To address mare's tail question. Up here in the north it grows in ponds naturally so is very hardy. It can be planted in water up to 2ft deep and will reach the surface. Is an oxygenator. I had some on a plant shelf but with the pot rim only about 2" covered. The other pot was 12" over the rim of the pot and did much better. I've read it can be invasive in warmer zones so make sure planted in a pot and check the growth yearly. It overwinters in Zone 3 left on the plant shelf which gets frozen in solid ice so should overwinter where you are.

A bees vision of paradise.

I don't think the licking is a sign of dominance, I agree with the vet. In a wolf pack licking is usually a sign of submission, the pups also like the mothers mouth for food. And the lower level dogs lick the higher ups, clean their ears etc, as a way of saying "you're the boss" and please don't hurt me too. I do agree with "the adams" post about being sure to watch for aggression, same sex aggression can be problem with any breed. Crate training and playing with the both at the same time is good. If you start to notice JT getting more aggressive whenever you pet the pup in front of her IGNORE them both, of course this is after the immediate crisis is averted. This is not the JT being "jealous" it is her fear of loosing her spot in the pack hierarchy to a lower level dog. Once the new dog is there for awhile JT should stop this behavior and you'll all be one happy pack as long as you're the alpha dog in the house.

Becco (on 46th, west of Broadway) is good. It's one of Lidia's restaurants and they have two seatings - before & after shows. Lattanzi, also on 46th (right next door to Becco, I think) is also good. If you want Latin fusion, try Iguana on 54th. Be sure to order the table-side prepped guacamole - it's outstanding. I would tell you to avoid (at ALL COSTS) the Jekyll & Hyde Club on Avenue of the Americas. It's simply horrible.