Au naturel in NYC

A nude sunbather is suing for the right to bask "au naturel" with his rat terrier, Cheekies, at his side. The plaintiff, former bodybuilder Mark DelCore, says he needs Cheekies with him because he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.

He says sunbathing is a balm for a skin condition he developed after exposure to World Trade Center toxins while leaving a lower Manhattan gym.

Those are the arguments DelCore presents in his suit, filed in federal court in Central Islip.

DelCore, of Forest Hills, Queens, favors a "clothing optional" beach near Kismet, on Fire Island. But officials at the Fire Island National Seashore say Cheekies is not welcome.
DelCore, of Queens, who competed as a bodybuilder at the 1998 Gay Games, said he was covered with a fine layer of dust after the World Trade Center towers collapsed, and developed a severe rash about two weeks later. "If I don't get any sun, it looks like measles all over me," he said.

The park allows only guide dogs on its swimming beaches. DelCore says his dog's healing presence qualifies him as a "service dog."