Name: Tucker

Age: Almost 3 years old.

Breed: Vizsla

Profile/history: My parents knew they wanted to get a Vizsla because the breed is very active as well as very affectionate. Mom says that Vizslas are sometimes called “Velcro dogs” because we always want to be near our humans. They found me and it was love at first sight!

Daily routine: Dad and I are usually up around 6:30 a.m. We head to Central Park to romp around during off-leash hours. We always find time for some exercise in the morning. During weekday afternoons, I alternate between going on walks and long runs. On Mondays and Wednesdays, I run with my friend Julie who trains for marathons. She’s even run the Boston Marathon! We found each other through DogGo Dash Club, a New York City startup which matches dogs and people with the same exercise needs and interests. What better incentive to get off the couch – and earn some money – than to know a sweet pup is eagerly waiting for you to pick them up and take them out? Julie and I may run about 6 miles together over the course of an hour in either Central Park or Riverside Park. No couch potatoes, here! Then, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I’ll alternate with some casual walks.

Loves: Mister Softee! Is there anything better than a Mister Softee cone on a hot summer day? Of which, we seem to be having many this summer. It’s been pretty brutal the past few days. Phew! And don’t even get me started on the temperatures and lack of circulation on the subway platforms. Those poor men in suits. Those poor women who make such valiant attempts to style their hair. Even one of those giant industrial fans on a platform would be better than nothing. Urrfff! Ok, ok, lemme think…other things I love…Ah, yes! That would be squirrels, people, and exercise. Gotta earn that Mister Softee!

Does not love: The wind. Ugh. And cold. Bleh! New York can be so hard between the months of November and April.

Favorite store/business on the UWS: I love stopping by Lululemon. The women there are always so kind and attentive. I also enjoy poking my nose into SoulCycle, but you know, that’s a rougher crowd. I find Lululemon to be much more calming.

Favorite treat: A vanilla Mister Softee cone, any day.

Favorite park spot: We like to explore behind the reservoir near the Central Park tennis courts. There’s a nice open spot to roam around off-leash and stalk squirrels.

What do you think of the ongoing construction at Riverside Park South: As an avid runner and outdoorsman, I am in favor of any and all green spaces around the city. When we first moved into our apartment a couple of years ago, I was so excited because there was a large grassy field that seemed like it was maintained just for me. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Over the past couple of years, our grassy lawn has undergone a lot of changes as it transforms into part of Riverside Park South. In the meantime, the slow-moving construction has had some negative effects. For instance, the rat population has become a bit…unsettling.  I’m keeping a good thought though – it looks like some phases are on track to be finished by next month. Fingers crossed!

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; Animal Care Centers of NYC; NYC ASPCA; Humane Society of New York; Bideawee; Social Tees; and Animal Haven.