Why I hate Philly

My new dog and her need for walks has forced me into exploring my immediate surroundings. On the way I’ve met plenty of neighbors.

Observing people’s reactions has been interesting. Keep in mind my dog is ridiculously cute.

The first thing I notice most is a guarded hostility. Almost all teenagers are way too cool to even notice us. Lots of older women smile immediately and just have to stop and pet the cutie.

Obviously I find the guarded hostility most interesting. There’s something similar that happens on the streets in nyc. The difference is that in Philly, the hostility part of it is pretty heavy. In nyc, it’s more of a guarded speculation.

Maybe it’s the adorable canine, maybe it’s the big smile I give to everyone, but for the most part, the hostility usually eases up pretty quickly. Then it’s like a ray of sunshine opens and they’re willing to say hi and be civil. More than that, they’re actually friendly and nice!

Who knows, behind closed doors these people could be nailing cats to dartboards or getting on their knees to lick the floors. That’s true anywhere. What strikes me is the friendliness of so many of the people I’ve met during my strolls.

In my old neighborhood, actors and models used to stop to pet my dog. Here, people who look like they haven’t showered in a month pet my new dog. The way they look and who they are doesn’t matter. Decency and respect do and lately I’ve seen some of that here in Philadelphia. Imagine that!

A few weeks ago something pretty bad happened to me. Sitting in my car in a parking lot, thinking about the recent turn of events, I started crying. Couldn’t help it.

A woman going to get into the car next to mine noticed. She came over and asked if there was anything she could do.

Of course there’s nothing this stranger could do to help me. But she saw a suffering person and approached me, willing to at least express concern.

Who knows, this woman could be one of those people who drives 50mph in the left lane of highways. Yet this little act of kindness to a stranger shows a caring soul.

Not everyone in Philadelphia is rotten and mean-hearted. Yes I rant about the inconsiderate behavior I encounter on a daily basis but I know there are good people here as well.

Knightswood Animal Hospital in NE Philadelphia is the finest, most trustworthy, caring, all-around best vet practice I’ve ever found.

Soon after moving to Philly, I was lucky enough to find them. By chance (if chance really exists), the vet I was assigned to on my first visit was Dr Bob. When you find the perfect vet you know it. His compassion, thoroughness, intelligence and sense of humor is a dream come true for any pet owner.

When Dr Bob first saw my dog she was 11. Due to bad advice from my previous vet she had not been spayed. At that age it’s a dangerous operation, far from routine. Dr Bob saw her through that as well as two subsequent surgeries over the next few years.

He also saw her through her final moments. My poor old girl lived a good long life but finally succumbed to kidney failure. After almost 18 years of constant companionship and unconditional love, I’m devastated without her.

The staff at Knightswood was extremely kind and compassionate during this terrible process. They showed us the utmost respect and concern in every way possible. I will never forget their kindness. Thank you Dr Bob, Dr Reuben, Eileen, Jackie, and the rest of the staff.

Knightswood Animal Hospital is located in NE Phialdelphia near Franklin Mills Mall. Visits can be pricey and the wait in the waiting room for your appointment can be extremely long at times. To me, this is of little consequence. What matters most is the care your furry loved one receives and I’ve never experienced better veterinary care anywhere. Even in my beloved NYC.

I live in a little house that I love. My landlord is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met and I admire her greatly.

The house is two bedrooms, one and a half baths, two floors, finished attic, full basement, with a gated driveway and large yard. It has central air, a dishwasher, and the jewel of it all, a washer/dryer. That’s a precious gem to anyone who has lived in NYC and had to lug a huge bag of laundry three blocks every week.

My landlord is a sweet and kind woman. She’s an animal lover who does rescue work along with the other gazillion things she has going in her life.

Most importantly, she likes my dog  : )

I would never be able to afford this amount of space in Manhattan and doubt I’ll ever find as great a landlord as I have now.

The neighborhood I live in isn’t exactly to my taste. It’s dirty, crowded, and full of crime. But I do have a few neighbors who are courteous and friendly so I must acknowledge them, despite my gripes about Philly people in general.

If only I could transplant my house to the West Village…..

All in all, the people I’ve encountered in the suburbs surrounding Philadelphia are generally more polite and resectful than those who live in the city itself. In fact, I’ve met some great people who live in the burbs. Perhaps not living amidst the filth of Philly makes them nicer.

There are some very lovely suburban towns. The houses, shops, and rolling hills with tree-lined roads in the affluent areas remind me of Morris County NJ.

Valley Forge park is vast and beautiful with lots of areas to roam freely, sometimes far enough away from roads you could think you’re in the 18th century. West Goshen park is another beauty with great trails for dog walking or hiking as well as play areas, fields, tennis and basketball courts, you name it. This is one of the nicest parks I’ve ever been in.