DAN'S PAPERS, April 3, 2009 Page 40 www.danshamptons.com
pet agree By Jenna Robbins
HOMELIFE
Bird on the Wire? Dog on the Web? Community Web sites are the latest craze and there is no denying that they will be here for some time. Even if you are not a conscientious member, and by that I mean, you devote at least some part of your day to reporting what you are thinking, where you are going, what you are doing and so on, you probably check in to see what everyone else is thinking and doing. It must be true that pictures are worth a thousand words because there are tons of them on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Plaxo and the like. It’s a place for friends to share and to share friends. So why not include our best friends? Our dogs, cats, birds and whatever other creatures you’ve opened your heart, your life and your home to. Yes, you can definitely put your dog on these Web sites for people. In fact, there are specific areas to share photos, profile info and stories, like the Dogbook section of Facebook. You can create a Dog Park and select yourself or one of your dogs to be the administrator of the Dog Park and invite people and their dogs. I admit I’m not completely clear on what this is all about as I have not tried it and probably will pass on this one, but if anyone reading this can e-mail me with how it works and what the purpose is I would be happy to consider giving it a whirl. This is one of those times that I want to say, “I couldn’t make this stuff up,” but somehow I guess I wish I
did! YouTube is another place to put all your greatest animal photo-ops and celebrated heart warming moments, out there for the public to see. It’s a little less personal, as you may know, but it’s that “15 seconds” in the spotlight that some of us crave. However, the thing that all of these sites have in common when it comes to our “best friends” is that the canine, feline, rodent and reptile extensions of our families take a back seat to the human persua-
sion. After a bit of investigating, I came up with some wannabe Facebook sites for pets and even though they’re still social networks, but for people with pets, they offer the chance to become that stage mom you always wanted to be. You can actually register a profile for your special Fluffy, Buddy, Daisy and of course Murphy on…(no joke) cuteashell.com. Here your pet can have his or her own profile with photos, invite friends, have a store, which is where your pet will rate products and, of course, where you can shop. The Thunderdome is where your pet can compete for cutest in his or her category and win prizes. There are services like grooming and veterinarians, adoptions centers and rescues for viewing and you can add a service if you have one to offer. I did check out other Web sites, devoted mostly to dogs, and each one has its own redeeming quality and something to offer but how many of these can you join and keep up with. In case you want to peruse them yourself and decide which one is right for you and your pet, here are some that you might like: United Dogs, Dogster, Vivapets, Cute Overload and Hot or Not for pets. These social networking websites and cyber-playgrounds for dogs and other pets give rise to and validate the importance of the family pet in our society.
Kid’s Calendar THURSDAY, APRIL 2 RYHME TIME FOR CHILDREN - Rhyme Time For Children Ages Birth to 3 - Hampton Library Thursdays at 10 a.m., Bridgehampton. Come for toddler stories, registration is required. FRIDAY, APRIL 3 BASKETBALL, SOCCER, BALLET, TAP, DODGE BALL- At SYS in Southampton, kids programs continue daily with sports, dance and fun. Contact SYS for info at 631-287-1511. SATURDAY, APRIL 4 EASTER EGG AND SCAVENGER HUNT – 12 noon to 1 p.m. The Great Lawn, Main Street and Potunk Lane. Rain Date for the Greater Westhampton Chamber of Commerce Easter Egg and Village Scavenger Hunt is Sunday, April 5 (12 noon to 1 p.m.). All community children are welcome to participate. Free. 631-288-3337. BUILD A BIRDHOUSE – 10 a.m. Quail Hill Farm, Deep Lane, Amagansett. $10/birdhouse, space is limited to first 30 registrants, so call the Peconic Land Trust. 631-283-3195. DUMBLEDORE IN AMAGANSETT – Families are invited to to celebrate the Amagansett Free Library’s FIVE STAR rating with a five star Magical performance on at 2 p.m. Magician Arnie Kolodner plays Professor Dumbledore and leads an interactive fun-filled “wizarding class” at Hogwarts. The children help the great wizard make objects appear, disappear and transfigure. One lucky child will even dress up as Harry and float in Mid-air. Amagansett Free Library, Amagansett. 631-267-3810. KIDSTREET- Bay Street Theatre, Sag Harbor is proud to announce KIDSTREET: Family Film Series which will take place Saturday mornings at 11 a.m. These family favorites are both new and classic films presented on the big screen, perfect for kids of all ages. Today’s movie is “Annie.” The doors will open at 10:30 am, movies begin at 11 am and all tickets are $7. LIL COWPOKES PONY CLUB – Every Sat.
from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for ages 3 and up. Learn about animals and how to ride a pony. Amaryllis Farm Equine Rescue, 93 Merchants Path, Southampton. 631-537-7335. QUOGUE LIBRARY STORYTIME - Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Join children of all ages for story time, literacy games, puzzles and more. Located at 90 Quogue Street, Quogue. 631653-4224. SUNDAY, APRIL 5 BASKETBALL, SOCCER, BALLET, TAP, DODGE BALL- At SYS in Southampton, kids programs continue daily with sports, dance and fun. Contact SYS for info at 631-287-1511. PETTING FARM AT AMARYLLIS SACTUARY – Come visit every Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Pony rides are available on most days too. Amaryllis is a most unique sanctuary offering miracles to animals in distress. 93 Merchants Path, off Sagg Road (behind Wolffer), Sagaponack. 631-5377335 MONDAY, APRIL 6 QUOGUE LIBRARY – Pajama Storytime for children ages 2 – 5 years old. Wear your favorite pajamas and bring your favorite stuffed animal. Begins at 6 p.m. Call 631-653-4224. WHBPAC MISSOULA CHILDREN’S THEATRE: ROBIN HOOD – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, with a performance on Friday, April 10 at 7 p.m. Spring Break Camp - One week performing arts camp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Daily rehearsals of a musical tale plus classes in acting, improvisation, singing, movement, theatre games, a talent show and more. Limited to 60 boys and girls: Grades Kindergarten through 12. Camp Performance on Friday, April 10 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the performance are $15. 631-2882350, ext. 115. TUESDAY, APRIL 7 QUOGUE LIBRARY – Hands on Music, children ages 4 1/2 and under are invited the first Tues of
every month to join Dara Linthwaite for singing, playing the guitar, and entertaining your children with puppets and musical instruments. Starts at 1:30 p.m., registration is required, call 631-653-4224. QUOGUE LIBRARY STORYTIME - Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Join children of all ages for story time, literacy games, puzzles and more. Located at 90 Quogue Street, Quogue. 631653-4224. CMEE TODDLER TUESDAYS - Come bring your littlest ones on a day the Museum is closed to the general public, from 1 pm- 4 pm, for a fun-filled ‘play date’ complete with soft climbing forms set up for the day, activities and music. A nice opportunity for fellow moms and caregivers to enjoy each other’s company as well! Members: $8 / Non-Members: $10. 376 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, 631-537-8250. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 BASKETBALL, SOCCER, BALLET, TAP, DODGE BALL- At SYS in Southampton, kids programs continue daily with sports, dance and fun. Contact SYS for info at 631-287-1511. CMEE - Make a bird house, cookie jar, personal mug and animal sculptures. Ages 2-4 years accompanied by an adult. Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. 5 week session just added beginning April 1st! Instructor: Mary Jaffe. Members: $120/NonMembers: $130. Plus $10 material fee. 631-537-8250. Send all events for the kids’ calendar to events@danspapers.com by Friday at noon.
For totally complete, up-to-the-minute listings, go to
danshamptons.com click on: Calendar