Pupper West Side: Midge Met Joel Maisel, Encourages Support of Local Businesses

Name: Midge, just like one of my favorite TV characters, Midge Maisel! I was lucky to meet Michael Zegen, aka Joel Maisel, at a Skidmore College alumni event last summer.

Age: 2 years old.

Breed: Mom thinks I’m a mix between an Australian Cattle Dog and a Pointer, because I often “point” at things – squirrels, pigeons, spooky plastic bags.

Profile/history: I’m a Muddy Paws Rescue alumna. Mom adopted me when I was about 18 months old. I’m originally from Kentucky but I’ve quickly acclimated to city life. I’m a New Yorker now, so I pretend not to care when I run into famous people. Except Joel, of course.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByQT4h6FHkH/

Daily routine: Each day it’s a morning walk followed by a healthy breakfast. While Mom is at work, I’ll spend some time in my “house” (crate) doing some chores, tidying up, and enjoying a Kong filled with frozen cream cheese. I like to listen to my special pup music – Through A Dog’s Ear – which is calming classical piano tracks that we found on Amazon. It helps me focus and relax. My dog walker stops by in the afternoon and then Mom will come home from work and we’ll hang out and make dinner together. I’m a world-class sleeper, so we’ll snooze on the weekends before getting up and out for a long stroll through Riverside Park. Sometimes we’ll get invited to a doggy birthday party as well. I celebrated my second birthday with friends and family in Central Park last June. It was a squirrel-themed soirée.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzEvHwDlUAW/

Loves: Running and playing! Also, sometimes I enjoy just standing and watching things intensely. That’s the pointer in me – I’m a keen observer.

Does not love: Spending time alone. I prefer companionship.

Favorite store/business on the UWS: NYC Wine and Spirits on Broadway between W. 87th and W. 88th Streets. They’re always so generous with pets and treats.

Favorite treat: Cream cheese! I’ll also take a duck- or rabbit-flavored treat, if you’re offering.

Favorite park spot: The dog park at West 87th and Riverside Drive.

The best dining experiences on the UWS: There are so many to choose from and this is a special moment for me to encourage everyone to support our local businesses and restaurants. You can do so from the safety and distance of your own home by purchasing gift cards at your favorite local Upper West Side establishments. You’ll be providing them with much-needed cash flow to support employees and operations at this incredibly difficult time. Remember to tell ’em Midge sent you!

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 shelters and 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; Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue and Animal Haven.