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Tag: Happy Dog

  • Nose smart – how [your dog’s] nose knows | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Your dog’s sense of smell is nothing short of a superpower. The following book excerpt offers fascinating details on how canine olfaction works and why our dogs’ odor-detecting abilities are so amazingly sharp. 

    If you pay close attention to your dog’s nose when he’s intent on a scent, you’ll see it do that cute little wiggle and hear the staccato beats of its work. As a tool, a dog’s nose is a triumph of natural selection: a complex set of cogs and wheels we rarely think about.

    When a dog inhales, the air can follow two possible routes — one for plain old breathing, and the other for olfaction. During intense exploration or tracking, the rapid sniff, sniff, sniff — up to around 200 times a minute compared with about 30 times a minute for a dog on a stroll – takes in extra air and rushes volatile particles into the system. The action creates tiny wind currents on exhales to help the inhales along. Then, within the nasal tissue, a maze of receptor sites awaits, tooled with tiny hairs that snag and hold scent molecules as they whistle by. 

    Our two nostrils always work in tandem, but a dog’s can work independently, further boosting his access to scents. Nostril mobility helps the pup know where a smell is coming from, and a wet nose, dampened by a thin layer of secreted mucus plus saliva, picks up scent better than a dry one. And though human nostrils have to manage both inhalations and exhalations through the same door, a dog taking in new air can, with a twitch of muscles, push old air down deep or release it through slits in the sides of the nose: an elegant solution to the “too many smells” problem. 

    Not only do dogs have hundreds of millions more odor-detecting neurons than we, do, but their olfactory epithelium – the sheet of tissue that converts odor molecules into neural signals that brains interpret as smells – is also a complex labyrinth of turns, folds, and bumps compared to our single flat sheet. Dogs also have a working vomeronasal organ (VNO), a sac packed with additional receptors that sits atop the roof of the mouth and picks up chemical cues called pheromones from incoming air and when the dogs licks its nose. When a dog sniffs something message-laden like urine of a female in heat, he seems to “eat” the scent – a behavior that draws more odor molecules to the VNO. What lands there is thought to affect social and reproductive behavior. 

    Olfactory performance is sensitive to humidity and barometric pressure, inflammation, nasal dehydration, excess mucus, exposure to toxins and pharmaceuticals – and of course, the effects of diet, aging, and disease. A dog can experience olfactory fatigue or “nose blindness,” like us, finding herself temporarily unable to distinguish a particular odor after smelling it too much. Thresholds vary across individual dogs. This desensitization occurs to free up the nervous system to respond to new smells that might be important: a smart move for a nose thinker. The gut microbiome may even affect sensitivity to scene. So do training methods; how and how often a dog is exposed to an odor of (our) interest can change his ability to distinguish it from others. 

    So dogs’ nose intelligence depends on a great many factors, many of which are in the handlers’ control. And in supporting our dogs’ natural olfactory talents, we can boost the superpower that arguably has the greatest value to both species. 

    Excerpted from Dog Smart – Life-Changing Lessons in Canine Intelligence by Jennifer S. Holland (National Geographic, 2024).


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    Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.

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  • Former WCSB DJs Get a Showcase at Happy Dog Every Friday in November After Station Shutdown – Cleveland Scene

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    Cleveland State University’s decision to shut down its college radio station, WCSB, and hand over management of the frequency to Ideastream for 24/7 jazz programming has miffed many Clevelanders. It’s prompted sidewalk protests, voracious social media criticism, conference speeches, petition drives and even a City Council resolution shaming the university for its choice.

    And it’s definitely riled up Sean Watterson.

    Watterson, the owner of the Happy Dog in Gordon Square, decided to create a temporary home for WCSB’s DJs—now residing under the nom de guerre of XCSB—who were locked out of the studio on October 3. He created a weekly series called “Save College Radio,” meant to act as a showcase for voices and music unheard elsewhere on local airwaves.

    “The obliteration of WCSB is a blow to the local music ecosystem,” Watterson told Scene in a text message. Their “DJs featured local developing artists, and promoted these artists’ shows at local independent venues.”

    “We wanted to give the XCSB DJs an opportunity to stay connected with their audiences,” he added, “and keep the issue in the spotlight until some kind of solution can be reached that ensures the students and community have a platform to continue the essential role they’ve played in our community for the last 50 years.”

    A handful of DJs, from those playing German traditional to 2000s Hip Hop, will play sets from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Friday in November. All sets will be free and open to the public.

    Save College Radio’s full schedule for the month is pending. Its lineup for November 7 is as follows:

    • 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.: Beth C, from Friday Rock Rotation
    • 6:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.: Jackie The Dogwolf, from Hours of The Dogwolf
    • 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.: Into The Void, of Insanity
    • 7:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Adam, from 666 oz. of Madness

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    Mark Oprea

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  • Lifetime cost of having a dog or cat | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    How much does it cost to care for a dog or cat over her lifetime? New data looks at the expenses and why they’re rising. 

    Dogs and cats are living longer than they used to. This is wonderful, of course – the more years we have with our beloved animal companions, the better! But many people don’t consider the lifetime cost of having a dog or cat. Synchrony’s 2025 Pet Lifetime of Care Study shows that nearly 80% of animal parents underestimate the lifetime cost of caring for a dog or cat.

    The study surveyed nearly 5,000 U.S. dog and cat parents and confirmed what many of us know: we see our animals as family and want to give them quality care. However, nearly half said unexpected expenses cause financial stress, especially as animal care costs have risen since 2022, when the last study took place. 

    Over 15 years, caring for a dog can cost $22,125 to $60,602 — an 11.65% increase since the last study. For a cat, those figures are $20,073 to $47,106 (an increase of 19.4%). The research also shows a gap between perceived and actual costs among survey participants. Almost 75% say they have faced unexpected animal care costs exceeding $250, while only 31% admit they could comfortably manage a major dog or cat expense.

    For dogs, costs are rising due partly to increased use of technology, such as GPS collars, smart feeders, televet platforms, and wellness plans. Dog parents are investing more in health insurance ($198 to $313 per year) and wellness plans ($422 to $701 per year), reflecting a growing emphasis on preventive and routine care.

    The findings for cats parallel those for dogs. Tech investment for cats nearly doubled, with annual costs rising to $350 to $480. Cat parents are spending more on smart products like automated litter boxes, feeders, and telehealth tools.

    Unexpected veterinary bills are a great cause for concern. Financial worry related to these expenses rose from one in three dog and cat parents in 2022 to nearly one in two in 2025. As financial worry increases, so does the demand for solutions such as pet insurance and credit cards. In fact, 58% of pet parents use credit cards for animal care, while only 20% have savings or insurance for emergencies.

    The lifetime cost of having a dog or cat may be higher than you expect. But pet health insurance and groups that assist people with vet bills can help you afford the quality care she deserves.


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    Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.

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    Animal Wellness

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  • Cleveland’s Matt Moody To Play Release Show at Happy Dog – Cleveland Scene

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    Hearing Nirvana for the first time set singer-songwriter Matt Moody, who grew up in a suburb outside of Cleveland, on course to explore singing and songwriting.

    Over the course of his career, Moody, who got his start with the Cleveland-based hard rock act Shred Rot in the 2010s, has had some significant success. He’s worked with established artists like Steve Cropper (Booker T. & the MG’s), John Corabi (Motley Crue), Johnny Garcia (Garth Brooks) and Jim Wirt (Incubus, Fiona Apple). He’s toured with California indie folk group Wax Owls, playing stages at Bonnaroo (2022) and Peachfest (2023), and has also collaborated with local musicians such as Ray Flanagan and Mimi Arden.

    After living in in Los Angeles and Nashville for the past five years, Moody just returned to Cleveland about three months ago. But he didn’t arrive empty-handed. At 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, he’ll play a release party at the Happy Dog to celebrate the release of his new album, The Misery County Line, which he recorded in California before leaving the Golden State.

    His approach on his previous album, Still a Kid in a Painted Sky, helped dictate his approach on The Misery County Line.

    “With my last album, Still a Kid in a Painted Sky, I went over-the-top with production,” he says over beers at Beer Engine, the Lakewood restaurant and bar that’s near his home. “I wanted the next record to be dialed-back and rawer and grittier and more in your face. As far as production and sonic quality, the direction I took was ‘let’s make sure it’s as true to a live sound as I can get in a studio.’”

    He recorded mostly Joel Jacks’s studio in Santa Ynez, a town just north of Los Angeles.

    “I found Joel through playing winery gigs,” says Moody, who plays all the guitars, vocals and bass on the record.”

    Moody says the album title just “popped” into his head one day on the drive home to Los Angeles after a tour up the California coast.

    “I asked my girlfriend, ‘What do you think of the name, The Misery County Line?” he says. “She had a good, positive reaction. I didn’t know  if it was something to call the band, like Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, or a name for a record. Through traveling and being on the road, my gears got turning. It’s not even a title of a song on the album or a lyric. It just rang true to the feeling of the record itself. A lot of the songs are lyrically themed around finding your place and trying to escape the madness of a big city.”

    A song like “The Edge of It All” features twangy guitars as Moody sings about hitting the road.

    “I just wrote it on a day I was off from work,” he says when asked about the track. “I didn’t know what I was writing about at the time. It’s sort of this song about manifest destiny and finding yourself along the way. I think the California landscape inspired me to write this character song in third person.”

    Throughout the album, Moody alternates between alt-country and Elliott Smith-like indie rock.

    “That’s how it goes with me,” says Moody. “My M. Moody album from 2018 was funky and soulful and proggy almost and Painted Sky was pop Americana. This is Elliott Smith-meets-Neil Young-meets-Tom Petty. I tend to blend genres.”

    “Broken” is a good rocker that allows Moody to flex his guitar skills.

    “I’ve actually never been one to sit down and learn a solo,” he says. “I like Neil Young as a guitar player. His stuff is stupid simple when he plays lead. It’s his tone and how he shakes the strings. I’m a rhythm player first and leads are something I filled in over the years because I am so used to playing in trios. I get a lead guitar player when I can. Here in town, it’s usually [Cleveland-based] Ray Flanagan. I just play what I feel.”

    Moody, who’s played at CODA and West End Tavern since moving back to the area, says he’s particularly excited to perform at the Happy Dog for the first time since he’s been back.

    “We’ll do a mix of older stuff and stuff from the new album but not all the songs from the new album,” he says, adding that he hasn’t played the club in five years. “I love the Happy Dog and am really excited to get back there.”

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    Jeff Niesel

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  • Benefits of dogs and cats for seniors | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    More and more people are discovering how powerful the bond between animals and seniors can be. As we age, it’s common to face health challenges and a shrinking social circle — factors that often lead to loneliness. In fact, the National Institute on Aging states that older adults are especially vulnerable to social isolation.

    The companionship of a dog or cat, however, can significantly enrich a senior’s life, offering comfort, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose.

    One of the benefits of dogs and cats for seniors is the sense of purpose they provide. Dr. Erin Ray, a clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M, says companion animals give older adults renewed responsibility.

    “Pet owners tend to be more physically active, have a reduced risk of heart disease, and engage in more social interactions with others,” says Dr. Ray. “Consequently, they often experience less loneliness and stress compared to people without animals.”

    Having a dog or cat provides structure to an older adult’s days. It keeps them busier as they establish and maintain their animal’s daily routine, including regular meals, walks, and play time. This daily routine boosts physical activity, mental stimulation, and social interaction for both seniors and their animals.

    In addition, dogs and cats help fulfill the emotional and caregiving instincts many people have, especially for those whose children no longer rely on them.

    “Getting out of bed, getting dressed, and caring for the house and yard tend to be more important when another living creature is relying on you,” says Dr. Ray. Additionally, most dogs and cats show affection and listen attentively. They often become trusted confidantes for their humans.

    Dogs and cats also help seniors connect with others in their community. “Older people with pets are often more sociable,” says Dr. Ray. “Pets often encourage people to step outside for walks or visit public places like dog parks…where they can interact with other people.” 

    A furry friend can bring immense joy and companionship to a senior, as long as they can provide proper care. “Ultimately, it can help an isolated person feel loved and appreciated.”


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    Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.

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    Animal Wellness

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  • How to support your dog’s renal system | Animal Wellness Magazine

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    Find out how to support your dog’s renal system, from kidneys to bladder. Learn about common health problems, natural treatments, and dietary tips to maintain his well-being. 

    Among your dog’s many bodily systems, the renal system is one of the most crucial. A properly functioning renal system, supported by the right diet along with other factors, helps keep him healthy. Let’s take a comprehensive look at how to support your dog’s renal system. This includes the problems that can affect it and what to do about them. 

    What makes up the dog’s renal system?

    The canine renal system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It processes blood to form urine. The kidneys create and concentrate the urine, which passes down the ureters to the bladder. The bladder collects the urine until urination occurs. At that time, it passes from the bladder, goes through the urethra, and exits the body. 

    Problems with the canine renal system

    Dogs commonly develop bladder infections. Signs include blood in the urine, frequent urination, and straining to urinate. Your vet can run tests to see what the problem is, which bacteria are involved, and which antibiotics can be helpful. If they suspect stones (see next section), they will also recommend radiographs.

    • You can use natural treatments like a diuretic (such as dandelion) to help wash out bacteria and decrease their numbers. 
    • A few additional herbs are both diuretic and demulcent (soothing to the bladder lining), especially marshmallow (Althaea officinalis — the plant, not the candy) and corn silk. 
    • The homeopathic remedy Urtica Urens can be used for both bladder infections and stones. 
    • A capsule of cranberry concentrate, given once or twice daily, decreases the bacteria’s ability to attach to the bladder wall. Dogs that get repeated infections should stay on cranberry capsules every day, whether or not they are showing any signs.  
    • If a bladder infection is caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a Chinese herbal formula called Ba Zheng San can work well. This formula is not meant for long-term use, but only until the problem is resolved.

    • Uroliths  

    Signs of stones (uroliths) are the same as those of a bladder infection. If a male dog strains to urinate without passing any urine at all, this can mean a stone is blocking his urethra. This is an emergency – the bladder can rupture if the stone is not removed – so the dog should be taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible. 

    Female dogs have a shorter urethra with a wider diameter, so stones are much less likely to block it.

    Uroliths are a problem in a number of breeds (see sidebar on page xx). They are most commonly seen in the bladder. Concentrated urine increases the likelihood that stones will form. Therefore, one of the best ways to prevent them is to keep your dog’s urine from getting too concentrated. 

    • Feed him moist food or add water or salty broth to kibble if you use the latter. Salt should be skipped if your dog also has a heart problem.
    • Dandelion acts as a gentle diuretic that can help if your dog has a problem with stones.

    Dalmatians inherit a gene that causes them to change purines (a nitrogen-containing molecule) to urates (with low solubility) instead of uric acid (highly soluble). Because urates do not dissolve well, they can form stones, even when urine is dilute. Here are ways to help prevent these stones: 

    • Provide lots of liquids.
    • Feed low purine protein such as eggs, chicken, and most fish (but not sardines).
    • Avoid organ meats and red meats, as they are high in purines. 

    In other breeds, uroliths usually form from various mineral compounds, especially magnesium ammonium phosphate, also known as struvite. Often, struvite stones can be dissolved using a special diet that makes the urine more acidic.

    Calcium oxalate stones are fairly common. They’re actually more likely to form in acidic urine, so a diet that helps dogs with struvite stones can make it more likely for oxalate stones to form. 

    Other less common uroliths are based on cystine, silica, calcium phosphate, and xanthine. Some stones form more readily in acidic urine, while others are more common in alkaline urine. Additionally, some stones require a diet low in purines or minerals like magnesium. This is why there is no one standard diet to prevent or treat all stones. 

    The best approach is to have your veterinarian test your dog’s urine to determine its acidity or alkalinity.  

    • Dl-methionine is an amino acid that can be used in the diet help make urine more acidic, while bicarbonate can make it more alkaline. 
    • Bladder stones can form in both acidic and alkaline urine in the same dog if he is given too much calcium as a supplement – with the help of your vet, reduce calcium levels to the correct amount for your dog to fix this problem.

     

    Nephrons in the kidney filter water with small water-soluble particles and concentrate it into urine. Young healthy adult dogs have about 400,000 nephrons. 

    The most important chemical the nephrons concentrate and excrete is urea, which is formed by the liver. Nephrons also pump ions and glucose in or out of the urine to maintain the correct balance of each in the bloodstream.

    All dogs, no matter how healthy, lose nephrons as they get older, as part of the natural aging process. A natural, moist diet with quality protein and plenty of antioxidants, regular exercise, and lots of love is the best way to slow this loss. 

    When too many nephrons stop functioning, dogs will drink more water, urinate more, and have very dilute urine. Waste products can build up in the body. These dogs may need to eat less protein. It should always be high in quality (i.e. meat, poultry, fish, eggs). 

    These infections can cause kidney damage, so it’s important to check if these pathogens exist in your area. If they do, vaccinations may be warranted as long as the strains in the vaccine are the same as those in your area. If leptospirosis and borellia aren’t an issue where you live, do not vaccinate against them.

    No single diet or treatment can prevent or treat all kidney or bladder problems in all dogs. However, knowing how to support your dog’s renal system is an important step to take. Ultimately, the best thing you can do is feed your dog a natural, holistic diet. Opt for moist food made from whole food ingredients and no artificial additives. 

    Additional renal system issues 

    • In older male dogs, difficult urination may be caused by an enlarged prostate. Although the prostate is not part of the canine renal system, the symptoms of an enlarged prostate can mimic some urinary tract problems. Saw palmetto is an excellent herb to use for this.
    • Older dogs sometimes develop incontinence. Gingko biloba, bearberry (Uva ursi) and varuna (Crataeva nurvala) may help. 
    • Sudden severe damage caused by poisoning is the most dangerous kidney problem in dogs. Antifreeze and xylitol are the most common causes, and the resulting damage is difficult to treat. The faster your veterinarian administers IV fluids to dilute the urine and flush the toxin out, the more likely the dog is to survive. 
    • Grapes and raisins can also lead to death in some dogs. Ensure your dog has no access to these fruits. 
    • Some antibiotics such as gentamicin, and some NSAIDs when used over the long term can also cause kidney damage. NSAIDs are often used for arthritis, but natural treatments for pain and inflammation can decrease or eliminate the need for these drugs. 

    Glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamins C and E, boswellia (Boswellia serrata), and curcumin help with inflammation and pain. If there is a lot of arthritis visible on x-rays, homeopathic Hekla Lava may also help.

    Some breeds are more prone to renal system problems

    Some breeds inherit genetic predispositions to certain problems and may require a different diet:

    • Bernese Mountain Dog
    • Doberman Pinscher
    • English Cocker Spaniel
    • English Springer Spaniel
    • Greyhound
    • Lhasa Apso
    • Poodle
    • Rottweiler
    • Samoyed
    • Shar Pei
    • Shih Tzu
    • Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier

    Breeds that most commonly get bladder stones include:

    • Dalmatian – ammonium urate stones
    • Miniature Schnauzer, Lhasa Apso, Yorkshire Terrier, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle — oxalate stones
    • Newfoundland, Dachshund, Basset Hound, English Bulldog, Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Irish Terrier – cystine stones


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    A graduate of veterinary medicine at the University of California, Davis, Dr. Nancy Scanlan has used nutraceuticals since 1969. She became certified in acupuncture by IVAS in 1987 and followed up with education in chiropractic, Chinese herbs, Western herbs, and homotoxicology. This led to 16 years as the only holistic practitioner in a 7-person practice. After retiring from practice, Dr. Scanlan served as executive director of the AHVMA for 3 years before stepping into her current role as executive director of the AHVM Foundation. Dr. Scanlan is a consultant, author of a text on complementary medicine for veterinary technicians, and writer and lecturer about complementary and alternative veterinary medicine. She is currently enrolled in a masters degree program on integrative cancer treatment at the University of South Florida’s medical school.

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    Nancy Scanlan, DVM, CVA

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  • Cleveland’s Bike Advocates Foreshadow Infrastructure Makeovers in City Club Talk

    Cleveland’s Bike Advocates Foreshadow Infrastructure Makeovers in City Club Talk

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    Mark Oprea

    Angie Schmitt, the founder of a planning and consulting firm dedicated to traffic safety, spoke Wednesday at the Happy Dog about Cleveland’s push for better bike infrastructure.

    To many that packed the Happy Dog on Wednesday night, a recently released pedestrian crash report felt like a personal document.

    At least 550 Clevelanders, from adults scootering downtown to teenagers crossing St. Clair Avenue, were hit by cars in 2023. (Nine were killed.) Although not the central call for the gathering, such statistics were fresh on the mind of presenters and attendees alike at the City Club’s cyclist-focused town hall.

    One that gave off a comforting impression.

    City Hall, after decades of cold-shouldering serious bike lanes or roundabouts, is now very much in-line with what a real city, even of Cleveland’s size, needs in 2024.

    “This is an urgent issue,” Callie Mersmann, one-fifth of the city’s Mobility Team, told a full house at the Happy Dog. “I know all of us at this table, and almost all of us in this room, walk or bike daily, take transit daily, and are really dedicated to changing the ecosystem.

    “All of us believe firmly that people deserve a right to get safely to where they’re going,” she added. “And they shouldn’t need to be in a car to do that.”

    Mersmann’s point blank response to that uptick in cyclist-car collisions seemed, to say the least, very much in the wheelhouse of her co-presenters not affiliated with Mayor Justin Bibb—Bike Cleveland’s Jacob VanSickle; transportation activist Angie Schmitt; and Assembly of the Arts community officer and moderator Deidre McPherson.

    In a hour-and-a-half forum, which cycled through everything from the upcoming Midway projects to the false benefit of a sharrow (bike + arrow painted on streets), the dais had a clear message for their listeners: We hear you, and we’re doing the best that we can.

    Cleveland has a ways to go.

    Hoboken, New Jersey’s Bike & Pedestrian Resource Center announced in January they’ve counted zero deaths in the eight years they’ve spent refashioning their streets for walkers. And Columbus released plans to update three downtown streets with leafy trees and two miles of protected bike lanes, the Dispatch reported this week, for what could be a $100 million project.

    There is demand, after all.

    VanSickle several times cited a survey of 616 Clevelanders, orchestrated in collaboration with Baldwin Wallace, that showed that, although 70 percent of respondents used a car to get around most of the time, about two-thirds of them, VanSickle reiterated, “would opt to ride a bicycle if it was safe and convenient for them to do it.” (He even recently hired a community organizer, Jerrod Shakir, to better link Bike Cleveland’s philosophy with untapped city blocks.)

    A 39-year-old father of two who’s been pressing the city for safer streets to bike on since Mayor Frank Jackson’s second term, VanSickle framed Cleveland’s need to put its six-laners on a “road diet,” or paint others a strip of green, as first and foremost a lifesaving allocation of money.

    click to enlarge Bike Cleveland's Jacob VanSickle (center) with moderator Deidre McPherson (right). - Mark Oprea

    Mark Oprea

    Bike Cleveland’s Jacob VanSickle (center) with moderator Deidre McPherson (right).

    “I don’t like it when my son gets home from school and he says, ‘Hey, it’s 70 degrees, Dad, I want to go ride my bike,’” he said. “And the whole time I’m just worried about him getting hit by a car from the careless drivers coming home from work at five o’clock.

    “That shouldn’t happen in the city,” he added.

    Such mental health woes worried Schmitt, a traffic-aware planner and a mother of two, who, like VanSickle, digested the 2023 crash report in a personal way. (Schmitt was hit by a car while crossing West 44th St. in 2022.)

    “There’s, like, a record scratch when [drivers] see you biking with your kids You don’t see kids even playing outdoors anymore,” she said. “Part of that is technology, of course. I just think we’re dealing with a lot of crises sort of in our culture right now that are intersecting in bad ways.”

    For Jonathan Steirer, 31, a Cudell resident who often bikes eight miles to his job near Case Western Reserve, the city pushing for better bike lanes comes naturally with a dose of skepticism. Which stems, of course, from the fact he’s been hit three times—twice, he said, near the intersection of Euclid Ave. and East 55th St.

    Echoing one of Mersmann’s sentiments—that the upcoming Mobility Master Plan will provide lanes “safe for kids and their grandparents”—Steirer believes cross-city commuters like him may not bat an eye at shiny street overhauls.

    “I think shorter distances, it could change behavior,” he told Scene after the talk. “I don’t know if you’d get more like long-distance bike commuters. I think that you have to really enjoy it a little more. A lot of people, it’s dependent on if can they shower when they get there?”

    Cleveland’s Mobility Team is planning to release its master plan report sometime this summer, following a couple months of feedback touring. The goal, Mersmann told the crowd, is to actualize a three-year quick-implimentation plan, and build “rapidly” on streets with high crash data.

    But, this time around, focus on best practices. God forbid, she said, we go back to the lanes in vogue during Jackson administration.

    “More than a decade ago were begging the city to install sharrows, and this is how far we’ve come,” Mersmann exclaimed. “And they complained at the time that they didn’t have a stencil. That was their excuse!”

    “That’s true,” Matt Zone, a city councilmember at the time, confirmed in the audience. “We actually said that: we don’t have a stencil.”

    “Sharrows, they aren’t infrastructure,” VanSickle said. “They’re just signs.”

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    Mark Oprea

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