Work off the holiday stuffing...Last Dog Walk Downtown LA for 2008

Are you stuffed from all the holiday goodies? From the twelve days of Christmas office food platters; countless holiday parties and dinner with the family? Well work off the wiggle and giggle of the holidays at the last Dog Walk of 2008. We’ve had a great year, countless new residents have joined and explored downtown.

As always, the walk is held on the second Wednesday of the Month at 6 pm, Pershing Square. Dress to impress; bring your best holiday doggie outfit and win a prize.

From last weeks Downtownnews: Downtown Dogs! As downtown dog owners we already know the joys and difficulties of having DTWN dogs. Now the secret is out and it can only be a good thing.

Adventures in Petsitting
Life Downtown Changes When You Borrow a Dog
by Kathryn Maese

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES - My fling with Dexter started a few weeks ago. We'd been on several walks through Downtown together. Some were early morning romps that were playful and sweet, while others lingered late in the evening when the lights of City Hall cast lovely shadows on the grass below.

A mix of Shepherd, Akita and Chow, he's a gorgeous specimen with silken blonde hair, warm, amber-colored eyes, and an imposing presence that makes people step aside and stare in appreciation.To be honest, I got a bit of an inferiority complex walking next to him. Not an outing went by when he didn't receive at least half a dozen compliments. He was extremely popular with the ladies, especially the elderly women in Little Tokyo who gushed over him like nothing I've ever seen. Even the construction workers at the new police headquarters whistled at him as we passed.He's quite the alpha male. But most just call him a dog.Dexter belongs to my brother, who's studying at Stanford at the moment and needed a petsitter for a few days. I agreed to take care of Dexter partly because he's so easygoing and partly because I wanted to experience what it is like to have a pet in the city. For about a year I tried to wheedle my husband into agreeing to a dog. But now that we have an 8-month-old, we have precious little time.This seemed like the perfect way to see how the pet-owning side of Downtown lives. According to the Downtown Center Business Improvement District, nearly half of the new wave of Downtown residents have dogs. The Central City is extremely liberal when it comes to having a pet, and only a handful of residential buildings don't allow animals. But I've often heard complaints about the lack of pet-friendly amenities like dog parks and green spaces for Fido to run off-leash or do their business in peace.My first few days with Dexter passed quickly, and we developed an easy routine of 6:30 a.m. walks, then a break after lunch to get a cup of coffee and a long stroll in the evening. My husband took him out one last time before bed, often with our neighbor's dog, Yao, whom he befriended. It was a great break from the computer and a way to get some exercise, and I swear I had lost a few pounds by the time he left.I immediately saw the social aspect of having a dog in the city. I ran into my neighbors more often and finally spoke to people I'd seen dozens of times but never said a word to. Strangers would come right up and pet Dexter, and we'd invariably strike up a conversation about his breed or what kind of dog they had.

Other Downtown dog walkers generously shared a few choice spots for taking Dexter to relieve himself, or flashed a friendly smile as our canines sniffed each other. I began to learn which dogs were not well behaved, which owners didn't pick up their poop and which routes to take. I usually traveled north on Spring Street past the L.A. Times parking garage, where a strip of groundcover has become a makeshift dog park, and then made my way up to City Hall and into the park on the south lawn.Nothing personal against our lawmakers, but Dexter had a thing for taking his business right to the steps of City Hall, especially if there was an urgent matter on his agenda. After a while, I started to think maybe it was his way of staging a silent protest, urging our representatives to do something about the lack of parks.
Our route took us through Little Tokyo and looped back around on Second Street past the wide promenade of trees and landing of sparse grass littered with evidence of frequent use. We'd pass the Higgins Building, where we saw a constant stream of Chihuahuas, weenies, pits and mutts, then back home.One thing I liked about having Dexter with me when I took the baby out in her stroller was the added sense of security. In addition to his blonde good looks, he's nearly as big as a horse (okay, a small pony). He lets kids jump all over him and pull on his hair, but there's the sense that you don't want to mess with him or his human companions. I felt like I could walk more freely Downtown, and even later at night by myself.Thanks to the explosion of new residents and their dogs, there's no shortage of pet services Downtown, from Lofty Dog to Bark Avenue to Pussy & Pooch. When it came time to give Dexter a bath, I made an appointment at Muttropolitan in Little Tokyo's Honda Plaza. They have some of the most affordable rates for a dog his size, and he came out looking like a fluffy, blow-dried rock star.By about the sixth day I was starting to see just how much work a dog takes, and I was ready for a break. There were a few times in the evening when I was so tired that walking a dog was the last thing I wanted to do. I thought about how nice it would be just to sit somewhere while Dexter ran around. Some buildings have a rooftop dog park or dog run, but many don't.I wondered how the professionals do it, the walkers I've seen around the neighborhood with six dogs. I called David Cerwonka from Walk Fido, a 3-year-old Downtown walking service, to get his thoughts.Cerwonka says it's simple, really. The urban landscape is one big adventure for dogs, who instinctively want to roam for long distances, explore new places and experience a satisfying sense of exhaustion and accomplishment at the end of the day.It makes sense. The same can be said of all of us, I guess.

Contact Kathryn Maese

1st Year Anniversary Party was a Success!!

Two weeks ago on Oct. 8, 2008 over two dozen downtown residents and their dogs celebrated our 1st Year Anniversary.  For a year we've walked, talked and explored downtown Los Angeles making new friends and meeting our neighbors.  

Special thanks to LAPD Senior Lead Officer Duarte, Hal Bastian of the Downtown BID, Cabrini of the Lofty Dog (doggie cake sponsor), Rob of Pussy-n-Pooch (dog treats), Showbiz Ribs and last but not least Celia, Jim and Wonton for their continued support.  

It's clear that in the past year we've seen tremendous growth in downtown and together we can bring forward change to the city; advocate for improvements and amenities such as open public spaces for our families and dogs. 

Thank you for the continued support and friendship, see you all next month.

One Year Anniversary!!

Yipee!! Come out and celebrate the Dog Walk Downtown L.A.'s 1st Year Anniversary. 12 months ago, the first few brave dog walkers met in Pershing Square. One year later and with many new friends we are are celebrating our 12th walk.

The Dog Walk is hosting a special party at Pershing Square, free cookies, punch and cake. Also free doggie treats compliments of our special sponsors, The Lofty Dog, Pussy-n-Pooch and Showbiz Ribs.

Also meet and chat with local leaders and downtown boosters, Councilwoman Jan Perry (Council District 9), Hal Bastian (V.P. Downtown BID) and LAPD Senior Lead Officers.

1st Year Anniversary Party

Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 6 pm. Pershing Square

September Dog Walk turns into "Goat Watch"

For a few weeks our puppies and pooches became only the 2nd most interesting four legged animals in downtown. With the CRA's master plan to clear the hillside of 4th Street and Hill with goats, lots of downtowners made their way to the hill; that included the dog walk.

Who are they talking about? Urban Scrawl

August 13, 2008 Dog Walk Photos and update

Some photos from the last dog walk. A great summer turnout had new and old friends taking a walk up the hill to Olive and 4th to run loose at the park.

Not a Dog Park yet! But a new park Downtown

Yesterday we made our first visit to the Vista Hermosa Park. It's on the outskirt of downtown L.A. but really close: only a shot drive on 1st Street just across Beaudry.

Although there's no specific area for dogs "YET!" we saw lots of residents walking their dogs and a few took liberties off-leash chasing each other around the park.

New Dog Walk Downtown L.A. Flyer

June 11 Dog Walk

Thanks to Rob and Cosmo the June Dog Walk Downtown L.A. got out of the heat and into the hip and comfy surroundings of Pussy & Pooch. Over a half-dozen residents and their dogs met up at Pershing Square for a walk around town. After a brief meet and greet the group headed east along 6th Street past multiple movie shoots.

Thank you to all those who made it out tonight we and hope to see you and the rest of the Downtown Dog Walkers next month. July 9, 2008

Great view from atop Olive! May 14 Dog Walk review

May 14, 2008 about a dozen residents and their dogs met up at Pershing Square for a short walk up Olive Street to the park overlooking Angels Flight (Olive and 4th). There several dogs chased and wrestled off-leash under the watchful eyes of their beloved owners.

As always, thanks to those who came out for the dog walk; those who could not make it this month see you next time.

p.s. Please welcome Heather and her family, new arrivals from the windy city!

Next walk: June 11, 2008 @ 6 PM Pershing Square

GO VOTE ON JUNE 12, 2008 Neighborhood Council Elections -
(2-8 pm) at LA Theater Lobby or vote by mail contact
City Clerk of Los Angeles (213) 978-0444

Dog Walk Downtown LA runs for DLANC position

As some of you already know, I've decided to run for the position of Resident Director of the Bunker Hill area of the DLANC Board. My goal is to promote livable solutions to the lack of public space for families and dogs, increase public safety and encourage responsible filming.

In advance, thank you for your support and please register to vote by mail or go vote on June 12, 2008.

Dog walk updates!

As we all know oftentimes work gets in the way of life. In my case, I've been sidetracked the last few months with work; fortunately Jim and Wonton have filled in and led the last few walks. 

Check out these photos from the last walk on April 9th.  Wonton led the pack to the grassy patch located on the south lawn of City Hall.  As you can see from the photos the dogs had a great time romping on grass and not concrete for a change.

Come out and join us for the next dog walk on May 9, 2008 at 6:00 pm.  As always we meet on the grass near the north entrance of Pershing Square. Dog Walk route TBA.  

Also let us know your thoughts about setting up a temporary dog park either in Pershing Square or the south lawn of City Hall. Your help and support would be appreciated.

p.s. Happy Birthday Wonton!

  

Civic Pride

Thank you to all those who braved the cold and made it out to the February dog walk. Special thanks to Celia, Jim, the "Mayor" Wonton and Cam for picking up the slack as I had a late running meeting.

In an effort to find new and interesting places to walk, we made our way across downtown to the steps of City Hall. To be more specific, we appropriated the south lawn of City Hall and made it our informal dog park. At night the views from City Hall of downtown are tremendous, not to mention all that grass. Yes, a few rabble-rousers went off-leash and romped around untethered.

This brought us to question:

1) Why can't we just bring our own gates and erect a temporary dog park on the south lawn or any open city space?

2) Where can we go next for our walk with so much grass?

As for the first questions, stay tuned as we ask City Hall; for the latter, please send us your suggestions of where we can go next on our upcoming walks.

Until then, be safe and enjoy the walk.

Next walk:
Wednesdat March 12, 2008
6:00 pm Pershing Square.
Route: TBA

January Dog Walk Downtown L.A.

It was a treat to begin the New Year with new and old friends for the January Dog Walk. It was great to see all the new walkers join the usual suspects during the walk. We began the new year with a walk to the Maguire Gardens, the site of our 1st walk a few short months ago. Again the gardens were a hit. Thank you to those who braved the cold, we look forward to seeing you all for the next walk on Wed. Feb. 13, 2008 at 6pm.

SPECIAL and IMPORTANT Announcement! GO! Go to this special meeting on Jan. 30, 2008

CITY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS

2007 CITYWIDE COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMMUNITY WORKSHOP

got park?
need park?
want park?
YES □
NO □
Come and make your voices heard!!

Wednesday, January 30, 2008 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.
Department of Water and Power (DWP Building)
111 North Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Also I wanted to give a special thanks to Celia, Jim and Wanton for all there help and support of the Dog Walk.

Some photos of the Jan. 9 Dog Walk. See them all on the Photos link.

December Dog Walk Downtown L.A.

This is why we need a downtown dog park!

Tonight the Downtown L.A. Dog Walk made its way from Pershing Square to the new Nokia Theater/L.A. Live complex. While the walk and conversation was a blast upon our arrival to the main plaza of the L.A. Live complex we were "greeted" by the security staff and promptly asked to move off the main plaza grounds. Luckily the sidewalks of L.A. are still owned by the people and so our pack or merry dogs and downtowners moved over a few feet and enjoyed the view from a far.

This helps illustrates the need for the city to create more open spaces for downtown residents and their dogs socialize.

Regardless, everyone had a fun time making new friends and for some seeing L.A. Live in person for the first time. It was great to see new faces come out for the Dog Walk.

See you all next month at the Dog Walk on January 9, 2008

Say "cheese" and run!

Eric with Isis

Jim, Celia and Wonton again leading the pack.

Joe and Ruby

For all the photos.