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Erika, NYC <em>Doggie Mom</em>

Jen Carlson

Published Mar 2, 2011

Modified Mar 2, 2011

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Jen Carlson

Published Mar 2, 2011

Modified Mar 2, 2011

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NYC Life (a television channel run by the city) has rounded up some of the city's dog-loving ladies and followed them around with cameras. You can now watch Doggie Moms right here, with a new episode airing tonight. This week Doggie Mom Erika told us about her "fur children" (a term that legitimately freaks us out), dating with dogs, and what she thinks of cats.

Where's your favorite spot in the city to bring your dogs? My dogs and I love Central Park. Ginger and Cubby lead me in a different direction each time we go. There are so many different areas of the park to explore. We especially like their monthly Bagel Barks where we can mingle with other doggy lovers.

Would you ever move to an outer borough to give the dogs more space, and maybe a backyard? We are very spoiled living in the center of the city. I can walk to work and I can also go home at lunch to walk the dogs. It is also very convenient for us to attend the many New York City doggy social functions. And with Central Park a short walk away... we feel like we already have a huge backyard!

Do you find it's more difficult to date given you have two "fur children"? It's easier to date because I have two kids who help me weed out unsuitable guys. Cubby and Ginger have great taste and draw people over to us for sure. Who wouldn't love a scruffy dog? We just need to attend more events where there are actually some single and datable men!

Have you been to the dog night club? If not, would you go? We went to the grand opening of the Fetch Club night club and loved it! We can't wait to go again and bring some of our doggy friends for a playdate.

What's a normal day like for you and your dogs? We roll out of bed early and head outside for a quick walk and potty patrol. Then the girls eat their breakfast while I get ready for work. Before I leave, I fill lots of Kongs and other interactive toys with treats to keep the pups active until I come home at lunch for another walk. In the evening we might attend a charity event, dinner with friends at an outdoor cafe, or just a long walk along the river. We are never at a loss for fun things to do living in New York City.

Cubby is a certified therapy dog—what does this involve? Cubby graduated from the Good Dog Foundation's therapy training program. This was a 5-week course training both of us to visit facilities as a therapy dog team. We now visit many facilities throughout the city to provide the gift of healing and wellness to people in the community. Some people we visit just want to hold Cubby; some want a doggy kiss, and some just want to brush her hair. It is touching to see the positive effect a doggy visit can have on people. It is also a great way for Cubby and me to bond and also give back to the community.

How has the experience filming the show been? Would you do another season? We had a great experience. The production company loves animals and we even inspired someone from the network to get a dog! We are always happy to show people how much fun it is to have a dog and all of the unique things we are able to do—especially living in a city like New York. We were also very proud to show that both Cubby and Ginger are rescued dogs and hope we encourage other people to head to the shelter or rescue groups to find a great dog. I know there have been talks of a second season... so we shall see!

What's your take on... cats? Cubby, Ginger, and I adopted a ceramic cat this past fall from the Art Dogs and Cats of New York exhibition and benefit. "Henry" sits in our window. We also donate cat food to Animal Haven Shelter through their wishlist. But we won't be getting a real cat anytime soon... maybe another dog instead.

Tagged

Doggie Moms

Erika

interview

video

Jen Carlson

Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

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