: Uptown Hound Opens, My Head Explodes

Harlem Fur could not have picked a better first 365 days to be in existence.

First, we had Posh Paws open, and with it Harlem had high-end pet products. Next, Morningside and St. Nicholas Parks made great steps in local dog run creation, giving our canine companions an off-leash place to smell each others' rear ends. Then, Animal General let us know that it is seeking to expand into the hood, and with it will come quality vet care.

Now, Uptown Hound has opened a storefront on Adam Clayton Powell and 121st Street, offering dog walking, pet sitting, grooming, behavior training, bespoke William Wegman Crypton fabric pet beds, and- what few ever imagined Harlem would be home to- DOG YOGA! Yes, Harlemites can now take yoga classes with their dogs.

Owner Jen Cox has more energy than most dogs, and used it to run through a sample of her current customers:

- Milo, 6-month old Boston Terrier/Beagle mix, who is also part lovable crazypot. Milo is, in my opinion, a reincarnated ninja who uses a technique I like to call "death by ball", wherein he makes you throw him the fuzzy ball until you pass out from exhaustion, then he kills you by jumping up and down on your chest in a vain attempt to make you get up and throw the ball again. Genius.
- Peedee, a 4-month old Westie who is cute beyond belief, but who will also kill you (his technique is death by lick)

- Truman, a 1-year old Cairn Terrier (or, Terrorer, you can be the judge. His favorite food is rubber balls.)

- Molly, a 14-year old Yellow Lab (who won't kill you ... unless you have a chicken bone in your pocket)

- And, my dog, Louis, a Collie/Great Pyrenese mix, who really couldn't care less about you or anyone else. And this makes us love him the most. It's always the one you can't have ...

We have Louis in the top photo, and walk-in customers Janell and Pebbles right below him.

For those who are in the area this Tuesday, March 13th, Jen will be interviewed by the BBC at 4pm for part of a program on Harlem entrepreneurs.

Store hours are Tuesday thru Sunday, 12pm to 7pm, and Monday by appointment only.

· Uptown Hound [Official Site]

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Right on time...I was going to ask you about this service. Considering using them for catsitting services.

Posted by: Berry | March 12, 2007 11:57 AM

Hey Berry!

I was trying to find a time when I could get a photo of Uptown Hound brainchild Jen Cox's pooch Louis. Between my work schedule (nuts) and hers (more nuts), we could never seem to meet up at the right time. But let me tell you, it was worth it, as Louis is hilarious. I could sit and laugh with him all day.

And, I would trust Jen with Cimbi more than I would trust Cimbi with Jen. As Jen was explaining how she wants Uptown Hound not just to be a pet services storefront, but a neighborhood anchor, I became jealous in a very good way.

Also, I highly recommend Harlem Flo. The owner there has a love for his work that is both rare and inspiring to see. I am not exaggerating. I kinda felt guilty about not buying everything in sight, as he gave such involved information on the plants in his shop. I did buy a whole sleeve of wheat grass for Cimbi (shhh, don't tell Karrot), and he told me how to keep it permanently growing so that we need not keep purchasing it.

Posted by: harlemfur | March 14, 2007 11:04 PM

Wow! Congratulations!!! Those are great aspects of pet development. It�s really nice that you were able to think about those things.

Will you consider having someone to discuss about pet food? A lot of news and debates have been released these past few days. The potentially sickening commercial pet food has grown in numbers and it�s already scaring most pet owners. I just hope you can prepare a class or discussion for pet owners regarding homemade pet food preparation. I think that will be very helpful to us.

Posted by: original pet portraits | July 9, 2007 11:29 PM

Did they close? I keep calling and calling for service, and no response!

Posted by: anon | September 25, 2007 01:30 PM

Does anyone have updated information on Uptown Hound?? I have been trying to get the scoop on whether this business is still in existence.
Any info would be appreciated as we are desperate for dog care/grooming up in Central Harlem.

Posted by: NYCINK | September 26, 2007 03:24 PM

NYCINK, i don't think they are still in business because they haven't returned any of my calls (and i have left many messages). We have an excellent dog walker in Harlem now -- if you are looking for someone i'm happy to share her info.

Posted by: Henry | September 27, 2007 10:48 AM

Thanks Henry-
I am mostly desperate for a dog sitter-someone that can board my dog while I travel for work...
I did run into the owner of Uptown Hound this morning while walking my dog and she said she is opening but that she is having real trouble finding solid support staff....
If you know of someone who would be willing to board my house-trained cocker, I would love to hear about them!
Thanks much.

Posted by: NYCINK | September 27, 2007 10:58 AM

Henry- Could you let us know who your walker is? I know of people who are in need of a walker as soon as today. Thanks!

Posted by: Chris | September 27, 2007 11:30 AM

Hi,

Yes, our dog walker is Rose, her email is rose823nyc@yahoo.com. I highly recommend her (and I think she also pet-sits). Hope this helps!

Would love to hear of other pet services in the area, particularly groomers.

Posted by: Henry | October 9, 2007 12:44 PM

Hello All,

I pet sit/board and walk as well. I have references to share and believe Harlemfur would be able to vouch for my pet love and skills (and perhaps Cimbi, too!).

Be blessed,
Rachel
harlempetsitter@gmail.com

Posted by: Rachel | October 11, 2007 11:50 AM

Posted by: Rachel | October 11, 2007 11:51 AM

Hey all! Please feel free to call me for dog walking services in Harlem. I have great references and would love to talk to you soon to set up a meet and greet.

Hope to meet your pups soon!

harlemshappyhounds@gmail.com

Posted by: Adrienne | January 9, 2008 05:47 PM

Greetings Harlemites,
My name is Oliver. I have been a Harlem resident for over a decade. I am very familiar with the lack of reliable services in Harlem, so I decided to do something about it. I have years of experience with other pet care services in lower Manhattan. I am currently in the process of opening a fully bonded and insured animal care service uptown in Harlem. Service will cover All of Harlem, and upper Manhattan. Please feel free to contact me to arrange for services in the very near future (Mid to late Feb 2008). Look forward to meeting you. Thanks in advance!
Oliver
www.harlemhound.com
harlemhound@gmail.com

Posted by: Oliver | January 25, 2008 05:43 PM

I saw the What Not To Wear episode with Jen on it. I thought it was great. Jen was beautiful before, and now she is totally awesome, what a classic beauty.

Posted by: Joanie | February 22, 2008 12:35 AM

harlem dog walkers

Posted by: harlem dog walker | June 14, 2008 11:31 AM

Harlem Dog Walkers

Posted by: harlem dog walker | June 14, 2008 11:32 AM