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    Best Friends on the Upper West Side and Everywhere

    December 8, 2024 | 3:58 AM
    in ABSURDITY, ART, COLUMNS
    17

    By Gary Martin

    Never missed my dog as much as I do this week, on what would have been her 13th birthday. That said — if you must curl up with something (with or without a pet) on these chilly days, you can’t beat a good book.

    So thankful for the existence of the New York Public Library — and ALL the city llbraries — which are always there when you need them. And since we’re at the end of the year, I remind everyone that private nonprofits that serve the public, like the NYPL, need private support to keep their doors open. Support them with a donation if you can. And then go read a book!

    * * *

    Gary B. Martin is an illustrator and animator who has lived on the Upper West Side for over 30 years. His illustrations appear in the Rag on Sundays, chronicling life in the neighborhood, New York City, and the Universe.

    Subscribe to West Side Rag’s FREE email newsletter here. And you can Support the Rag here.

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    17 Comments
    Steve
    Steve
    1 year ago

    Very true. Jonah had the same issue – too dark to read inside of a whale!

    4
    Reply
    Joanna
    Joanna
    1 year ago

    Agree with you, and Groucho. So sorry for your loss.

    8
    Reply
    Andy
    Andy
    1 year ago

    Lol

    3
    Reply
    Sue Taffet
    Sue Taffet
    1 year ago

    Says so much! Love Gary’s cartoons. He sees us all. Keep them coming!

    5
    Reply
    Neal Leibowitz
    Neal Leibowitz
    1 year ago

    Love that Groucho line,

    5
    Reply
    Andrea R
    Andrea R
    1 year ago

    Great message! So many organizations that we count on, count on us. Thanks for the reminder. (Looking forward to reading James!)

    8
    Reply
    L. Gerson
    L. Gerson
    1 year ago

    What a lovely thought, Mr. Martin!

    I curl up with my senior kitty, her younger sibling close by.

    Books & Cats (and doggies, of course) ! What else do we need?

    9
    Reply
    Rosie
    Rosie
    1 year ago

    I love everything about this cartoon. Dogs, books, giving to deserving nonprofits. And Groucho too!

    3
    Reply
    Max Fleisher
    Max Fleisher
    1 year ago

    Outside of both, this guy has become the two-dimensional best friend of we of the UWS. Keep ’em coming, Martoonerville!

    2
    Reply
    Sharon
    Sharon
    1 year ago

    My favorite quote, and a great reminder to support libraries and nonprofits.

    4
    Reply
    Mia
    Mia
    1 year ago

    Gave me a chuckle. Thanks!

    3
    Reply
    Nook
    Nook
    1 year ago

    Love that he’s got the wonderful book “James” in his hand. Great touch.

    2
    Reply
    Sarah
    Sarah
    1 year ago

    Sorry for your loss. I’m sure your girl loved curling up with you and a book!

    3
    Reply
    Ellen White
    Ellen White
    1 year ago

    The old stomping grounds! Love it!

    2
    Reply
    Kathy
    Kathy
    1 year ago

    A joy as always!

    1
    Reply
    David
    David
    1 year ago

    Lovely thoughts.

    1
    Reply
    Anne Watkins
    Anne Watkins
    1 year ago

    We miss all the dogs who walked these paths with us. I miss Dave and Rosie, too.

    0
    Reply

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