May 20 – Guests slipping discreetly out of the massive Gagosian art gallery weren’t smoking, they were relieving themselves. At Art for Animals' canine cocktail party, thirteen dog-rescue organizations trotted out potential adoptees, and the winning raffle numbers were picked from a bowl by a trained mutt who then showed off by skateboarding and pouring drinks. We asked host Laurie Anderson why her rat terrier Lolabelle seemed nonplussed in the limelight. “She gets used to things pretty fast”, Anderson replied. Alan Cumming, picking dog treats from a silver tray, hugged his best friend Honey and said, "she's such a tart”. Controversial artist Andres Serrano introduced us to his pooch Luther. Photographer Mary Ellen Mark came alone – her husband won’t let her have a dog. The crowd was well-behaved – we didn’t see any puddles on the floor.

We checked out the opening night party for Lanford Wilson’s play Rain Dance. Stars James Van Der Beek of TV's Dawson's Creek, Randolph Mantooth, Harris Yulin and Suzanne Regan celebrated with Jeff Daniels and Edward Norton. No pets here; those stepping outside were merely smoking.