Posted by: twodogtales | December 14, 2011

Travel safely with your dog: Canine Friendly VestHarness review

As you pack up the car and head to Grandma’s house for the holidays, will your dog be as securely strapped in as you are?

I’ve used seat belts for my dogs ever since I had a convertible with my first Golden. I wasn’t worried about her jumping out of the car, but about her being flung out into traffic if someone hit me.

That can happen even in regular cars, as one Arlington family found out after their car flipped in an accident on Glebe Road in 2009 and their scared Golden bolted out a window (Don’t worry, Taz was found and is home safe).

My first “dog seat belt” was a nylon harness with a short strap that Saab sold that slid over the car’s seat belt shoulder strap at one end, and you clipped the other end to the ring on the harness.

But dog seat belts have come a long way since then.

I recently had the chance to try out the Canine Friendly VestHarness™ from RC Pet Products. Full disclosure, RC gave me the harness at no cost, but they did not ask me to review it on this blog.

The VestHarness fully covers the dog's chest area.

The first thing I noticed and really like about the harness is that it covers the full chest. With the harness I used to use I always worried that the thin straps would do more damage than good in a collision.

The other good thing about the chest piece is that it is ventilated mesh. RC makes a mesh version and one that is nylon lined in fleece, but I prefer the mesh since I take a lot of road trips with the dogs in the summer and they get hot quickly.

I also liked that both the chest and body straps are adjustable, which means it can fit a wide variety of breeds and body shapes. For example, the large (45 to 65 lb.) I tried was easily adjusted to fit a barrel-chested, skinny-waisted Doberman just as comfortably as an average Golden Retriever.

There are adjustable straps across both the chest and torso.

To secure the dog, I pulled the car’s seat belt out, slid it through the strap on the back of the harness, then inserted the belt into the buckle just like a person would use it. The harness allowed the dogs to either sit up or lie down comfortably.

When we stopped for potty breaks, there no need to remove the harness, I just unbuckled the car’s seat belt, clipped the dogs’ leashes to the D-ring on the harness, and walked them.

Overall, the harness worked great for my calm Golden, who is happy to sit still for many hours during car rides.

Chatham was very comfortable during long car rides.

 The Golden-Lab-Border Collie mix who hops from window to window got herself twisted enough that I had to pull over to untangle her twice during a D.C.-to-Cape Cod trip. Not bad for a nine-hour ride, however, and I’m not sure anything short of puppy Prozac would keep her sitting calmly for that long.

"Can't sit still" Sundae got tangled a few times.

The VestHarness is fully washable, which is nice since my little shedding machines left enough hair on them to build a new puppy. I hosed the harnesses off, hung them up to dry overnight, and they were good to go.

The VestHarness sells for around $25 to $34, depending on size. There are six size options, ranging from 5-lb. to 110-lb. dogs. You can find a retailer that carries RC Pet Products near you on their website www.rcpets.com.

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Posted by: twodogtales | December 10, 2011

Pictures with Santa Dec. 15

A trip to the mall for a photo with Santa is an annual rite of passage for two-legged children. So why not for four-legged kids, too? On Thursday, Dec. 15 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. you can get your pet’s photo taken with Santa at the Village at Shirlington’s Santa Paws at Dogma Bakery & Boutique.

The cost is $10, and proceeds benefit  Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.

More than 90 dogs had their pictures taken at the first Santa Paws event on Dec. 8, so get there early as photos are taken on a first come, first serve basis. You can check out some of the fun photos on Facebook here.

Photos can be taken of any kind of animal, but if you’re bringing a non-canine pal, please let the store know and call ahead for a reservation to 571-422-0370.

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Posted by: twodogtales | December 2, 2011

Scottish Walk parade and Winter Holidays Open House Dec. 3 & 4

‘Tis the season, and there are so many ways to celebrate with your dog this weekend!

On Saturday, Dec. 3, the annual Scottish Walk parade is going on in Old Town Alexandria. Fronm 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. the streets of historic Old Town will be filled with pipe and drum bands, men and women in kilts and assorted plaid finery, and lots of dog breed and rescue groups.

There are more than 150 groups marching, including the D.C. Area Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Group, the National Capital Bearded Collie Club, the Scottish Terrier Club of Greater Washington D.C., and always a crowd favorite, the Mid Atlantic Scottish Deerhounds.

This year, the Deerhounds will have their very own celebrity marching, “GCH Foxcliffe Hickory Wind,” best known as the 2011 Westminster Dog Show Best in Show winner.

With the weather forecast calling for 50 degrees and sunshine, throw on a colorful holiday scarf and mittens and celebrate the season with a holiday parade!

On Sunday, Dec. 4, the Washington Animal Rescue League is hosting their Winter Holidays Open House from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.

The festive party will have ample seasonal refreshments, live holiday music, pet photos with Santa, and plenty of holiday cheer, not to mention chestnut roasting and face painting!

The WARL asks attendees to bring a donation of canned pet food to put under the tree for the League’s Rescuers’ Food Bank, which assists low-income pet guardians. Unused pet toys and equipment (leashes, carriers, beds, etc.) are welcome, as well.

Several children’s authors and illustrators will be signing and selling their books as well.  These include Erica Perl (author of When Life Gives You OJ and the Chicken Butt series), Jackie Urbanovic (author of the New York Times best-sellers Duck at the Door and Duck Soup), and Carol Hilliard (artist, art director and children’s book illustrator). There will be a children’s book fair with dozens of animal-themed titles. A portion of the proceeds from the book sales benefit the League’s animals.

The League is at 71 Oglethorpe St., NW, Washington, DC 20011.

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Posted by: twodogtales | November 25, 2011

Thankful for…a dog’s loyalty

As you celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday yesterday, did you take a few minutes to think about what you are thankful for in your life? There are many, many things I am thankful for. For example, I am eternally grateful for the unconditional love and companionship of my dogs, who put a smile on my face every day, even when nothing else can.

I would do anything for them, and when I’ ve had to say goodbye to any of my pets, it’s broken my heart. But do you ever wonder what a dog who loses its owner thinks?

Here’s a recent story reported by the BBC News about a dog in Japan who is holding vigil at his owner’s grave:

This is reminiscent of Hawkeye, the dog who laid by the casket during the funeral for his master, Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson who was killed in a horrible combat helicopter crash in Afghanistan this summer:

I think all dog owners are–or should be–thankful for the love they give us, even after we are gone.

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Posted by: twodogtales | November 23, 2011

Watch top dogs on turkey day

If you’re looking for something to do while waiting for the awesome feast of carba-licious comfort foods otherwise known as Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, turn on NBC at noon and catch the 10th anniversary of the National Dog Show, presented by Purina.

Dogs in seven groups–Herding, Non-Sporting, Sporting, Working, Terrier, Hound, and Toy–compete against each other for Best in Breed, and then the group winners go on to compete in Best in Show. The 2010 Best in Show winner was an aptly-named handsome Irish Setter, formally known as Grand Champion Windntide Mr. Sandman, known to his friends and family as “Clooney.”

So cheer on your favorite breed, and give thanks that our four-legged loyal, loving friends share their unconditional love with us everyday.

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Posted by: twodogtales | November 22, 2011

Thankful for…unconditional love, at war

Last night, NBC Nightly News ran a beautiful story about a very special homecoming. It’s not about the soldiers who put their lives on the line every day to fight for our freedom, but about the dogs who helped them survive the emotional impact of serving combat duty.

Arthur Benjamin, whose organization American Dog Rescue paid for the strays that were brought from Afghanistan to be spayed and neutered, says, “There wasn’t one of the soliders, male or female, that didn’t cry when they saw their dog.”

When you hear the excited cries and see the dogs bound  into their soldiers’ arms and shower them with canine kisses, I bet you’ll have a tear in your eye, too.

I certainly did.

Watch the NBC story: Battlefield pooches get rewarded for loyalty

And, here’s more about this wonderful reunion:

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Posted by: twodogtales | November 11, 2011

Honoring Military Dogs on Veteran’s Day

Today is Veteran’s Day, when the country honors the service men and women who have given up so much to ensure our freedom. And right alongside those human warriors canine soldiers often serve, trained to protect the troops and keep them from harm.

On Nov. 7 a special ceremony was held on Capitol Hill with the American Humane Association, a Tribute to War Heroes on Both Ends of the Leash.

The reception was made possible by Virginia Congressman Jim Moran, the co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus. Rep. Moran represents Virgina’s 8th district, which includes Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Reston and Falls Church.

Special guests at the ceremony included a man whose guide dog saved his life by leading him down 78 flights of stairs in the World Trade Center on 9/11, and two military working dogs who served in Iraq.

Watch Fox channel 5’s story: DC Tribute Honors Military Dogs.

Speaking of hero dogs, the Hallmark Channel is premiering the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards tonight at 8:00 p.m. EST. Eight canine finalists will be honored for their devotion, bravery and companionship. The dogs were selected in a nationwide online search and represent categories of working dogs including service, therapy, military, law enforcement and arson, hearing, guide, and search and rescue.

Dogs aren’t just helping our military during combat tours, either. Organizations such as Pets2Vets, based here in Arlington, are rescuing shelter dogs and training them to help veterans cope with combat duty-related issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I wrote about P2V founder Dave Sharpe in a post last year.

Our human and canine military protectors deserve to be honored every single minute of every day for all they do for us. Make sure to thank a vet today.

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Posted by: twodogtales | November 8, 2011

Paw-liday Gift Market Nov. 12

Yes, believe it or not, it is that time of year again. Get ready to be bombarded with holiday sounds, scents, scenes and sales for the next six weeks or so.

But, you can take a little of the pain out of holiday gift shopping by doing it at the Paw-liday Gift Market this Saturday, Nov. 12, and helping the homeless animals at Homeward Trails Animal Rescue with every purchase.

From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Lyon Park Community Center in Arlington you can peruse a variety of products from artists, crafters, and companies including luxury skin care products, decoupage, fabric crafts, personalized stationery, embroidered items, custom pet tags, pet products, gifts from around the world and more.

Proceeds from the event will help Homeward Trails bring more dogs and cats to loving homes for the holidays.

The Lyon Park Community Center is at 414 North Fillmore Street, Arlington, VA 22201.

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Posted by: twodogtales | October 31, 2011

Big fun at Catsino Night Nov. 5

Happy Halloween, everyone! The girls and I enjoyed a dog-friendly neighborhood outdoor soiree, thanks to a kindly Mother Nature who kept the temperatures in the less-than-freezing zone tonight, garnering much gratitude from many a trick-or-treater chaperone. Sundae dressed as a devil, Chatham a patriot, and other canine friends came as a hot dog, a pumpkin and a witch.

This Saturday, Nov. 5, you have an opportunity to get dressed up again. The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is holding its annual fundraiser Catsino Night and Silent Auction Gala at the historic lobby in Terminal A at Reagan National Airport from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. Guests are asked to dress in 40’s attire or cocktail dress.

ABC channel 7 WJLA-TV’s Greta Kreuz returns to emcee the event which features a huge silent auction, a live auction, casino-style gambling, and live music from the Bobcats. Plus, there will be delicious hors d’oeuvres from Lebanese Taverna and the always-popular martini bar.

The event is exciting and there are always fun surprises, for example, last year’s top live auction item wasn’t the seven-night Caribbean trip, it was a home-cooked meal from the Fairlington Station 7 firefighters, which went for $1,300 after a hotly (pun intended!) contested bidding war!

Read my post about last year’s Catsino night.

Tickets are $100 per person, and can be reserved by calling (703)931-9241, ext. 216 or online at awla.ejoinme.org/catsino2011. They will also be available at the door.

It will be a good time, for a good cause! All funds raised will directly benefit the homeless animals in the shelter and in the community.

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Posted by: twodogtales | October 28, 2011

Howl-o-ween fun on Saturday

A bewitching pup from Dogma's Howl-o-ween celebration in 2010.

You and your dog can have a full day of Halloween fun this Saturday, and help the homeless animals at Lucky Dog Animal Rescue at the same time, with dog-friendly events in D.C and Arlington.

Howl-0-ween Scaryoke

From 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Sept. 29 Lucky Dog and Wagtime are hosting an afternoon of fun, drinks, and a canine costume contest at Cantina Marina on the D.C. waterfront. Ten percent of all proceeds will go to Lucky Dog. Cantina Marina is at 600 Water St, SW Washington, DC 20024.

Doggie Trick-or-Treating

Then, just a few miles away from Cantina Marina, Shirlington Village is hosting a variety of pet events. From 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., you can get your dog washed and dressed at the Muddy Mutt for just $20, with all the proceeds going to Lucky Dog.

From 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Dogma Bakery and Fur-Get-Me-Not are hosting trick-or-treating throughout the village’s shops. For a $10 donation (or a bag of food), you can bring your pup around to the participating restaurants and stores for a treat.

Finally, finish the night at Dogma for a Howl-o-ween Party at 8:00 p.m. for dog costume contests, and treats for both humans and dogs.

Dogma Bakery is located at 2772 S. Arlington Mill Dr., Arlington, VA 22206.

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