By A. Campbell

Name: Penny

Age: 3 years old

Breed: I’m a unique mix of Boston terrier, Sheltie, Husky or Alaskan Malamute, and Pit Bull.

Profile/history: Mom adopted me from Animal Lighthouse Rescue in June 2018. At the time, I was living with a wonderful foster parent on the Upper West Side and Mom ran into us during a neighborhood walk. Luckily, I was wearing my ‘adopt me’ foster dog vest and it turned out to be perfect timing for us both. My name is short for “Penny Lane”, the Beatles song.

Daily routine: Well, I love sleeping and generally have to be woken up in the morning. So Mom gets up first and has her coffee and then she rouses me. We take an hour-long walk every morning, as long as the weather is nice. Mom has participated in the New York City Marathon a few times, so often we will go for a jog and train together. Once a week, while Mom is at work, I spend the day at Camp Canine and on the other days, my dog walker visits me. I’m getting much more comfortable with other dogs these days. When Mom adopted me, I was very nervous and shaky, but now I love going to the dog park and chasing other pups.

Loves: I love any sort of comfort, especially snuggling up in warm spots on the couch when Mom stands up. I also enjoy food of any kind, but when I’ve eaten too much, I lay on my back to indicate that a belly rub is needed.

Does not love: Tennis balls. Gah! I can barely even speak the words without shaking. The first time Mom brought one home, I hid under the bed for an hour. I just don’t see the appeal, but maybe that’s because I didn’t have many toys growing up. I prefer a friendly chase with other pups to a game of fetch.

Favorite store/business on UWS: I have a favorite perfume and lotion shop where I’m treated quite well. I also love the Sensuous Bean on West 70th Street. It’s a great local spot with easy-going staff and many different types of coffee to choose from.

Favorite park spot: I enjoy spending time at the dog run at Riverside Park as well as exploring The Ramble in Central Park.

Favorite treat: I am a huge fan of Trader Joe’s doggy delicacies, including their chicken breast strips and their salmon and sweet potato treats.

What are your thoughts on the spate of vacant retail and restaurant spaces throughout the neighborhood? Well, it’s very discouraging, seeing as some of my favorite places to stop into are the smaller, local stores where staff and owners get to know your name and are friendly. It feels like many of those spots are gone or are on the verge of disappearing. My Mom says she’s seen major changes in the neighborhood over the years and now feels that there are fewer places to go or to eat. My advice to other Pupper West Siders would to be to prioritize your favorite local shops and give them your business when you can. Many small businesses struggle to manage their rents, so if you value a neighborhood store or restaurant, make sure to patronize it!

If West Side Rag readers are interested in becoming pet owners, we encourage you to consider adopting or volunteering to be a foster parent with one of the many shelters and nonprofits based in and around New York City. These include but aren’t limited to: Muddy Paws Rescue; Animal Lighthouse Rescue; NYC ASPCA; Humane Society of New York; Bideawee; Social Tees; and Animal Haven.

Pupper West Side is sponsored by Laurie, who has 15 years of dog-walking experience: