Saturday, May 14, under the loggia at the Dairy Visitor Center, Central Park, East Drive and 65th St., free, 12 noon – 2:00
Saturday, May 14, Fetch Bar & Grill, 1649 Third Ave at 93rd St., free, 4:00 – 6:00
www.thedogsofcentralpark.com
“Let Maine have its moose and Florida its manatees!” writes Parks commissioner Adrian Benepe in the preface to Fran Reisner’s The Dogs of Central Park (Rizzoli Universe, May 2011, $19.95). “In the heart of Manhattan, it takes a dog to understand the beauty of autumn leaves, the thrill of new-fallen snow, and the promise of flowers on a rainy spring day.” The Dogs of Central Park features nearly 150 photographs of all kinds of breeds playing, posing, and relaxing in such park locations as the Mall, Belvedere Castle, the Boat House, the Great Lawn, Bethesda Fountain, Conservatory Gardens, the lake, and Cedar Hill. Reisner had been in New York City only twice before an assignment brought her here and she went to Central Park, where, she writes, “What I saw as I crested the first hill on my path was unforgettable: dogs, everywhere! Big dogs, little dogs, and many breeds I’d never seen before.” In the occasional text, Reisner relates brief stories of various canines, including the rescued Obie and Toby, the world-traveling Lenny, the three-legged Scheki, Best in Show couple Mikimoto and Gem, and the hat-munching Brinkley. There will be two special events on Saturday, May 14, celebrating the release of the book. Reisner will be signing copies under the loggia at the Dairy from 12 noon to 2:00, with all dogs welcome, but they have to be left at home for the 4:00 book party at Fetch Bar & Grill. Each gathering will include a raffle for a Central Park photo shoot with Reisner; part of the proceeds from the Dairy event will benefit the North Shore Animal League, with Animal Haven benefiting from the Fetch party. (Winners must be present to claim their prize.)