Pupper West Side: Gary is a New Yorker with Southern Roots

By A. Campbell

Name: Gary

Age: 3 years old.

Breed: I’m a Catahoula Leopard dog – the distinguished state dog of Louisiana! I’m mixed with a dash of a few other things, just like a nice jambalaya or étouffée. You’ll have to forgive me dawllin’ because my Louisiana accent comes out sometimes when I discuss my Southern roots.

Profile/History: My parents were looking to adopt a dog and originally they were thinking of getting a French Bulldog. Can you imagine? Have you seen me? How different am I from a French Bulldawwwg? Oops, there I go again! Anyway, Dad happened to discover the Catahoula Leopard dog breed while scrolling around on Instagram. I guess that’s not always a giant waste of time, huh? Heh heh! So, Mom and Dad began to search for pups like me and they found me on Long Island thanks to the noble efforts of Ruff House Rescue.

Daily routine: I take a walk first thing in the morning around 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. It’s important to getting the old heart pumping, don’t you agree? If I can’t be sitting at Cafe Du Monde sipping coffee and eating beignets, then I suppose exercise is the next best thing. Dad and I often end up in Central Park right across from the American Museum of Natural History. I love that area. Sometimes we go on multi-mile runs together, since I can always use the exercise. I’m very lucky that Dad works in the neighborhood which allows him time to come home and walk me at lunchtime each day. Mom and I will go for a walk together after work. Then it’s dinner and relaxation time for the family.

Loves: If I had to choose, my great loves would include marrow bones and plush toys. In my humble opinion, destroying a plush toy is just pure bliss. I’m never happier than when I’m pulling out its stuffing and spreading the “guts” around the apartment. I also love cuddling and have been known to commandeer Mom’s pillow in the morning. Pretty sure she finds it charming.

Does not love: I have conflicted feelings about ambulances, and often express my sentiments through an instinctual hoooooowwwwwwllll! Housecleaning can be terrifying, especially when Mom and Dad change the sheets and blankets on the bed. I can’t even bear to watch. (*Shudders*) Must. Hide. And. Think. Of. Plush. Toys.

Favorite store/business on the UWS: I’d have to say Paper Source and Corks on Columbus. Black Press Coffee is also a lovely, dog-friendly addition to the neighborhood. Ça c’est bon!

Favorite treat: I go crazy for marrow bones, and Greenies, and turkey. Really any lean protein sounds good to me.

Favorite park spot: Central Park in front of the American Museum of Natural History —  it’s a special place for me with great views and lots of space to roam around.

How do you feel about the ongoing construction at your favorite place – the American Museum of Natural History? Well, I can honestly say that walking those blocks along Columbus Avenue that border the museum used to be one of my favorite things to do. Sadly though, that has changed significantly with the ongoing construction projects. However, I guess as New Yorkers, we all have to be as flexible as possible. New neighbors, new construction, new routines. Change is inevitable and pups like me have to be creative about where we meet and socialize. To my fellow Pupper West Siders, I say, “Lache pas la patate!” It means “don’t let go of the potato” or, more specifically, “don’t give up!”

Read all our Pupper West Side interviews here!

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 sheltersand 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.