Final approach

[Seth Sicroff]

First, let me apologize (again) for being so silent over the past couple of weeks. I assure you it's not because I've been taking a break -- just that local logistics have had first priority.

Second, I just got word that Claudia Kawczynska of The Bark will not be able to attend, after all; however, she has asked for contact information of those who do participate so that she can conduct post-mortem interviews. Susan Sims, of Fido Friendly, is also interested in following up, and Diane West of New York Tails has a project proposal that we will want to discuss. So, however the conference turns out, we will have momentum to get moving with the larger objectives.

I have posted a consensus questionnaire (click on "Share your views" at www.ithacaconference.com; or go directly to http://mountainlegacy.net/ithaca4dogs/econf05.html); as we will have relatively little time to talk about a lot of details, I hope that all of you will fill out this questionnaire today (Thursday) or Friday.

If you are going to be in Ithaca tomorrow, please contact me to see what plans we are making for a pre-conf get-together. My telephone is 607 256-0102, and if I don't answer you can call my wife, Empar, on her cell phone (607 256 0102). I'm thinking we should me at Max's, the bar at Holiday Inn. That way we could talk about the set-up, and I can get one of their delicious margaritas. They also have half-price appetizers from 4pm to 11pm -- I love their artichoke-crab meat dip, but if you're not a vegetarian there are other interesting choices.

I understand the forecast is for rain tomorrow and Saturday. Seems hard to believe, as today was just perfect spring weather. But you might want to bring an umbrella, especially if you will be coming to see our illegal dog park.

Dogs are not allowed in the conference area, as it is also a dining area. If anyone has no better plans, we can try to accommodate your dog(s) at our house. There's a largish yard. However, we do have two cats, so we'd like to avoid putting up cat-aggressive dogs. We were afraid Maya might be going into heat, but she's apparently not, so she'll be a passable hostess. 511 W. Green St -- you might want to mapquest it before you leave home.

Seth