The Lucky Days Of Summer & Solstice

Summer is now in full force and the days are the longest out of the year because of the summer solstice. Unfortunately for dogs across the country, that means less face time with the moon for howling. Lucky’s not one of those dogs that likes to howl at the moon, she’d rather howl at her mommy. Lucky and I will be back on The Today Show (July 2nd) for a very hot summer-themed segment begging the question: do all dogs do the doggie paddle? So pull out your puppy floaties because this one is going to be fun. Here are some training tips to get your dog in the water. Remember to choose a quiet place with minimal splashing, and make sure you have an upbeat proactive demeanor when splashing with your dog. You can encourage your dog to enter the water by using treats or toys, but if your pup isn’t ready, take a break and let them explore the deep seas at their own pace. Once your dog is finally in the water, level him/her to the water by placing one hand on the belly and let them paddle on out of there!

Remember to have some fresh water on hand because swimming is quite a workout (especially when you have four legs doing all the paddling). If you very worried about safety, invest in a canine life preserver to make sure your dog will always stay afloat and above the waves. But remember not all breeds of dogs are licensed to swim. Labs, Goldens, Barbets, English Setters, Akitas, Kerry Blue Terriers, Irish Water Spaniels, Poodles, Hungarian Pulis and OBVIOUSLY Portuguese Water Dogs are pro swimmers and are definitely welcomed in the water. Meanwhile Basset Hounds, Bulldogs, Dachshunds, Pugs, Greyhounds and Scottish and Boston Terriers aren’t meant to dip their paws into the ocean blue. As for the Maltese? Lucky claims she just doesn’t like to swim, but the truth is it isn’t healthy for her, water and dampness promotes premature arthritis in the Maltese breed. She prefers to be a couch potato, or simply a lapdog, and I’m not talking about laps in the water!

Being on NBC’s Today Show reminded me Recently when John McLaughlin of The McLaughlin Group told us that his Basset – Oliver once fell in a pool and sunk to the bottom, and John jumped in to rescue him. If only John had his TV on for Wednesday’s segment, Oliver would not be allowed near the pool. Since we are discussing politics Lucky and I are very upset that Hillary Clinton is out of the race, but at least she can spend more time with Seamus. Maybe Barack Obama should adopt a dog, it’ll certainly help his poll numbers! Hmmm, what breed of dog would Obama be and and/or should he get, I think a Greyhound would fit him perfectly. He’s been a sprinter throughout the beginning of the nomination race but can he go the distance and win the grand prize, the final presidential lap? While we’re on the topic of political pundits we hear that Matthew Dowd, former chief strategist for President Bush turned ABC political contributor just adopted a mutt that he named Jude, after the wonderful Saint Jude’s. Dowd tells us he’s much happier to be on TV during this race, rather than being on the campaign trail … and I don’t blame him. This week Lucky and I stopped by the UJA-Federation of New York’s Entertainment, Media and Communications Division Stephan J. Ross Humanitarian Award Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria. There to perform was the legendary Carly Simon and her son Ben Simon (who’s father is James Taylor). Not there to perform was her dog, Molly. And after much “Anticipation” Lucky was bummed out that she and Molly didn’t meet. But Carly is always happy to have Molly romp and roam the sandy beaches on Martha’s Vineyard for the summer. Molly’s favorite dining spot on the island, the famous Black Dog, of course. Lucky would love to live the island life like Molly, I mean what dog wouldn’t love the cool beaches and colorful sunsets all summer? All Lucky has is heated sidewalks and smoggy mornings (that’s right – refreshing Central Park and the Hamptons too – so there Molly).

We stopped by the opening of the rooftop at the Empire Hotel hosted by Jeffrey and Linda Chodorow. Lucky and I enjoyed some very scenic sights over the skyline of Manhattan in the very comfortable, very dog-friendly hotel. Lucky ran off to go check on the pet amenities. For dogs, The Empire Hotel provides 400 thread count doggie beds, a stuffed toy with turndown service and pooper bags that come in a cute little one-inch capsule. Lucky gave the hotel her five dog bone approval, so if you’re in New York City and need a dog-friendly place to stay, check out the Empire!(EmpireHotelNYC.com).

We ran into some of our favorite goumbas at the wrap party for Hungry Ghost at Don Hills, where we saw Sopranos star Michael Imperioli, and Steve Schrippa sans Bobby and Carly his Dachshunds. Schrippa’s funny wife Laura said if he was a dog he would be no bigger than a Dachshund (not sure what that means for a 6’2 man about 200 pounds – but use your imagination). Sarah Michelle Gellar was also there and John Vetimiglia of the Sopranos told me he wants two kitties … looks like Wendy the pet fairy strikes again!

Every year in the past when Lucky and I attended the White House Correspondence Dinner, we were always impressed with Tim Russert’s warmth and smarts whenever we spoke (briefly as all in the room wanted his time) with him. At this time we would like to extend our condolences to Tim Russert’s family and media colleagues. He was a breed unto himself, and he will be truly missed. Our deepest sympathies also goes out to Tori Spelling and her entire family as they mourn the loss of “fashion icon” and priceless pooch, MiMi LaRue, who died at the age of 84 (dog years). RIP MIMI.

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