Photographs: Imogen Brown

IN THE PARK

Mimosa, my trusty 80-pound golden retriever, and I trekked over to the “small dog” (23 pounds and under) area in Tompkins Square Park and let loose. Within seconds, Mimosa got into a confrontation with Pepe, a spunky Chihuahua. His parents, Mary, 29, and Jamie, 28, who rescued their little guy from a puppy mill, were cool with him freaking out on Mimosa, and that my dog was there in the first place. “Pepe is the best thing that’s ever happened to us, besides each other,” said Mary, and they have nothing but love for four-footed New Yorkers.

“I have a problem with your dog,” announced Cathy, 34, a woman carting oversize Christian Dior sunglasses and a Pomeranian. “Your dog is too big for this park. She could break my dog. It’s not safe!” (Hell, she’s right; we apologized.) As she packed up to leave, she softened, tearing up as she explained that her pooch was all she had right now, mid-divorce. Even Mimosa could sympathize with that.

Photographs: Imogen Brown

IN RESTAURANTS

“Can I get a lunch buffet for two?” I asked a server at an Indian restaurant on East 6th Street, leash in hand. “We usually don’t allow dogs in here,” replied the server. “Oh really?” I said with a pout, as Mimosa dialed up the doggy charm. “All right. I can seat you in the back,” he said. Of course, dining-with-dog (if they’re not assistance animals) is illegal, so this superfriendly spot shall remain nameless.

Farther down the street, I brought Mimosa to Banjara (97 First Ave at 6th St, 212-473-1540) in hopes of grabbing brunch. I admired the elaborate decor and crisp white tablecloths, while Mimosa showed her approval by rolling around on the carpet. “You cannot eat inside the restaurant, but you can eat with your dog at one of our outside tables,” suggested Shawn, the server. A decent compromise, but without the comfy carpet to scratch, Mimosa quickly lost interest.

Photographs: Imogen Brown

IN SHOPS

A sign outside of lingerie shop Girly NYC (441 E 9th St between First Ave and Ave A, 212-353-5366) forbids food or drink inside the premises, but Mimosas are apparently welcome. I asked Celeste, 19, about their undie sales: “Do you have dog underwear?” Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog” blared through the store’s speakers as Celeste said Mimosa was out of luck. “We get all sorts of dogs in the store. They’re usually well behaved,” she explained. The owner of Girly NYC, Pamela, even holds dogs’ leashes while customers are trying on underthings.

“Mimosa is my maid of honor for my wedding. Can you make a dress for her?” I asked bridal designer Christina, 52, at her dress shop Blue (137 Ave A between St. Marks Pl and E 9th St, 212-228-7744). “No,” she answered in a Greek accent as she smoked a cigarette. Not even an offer of $5,000 for a doggy gown would sway her: “I don’t make dresses for dogs,” she said. She was friendly toward Mimosa, but said she couldn’t have canines hanging out with her wedding dresses—even animal-lover brides don’t like dog hair in their tulle.