New York Bans The Retail Sale of Dogs and Cats

Pet Ownership Is The Joy Of My Life — Plus It's Easier Than Housebreaking A Husband

Gorgeous giant black schnauzer Monty — named Top Dog at Westminster's 149th show earlier this month. At Madison Square Garden, it was 2,500 dogs — 200 different breeds.

Most more temperamental than Kamala. Plus endless news photos of this 5-year-old Best in Show winner from Connecticut.

Animal lover me has served on ASPCA's board, created dog shows every December for the Blessing of the Animals — 700 creatures leading their human parents — at Park and 60th's Christ Church.

Maybe I've been around so long that if you take an enlargement of "The Last Supper," I'm probably the server. But I'm telling you the joys of owning a four-legged live-in.

First, if you're in Albany and need a friend — a spaniel, Chihuahua or Great Dane is your best shot. Prefer your mother-in-law? That's your problem.

Difficulties? Yeah. You have to housebreak the boy dog. First, toilet training. Just like you do your husband.

Then — like that same husband — keep him on a tight leash. Just throw him a bone periodically, plus — once in awhile — you have to let him out on his own.

I do Yorkshire terriers. I live in New York. Born in New York, bred in New York, work in New York. So with me it's Yorkies.

My first was 2 pounds, 2 ounces. Name, Jazzy. He was the size of a rat's ass. Despite nervousness at having my own first dog, I quickly felt a warm feeling come over me. The newest member of my family had peed on me.

Since either the dog or me was still dribbling, someone ran for newspaper. The New York Post was open to my page.

My new dog took one look at my photo on the page and this 2-pounder made a quick decision. He poured all over me. It was probably his opinion.

Now, 25 years later, it's another Yorkshire terrier. Name's Jellybean. Always the letter "J" because my mom was Jessica, my husband Joey.

With a quarter of a century gone, it's now aches and pains. Jellybean, now 5, his bed has become my chest. I put my hand on him so if I change position he won't tumble off. I try not to move.

Result? My fingers freeze in one position. And to unlock those knees as the hours tick away is to remove that little hollow which had become his bunk.

Do I love these pups? Yes. Insanely. Once I took Jazzy to church. The soloist was off-key. So Jazzy jumped off my lap and took himself down the aisle toward the exit.

Thank God he's low-slung. I lunged after him. Worshippers who saw it thought my hairpiece had fallen off.

Among those who can't live without their dogs are Jennifer Aniston, Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, Kylie Jenner, Chrissy Teigen, Selena Gomez.

A very famous lady's work has taken her temporarily to LA. She normally lives in the East with her husband and family who remain here. I asked how's she doing and she said: "I can't stand it. I miss my dog."

And that's not only in New York, kids, not only in New York.

Thinking About Getting A Family Pet?

Caring for a pet can be a great way to help children develop a sense of responsibility, but there's a lot to think about before bringing an animal into your home. Here are five important questions to ask yourself before getting a family pet.

1. What kind of pet would be best for us?

Pet ownership is a huge responsibility – many pets can live for at least ten years and your family situation might change enormously during an animal's lifetime. Think carefully about what sort of pet would suit your family setup. For example, an adult dog who loves children might be a better choice than a puppy. Certain breeds are known to be more suitable for families, so do your research to find out what could work for your household.

Here are some useful guides if you're thinking of getting a dog or getting a cat. 

2. What can my child cope with at this age?

Think about your child's level of understanding and their physical stage – young children often have sudden, jerky movements which can unnerve animals. Small creatures like gerbils can be hard for children to handle and rabbits don't always enjoy being picked up and cuddled. Cats can dodge marauding toddlers, but remember they may defend themselves if they feel too suffocated with 'love'! Hamsters are nocturnal and can be noisy and active at night – worth considering if they're going to be kept in your child's bedroom.

More information on finding the right pet.

3. Which pet would suit our lifestyle?

Think through how much time you'll need to devote to your chosen pet and how this will fit in with your family's existing commitments. If you work during the day, consider how long will pets be left alone – will they have access to food and outdoor space? Plan for costs like pet insurance, medical procedures, vaccinations, food and equipment – they can really mount up, and it's worth anticipating how they'll affect your family budget.

Find out more about caring for different types of pet.

4. How much can my child help out?

Involve the whole family in planning out who will be responsible for day-to-day pet care. Helping to look after an animal is a fantastic life experience for a child, and builds their sense of responsibility and nurturing – but be realistic about how much your little ones will be able to do themselves. Make sure you'll be able to meet all your pet's needs without overloading your already busy lives!

5. How would we handle the loss of a pet?

The death of a pet can be a child's first experience of bereavement – really upsetting, but also a useful learning moment. When getting a family pet, plan how you'll handle this with your little one if the worst happens, bearing in mind the life expectancy of your chosen pet. Learning to cope with sad feelings is important, and parents can use this opportunity to show their children that it's normal to have such feelings and lay the foundation for how children deal with loss later in life.

More information on how to support children through the loss of a pet

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