets. Webbie Puppy Tales featured a “New York Dog Spotting” post Sunday, with stats from the NYC Economic Development Corp.: As of February 2012, +/-1.1 million pets reside in the city (600,000 dogs, 500,000 cats), with an ownership rate of about one pet for every three households.

The corporation breaks down ownership by region: Downtown Brooklyn, which includes the Heights, is home to between 15,001 & 20,000 pets. The most-populated NYC nabes are the Upper West & East Sides (lining Central Park), Staten Island, Astoria and—for whatever reason—Williamsburg.

Meanwhile, BHA President Judy Stanton shares with BHB readers that the organization will offer registration information and details for the Brooklyn Heights Dog Show soon after Labor Day. She says, “The idea is to make this homegrown show fun for dogs, their owners and the audience. Any dog who lives in Brooklyn Heights is eligible to enter the show on a first come, first served basis.” Poochie lovers with suggestions for show categories can email info@thebha.org, heading the Subject with “Dog Show.”

(Doggie pic: Puppy Tales/Chart: NYCEDC)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/46305

With the Brooklyn Heights Association’s annual Dog Show returning to Montague Street Sunday, Sept. 23—part of the BID’s Summer Space—it seems apropos to share info about how much New Yorkers prize their pets. Webbie Puppy Tales featured a “New York Dog Spotting” post Sunday, with stats from the NYC Economic Development Corp.: As of February 2012, +/-1.1 million pets reside in the city (600,000 dogs, 500,000 cats), with an ownership rate of about one pet for every three households.

The corporation breaks down ownership by region: Downtown Brooklyn, which includes the Heights, is home to between 15,001 & 20,000 pets. The most-populated NYC nabes are the Upper West & East Sides (lining Central Park), Staten Island, Astoria and—for whatever reason—Williamsburg.

Meanwhile, BHA President Judy Stanton shares with BHB readers that the organization will offer registration information and details for the Brooklyn Heights Dog Show soon after Labor Day. She says, “The idea is to make this homegrown show fun for dogs, their owners and the audience. Any dog who lives in Brooklyn Heights is eligible to enter the show on a first come, first served basis.” Poochie lovers with suggestions for show categories can email info@thebha.org, heading the Subject with “Dog Show.”

(Doggie pic: Puppy Tales/Chart: NYCEDC)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/46305

In Our Hands Rescue will hold its next pet adoption in front of TD Bank at 205 Montague Street at the corner of Cadman Plaza West (Court Street). The date: Thursday, August 16 (Happy Birthday, Madonna!), from noon to 6 p.m. (as well as Thursday, August 30).

Teamed with the North Shore Animal League, In our Hands will be present in a large van outside the bank, with rescued cats, kittens, pups and small pooches looking for homes. Application, references, ID and donation are required. See available pets at the IOH website and Facebook. Apply online for pre-approval, adopt at lunch and IOH will hold your pet until you get off work. Take your new friend home the same day.

In Our Hands Rescue is a not-for-profit 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/45645

Epic fish tragedy at pond on Joralemon and Henry. Almost all dead this morning. Think it’s fish on fish violence.

This is not the first reported fish death in the pond. Back in 2010, two nishikigoi died during hot weather. Many BHB readers reported then that the building’s owners are very attentive caregivers.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/45020

Last Wednesday was the 4th of July, but let the festivities continue on this Open Thread Wednesday. Fire away!

FYI: Our bear friend pictured here lives in Palmetto Playground, located in the southwest tip of Brooklyn Heights, at State Street & Columbia Place, with the BQE behind it. According to NYC Parks, Palmetto Playground’s nomenclature was inspired by the names of its surrounding streets: Atlantic, Columbia & State. Columbia is the capitol of South Carolina, an Atlantic state, and the state tree is the Cabbage Palmetto, hence, Palmetto Playground. The park offers basketball courts, a kid’s playground and a small off-leash dog park. And, by golly, a working water fountain. (Photo: Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/44037

The new Brooklyn PetSmart mega-store at 238 Atlantic Avenue on the border of Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill and Downtown Brooklyn, is taking a bite out of the 20 or so mom-and-pop pet stores within a two-mile radius, according to a post on DNAInfo.com.

PetSmart opened last November to great fanfare, including a ribbon cutting by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. BHB readers have had plenty to say on the topic (see below), with the scale weighting toward the chain’s fair pricing, spotless interior and attentive service.

But DNA reports on the downside of the chain store, quoting such local owners as Kil Chung of the 12-year Smith Pet Food in Cobble Hill: “The day PetSmart opened, my business started to go down. They are killing me. Only money counts.” Chung claims he will soon be out of business, because he can’t afford to fill his store’s empty shelves.

Pet Boutique and Supplies on Sixth Avenue in Park Slope has also seen a decline. “Of course PetSmart is affecting us,” says staffer Mike Saadi. “We can’t compete with their prices.”

But there are, of course, two sides to every story. PetSmart manager Scott Marcus offers that the 15,000sf superstore employs 35, most of whom live in Brooklyn. In addition, he says his staff has passion for animals and “are no different than the people who own and work at smaller shops. We have worked hard to show that we care about animals and want the best for our customers.”

PetSmart has also partnered with the community, running an adoption and rescue center, hosting regular events for charities and welcoming kids from local schools to learn about animals. As BHB reported at the store’s opening, it also offers the full-service Banfield Pet Hospital, grooming, accredited training and prescription foods & medications.

She’s Crafty wrote in April on the BHB Open Thread, “I’m falling in love with the PetSmart on Atlantic Avenue. Their house brand low carb dry food is great for my cat who can’t tolerate grains, and super inexpensive (also there are a slew of coupons in each bag). They have great staff, who (are) knowledgeable and sweet with the children.”

Reader Van added on BHB, “We took our 130-pound Newfoundland to PetSmart for grooming. They were great and about $25 cheaper than the options in the Heights. They have a lot of stock, prices are very fair and it seems like a well-run store.”

And Lori W: “I would love to support local businesses as opposed to a chain, however, the discounts and deals that I get at PetSmart are far better. If local businesses had comparable prices and offered incentives, I would shop there, however, as someone who needs to save money, every little bit helps.”

So what say you, BHB readers? How should the pendulum swing: toward lower prices and wider selection or reverence to local Mom & Pop shops?

(Photo: Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/42490

While Heights’ residents have rightfully bitched about stepping in, jogging past or catching a waft of an irresponsible dog owner’s pooch’s poop on sidewalks and streets, the Sunday New York Post offers advice about dogs that become aggressive when they come bum to butt with other hounds. Two local Brooklyn experts are among those that weigh in.

John Squires, owner of Wag Club, a doggie day-care and grooming facility in the Heights, recommends that if your bitch gets bitchy, carefully “grab hold of the aggressor from behind, by the hips or back legs, and pull up so he’s on his front two paws. It will put him off-balance and make him look back to find out what’s going on.”

Cobble Hill’s Dr. Brett Levitzke, medical director at the Veterinary Emergency & Referral Group, adds to use caution: “Remember the natural instinct of the dog attacking is to follow, so you’re just bringing them close to you.” He also notes that “the biggest mistake people make is to reach in and try and grab their dog, but they can be bitten by the other dog or even their own dog in the heat of the fight.”

There’s more advice in the article from other Brooklyn experts, including Fort Greene’s Shannon Le Brun, founder of Waggy Walkers Pet Services.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/42132