Shirlington Village’s Wags & Whiskers event has been cancelled for today and rescheduled for Sat., Sept. 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Posted by: twodogtales | August 27, 2011
Alert: Wags and Whiskers rescheduled
Posted in Events | Tags: Shirlington Village, Wags and Whiskers
Posted by: twodogtales | August 25, 2011
Wags & Whiskers this weekend; heartbreaking loyalty
Aug. 27: Wags & Whiskers in Shirlington
This Saturday, dog-friendly Shirlington Village gets even friendlier as it holds a celebration of pets with the 4th annual Wags & Whiskers from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
More than 30 exhibitors, pet adoptions, free pet photos, a treat or trick contest, live music and more highlight this street festival.
Right now the Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang is predicting that Hurricane Irene will reach our area starting Saturday afternoon, so plan on hitting Wags & Whiskers early!
Heartbreaking loyalty
For those of us who love our dogs like children, a heartbreaking story about a soldier who loved his dog so much he called him his “son” has been making the news the past few days.
Navy SEAL Jon Tomlinson died during the insurgent attack in Afghanistan that took the lives of 30 troops, including 22 Navy SEALs, on Aug. 6. At his funeral in Iowa, his Labrador Hawkeye laid by his casket throughout the entire service, unwilling to leave his master’s side even in death.
Read the whole story and see the incredibly moving photo of Hawkeye on the Today show’s website.
Posted in Events, News, Things to do | Tags: dog loyalty, Shirlington Village, Wags & Whiskers
Posted by: twodogtales | August 24, 2011
Come along on a PAL pet visit
Everyone who is lucky enough to share their life with a dog knows the benefits of their companionship. But I recently had the opportunity to see how even a brief interaction with a dog can brighten the day of a complete stranger when I was invited to come along on a pet visit by the local organization People Animals Love (PAL).
PAL is a D.C.-based non-profit whose mission is to harness the bond between humans and animals to create social change. Through their pet visit program, they coordinate volunteers and their dogs to visit more than 10,000 people each year at 30 nursing homes, hospitals, libraries, and mental health facilities in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
Shi Tzu Mimi visits with Della Rand
While both my dogs are friendly to people and other dogs, I thought Chatham’s laid-back attitude would be better suited to a nursing home. So on a Saturday morning I brought her to the Goodwin House retirement community in Falls Church, Va., where I met up with the PAL Group Leader Stephanie and Colleen Mallon, corporate director of marketing for Goodwin House.
Colleen told me that PAL volunteers visit the facility the second Saturday of every month, and that residents can sign up for individual visits in their rooms or go to the designated area for a group visit.
She said that it’s a very popular program, on average more than half the residents will come to spend time with the animals. Only dogs were along on this particular visit, but the PAL program allows other pets including birds, guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits.
Lorene talks to PAL Group Leader Stephanie while hugging toy poodle Coco.
Goodwin House is very supportive of the benefits pets can bring to its residents. The Falls Church location has allowed residents to bring their pets to live with them since January 2010 (about five live there now), and the Alexandria location just began allowing pets this June. Families can also bring pets to visit residents.
I have to say one of my biggest fears is someday having to live in an assisted living facility, and not being allowed to have dogs, so I’m very happy to see there are places like Goodwin House!
There were about a half dozen PAL volunteers on the visit, both men and women who brought a wide variety of dogs ranging from a toy poodle to a 75-lb. mixed-breed.
We spent time first with Della Rand, who moved to Virginia from Pittsburgh to be closer to her daughter. It was Della’s first time having a PAL visit, but she gladly took Mimi, a Shi Tzu with colorful ribbons in her hair, on her lap. Della told us that she used to be a therapist, and that she’d always had dogs. Her most recent dog was a white poodle named Maggie who now lived with her granddaughter.
Then we met with Louis Cyr, who has lived at Goodwin House for nine years. As he stroked Chatham’s head and bent down to kiss her nose, he told us about his daughter’s yellow Labrador and Jack Russell Terrier.
Louis pets Chatham during the PAL pet visit.
Finally we visited Lorene Mann, a Northern Virginia native who held and hugged toy poodle Coco while talking about her son’s short-haired Daschunds.
Colleen said that the visits relax the residents, and are a huge benefit for memory support in particular. That was evident as every resident we visited reminisced about their experiences with past pets. It felt great giving just a little time and listening to their stories.
Chatham behaved well during the hour-long visit, despite at first being hesitant to enter the elevator and timid around the motorized wheelchairs. She quickly relaxed and laid down in each room, however, and the smaller dogs were very comfortable sitting on the residents’ laps.
PAL currently has more than 360 volunteers visiting 30 facilities. Most PAL pet visits (85 percent) are to retirement homes, but they also work with children, schools and mental health facilities. Participation as a PAL volunteer is relatively easy, extremely rewarding and there is no required time commitment.
Information and a downloadable orientation package are available on the New Volunteers page of PAL’s website.
Special thanks to Paul Julius who took the photos of the PAL pet visit.
Posted in Things to do | Tags: Goodwin House, People Animals Love, pet therapy
Posted by: twodogtales | August 19, 2011
Cause for Paws at Bungalow Aug. 20
The Bungalow in Shirlington is hosting Cause for Paws this Saturday, August 20 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Annie Yu of WTTG Fox 5 News will be guest bartending from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Bungalow’s Facebook page says the event will help animals, but the only information I could find on the event was on their Facebook page, they don’t have anything on their website.
It’s certainly worth checking out, you can always multitask and do some shopping for your pooch next door at Dogma Bakery or get some exercise with him/her across the street at the Shirlington Community Canine Area (dog park).
Posted in Events, Helping animals, Things to do | Tags: Cause for Paws, Dogma Bakery, Shirlington Dog Park, The Bungalow
Posted by: twodogtales | August 15, 2011
Toxic algae alert: Va., Md. waterways unsafe for dogs
There’s nothing better than seeing your pup happily splashing about in a creek or river, especially in the greater D.C. area’s unbearable summer heat. But toxic blue-green algae has been found in a number of local waterways in the past few weeks, so be very careful where you let your pup paddle. The Northern Virginia Clean Water Partners-sponsored Northern Virginia Dog Blog posted about the danger a few days ago.
Microcystis aeruginosa, a blue-green algae species that produces toxins known as microcystins has been found in Aquia Creek in Stafford County. The algae can be toxic to both humans and animals if ingested and is potentially fatal to pets. The county has a civic alert on it’s website that advises pet owners that if their pets do come into contact with the water in Aquia Creek, they should be prevented from licking their coats and bathed as soon as possible to remove any blue-green algae or toxin that may be entrapped in their coats.
Blue-green algae, photo from the Va. Dept. of Health website.
According to the Virginia Department of Health:
“Blue-green bacteria or cyanobacteria are single-celled organisms that naturally exist in fresh or salt waters. They use sunlight to make their food. When there are a lot of nutrients available in the water, the bacteria can grow rapidly or “bloom” to form a visible film or scum on the surface of the water. Cyanobacterial blooms are often green or blue-green in color although they can sometimes be red or brown.” The VDH has a web page with more information.
The local CBS affiliate in Baltimore is also reporting that the toxic algae has also been found in the mouth of the Mattawoman Creek near Indian Head and the Potomac River south of the creek.
So, you may want to limit your dog’s splash time to a backyard wading pool for the time being. You can pick one up on sale for about $6 right now at Toys R Us or Babies R Us!
Sundae splashing in a wading pool.
Posted in Dog health, Helpful info, News | Tags: blue-green algae, dog safety alert, dog swim warning, dog swimming, toxic algae
Posted by: twodogtales | July 25, 2011
Arlington will leave kids alone
Arlington County has decided to leave the current Community Canine Area (CCA) rules—which allow children of any age—unchanged.
In a letter emailed to CCA users and sponsors on July 21, Dinesh Tiwari, director of Arlington County’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, said, “At this time, we think that the existing CCA rules and regulations (prominently posted at each CCA) are adequate to address your concerns.”
Click on the image to open a new window with a larger copy of the letter:
The letter also says that in response to community suggestions, they are going to take steps to make sure CCA users are aware of, and follow the rules in the future, including:
- Post additional signs with the rules of use in the CCAs, and highlight the language advising parents to monitor their children at all times.
- Increase community education and outreach about safety in the CCAs through the website and meetings with CCA sponsoring and user groups.
- Work with volunteer CCA sponsor groups to help them with onsite issues, and update and post volunteer training materials on the website.
- Encourage CCA users to report problems by email to PRCR@arlingtonva.us or by phone to 703-2286523.
This is great news for all the families with kids who use Arlington’s dog parks, not to mention a real testament to the power of a community’s voice. Just about every local media outlet picked up the story back in May that Arlington was planning to ban children from its dog parks:
May 18: County plans to ban kids
May 22: Dog park in the news
May 27: County to consider community input
Kudos, too, to Arlington County for showing they will listen to the residents when enough people make their opinions heard.
Arlington County’s website currently featured a list of all the Arlington CCAs but not a copy of the letter. And the link to the rules and regulations was broken at the time of this post.
Posted in News | Tags: Arlington dog park, Community Canine Areas, dog park kid ban, Shirlington Dog Park
Posted by: twodogtales | July 21, 2011
‘Dog Days’ defined, July 23 wine and wash events
As I slogged my way through the oppressive humidity tonight to walk the dogs, I wondered how such miserable weather could be named after animals that give us such joy.
Well, according to the Wikipedia entry for Dog Days, it really doesn’t have anything to do with dogs at all. It appears the ancient Greeks and Romans believed that the hot weather of summer was caused by the star Sirius being in close proximity to the sun. Sirius is the brightest star in the Canis Major (Latin for “greater dog”) constellation, so it is known as the Dog Star.
It may not be possible to completely escape the heat this weekend—dogs do need to go out to do their business after all—but here are a couple things you can do with your pup to keep your mind off the heat:
Smile! Dog Days at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
Canine dentistry is the topic for Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard’s Dog Days event on Saturday, July 23.
The winery’s upper patio will be open as a dog park from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., then at 1:00 p.m. Dr. Mark Smith will lead a discussion about canine dentistry. Denny Grizzle will perform on the patio from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
The vineyard is located at 18125 Comus Road, Dickerson, MD 20842.
Homeward Trails Charity Wash
Also on Saturday, July 23, volunteers from Homeward Trails Animal Rescue will be at Fur-Get Me Not’s Florida Ave. location washing dogs as a fundraiser. From 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., you can sit back and enjoy the air conditioning while someone else gives your dog a standard bath for just $20.
Not only does your dog get to cool off with a bath, you get to support a great cause and take home a clean pup!
Homeward Trails is a non-profit that finds homes in Virginia, Maryland and D.C. for dogs and cats rescued from high-kill animal shelters or whose owners could no longer care for them.
Fur-Get Me Not is at 1722 Florida Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009.
Last, but definitely not least, I am thrilled to report that Petfinder.com’s Big Birthday Adoption Event exceeded their goal of 15,000 adoptions last weekend to celebrate their 15th birthday! Yes, when all the participating shelters reported in, more than 15,700 animals had been adopted. You can read some of their happy stories on the Petfinder blog.
Stay cool! My Petfinder baby Sundae enjoying Snowmaggedon in 2010.
Posted by: twodogtales | July 15, 2011
July 15-17: Petfinder.com celebrates 15; GRREAT wine event
Happy birthday Petfinder!
Petfinder.com is celebrating 15 years of helping connect animals with new forever homes with a Big Birthday Adoption Weekend July 15-17.
Their goal: 15,000 adoptions over three days. And 1,500 shelters and rescue groups across the country are holding special adoption events to help them reach that goal.
How can I not blow a big birthday kiss to Petfinder, when they brought my sweet Sundae to me?
Yes, I was a self-proclaimed “Shelter Stalker,” hitting Petfinder.com multiple times a day once I got it into my head I wanted a playmate for Chatham. In short order, up popped the perfect mix — a litter of 8-week-old Golden-Lab mixes at the Howard County Animal Shelter about 45 minutes away in Columbia, Md.
A 6-lb. black ball of fluff snuggled her head into my neck when I picked her up and — stick a fork in me — I was done.
It took about three seconds for baby Sundae from the shelter to bond with Chatham.
Here in D.C., the Washington Humane Society is holding a community open house adoption fair in honor of Petfinder’s birthday in the courtyard of its New York Avenue shelter facility on Saturday, July 16, from noon to 5:00 p.m.
There will be adoptable dogs, cats and small animals to meet, puppy playgroup demonstrations, door prizes, discounts from local pet care companies, and trainers available to offer advice to pet owners. Anyone adopting an animal will get 30 percent off their pet adoption fees.
The WHS is at 1201 New York Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20002.
You can find other local shelters who are participating in the Petfinder birthday celebration here: http://www.petfinder.com/info/birthday
BOW benefits GRREAT
Golden Retriever Rescue, Education and Training (GRREAT) invites dog lovers to spend the day with your dog taking in the beautiful rolling view of the Blue Ridge Mountains while sitting on the patio enjoying a glass of wine on Sunday, July 17 at Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane, Va.
From noon to 3:00 p.m. there will be wine tasting, Steve Hudson playing guitar and a raffle to win an original pencil drawing of your dog (or other subject) by professional portrait artist Mike Theuer.
GRREAT will receive $5 for every $10 wine tasting if you present the Barrel Oak Winery GRREAT flyer. Download it here.
I think Barrel Oak is the most dog-friendly of the area wineries, even letting dogs into the tasting room—there are glass jars of dog treats right on the counter! For more details, read my posts about earlier Barrel Oak visits:
Barrel Oak Winery is at 3623 Grove Lane, Delaplane VA 20144.
Posted in Day trips, Events, Helping animals, Things to do | Tags: animal rescue, Barrel Oak Winery, GRREAT, Petfinder, Washington Humane Society
Posted by: twodogtales | July 11, 2011
Shave or a haircut, pick which?
The Weather Channel recently named Washington as the sixth hottest city in the United States, with an average of 37 days of temperatures above 90 degrees every year. I’ve seen plenty of dogs with a “summer shave,” and I always thought it looked silly, but that owners did it to help their dogs stay cool and decrease the amount of shedding in the house.
But during a recent pet first aid class I took through Arlington Public School’s Adult Education program, I learned shaving your dog can actually be dangerous.
This Golden Retriever at the Shirlington Dog Park's cut left enough hair to protect his skin.
I talked to professional pet groomer Cassandra Reed, who recently began offering her grooming services at Dogma Bakery’s Shirlington location. She said that when owners ask her to shave their dogs, she explains why it’s not a good idea.
“Dogs’ coats serve to protect their skin from sticks, dirt, insects, sunburn and other environmental elements,” according to Reed. “When a dog’s coat is shaved right down to the skin, it removes that protective layer.”
The topmost layer of dogs’ coats can also act as an insulator, keeping heat or cold from penetrating to their skin.
Now with some breeds that don’t have a coat to begin with, such as the Chinese Crested, owners don’t have many choices. They have to protect their dogs’ sensitive exposed skin with clothing, or sunscreen, or by keeping them out of the sun altogether.
Reed said that the majority of owners who want to keep their dogs comfortable in the summer do have grooming options, however.
“It’s most important to remove the excess hair, and just shaving a dog with clippers will not do that,” she said. “I recommend a thorough de-shedding, especially for double-coated breeds like Saint Bernards, Labrador and Golden Retrievers and Newfoundlands.”
During the de-shedding process, Reed uses a special shampoo as well as four different grooming tools to remove loose, excess hair.
This Goldendoodle has its coat trimmed to a safe length.
A haircut is another option, as long as enough coat is left to protect the dog’s skin. Special clipper blades can be used to to cut the hair to specific lengths. For example, a “retriever cut” is where a dog’s hair is cut to a 1 inch length all over the body.
We’re all suffering in this oppressive Washington, D.C. summer heat. There are ways you can safely help your dog stay cooler, but make sure to consult with both your veterinarian and your groomer before making any changes to your dog’s coat.
Appointments with Reed can be made through Dogma at 571-422-0370.
Posted in Dog health, Helping animals | Tags: clipping dogs, Dogma Bakery, shedding, summer shave
Posted by: twodogtales | July 7, 2011
Dogs welcome at Shirlington summer jazz festival
The Village at Shirlington’s summer jazz festival season opened on July 7 with a couple hundred people enjoying music from The Oscillators and the cooler evening temperatures. Every Thursday night through August 25 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. the street in front of the Signature Theater and library plaza features a jazz concert and a wine tasting that benefits the Arlington Food Assistance Center. The concert is free; the wine tasting is $5 to taste four wines.
The Ocsillators entertained the Shirlington Jazz Festival crowd July 7.
Part of the street is blocked off with ropes and set with tables and chairs for the wine tasting, and there are plenty of benches and other seating areas around the plaza. Dogs are welcome both inside the enclosed area and on the plaza.
Better yet, you can get a table and enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants within hearing distance of the concert that have dog-friendly outdoor seating, including Busboys and Poets, Johnny Rockets and Samuel Beckett’s Irish Gastro Pub.
Sundae makes a young friend during the concert.
We took a break from the concert and checked out the newest addition to Shirlington Village, Ah love Oil & Vinegar. The store sells gourmet flavored olive oils and vinegars in delicious varieties like black truffle, pomegranate and parmesan and sun dried tomato.
The new Ah love Olive Oil & Vinegar store is dog-friendly.
Ah love has partnered with Shirlington’s Dogma Bakery to create bacon olive oil flavored dog ice cream, and they are giving away free mini-cups during the Thursday jazz concerts. From the speed at which my girls scarfed down their cups, I’d say the flavor is a hit!
Store owner Cary Kelly welcomes dogs into Ah love if it’s not too crowded. She said they will test reaction to the olive oil dog ice cream during the concerts all summer, and if feedback is positive they may carry it permanently.
Ah love's front window features just a few of their gourmet items for sale.
Scheduled entertainers at the remaining concerts are:
July 14 – Donato Soviero and Friends
July 21 – Dan Haas with Unified Jazz
July 28 – JMM
August 4 – Mistruada
August 11 – The Lovejoy Group
August 18 – Felicia Carter & Amy Shook
August 25 – Kevin Pace Trio
Two Dog Tales 