New York City - Fran Reisner has loved Central Park since the very first time she walked under its canopy of trees while visiting New York on assignment.

Not a native New Yorker, Reisner nonetheless managed to discover one of the most interesting aspects of life in Manhattan, dog owners and their dogs, and where they walk, play and like to be seen - Central Park.

Walking through the park on a spring morning nearly three years ago with camera in hand, the first thing that caught her eye was not the lush foliage or the many landmarks, but a small black dog racing past her with a red ball in his mouth. He was chased by several other dogs and they never got out of order.

Reisner realized that there were dogs everywhere in the Park and decided to capture them with her camera, and lucky for us that she was smitten enough with our four-footed friends to show them in all their furry splendor romping, playing, posing and just being exactly what they are - man (and woman's) best friend.

"Dogs of Central Park" (published by Rizzoli USA) reveals dogs of every color and size, pure bred, and rescue mutts - ladies, gents, old, young, and as fierce in their play as they are friendly in their dispositions, these canine cosmopolitans are all immortalized beautifully with Reisner's eye for the delightful.

Having returned to Central Park seven times to photograph the canine subculture - her book is truly "A photographic love letter to dogs, their humans, and to Central Park" as indicated by her publisher.

In his foreword, parks commissioner Adrian Benepe observes "In the heart of Manhattan, it takes a dog to understand the beauty of autumn leaves, the thrill of new fallen snow, and the promise of flowers on a rainy spring day."

All dogs certainly go to heaven, and Reisner has managed to capture many enjoying heaven on earth in New York's largest green space - Central Park, which provides enough greenery, climbing, socializing, chasing, barking, sniffing and snuggling opportunities to keep our four-footed pals happy, happy and yes, happy!

Many of the dogs receive a bit of text with their names and stories, such as snow-loving Lenny, a golden retriever who was born in Austria and has traveled the world with his owners. Charley is a standard poodle and a certified "Delta Dog," doing volunteer therapy at Mt. Sinai Hospital, and Daisy - a mixed breed with piercing blue eyes who hails from the Bronx and to whom Roberta Flack once sang "Daisy Daisy."

Reisner shot her photographs throughout the seasons, and some of these canines just love that snow as seen in her 'action' shots. Many just pose, some are tilting their heads in curiosity, some are sporting costumes, some are carrying their favorite toy, some are in packs with others being walked by professionals, some are nuzzling, some are lounging, and all are just beautiful, majestic, loving and adorable creatures that will bring a smile to your face.

Mugging for the camera as they pose in front of Bethesda Fountain or Belvedere Castle, these urban animal sophisticates make it clear that New York City is their turf, and the faces, places and traces of their sheer happiness is reflected in Reisner's photographs.

During the process of producing "The Dogs Of Central Park," Reisner interviewed the humans accompanying the dogs she met, and discovered that most of them were united through the exceptional rescue organizations of the area.

She has dedicated the book to the volunteers "Who give so selflessly of their time and efforts on behalf of the millions of helpless animals around the globe," and a percentage of the proceeds from the sales of the book will be donated to animal rescue organizations.

"The Dogs Of Central Park" will delight dog lovers all over the world, and if you don't experience a few oohs and aahs over some of the terrific shots in this book you are heartless (or maybe a cat lover!).

About The Authors
Reisner has earned her Photographic Master and Craftsman degrees. She's won numerous national and international awards for her work, including a three-time winner of the Dallas Photographer of the Year Award. She is highly regarded and requested international speaker whose work has been published in more than 30 books and magazines, and who has been featured on Good Day Dallas and Good Morning Texas. Benepe has worked for nearly 30 years protecting and enhancing New York City's natural and historic beauty. He has continued this effort as Commissioner of the Department of Parks & Recreation, appointed by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg on January 25, 2002. In this role he has focused on improving park facilities and programs for children, developing new waterfront parks and greenways, and making New York City bloom with millions of new flowers and hundred of gardens.

Additionally, there will be a book signing in Central Park in May, and a raffle will be held for a photo shoot in the park for a NYC doggie with Reisner. All proceeds from the Raffle will go to benefit North Shore Animal League.

Upcoming Events
 • Saturday, May 14 from 12 noon to 2 p.m., under the Loggia at the Daily Visitor Center in Central Park, (East Drive and 65th Street). A raffle will be held for a photo shoot with Fran in the park on May 15 for a lucky NYC dog, to benefit North Shore Animal League. Raffle tickets for the Central Park event are only available for purchase on the dogs of central park website.

 • An evening of beer, nuts, and pups with Fran Reisner for the official NYC launch of "The Dogs of Central Park" at Fetch Bar & Grill (sorry no dogs at this one) on Saturday, May 14 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., 1649 Third Avenue, 212-289-2700. A raffle will be held for a photo shoot in the park by Fran for a NYC dog (to take place on Sunday, May 15). The proceeds from the raffle and a percentage of book sales will benefit Animal Haven. You can only purchase your raffle tickets at FETCH (available now), and the winner must be present at the event May 14.

For more information go to www.thedogsofcentralpark.com. Winner must be at the event on May 14.