Arcadia

In the best of all possible worlds my dog, Hamilton, would run through grass so tall only his tail would show. He'd roll in clover and stand on hills barking at the sun. But the world we live in is the one we are trying to make the best of. So Hamilton goes to doggie-day care most days of the week. There he can play with other dogs and use up his energy so my wife and I can reserve ours.

Issac, the dog driver who drove Hamilton to his puppy training classes and who Hamilton adores, recommended Paws in Chelsea to us. He said they had an impeccable reputation for being dog centric. No cages, sensitivity to dog temperaments and careful screening of clients. They were even selected the best dog care facility in New York by New York magazine in its Best of New York feature in 2007.

Hamilton has been going to Paws since we adopted him in 2004. He is segregated with the large, active dogs. Each dog at Paws is segregated with other dogs of the same size and temperament. each play room has a supply of toys, couches and beds for resting and a television for diversion. The dogs are taken out by the staff for individual play sessions and for walks. There is a dog groomer on the premises and they will also make arrangements for a veterinary visit and will administer medicine provided by owners. They do overnight and longer term boarding, not only for dogs but also for cats.

One of the most generous services they provide is that they take in strays and abandoned dogs and cats. The rescued animals receive medical attention and shots and their care is provided until they are adopted. Two of our cats were adopted from Paws in Chelsea as little kittens: Julio, a tabby, was found by a staff member roaming the streets of East Harlem, a scrawny three-month old feral cat; Pitch, black as coal , was found at only six weeks old abandoned on the subway.

Paws has taken in dogs and cats in all shapes and conditions, some missing limbs. The care and decency they show these unfortunate animals is duplicated in their care of their day care clients. Next to his own home, Paws is Hamilton's favorite place on this earth. He knows each route I take to drive us there, and as he gets closer, he gets progressively more excited so that by the time he is within a couple of blocks he is barking and howling in the car announcing his arrival.

Recently, the Paws team has expanded into Soho which is closer to our apartment in the Financial District. Hamilton has adjusted well, making new friends and embracing the staff, many of whom were originally at the Chelsea location.

One staff member mentioned that one of Hamilton's best friends at Chelsea, a pit bull mix, has had a difficult time finding another dog he feels comfortable playing with. After consultations with my wife and Hamilton we decided that Hamilton would split his time between the two locations.

Now, driving him back to Chelsea, head out the window, ears back in the wind, I can hear in his voice the cry of a loyal pack member to one of his own, " I'm a coming! I'm a coming !"