Dog Stickers Bring Joy to Greenpoint
This summer, cheerful dog stickers have appeared all over Greenpoint as part of a campaign aimed at spreading a little joy, particularly in neighborhoods that might need a bit of a lift.
The initiative is led by Nick Padilla, a seventh-grade math teacher who has a clear passion for dogs, something essential for enjoying the vibrant spots in Brooklyn.
“People really love dogs. When you’re at the bar and the conversation turns to pets, it just brightens the mood,” Padilla mentioned.
According to him, “Dogs are the greatest.”
At 37, Padilla revealed that some of the first stickers he placed around town were inspired by Hobbs, his own beloved dog.
He decided to adopt his pup—fondly nicknamed “Chief”—after facing some health challenges in April that made the companionship even more meaningful.
These stickers serve as reminders of his furry friend, and he expresses a desire for fellow dog enthusiasts to find a spark of happiness upon seeing these images.
“If I have to go somewhere else and see a dog, I just want it,” he said, adding, “It’s a neat feeling to spot your dog in the wild. Maybe that sounds silly, but it’s exciting.”
Starting in July, he began gathering anonymous dog photos via email, printing them out, and secretly placing them on signs, trash cans, and even in restrooms.
In total, he estimates he’s put up around 100 stickers throughout Brooklyn. His driving force? To create smiles and camaraderie among dog lovers.
Padilla remarked, “When you walk into a bar and the conversation turns to dogs, it just lights up.”
Interestingly, each batch of 100 stickers costs approximately $94 to print. This cost is noticeably higher than the potential $75 ticket one might receive for putting up stickers on public property.
Local dog lovers agree that there’s a great vibe in the area for this project.
While he doesn’t completely conceal his identity, he hasn’t exchanged names with those sending in dog photos.
“It’s really all about dogs,” he explained.
Recently, Padilla has started an Instagram account to feature these stickers, focusing on local dogs and their adventures.
His ultimate goal? To have every local dog achieve superstar status, making their presence felt throughout McCarren Park and beyond.
Despite the sticker costs, Padilla believes the joy he spreads is worth every penny. “I truly love this neighborhood. It means a lot to me. I’ve lived here for 14 years and have no intentions of leaving.”
