What is the Canine Cruise About? The 1st Annual New York City Canine Cruise is an event for small dogs of all kinds 20 pounds an under.   It is a day for small dogs, their parents and friends to enjoy a fun-filled program of canine oriented events and socializing while taking in the sights of the Manhattan skyline along the New York City Harbor.  The mission of the canine cruise is to further unify the canine community of NYC and the tri-state area through fun, healthy, purposeful events, further enriching the lives of our small canine friends.  We're also raising funds for a very worthy no-kill animal shelter, BARC.   Who's behind the Canine Cruise? The Canine Cruise event is being hosted by the NYC Yorkie Playgroup.    Established in February, 2006, the NYC Yorkie Playgroup  is a membership based group comprised of 300 (and counting) Yorkshire Terriers and their loving parents.  Members come together once a month at local dog runs,  parks and various dog-friendly indoor facilities to socialize our dogs and exchange good information about raising our diminutive canines.  Our members also stay connected between monthly get togethers via the NYC Yorkie Playgroup’s message boards. A major factor in the success of our Canine Cruise is the support of our Sponsors,  and Generous Donors and Program Participants.  Without them, the event would not be nearly as fun and exciting!  Make sure you get to know all about these great businesses and the great products and services they offer! The organizers of the NYC Yorkie Playgroup and the two-pooch team spearheading the Canine Cruise effort are Yorkies Maximus and Peanut.  Their dedicated assistants are Rece Reid and Tasasha Chavis.    Maximus's story A first-time puppy purchaser, in November 2005, Rece finally fulfilled a long-time desire to have a dog of her very own.  She named her cute hair ball with the eyes of an all-knowing entity, a strong and powerful moniker – Maximus.  After just 24 hours of having brought Yorkie Maximus home, Rece quickly transitioned from “pet owner” to “Yorkie mommy.”  As with any beloved child, Rece seeks to give her Maximus a healthy and fulfilling life.  Born into the world on August 10, 2005, Maximus is a charming and playful pooch that is completely indiscriminate about giving wet kisses to anyone that comes within a 3-inch radius.   He’s in the Guinness book of world records for the fastest happy waggin’ tail in the United States! Peanut's story This bundle of joy was a gift from Tasasha’s sweetheart in October 2005.  Ms. Peanut Brittle blended with new mommy Tasasha and her big sister, a 65lb American Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Butterscotch, with ease.  Affectionately referred to as “my pocket-sized pup,” Tasasha totes her little diva dog everywhere.  Peanut’s unconditional love and affection is boundless.  She’s the gift that keeps on giving!  Born into the world on July 19, 2005, Peanut is a diminutive diva dog who likes to instigate playful dog run brawls between dogs 3x’s her size.  She also likes to eat all of Maximus’s food out of his bowl when she comes to his den to hang out!  Peanut is a fashionista who heads up the four-legged fashion task force.  All dowdy dogs are subject to a summons!   Rece's story   Born EXACTLY 21 years ago, Rece organizes the NYC Yorkie Playgroup  as well as the NYC Small Dogs Playgroup.  Rece’s professional background includes producing special events, new media marketing, and music video set and production work – to say the least.  Over the past 12 years, Rece has worked at several major record labels including, BMG (now Sony/BMG), Universal, and PolyGram (now merged w/Universal).  Rece and Maximus reside on Roosevelt Island, New York with husband Craig, son Daymond and stepdaughter, Jayla. Tasasha's story Coincidently, also born exactly 21 years ago, Tasasha co-organizes the NYC Yorkie Playgroup.  After earning her BS in accounting, Tasasha moved onward to apply her organizational skill and home-management savvy to a position as personal assistant to a prestigious banker and his family.  Tasasha and Peanut reside in Maplewood, New Jersey. Join us on the 1st Annual New York City Canine Cruise and be a part of what will most certainly become a purposeful and recreational tradition.  It's the day doggies take over the Hudson!!!   (note: parts of the bio's may be fabricated or exaggerated for comedic effect... err...except for the part about Rece and Tasasha being 21 years old, of course! :)