Editor's note:  Richard Magat, a reporter for MyhometownBronxville and a longtime resident of Bronxville, now lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Feb. 12, 2014:  When a dog owner at the Hallmark Condominiums in Atlanta where I'm living answered "Buddha" to staff member Darlene Carr's inquiry about the animal's name, she was asked if that reflected a religious belief. "No," said the resident. "I just thought it was an easy name to remember."

Buddha is one of some two dozen dogs and cats that share the Hallmark with residents who care for them and the greater number of residents who hardly are aware that they exist. But the pets are not entirely invisible.

Dogs (and the few cats that are not entirely homebound) may be seen on the ends of leashes as their owners (or designated caregivers) take them for strolls. Since cats have their homebound sanitary systems, they are seen less seldom. One of the exceptions is Bob Nelson's tabby, Samantha, whom he navigates on a leash.

Several of the dogs are mixed breeds. Iris Fryer's, for example, is part whippet and part Heinz57--"mutt," as she calls him. Pure breeds include E.B. Russell's teacup Yorkie and Joey Mayson's English standard poodle.

Permission to house a pet is governed by a 1,000-word pet agreement with the Hallmark at Buckhead. Applicants must pay a $7.50 fee and must provide a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian that the pet has received all inoculations required by official agencies. Residents are allowed one dog or cat "or other warm-blooded, four-legged animal."

A rabbit, fish, or turtle is permitted within local or state laws, but none of these is currently reported by Hallmark management. The unofficial empress of Hallmark pets is Tanner, whose owner is Tracy Johnson, executive director of Hallmark. Tanner roams the offices freely and is the unofficial greeter.

Hallmark pet rules are quite liberal compared with those of its neighbor under construction, a 340-apartment tower. A non-refundable pet deposit of $500 per pet to 30 pounds. Some third dog breeds are not permitted, ranging from Rottweiler and Doberman pinscher to bull terrier and pit bull.

Although pet owners revel in taking care of their charges, Atlanta offers a wide array of services ranging from pet grooming to supplies, toys, and treats. Such businesses operate as Canine House of Style, In Town Healthy Hound, Glamour Paws, Poodle Parfait, and dozens more.

Pets offer companionship and love, but now and then they intrude on neighbors' peace and well-being. That was the gist of a flyer sent the other day to all Hallmark residents, titled Pet Owners Etiquette. It urged residents to walk their pets frequently, preferably using the freight elevators, clean up after pets, keep dogs on a leash outside apartments, and curb pet-related noise.

When a pet dies, the owner experiences grief, as he or she had joy when the animal lived. So condolences are due to Hallmark residents whose pets died within days of each other--for Mr. and Mrs. Irving Lipsky's beagle, Arthur, and Corrine Tiberti's Blanco.

Pictured here:  Cici in Bronxville contemplating life in a condominium in Atlanta.

Photo by N. Bower