New York Goes to the Dogs With Spot, a 38-foot Statue of a Dalmatian

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: May 23rd, 2018

new york goes to the dogs with spot a 38 foot statue of a dalmatian

Donald Lipski sculpted the imposing statue and, yes, that’s a real taxi that this gigantic pooch is balancing on its nose.

From stunning monuments and to temporary exhibitions in the city’s parks, The Big Apple has a lot to offer when it comes to public art. The latest addition to the town’s impressive collection of statues is Spot, a 38 foot tall statue of a Dalmatian, designed by Donald Lipski, an artist whose most recognizable pieces have been large-scale works for public spaces. While everybody would have been ecstatic with just the giant dog statue, the artist behind the design took things a step further and the end result is incredible. The enormous pooch is balancing a taxi cab on the tip of its nose, which is actually a real Prius donated by Toyota, and it only adds to the art installation’s majestic appearance. Although the car is not functional (its motor has been removed), when it rains, its windshield wipers will activate to the delight of onlookers.

There’s a new dog in town — and she’s a big girl. “Spot,” a 38-foot-tall Dalmatian statue balancing a cab on its nose, is under construction outside the new NYU Langone Kimmel Pavilion. She’ll soon greet patients of the new Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital. Link in bio to read more. (📷 : @rutlman)

A post shared by amNewYork (@amnewyork) on May 18, 2018 at 2:05pm PDT

While there’s no doubt about Spot being a lovely, uplifting addition to New York’s line up of outdoor public art, it’s not its artistic value that’s the coolest thing about it. The Dalmatian sits right in front of the Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, which is to be opened this June. The pediatric care facility treats infants, children, and teenagers, and having a 38-foot dog balancing a yellow car on its nose is bound to coax a few smiles from the hospital’s visitors and patients. So, not only that tourists and locals alike will get to enjoy this remarkable piece of canine art, but children and parents visiting the medical institution will get a lighthearted welcome. You see? Spot is a good boy even when he’s not real.

Up close view of Spot by artist @donaldlipski now installed at the new pavilion on NYUs Langone Medical Campus in @reengineering.co fabricated and installed the taxi cab balanced on the nose. @publicartservicesus life nyc @nyulangone

A post shared by re:engineering (@reengineering.co) on May 17, 2018 at 11:03am PDT

If you’re visiting New York this summer, make sure to check out Spot in person: you’ll spot him (pun intended) at 34th Street and First Avenue.

What about dog-inspired art in your city? Share your favorite four-legged statues and monuments in the comment section!

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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New Survey Ranks America's Top Dog Breeds by State

There’s no doubt about it - Americans love their dogs! We know that your pooch is the best breed, but have you wondered which are the most favored dog breeds in America? Forbes surveyed 10,000 dog owners across the 50 states to find America’s top dog breed. The survey involved the top 25 most popular dog breeds nationwide, according to the American Kennel Club. So, what is America’s top dog? As it turns out, “no breed in particular” is the country’s favorite at 13%.However, if Americans had to decide, they’d pick the Australian shepherd as a favorite, followed by the German shepherd and the bulldog.The highly intelligent and energetic Australian shepherd was ranked as the top dog breed in 10 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Montana, Missouri, New York, and Virginia. This breed was also voted the second favorite in nine states. Although Aussies won the popularity vote, the German shepherd was the number one pick in 16 states. That’s more than any other breed!Known for its loyal and courageous nature, the German shepherd is the most common breed to serve as a police K9 but also makes a wonderful family companion. They ranked as the second favorite dog breed in nine states. Interestingly, more men than women picked German shepherds as their favorite breed (9% compared to 6%). America’s 3rd favorite breed, according to Forbes, is the bulldog. The English bulldog is a medium-sized dog breed, best known for its stocky build, large head, and wrinkled face. The bulldog ranked as the top dog in eight states, including Illinois, Connecticut, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Utah. Among all states, Nebraska ranked the bulldog lowest, placing this breed at 24th place, The lovable and friendly Labrador retriever ranked as the nation’s 4th favorite breed. Thanks to their affectionate, friendly, and energetic nature, Labs make great companions to people of all ages and families with children. Labrador retrievers ranked as the most favorite dog breed in 10 states, including Louisiana, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oregon, South Dakota, and West Virginia. Bernese mountain dog is the 5th favorite dog breed in the United States. Large in size and built for hard work, Bernese mountain dogs are easy to train and make affectionate, loyal, and faithful companions. So, it’s no surprise that this doggo ranked as the most favorite breed in nine states. Compared to four other top-ranked breeds, the Bernese mountain dog had the most varying results, with 10 states ranking this breed in the bottom 10.The beagle is the nation’s favorite small breed. Ranked as the 6th favorite breed overall, the beagle was placed in the top 10 favorite breeds in all but seven states. This breed received the lowest ranking in Utah, where it was voted as the state’s 3rd least favorite breed.The golden retriever comes in at 7th place, after being voted as the most favorite dog breed in Michigan and Wisconsin. Medium in size and best known for their gorgeous golden coats, golden retrievers are loving, loyal, and affectionate companions to active people and families with children. Goldens were the 2nd favorite dog breed in four states, including New Hampshire, North Dakota, Connecticut, and Vermont. This breed ranked the lowest in Alabama, where it received 17th place.These are America’s most favorite dog breeds, but the nation also has the least favorite doggo. This title goes to the Havanese, which was the bottom-ranked breed in 33 states.The Havanese is followed by Pembroke Welsh Corgi which was the least favorite dog breed in 17 states. And what about you? What’s your favorite and least favorite dog breed?Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What to Know About Osteoarthritis in Cats

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After 5 Long Years, a Lost Senior Dog is Reunited With His Owner

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Golden Retriever Survives 65 Days Alone in the Alaskan Wilderness

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28-pound Cat Named 'One Frosty Too Many' Finds a Forever Home

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What Size of Cage Does My Hamster Need?

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Can Dogs Have Sleep Apnea?

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Lost Dog Rescued After Surviving Six Years Alone in the Woods

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What is the Best Dog Harness for Senior Dogs?

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How To Tell if a Cat Is Cold

Despite your cat’s luxurious coat, they can feel cold sometimes, and it’s important to make it easy for them to warm up because, if they get too cold, they could become hypothermic. Keep reading to learn how to spot the signs that your cat is cold, and how to help them feel warm and comfortable.Signs Your Cat Is ColdCats of all ages and breeds can feel the effects of the cold, but kittens, seniors, and those who are ill are more susceptible. And, of course, hairless cats can get cold even faster. Here are some of the ways to tell if your cat is cold:Your cat’s body feels cold – Feel your cat’s body to see if they’re cold to the touch. If their ears, paws, and tail are colder than normal, they may need help warming up. Your cat’s posture changes – A cat who’s cold may curl up in a ball to try to warm up. You might also find them puffing up their fur or they might be in a hunched position as they try to conserve heat. Your cat is looking for warmer spots – A kitty who’s feeling the chill in the air will find the warmest spots in the house. They might get under the thick blanket on your bed, or they might insist on sitting in your lap. And you might find them spending more time near a heater or fireplace. During the day, they might also move to areas that get more sunshine to feel its warmth.Your cat isn’t as active – When a cat feels too cold, they may become less active. If your pet is sleeping more or appears lethargic, first make sure that another medical issue isn’t to blame. If it’s because they’re cold, take action to warm them up, including turning up the heat in your home. Bear in mind that cats with certain conditions, such as arthritis, might feel even more discomfort when it’s cold, and this can lead to changes in activity level and behavior too.Your cat starts shivering – Like people, cats shiver when they’re very cold, and this is a sign that you need to warm them up right away. But because this could also be a symptom of other problems, from illness and pain to stress and fear, be sure to determine if temperature is really the culprit.What To Do if Your Cat Is ColdThere are many ways to help your feline friend feel cozy and comfortable, such as:Give your cat a cozy bed and blanket in a warm spotWhen you see that your cat is feeling cold, give them a warm bed that they can rest in to warm up. There are heated beds that you plug in, as well as self-warming beds that work without electricity. Plus, there are heated pads that can be helpful in making your kitty feel cozy. And you can let your cat crawl under a soft blanket for extra warmth. Just be sure to use heated beds and pads as directed to prevent injuries. Let your cat relax in a warm area in the house, such as near a heat source or in a spot where the sunshine streams in during the day. Move your pet away from drafts.Snuggle with your catOnce your cat finds a comfortable spot on the bed or sofa, you can lie down next to them to help them warm up with your body heat. They’re sure to love the attention, and you’ll get to be near your purring feline friend.  Put sweaters on your catAs long as your kitty doesn’t mind wearing clothes, you can use sweaters to keep them warm on chilly days. This is especially useful for hairless kitties. And you can use clothes to keep your cat warm while exploring the outdoors with you.Protect cats who spend time outsideIf your pet is an adventure cat who goes outside with you, or an indoor/outdoor cat who goes out on their own, check outdoor temperatures first. Generally, it’s best to let them spend time outside only when it’s at least 45°F (7°C), but every cat is different, so some might only feel comfortable when it’s even warmer than that.Whenever it’s cold, raining, windy, or snowing, keep them indoors until the weather clears and warms up. Remember, cats who are cold or wet for too long are at risk of frostbite and hypothermia.Note: If you have an outdoor cat, they’ll look for shelter to stay as warm as possible, so give them a safe and dry outdoor enclosure that will protect them from the elements if you can’t bring them into your home, which would be preferable.Check Out These Products That Help Cats Stay WarmHere are a few products we recommend for keeping your cat warm: K&H Thermo-Kitty Bed Deluxe Hooded

How Often Should I Clean My Bird's Cage?

Parrots and small birds are exceptionally vulnerable when their cage is left unkempt and dirty – proper hygiene and a clean space to rest and eat in are a must for the good health of all avians. What is more, a bird cage that is left unclean can become a threat to your health as well, with airborne bacteria and pathogens flying all over the place. All in all, it’s clear that regular cleaning of your bird's cage shouldn’t be seen as just a dull chore but as a necessary task to protect everyone’s health and wellbeing. However, while it’s obvious that you need to do it regularly, just how often should you clean your bird’s cage? Is it on a check-and-see basis or is there a recommended frequency of cleaning? Let’s find out.How Often Should I Clean My Bird's Cage?The frequency at which you should clean the cage depends on several factors, including the size of the cage, the number of birds you have, and the species of bird in question. For example, a smaller cage will get dirty in no time, while a large one that houses a single, bigger bird will remain cleaner for longer. While these are good starting guidelines, things are not that simple.The best approach to take is to clean the cage daily, weekly, and monthly. Of course, the amount of cleaning you do each day will differ from the one you do on a monthly basis – here’s how it should look like:Daily Cleaning:Change the  food and water dishes daily to ensure fresh food and clean water. This is imperative and a major part of caring for your bird. Don’t allow water to remain unchanged and food to go stale.

Mice Have Passed the Mirror Test: What It Means

The “mirror test” is used by scientists to help them determine if an animal is self-aware—if an animal looks in the mirror and recognizes themselves in it, rather than thinking that there’s another animal looking back at them, they pass the test and are considered self-aware.Several animals have passed this test, such as primates, Asian elephants, and bottlenose dolphins, among others. More recently, a study has shown that mice can also recognize themselves when they look in the mirror.The Experiment That Proved Mice Can Pass the Mirror TestTo figure out if mice can pass the mirror test, scientists put some white ink on the foreheads of black mice. Then, they let the mice look into a mirror. What they discovered was fascinating: the mice recognized themselves in the reflection and started grooming themselves once they realized that there was something on their head that shouldn’t be there.Also, if the mice didn’t realize that something was on their forehead (when black ink was used so it would match the color of their fur or when the spot of ink wasn’t large enough), they didn’t start grooming themselves. This shows that there was a reason the mice groomed their heads after looking in the mirror, and it was an attempt to clean themselves of the ink stain.In addition to looking at their behavior, the scientists also used gene expression mapping to see which neurons in the brain became activated when the animals saw themselves in the mirror.  Findings Shed Light on Self-Recognition in MiceThis research shows that mice may be self-aware, but there are some things to consider. For example, the mice who groomed themselves to remove the ink were already used to mirrors, while mice who weren’t familiar with mirrors didn’t groom themselves. Also, mice who were socially isolated didn’t groom themselves during the experiment with the mirror, unlike mice who lived with other mice that looked like them.There’s still more to discover and learn about these animals, so scientists are planning on doing more research in this area.  Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What to Know When Traveling Across the US/Canada Border with Your Pet

International travel with your best friend by your side can be an exciting adventure, but navigating the rules and regulations for crossing the border can feel daunting.Whether you’re heading to Canada for a pet-friendly weekend getaway or attending a Canadian pet show or expo, ensuring that you meet all the needs for crossing the border with your furry friend will set you up for a smooth journey.Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about traveling with your pet across the US/Canada border.In this guide, we’ll cover essential documentation, tips to set yourself up for a stress-free crossing and answer some of the most common questions about pet-friendly international travel.Can You Drive Across the Canadian Border with a Dog (or Cat)?If your next pet-friendly road trip will take you across the border into Canada, you’re in luck. Pet parents can drive from the United States to Canada with the whole family, including their furry family members, if they have the necessary paperwork.Entering Canada may be more complicated if your dog is coming from any country other than the United States. This is due to the concern of rabies, which causes some countries to face restrictions. If your dog has recently been to another country, it is recommended that you look further into the requirements for traveling from that area or ask your veterinarian.What Do I Need to Cross the US Border into Canada with My Dog?When traveling to Canada with your dog, the documentation required will depend on their age.If your dog is 3 months old or older, you must provide a rabies vaccination certificate to cross the border. This document must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and show that your dog received a rabies vaccine within 3 years of the date you are crossing.The rabies vaccination certificate must include the following: Your name and address A description of your dog (breed, sex, age, color, markings, etc.)Date of rabies vaccination Vaccine product informationVaccination expiry date Name, address, license number, and signature of the veterinarian who administered the vaccinePuppies under 3 months of age are not required to provide proof of a rabies vaccine. However, border security may ask for proof of your dog’s age.Are the Rules Different for Cats or Other Pets?All cats over the age of 3 months must be accompanied by a rabies vaccination certificate showing that the vaccine was administered within 3 years of the date of travel. Kittens under 3 months old are exempt from this requirement.The requirements for ferrets to cross the border are similar. However, the rabies vaccination certificate must show that the vaccine was administered within 12 months of the travel date.Any pet parents traveling with a bird must complete a “ Veterinary Health Certificate for Export of Pet Birds from the United States of America to Canada.” This form details important information for your upcoming travel, including the number of birds you can travel with, depending on their species.Do you have a pet that we haven’t addressed? More information can be found on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.

Why is My Dog Vomiting White Foam?

Sometimes, our dogs can exhibit behavior that can cause great panic in any owner. After all, they can’t talk to us and tell when something is hurting them, or when they feel ill, scared, or angry. So they let their bodies do the talking. One of these scary behaviors is vomiting white foam. It can happen all of a sudden, and frighten you to no end. But is it really a reason to panic? And what causes a dog to vomit white foam in the first place? Let’s find out more.Why Do Dogs Vomit White Foam?The reasons for white foam vomiting can be many, and the cause might not be clear to you immediately. What’s even more frustrating, there are several possible causes for this occurrence. In some cases, the reason for the vomiting can be complex, but often enough it is super simple. It could end up being a sensitive tummy irritated by a new brand of food on the menu, or just a passing belly ache that’s nothing to stress over. However, you should always consult with a vet to eliminate any underlying health issues, as there are many conditions whose symptom is vomiting. One of the conditions that manifests as vomiting foam is bilious vomiting, which is caused when a dog's stomach is empty for an extended period. This leads to the production of gastric acid, so the stomach contents may include a foamy, white substance. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day may help prevent this.  Gastritis, or the inflammation of the stomach lining can also cause vomiting. This condition may be triggered by various factors, such as dietary indiscretion, changes in diet, ingesting foreign objects, or infections. The vomit can likewise be white and foamy. The same can happen in the case of gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which is often caused by infections, dietary changes, or the ingestion of inappropriate or spoiled food. Be careful of the expiration dates and the quality of food you give to your dog, as an innocent mistake can cause a lot of digestive issues for your four-legged bestie. Another possible reason for white foam vomit can be the  ingestion of foreign bodies. Dogs may ingest non-food items that can cause irritation or blockages in the digestive tract, leading to vomiting. If you notice them dry heaving, this could be the reason why. The same goes for the ingestion of  toxic materials. Ingesting toxic substances can lead to white foamy vomiting. Common toxins include certain plants, human foods (like chocolate, xylitol, or onions), and household chemicals.

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