The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
may 27,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital is open from 8-5:00 on Saturday and Sunday, and closed on Monday. If you have an emergency please call our office at 201-447-6000. We will re-open for regular business hours on Tuesday. Have a memorable weekend and summer!
February 3,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Midland Park NJ, the Midland Park Police Department have had several incidents of an unknown person walking their dog in front of the Godwin School and not picking up their dogs fecal matter. If you see someone walking their dog near the Godwin School and they do not remove the dogs fecal matter please call the Midland Park Police Department at 201-444-2300. Thank you!
February 1,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Veterinary Hospital says that while the flu virus that is currently affecting people is not related to the Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), it’s a good time to remember your faithful friend while it is fresh in your mind.
It is now easier than ever to protect your dog since a new vaccine helps prevent BOTH strains of Canine Influenza Virus (H3N2 and H3N8). We are offering discounted clinics from now through the end of February 2018 to help keep all dogs current with the CIV vaccine. Call to schedule an appointment, because our clinics are filling up fast 201-447-6000. Click on the link to see the segment about canine influenza on Good Morning America:
January 13,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridewood NJ, on January 20th the Woof Gang Bakery will host its Grand Opening in Ridgewood . The Woof Gang Bakery is a leading specialty retailer of pet food, pet-related supplies and pet grooming, with more than 80 locations across the U.S. The Ridgewood store will be located at 234 E. Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Woof Gang Bakery offers the very best in pet care by providing quality products at competitive prices and knowledgeable, caring customer service. Each Woof Gang Bakery location is a convenient, neighborhood store with connections to the local community. The company is committed to the well-being, health and happiness of pets.
In 2016, Woof Gang Bakery received the Retailer of the Year Franchise Award from Pet Product News, the Multi-Service Excellence Award from Pet Business Media and was ranked among the nation’s top retailers by Pet Business magazine. Recently, the company also was named best overall multi-unit retailer by Pet Business Media and recognized by Pet Insight magazine as one of the nation’s fastest growing pet chains.
At Woof Gang Bakery, we know that pets are a part of our families, our faithful companions and they bring us great joy. We’ll help you show your love and appreciation for their unconditional affection and devotion.
file photo by William Thomas
Hey, its happened to me too. I walk on sidewalk on Meadwobrook and people’s dogs on leash lung toward me and the owners don’ t care People are getting out their anger with their dogs. Likeing it when their dogs try to attack walkers.
I wrote about this problem last year on this blog as a comment to a posting
Apparently, according a someone who responded to my comment, you can buy mace or something from a sporting goods store for protection. I haven’t done it yet, but it is coming to that.
A trained dog will not lunge at walkers. I know because I walk a family members dog regularly here in town, again along Meadowbrook. It is very easy to train a dog not to lunge at people. I also grew up with a dog.
Also , just last week , a few days ago, I walked Dunham Trail by myself, never did it before, but since it was Octoberwalkfest , or something, I did it. A woman came from the opposite direction from the Grove entrance with TWO UNLEASHED DOGS. The dogs ran toward me and stopped dead in their tracks , daring me to advance. on the path. I was terrifiedand got off the path. The woman continued to walk her dogs, she did not call them back or apologize. I told her she isnt supposed to walk dogs unleashed in the park , She ignored me. I am an elderly woman, old, look old, walk old, you get it.
Also I walked Pleasant Park for the first time this past Saturday. A man with a huge dog was walking it on a leash. I got out of the way, climbing over piles of brush and fallen logs.
Hey, I love dogs. I grew up with one, a collie dog that looked like Lassie, my love and joy throughout my childhood. But people do not train their dogs not to attack people. And it’s done on purpose.
This is not really a nice community. Keep braggin folks.
The residents WANT THEIR DOGS to SCARE and perhaps BITE people.
photo by William Thomas
August 234,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, National Dog Day is this Saturday, August 26th!On that day we will be celebrating all breeds and honoring all family and working dogs that keep us safe and give us unconditional love!Help us celebrate National Dog Day this Saturday by showing your four-legged friend some extra love with a big hug or an extra treat!
National Dog Day is celebrated August 26th annually and was founded in 2004 by Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Advocate, Colleen Paige, also the founder of National Puppy Day, National Mutt Day and National Cat Day and many more philanthropic days to bring attention to the plight of animals and encourage adoption. The date of August 26th is significant, as it’s the date that Colleen’s family adopted her first dog “Sheltie” when Colleen was 10 years old.
National Dog Day celebrates all dogs, mixed breed and pure. Our mission is to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. Dogs put their lives on the line every day…
for personal protection, for law enforcement, for the disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage, now they’re detecting cancer and seizures…things even humans cannot do. NDD was adopted into New York State Legislation in 2013.
file photo by William Thomas
PARAMUS, N.J. — Health officials in New Jersey are warning pet owners about a deadly disease that is passed through rats.
Veterinarians in the state say they have seen a rise in the number of dogs who have contracted leptospirosis this year. The disease — known in some parts of the world as mud fever or swamp fever — is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through rat urine. Health officials say dogs may be exposed to the infection after lapping up puddle water.
CBS New York reports that at least three dogs died and two others were sickened by the disease in northern New Jersey.
The Blue Pearl Veterinary Hospital in Paramus has recently treated five dogs; three of them died. It was too late for antibiotics and the animals suffered organ failure, WCBS 880 reported.
The infection can also be hazardous for humans if they come into contact with rat urine. A Bronx man died from leptospirosis in February and two others became ill. But the New Jersey Health Department says there are currently no known human cases of leptospirosis in the state.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rat-borne-disease-leptospirosis-kills-dogs-in-new-jersey/
ASSEMBLY CLEARS BUCCO BILL HELPING DISABLED PEOPLE RETAIN RETIRED SERVICE DOGS AS PETS
June 26,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, A disabled person who has relied on the loyalty of a service dog will not have to choose between a place to live and their beloved canine companion under legislation by Assemblyman Anthony Bucco that was approved today by the Assembly. The bill (S1359/A4096) exempts retired service or guide dogs from housing contracts that restrict pets.
Assemblyman Anthony Bucco, “There is a saying that a man’s best friend is his dog. That is never as true as when the dog is a service dog,” and continues , “A person who depends on their dog every day develops a bond that should never be broken by a legal technicality.”
Once an aging service dog is no longer able to work, it is considered a pet. Some leases prohibit pets, while others limit renters to only one dog. In some cases, when the retired dog is replaced with another trained dog, a housing contract provision may be violated.
“After years of loyal service, a guide dog becomes a beloved part of the family,” said Bucco. “There may be a need for a younger, more capable service dog, but the retired animal has earned the right to remain in a loving home.”
The legislation passed the Senate in August 2016, and now moves to Gov. Christie’s desk for approval.
file photo William Thomas
CAREN CHESLER | JUNE 14, 2017
Some half-dozen people linked to NJSPCA have been interviewed or will soon be by State Commission of Investigation
After failing to file state and federal financial statements for years, a misstep that resulted in the loss of its tax-exempt status, the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is the subject of a State Commission of Investigation probe for the second time in less than 20 years.
While the SCI would not confirm or deny any investigative activity, at least half-a-dozen people connected with the NJSCPA say they have already been interviewed or are about to be, as part of the probe. Earlier this spring, NJ Spotlight published a look at the controversial organization, detailing its financial problems and its lack of oversight.
The NJSPCA, a private organization with a 100-plus-year-old charter from the state, has been the focus of controversy for almost two decades. Charged with protecting animals, the group’s senior members are given the power of arrest, carry guns, and yet have little state oversight. The steady drumbeat of criticism reached a crescendo late last year when it was discovered that the organization had lost its tax-exempt status and yet continued to accept public donations without informing donors that their contributions were no longer tax-deductible.
VILLAGE COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING
VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE COUNCIL REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING
MAY 10, 2017
8:00 P.M.
Call to Order – Mayor
Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act
Roll Call – Village Clerk
Flag Salute and Moment of Silence
Acceptance of Financial Reports
Approval of Minutes
Proclamations
National Cancer Survivors Day
Emergency Medical Services Week
Proclaim May as Mental Health Month
Proclaim May as Older Americans Month
Proclaim June as Gay Pride Month
Proclaim June 2nd as National Gun Violence Awareness Day
Comments from the Public (Not to exceed 3 minutes per person – 40 minutes in total)
Scoping Hearing – Green Acres Diversion on South
Broad Street
Adoption of Ordinance 3592 – Establish a CAP Bank
2017 Budget Hearing
Overview of 2017 Budget
Village Council’s Comments
Public Hearing on 2017 Budget
Resolution 17-126 Adopt 2017 Budget
Village Manager’s Report
Village Council Reports
ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION – RIDGEWOOD WATER-NONE
ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING – RIDGEWOOD WATER-NONE
RESOLUTIONS – RIDGEWOOD WATER
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 17-127, WILL BE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL. THERE IS A BRIEF DESCRIPTION BESIDE THE RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. THE RESOLUTION WILL BE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
17-127 Award Professional Services Contract – Engineering Services for Suez Corrosion Control (NTE $15,000) – Awards a Professional Services Contract to Mott MacDonald, 111 Wood Avenue South, Iselin, NJ
ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION
3599 – Amend Chapter 260 – Trees and Shrubs – Establishes rules and regulations for the planting and removal of trees on both public and private properties
3600 – Amend Chapter 212 – Parks and Recreation Areas – Prohibition of Dogs Off-Leash in Certain Parks – Prohibits dogs who are off-leash in both the Irene Habernickel Family Park and the Schedler Park Property
ORDINANCES – PUBLIC HEARING
3593 – General Capital Ordinance ($6,241,000)
3594 – Water Utility Capital Ordinance ($5,745,500) 3595 – Parking Utility Capital Ordinance ($210,000)
3596 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Parking Restrictions – Bogert Avenue and Cambridge Road
3597 – Amend Chapter 265 – Vehicles and Traffic – Parking Restrictions – Pomander Walk
3598 – Construction of Handicapped Ramp at Irene Habernickel Family Park ($70,000)
RESOLUTIONS
THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS, NUMBERED 17-128 THROUGH
17-139 ARE TO BE ADOPTED BY A CONSENT AGENDA, WITH ONE VOTE BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL. THERE IS A BRIEF DESCRIPTION BESIDE EACH RESOLUTION TO BE CONSIDERED ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. EACH RESOLUTION WILL BE READ BY TITLE ONLY:
17-128 Title 59 Approval- Replacement of Firehouse Roof – Approves the plans and specifications for Roof Replacement at the Main Fire House, 201 East Glen Avenue in the Village of Ridgewood prepared by the Engineering Division, pursuant to Title 59
17-129 Award Contract – Replacement of Firehouse Roof (NTE $126,760) – Awards a contract to the lowest responsible bidder, NDP Construction, LLC, 200 White Road, Suite 207, Little Silver, NJ
17-130 Title 59 Approval – School Bus Transportation Services – Approves the plans and specifications for School Bus Transportation Services prepared by the Parks and Recreation Department, pursuant to Title 59
17-131 Award Contract – Rebid of School Bus Transportation Services – Day Camp (NTE $21,000) – Awards a contract to the lowest responsible bidder, Durham School Services, 248 Goffle Road, Hawthorne, NJ
17-132 Award Contract Under County Contract – Rock Salt (NTE $56.86/ton) – Awards a contract under County Contract to Mid-American Salt, LLC, 4528 Hillegas Road, Fort Wayne, IN
17-133 Authorize Additional Funding for Special Attorney for RCRD Lawsuit (NTE $15,000) – Awards an additional $15,000 for the Special Attorney in the RCRD Lawsuit, Peter Scandariato of Eastwood, Scandariato, & Steinberg, 336 President Street, Saddle Brook, NJ
17-134 Authorize Application – Designate Graydon Park – Historic Designation – Authorizing application to Historic Preservation Office of the State of New Jersey to add Graydon Park to the State and National Registers of Historic Places
17-135 Authorize Shared Services Agreement – Borrowing of County Equipment (Bergen County) – Authorizes a Shared Services agreement with Bergen County for the sharing of emergency and non-emergency equipment
17-136 Suspension of Ordinance for Certain Illuminated Signs – Suspends the ordinance for certain illuminated signs in the Central Business District until December 31, 2017
17-137 Approve Encroachment Agreement – The Office Restaurant – 32-34 Chestnut Street – Approves an Encroachment Agreement for a canopy over the doorway of The Office Restaurant which extends over the Village’s sidewalk and is minor in nature. Also authorizes the Mayor and Village Manager to sign the Encroachment Agreement.
17-138 Authorize Addition of World War I Ridgewood Resident Veteran Killed in Action to Memorial Plaque – Authorizes the addition of the name of Anthonie J. Wendels, a Ridgewood resident, who was an Army Veteran killed in action in World War I, to the plaque at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. Also authorizes the Village to pay the cost of doing so.
17-139 Recognize the Designated Public Forum Space in Memorial Park at Van Nest Square – Display of the Gay Pride Flag – Designating the Public Forum space in Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, resolving to display the Gay Pride Flag for all of June 2017 in recognition of Gay Pride Month.
Comments from the Public (Not to Exceed 5 minutes per person)
Resolution to go into Closed Session
Closed Session
A. Legal – COAH, Valley Hospital
B. Personnel – Appointments to Boards and Committees; Appointments of Professionals
C. Contract Negotiations – Consideration of Purchase of Property 24. Adjournment
file photo by William Thomas
Henry Bodkin
19 DECEMBER 2016 • 7:35PM
Going grey due to stress and anxiety is an inseparable part of being human, but new research suggests we are not alone.
A pioneering study of dogs found has found that the famously loyal four-legged animals may be suffering exactly the same fate.
A survey of more than 400 canines established that going grey around the mouth and face was not only a sign of distinguished old age.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2016/12/19/stress-makes-dogs-go-grey-humans-new-study/
photo by William Thomas
CELL PRESS
VIDEO: THIS VIDEO SHOWS EPISODIC-LIKE MEMORY IN DOGS (CANIS FAMILIARIS): RECALL OF OTHERS’ ACTIONS AFTERINCIDENTAL ENCODING REVEALED BY THE DO AS I DO METHOD. view more
CREDIT: CLAUDIA FUGAZZA, ÁKOS POGÁNY, AND ÁDÁM MIKLÓS / CURRENT BIOLOGY 2016
People have a remarkable ability to remember and recall events from the past, even when those events didn’t hold any particular importance at the time they occurred. Now, researchers reporting in the journal Current Biology on November 23 have evidence that dogs have that kind of “episodic memory” too.
The study found that dogs can recall a person’s complex actions even when they don’t expect to have their memory tested.
“The results of our study can be considered as a further step to break down artificially erected barriers between non-human animals and humans,” says Claudia Fugazza of MTA-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group in Budapest, Hungary. “Dogs are among the few species that people consider ‘clever,’ and yet we are still surprised whenever a study reveals that dogs and their owners may share some mental abilities despite our distant evolutionary relationship.”
Evidence that non-human animals use episodic-like memory has been hard to come by because you can’t just ask a dog what it remembers. In the new study, the researchers took advantage of a trick called “Do as I Do.” Dogs trained to “Do as I Do” can watch a person perform an action and then do the action themselves. For example, if their owner jumps in the air and then gives the “Do it!” command, the dog would jump in the air too.
The fact that dogs can be trained in this way alone wasn’t enough to prove episodic memory. That’s because it needed to be shown that dogs remember what they just saw a person do even when they weren’t expecting to be asked or rewarded. To get around this problem, the researchers first trained 17 dogs to imitate human actions with the “Do as I Do” training method. Next, they did another round of training in which dogs were trained to lie down after watching the human action, no matter what it was.
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-11/cp-ydr111616.php
October 26,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
SMITHTOWN, NY, While many people are familiar with the many U.S. soldiers serving in the Middle East, they are not aware of the dogs that often serve alongside them. Some of the dogs serve in official positions helping the military effort, while others are strays that the soldiers become attached to. Rather than having to leave those dogs behind, two U.S. soldiers will be adopting the dogs they have formed bonds with. The dogs will be transported from the military zone in the Middle East where they are stationed, and will be waiting for them upon their return back to the States, thanks to the work of Guardians of Rescue.
“We realize how important these dogs are to the health and well being of the soldiers who have been caring for them and working alongside of them,” explains Robert Misseri, president of Guardians of Rescue. “We are excited that we will be keeping these two dogs with the men who mean so much to them and vice versa. It’s a small gesture that we do for our soldiers that has a big impact.”
The two soldiers, both in the Army, who will be adopting the dogs are Sergeant Christian Cox and Specialist Michael Fenton. They contacted Guardians of Rescue, asking for assistance to help them get the dogs safely back to the U.S. Cox will be adopting Ghost, a stray dog that he has formed a bond with, while Fenton will be adopting Amigo, a bomb detection dog that was just retired of his duties.
The plans are currently under way for Guardians of Rescue to fly to where the two soldiers are stationed in the Middle East, and bring the two dogs, Amigo and Ghost, to Pennsylvania, where they will be placed with the soldiers’ families and wait for the return of the soldiers themselves. Both dogs are currently being cared for by the soldiers, and the organization is working as quickly as possible to bring them safely to the U.S. In addition, Guardians of Rescue is sending one of their retired military members to escort and ensure the dogs have safe passage to America.
“We are very honored to be helping the military and these dogs,” adds Misseri. “But we need your support to accomplish our goal of raising $10,000 – which is the funds required to get the dogs out of the Middle East and into their forever homes in America.”
Guardians of Rescue provides assistance to animals out on the streets, helping to rescue them, provide medical care, food and shelter, and find foster-home placements.. They are also instrumental in helping military members with their pets, and to provide service dogs to veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. To learn more, get involved, or to make a donation to support the Guardians of Rescue, log ontowww.guardiansofrescue.org.
About Guardians of Rescue
Based in New York, Guardians of Rescue is an organization whose mission is to protect the well being of all animals. They provide aid to animals in distress, including facilitating foster programs, rehabilitation, assisting other rescue groups, and providing support to families, both military and not, who need assistance due to economic factors. To learn more about Guardians of Rescue, visit the site at www.guardiansofrescue.org.
October 20, 2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, This garbage can is overflowing with dog-poop that has been carefully bagged by the responsible owners. But the can is totally jammed.
The Dunham Trail which runs between Grove Street and Spring Avenue. It seems dog owners and dogs always get such a bad rap from the haters in town……but here you have a clear example that the owners are absolutely trying their best to pick up all the poop, even from a woodsy nature trail, yet no one empties the garbage can.
Whose responsibility is it to empty the cans in the Village parks?
Everyone brought their favorite pets: dogs, cats, goldfish, rabbits and even stuffed animals….any beloved creature, great or small. A short service celebrating all animals was followed by individual blessings of each animal. Mayor Susan Knudsen stopped in for a visit .
