It's a dog show dog world.

September 26, 2011 10:39 AM

Do you live in Philly and have a dog? I could use your help.

I'm writing a webisode for a pet food client, for which the concept is "Doggie City Guide." Essentially does what it says on the tin: a dog shows you dog-ccentric things to do in their city, while "speaking" with a local accent (VO).

For example, we just finished shooting the NYC video. Our little dog showed us:

*Tompkins Square dog run
*Hot dog carts
*An "exclusive" doggie daycare in SoHo
*Picture-taking in Times Square
*Etc.

Of course, the local New York cabbie accent was used.

---

This next episode is Philly. I've only been to Philly once, ages ago, and never with a dog.

Here's what you could help me with, my friends:

*Fun, dog-ccentric or dog-friendly places around the city
*Philly-specific words and turns of phrases that I might use in the script, to make it more authentic or "authentic" (I've googled to hear the accent, so I'm cool there. But words/phrases would be really helpful.)

Thanks!

posted by functionequalsform to pets & animals (17 answers total)

A shot of your dog running up the steps of the art museum is probably mandatory.
posted by Poet_Lariat at 10:44 AM on September 26, 2011

You have to go to The Good Dog Bar of course!
posted by troublewithwolves at 10:48 AM on September 26, 2011

The Dapper Dog is Philly's go-to hot dog cart right now. Clark Park in West Philly is one of the go-to places for people to take their dogs and play; there are also dog runs at Seger Park (11th and Lombard) and Schuylkill River Park (25th and Spruce). And Good Dog Bar is a terrific suggestion.
posted by The Michael The at 10:51 AM on September 26, 2011

These are awesome! Now I really want to go to Good Dog.

Additionally - I forgot about this - but the video is also seasonal. Thanksgiving. So if there are any local, fun doggie costume contests or turkey eating competitions or whatever, that would also help.
posted by functionequalsform at 11:00 AM on September 26, 2011

Also Philadelphia Paws is an awesome rescue organization that has a few cool sounding events coming up! I would personally go with The Barking Beauty, because, y'know, DOG FASHION SHOW. Also coming up is The Mutt Strut which is a big doggy charity walkathon and adoption day. Both sound like super good times.
posted by troublewithwolves at 11:07 AM on September 26, 2011 [1 favorite]

But words/phrases would be really helpful.

Some folks in Philly and southern Jersey have a really distinct way of saying "water" -- it kinda sounds like "woorter". The dog should definitely say it when he/she is drinking some water, if you can train a real live dog to say the word
posted by Greg Nog at 11:13 AM on September 26, 2011

The White Dog Cafe does not, I think, admit dogs. But I have a distinct memory, from when I was in approximately second grade, of being confused by the pointer/setter distinction on their restrooms and opting for the Democrats restroom instead.
posted by novalis_dt at 11:35 AM on September 26, 2011 [1 favorite]

Also, "youse" for the plural second person.
posted by novalis_dt at 11:36 AM on September 26, 2011

Use of the word "jawn" to mean generic thing when you can't remember the proper name. Paper cutter becomes "cutting jawn" etc. This one is so Philly specific that people outside of Philly might not even know wtf that's supposed to mean. But it is a very authentic local expression!!
posted by Aubergine at 12:46 PM on September 26, 2011

Also Stephen Starr's restaurant The Dandelion (18th and Samson, right across from Tria) has a completely dog-decor themed upstairs bar (the dog bar).
posted by Aubergine at 12:48 PM on September 26, 2011

I don't have a dog, but...I lived in Center City Philadelphia for seven years and Rittenhouse Square seemed pretty popular with dogs and their owners. Within the Square there is a lovely fountain, which was also very popular with dogs.
posted by kaybdc at 1:47 PM on September 26, 2011

Not to get off-base but Aubergine that's interesting. I never heard the term jawn the entire time I lived in Philadelphia. Is it sooooooo Philly specific that only life-long natives use it or understand it? I must confess that I most of the people that I knew in Philly were transplants like myself although I certainly worked with a long-term/native residents.

Back on topic...not sure how/if you could use this but the National Dog show that is broadcast every Thanksgiving is hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia.

As far as word usage goes, the only things that stuck out to me was the pronunciation of water (which has already been covered) and radiator, which is pronounced with a short a rather than a long. However I can't think that you will be able to work radiator into your video.
posted by kaybdc at 2:14 PM on September 26, 2011

Kaybdc, that might be a socioeconomic thing? I hear it a lot more when I work in South and West Philly than Center City and its near surroundings.
posted by skyl1n3 at 3:31 PM on September 26, 2011

The store "Doggie Style," which has branches all over the city and sells dog gear. The store "Girl Bike Dog" in Southwest Center City. The fantastic and beautiful dog run by the Schuykill River Banks park (think it might be temporarily closed right now but check to be sure).
posted by ms.codex at 5:02 PM on September 26, 2011

Not to get off-base but Aubergine that's interesting. I never heard the term jawn the entire time I lived in Philadelphia. Is it sooooooo Philly specific that only life-long natives use it or understand it? I must confess that I most of the people that I knew in Philly were transplants like myself although I certainly worked with a long-term/native residents.

I used to hear it when I lived in West Philly, though I only recall ever hearing it from black Philadelphians, not white ones.
posted by Greg Nog at 1:44 PM on September 27, 2011

I've heard jawn from all kinds of people, but definitely Philly-born and raised types (in the city not the main line) so I would guess it is socioeconomic
posted by Aubergine at 5:26 PM on September 27, 2011

I dunno. I say jawn. Started while in my (white, affluent, South Jersey) highschool. But I've always been fond of new slang or cuss words.
posted by troublewithwolves at 7:17 PM on September 27, 2011