The most pathetic storm headline

Only in New York would you have an article about dogs being denied access to a park during a major storm.  While the rest of the world prepares for a hurricane by stocking up on batteries, candles and dry goods New Yorkers stock up on cigarettes, vodka and Starbucks VIA instant coffee. It's another world over there in the Big Apple.

 

A Closed Central Park Leaves Dogs at a Loss

 

 

 John Blondel and Rollo, a white Labrador, were denied access to Central Park.

 

They were crestfallen, whimpering in disbelief. The city’s dogs walked right up to an east side entrance of Central Park, saw the fence and could not fathom why they – and their owners – were not allowed in. For a little wind? Light rain? They had seen worse.

“I may have to carry him away,” said John Blondel, nodding to Rollo, a spry-looking white Labrador who was 10 and a half years old. Rollo decided to engage in a sit-down strike in front of the 79th Street entrance on Fifth Avenue.

Mr. Blondel, 56, who is in the investment management division for Goldman Sachs, had driven from his apartment in the West Village to give Rollo his daily constitution. Later, he would work from home. “This is going to be it for a while,” he said to his friend.

Soon, Rollo was joined by several other dogs dragging their walkers to yet another blocked entrance.

“They’re just amazed,” Mr. Blondel said.

When a gust of wind blew an opening in the temporary fencing, Rollo was wise to the opportunity. Mr. Blondel had to pull him back and head to the car.

The city’s parks had been closed since Sunday evening, and the morning scene was an abject one indeed. As joggers dashed by on the slippery, leaf-laden sidewalk adjacent to the park – some took advantage of the empty bus lanes to run in the street – they had to dodge the dogs, who were similarly displaced from their morning routine.

source