Mutt St. for a day: Shelters hope Year of Dog is canine-friendly - by Amy Sacks, New York Daily News - Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, Inc. - Working with the City of New York to promote dog and cat adoption and spay and neuter programs to make New York a no-kill city.

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Mutt St. for a day: Shelters hope Year of Dog is canine-friendly

by Amy Sacks, New York Daily News

Monday, February 6, 2006

The streets teemed with traditional papier-mache dragons, Chinese acrobats and marching bands, but the pooches stole the show when the seventh annual Lunar New Year Parade and Festival - celebrating the Year of the Dog - wound its way through Chinatown yesterday.

"They're soooo cute," squealed 11-year-old Connie Chen of Brooklyn, as a dozen Chihuahuas dressed as pint-size Chinese emperors shivered their way down Mott St.

Four-year-old Cathy Choo hurled a bunch of bright-colored confetti in the air as six sibling Shih Tzus pranced by, wrapped in traditional red Chinese coats.

"They're all lucky dogs," said Wendy Lau, 26, whose shaggy Shih Tzu SoSo was basking in the spotlight.

Adorable shelter mutts also had their day in the sun.

In celebration of the Year of the Dog, dozens of adorable adoptable dogs were on hand from local rescue groups and shelters.

Bandit, a Siberian Husky mix, and Max, a Shih Tzu, both from Animal Care & Control's Manhattan shelter, were among the many dogs that donned yellow "adopt me" vests in hopes of finding a new home. "The Chinatown community has been awesome in embracing our adoptable animals," said Jennifer Bristol of Animal Haven Shelter. "We hope they all find a new home."

To find out about adoption, you can go to the Web (www.AnimalAllianceNYC.org).