Northern Virginia Dog Magazine Fall 2009 by 343 Media, LLC

novadog Fall 2009

T H E U LT I M AT E G U I D E T O C A N I N E - I N S P I R E D L I V I N G I N T H E D C M E T R O A R E A

magazine

holiday happiness gifts

for

dogs

Online Edition Sponsored By: www.bevhollisphoto.com

Also Inside: Wagging Tails Welcome at VA U-Pick Farms Raising Service Dogs for People With Disabilities Canine Calendar: Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t-Miss Events

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contents Fall 2009

N O R T H E R N V I R G I N I A D O G : T H E U LT I M AT E G U I D E T O C A N I N E - I N S P I R E D L I V I N G I N T H E D C M E T R O A R E A

Gifts Worth Giving

COVER STORY

The NOVADog holiday gift guide offers local ﬁnds in plenty of time for the holidays.

Groomed for Service Preparing service dogs to assist people with disabilities is a team effort. By Taylor Ham D E PA RT M E N T S

3 THE SOURCE

21 IN REVIEW

5 HEALTH WISE

22 THE SCENE

8 EXPERT ADVICE

23 CANINE CALENDAR

News, information and products

Advice and information on canine health issues

On the Cover: June, age 11 months, owned by Jaclyn Koblos and Kenny Jenkins of Bluemont, VA, catches her nap in a festive location. Photo by Bev Hollis of Bev Hollis Photography. To view more of Bev’s work, or to schedule an appointment, please visit www. bevhollisphoto.com.

Answers to your behavior and training questions

9 ECO DOG

Tips, products, and insights for greener living

10 DESTINATIONS

Dog-friendly spaces in Northern Virginia and beyond

Literature, arts and new media

A glimpse into the life of Northern Virginia dogs

25 HIT THE TRAIL Local walks to enjoy

26 COMMUNITY 27 MARKETPLACE 28 WAGS TO RICHES

Adoption success stories

happy holidog give away! Fan us on Facebook (facebook.com/novadog) for lots of chances to win gift certiﬁcates, goodies, and services each week from our holiday guide retailers on pages 12-17 (winners picked at random from our fan base through December). Hurry and “fan” us, the excitement starts on Oct. 9th!

novadog T H E U LT I M AT E G U I D E T O C A N I N E - I N S P I R E D L I V I N G I N T H E D C M E T R O A R E A

magazine

PUBLISHER Janelle Welch janelle@2houndsproductions.com CONTRIBUTORS Carol Brooks, Robin Burkett, Juliet Farmer, Taylor Ham, Bev Hollis, Ingrid King, Kate LoStracco, Julia Nagel, Kelly Pike, Veronica Sanchez ADVERTISING For rates and information, please contact: Angela Meyers Vice President, Advertising p: 703.887.8387 f: 815.301.8304 ahazuda@yahoo.com DISTRIBUTION H.D. Services, Inc. 540.659.4331

We’re Environmentally Friendly. Sustainability and the future of this planet are important to us. The pages of Northern Virginia Dog are printed on recycled paper with vegetable-based inks. Please help us make a difference by recycling your copy. The mission of NOVADog Magazine is three-fold: • Educate—Training and canine healthcare tips to help dogs live long and fuﬁlling lives. • Inspire—Insightful stories about local heros and organizations that are doing good in our community. • Collaborate—Helping local animal welfare organizations to save and enrich the lives of homeless and abused animals.

cage-free grooming �� boutique & eatery

Northern Virginia Dog Magazine is published quarterly by 2hounds Productions, LLC. Complimentary copies are distributed throughout the DC Metro area, and are available in select locations. Please contact us if you are interested in becoming a distributor or to ﬁnd a distributor near you. P.O. Box 30072 Alexandria, VA 22310 703.850.6963

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| Fall 2009

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THE SOURCE

N e w s , i n f o r m a t i o n a n d products

Rescue Pledges Food for Tackles Michael Vick’s return may be good for shelters

B chow hound

organic, hand-baked, vegan dog treats Max and Ruffy’s, based in Arlington, VA, not only makes nutritious, organic and cruelty-free vegan dog treats, their packaging is 100% eco-friendly as well. Using only the freshest organic, human-grade ingredients, they make three ﬂavors to tantalize your dog’s taste buds: pumpkin, tomato and herb, and molasses. Owners Beth and Kelly have been perfecting their receipes since 2004, when they ﬁrst began making treats for their own three dogs. These goodies are made without the use of preservatives, but treats will stay fresh for at least 6 months—if your dog lets them hang around that long!

FIND it: www.maxandruffys.com

eing tackled by 260 lbs. of excited NFL energy can’t feel good. It will feel even worse for quarterback Michael Vick, if Bill Smith has anything to say about it. Smith is CEO and founder of the Main Line Animal Rescue, located outside of Philadelphia, PA. He has pledged ﬁve bags of food to a DC-area animal shelter for every time Vick gets tackled when the Eagles and Redskins faceoff at FedEx Field October 26. Smith made his sentiments known by running an ad in the September 9 edition of the Washington Post. He says some Philadelphians feel guilty about sending Vick to other cities, and the same ad and dog food donation will appear in their local newspapers as well. A swirl of controversy has surrounded the athlete ever since NFL commissioner Roger Goodell made the announcement to re-

instate him. Tensions are high, as some feel he has served his time, while others feel he has not done enough to compensate for his devastating actions. Vick has not played in a regular-season game since he was sent to prison for his role in operating a dogﬁghting ring. ND

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THE SOURCE

Hambone Award After a year of collecting the most unusual pet insurance claims, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), invited the public to cast its vote for the most bizarre claim of the year. The winning claim will receive VPI’s ﬁrst ever Hambone Award, named for a VPI-insured dog who got stuck in a refrigerator and ate an entire Thanksgiving ham before being discovered. Voting ended on September 14, and the winner will be revealed in early October at www.VPIHamboneaward.com. All nominees made full recoveries. Here’s a small sampling:

Becca the Labrador retriever, Greenwood Village, CO. Dogs frequently ingest socks, but Becca possesses the rare distinction of ingesting the same sock twice.

Jean Pierre the French Bulldog, Ontario, CA. Veterinarians were puzzled by a lump on Jean Pierre’s side. An exploratory surgery revealed that what was initially thought to be a bug bite or cancerous growth was actually a migrating corndog stick.

Lulu the English Bulldog, Warson Woods, MO. After being caught eating a paciﬁer, Lulu was brought to the veterinarian for an X-ray. That X-ray resulted in a surgery to remove 15 paciﬁers—and various other objects— ingested over the course of six months.

4 Northern Virginia Dog

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World’s Oldest Dog Dies at age 21

hanel, a wire-haired Dachshund who held the record as the world’s oldest dog, died in August. She was 21 years old, or 147 in dog years. Her owner Denice Shaughnessy adopted her from a Newport News, VA, animal shelter at 6 weeks old. Chanel spent her early years traveling with Shaughnessy, who was serving with the U.S. Army at the time. She even spent nine years in Germany. After noticing that the Guinness World Records book was lacking an entry for world’s oldest dog, Denice’s husband Karl nominated Chanel. Ofﬁcials presented the dog with a certiﬁcate at a private birthday party last May in New York city. Taking Chanel’s place may be “Max,” a terrier mix from Louisiana, who celebrated his 26th birthday on Aug. 9. Max’s friends and family all gathered to pay tribute to the special dog and watch him enjoy his cream cheese and peanut butter birthday cake. ND

H E A LT H W I S E

I n f o r m a t i o n a n d a d v i ce on canine health issues

novadog magazine

Canine Fitness

CHALLENGE

Let’s Root for Tippy Peterson!

Megan Lee, Paws and Claws Photography

ast spring and summer, we invited our readers to send in photos of their “couch potato” dogs in need of a fitness makeover. We have finalized our selection, and would like to introduce you to our winning candidate, Tippy Peterson. She is a four-year-old mixed breed from Herndon, VA. During a kick-off celebration at the Bark ‘N Bubbles in Herndon, Tippy received some extra special pampering and a doggy “spaw” treatment in preparation for her photo shoot with Megan Lee, of Paws and Claws Photography. Tippy will also receive six months of a healthy diet, courtesy of Canine Caterers; a personalized fitness plan from DogOn Fitness; Wellness visits and weigh-in appointments at Caring Hands Animal Hospital; and more pampering from Bark ‘N Bubbles Dog Wash. Our vet consultant says that Tippy has about 12 pounds to lose during the 6-month Fitness Challenge, which runs through March of 2010. We invite our readers to check in at the NOVADog Blog to follow her progress. Just look for the NOVADog Canine Fitness Challenge logo! (http://2houndsproductions.com/blog/) ND Top: Tippy with her goodies from our sponsor companies. Middle: Sponsors Kate LoStracco of Canine Caterers, Carol Brooks of DogOn Fitness, Dani Hosey Weng of Bark ’N Bubbles Dog Wash, and Megan Lee of Paws and Claws Photography. Bottom (L to R): Collin, Jim and Caroline Peterson, with Tippy.

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H E A LT H W I S E

Tips for a Safe and Happy Holiday Season Common holiday pet ailments that can be easily avoided by the informed pet owner. One for me, One for you. It is always tempting to share a little bit of holiday dinner with your pet; however, too much of a good thing can cause illness. Gastroenteritis (inﬂammation of the stomach/intestines) and pancreatitis (inﬂammation of the pancreas) are the two most common complications we see from pets eating table scraps. Symptoms to watch for are vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Your pets may be bright and alert one minute, but lethargic and weak the next. It is best to see your veterinarian before their symptoms worsen. Some pets get these medical issues with just a very small amount of food, while others can eat more before they start having problems. Do not feed excessive amounts of table scraps, and make sure holiday guests are aware of this as well!

Trick or Treat. Whether it is chocolate loot from Halloween, chocolate-ﬁlled Christmas stockings, or boxes of chocolate

throughout the house, chocolate is going to be around this holiday season. It may be delicious, but it contains a potentially fatal toxin for dogs and cats. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine which can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, hyperactivity, and muscle tremors. Even if you only suspect your pet ate chocolate, call your veterinarian or an emergency hospital immediately. Once at the hospital your pet will be stabilized and treated to prevent further toxin absorption. Chocolates from most toxic to least toxic: Unsweetened chocolate, baking chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, milk chocolate. No matter which type of chocolate your pet ingested, a veterinarian should be called immediately.

like objects, such as tree tinsel). Obstruction occurs when the object ingested is unable to pass through the stomach and/or intestines and becomes stuck. The most common symptoms are vomiting and the inability to keep any food or water down. When an object obstructs the intestines and cannot pass, the area of intestine may die and/or the intestine may perforate causing all contents to be released into the abdomen. All of these dangerous consequences are life-threatening issues, and are usually treated by surgical removal of the object. Keep tempting tree ornaments up higher on the tree out of reach, and keep new and exciting toys off the ﬂoor. If your pet needs veterinary care over the holidays and your veterinary ofﬁce is closed, contact the emergency hospital closest to you.

Who Gets the Wish Bone? Bones and other inanimate objects around the house are common culprits for causing a gastrointestinal obstruction (cats commonly eat string-

Julia Nagel is a doctor of veterinary medicine at The Hope Center for Advanced Veterinary Medicine, which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. www.hopecenter.com.

Back to School... Everything on Your List Dog food Dog Cookies

Dogma Gourmet Dog Bakery & Boutique has specialty items for cats and canines—AND unique gifts for their humans too! Stop in and check us out.

New Collar for the Cat New Dog Bowl Gift for teacher Life Is Good® T-shirts Stuffed Animal (Gund®) for Kid’s Birthday party Webkinz™

2445 N. Harrison Street Arlington, VA • 703-237-5070 • www.dogmabakery.com 6 Northern Virginia Dog

| Fall 2009

Fat Dog? Slim Dog? Healthy Weight Dog? M

aintaining ideal weight and understanding proper portion control are the most important preventative measures you can take to help prolong your dog’s health and vitality. Why is it so important? Excessive weight and fat can cause a number of costly health issues like arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, cancers and dysplasia. Studies show that an overweight dog is likely to live one to two years less than his “ideal weight” counterpart. How can I tell if my dog might be overweight? The most common signs are both physical and behavioral. Does your dog pant while resting or have trouble getting up? Is he lethargic and sedentary? Is it hard to feel his ribs and does he have extra sagging skin? How did my dog get this way? The same way humans do—overeating, excessive calorie intake, lack of exercise, age and genetics. No two dogs are alike and even those from the same liter can require very different diets to be healthy. A big part of your dog’s personality and eating habits are a direct reflection of you. Dogs are scavengers and do not have the same emotional connections to food as we do. What can I do? Establish a new weight loss program with diet and exercise. Portion control and limited calorie intake are key. The feeding directions on your dog food bag are based on his weight and life stage. They are gauged by using the established nutritional minimums required by your dog’s life stage and weight (size) compared to the chemical (guaranteed minimum) analysis for a balanced and complete diet. Standards are good to keep everyone on the same page, but one size does not fit all. Ask your vet or a pet nutritionist about appropriate daily calorie guidelines. Diet alone will help, but exercise is very important to shed extra pounds. It can be as simple as a 20 minute brisk walk four or five days a week. There are also many reasonably priced doggie walkers and professional exercise trainers to help get your dog on track. What about snacking? Treats do have a place in our pet’s diet—for positive reinforcement and behavioral conditioning. But table scraps while you finish up dinner, not so much. Even when you sneak a piece of meat to your patiently waiting companion, it still counts in his overall calorie intake for the day. If you just can’t resist those puppydog eyes, there are many healthy alternatives. If you decrease his food, add 1/2 cup of green beans or zucchini to his bowl. Instead of that milk bone, try baby carrots or celery pieces. Blueberries, bananas, pineapple and other fruits have wonderful healing properties. Don’t over indulge in fruits though as adding too much fructose (sugar) to his diet is counterproductive. Stay away from onions in all forms, any type of chocolate, avocado and macadamia nuts. See other potentially harmful foods in the healthy pet section of webmd.com. Even if he refuses this fresh new approach, keep trying. Going off the “fast food” diet to a natural healthy diet is the key to a healthy weight. ND Kate LoStracco is managing partner of Canine Caterers a local family-owned and operated company delivering super premium pet food—right to your door. Reach her at info@caninecaterers.com.

Advanced Care, 24/7 Compassion, 365 When Merlin needed his trachea repaired, Anne knew where to take him. The same place that enucleated his eye and pinned his broken leg. The Hope Center’s surgical department provides life-saving and life-enriching surgical procedures for your pet.

Now Anne just has to worry about what Merlin might get into next, and not what her plan is if he does. If you ever encounter an emergency or need specialist veterinary care, do what Anne did and put your pets’ paws in our hands.

24/7 Emergency • Internal Medicine • Ophthalmology Oncology • CT Scanning • Cardiology • Surgery

HopeCenter.com

703-281-5121 140 Park Street SE Vienna, VA

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EXPERT ADVICE

A n s w e r s t o y o u r behavior and training questions

Multi-dog Families: Keeping the Peace B y Ve r o n i c a S a n c h e z

My dogs are driving me crazy! They bark at everything they see out the window and I don’t think they can even hear me above the noise they make. When I walk them, it is like a sled team but I’m the sled. What do I do? QUESTION

needs to be trained in new skills individually. After each dog is performing reliably alone, you can set up practice opportunities with the dogs together. Ideally, owners do not introduce an additional canine family member until the dogs already in the home are well-trained. However, even if all of your dogs need some training, it is never too late to start.

Minding Manners

Veronica Sanchez, M.Ed. CPDT, CABC, is a dog trainer and behavior consultant in Northern Virginia. Visit www. cooperativepaws.com for more information.

8 Northern Virginia Dog

Life in a multi-dog ANSWER household is often an adventure. Owners typically ﬁnd that their dogs are happier with canine company and enjoy watching them play. However, minor problems in a single-dog home can be major challenges in a multi-dog home. One dog barking at a window is annoying, a pack of three—deafening! While training is always important, it becomes essential in a multi-dog household. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts. Each dog | Fall 2009

In addition to the basics, I teach my dogs a few additional behaviors that are useful in a multi-pet home. I teach all of my dogs to come when I call their group name, “boys!” This way I do not have to use each dog’s name to get their attention. My dogs are taught to wait politely to accept a treat even when other dogs are nearby. It is important for dogs in a multi-pet home to learn that respecting other animals’ space is the best way to get what they want. Dogs that

push other dogs out of the way when demanding petting are never rewarded with attention. Mealtime in a multi-pet home may require some planning to avoid triggering a conflict. My dogs learn to sit and wait while their food is prepared for permission to eat. Dogs that lack training, become aggressive around food or try to take other dogs’ food may be better off fed in separate areas. While most dogs benefit from canine company, some matches are not made in heaven. If there is tension among the dogs, some separate time before tempers flare can prevent problems from escalating. Consider how you would feel if you lived with a roommate someone else chose for you, and you could never, ever get away from them! That said, in a multi-dog household it is best to be proactive. If conflicts escalate beyond an occasional scuffle, get professional help right away. Canine conflicts have a way of rapidly turning from bad to worse.

One-on-One Time Remember that canine company does not replace the need for oneon-one time with you. This does not need to be a major production, a brief walk down the block, a gentle massage and grooming session, or a short play session will do. Make sure to take a few moments daily to appreciate each of your dogs as an individual. ND

ASK THE EXPERT...

E-mail your dog behavior questions to Veronica Sanchez at askdogexpert@cooperativepaws.com. We regret that we can’t answer each e-mail personally. The most interesting and timely topics will be chosen for review in this column. Questions may be edited for brevity and clarity.

ECO DOG

Ti p s , p r o d u c t s & i n s i g h t s f o r g r eener living

Poop Happens Here’s how to manage it in an environmentally friendly way. By Julie t F a r m e r

ften, how a dog’s waste is disposed of can mean the difference between environmentally friendly waste, and water and land pollution. While it’s convenient if Fido always does his business on a pile of leaves in the street, it’s not very good for the environment. Storm drains, which are located along most roads throughout Northern Virginia, move storm water from roadways and parking lots directly to any close waterway, so often pet waste is swept up in the water and carried straight to streams, rivers, and ponds. That’s why Northern Virginia Clean Water Partners recommends disposing of pet waste in the trash or down the toilet.

Pet Waste Bags PetHabitats offers FlushEze™ Pet Waste Bags (www. pethabitats.com), patented flushable dog waste bags that won’t clog pipes or sewer lines. The bags are safe for sewer tanks, and are strong and sanitary (FlushEze were patented to dissolve quickly in water). PetHabitats also created WasteAway, a way to flush waste down the sewer without having to bag it up. Attach the Waste-Away to the outside of your house and connect it to your sewer line, and you can scoop and flush from outside. Other bag options include Doggie Walk Bags (www.doggiewalkbags.com) and Pooch Pick-up Biodegradable Cornstarch Pet Waste Pickup Bags (www.entirelypets.com), both of which are made from biodegradable products, and Biobag Dog Waste

Bags (www.biobagusa.com/biobag_dog.htm), the first biodegradable and compostable “plastic” pet waste bags in the world.

waste removal

DoodyCalls

Compost Connection For those who want to go the extra mile, the Doggie Dooley Pet Waste Disposal System, manufactured by Hueter Toledo, Inc. (www.doggiedooley.com), works like a miniature septic tank, utilizing natural bacteria and enzyme cultures to reduce dog waste to a ground-absorbed liquid. Simply shovel waste into the system, occasionally add water and Digester Powder, and you’re done. Each unit features a starter six month supply of Digester Powder, a non-toxic, harmless mixture designed especially for pet waste. Another option is My Pet Waste Disposal’s Staywell Eco Clean Waste Disposal System (www.mypetwaste disposal.com/product/115US), which is made from 100 percent recycled weather-resistant material, is child-resistant and easy to install. The Eco Clean decomposes waste safely without any odor as it biodegrades into the soil—and its high waste capacity provides enough waste storage for one average-size family dog.

1-800-Doody-Calls www.doodycalls.com Serving all of Northern Virginia Poo Bare LLC

571-436-1444 www.poobare.com Serving: • South Riding • Stone Ridge • Aldie • Kirkpatrick Farms • Avonlea • Brambleton • Middleburg • Leesburg • Sterling • Dominion Valley • Manassas Your Pet’s Business

703-445-9911, serving Northern Virginia, parts of D.C., and Maryland

Pickup Experts If DIY is not your thing, several Northern Virginia companies will do the dirty work for you, including DoodyCalls, Poo Bare LLC, and Your Pet’s Business. According to DoodyCalls, a naional franchise, they have helped save Americans over 300,000 minutes a year by scooping up what their dogs leave behind! Thanks to companies like these, pet waste disposal can be green—and not mean to the environment. ND

Juliet Farmer has contributed pet-related stories to numerous publications and web sites. She and her husband live in Sacramento, CA, with their retired racing greyhound and two cats.

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DESTINATIONS

D o g - f r i e n d l y s p a ces in Northern Virginia and beyond

Dogged Pursuit of Fruit By Kelly P i k e

Wagging tails welcome at these U-pick farms

he cart gently bumps along, pulled by a tractor. Happy among its people, a dog sits upright. His ears are gently flapping and his nose is held high in the air to catch the scents: red clay earth, fallen leaves and firewood burning in the distance. Soon Fido and company will arrive at their destination: a large pumpkin field filled with orange orbs ripe for the picking. Some of the pumpkins will find their way home to decorate front stoops; others will reveal their stringy and seed-filled innards when transformed into jack-o’lanterns. But on this day they will be sniffed and licked and pranced around by a blissed-out dog on a grand Upick adventure at Great Country Farms in Bluemont, VA. Situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Loudoun County, Great Country Farms is 200-acres of canine-compatible joy. From a large pond where

10 Northern Virginia Dog

Fall 20092009 | Summer

dogs can take a dip to an impressive collection of goats, chickens and other barnyard animals, there is no shortage of sights, smells and sounds to engage your curious pooch. “The dogs are exploring a totally different set of smells,” says Kate Zurschmeide, whose family has owned and operated the dog-friendly farm for 16 years. “They are constantly on the alert and sleep as well as the kids do when they go home.” There’s also plenty for people. The farm offers a variety of children’s activities, including a giant jumping pillow, rope swings and play areas, in addition to the main event—U-pick produce. In the fall, hayrides lead to the pumpkin ﬁeld while in the summer there are berries, peaches and potatoes. Leashed dogs are welcomed everywhere on the property, including the ﬁelds. Great Country Farms isn’t the only place to open

its U-pick fields to both people and dogs. At Richard’s Fruit Market in Middletown, VA., mutts Dixie, a Collie and Coonhound mix, and Brewster, a Daschund and Corgi mix, rule the farm and welcome visitors to the Richards’ apple orchard where the sweet scent of apples perfumes the air. Whether it’s for a weekend event or a morning of picking York, Fuji, Idared and other varieties, leashed dogs are welcome to sniff around, says proprietor Eddie Richards. Visiting canines can take a page from Dixie and Brewster’s playbook and get a taste of the life of a farm dog as they track scents in the orchard and encounter farm animals, such as the cattle, chickens, goats and rabbits that populate the Richards’ five-generation family farm. “Farm dogs have all the freedom in the world. They can lie in any patch of shade they like,” says Richards. “When a dog comes here, there is a lot to explore.” In addition to the crunch of U-pick apples in the fall, there is also a market where a family can find everything they need to make a complete meal, from grain-fed beef to fresh cut flowers—all produced on the farm and in the immediate surrounding area. But dogs will need to wait outside the market. When visiting an orchard like Richard’s Fruit Market, it’s important to keep a close watch on your dog. Both you and your dog are guaranteed to find fruit on the ground, and while a bruised apple or rotting pumpkin may not appeal to you, your dog is likely to gobble it down. It’s also important to keep an especially good hold on the leash if your dog will be tempted to chase down a loose chicken. If your dog is likely to bark and growl at farm animals, tractors or people, he (and the

IF YOU GO: Several Virginia U-pick orchards and farms welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs. Since autumn U-pick crowds can be heavy, your dog should be comfortable around people, including children. Be sure to bring two sets of bags: one for holding the fruit you pick and one for picking up anything your dog leaves behind. Carter Mountain Orchard, 1435 Carters Mountain Trail, Charlottesville, VA—A dozen varieties of apples including Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Winesap and Fuji plus pumpkins. (Peaches in the summer.) Very well-mannered pets on leashes are allowed. No pets inside the barn. www.cartermountainorchard.com 434.977.1833 Hartland Orchard, 3064 Hartland Lane, Markham, VA—Pick York and Granny Smith apples or pumpkins in the fall and Christmas trees after Thanksgiving. (Berries and peaches available in the summer.) www.hartlandorchard.com 540.364.2316

farm animals) will probably be happier if he stays at home. Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville, VA, has hosted its share of frisky canines in the 40 years it’s been open to the public, but owner Cynthia Chiles still welcomes well-behaved, leashed pets in the hopes that their owners will respect her orchard like they would any other neighborhood—and that means cleaning up doggie poop. “People like to bring their families and for many people, family includes pets,” says Chiles on why the orchard welcomes tons of leashed pets each year. “We just ask that people use common sense.” Dogs must also stay out of the barn. The orchard’s appeal is obvious. Its mountaintop location affords spectacular views, and nearly a dozen varieties of apples are available, including Braeburn, Fuji and Rome, in addition to pumpkins. A sister orchard 20 miles to the west, Chiles Peach Orchard in Crozet, VA, has similar offerings. So the next time you’re tempted by some grocery store apples or pumpkins, why not pack up the car and your furry best friend to U-pick your own? Dogs are welcome. ND

Author Kelly Pike and her dog enjoy a fun-ﬁlled day at Great Country Farms in Bluemont, VA. Kelly is a freelance writer in Annandale, VA. When she’s not busy writing about business and ﬁnance, she and her husband enjoy jaunty walks with Lola the Puggle.

Don’t Miss This. Pumpkin Glow Night at Great Country Farms—Oct. 23 & 24 A spectacular display of over 1,500 carved and lighted jack-o’-lanterns. The magical moment when they cut the lights will take your breath away! Warm yourself by the bonﬁre and roast some marshmallows. Hours: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. $10/person (under 2 free). Lights out at 7:30 p.m.

Chiles Peach Orchard, 1351 Greenwood Road, Crozet, VA—Pumpkins and a large variety of apples, including Rome, Pink Lady, Winesap and York. (Peaches in the summer.) Very well-mannered pets on leashes are allowed. No pets inside the barn. www.chilespeachorchard.com 434.823.1583 Great Country Farms & Bluemont Vineyard, 18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont, VA—Dogs will enjoy hayrides and taking a dip in the pond at this kid- and dog-friendly farm. Offers U-pick pumpkins in the fall. (Berries, peaches and potatoes available in the summer.) $8 regular admission includes a free wine tasting; $10 festival admission. www.greatcountryfarms.com 540.554.2073

PHOTOGRAPHY: Bev Hollis, of Bev Hollis Photography, spent the morning photographing Kelly and Lola for NOVADog Magazine. Visit her web site at www. bevhollisphoto.com to see more of her work or to make an appointment.

Richard’s Fruit Market, 6410 Middle Road, Middletown, VA—All the classic fall apples abound, including Red Delicious and Golden Delicious, York, Idared and Fuji, among others. (Flower garden, vegetables and peaches in the summer.) www.richardsfruitmarket.com 540.869.1455

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happy

holidog

Gifts to get—and give—for every dog and dog-lover on your list. The Metro D.C. area is full of wonderful pet boutiques, so it was hard for us to narrow down the selection of gifts for this guide. Here are some of our favorites. For retail information, see “Getting the Goods” on page 16. There’s plenty of time to get out and explore these places before the holidays hit, so happy shopping. Tell them you saw it in NOVADog!

d-fa Dog Jacket

buy

local

Animal Attraction Zebra stripes and Leopard spots are sure to bring out the animal in your dog. Hand-painted ceramic bowls are made in the USA with a lead-free glaze and are dishwasher safe. Pictured Buyhere are the Zebra pattern in 6” size ($38) and Toad Lily Local Leopard in 9” size ($48). Raised, wrought-iron feeders are also available in single or double version for 1 or 2 bowls.

Local

FIND it: akaSpot

12 Northern Virginia Dog

| Fall 2009

BUY

LOCAL

Red Dog Spa mascot Pete is cozy all winter long in his high-performance Sub-Woofer™ dog jacket. Special fabric and a panelled design maximizes movement while keeping key joints and organs warm and protected from the elements. Sizes from petite to grande; prices start at $88. FIND it: Red Dog Spa

Sniffany & Co. Dogs love little blue boxes, too! This “Sniffany & Co.” toy comes in large and small sizes and includes a squeaker. Small is $12.99 and large is $14.99. FIND it: Wylie Wagg

local

buy

Fashionable Fun The chic Bella Bag attaches to your dog’s leash to hold your plastic pick-up bags. Also room for your keys and phone. 24-pack of replacement bags is included. Prices start at $16.99. FIND it: Red Dog Spa

Hand-Crafted Toy Box This whimsical, hand-painted toy box measures 16 × 16 × 12, and can be customized with your dog’s name. Priced at $249, (free shipping from the web site), please plan on approximately 2-3 weeks for delivery. These toy boxes are hand crafted and made in the USA. Each one goes into production when the order is placed. FIND it: The Posh Pooch

Nature’s Call Note Card Sets These cheerful note cards by artist Myunghye Kim come in a boxed set of 12 cards and envelopes. Many breeds to choose from and matching magnets are available. Printed with soy-based ink on recycled paper. Notecards are $13; framed prints are available for $45. FIND it: Dogma

happy holidog give away Fan us on Facebook (facebook.com/novadog) for chances to win gift certiﬁcates and goodies from our Holiday Guide retailers each week, now through December! (Winners picked at random from our fan base.)

Buy Local

Local BUY

LOCAL

Buy

These colorful ribbon collars are machine washable (air dry) and made Local in the USA. Shown below, Fly Fishing and Brown Songbird, are $18 NORTHERN VIRGINIA DOG HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE each and come in sizes from x-small (6-12”) thru XL (18-24”). Matching leads are available in 4’ and 6’ lengths for $18. FIND it: akaSpot

Portraits

Getting the Goods ■

aka spot

2509 N Franklin Rd Arlington, VA 22201 703.248.0093 www.akaspot.com ■ Bing’s

Bakery

Barkin’

■ Reign

& Dogs

13 N King St Leesburg, VA 20176 703.669.6920 www.thereignofcats anddogs.com

Staten Island, New York ships nationwide 718.702.7038 or 866.349.1892 www.bingsbarkinbakery. com

■ Susan

■ Chateau-Animaux

■ The

Two Locations: 524 8th St SE Washington DC 20003 202.544.8710 101-A S Saint Asaph St Alexandria VA 22314 703.518.5188 www.chateau-animaux. com ■ Dogma

Dog Bakery

2445 N Harrison St Arlington, VA 22207 703.237.5070 www.dogmabakery.com ■ Felix

& Oscar

6671-A Backlick Rd Springﬁeld, VA 22150 703.866.0222 www.felixandoscar.com ■ Lisa

Schumaier

Torpedo Factory Art Center, Studio 16 105 North Union St Alexandria, VA 22314 703.489.7087 ■ My

of Cats

buy

Makara

Torpedo Factory Art Center, Studio 339 105 North Union Street Alexandria, VA 22314 703.548.4611

Posh Pooch

local

FIND it: Studio 339

Buy Torpedo Factory Local

Online boutique based in Bethesda, MD with nationwide shipping www.theposhpooch.com 240.423.3763 ■

Alexandria artist Susan Makara uses her special technique of gold leaf and oil to create richly colored, realistic pet portraits. Commissions start at $350, and require a three-week lead time. She can be seen most days working in her studio on the third ﬂoor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town Alexandria. Stop by Studio 339 or call for an appointment 703.548.4611.

Local

Wylie Wagg

Three locations: Tysons Corner 7505 Leesburg Pike, Ste. 120A Falls Church, VA 22043, 703.748.0022

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Fairfax Fairfax Corner Center, 11889 Grand Commons Ave. Fairfax, VA 22030, 703.830.5454

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NORTHERN VIRGINIA DOG HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Middleburg 5B East Washington St. Middleburg, VA 20117 540.687.8727 On the Web www.wyliewagg.com

Squeaky Ball

Phoebe Heideman 703.860.4111 www.mysqueakyball.com ■ Red

Dog Spa & Boutique 12158 Fairfax Towne Ctr Fairfax, VA 22033 703.865.6644 www.reddogspa.com

Bling to Bark About Your dog will feel like a diva in these eye-catching white or pink faux pearls with a glitter bone charm. Add some sparkle to your dog’s day! Multiple sizes are available. (Great for people, too.) Priced at $19.99. FIND it: Wylie Wagg

Treat Jar Keep dog treats handy in this stylish, handpainted ceramic cookie jar from the Bella Mediterranean collection. It’s generously sized, and a beautiful accent for any countertop. Priced at $22. FIND it: Red Dog Spa

The French Connection This practical and pretty ﬂeur-de-lis leash makes a stylish statement in rich red and gold. Coordinating collars are also available. Priced at $19.99. FIND it: Wylie Wagg

Chartres Bowls in the ﬂeur-de-lis design are elegant but practical with a removeable stainless bowl for easy cleaning. If you have small children helping with doggie meal time and fresh water, you don’t need to worry about them dropping a heavy ceramic bowl on the ﬂoor, but you get the same look. The heavy resin base stays put during meal time. Comes in 4 sizes ranging in price from $29 to $50. FIND it: The Posh Pooch

local

buy Animal Attraction

This embroidered, adjustable, red canvas cap says it all. A unique way to declare your preference for snuggling up with your cuddly pooch. Sells for $24. Also popular are Dogma’s Buy all-natural, healthy pet treats, baked fresh daily right in the store! Local

Local

FIND it: Dogma

BUY

LOCAL

Unique and Hand-Crafted Local artist Lisa Schumaier’s creations would make unique and thoughful gifts for any dog lover on your list. Recycled bottle caps (above) are transformed into tiny portraits that adorn the fridge or are turned into wearable pieces of art. The colorful portraits are reproductions of Lisa’s original watercolors, ﬁxed to recycled bottle caps and individually embellished with glitter, beads, gold paint and words. Magnets, $6 each or three for $15. Pins are sold for $8 and necklaces $15. She also offers a collage of 16 caps in a shadow frame, which costs $175 and you get to pick the images to be included—she has cats too! Her whimsical sculputures (left) are hand-crafted raku ceramic and mixed media. Sculpted dogs start at $42. She’ll also sculpt your own dog’s likeness with a turn around time of about 6 weeks. Commissions start at $75. FIND it: Studio 16 Torpedo Factory

Canine Cosmos “Muttini” glass dog treats are a fun, colorful and tasty way for your dog to celebrate the holidays. Fresh baked, these all-natural cookies come complete with an olive. Cosmopolitan or traditional martini available. At just $2.99, why not invite the neighbors?

Buy

Local

NORTHERN VIRGINIA DOG HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

FIND it: Chateau-Animaux

Reindeer Sweater Hoodies for dogs feature a traditional reindeer sweater pattern, complete with a red-nosed reindeer on the back, and a hood with a red pom-pom. These sweaters are hand made following Fair Trade guidelines, and start at just $29.99. FIND it: Chateau-Animaux www.novadogmagazine.com

Local

BUY

LOCAL

Jimmy “Chew” Toy Only the best for your pampered pup! This adorable designer shoe toy will keep your dog entertained in style. Classic black plush with a squeaker included for extra fun. Small (4 inch) $9.95; and Large (6 inch) $13.95.

Buy

Local

NORTHERN VIRGINIA DOG HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

FIND it: Reign of Cats & Dogs

Doggy Food Mat This comical mat is perfect for catching all the drips and dribbles at meal time. We only hope it doesn’t give Fido any big ideas! It’s got a non-slip backing to grip the ﬂoor. Hypo-allergenic; wipe clean with a damp cloth. $24.95.

Pretty in Pink Swanky pink Swarovski Crystals embellish this stenciled leather collar for the fashionista pooch. Prices start at $52, matching leash available for $72.

FIND it: Felix & Oscar

FIND it: The Posh Pooch

Washington Memento Hand-painted Christmas ornaments, featuring your favorite breed against a background of the U.S. Capitol building. The perfect gift for your favorite greaterWashington dog lover. Priced at $22.99, these ornaments are custom made for Chateau-Animaux and come housed in a gift box, ready to give. FIND it: Chateau-Animaux

Give the Gift of Exercise and Socialization Picture this: Your are out rushing around, buying gifts, running errands, trying on outﬁt after outﬁt to wear for the holiday pictures. Your dog sits patiently (or not.....maybe he’s chewing up your favorite shoes!) by the front door with leash in mouth, waiting for his daily adventure.

The Solution? Drop him off at a local doggy daycare facility to socialize with other pups and

burn off that extra energy—while you cross off everything on your list. A great and thoughtful gift for other dog owners as well.

Please note: Most dog daycare facilities require an pre-evaluation for dogs prior to entry into the daycare area. Each facility has its own regulations, so it’s best to check requirements. And reservations may be required.

Dogtopia Daycare & Spa has ﬁve locations in Northern Virginia offering daycare and spa services. There is sure to be one near you. Find out at www.dogdaycare.com/northernvirginia.

Fur-Get Me Not is located at 4140 S. Four Mile Run Dr. in Arlington, VA. Visit them on the web at

www.furgetmenot.com.

The Animals’ house is located at 20789 Great Falls Plaza Unit 170, Algonkian Parkway in Sterling, VA. Visit them on the web at www.theanimalshouse.com. The Dog Eaze Inn is located at 13903 Telegraph Rd, Woodbridge, VA. Visit them on the web at www.dogeazeinn.com.

16 Northern Virginia Dog

My Squeaky Ball Our favorite hand-knit squeakies come in holiday colors! Made of 100 percent wool and then felted, they can be thrown into the washing machine and dryer, which makes small holes magically disappear. Local owner Phoebe Heideman donates ﬁve percent of each purchase to the petﬁnder.com foundation. Small $7; medium $13; large $19. FIND it: www.mysqueakyball.com

| Fall 2009

➊ Yamaka Puppy Treats Perfect for your Hanukkah celebration, these treats are made with all natural, human-grade ingredients. Each Oatmeal Dog cookie is hand decorated with melted yogurt and carob. Sold in batches of 6 for $9.99. Wheat-free and soy treats also avilable for dogs with allergies. FIND it: www.BingsBarkinBakery.com

➌

➋ Custom Holiday Greetings Plan your holiday greetings for the season! Wish friends and family well with a personalized and unique photo card. Talented, local photographers can help you create a treasured memento to share with family and friends.

GoughNuts Donut Rubber Toy Simply the best rubber toy we’ve ever found! It ﬂoats, it rolls, it bounces—it’s a great chew toy, and it lasts. Features a patented safety indicator: The outer green ring means “Go” have fun, and the red inner ring means “Stop” chewing and replace. Made in the USA. If your dog can destroy it, the manufacturer will replace it for free! Priced at $21.95.

➊

FIND it: Reign of Cats & Dogs

Size Doesn’t Matter T-Shirt Big or small, they all occupy an equal space in our hearts! Whimsical illustrations by local artist Elizabeth Sawinski adorn T-shirts (long & short sleeves) priced starting at $28.50 and notecards priced at $2.49 or $15.99 for a set of 8. FIND it: Felix & Oscar

Bev Hollis of Bev Hollis Photography has a unique perspective, which comes from her many years as a licensed veterinarian. She understands the wonderful bond between you and your dog, which easily comes across in her exquisite eye for detail. Bev will shoot on location at your home, or visit her lovely and rustic barn studio in Purcellville, VA. Session fees start at $225. Bev offers many different styles of boxed holiday cards, priced starting at $100 (with a session). Special rates are in effect for her holiday card farm weekend, Oct. 17 & 18. Please visit her web site at www.bevhollisphoto.com or call 615.414.2903 to make an appointment.

➋ Robin Burkett, of Paw Prints Photography has customers who come back every year to have new and different holiday cards created featuring their pets. She does all of her work on-location and creates a special setting in your home or uses the natural surroundings outdoors as a backdrop to capture beautiful images. Robin’s sitting fees start at $175 for event sessions at The Olde Towne Pet Resort or $450 for in-home fully custom sessions. She has many styles of holiday cards to choose from starting at $50.00 for a set of 25 postcard style cards to $150 for a set of 25 custom-designed cards.To make an appointment, please visit www.pawprintsphotography.com or call 703.354.3736.

➌

Megan Lee of Paws and Claws Photography has been passionate about both pets and photography for many years, and decided to start her own company in 2005. Megan’s easy-going manner will make an instant connection with your pet. She will shoot on location at your home or an outdoor setting of your choosing. Her sitting fees start at $125 and she offers Holiday cards where a 4 x 6 picture can be slipped into a holiday frame. Clients can reuse the photograph after the holidays. 10 cards and envelopes including the 4 x 6 print: $25. Visit www.pawsandclaws photography.com or call 571.641.1044 to make an appointment. ND www.novadogmagazine.com

working dogs

Article number three in a three-part series

At eight weeks of age guide dog puppies are placed in the homes of volunteers, where they are provided affection, socialization and basic obedience skills.

GROOMED for Service Preparing service dogs to assist people with disabilities is a team effort. B y Ta y l o r H a m

Volunteer puppy raiser Liz Moultrie with her newest trainee “Patrick”

Professional pet photographer Robin Burkett photographed these adorable service pups in training for NOVADog Magazine. To see more of Robin’s work, or to make an appointment, please visit www.pawprintsphotography.com.

18 Northern Virginia Dog

ew things in life are as magical or exciting as bringing a new puppy into your family. A puppy means a home ﬁlled with love and laughter. It also means early morning wake-up calls, long walks through inclement weather and constant vigilance. Along with endearing cuddle sessions there is the frustration of another missing sock, housetraining hiccups

| Fall 2009

and obedience lessons that don’t seem to stick. Eventually, the hard work pays off and one day standing before you is a calm, obedient, loving dog. That little bundle of fur and energy is now a fully grown member of the family and you couldn’t possibly imagine life without him. And then you give him away. For most dog lovers, this scenario is unthink-

able. And yet, hundreds of “puppy raisers” across the United States do it over and over again. “It’s heartbreaking,” says Liz Moultrie, who has raised 15 puppies for the Dominion Region of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, an internationally renowned organization that places highly trained guide dogs with individuals who are blind or visually impaired. “It is also extremely rewarding to see the difference you can make in someone’s life—simply by loving a puppy and letting it go.”

Extraordinary Volunteers Since its inception in 1954, Guiding Eyes for the Blind has graduated more than 6,500 guide dog teams. Every dog that enters the program comes from the organization’s breeding colony in Patterson, N.Y. Although highly selective breeding significantly increases the likelihood of desired traits, no dog is born a guide. According to Roberta Huy, Dominion Regional Manager, “behind each guide dog is a group of extraordinary volunteers.” The first step on the road to success is puppy raising. At eight weeks of age guide dog puppies are placed in the homes of volunteers, where they are provided affection, socialization and basic obedience skills. At any given time, there are 60-65 puppies being raised in Northern Virginia in the hopes of one day assisting a person who is blind to experience the dignity and freedom that comes with independence. “It was a huge responsibility,” says Leesburg resident Kelly Lang about raising her first puppy for Guiding Eyes. “But I would do it again in a heartbeat.” After 16-18 months, the dogs are brought to Guiding Eyes’ headquarters in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., to be evaluated for a future career as a guide dog. Leading a person who is blind takes a special dog—one who is confident, trustworthy and willing to make decisions on his or her own. “Not all dogs are cut out to be guide dogs,” says Roberta. The roughly 45 percent of dogs who don’t make it as guides have other career options available to them, including police work, therapy, or assisting people with other types of disabilities. Those who do have what it takes enter a formal training program that focuses on incrementally building necessary skills. The training culminates in what is called “intelligent disobedience,” in which a guide dog will choose to disobey a command if following it might put its handler in danger, such as crossing a street when traffic is present. Mastering this level of training means a guide dog is ready to join his or her new partner.

Lee Anderson

fine art black & white pet portraiture

www.photolee.com

A New Leash on Life Alexandria resident Terri Nettles has been blessed with four dogs from Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Growing up with congenital blindness, Terri remembers always wanting a guide dog. After graduating from high school, Terri applied for Guiding Eyes and was accepted into a rigorous 26-day training program, at the completion of which she received her first guide dog—a German Shepherd named Questa. “When you meet your dog for the first time it is incredibly exciting and terrifying at the same time.” Terri admits. “At that moment, you realize that you will have to trust this dog with your life.” It is for this very reason that Guiding Eyes for the Blind puts a great deal of effort into ensuring the best matches are made. Factors such as height, stride length and lifestyle are taken into account, as well as personality. Terri needed a smaller dog that could fit easily under her desk at work and comfortably navigate taxi cabs, subways and buses. Her current dog, a yellow lab named Alpha, turned out to be another perfect match. “She’s awesome,” Terri says. “She’s my little yellow sports car.” www.novadogmagazine.com

Terri Nettles’ guide dog Alpha helps her safely and independently navigate many situations.

Alpha helps Terri safely and independently navigate busy streets and public transportation. Working with a guide dog, Terri says, gives her a sense of freedom and conﬁdence that doesn’t come with using a cane. Highly trained service dogs also assist people with other disabilities. Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) is a nationwide organization that provides service dogs to children and adults with a variety of disabilities. The dogs at CCI are trained to master

more than 40 specialized commands designed to fit the unique needs of the individual they are serving. People like Elizabeth Twohy, who has post-polio syndrome, will tell you that what these dogs can do is truly amazing. Thirteen years ago, Elizabeth was faced with the reality of having to retire early from her job as Director of Disability Services at a nearby community college. The effects of childhood polio had progressively weakened her body to a point where it was extremely difficult to do even simple tasks like flipping on a light switch. CCI provided Elizabeth with a service dog that allowed her to continue working for an additional seven years. Elizabeth’s first dog, Ike, assisted her by opening doors, turning on and off lights, carrying her briefcase, pulling her wheelchair into the car at the end of the day and many other tasks that would have been nearly impossible for Elizabeth to do alone. “CCI literally changed my life,” she says.

for Independence provide services free of charge to people like Terri and Elizabeth, relying only on public support and a team of dedicated volunteers to keep the programs running. For many of the individuals whose lives have been touched by service dogs, it is this element of selﬂess generosity that makes the programs so special. “I admire and respect the people who raised and trained these dogs more than they will ever know.” Elizabeth says. “It is a tremendous gift.” Puppy raising is just one of the many ways you can volunteer your time and talents to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Contact Guiding Eyes for the Blind or Canine Companions for Independence today to ﬁnd out how you can get involved. ND ■ Guiding Eyes for the Blind:�866.GEB LABS;�www.guidingeyes.org ■ Canine Companions for Independence:�800.572.BARK;�www.cci.org �

The Ultimate Gift

Taylor Ham is a freelance writer from Ithaca, NY. She currently lives in Alexandria, VA, with her husband Stephen and two dogs, Samson and TJ.

It is estimated that the cost of graduating one guide dog team is $45,000, and yet Guiding Eyes for the Blind and Canine Companions MBF:Layout 1

9/5/09

4:32 PM

Page 1

New edition now available!

A Tribute to the Best Friend of Man : Eulogy on the Dog ON OCTOBER, 14, 1916, a short speech was read into the Congressional Record. The speech had first been delivered in an 1870 court case by George Graham Vest on behalf of a farmer seeking damages from a neighbor for killing his dog. Vest’s moving “Eulogy on the Dog” has become a classic tribute to man’s best friend.

This edition is newly illustrated by Alexandria artist Jackie Ehle

Casebound • 32 pages • $12.95

To order please visit w ww. vio let pr ess .c o m

20 Northern Virginia Dog

| Fall 2009

IN REVIEW

L i t e r a t u r e , a r t s a n d n e w m edia

literature review • by ingrid king

Small Dog, Big Life – Memoirs of a Furry Genius B y G e nevieve, as barktated to Dr. Dennis Frie d

his is not your usual dog book—human meets dog, dog teaches human about unconditional love, dog and human share wonderful years together, and in the end, the inevitable happens since sadly, dogs don’t live as long as humans. This is a book about humans, written by a dog. In this bitingly funny memoir, Genevieve, a seven-pound Papillon, exposes what dogs really think of humans. Genevieve tackles topics such as how to train your human properly, driving tips for dogs, the tragedy of doorbells in TV commercials, how to determine whether humans are intelligent beings, how to behave in the kitchen, how to turn your house into an agility course, going to the doggy supermarket, picking the right human, to name just a few. Throughout the book, Genevieve stuns the reader with her scathingly accurate analysis of human culture, and inspires canines everywhere to assume their rightful place as head of the household. From modern medicine to paw park etiquette, Genevieve has an opinion on everything. A particularly funny chapter is the intelligence test for humans. The human gets to answer ﬁfteen multiple choice questions,

and then gets rated on a point scale. Genevieve then proceeds to give tips for how dogs can best deal with the various intelligence levels in their humans. The book is insightful, entertaining and just plain funny with plenty of laugh out loud moments. And ultimately, it is a celebration of the wonderful and mutually enriching relationship between dogs and their humans. The perfect gift for dog and animal lovers. However, every dog owner who reads the book would be well-served to heed the warning label on the back of the book: “Do not let your own dog get her paws on this book. If she does, she’ll be ruined as a family pet.” ND Ingrid King is a writer, Reiki Master Practitioner and owner of Healing Hands. Ingrid publishes the e-zine News for You and Your Pet and hosts a popular blog covering topics ranging from conscious living for you and your pets to holistic and alternative health topics. Ingrid is the author of Buckley’s Story—Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher. For more information about Ingrid, visit www.consciouscat.net.

www.bevhollisphoto.com www.bevhollisphoto.com/blog Specializing in stylistic, timeless pet por traits.

For detailed information call or email us at: 615.414.2903 bev@bevhollisphoto.com Serving Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

www.novadogmagazine.com

THE SCENE

A g l i m p s e i n t o t h e l i f e o f Northern Virginia dogs

1. STEELEY

Loved by Liz in Vienna

2. WINIFRED DENTON

Loved by Sarah in Fairfax

3. TIGGER

Loved Lauren in Arlington

4. KATE

Loved by Betty & Scott

5. SEAMUS & FIONA

Loved by Pamela in Manassas

6. DUSTY O’MALLY

Loved by Jillian in Stafford

7. ZEKE

Loved by Tyrone in Manassas

8. ZAC

Loved by Marilyn in Reston

9. CODY

Loved by Charlene in Ashburn

10. TIPPY & GRACIE Loved by Stephanie in Springﬁeld

11. GYPSY

Loved by Lauren in Arlington

12. STAR

Loved by Tyrone in Manassas

13. JAKE

Loved by Becca in Herndon

14. CARSON

Loved by Beth in Herndon

15. CHEYENNE

Loved by Deanna in Purcellville

16. TJ Hey, where’s my dog? If you submitted a photo, and don’t see it here, check out the NOVADog home page for the slide show of NOVADogs! Submit your photos at www. novadogmagazine.com/ submissions.html

22 Northern Virginia Dog

| Fall 2009

Loved by Taylor & Stephen in Alexandria

CALENDAR

E v e n t s y o u w o n ’ t w a n t t o miss

OCTOBER October 17-18 Holiday Card Photo sessions with Bev Hollis Photography. Have your holiday portrait done in the newly-renovated Tranquility Farm Barn, circa 1807. Let her photograph you and your pet amidst the original plank ﬂoors and barn wood walls. Perfect for holiday cards to share with family and friends. More info: www. bevhollisphoto.com.

October 17 11:00 AM—Dog Safety for children 5 years of age and older. Teach children the rules so they can be safe and have fun with dogs. FREE but please call to register. Dog Paws University/Rudy’s Friends Dog Training in Arlington, 703.931.5057, www.DPnCC.com; Dogs are not invited to this class. 12:30 PM–3:00 PM—SPCA of Northern VA Dog Adoption event at Weber’s Pet Supermarket, 11021 Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA. Please bring all your family members (including dogs!) to see how everyone interacts with the potential new member of the family. Fee/donation of $325, and home check required. For other guidelines and more info: 703.385.3766 or www.spcanova.org.

October 19 6:30 PM-8:30 PM—Baby-Ready Pets two-hour workshop to help expectant families prepare their home and their pets for the arrival of a new baby. Endorsed by the ASPCA. Participants re-

ceive handouts and a CD of baby sounds to help desensitize their pets. Human only class, leave your pets at home. Free, donations are welcome. Reservations required, space is limited. Contact Jennifer Newman at jnewman@awla.org, or 703.931.9241 x213.

October 20 7:00 PM–8:00 PM—Pet loss support group. Ashburn Psychological Services, Ashburn, VA. Info: 571.278.9162.

October 22 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM—Animal Welfare League of Arlington rabies and microchipping clinic, 2650 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington, VA. Bring your dog on a leash and rabies certiﬁcate from previous shot to receive a three-year vaccination. All others will receive a one-year vaccination. Rabies shots are $10, microchip is $25. More info: www. awla.org or 703.931.9241.

October 23 & 24 6:00 PM-9:00PM—Pumpkin Glow Night at Great Country Farms in Bluemont, VA. A spectacular display of over 1,500 carved and lighted jack-o’-lanterns. Bring your own to enter the carving competition. Warm yourself by the bonﬁre and roast some marshmallows. Admission $10. Lights out at 7:30 p.m. More info: www.greatcountryfarms.com.

October 24 7th Annual Barktoberfest Music & Pet Lovers Festival at Melodee Music, 46077 Lake Center Plaza, Sterling, VA. Bring friendly leashed pets. Nine

live bands on 3 stages, games, food, silent auction. The event is FREE. A $5 suggested donation. All proceeds go to Friends of Homeless Animals (www. foha.org). Info: 703.450.4667.

ﬁrst dog, $10 for each additional. The 1-mile parade route follows Maple Avenue through Vienna. Meet in the parking lot at 421 Maple Ave E., Vienna, VA. Info: www.gooddogz.org

11:00 AM—FREE Puppy Playtime for pups 3 to 5 months of age at Dog Paws University/Rudy’s Friends Dog Training in Arlington. Please make a reservation. 703.931.5057, www.DPnCC.com.

NOVEMBER

12:30 PM–3:00 PM—SPCA of Northern VA Dog Adoption event at Weber’s Pet Supermarket, 11021 Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA. Please bring all your family members (including dogs!) to see how everyone interacts with the potential new member of the family. Fee/donation of $325, and home check required. For other guidelines and more info: 703.385.3766 or www.spcanova.org.

October 25 12:00 PM–5:00 PM—Paws and Claws Holiday Photography event with professional photographer Megan Lee (Halloween and Christmas scene). Prints available from Megan on-site 5x7 for $15 or 2 5x7’s for $25. Order additional sizes or gift items to be shipped to you. Deepwood Vet Clinic Fall Festival, 7300 Ordway Road, Centreville. Info: www. pawsandclawsphotography.com.

October 28 7:00PM-10:00PM—Spooky Pooch Costume Contest. Is your dog the spookiest pooch in the metro DC area? Show him off at the 2009 GoodDogz.org Spooky Pooch contest. Entry fee $20 for the

November 2 6:30 PM-8:30 PM—Baby-Ready Pets two-hour workshop to help expectant families prepare their home and their pets for the arrival of a new baby. Endorsed by the ASPCA. Participants receive handouts and a CD of baby sounds to help desensitize their pets. Human only class, leave your pets at home. Free, donations are welcome. Reservations required space is limited. Contact Jennifer Newman at jnewman@awla.org, or 703.931.9241 x213.

November 7 7:00 PM-11:00 PM—Catsino Night and Silent Auction Gala, Historic Lobby Terminal A, Reagan National Airport Arlington, VA. Spend a glamorous evening beneﬁting homeless animals while enjoying casino-style games, music, good food, and drink. Tickets $100 per person or $180 per couple. Register online at http://awla.kintera.org/ catsino2009 or call 703.931.9241. 11:00 AM—FREE Puppy Playtime for pups 3 to 5 months of age at Dog Paws University/Rudy’s Friends Dog Training in Arlington. Please make a reservation. 703.931.5057, www.DPnCC.com. November 7 continues on page 26

www.novadogmagazine.com

HIT THE TRAIL Loc al w a l k s t o e n jo y

Theodore Roosevelt Island By Caro l B r o o k s , c o - o w n e r, D o g O n F i t n e s s Thousands of people drive past Theodore Roosevelt Island every day without a second glance. The parking lot next to this National Park is usually crowded with cyclists and runners using the Mt. Vernon Trail. But cross the footbridge, and you are treated to 2.5 miles of wonderful trails on this 88.5 acre island. Very few people use the park, so it’s perfect for dog owners and their leashed dogs. On a recent picture-perfect Sunday afternoon, a dog client and I enjoyed a solitary run on a wide wooded path in the center of the island. With planes ﬂying overhead and cars whizzing by on the nearby Roosevelt Bridge, it’s hard to imagine this island in its former life. In the early 19th Century, John Mason (son of George Mason) built a summer retreat in the center of what was then known as “Mason’s” Island, entertaining Washington’s elite in their home and extensive gardens. When they abandoned the retreat in 1833 due to stagnant water from a nearby causeway, the island went through several ownership changes, eventually being purchased by the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Association in 1931 to build a memorial to our 26th President. John Mason’s gardens have long since returned to their natural state and all that remains of his summer home are a few bricks. The impressive Theodore Roosevelt Memorial, a large concrete and brick area with bridges, TRAIL SPECIFICS:

Distance: 1.5 – 2.5 miles or more Time: 60 minutes or more Location:Location: Theodore Roosevelt Island— George Washington Memorial Parkway next to Theodore Roosevelt Bridge. Fido-Friendly Features: Off-street parking, wide dog-friendly trails, no bikes, water fountains, bathroom, and trash cans. Use: hikers, tourists, on-leash dogs, runners, kayakers Best time to go: Anytime. The park is open 6 am–10 pm year around. The parking lot is crowded on weekends. Rated: 1 paw 1 paw = easy; 5 = expert

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a fountain, waterways, and ample seating for dogs and people, is a perfect place to start or end a hike. The wide park paths make for easy walking or running with your dog. Feeder paths lead to the water on all sides and offer excellent views of Georgetown, Rosslyn, and the Kennedy Center. This park has it all—well-placed trash cans, drinking fountains, park benches, restrooms, diverse wildlife, and wide pathways easily accessible by foot, stroller, or wheelchair (note: the restrooms are not wheelchair accessible).

Swamp Trail By following the map posted on the kiosk as you enter the park (or visit www.nps.gov/this/ planyourvisit/brochures.htm), you and your dog can easily hike 2 or more miles without retracing your steps. Well-placed placards along the way describe sites of interest. The map does not match up with the actual trails, and the trails aren’t marked (except with inexplicable numbered posts), but you can’t get lost. Eventually you will ﬁnd your way back to the park entrance simply by going forward. Our suggested hike is about 1.5 miles. You can extend this hike by doubling back on one of the alternate trails, giving you a total of over 2.5 miles. After crossing the bridge from the parking lot, pause at the kiosk to view the park map. Then take the far right trail, shown on the map as the “Swamp Trail.” This trail skirts the river and intersects with the Woods Trail, then continues toward the Roosevelt Bridge as a wide, pebbled path. Near the 1/2 mile point, you reach a restroom and drinking fountain. Turn left at the restroom and follow the Upland Trail leading uphill behind the restroom. The Upland Trail takes you past the marked site of John Mason’s former summer home and across the island where it reconnects with the Swamp Trail on the north side. Here you have two choices: you can turn left and follow the Swamp Trail back to the park entrance, or turn right and follow the Swamp Trail as it skirts the Potomac River on the Georgetown side, leading back to the restrooms. The Swamp Trail along the Potomac is a memorable half-mile long boardwalk. According to a frequent park user,

From Top: Boardwalk overlook along the Swamp Trail. Ken Chadwick and dog, Daisy Gordon. Ryan Lefebvre and Rachel Donzila with dogs, Sadie and Heidi.

Ken Chadwick (who runs his friend’s dog Daisy in the park 2-3 times a week) the boardwalk offers one of the best opportunities to view one of several deer families that inhabit the island. If your dog is uncomfortable around other dogs or people, skip the boardwalk altogether.

Getting There Getting to the park is a small challenge if you live north of the Roosevelt Bridge, since the parking lot is only accessible from the northbound lanes of the George Washington Parkway. To get there from the southbound lanes, take the Roosevelt Bridge to Constitution Ave. Take a right on 23rd St. and cross Memorial Bridge. Once on the bridge, bear right to return to the George Washington Parkway. ND

About Your Guide Carol Brooks is co-owner of DogOn Fitness, LLC. She specializes in high-energy dogs, providing them with working walks, running, adventure hikes, socialization and training reinforcement. Located in Reston, DogOn Fitness has served the Northern Virginia area since 2003. Visit them on the Web at www.dogonfitness.com. GOT A HIKE you’d like to see profiled? Send suggestions to cabrooks@dogonfitness.com

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Jim Poor

ou may remember Laurie Williams and her little white dog Andrew from the hit TV show Greatest American Dog, which aired last Summer. They dazzled and captivated America with their inspiring performance—and almost made it all the way to the top. Andrew may have come in second place in the competition, but he’ll always be number one in Laurie’s eyes. Williams is owner of the local Pup ‘N Iron Canine Fitness and Learning Center in Fredricksburg, VA, and held DC’s ﬁrst ever agility event for pint-sized canines last June at the facility. The competition was open to dogs under 17 inches tall, and the Teacup Dog Agility Association (TDAA) trials featured scaled down versions of the standard agility equipment used by the larger breeds. “Should a 5 pound, 6 inch tall dog have to climb the same size A-frame as a German Shepherd in order to qualify? How ridiculous is that? It just really comes down to fairness, and most importantly, safety. TDAA offers that,” says Williams. Breeds like Chihuahuas, Maltese, Shih Tzus and Yorkies— some even small enough to hide in a purse—showed amazing skills and completely mastered the course—showing the world that big things do come in small packages. Williams is certainly qualiﬁed

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Laurie puts Andrew through the paces on a dog agility course. Learning agility with your pet can be a great way to strenghten the canine-human bond you share with him.

to lead the charge. A canine education specialist, dog behavior counselor and trainer for over 25 years, she was one of the first dog trainers in Virginia to receive the CPDT (Certified Pet Dog Trainer) credential issued by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Laurie describes her approach as positive and dog-friendly, which cultivates a loving, mutually respectful and trusting relationship between human and dog. Want to see what all the fuss is about in person? Join Laurie and Andrew March 19-21, 2010, at the Super Pet Expo in Chantilly, VA, where they will perform all weekend at the Dulles Expo Center. Watch as she leads the one and only Mighty Mites teacup dog agility team. Plus, participate in the Incredible Girly Dog

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Challenge, as they search for the little dog with the biggest heart, drive and talent! Also exciting competitions such as the Project Ruffway spokesdog challenge and the Tour de Prance stroller relay race! Visit the Super Pet Expo web site for more information and a schedule of events. (www. superpetexpo.com) ND

Super Pet Expo, now in its 10th year, is a great place to get out with your whole family including your leashed pets. Enjoy fascinating pet shows plus hundreds of vendors selling all types of cool pet products. For more details, check out www.superpetexpo.com. We will be covering Super Pet Expo in more depth in the next issue of NOVADog Magazine. Look for it in the Destinations department.

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CALENDAR

Submit your event to: janelle@2houndsproductions.com

(Continued)

11:00 AM–4:00 PM—Home 4 the Holidays Super Pet Adoption Event, Sponsored by GoodDogz.org at Reston Town Center, Reston, VA. Over 30 rescue organizations on-hand with adoptable dogs awaiting their holiday gift—a family to spend the holidays with. Explore retailers with holiday goodies and meet Santa Paws! Info: www.gooddogz.org. 12:30 PM–3:00 PM—SPCA of Northern VA Dog Adoption event at Weber’s Pet Supermarket, 11021 Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA. Please bring all your family members (including dogs!) to see how everyone interacts with the potential new member of the family. Fee/donation of $325, and home check required. For other guidelines and more info: 703.385.3766 or www.spcanova.org.

November 14 12:00 PM–2:00 PM—Paws and Claws Holiday Photography event with professional photographer Megan Lee. Christmas scene prints available from Megan on site 5x7 for $15 or 2 5x7’s for $25. Order additional sizes or gift items to be shipped to you. Pender Vet Clinic, 4001 Legato Road, Fairfax Info: 571.641.1044 or www.pawsandclaws photography.com. 11:00 AM—Dog Safety for children 5 years of age and older. Teach children the rules so they can be safe and have fun with dogs. FREE but please call to register. Dog Paws University/Rudy’s Friends Dog Training in Arlington, 703.931.5057, www.DPnCC.com Dogs are not invited to this class.

November 17 7:00 PM–8:00 PM—Pet loss support group. Ashburn Psychological Services, Ashburn, VA. Info: 571.278.9162.

November 19 6:30 PM-8:30 PM—Baby-Ready Pets two-hour workshop to help expectant families prepare their home and their pets for the arrival of a new baby. Endorsed by the ASPCA. Participants receive handouts and a CD of baby sounds to help desensitize their pets. Human only class, leave your pets at home. Free, donations are welcome. Reservations required space is limited. Contact Jennifer Newman at jnewman@awla.org, or 703.931.9241 x213.

November 21 11:00 AM—FREE Puppy Playtime for pups 3 to 5 months of age at Dog Paws University/Rudy’s Friends Dog Training in Arlington. Please make a reservation. 703.931.5057, www.DPnCC.com. 10:00 AM –2:00 PM—Paws and Claws Holiday Photography event. Photos by professional photographer Megan Lee with a Christmas scene. Prints available from Megan on site 5x7 for $15 or 2 5x7’s for $25. Order additional sizes or gift items to be shipped to you. Blooms Crossing Animal Hospital, 9471 Manassas Drive. Info: 571.641.1044 or www. pawsandclawsphotography.com. 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM—SPCA of Northern VA Dog Adoption event at Weber’s Pet Supermarket, 11021 Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA. Please bring all your family

members (including dogs!) to see how everyone interacts with the potential new member of the family. Fee/donation of $325, and home check required. For other guidelines and more info: 703.385.3766 or www.spcanova.org.

DECEMBER December, 3 6:30 PM-8:30 PM—Animal Welfare League of Arlington rabies and microchipping clinic, 2650 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington, VA. Please bring your dog on a leash and rabies certiﬁcate from previous shot to receive a threeyear vaccination. All others will receive a one-year vaccination. Rabies shots are $10, microchip is $25. More info: www. awla.org or 703.931.9241.

December 5 8:00 AM –2:00 PM—Paws and Claws Pet Pictures with Santa event. Photos by professional photographer Megan Lee. Prints available from Megan on site 5x7 for $15 or 2 5x7’s for $25. Order additional sizes or gift items to be shipped to you. Seneca Hill Resort and Spa, 11415 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. Info: 571.641.1044 or www.pawsandclawsphotography.com. 11:00 AM—FREE Puppy Playtime for pups 3 to 5 months of age at Dog Paws University/Rudy’s Friends Dog Training in Arlington. Please make a reservation. 703.931.5057, www.DPnCC.com.

December 12 11:00 AM—Dog Safety for children 5

years of age and older. Teach children the rules so they can be safe and have fun with dogs. FREE but please call to register. Dog Paws University/Rudy’s Friends Dog Training in Arlington, 703.931.5057, www.DPnCC.com Dogs are not invited to this class. 9:00 AM –2:00 PM—Paws and Claws Pet Pictures with Santa event by professional photographer Megan Lee. Prints available from Megan on site 5x7 for $15 or 2 5x7’s for $25. Order additional sizes or gift items to be shipped to you. Bark ‘N Bubbles Dog Wash, Herndon, VA. Info: 571.641.1044 or www.pawsandclawsphotography.com.

December 14 6:30 PM-8:30 PM—Baby-Ready Pets two-hour workshop to help expectant families prepare their home and their pets for the arrival of a new baby. Participants receive handouts and CD of baby sounds to desensitize their pets. Human only class, leave your pets at home. Free, donations are welcome. Reservations required space is limited. Contact Jennifer Newman at jnewman@awla.org, or 703.931.9241 x213.

December 15 7:00 PM–8:00 PM—Pet loss support group. Ashburn Psychological Services, Ashburn, VA. Info: 571.278.9162.

December 19 11:00 AM—FREE Puppy Playtime for pups 3 to 5 months of age at Dog Paws University/Rudy’s Friends Dog Training in Arlington. Please make a reservation. 703.931.5057, www.DPnCC.com. ND

Saturdays @ 7 a.m. on WAMU 88.5 After you walk the dog. A new show about animal science, pet behavior, and wildlife conservation.

wamu.org animalhouse3.indd 1 26 Northern Virginia Dog

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9/21/09 3:47 PM

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WAGS TO RICHES Adoption success stories

Ford: Bringing joy to the community through animal assisted therapy Adopted from: The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)

How did he get his name? Ford was part of litter of puppies born at the Shelter. Ford’s mother is named China, and all the puppies were named after brands of porcelain such as Mikasa, Royal Doulton, Limoges and Lennox. We shortened his original name “Waterford” to Ford.

Ford

1 1/2 years old, owned by Amy and Louis Kleiman of Fairfax, VA

You picked him because... Our family has had a number of Boxers and Labradors over the years. Most of the Boxers have been well-trained family members. We began raising Labradors to be service dogs and realized how great they can be. When our family began to look for another dog, we found Ford, a “Boxer-Lab mix.” He was one of a litter of puppies born at the shelter, and his personality just won us over. Since then, he has blossomed into a wonderful companion—for us and for those he assists through pet therapy.

Favorite treat or snack: Ford adores bananas! He will do “everything” for them. Not “anything,” but rather, he swiftly moves through every command he knows if he catches sight or scent of banana! We have to use other treats for training because he is so bananas over bananas.

Favorite toy: Ford thinks that any fallen logs and any water are his playground. He bounds over logs during long walks in the woods, and is a huge fan of swimming!

You love him because... We love Ford because he is so full of love and joy. He shows his delight in life with everyone he meets, but best of all, he knows how to modulate his energy level to match whomever he is with—which is essential for therapy dogs. At just 16 months old, he is very accomplished. He has earned certiﬁcation as a Delta Society Pet Partner and works in Animal Assisted Therapy at Fairfax INOVA Hospital, among other assignments. We are so happy that he has joined our family, and glad that he can bring joy to others in the community. ND

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) is an animal sheltering and welfare organization whose mission is, “To inspire compassion for all living things, to provide shelter to animals in need, and to promote adoptions, animal welfare, and responsible pet ownership in our community.” Approximately 1,200 animals are adopted from the shelter each year. The AWLA also provides behavior and training advice, humane education programs, wildlife rescue, reduced cost spay and neuter certiﬁcates as well as rabies and microchipping clinics. Visit www.alexandriaanimals.org to donate or learn more.

28 Northern Virginia Dog

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