Pet people are more fun – plain and simply. We enjoy the simple pleasures of a game of catch with a stinky dog ball, the slobber of a familiar hound and the four legged canine kind of playful love. Many of our lives have even a dog rhythm to them ~ driven by the insane desire to walk, love, socialize, accessorize and care for our pampered pooches. Our pups are not dogs but vital parts of our life – sentient beings who add a loving component and joyful mix to our lives.

Pups of the Upper East Side variety have countless opportunities to be spoiled – rotten! Dog walkers, daycare facilities, groomers, apparel designers and photographers target these pooches. Being an uptown canine isn’t easy ~ everyone is vying for you to be cared for in high style.

My “little man” named Shiva (yes, the Hindu God of destruction – what was I thinking?) is the hit of the hood. This little four legged man of color exudes an uncommon degree of pug playfulness and spunk. People know him by his personality of play, his white diamond chest and matching chalk paws. Initially I thought it odd that strangers would stop me and exclaim “Shiva” but now it’s as common as a Jamba Juice on 86th street. He is really akin to a politician in my zip code ~ everyone knows him and he can really work a crowd. Somehow even if he’s being a stinker you can’t help but love him ~ part of him brings out your inner pug.

Places to go, pugs to see

Doggie daycare is plentiful in our part of the world. Owners (companions – more pc) and pups love it. Although the options are many ~ I will share my favorite on East 82nd between second and third avenue. Dogs & Cats is a no-frills establishment that is open from 8 to 8 on weekdays with a full international staff of pet people. It’s $20 a day (use cash – no tax then) and includes frequent walks around the neighboring hood. Shiva has such a blast there – he literally pulls me there and when they are closed – he tries to wiggle his little piggy body under the gate. (phone – 212-396-2585)

Our other favorite haunt is the Carl Schultz Dog Run on East End and East 84th Street. It sits atop the FDR drive overlooking the East River with gorgeous 180 degree views of the east end bridges, islands and some open sky that will knock any New Yorker’s breath away. It doesn’t get any better than this ~ really! There are two dog runs (little dogs and big dogs) bustling with activity. Often activity of the owners making new friends, keeping the old, the humpy dog, the snippy one, the man with the 6 pugs, the amazing jack Russell terrier who can catch any ball mid-air. It’s really just good, honest fun from dawn to dusk.

Scratching the surface