NOVADog Magazine Spring 2015

novadog Spring 2015

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

A “DON’T MISS” EVENT! Help us light up the night at this family-friendly glow race in May!

Light. It. Up.

Also Inside: Helping Abandoned Dogs Find a New Life Road Tripping with Your Pet A Spring Hike on the Occoquan Trail

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contents Spring 2015

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

COVER STORY

12 L ight. It. Up.

Register now for the DogGlow 5K on May 23! Your registration includes admission to the race and after party, a swag bag, parking, 2 drink tickets, light human refreshments and a bark bar for the pups.

18 N ew Beginnings

Helping Abandoned Dogs Find a New Life

By Lindsay Tilton Mitchell

12 D E PA RT M E N T S

3 PUBLISHER’S NOTE

24 CANINE CALENDAR

4 THE SOURCE

25 MARKETPLACE

News, information, and products

6 HEALTH WISE

Old age isn’t a disease, but arthritis is…

On the cover:

Register now for the DogGlow 5K on May 23! www.novadogmagazine.com/ seespotrace Photo by Deb Cobb. See more of her work at www. debcobb.com.

8 DESTINATIONS

Road Trips With Dogs

10 PETCENTRIC PROFILE

26 THE SCENE

A glimpse into the lives of Northern Virginia dogs

27 HIT THE TRAIL

Hiking With Your Dog

28 WAGS TO RICHES

Adoption success stories

18

Amanda Zeller

23 GET SOCIAL

WITH NOVADOG

Read Vera & Hercules’ adoption success story on page 28. www.novadogmagazine.com

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PUBLISHER Angela Hazuda Meyers | ahazuda@yahoo.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Janelle Welch | janelle@2houndsproductions.com CONTRIBUTORS Carol Brooks, Elissa Matulis Myers, Lindsay Tilton Mitchell, Teresa K. Tobat, Caroline Pattie, DVM, CVA ADVERTISING For rates and information, please contact: Lisa Trinkle: (p) 703-780-4400 (f) 856-753-0064 advertising@novadogmagazine.com DISTRIBUTION MediaPoint 9022-A Telegraph Road Lorton, VA 22079 info@mediapointusa.com

We’re Environmentally Friendly. The pages of NOVADog are printed on recycled paper with vegetable-based inks. Please help us make a difference by recycling your copy or pass this issue along to a fellow dog lover.

www.sterlingparkvet.com

NOVADog Magazine is committed to creating and fostering an active and supportive community for local dogs and their owners to share, learn, interact, and engage. Our mission is three-fold: • Educate—Provide training and canine health-care tips to help dogs live long and fulfilling lives.

• Inspire—Publish insightful stories about local heroes and organizations that are doing good in our community.

• Collaborate—Help local animal welfare organizations to save and enrich the lives of homeless and abused animals.

Northern Virginia Dog Magazine © 2014 is published quarterly by 343 Media, LLC. Limited complimentary copies are distributed throughout the DC Metro area and are available in select locations. One- and two-year subscriptions are available. Visit www.novadogmagazine.com/subscribe for more information. Send change of address information to P.O. Box 239, Mount Vernon, VA 22121, 703.887.8387.

Eat right.

Exercise.

Spend time with those you love.

NOVADog Magazine neither endorses or opposes any charity, welfare organization, product, or service, dog-related or otherwise. As an independent publisher and media organization, we report on news and events happening in our local area. Events are used as an outlet to reach new readers interested in all aspects of dog ownership. We encourage all readers to make their own decisions as to which products and services to use, organizations to support, and events to attend.

facebook.com/novadog twitter.com/novadogmag flickr.com/photos/novadog

Pet Sits | Puppy Play | Dog Walks www.alexandriapetcare.com

2 Northern Virginia Dog

| Spring 2015

novadogmagazine.com/blog Visit us on the Web at www.novadogmagazine.com or scan the QR Code.

Winner: 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2013 Award of Distinction

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

C

an it be that Spring is finally here? I was actually starting to wonder if it would ever come this year! I know I personally couldn’t be happier about it as I am seriously bursting with excitement over our coming GlowDogGlow 5K on May 23. I am so very excited to share this amazing race with all of you. Whether you choose to walk or run I think this experiMagazine ence is going to be one of the most fun you and your special dog have ever shared. The registrations are rolling in and we have a limit on the number of registrations we can accept, so please register soon if you haven’t already. This race is everything you expect from an extreme Glow Run but you also get to participate with your dog—I’m not sure I can think of anything more fun! The giant glow props are here and the special glow photo booth is going to provide you with some lasting memories. You can hop inside with your team and dogs for an awesome post-race photo. I hope you can join us—we are looking forward to it. All of the details and regis-

tration information is right here: www.NovadogMagazine.com/SeeSpotRun. Springtime in DC is absolutely wonderful.

You and your dog can share so many fun outdoor experiences. I hope you choose to join us for a Hit the Trail Hike or one of our race training runs. In this issue there are also some great tips for road trips with your favorite furry pal. With so many dog-friendly destinations you have many adventures to choose from: beach, mountains, and even the city. Keep an eye on Facebook and sign up for our email newsletters so you can join us for some reader exclusive events such as trips to dog-friendly wineries, baking classes and more. We will have fun opportunities for every interest you can imagine.

Enjoy your Spring! I hope I get to see you on May 23 and at some of our other fun events this year.

connect with us

DOG 5K

facebook.com/novadog twitter.com/novadogmag flickr.com/photos/novadog novadogmagazine.com/blog

Visit us on the Web at www.novadogmagazine.com or scan the QR code above.

Angela Hazuda Meyers ahazuda@yahoo.com

A Dog’s Day Out Where is your dog today?

6 - GREAT LOCATIONS Cage-Free Daycare, Boarding, Grooming + More!

Small, Medium, & Large Dog Play Areas Open Every Day with Overnight Care Come see what your dog is missing!

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Haymarket

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3

THE SOURCE Now seeing Sunday appointments!

Ne ws , i n fo rm a ti on, and pr oduct s

correction The Photo on page 10 of the Winter issue neglected to give credit to the photographer, Amber Oertle of Paws It Photography.

VCA Alexandria Earns VECCS Certification

Main Line 703-751-2022

If your pet is in need of critical or emergency care, you’ll feel better knowing that one of our local vet hospitals, VCA Alexandria, now has a special certification: it’s a member of VECCS, the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society. VCA Alexandria earned this prestigious certification by exceeding standards of preparedness to care for critical patients and readiness to provide life-saving procedures. VECCS evaluates not only the experience, training, and continued education of vets and techs, but also ensures that they have extensive monitoring and diagnostic equipment, a complete pharmacy, and all supplies available for an extremely wide range of medical emergencies. Only 22 hospitals in the country have any level of VECCS certification, and VCA Alexandria is the first one in DC, VA or MD.

Emergency Line 703-823-3601

FIND it: www.vcahospitals.com/alexandria

Customized, compassionate care with exceptional medicine 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital 2660 Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314 www.vcaalexandria.com

4 Northern Virginia Dog

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Discover the Genius in Your Dog Humans and canines share a social bond unlike any other two species on the planet. Dogs are our constant companions who will do almost anything for us. They protect our homes, assist the police, warn us of health dangers and cuddle on the couch, but there is still much to learn about the human/dog relationship. For one weekend in May, Nat Geo WILD invites you to celebrate all things canine and to learn more about the brains behind that bark.

Nat Geo WILD’s inaugural BarkFest weekend features the world premiere of the three-part series, Is Your Dog a Genius?, premiering Friday, May 15 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, with dog scientist Dr. Brian Hare using his groundbreaking research to help dog owners better understand their canine companions. He introduces at-home games that train both dog and human and he presents extraordinary dogs with remarkable problem-solving abilities.

The interactive series will help dog

owners everywhere unlock their dogs’ true potential.

BarkFest kicks off with World’s Greatest Dogs, on Friday, May 15, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. These are the stories of extraordinary dogs: a surfing therapy dog, a bionic dog, a dog with the world record in scootering, and many more. We’ll meet these incredible canines and their dedicated owners.

Additional BarkFest premieres include Dog’s Best Friend, featuring uncanny canine acquaintances,

including dogs befriending turtles, elephants and birds. Dogs: All Shapes and Sizes highlights the stories of dogs at physical extremes. These canines were born with unusual characteristics and they’re pushing boundaries, taking their owners along for a fun ride.

BarkFest also featured the season two finale of Cesar 911, with dog behaviorist Cesar Milan continuing his mission to rescue neighborhoods from misbehaving pooches.

Rounding out the week are Nat Geo WILD’s top dog shows, including Dog Whisperer and Cesar 911 marathons; Cesar Milan: Love My Pitbull; Cesar Milan: Viva Las Vegas!, his live show at The Palms Hotel in Las Vegas; Wonder of Dogs; And Man Created Dog; Science of Dogs; Secret Life of Dogs; and My Dog Ate What?

Get ready for 48 straight hours of all dogs all the time.

FIND it: www.natgeotv.com.

Your best friend deserves the best.

That’s why at Veterinary Surgical Centers we match compassion and respect with the latest technology and approaches to take great care of them—and you!

Our renowned medical team specializes in: • Advanced orthopedic surgery • Soft tissue procedures • Plastic & reconstructive surgery • Minimally invasive surgery • Physical rehabilitation • Pain management • Conditioning & weight loss Let’s work together to restore your pet’s health and quality of life just in time for Summer! Call us today at 703-242-6000 or speak with your veterinarian about a referral.

Vienna • Leesburg • Winchester

www.VeterinarySurgicalCenters.com

www.Facebook.com/AnimalSurgeons www.novadogmagazine.com

5

H E A L T H W I S E

A d v i c e a n d i n fo rm a ti o n o n c a n i n e h e alt h issues

Old age isn’t a disease, but arthritis is…

B y C aro l i n e P a tti e , DV M, CVA

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steoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, “wear and tear”—arthritis can have many names and is one of the most common ailments that can affect an aging animal’s quality of life. Chronic pain develops slowly, so it can go unnoticed. All too often behavioral changes such as a reduced appetite or lowered energy/activity level can be dismissed by owners as part of the aging process rather than acknowledging the real culprit: pain and illness.

One of the most important things that a dog owner can do is practice preventive health care. Most medical disorders are manageable, so the earlier the symptoms are noticed, the easier the disease is to treat. Stay in touch with your veterinarian, bring your pets in annually for check-ups, and follow your vet’s recommendations. Realize that as dogs get older and have increased vulnerability to disease, they may need more routine veterinary exams per year (perhaps every 6 months), and a veterinarian visit may consist of a few additional tests and a more thorough check-up, as compared with the visits from the dog’s younger years. In the meantime, carefully monitor your pet’s daily behaviors and be vigilant about noting any changes in order to single out health problems quickly.

Veterinary researchers estimate that 25% of adult dogs and 45% of cats experience arthritic pain. Arthritis can also begin at any age, even in puppies and kittens. As more pets are living longer, it is the pet owner’s responsibility to maintain awareness of pain management. In the case of animals, it can be difficult to know with certainty how much pain the animal is experiencing, and untreated pain can lead to longer illnesses and in some cases can contribute to an animal’s death. Effective pain management can improve quality of life for animals in their twilight years.

Look for these signs that may signal pain in animals: • Reluctance to walk or run; hesitation to jump, play, or climb stairs • Lack of interest in normally enjoyable

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activities • Difficulty rising from a resting position • Difficulty sitting or standing •D ifficulty grooming hard-to-reach areas that were previously kept clean and dematted • Personality changes that involve resisting touch • Vocalizing when touched • Seeming to have stiff or sore joints • Limping, lameness, favoring a limb • Reduced range of motion in the neck or spine • Sleeping more than usual; seeming less alert • Weight gain (due to reduced activity while eating the same amount) Diagnosis of arthritis is generally accomplished with routine radiographs. These also help us to rule out potentially more sinister causes of pain such as fractures or bone tumors. Pain may also be due to changes in their other tissues (i.e. weak tendons/ligaments, muscle soreness, trigger points, etc.) that all contribute to mobility issues.

Finally, it’s important to understand that arthritis is a progressive, degenerative condition. There is a cycle of inflammation that gets started within the confines of the joint capsule, and it never stops and it never goes away. It can only be “managed” by slowing the process as much as possible.

So how can you help your pet age to perfection? At the Dulles South Veterinary Center, we have a wide variety of therapies and resources for you. Arthritis management does best with a multimodal approach to care.

The No. 1 intervention that slows arthritis the most is weight control. The fewer forces acting on the joint (i.e. gravity’s pull on excess mass—this means fat stores! —in the body) will directly translate to less inflammation and disease. An ideal “body condition,” or even slightly under condition, is paramount for arthritic patients.

Consistent joint supplementation should be considered. These can be given orally given every day indefinitely, in addition

to pharmacy-grade injectable formulations, like Adequan, which also have excellent results.

There is generally a low risk of side affects compared to the potential benefits of starting a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement. You should discuss what products your veterinarian recommends.

Regular exercise: This means moderate exercise when normal and restricted activity when painful. Short, frequent activity is best; nothing too arduous to inflame the joints. It is your responsibility to not let your dog run around after the ball for too long at a time, as well as to get your cat up for a quick game of laser pointer.

Physical rehabilitation can be very helpful to regain and maintain muscle tone and strength and improve joint mobility and function. A healthy joint stays healthy by regularly moving through a full range of motion, putting gentle forces on all the areas of the cartilage and circulating joint fluid throughout the tissues in the joint. The staff at the Dulles South Veterinary Center can set up personal consultations with your pet to formulate a tailored rehab plan, with modalities including: • Underwater treadmill: a specialized veterinary exercise machine using a tank filled with water to create buoyancy while incorporating

a moving surface to allow a painful pet to get low-impact, high-resistance strength training for better results navigating day-to-day activity.

• Therapeutic laser: Studies have shown that particular frequencies and wavelengths of light will create changes in the physical body, to enhance its natural ability to bring blood flow to targeted areas and speed healing and comfort.

• Home care: This is the foundation of the vet-client-patient team approach! Vets can instruct clients in passive range-of-motion exercises, stretches, strengthening exercises and massage techniques to maintain therapy continually while at home.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice involving the insertion of very fine needles just under the skin into specific places on the surface of the body. These “acupoints” are special areas of tissue consisting of dense collections of vessels, nerves and lymphatics with a lowered electrical resistance, and therefore the microtrauma from the needle’s point creates big effects in the body. Any of the approximately 350 acupoints can be chosen to treat each patient’s specific pattern of disease, although only about 10-20 points are used during any particular treatment

at a time. In addition to increased blood flow and healing of joints, treatments also create a sense of well-being and fortify all the internal medical systems of the body for excellent preventive health care. Dr. Caroline Pattie is a certified veterinary acupuncturist at Aldie Veterinary Hospital (located within The Dulles South Veterinary Center) and looks forward to working holistically to provide comfort to pets within the community.

Finally, the vast number of pain medications (e.g. NSAIDs, opioids, GABA analogs, etc.) should be considered in a multimodal treatment approach. However, pain medications should only be part of the treatment plan and NOT the main modality. They are designed to be a rescue for pain relief after all the other options have been considered, especially because pharmaceuticals can have side effects and therefore require bloodwork for monitoring the important organs of metabolism such as liver and kidneys. However, medications are beneficial when used after all the pros and cons have been discussed with a vet, and when given as needed they are very effective at relieving truly painful patients.

Arthritis can be a real pain, but your pet doesn’t have to endure it. Work with your vet to get the most out of your pets’ final years. ND

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7

DESTINATIONS

D o g f r ie n d ly s p a c e s in N or t her n Vi r gi ni a and beyond

Road Trips with Dogs

Hit The Road With Your Furry Friends This Spring!

By Te resa K . Tob a t

I

f warmer temperatures and lower gas prices have you craving a road trip don’t feel like you need to leave your dogs at home.

You can hit the road for fun destinations—and enjoy the ride as you go.

This past December, I loaded up my two Chihuahuas and hit the road for dog-friendly Asheville, North Carolina. My first road trip with my furry friends had its up and downs, but I hope my travels will inspire you to bring your dogs along the next time you take a driving vacation.

How to prepare Check with the vet to see if your dog is fit to travel, suggests Heather Hunter, director of public relations for AAA. Once your vet has given you the go-ahead be sure to request a copy of your dogs’ vaccination records, as some hotels require these.

Next up: car safety. Start by purchasing harnesses. These usually come in two types: bucket seats or ones where you buckle you dog in. The bucket seats Solvit sent me were perfect for my 8- and 11-lb.

Chihuahuas. These harnesses have a strap that hangs over the headrest, a strap that buckles around the seat, and a nice bucket carrier that’s sized based on weight. My dogs, I think, loved having enough room to sleep and sit in these. I appreciated the interior strap so I could hook each dog’s leash to it.

Next, you’ll want to bring extra food, water, beds and maybe even toys. If you think your pets will be homesick, a favorite squeaky toy or even blanket might help them feel at ease. Finally, you’ll want to plan well. Ensure that the destination has dog-friendly activities, places and things to do. Many cities have websites for visitors that list dog parks and local dog-friendly attractions.

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Breaks I took breaks every three hours on my trip, which added to my travel time. Rest stops are perfect choices for breaks, since most have generously-sized, pet-friendly areas. Once the sun goes down, I’d recommend using gas stations due to safety concerns. Just look for ones with grassy areas nearby. My dogs were equally as excited to frolic by a gas a station as they were in a park.

What to expect Your dogs will likely need more chances to get out than they would at home. The Double Tree in Asheville had a nice walking path behind the property where I’d take my dogs out in the morning and evenings. Before you book your hotel, call ahead to ensure the building is near walking paths and double-check their pet policy, especially if you’ll be there for more than one night.

While it’s best to take your dogs out adventuring with you, it’s not always possible to see the sites with pets. If you plan to go out but want to leave your dogs in the hotel, I’d suggest hanging up a “do not disturb” sign. I put Autumn and Rocket in the spacious bathroom to cut down on messes, and I made sure to let the housekeeper know that dogs were there before I went out. I left the clock radio on when I was out to give them background noise.

Ups and downs I loved having my two dogs with me during the trip. I’m usually flying solo when I travel, so having companions was nice. Plus, I felt like I was at home when I returned to two excited dogs every night.

But they did make things a little more complicated. Returning to

the hotel every few hours was a pain.

My boy Rocket is a little rambunctious, so I had to put him in a rolling carrier case when I left and entered the hotel room, which was time consuming.

My biggest issue traveling with my The Author’s dogs, Autumn and Rocket. dogs was noise.

My dogs would bark when they heard a commotion in the hallway. When I checked in, the staff informed me I’d get a call if my dogs were too loud. I thankfully never received one. If your dogs are barkers, hotel stays may not work for you.

Despite the downsides, I consider my first doggy road trip a success. I got to experience Asheville for the first time with my pups, and it made the trip even more pleasant. ND Teresa K. Tobat is a travel writer and editor. Learn more about her travels at teresaktobat.com, and check out her dogs on Instagram at https://instagram.com/picsfromchihuahuatown.

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7 Convenient NoVa Locations!

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9

PETCENTRIC PEOPLE

H a n g i n g wi th DC Me tro ’s d o g -c ra z y c ro wd

Loving the Dog Life!

By El i s sa M a t u lis M y er s

S

teve Jobs said, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

Imagine having a career doing something that you love to do. That’s exactly what Amanda Zeller has. “I always had a passion for animals. I remember growing up watching the Westminster Dog Show on TV and playing ‘show dog’ with our Old English Sheepdog, Heidi. When she passed away while I was in high school, I began to fill the void working with animals,” said Amanda.

“My very first job was at Country Comfort Kennels, a dog boarding facility in Street, Maryland. I was a dog exerciser and caretaker, caring for large dogs and small ones, walking them around the large pond on the property or taking them to play in the fenced yards. I left to start a career with horses at nearby Cordelia Stables, a thoroughbred racehorse nursery and layup facility. We foaled out nearly 20 each year, did sale preps and assisted the resident vet.

“Working with the horses, I thought I had found my calling. I went to Meredith Manor Equestrian Centre to further my studies, but I soon realized finding a decent paying job in the equine industry would be difficult.

“After College, I found myself jobless, living in Illinois with my partner, Ryan. When I was not job hunting, I devoted my spare time to playing with and training my Saint Bernard puppy, Bree. I did most of my shopping with her at PetSmart; they have treats at the register and the cashier would always ask if my dog knew any tricks. I told her to hold one finger up and, like clockwork, Bree ‘sat pretty’ on that command.

The cashier was astonished that such a young (5 month) puppy was so well trained, and encouraged me to apply at the store as a Pet Trainer. I did, and so began my career at PetSmart,” says Amanda.

“At PetSmart, I was a Pet Trainer and part-time bather for over a year.

Bathing was way more appealing to me as it was much easier to make a customer happy. Dogs come in dirty and an hour later they come out clean with tails wagging. I rarely got that kind of excitement from the customers in training classes, so I decided to continue growing in the Salon and went through PetSmart’s Grooming Academy. To my surprise, I excelled very quickly, and 6 months later I became a Salon manager.”

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Amanda left PetSmart to work closer to home and to have more freedom to further her career. “It’s not that often that a customer comes to PetSmart wanting a style more challenging than using clippers to cut the same length all over,” Amanda says. “Also, the PetSmart salon I was working at had nearly 8 full-time stylists, and two or three bathers. We shared ‘stations’ and every day, so I would roll my tool kit packed with valuable equipment from table to table praying it wouldn’t topple over during the hustle and bustle in cramped quarters.

Amanda joined the team at The Studio, a dog salon in Middleburg, Virginia. “I remember my first day at The Studio was like working in a spa. Very spacious, clean, and well kept. Compared to my previous job, The Studio is a very low-stress and relaxing environment for both people and dogs. With the exception of multiple-dog households, we are fully attentive to your individual dog from start to finish,” she says.

Amanda loves the instant gratification. “Happy dogs, happy customers, happy me! A customer once told me that the best gift I could ever give her was a clean and happy dog.”

This year Amanda got more than warm praise from happy customers. She was the official groomer for Abe, an English Springer Spaniel who took first place among sporting dogs and Best in Show at the Atlanta Dog Show.

Abe (CH. Otein’s Grande Marque) is owned and bred by Robert and Lori Nieto (of Otein Springers of Purcellville, Virginia). “I first came to

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5 Minutes with Amanda...

Funniest story? “Most groomers have dogs of their own, and they most often are the last to get groomed. After a long day at the salon, we come home to our tragiclooking companions and think most people who see them wouldn’t believe their owner is a groomer! On many occasions I have brought both of my dogs to work with me covered in mud, their coats entangled in twigs and leaves, and slobber down the front of their legs. Sometimes when clients ask if they are my dogs, I am too embarrassed to admit they are!”

Favorite dog movie? “Best in Show.” It cracks me up how strikingly similar some handlers are in real-life dog shows.”

Tips for bathing and grooming a dog at home? “The best tools you could own for most breeds are a slicker brush and a comb. Weekly brushing will help maintain your dog’s coat at home so your stylist has something to work with for their next grooming visit. More importantly, prepare your dog for the experiences they will go through in a salon or at a veterinary clinic. The most forgotten obedience training is getting your dogs used have their paws held without a struggle and teaching them to stand for a duration on a table. Ask your professional stylist for advice on what tools and techniques are best for your dog.”

Advice for others in the pet business? “Take care of yourself. Grooming is harsh on our bodies—especially if you make it a career. Ear muffs, facial masks, joint supplements, healthy diet, exercising and stretching, and sleep: taking these proper precautions will help to increase your longevity in our field of work.”

them July 2013 looking to continue my education beyond what PetSmart could teach,” tells Amanda. “They picked Abe for me to learn on—big, LOUD, obnoxious Abe. I wondered how I would ever be able to control this dog, but the more I groomed him, the more we became a team. He loves being the center of attention, and he loves jumping up on tables— you have to be careful or he will jump up on tables that are already occupied by another dog! I know he is a very flashy and gorgeous dog, but I really enjoy his goofy personality the most.”

“When I consider a dog for a grooming competition, I look at his coat, confirmation, and whether or not he enjoys being groomed. Good competition dogs are a rare commodity. I feel extremely privileged with the dogs I have been able to travel with thus far,” beams Amanda.

Winning “Best in Show” at the Atlanta Pet Fair—only her third competition and with only five years of grooming experience—was quite an accomplishment! The show is one of the largest, attracting more contestants than any other in North America. It attracts the best of the best professional groomers, breeders, and handlers—some with well over 20 years of experience—from around the world. At this particular competition, Atlanta hit a world record with 100 poodle entries. In the grooming industry, this win turned her from “rookie” to “legend.”

“The third time was the charm I guess!” Amanda says modestly. ND Elissa Myers is a writer in Northern Virginia. She lives in Springfield with her tireless black Lab Indi and writes a daily column for the online Examiner.

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Light.It.Up! If you are looking for a GLOWING good time with your favorite K9, NOVADog has the event for you! Dog owners love to get out with their dogs and socialize. From doggy happy hours to pet friendly restaurants to a million dollar dog park in Clarendon, active pet owners seem to go everywhere with their dogs. These owners even prefer to exercise with their dogs. Check out any of the paths and trails around NOVA and you will find many people with their dog at their side. It seems our love of dog and love of fitness are finding themselves together more and more.

Magazine

DOG 5K

Training Runs:

Join us for a fun training run. Run alongside your fellow GlowDogGlow runners as you get in shape for the race. Each run will be in the 3-5 mile range and are mostly out and back loops, so you can also create your own length. The ones on April 30 and May 7 will start and end at a dog-friendly eatery where we can all gather for a snack and drink afterwards.

April 30: 6:30 PM - Meet at Cantina Marina: 600 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024 May 3rd: 4PM - Meet in front of 1600 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA May 7: 6:30 PM: Meet at Foster’s Grille, 2004 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22630 May 17th: 4PM - Meet in front of 1600 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA

12 Northern Virginia Dog

| Spring 2015

W

ith our active lifestyles, 5K runs and walks are happening nearly every weekend in NOVA. You also probably have a friend or colleague that has asked you to participate in something like a mud, color or glow run. The popularity of these fun events has exploded over the past few years. NOVADog loves to be an active member of the community; we have organized group hikes, events and online blog-a-thons. Now, we are offering something for you and your dog to Light. It. Up! More Fun Than You Can Handle. So, if a glow run is fun and a charity dog walk supports a great cause – what do you get when you combine them? A One-of-a-K9 event that is the first ever GlowDogGlow 5K. This is an awesome nighttime Glow 5K that you can participate in with your dog! It’s Fun, It’s Furry and it is the most Fabulous 5K you can imagine!

GlowDogGlow 5K: This furry 5K will be held on May 23 at the Prince William County Fairgrounds in Manassas, VA. Check-In starts at 6:45PM where you will receive your glow swag bag. The DJ will already be in full swing to get you pumped up for the race.

The race begins at 8:15PM as the sun disappears and the glow lights the night. This race course traverses the entire Fairgrounds, providing fun surprises and great scenery along the path to run-

Photos By: Phil Roeder, Jim Wall, and Phill Roeder

ners and walkers alike. Participants of all levels will kick off the race in heat waves which provide plenty of elbow and paw room along the entire course. A 3K option is available for those who want to enjoy a shorter route. As the runners and walkers wind their way to the end they will hear the sounds of the after party jams welcoming them to the finish line and their well-deserved refreshments. The after party continues until 11PM where participants can enjoy adult and non-alcoholic beverages, light fare, music, dancing and socializing after the race.

Award-Winning: To brighten up the competition, participants are encouraged to try to outshine the race course – decking out in twinkles, luminescence, sparkles, polish and shine is highly encouraged and will be rewarded. Recruit a glow team, twin with your dog, be creative and try to out glow the rest.

No Dog? No Problem. Of course no charity race is complete without the giving back part. So NOVADog has teamed up with FOHA who will receive proceeds from the race. And another cool factor will be that they will be bringing along adoptable dogs that

Alexandria's Walk for Animals Give them your heart and soles.

TURN THE PAGE FOR OUR TRAINING PROGRAM! make great running companions. These dogs are eager and excited to join you for the race – and who knows, after a bonding session like this one, you may just find yourself a new best friend for the next race too! SO bring your dog or borrow a dog looking for love. Either way you’ll enjoy an unforgettable night and help out a great cause. All participants are encouraged to bring a donation item as well. Items in need include food, bedding, leashes, collars, toys and cash.

What Are You Waiting For? Register now! Each Registration includes 1 Human and 1 Dog. Your registration includes admission to the race and after party, a swag bag, parking, 2 drink tickets, light human refreshments and a bark bar for the pups. There is also a family registration option. Register with a team to AMP up the fun. If you have questions about the race contact Melody Williams at melodyjagerter@gmail.com.

Now – Glow Register! www.NOVADogMagazine. com/SeeSpotRace

Alexandria's Walk for Animals Give them your heart and soles.

Sunday, May 3 • 9am to Noon Market Square • 301 King Street • Alexandria Join us or get a team together for a walk through Old Town to show your support and raise funds for the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. A fun way to start your day!

For more information or to register yourself or your team, go to

AlexandriaAnimals.org/walk

www.novadogmagazine.com

13

GLOW-DOG-GLOW 4 WEEK RACE PLANS Thinking of signing up for the GlowDogGlow 5K but worried that you and your dog haven’t started training yet? No need to worry! These four-week training programs are specifically designed for canine-human running pairs to help you both run a 5K safely! If at any point you find the training program is progressing too quickly, you can repeat a week before moving on to the next week.

4 Week Beginner Program (currently running 0-10 miles/week)

Week 1:

Day 1: R un 10 minutes at a comfortable pace, walk 1 min – repeat 2-3 times.

Day 2: R est or go on a 10 minute leash walk.

Day 3: R un 12 minutes at a comfortable pace, walk 1 min – repeat 2-3 times.

Day 4: R est

Day 5: R un 13 minutes at a comfortable pace, walk 1 min – repeat 2-3 times.

Day 6: R est or play fetch in the park!

Day 7: R est or play fetch in the park!

Week 2: Day 1: R un 15 minutes at a comfortable pace, walk 1 min - repeat 2 times Day 2: R est or go on a 10 minute leash walk.

Day 3: R un 17 minutes at a comfortable pace, walk 1 min, run 7 min Day 4: R est Day 5: R un 19 minutes at a comfortable pace, walk 1 min, run 7 min Day 6: R est or play fetch in the park!

Day 7: R est or play fetch in the park

Week 3: Day 1: R un 20 minutes at a comfortable pace, walk 1 min, run 6 min Day 2: R est or go on a 15 minute leash walk

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| Spring 2015

Day 3: R un 24 minutes at a comfortable pace Day 4: R est Day 5: R un 26 minutes at a comfortable pace Day 6: R est or play fetch in the park!

Day 7: R est or play fetch in the park!

Week 4: Day 1: R un 28 minutes at a comfortable pace Day 2: R est or play fetch in the park!

Day 3: R un 30 minutes at a comfortable pace Day 4: R est Day 5: R un 20 minutes at a comfortable pace Day 6: R est or go for a 10-20 minute leash walk

Day 7: GLOW DOG GLOW RACE DAY!

4 Week Intermediate/Advanced (currently running 15-20 miles/week)

Week 1:

Day 1: 4 0 min run at a comfortable pace Day 2: 2 5 min run at a comfortable pace followed by a 1520 minute leash walk or jog Day 3: 3 0 min run at a comfortable pace Day 4: 2 5 min run at a comfortable pace followed by a 1520 minute leash walk or jog Day 5: R est Day 6: 5 mile run Day 7: 3 mile run

Week 2: Day 1: 4 0 min run at a comfortable pace Day 2: 3 0 min run at a comfortable pace Day 3: 3 0 min run at a comfortable pace followed by a 1520 minute leash walk or jog

TURN THE PAGE FOR MORE, AND WHAT TO BRING ON RACE DAY!

www.novadogmagazine.com

15

Day 4: 35 min run at a comfortable pace followed by a 15-20 minute leash walk or jog Day 5: R est Day 6: 5 mile run Day 7: 3 mile run

Week 3: Day 1: 4 0 min run Day 2: 3 5 min run at a comfortable pace followed by a 15-20 minute leash walk or jog Day 3: 4 0 min run at a comfortable pace followed by a 15-20 minute leash walk or jog Day 4: 4 5 min run at a comfortable pace followed by a 15-20 minute leash walk or jog Day 5: Rest Day 6: 4 mile run Day 7: 3 mile run

Week 4: Day 1: 30 min run Day 2: Rest or 20-30 minute controlled leash walk Day 3: 20 min run Day 4: P lay fetch in the park or go on a 20-30 minute controlled leash walk Day 5: 3 mile run Day 6: 2 mile run

Day 7: GLOW DOG GLOW RACE DAY!

16 Northern Virginia Dog

| Spring 2015

Photo by Deb Cobb

Bring It:

So you’ve registered for the big race—what do you need to bring?

• Dog • 6 Foot Flat Leash • Poop bags • O utrageous matching (glowing) costumes for you and your pooch • Photo ID • Registration Confirmation • Oh and if it glows, Bring it!

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new beginnings Helping Abandoned Dogs Find a New Life

K

eyo, a 2-year-old Maltese-Terrier mix, is a happy boy. He loves cuddling by your feet, playing with his many

By Lindsay Tilton Mitchell toys, and enjoys people-watching out the window. Though Keyo is only 12 pounds, he has a big personality—he’s confident and always aims to please the family. But before my husband and I adopted Keyo from Homeward Trails Animal Rescue, life for Keyo was not always this blissful and simple.

18 Northern Virginia Dog

| Spring 2015

Classes now in

North Arlington The Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter rescued Keyo after he was found abandoned in a house with several other dogs in June 2014. He was underweight, matted, and scared. After adopting Keyo through Homeward Trails the following month, my husband and I were able to introduce Keyo to a new home, and most importantly a fresh start.

What is abandonment?

According to ASPCA, animal abandonment is defined when a owners leave their animals in a public or private place with the intent of not returning or continuing to care for them. Approximately 6 to 8 million animals in the United States enter shelters every year, most of which are found neglected on the streets or seized from homes. However, instances where an owner brings his dog to an animal shelter and expresses he no long want his pet is not considered abandonment, but rather “surrendering” an animal.

Animal abandonment also varies by state, but in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C., it is considered a misdemeanor to neglect a pet. Though it’s hard to track down individuals who abandon their dogs, organizations like the Washington Humane Society (WHS) have investigated about 1,400 animal cases each year within the nation’s capital alone.

“As soon as you suspect a dog is abandoned, give us a call, because time is of the essence,” said Scott Giacoppo, WHS’s vice president of external affairs.

“We want to get a search warrant as fast as possible in order to save the animal, because we don’t know if its life is in danger.”

Giacoppo explains that after receiving a call of suspected dog abandonment, WHS quickly gets to work by obtaining a search warrant, rescuing the dog, and gathering as much evidence as possible to charge the dog’s owner of animal neglect.

Emma’s Story If abandoned dogs are lucky enough to be adopted by a new family, they still carry over the emotional scarring from their past. The temperament and attitudes of

Emma

dogs who have been in abandonment situations vary widely. While some dogs have no problem adjusting to a new home, others develop behavioral issues like separation anxiety, aggression, or even resource guarding, the act of guarding food, toys, and other possessions from humans or other animals. Unfortunately, this was the case with Alexandria resident Betsy Davies’ dog, Emma, a senior English Setter mix.

Emma was about 9 years old when she was surrendered by her family in 2012 because they developed allergies. Just a couple of weeks later, Davies adopted Emma, and after a four-day honeymoon period, Emma’s behavior began to change.

She became aggressive with Davies, and would growl or snap if she got too close.

Emma also began resource guarding and acted aggressively if anyone went near her stockpile.

“I was literally in tears every day,” explained Davies. “I didn’t know how to help her. I had been in contact with the animal shelter and they kept suggesting that I return her to them; however, I knew if she repeated this behavior in another adopter’s home, that she would either be abused or euthanized. Something in me kept telling me there was a way to get through to her.”

Though Emma was surrendered and not technically abandoned, Davies believes Emma developed these behavioral issues as a result from the dramatic switch of living happily with a family for seven years to residing in an animal shelter against her will. Davies took Emma to a

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veterinary behavioral clinic, where she was told Emma was undersocialized and in need of training to turn her life around.

The Road to Recovery Vivian Leven, a dog training director at Fur-Get Me Not, explains the best thing you can do for an abandoned dog is to use positive reinforcement and rewarding techniques.

“Punishing dogs will never help them get back to normal life,” said Leven.

Fur-Get Me Not offers many training classes, but Leven highlights their confidence-building and nose work classes as ones abandoned dogs can benefit from. Confidence-building classes help dogs with separation anxiety develop social skills with other dogs and people, and nose work classes allow dogs to use their natural scenting abilities to search for things as a way to build and focus.

AS INDIVIDUAL AS confidence YOUR PET “These classes are a way of showing the dog has control,” said You and your cat, dog or rabbit are needed to Leven. “With abandoned dogs, they don’t get a choice, so we want join other Fairfax Pets on Wheels, Inc. volunteers to give the dogs a choice with what they’re comfortable in doing, who make a difference in the community by and building up that confidence and sense of security. It’s all about visiting residents of nursing homes building good experiences.” and assisted living facilities.

Leven also explains there are simple tasks you can work on at home with your abandoned dog: • Create a structured schedule. The dog will know what to expect throughout the day and when. or Call: 703-324-5406 • Leave in short increments. If your dog has separation anxiety,

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Moving Forward After many training classes with Fur-Get Me Not, Emma’s behavior has immensely improved. She shows love and attention toward Davies and her family and is a much different dog now, Davies says.

Emma is about 13 years old now, and she is a prime example that an old dog can learn new tricks.

Keyo has also shown improvement since being adopted less than a year ago. He graduated from PetSmart’s six-week beginner course, having improved on his listening skills and bonding with the family. He is still learning to socialize with others, but with time and patience he will eventually get there.

As a pet owner who considers her animal a member of the family, it’s very hard for me to imagine why someone would want to abandon an innocent pet. Though it disturbs me to think about Keyo’s past and imagine how he lived each day without someone to care for him, I look at how content he is today, with a loving family and a warm bed to sleep in every night. ND Lindsay Tilton Mitchell is a writer born and raised in Northern Virginia. She currently resides in Herndon with her husband, Sean, and their dog, Keyo. To get in contact with Lindsay, email her at lindsay. tilton21@gmail.com.

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21

How to Find a New or Temporary Home for Your Pet We all love our dogs, but sometimes circumstances arise where we have to find them a new home, either temporarily or permanently. Or, we may hear about others struggling to find homes for their dogs.

Here are some resources to help:

Temporary Care Whether it’s military deployment or a long-term illness, dog owners find themselves between a rock and hard place on finding temporary care for their pets. Here are a few organizations that are always looking to help families in a bind: Dogs on Deployment: Started by a military couple in 2011, this nonprofit dedicates its time to providing assistance to members of the armed forces with military commitments who are unable to temporarily take care of their pets. Dogs on Deployment matches your dog with a volunteer willing to board your pet for as long as you need to fulfill those military duties. Dogs on Deployment also serves veterans who may be in long-term clinical care.

PACT for Animals: Based out of Philadelphia with several PACT communities

22 Northern Virginia Dog

| Spring 2015

scattered throughout the country, PACT for Animals has a military foster program and hospital foster program where volunteers temporarily take care of your dog while you are either away on military duties or in a long-term hospital stay. Volunteers will send weekly updates and pictures, so you are able to see how your pet is doing while you’re away. PACT for Animals’ volunteers can foster your pet at a minimum of one month and maximum of two years.

These organizations are always looking for more volunteers. If you’re interested in volunteering or donating toward these initiatives, contact Dogs on Deployment at dogsondeployment.org and PACT For Animals at pactforanimals.org.

Permanent Care From animal allergies to moving to a new home that does not allow pets, there are many unfortunate situations where dogs need to be placed with a new family. Here are some tips to consider: Evaluate the situation: Make sure you are giving up your dog for the right reasons. If you adopted your pet from a

shelter or recuse they may require that you return your pet to them if you can no longer care for the animal. If it is a problem that can be managed, seek resources from your local veterinary clinic or a behavioral training facility. A professional Realtor, may be able to help you find local, petfriendly housing.

Family & Friends: Look to see if any family or friends are willing to take in your dog. If it’s someone your dog has previously met and gets along with, then the dog will have an easier transition.

Find a responsible home: If you’re looking to adopt your dog to a family on your own without the help of a shelter, be sure to never solicit your dog for adoption on CraigsList or similar websites. When finding a potential new family, meet them in person, visit their home, and see how they interact with your dog to ensure they are trustworthy and capable.

Find a reliable source: Always look for a credible and highly recommended animal shelter or rescue organization within your community, and be sure you understand their policies. ND

Getting Social With

novadog

Barks heard round the water dish Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/novadog.

NOVADog asks, What’s the sweetest thing your dog does?

Alecia B.M.: My baby beagle follows me everywhere I go, especially now that I’m pregnant.

I love him!

Veronica V: Mr. Kosmo now 15 yrs old sings with me when I’m happy, dries my tears when I’m sad and gives me the Elvis or puffy lip smile to make me laugh.

Kim MC: Pickle is my constant companion. He’s so sweet & bubbly, you can’t help but go “awwwww” when you meet him.

Allison P: My 3, the sweetest thing is when we go to sleep. We all cuddle together. I usually have one as a pillow (she steals mine) one on my shoulder to the left and the smallest to the right being the baby spoon!

Charles Q.S.: My beagle cleans his daddy’s (my husband’s) entire head: face, hair, ears and all. He only does this for his daddy!

David U: My pal stares at me until I give him a cookie.

Lyn L: My dog loves to bring us her toys when we come home!

Marie A.W.: Evening cuddles on the sofa after a long day where nothing much went right. Nothing makes you feel more loved...

Angela K: Mochi always lets Soba use him as a seat cushion.

Irene B.S.: When I’m not feeling so great, she puts her paw on my head.

Christina K: The sweetest thing my dog Sherman does is welcome all of the various foster kitties that are always coming and going at my house.

He always makes sure they feel like part of the family while they are here. 

www.novadogmagazine.com

23

CANINE CALENDAR APRIL Apr. 18 Apr. 18- Sept. 26 - Pups in the Park with the Washington Nationals. Take your dog out to the ball game! Game dates are April 18, May 23, June 3, June 21, September 3 and September 26. Learn more and buy tickets at washington. nationals.mlb.com/was/ticketing/group_ theme_games.jsp

Apr. 26 Apr. 26 - Sept. 6 - Bark in the Park with the Potomac Nationals. Bring your favorite 4-legged P-Nats fan out to the ballpark!

All dogs are welcome to enjoy the game with their owners. Game dates April 26 and September 6. Learn more and buy tickets at www.milb.com/promotions/ index.jsp?sid=t43. G

dog treats available for your pup at these Doggy Happy Hours held in the hotel courtyard Thursday evenings. For more info and guidelines, visit www.monacoalexandria.com/alexandria-hotel/doggyhappy-hour.html.

M AY May 2 10AM- 4PM – Pet Fiesta at Reston Town Center. The Pet Fiesta draws local businesses, rescue groups and thousands of pet owners for an exciting day of interactive activities, demonstrations, exhibitions and animals galore! In 2011 Pet Fiesta featured 120 exhibitors and drew more than 10,000 visitors! Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St., Reston, VA. More info at www.petfiesta.org.

May 2

April 26 11.30AM- 2PM – Prince William County Dogs’ 4th Annual Dog Walk for a Dog Park. A Day of celeberation for you and your dog. Help raise funds for K9 Gunner Memorial Dog Park as you walk the 3 mile walk along Occoquan Reservoir and Lake Ridge community. $10/dog. Lake Ridge Park, 12350 Cottonmill Drive, Woodbridge, VA. More info at www.pwcdos.com

April - October (Thursdays) 5PM - Doggy Happy Hour at Hotel Monaco Alexandria. Unwind after the work day with some food, drinks and your furry friend. Complimentary water and

10AM- 3PM - Paws in the Park. PAWS in the Park is back at the Prince William Forest Park and celebrating responsible pet ownership in the great outdoors with exhibitors, demonstrations, local rescue groups, a dog show, information on the Jr. Bark Ranger Program and for one day only, off-leash dog park access. Entrance fee is $7. 18100 Park Headquarters Rd, Triangle, VA. For details, visit www.nps.gov/prwi or contact Kerri Syrus at 703-221-7181.

May 2 8PM-Midnight – Fashion for Paws 9th Annual Runway Show. The Fashion for Paws® Runway Show is a nationally

acclaimed one-of-a-kind luxury brand event to benefit the Washington Humane Society. The heart and soul of the event are the fundraising models who agree to raise a minimum of $3,000 in just twelve weeks leading up to the event by participating in a friendly fundraising competition. Grand Hyatt Washington, 1000 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001. www.Washhumane.org

May 2- May 3 10AM- 5PM - Dog Days Bloom Festival.

The farm is going to the dogs! Bring the whole family for a romp in the play area and a wagon ride to see the orchards and farm in bloom. Festival will also feature doggie agility and training courses. Special food options from the Farm Market and the Roosteraunt available on Sunday. $10/child & $12/adult. Dogs get in for free! Great Country Farms, 18780 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont, VA. Learn more at www.greatcountryfarms.com/index.php/ dog-days.html.

May 3 9AM- 11AM - Shelter Walk for Homeless Animals. A walking opportunity for pet owners and animal enthusiasts to raise funds and awareness by being a sponsored walker. The event will feature a variety of pet friendly vendors, raffles and prizes for those who raise the most money in support of the walk. Hosted by the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria at Alexandria Market Square, 301 King St. Alexandria, VA. For details, visit alexandriaanimals.org/shelter-walk-2015/

Special thanks to our calendar sponsor Fur-Get Me Not. www.furgetmenot.com

May 9 9:30AM- 1PM - Walk for the Animals and Pet Fest. The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is hosting its 20th Anniversary Walk for the Animals and Pet Festival to raise awareness and love for shelter animals at Bluemont Park, 329 N Manchester St., Arlington, VA. $30 Pre-registration for adults. See more at www.awla.org.

May 10 1:00PM – Join the Prince William Humane Society raise funds and help save homeless animals. Members from the shelter will be on hand to provide information about their wonderful nonprofit organization. Please come out and meet them! Barrel Oak Winery, 3623 Grove Lane, Delaplane, VA 20144. www.

BarrelOak.com.

May 17 12PM- 6PM - BarkPark at Taste of Arlington. Lap up the excitement with your dog, friends and family in the Taste of Arlington BarkPark and find out if your dog has what it takes to win the World Pup Tournament! BarkPark will also include numerous pet friendly vendors.

More details at www.ballstonbid.com/ taste/event-features/bark-park-world-puptournament

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May 23 6:45PM- 11PM - NOVADog’s GlowDogGlow 5K. Bring your best friend and run this nighttime glow race, enjoy the after party, DJ and glow swag. There DOG will be photo opps and 5K prizes for the best glow and outfits. Register before it sells out and secure your space in this first ever GlowDogGlow Race!

Prince William Fairgrounds, Manassas, VA. www.novadogmagazine.com/SeeSpotRace.

MARKETPLACE

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Magazine

May 30 9AM- 3PM - Springfield Days PetFest is an annual, community-wide celebration the weekend after Memorial Day. PetFest will include pet-related vendors, activities and more! South Run RECenter, 7550 Reservation Dr, Springfield, VA. www.springfielddays.com/home/petfest/

JUNE June 3 Apr. 18- Sept. 26 - Pups in the Park with the Washington Nationals. Take your dog out to the ball game! Game dates are April 18, May 23, June 3, June 21, September 3 and September 26. Learn more and buy tickets at washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/ticketing/group_theme_games.jsp

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June 7 10AM - DockDogs Championship at Celebrate Fairfax! Northern Virginia’s largest community-wide event. The world’s premier canine aquatics competition, DockDogs, is calling all four-legged, jumping athletes from around the region. Pre-Registration ends June 2. Celebrate Fairfax is held at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway Suite 247 Fairfax, VA. Learn more at celebratefairfax. com/things-to-do/fairfax-county-dockdogschampionship/ June 20 6PM - 10PM - The 28th Annual Bark Ball is the only black-tie event where movers and shakers of Washington DC can bring their canine companions as their dates. There will be a reception followed by an extensive silent and live auction, dinner, program, dancing, and special surprises. Washington Hilton 1919 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC. More info at www.washhumane.org.

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June 21 Apr. 18- Sept. 26 - Pups in the Park with the Washington Nationals. Take your dog out to the ball game! Game dates are April 18, May 23, June 3, June 21, September 3 and September 26. Learn more and buy tickets at washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/ticketing/group_theme_games.jsp

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J U LY July 4 1PM - Pooches on Parade at the Vienna Annual 4th of July Celebration! Bring your pet in their finest July 4th costume and participate in a free parade on the field. Register at 12 pm at the Gazebo; parade kicks off at 1 pm! www.viennava.gov ND

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BE IN OUR NEXT ISSUE! For rates and information, please contact: Lisa Trinkle: (p) 703-780-4400 (f) 856-753-0064 advertising@novadogmagazine.com

For more events check out our Canine Calendar online at: www.novadogmagazine.com

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25

THE SCENE

A gl i m ps e i n to the l i fe of No rth e rn V i rg i n i a d o g s

Cage-free daycare, boarding, grooming and more. Five great locations in Northern Virginia.

Visit www.adogsdayout.com. Winners receive a NOVADog Magazine limited-edition T-shirt and a gift certificate from A Dog’s Day Out.

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1. MAX loved by Jennifer

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2. WILCO loved by Craig & Sung in Warrenton

3. ZOE loved by Gary in Alexandria

4. MAYA loved by Daniela

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Submit your dog’s photo on our home-page, and see the slide show of all submitted dog photos at www.novadogmagazine.com

HIT THE TRAIL L o c a l wa l k s t o e n j o y

Fountainhead Park: Bull Run Occoquan Trail

By Carol Brooks

Lucca and the Medina family.

W

hether or not your dog’s exercise routine slipped over the winter, a trip to a nearby park will give you and your dog both a mental and physical boost. Fresh air, serenity, and natural surroundings give you a chance to rejuvenate, change perspective, build strength, and bond with your dog. After a long winter of reduced outside activity, softer trail surfaces also help gently toughen soft paw pads, so a trail hike is an excellent launching point for a new exercise routine.

I recently visited the Fairfax County Park Authority Fountainhead Park for the first time.

Though close to Fairfax Station, it has the unexpected feel of a more remote location. Its main dog-friendly offering is the Bull Run Occoquan Trail. This trail rates high for features important to me when selecting trail options for exercising my dog: uncrowded, bike-free, water access, and interesting and varied terrain.

The park offers ample parking close to the Bull Run Occoquan Trailhead, as well as bathrooms, water, and trash receptacles. It also has many other amenities including boating, fishing, mountain bike trails, picnic areas, a snack bar, restrooms, and dramatic views of

About Your Guide Carol Brooks is co-owner of DogOn Fitness, a daily exercise service for dogs. She specializes in high-energy and overweight dogs, providing them with working walks, running, adventure hikes, and training reinforcement.

Headquartered in Reston, DogOn Fitness services Northern Virginia and Montgomery County, MD. Visit them on the Web at www.dogonfitness.com.

the widest point of the Occoquan Reservoir.

Appealing to hikers of any level, the wellmarked, blue-blazed Bull Run Occoquan Trail runs from Fountainhead Park to Bull Run Regional Park. This trail is well-maintained with a dirt surface. In early spring and after a rainfall, it can be muddy.

The trail traverses parkland that parallels the Occoquan River. Purchased in the early 50’s as a buffer for the water reservoir created at the same time, the Fairfax County Water Authority now owns the land. Prior to that, farmers and other homeowners occupied the property, and before that it played an important transportation role in the Civil War. Tens of thousands of troops from both the Union and Confederate armies passed through parts of this trail on their way to Gettysburg along what was the “Washington-Rochambeau Wagon Route” ordered built by General George Washington.

Even if you’re not a history buff, you and your dog will enjoy this trail for what it offers today. In early spring, you’ll see flowering mountain laurel, Virginia bluebells, and budding beech and sycamore trees.

Choose any distance or time that works with your schedule and fitness level since you can turn around at any point. I recommend a 4.5 mile hike to get a feel for the trail’s history and terrain. The recommended hike turns around at Wolf Run Shoals, an important water crossing point during the Civil War and dating back to colonial times.

To get to the Bull Run Occoquan Trailhead from inside Fountainhead Park, go to the first public parking area on the right as you enter the park. From there, locate the trail head (marked with a placard) and follow the blue blazes. About 100 yards in, you will pass the Davis-Lewis Family Cemetery on your left, a well-maintained site with gravestones dating from 1781 to 2011. Continuing along the trail for a half a mile, you will descend to a marshy area on the right. Depending on the time of day and season, you might be serenaded from the marsh by frogs that sound like turkeys.

Stay on the blue-blazed trail and follow it as it winds and dips through the woods. Visible concrete trail markers remind you of mileage covered. To your left as you’re heading away from Fountainhead Park, you will occasionally

Nicko and Eric Rivera on the trail.

catch stunning glimpses of the Occoquan River through the trees.

A short distance from the 2 Mile marker, you’ll discover the Fairfax-Buckley family cemetery, an abandoned pre-50’s home, and a placard describing the “Washington-Rochambeau Wagon Route.” Follow the trail options (off the blue-blazed trail) in the direction of the wagon route to the water and turn-around point at Wolf Run Shoals. Note: this is a wonderful picnic option. Return via the same trails. ND

Did you hike it? Please stop by our Facebook page to leave some of your own feedback, www.facebook.com/novadog.

TRAIL SPECIFICS

Getting There: Fountainhead Park is located at 10875 Hampton Road, Fairfax Station, VA. For more information and directions, visit the official website: ttwww.nvrpa.org/park/fountainhead.

Cost: Free Park Hours: Access to Bull Run Occoquan Trail: dawn to dusk year around. Access to other park amenities, ‘check Hours and Directions on the park website.

What to Bring: Wear sturdy waterproof shoes— the trail has muddy spots. Bring some water for you and your dog, poop bags, and towels for afterhike clean-up. Tick protection is a must.

Trail Specifics: The Trail is an out-and-back trail that winds and twists through the woods. Plan to hike any distance you choose.

Fido-Friendly Features: Off-street parking; fun, dog-safe, wide trails; bike restrictions.

Use: Hikers, runners, horses (allowed, but not often seen), on-leash dogs.

Best Time to Go: Anytime.

Rated: 2-5 paws, depending on the distance hiked.

1 paw = easy; 5 = expert

www.novadogmagazine.com

27

WAGS TO RICHES Adoption success stories

Vera & Hercules,

age 9 and 2, are loved by Heather in Manassas, Va.

Adopted in: 2006 and December 2014 from the City of Manassas Police Department Animal Adoption Center

How did they get their names? Vera’s original name was

Faith at the shelter. My husband, being from Russia, had a hard time pronouncing the ‘th’ sound, so we changed her name to its Russian translation, Vera. Her nickname is Dum-dum. The only time she has ever reacted to anything on TV has been the Easter Island head in the movie Night at the Museum when it says “dumb-dumb give me gum-gum.” She is in no way dumb, but she certainly loves the sound of the name because she always comes running and wagging when we say it.

Hercules’ original name was Hernando. According to my three girls, that name just didn’t fit his strength, and they worked together to come up with Hercules after the kids’ movie.

We call him Herk for short.

You picked them because... We picked them both be-

cause they are Pit Bulls, a wrongly dishonored breed. Pit Bulls are loving, loyal, misunderstood and desperately in need of rescue. Before we adopted Vera, a judge wanted to put her down mainly because of her breed. Hercules’ previous owners turned him into the shelter, unable to care for him any longer. Our family is certainly blessed to have them both..

Favorite activity together: We love walking and fam-

ily cuddle time on the couch. Every evening, we gather on the couch and curl up together—Vera in a ball next to me and Hercules with his head stuffed either behind my back or tucked under an arm. Hercules also loves backyard time with my two little girls, aged 6 and 5. Vera joins in too, but at her age she takes more of a “supervisory” role.

Favorite toy: Neither of them really have a toy, but faithfully

follow our young children everywhere and get involved with everything they do. I have even caught Hercules on the trampoline in the back yard bouncing away…

You love them because...they understand all my moods and are always there for me. They are both a girl’s best friend! I don’t know what I’d do without my nighttime cuddles. ND 28 Northern Virginia Dog

| Spring 2015

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