It felt like an Australian summer: warm afternoons, palm-lined streets, iced matcha stops and that golden light that somehow makes everything feel slower.

If you’re ever in the city, below are a few of my recommendations. It is genuinely one of those super pet-friendly cities (as friendly as NY) and every store, restaurant and cafe I’d visit, there are constant pats and treats. People just treat dogs like celebrities here.

My Top Picks from LA

1. Morning smoothie stop at Erewhon

   

   

2. Wandering Rodeo Drive for people-watching and palm-lined streets. The Ralph Lauren store had my tick of approval (although didn’t have any pet clothing in-store… big mistake!)

3. Browsing oversized coffee-table books at TASCHEN Beverly Hills

   

4. Stop by for bathers at Monday Swimwear… We love to support our fellow Aussies.

   

   

5. For a nostalgic LA Y2K vibe, there are some interesting items at Kitson (great for souvenirs!). We have a penchant for anything dog and Cavalier related so it’s a must-visit if you share the same obsession.

   

   

6. Last but not least, a pit-stop at Diptique is a MUST, if you like to collect city-specific candles, like this Beverly Hills one. My human and I firmly believe in lighting a good candle…. It’s a part of our self-care ritual.

   

   From LA, with love.

   
   

I explore New York for a living.

Every now and then, I notice a few things. Places worth returning to, walks that felt particularly good and dog-friendly things that my human stop and say, “oh… this is nice!”

After enough messages and side-of-the-street conversations (often in the cold, nonetheless), I realised it might be easier to simply write things down.

Lately, New York has been reminding us that walking is non-negotiable, even when the sidewalks are icy, the wind has opinions and the puddles are…. ambitious. After pulling an unusual tantrum, a compromise was reached. Walking continues.

Here’s what’s worth leaving the house for:

#1 - NYD Brunch - for Dogs!

New Year’s Day brunch at Boris & Horton (East Village), 1/1/26 - 10am-6:15pm.

There’s a countdown and a ball drop at noon! A sensible hour, in my opinion. Dogs are allowed to run around and socialise indoors (a luxury), while humans recover with a coffee… or a strategic hair-of-the-dog drink if the night before got out of hand.

Everyone wins. Especially me.

#2 - Dog Things Happening Around the City

Winter has pushed most dog plans indoors, which feels sensible.

These are the three things currently on my radar, varying levels of stimulation but all worth knowing about;

• Bark After Dark at the Museum of the Dog (Murray Hill), 1/16/26 at 6pm.

  Yes, dogs can come.

  An after-hours museum night designed specifically for dogs and their humans. Cultural enrichment, but approachable. I approve.

  Buy tickets here.

• Pet First Aid & CPR - Boris & Horton (East Village), 1/27/26 at 6:30pm.

  Dogs can attend.

  I don’t think my human knows how to perform the heimlich, which is concerning… So I’ve signed her up to this. This class is taught by Waggytail Rescue founder, Holly DeRito, who has been recognised for saving animals in NYC and for her work caring for animals affected by the NSW bushfire crisis. She’s quite qualified to say the least. Buy tickets here.

• Healing Dogs Through Diet: How to Cook for Your Dog (Brooklyn), 1/17/26 at 2:00pm.

  Dogs cannot attend.

  Look, I’m not invited, which is disappointing, but I respect the outcome. If my human learns to cook better meals for me, I’m willing to forgive the exclusion. Buy tickets here.

  ---

#3 - My Current Walk Setup

This isn’t everything. Just the things that earned their place (plus a few on my wishlist).

I actually came across most of these items during my time in Sydney, Australia from my favorite store, Pets Point. If you’re ever in Sydney, please go see Madi and the team! They are incredibly knowledgable and stocks carefully curated pet supplies.

1. FuzzYard Life Raincoat in Sandstone. A clean, lightweight raincoat that handles wind and wet sidewalks without bulk. We’re always reaching for this.

2. The Cleaned Canine Set by Cleo&Hooman. My mother loves taking a few Zoomie Wipes when we’re on our walk for unexpected messes. They are hypoallergenic which is a bonus and removes dirt and odors. This bundle also includes the shampoo & conditioner which is moisturizing and soothing - pawfect for these cold conditions!

3. Lambwolf Collective Soho coat. It’s equally part cozy and chic. I love how the faux-fur trimmed can be worn up or down to provide further warmth, depending on your mood. And can be packed down if you seek shelter indoors (when visiting friends or in a restaurant) making it easy for your minion to pack.

4. Lambwolf Acorn toy. A squeaker hybrid toy/ball. I love the feeling in my mouth and its a good distraction if I’m on the subway or somewhere I have to sit while my owner is busy on her computer.

5. Classique Collar in Cinnamon by THEANIMALS. No words. Trust me, you’ll get compliments when wearing this!

6. Lambwolf Collective Subway Pet Carrier. This is on my wishlist! For those lazy days but we have to travel upstate on the train or domestic travel.

7. Classique Lead in Cinnamon by THEANIMALS. Le matching lead for le collar.

8. Wagwellies by Wagwear. I usually hate boots and socks. I can usally kick them off, however these ones have managed to stay on! Plus they feel nice (like clouds) and keep my paws dry and protect - rain, hail or shine!

And that’s the end of today’s edition. If these musings resonated with you, I’m glad you’re here. Feel free to share! If you feel like a small yap and wish to share feedback, please do.

And if you see something worth a walk, tell me.

Monty 🐾

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