NOVADog Magazine Winter 2016

novadog Winter 2016

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

At Your Service Defining the difference between a service dog and a therapy dog

Also Inside: How Much Water is Enough?

Digital Edition Sponsored by: Becky’s Pet Care Inc.

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Destination: Virginia’s Blue Ridge Hit The Trail: A Hike Close to Home

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE THE SCENE

H

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

appy New Year!! I wish everyone a Supurb ‘16.

This Winter issue features many stories about the powerful healing power of pets.

Cage-free daycare, boarding, grooming and more. Five great locations in BROUGHT TO YOUthe BYvictims of the Sandy Hook shootings to helping on your local From helping Northern Virginia. Visit www.adogsdayout.com. Winners receive a NOVADog community there are amazing stories of strength and miracles. Our feature article is from Nick Magazine limited-edition T-shirt and a gift certificate from A Dog’s Day Out. White – a local dog trainer who has global reach. The article details the differences between service and therapy dogs and provides resources to help you and your pet get involved. Nick has trained thousands of local dogs, many celebrity’s pets and in addition2to his already busy 1 schedule he is starring in a show on the History Channel debuting soon. We were excited to feature Nick’s work and share his experiences with our readers.

This issue’s inspirational stories give us time to reflect on our lives and plan for the year. connect with us This year I plan to focus on family, instilling community values and living in the moment. My 1. FRITZY loved by Regina three children, our pup Maggie and 2 bunnies Boppity and Alice and I have busy schedules in Virginia Beach facebook.com/novadog like everyone else. But over the past year we have been finding ways to be more positive and 2. BLUE loved by MaryJo in PRIZE thoughtful in our actions. I am hoping to carry that into the new year with a renewed sense Centreville Pack of investing in the local community through additional volunteering as a family and through twitter.com/novadogmag 3. DAYTONA loved by Brittany in creating experiences for people to enjoy together and we would love for you to join us.

Woodbridge Throughout 2016 we will be hosting dozens of pet-focused events that also give back. A flickr.com/photos/novadog 4. MINNIE loved by Scott & sample of some of the events include dog treat baking, dog toy making, photography classes, Laura in Fairfax therapy dog sessions, group hikes and happy hours as well as another GlowDogGlow 5K. novadogmagazine.com/blog 5. GRETEL loved by Bev Bringing together all of these passions has created a spark – the first events we have already in Springfield conducted have been fun, meaningful and have expanded the community of friends for all who have attended – they have been downright amazing and I am lookingwww.NOVADogMagazine.com/Events Please join into the fun community events we are hosting. We would love to see you and connect with you.

Visit us on the Web at Angela Hazuda Meyers www.novadogmagazine.com ahazuda@yahoo.com or scan the QR code above.

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PUBLISHER Angela Hazuda Meyers | ahazuda@yahoo.com MANAGING EDITOR Kristin Fisher | kristin@novadogmagzine.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Janelle Welch | janelle@2houndsproductions.com CONTRIBUTORS Carol Brooks, Eric M. Cryan, D.V.M., Lori Gross, Nick White 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.

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| Winter 2016

Northern Virginia Dog Magazine © 2016 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.

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

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“Kitty Condo” Cat Boarding In Home Pet Care Dog Walking Obedience Training

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.

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

contents Winter 2016

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

14 A t Your Service

Defining the difference between a service dog and a therapy dog

By Nick White

18 T ransforming Shelter Dogs to Service Dogs

14 D E PA RT M E N T S

1 PUBLISHER’S NOTE

20 DIY

4 THE SOURCE

Tips and tricks to try yourself

News, information, and products

22 GET SOCIAL

6 HEALTH WISE

23 THE SCENE

Tips on dog health

8 DESTINATIONS

Nick White, owner of Off Leash K-9 Training. Cover photo by Wendy Murphy.

WITH NOVADOG A glimpse into the lives of Northern Virginia dogs

Dog-friendly Blue Ridge

24 CANINE CALENDAR

10 COMMUNITY

25 MARKETPLACE

The Super Pet Expo

12 PETCENTRIC PEOPLE Hanging with DC metro’s dog-crazy crowd

26 HIT THE TRAIL

6

Hiking with your dog

28 WAGS TO RICHES

Adoption success stories

Read BG’s adoption success story on page 28. www.novadogmagazine.com

3

THE SOURCE

N ew s , i nfo rm ati on , a n d p ro d u c ts

A taste of the Rockies These treats contain a taste of the Rockies—fresh, high altitude Rocky Mountain snowflakes. Made in the USA, by Fruitables each one contains 300 unique snowflakes sustainably harvested from the mountains near Crested Butte, Colorado.

FIND it: www.fruitablespetfood.com

4 Northern Virginia Dog

| Winter 2016

Healing Through Books I bet you recall where you were on December 14, 2012 when you first heard news about the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School—I know I do. It’s one of those moments that is etched in our minds and on our hearts forever. For The Bacons, their world was turned upside down that day: their spirited, sweet, fun, dog-loving daughter, Charlotte, was one of the young victims.

In the three years since the tragedy, the Bacons

have found a special way to honor their daughter and her passions while offering help to others—an effort that has also helped them through their own grieving process. Charlotte’s Litter was formed after the Bacons witnessed the immense healing that therapy/comfort dogs provided to children and teachers in the school after the attack, one of the children being Guy Bacon, their son and Charlotte’s older brother. Charlotte’s Litter advocates for and supports therapy dog programs in educational and societal settings by connecting resources and experienced people.

The Bacons’ goal is to get therapy dogs into all schools to assist with emotional support, as well as literacy.

In addition to Charlotte’s Litter, the Bacons (along with award-winning author Renata Bowers) have penned Good Dogs, Great Listeners: The Story of Charlotte, Lily, and the Litter, which follows Charlotte, Lily and her faithful litter of stuffed animals on adventures sparked by Charlotte’s curiosity and lively imagination. The beautifully illustrated children’s book is based almost entirely on Charlotte’s actual adventures, with true-to-life pictures and a touching message. Guy Bacon has also published The Dogs of Newtown, a genuine and uplifting book profiling the therapy dogs that came into school after the Sandy Hook tragedy.

For more information, visit www.gooddogs greatlisteners.com and www.charlotteslitter.org.

Home Safe Home According to the National Fire Protection Association, a home fire starts every 86 seconds and the chance of a person experiencing a home fire in his or her lifetime is one in four. The average employed person spends more than 12 hours per day away from home, so how can pet parents have more peace of mind about their pups’ safety and well-being when away?

The RemoteLync™ Monitor and RemoteLync Camera from Kidde helps watch over the house and alerts you to smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and motion via a smartphone, so your dog can go back to being a dog.

FIND it: https://remotelync.kidde.com

Get a free camera or alarm! Look for our give away and contest in February at www.facebook.com/novadog.

FIND it: www.amazon.com

Bath in a Bottle Originally designed for horses, this amazing product by Absorbine is now available for dogs.

Gently clean all the seasonal mud and dirt from your winter walks.

FIND it: www.absorbine.com www.novadogmagazine.com

5

H E A L T H W I S E

Ad v i ce an d i n fo rm ati o n o n c a n i n e h e a l th i s s u e s

Ask the Vet: How Much Water?

By Eri c M . C r y a n , D .V.M.

W

ater is the essential ingredient of life as we know it. Once thought unique to our planet, NASA’s search for it in our solar system has found evidence of past oceans on Mars and potential frozen seas existing on the moons of Saturn and Jupiter today. With this water evidence, scientists now search for evidence of life on other planets because our current understanding of biology is so closely tied to water being the necessary lubricant for life to exist.

We know how essential water is for ourselves and our furry companions, especially during the hot muggy summers in Northern Virginia when we are warned continuously to “drink plenty of fluids” while suffering through yet another heat wave. During these colder months of the year, however, an owner is more likely to notice a change in filling up the water bowl and bring it to my attention. Drinking too much water, or polydipsia, could be an

on nd nti a Me ADog V NO

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indication of a serious medical condition. On the contrary, not drinking enough water causes dehydration and can lead to muscle cramping and eventual organ failure. So how much is too much water and what amount should your dog be drinking to remain adequately hydrated?

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Upon arriving at an appointment one of the first questions I ask is, “Has there been any change in eating or drinking?” Many times an owner is unaware of how much a dog is drinking until it becomes excessive and they need to refill the water bowl frequently. At veterinary school, we were taught that a dog should drink

subscribe.

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6 Northern Virginia Dog

| Winter 2016

[hurry!]

Join the pack. Stay informed.

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between 4466 ml/per kg of body weight. As an American, I cannot relate to the metric system, but I am fairly familiar with how much 12 ounces of cold liquid is especially after a long work week. An easy rule of thumb, it is roughly one ounce of liquid per pound of body weight. Thus, the 12 pound Bichon would need roughly 12 ounces a day, the 24 pound terrier would need two 12 ounce servings, the 48 pound field spaniel would need four 12 ounce servings or 48 ounces daily, you get the picture. After giving clients an easy way to measure how many 12 ounce bottles of water a dog consumes daily, they can report back to me if it is too much or too little. If a dog is found to be drinking excessively or not enough, generally the next step is to perform some testing to determine the cause.

If a dog is not drinking an adequate amount of water they can become dehydrated and quickly deteriorate in health. For some dogs, the cause could be as simple as stress in an unfamiliar environment or situation, or anxiety after a move. Encouraging a dog to drink by adding water to food is a way to augment the water that is naturally obtained from the digestion of food. For some dogs, the

decrease in water consumption is not behavioral but medical in origin. Significant dental disease can cause dogs to avoid water as can foreign bodies or trauma to the oral cavity. If no obvious psychological or mechanical cause in the oral cavity is identified, often dogs drink less water because they are feeling poorly in general. Fever from infections, organ failure, cancer, and of course obstructions from eating nonfood objects can all halt normal drinking patterns. Awareness of the general volume of water consumed can often be the first clue in detecting a potential critical problem in your dog’s health.

Drinking too much water can be due to numerous causes as well including kidney disease, diabetes (mellitus and insipidus), Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism), infections, psychological (psychogenic polydipsia) and more. Generally the doctor will start with routine bloodwork and a urine sample, something I recommend at least yearly for all dogs seven and older. These tests yield vital information about a dog’s metabolic status and a picture of their organ health and electrolyte balance.

Using this information a veterinarian can intelligently recommend a course of action

and discuss further diagnostic and treatment options available to you and your canine.

Water is an essential element of life so monitoring the consumption of water is an important barometer of your dog’s overall health.

Identifying when your furkid is not feeling well by drinking less water might mean the difference between quick intervention and preventing your pooch from spiraling downward into dehydration and requiring hospitalization with intravenous fluids to recover from a deepening illness. Conversely, identify too much water consumption in a condition such as diabetes mellitus might prevent a life threatening crisis called diabetic ketoacidosis. Using a simple measuring device found in the recycle bin can provide an important at home diagnostic tool to check your dog’s health. ND Dr. Eric Cryan is the owner and chief veterinarian of NoVa Mobile Vet and provides veterinary care throughout northern Virginia. www.novamobilevet.com 1-866946-PETS(7387).

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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

Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains A perfect getaway destination for visitors and their dogs

By Ro a n oke Va lley C on v e n ti o n & Vi s i to rs B ure a u

V

isitors have the opportunity to explore history, taste local cuisine, and embark on endless adventures in Virginia’s Blue Ridge with their furry friends Roanoke is known for its rail heritage roots that transformed the region in the late 19th to 20th century. The interactive David R. & Susan S. Goode Railwalk, is perfect for visitors to take their pups and explore railroad memorabilia and storyboards that illustrate Roanoke’s rich rail history among a beautiful backdrop of the historic Hotel Roanoke, built in 1882.

From Norfolk Avenue in downtown Roanoke, continue walking towards the historic City Market and Farmers’ Market. Choose to refuel from a variety of pet-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating and wonderful local cuisine or set up a picnic in Elmwood Park underneath the Art Walk sculptures. Keep in mind, most places require dogs to be on leashes.

8 Northern Virginia Dog

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After a filling lunch, surprise your four-legged best friend with a “PawPaw” savory homemade dog treat at the Natural Foods Co-op in Grandin Village. On Fridays until they sell out, Viva la Pupcakes are available at Viva la Cupcake, also located in Grandin. You and your furry sidekick will surely enjoy spending time in the historic village.

Among many of the pet-friendly shops near the Grandin Village area is Black Dog Salvage home of the popular DIY Network television show Salvage Dawgs. Upon arriving to the 40,000 sq. ft. architectural salvage shop, anticipate a warm welcome from their famous black lab Sally who loves new friends. Note – a park and greenway are accessible just behind Black Dog Salvage for a bit of additional exercise.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, head north along the Blue Ridge Parkway to Explore Park near milepost 115 for a variety of peaceful hiking trails. Virginia’s Blue Ridge is full of pet-approved outdoor activities along the Roanoke River Greenway trails including the

Arlington-Shirlington’s Premier Boarding Facility

Come in for a tour!

Opposite page, clockwise from left: Delicious treats from Viva La Pupcake, photo by Catherine Fox; Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway, photo by Catherine Fox; A beautiful view, photo by Roanoke Valley CVB.

Wolf Creek Greenway in Vinton which winds past a mid-19th century farmhouse to Stonebridge Park with swings, activities for kids, and a picnic shelter. Also consider exploring Carvins Cove Natural Reserve and the iconic Appalachian Trail.

Looking for a scenic drive? Hop in the car and head south along the Blue Ridge Parkway to milepost 175.5 (about 75 minutes) for a wine tasting at Chateau Morrisette Winery. After sampling wines like Our Dog Blue or Blushing Dog, bring your four-legged pal to the gift shop or explore the vineyards nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains.

After a long day of exploring, plan to stay in one of the many pet-friendly hotels in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. The Sheraton Roanoke Hotel & Conference Center has designated rooms on the first floor with easy access to the courtyard area for dogs up to 80 lbs – complete with a cozy Sweet Sleeper dog bed, water, and food bowls provided by the hotel.

For a list of more lodging options, attractions, and things to do visit www.visitvablueridge.com or stop by the Roanoke Valley Visitor Center in downtown, open seven days weekly, located at 101 Shenandoah Ave., NE Roanoke, VA 24016. All four-legged visitors are welcomed to Virginia’s Blue Ridge!

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Additional pet-friendly activities: Doggy Daycare • Field of Dreams Doggie Day School – A great place to leave your dog for a day while you go do non-pet-friendly things while on vacation. Bring any vaccination certificates from your local vet and know that your fur-kid(s) will be having lots of fun and exercise!

Local dog parks • Highland Dog Park – Dogs are welcome to run and play offleash at this 1-acre fenced dog park, which includes two retired fire hydrants.

• Thrasher Park Dog Park – One-acre fenced in area including one small dog as well as large dog area. Dogs may run off-leash in fenced in area.

• Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail – supported by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy – this location was once a railroad corridor that was converted into a dog park.

• Salem Rotary Dog Park – Fully fenced area including section for small dogs and a section for large dogs. ND The Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau (RVCVB) is the region’s official destination marketing organization. They work to provide information on accommodations, attractions, recreation, dining, and more in Virginia’s Blue Ridge for convention, meeting, and leisure travelers. www.novadogmagazine.com

9

COMMUNITY

N e w s an d Ev e n ts We ’ v e S n i ffe d Ou t

Experienced Attendees Give Their Tips for a Successful Expo Weekend Many local pet lovers have enjoyed the Expo for multiple years. From why they attended the first time, to their favorite purchase, we asked these loving pet parents for their unique perspectives.

Some of our favorite responses are below.

Why did you come to the Super Pet Expo the first time?

We were looking for a new dog to join our family and we found her. It was great because we could bring our other dog with us so they could meet before we started the adoption process.

—Andrea B, 3 year attendee

We were looking for a family friendly, pets welcome event where we could see exciting shows and shop unique vendors. – Jamie A, 6 year attendee What is the best purchase you’ve made?

A green tutu for my Pibble, so she would look festive to march in the St. Patrick’s Day parade. I know it’s not exactly practical, but she sure looked adorable. – Judie W, 5 year attendee

Photos by All Paws Pet Photography

I don’t know about one item, as many I have found were quite useful - peacock feathers, catnip balls, hair bows, leashes, and collars.

The latest find during last year’s show was an ID Clip that you can move from collar to collar.

It’s excellent invention! – Zena H, 8 year attendee What is the best thing you’ve seen at the show?

The best thing I’ve seen was all the love. I have never seen such happy people in my life.

Animals really do bring out the best in everybody. – Tracy P, 2 year attendee What tip would you provide to a first-timer?

Buy the weekend pass and pace yourself row by row, then backtrack and revisit the items you were considering. It’s also nice to connect with the rescue groups and the medical and pet sitting professionals. – Zena H, 8 year attendee Wear sneakers and bring something to carry all your purchases home in, because there are so many wonderful things to choose from. – Rhonda E. Buy a weekend pass. Come once without your pet and just look around and then go back a second time with your pet and let them have a look around too. – Andrea B, 3 year attendee

10 Northern Virginia Dog

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The Super Pet Expo Is Coming!

T

housands of furry tails across the DC area are wagging in anticipation, as the Super Pet Expo is right around the corner. The premier pet event takes place March 18-20, 2016 at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, VA. From skipping the ticket buying line to can’t miss entertainment, we reached

out to Super Pet Expo’s social media maven, Alexandra Mason, for the scoop on this year’s event.

Super Pet Expo Insider Tips 1. Plan A Day During the three days of the Super Pet Expo, thousands of attendees, many with furry companions in tow,

will meet and greet over 150 different vendors. It’s quite an experience and it’s definitely not one that’s “in and out.”

Plan on spending at least an afternoon, so you’ll have time to do all the shopping you’d like, and can take in the entertainment. There are agility demonstrations to see, dock diving shows to attend, friends to make in the open play area of the Puppy Playground, and a lot more. Visit SuperPetExpo.com before the show to see a list of vendors and the entertainment schedule. A little planning will ensure you get the most out of your visit!

2. Buy Tickets Online As a once-a-year event, the Expo is a popular destination. While tickets are available for purchase when you arrive, you can skip that wait in line by buying tickets in advance online. If you’re worried about printing - don’t be. You can show your tickets right from your phone.

There’s one more bonus, and that’s

saving money! Use promo code NOVADOG when purchasing online and you’ll save 30% on your Weekend Passes.

3. Super Highlights Two events you can’t miss: The All Friends Pet Care Best Dressed Pet Competition and Dock Diving with Ultimate Air Dogs.

The Best Dressed Pet Competition is often cited by attendees as their favorite part of the weekend. We’ve seen mini ponies dressed as bumble bees, cats dressed as pop stars, and last year’s winner was a Great Dane dressed as Rocky Balboa. You’re welcome to simply enjoy the show, but you can also sign-up to participate. As a tip, the crowd loves an owner and pet in matching costumes!

We are really excited about the Ultimate Air Dogs joining the show. Not only do they provide an exciting, high flying performance, but attendees will be able to dock dive with their own dogs this year.

4. #SuperPetExpo Be sure to check out the show on social media pages: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. We’ll be using #SuperPetExpo to share pics, videos, and vendor deals throughout the weekend. We love seeing the show through your eyes as well, so share, share, share! ND

The Super Pet Expo takes place March 18-20, 2016 at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, VA. Tickets and show info are available via www. superpetexpo.com. Use promo code NOVADOG and save!

Friday, 3 pm – 8 pm Saturday, 10 am – 7 pm Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm One Day Adult (12+) - $13.00 One Day Child (4-11) - $8.00 Weekend Pass (Adult) - $20.00 Weekend Pass (Child) - $10.00

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11

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

Mixing Up the Right Ingredients for a Successful Petcentric Business

T

his issue’s profile was selected in perfect timing as we are launched our new Treat Bake Nights in December 2015. The class was led by Andrew Colsky of Arlington’s K9Cakery, a company that produces tasty, safe, and American-made treat, cake and icing mixes for dogs. Treatastic nights were a highlight of the holiday season. Dog lovers gathered together to bake gourmet, tasty treats for their pups. Andrew was an amazing host, guiding everyone to treat baking perfection during this fun night. The treats turned out great, were tasty and everyone had a blast making them.

We’re excited to bring you a new series of events where you can have fun, meet other dog lovers, and try something new. Watch for a full list of dates and events online and in our calendar, but events in 2016 will include from treat baking and decorating, dog toy making, photography classes, hikes and trips to wineries with your dog and more. Be sure to plan on joining us!

NOVADOG MAGAZINE: Could you please provide some background information, like educational and/or employment history, on how you came to manage your business? How did you get where you are? Where there detours along the way? Was there something or someone that inspired you to open your business?

ANDREW COLSKY: I am an attorney and serial entrepreneur. I was the kid in school who was always tinkering with things and taking them apart so that I could see how they worked. While the teacher was lecturing I was daydreaming about some problem I discovered and all of the possible solutions. I regularly spent time in hardware stores and craft stores as well as junkyards and even in my own garage seeking parts I could combine to create a new solution to a problem.

Once the Internet was available, I wanted to learn about how I could use it for business purposes. I know that the best way for me to learn is by doing so I decided to set up a store. I had no idea what to sell so I stared by selling cookies. As I learned more about the Internet, I began to search for items that were in high demand but low supply. Since I am an animal lover I decided to search in that arena. My research showed that in the early 2000’s, people were out of work due to the recession and, as often happens in those cases, they decide to open their own businesses. The pet bakery business was really taken off during that time.

The problem for this new industry was that there were no real mixes or supplies made for pets. The bakeries were using human ingredients, some of which are really bad for dogs (not to mention humans). The pet industry had no pet-safe frostings and most bakeries were using yogurt and carob candy melts as their solution. The problem with these prod-

subscribe.

ucts is they must be melted to use them but they also easily melt again during hot weather or when being shipped. A lot of hard decorating work was destroyed when it got warm outside. As a result, bakeries could not ship during warm weather. This really hurt sales. Also, these products are really not what they appear to be. They are made from high amounts of hydrogenated fats, the ones being banned in some places due to their negative health effects, and sugar.

So here was a problem I had to solve. I set out to create a pet-safe frosting that was easy to use and that did not melt. I had no experience in the field, but I am good about learning new things and when I set my mind to something, I do not stop until I achieved my goal. I educated myself about what foods were safe for pets and which ones needed to be avoided. I had to learn all about dairy products, how they are produced, and what would make them easy to use. It turns out, that it is very difficult to make a powdered mixture that is mixed with water to form an icing that can be applied to pet baked treats that will dry hard, not melt, and not crack. I went through hundreds of samples and learned from every one of them. I have learned so much and tried so many ingredient combinations by now that I believe I am the leading expert on this type of product. I even recently collaborated with a former frosting scientist from one of the world’s largest frosting suppliers and I actually taught him a few things in this arena.

I continue to perfect the frostings based upon customer needs.

K9Cakery frostings are now used as standard fare by pet bakeries all over the world. We also expanded our offerings into pet themed baking pans, cookie cutters, and more. Today, K9Cakery is the largest manufacturer of pet bakery mixes and supplies.

Join the pack. Stay informed.

novadog

magazine

[hurry!]

12 Northern Virginia Dog

| Winter 2016

WINTER WARMER SPECIAL! Don’t Hunt down a copy—have it delivered for only $10! www.novadogmagazine.com/special

JOIN US for BAKE NIGHT! DATES: February 8, 9, 29 and March 1

During the evening, you will mix, roll, and cut-out a few dozen gourmet dog treats. Our expert staff will whisk them away and bake them in commercial ovens. While the treats are baking, you will decorate an adorable dog cake.

ND: What is the best thing about your job? What do you find most rewarding? AC: I love working with animals and people who love animals. I love being creative and being able to control my company’s products so they meet my personal high standards. When I find a new need, I try to fill it.

One story I have to tell is what happened when I went into a local pet superstore about two years ago and saw their display of decorated holiday treats. I always look to see if they are using K9Cakery products and the treats on this display were not. To my surprise, I read the ingredients list on a decorated dog treat package and it actually said that the frosting should not be consumed by dogs and should be removed before feeding to your pet! That really upset me but also made me proud to know that all K9Cakery products are designed for pets and are always safe and healthy.

ND: What do you consider your biggest challenges with your job?

AC: Lately, my biggest challenge has been keeping items in stock. I am very thankful for this. A lot of customers rely on K9Cakery products and if we are out of stock of an item, it can really hurt their production. We are constantly monitoring our supplies and manufacturing fresh product but it takes several weeks to order raw materials, mix, and package these items. Customers do not realize how extremely labor intensive this process really is. We work with thousands of pounds of product at a time and all of our frostings are made right here in the USA. ND: Do you have any pets of your own? Do they get to enjoy any of business (like being official taste testers)?

AC: I have always had pets and my mother, sister, brother; cousins and friends are all pet people. As you can imagine, I have lots of great test

Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

Reserve your spot now at

www.novadogmagazine.com/treatastic-bake-nights.

subjects for my new products. Some of them also get to star in YouTube videos or make appearances on Facebook from time-to-time.

ND: Everyone knows that chocolate is a no-no for dogs, but is there another ingredient that we should avoid that most of us miss?

AC: Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine are absolute no-nos. Also grapes and raisins have been linked to kidney failure in dogs. Large amounts of onions, garlic and/or chives can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Finally, any bones from birds including chicken and turkey should be avoided because they are hollow, splinter easily, and can get stuck in your dog’s system.

ND: Do you have any career advice for those interested in working within the animal/pet industry?

AC: The pet industry can be very rewarding. People love their pets and they want the best for them. I encourage people to explore the pet bakery business because they can start small, work from home, and on their own time. If things take off, their business can grow quite easily.

Also, with all of the pet-specific ingredients and resources available now, it is quite easy to get started. K9Cakery sells cake and treat mixes, icing and frostings, sugar-free decorations, cake pans, cookie cutters, treat bags, and even consulting services designed to help you succeed. Bakers can sell their treats and cakes on www.petcraftstore.com ND www.novadogmagazine.com

13

COVER STORY

14 Northern Virginia Dog

| Winter 2016

At your

service Defining the difference between a service dog and a therapy dog

By Nick White

D

ogs are beloved members of the family. They are loyal and loving and make great additions to any home, whether you have a family or not.

They are more than just pets; they are companions that you can count on to give you all of the love and friendship that you can want. They are great listeners and ready for cuddles whenever you need them. This shows that dogs are more than just pets. They are best friends and loved ones that are there when you need them.

www.novadogmagazine.com

15

Author Nick White pictured here with MLB All Star Washington Nationals starting pitcher, Max Scherzer and his dogs Dogs Beau and Rafi.

Dogs are perfect animals to help humans.

They can be service dogs or therapy dogs, both of which have the important purpose of helping humans get through their day. A common misconception is that service dogs and therapy dogs are the same thing. This could not be further from the truth. They each have their distinct purposes.

Service dogs are trained to do tasks and other work that can help with their owner’s disability or illness. They can help offer their owner a level of independence that they may not have previously had access to. They were once only known for helping their visually impaired owners, but now there are so many purposes of a service dog. Because of their keen senses and loyal and loving behaviors, services dogs can help with people who have seizures, diabetes, hearing impairment, and many other ailments where a person may need additional assistance. For example, a person who has seizures may benefit from having a service dog for a variety of reasons.

The dog can help inform parents when their child is having a seizure. A dog can also be trained to break the fall of their owner when they are having a seizure so that they do not hit the floor on the way down. A service dog

to train service dogs. Owners often choose to train their own service dogs to help meet their individual needs. There are a number of tasks that can be taught to a dog to help a person in need, including:

Medication

It is hard to not feel good when a puppy is sitting with you and wagging its tail happily. can also help an owner with diabetes to let them know if their blood sugar is too low.

These dogs can be either trained by their owners or by a special organization made

Service dogs can help their owners with their medication. One way they can do this is by helping their owner by bringing them their medication. They can also bring their owner a drink in order to take their medicine. The dog can also be trained to remind their owner to take medicine when needed.

They are also able to carry medicines for their owner in backpacks.

Alerts Dogs are great alarms. They can wake their owner up for work or school. Service dogs can help to respond to alarms in case of emergencies. Service dogs can also be taught to bring phones to their owners in case it is needed.

Other Assistance Service dog can help with many other things.

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| Winter 2016

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They can help lead their owner around places to ensure safety. Dogs can turn on light switches, as well as help keep their owners steady, and anything else that they need to do in order to help assist when they are needed most.

An important thing to note about service dogs is that they need to be focused on their owner in case something happens and should not be distracted by being pet and fed treats by other people.

Therapy dogs serve a different purpose. Rather than being trained to perform service tasks like bringing medication, therapy dogs are trained for things like providing affection to those who have learning difficulties, or those in hospitals and retirement homes. Unlike service dogs, which are traditionally only certain breeds, most dogs are able to be trained to be a therapy dog. Another difference between therapy dogs and service dogs is that therapy dogs are encouraged to be lively and social dogs.

It is hard to not feel good when a puppy is sitting with you and wagging its tail happily. As it turns out, therapy dogs can provide their own specific benefits in certain situations. Research has been conducted and concluded that therapy dogs are able to temporarily affect different aspects of the brain. This includes affecting the release of some neurotransmitters, such as oxytocin and dopamine levels which can be increased. With these increases, cortisol levels are decreased.

This is important to note because cortisol is related to stress.

There are many different applications that therapy dogs can be used for. A therapy dog can help increase the self-confidence of a child with a learning disability that may be having difficulty reading out loud. Some colleges also use these dogs to help students who are stressed, especially around important test times. Therapy dogs can also be good companions by visiting people in hospitals or nursing homes, making the people that they visit happy while they are there.

As far as training your therapy dog or your service dog, you can either train them yourself or bring them to an organization such as Off Leash K9 Training that specializes in their training, which can be a quicker method of training. If you are going to train the dog yourself, you will first need to make sure that you teach basic obedience with distractions. After this is mastered, you can move onto task oriented lessons. This includes getting medicine bottles or opening doors and drawers for their owner. In order to be considered a service dog, they need to have completed this training and be able to complete at least two tasks that are related to their owner’s specific disability or need.

Service and therapy dogs are incredibly useful assets to humans who are in need. With the proper training, these dogs can be lifesavers. Dogs are great companions for humans and this is what makes them the perfect helpers. ND Nick White is the owner of Off-Leash K9 Training (www.offleashk9training.com) which specializes in private lessons, dog behavior consultations, and teaching owners why their dogs do the things they do. Nick is a former US Marine and US Secret Service who also trained with some of the best trainers in the world. He has trained with Andrew Ramsey who was the Lead Drug/Bomb Detection Trainer at Lackland Air Force Base which is where all of the military dogs are trained.

Therapy dog groups in the DC Metro region are always looking for human and canine volunteers. Get involved today by contacting one of the organizations listed below, or visit Therapy Dogs International (www.tdi-dog.org) or the Delta Society (www.deltasociety.org) to learn more about therapy dog registration and visitation programs nationwide. n Fairfax Pets on Wheels, Inc. 703.324.5406 www.fpow.org A therapy dog visitation program that connects pets with people living in assisted living and nursing homes in Fairfax County, VA. n PAL (People Animals Love) 202.966.2171 www.peopleanimalslove.org An organization that brings people and animals together to brighten the lives of the lonely, ease the pain of the sick and enrich the world of atrisk children. n National Capital Therapy Dogs, Inc. 301.585.NCTD (585-6283) www.nctdinc.org A volunteer organization that provides animalassisted therapy and animal-assisted activities to healthcare facilities in the DC Metro area.

www.novadogmagazine.com

17

Transforming Shelter Dogs to Service Dogs M

any individuals gain independence through the help of a service dog, Matthew Smith, of Bel Air, MD, who lost the use of his legs in a car accident and uses a wheelchair, shares a special bond with his service dog and companion, Jericho. Unlike most service dogs, Jericho is a “pit bull,” a breed that is often misunderstood.

Jericho is one of many to graduate Animal Farm Foundation’s (AFF) Assistance Dog Training Program, proving that rescued and sheltered “pit bull” dogs can perform the same work traditionally reserved for pure bred, purpose bred dogs. Jericho helps Matthew with balance, mobility, and retrieving dropped items. Together, the two enjoy an active lifestyle including fishing trips on Matthew’s boat, four-wheeling excursions, and a recent cruise the pair took to Alaska.

For four years now, AFF has been successfully training rescued “pit bull” dogs, received through nominations on behalf of shelter staff and volunteers nationwide, to be service dogs. The dogs are trained by a AFF’s certified Assistance Dog International (ADI) trainer and matched with a client who meets the requirements established by the Americans with Disabilities Act

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(ADA), at no cost to the recipient. AFF works with the dogs to master a variety of tasks such as retrieving dropped items, helping with balance and mobility, and using the phone in case of an emergency.

The program is giving independence to people with disabilities while shining a positive light on the value of shelter dogs and “pit bull” dogs. ND

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DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE EXCITING NEW EVENTS! BAKE YOUR OWN DOG TREATS!

MAKE YOUR OWN DOG TOY!

Want to make tasty healthy treats for your favorite dog and dog lovers without messing up your kitchen? Grab a drink, roll up your sleeves and join us for an evening of treat baking fun.

Led by pet professional Andrew Colsky of Arlington’s K9 Cakery. www.novadogmagazine.com/ treatastic-bake-nights.

SIGN UP TODAY: Feb. 8 & 9, Feb. 29, Mar. 1

SIGN UP TODAY: Feb 20 Mar 6 Mar 13

Dog Toy Making: Have Fun & Do Good! Join our experienced trainer to learn critical lifesaving and injury prevention information while you also enjoy making some safe dog toys for you to take home for your dog AND for you to give to the Arlington Welfare League for enjoyment by the dogs in their care.

Brighten your own dog’s day and be able to help those in need.

This is a fantastic opportunity to give back to animals in need. All materials included. In addition to the dog toys you make, the AWLA will also receive a donation from your ticket purchase.

Children welcome.

TAKE BETTER PHOTOS! April 9

Pet phoDOGraphy 101 - Love taking pictures of your pets but wish they would turn out better? Learn tips and tricks from professional pet photographer Terry Wingfield. Bring your dog and your camera this exciting interactive class. Space is limited.

April 23

Pet phoDOGraphy 201 - Already feel like you take pretty good pictures of your pets? Join our upper level Photography class. This class will go more into detail about lighting and recommended equipment and you’ll have extra time to work one on one with professional pet photographer Terry Wingfield as you photograph you dog during this interactive class.

Space is very limited.

Please Note: One dog is allowed to attend per paid participant. Dog must be friendly towards other dogs and humans and a liability waiver must be signed. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, class will take place indoors and outside. Staff will be on hand to help handle dogs throughout the event. www.novadogmagazine.com/Events.

Find out more information on all events at

www.novadogmagazine.com/events

DIY

Tip s a n d Tr ic k s to Try You rs e l f

5 Tips for Taking a Great Phone Photo of your Dog or Cat

By L ori G r oss

O

ne of my favorite sayings is “the best camera is the one you have with you.” Even though I am a professional photographer, usually that camera is the one on my cell phone.

Photographing your pet with a cell phone can definitely be challenging. Here are five tips to help make your images amazing!

1

ork within the limitations of your W camera While phone cameras have become very powerful, they still have constraints. For example, they aren’t very good at capturing action shots. If you want to capture action, I recommend you use the video function.

You will have the most success with your cell phone camera taking portraits where your pets are sitting still. For the best portraits, make sure to focus on your pet’s eyes or face.

When taking your photo, don’t be afraid to kneel down, sit on the ground, or even lay on the grass so that you can be eye level with your pet.

2

3 Pets look best in natural, even light.

20 Northern Virginia Dog

| Winter 2016

omposition is key C Paying attention to how you compose your photo can make the difference between a good and great image. Try and fill the frame with the full face or body of your pet and watch your images for unwanted clutter, especially in the background. Is there a pole growing out of their head?

Or a brightly colored object drawing your eye away from your pet’s face? Sometimes all you have to do is reposition yourself in order to get a prettier background. atch the light W Pets look best in natural sunlight. The trick is finding light that is even or all the same.

In a perfect world, I’d shoot all my photos

4

with light cloud cover, which produces soft even light. If you are taking photos indoors, try and make sure your pet is by a window or that there is a lot of natural light in the room. Flashes are no-no when it comes to pets as it will cause eye shine.

E xpose your image properly If you are having trouble getting the correct exposure (i.e. parts of the photo are too dark or too light), you can almost always fix it by manually choosing your exposure or using your camera’s built in HDR (High Dynamic Range) feature. To make sure the camera exposes properly for your pet, even if the background is really dark or light, touch where your pet is on your screen and watch the brightness of the image change

TAKE BETTER PHOTOS! See page 19 to sign up for our NOVADog photo workshops!

Classes now in

North Springfield

703-574-3383 www.kissablecanine.com ■ Puppy Play & Learn—start good habits right away Here is a photo of my dog straight out of my iPhone (left) that I edited with Snapseed (right).

5

like magic. This technique is especially helpful when your pet is backlit and you don’t want them to be in silhouette. HDR is really cool – the phone will automatically take multiple exposures and layer them so that you can get a properly exposed foreground and background. I love this feature and often leave it as the default setting on my camera phone. et down on your pet’s level G When taking your photo, don’t be afraid to kneel down, sit on the ground, or even lay on the grass so that you can be eye level with your pet. If you want your pet to look right into the lens, you can wait patiently until they do it naturally. Or, use a squeak toy to get your dog’s attention. Make sure that it is lens height so they are looking right into the lens. For cats, crinkle a bag or wave a feather to get their attention.

Once you’ve got the perfect photo of your pet, you can use an app to make your picture look even better.

I love Snapseed and the creative control it gives me to auto adjust the light and colors or fine-tune the details.

Instagram is a great app to add filters, minor edits, and share your photos with your friends.

You can check out fun pictures I have shared on my Instagram @redleashphotos.

Some other great apps include Camera+, VSCO Cam, and Adobe Photoshop Express.

Now that you have beautiful images, make sure you back them up. Set up your phone to automatically back up to a cloud, or create a reminder for yourself to backup your images weekly. You don’t want to lose these precious memories!

Have fun photographing your pet!

I’d love to see some of your favorite phone photos of your pets. Post them on Instagram and be sure to tag @redleashphotos and add the hashtags #novadogphonephoto and #novadog. ND Lori Gross is the owner of Red Leash Pet Photography based in Annapolis, Maryland. Lori specializes in creating modern, fun and meaningful images of pets and their owners. When she is not photographing pets, she can be found in Antarctica, where she also works as an expedition guide and photographer. Follow Red Leash and Lori’s adventures on www.redleash.com, facebook.com/redleash, and @redleashphotos.

■ Basic to Advanced Manners—build a solid foundation of obedience ■ Canine Good Citizen—give your dog the best skills for therapy work We offer private training for dogs of all ages and needs. Register at www.kissablecanine.com.

Happy Dogs.

Happy Homes.

—KissAble Canine Voted Best Trainer two years in a row!

Northern Virginia Magazine

Serving the Washington, DC Metro area www.novadogmagazine.com

21

Getting Social With novadog What have our fans and their pups been up to? Take a look! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter! Want to see your dog in the magazine?

Share a picture with us!

Shelly K. Here’s Polo, our rescue that we love so much. We did a DNA test and found out he’s half German Shepard and half toy Manchester terrier. He’s a great dog!

Jennifer D. says she is thankful for this cutie!

These pups had dogtastic holidays!

Loralee C. may be in trouble—Ruckus has figured out how to get closer to the birds

22 Northern Virginia Dog

| Winter 2016

Cristina K.

Rhonda C.

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.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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PRIZE

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winner 1. WENDELL loved by Amy in Alexandria, VA

2. MAESON & TRIXIE loved by

Sharon & Mike n Burke, VA

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3. DEXTER loved by Shannon & Jason in Aldie, VA

4. TESLA loved by Michael in Gaithersburg, MD

5. WILSON loved by Nancy in Alexandria, VA

6. OLIVER loved by Philip in Monroe, NY

7. TIA loved by Susan in

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Springfield, VA

8. OZ loved by Chris & Heather in Fairfax Station, VA

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9. MISSY loved by Janet Wilson in Centreville, VA

10. FINLEY loved by Chris & Liz in Annandale, VA

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

8 9 10

www.novadogmagazine.com

23

CANINE CALENDAR Special thanks to our calendar sponsor Fur-Get Me Not.

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

www.furgetmenot.com

FEBRUARY Feb. 8 & 9 Treat Baking Nights—Want to make tasty healthy treats for your favorite dog and dog lovers without messing up your kitchen? Grab a drink, roll up your sleeves and join us for an evening of treat baking fun. www.novadogmagazine.com/treatastic-bake-nights.

Feb. 8 6:30PM-8:30 PM – Baby Ready Pets. This two-hour presentation from the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, 2650 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington, helps expectant families prepare their home and their pets for the arrival of a new baby and to make sure that it is a safe and (relatively) stress-free experience for all. This seminar is based on a program created by the Providence Animal Rescue League and the Rhode Island SPCA, and has been endorsed by the ASPCA. There is no fee for the class, but donations are welcome. Reservations are required and space is limited. http://www.awla.org/ event/baby-ready-pets-10/

Feb. 12 8:30PM – 12AM – 2016 Have a Heart Hop with Gottaswing. Lucky Dog Animal Rescue is one of two charities to benefit from this fundraising event featuring live music by The Fabulettes, dancing, silent auctions

and more. Tickets are $25 at the door, $20 in advance. Beginner dance lesson is included in ticket purchase. Hilton Washington Dulles, 13869 Park Center Road, Herndon, VA. For more details, visit haveahearthop.org

Feb. 13 2nd Annual Good Friends for a Good Cause Private Estate Dinners with the Middleburg Humane Foundation. More details will be announced soon. http://www.middleburghumane.org/upcoming-events.html

Feb 20 Dog Toy Making: Have Fun & Do Good! Join our experienced trainer to learn critical life-saving and injury prevention information while you also enjoy making some safe dog toys for you to take home for your dog AND for you to give to the Arlington Welfare League for enjoyment by the dogs in their care. Brighten your own dog’s day and be able to help those in need. This is a fantastic opportunity to give back to animals in need. All materials included.

In addition to the dog toys you make, the AWLA will also receive a donation from your ticket purchase. Children welcome. www.novadogmagazine.com/Events

Feb. 20 Pasta for Pets. Mark your calendars now!

Details and ticket information for this family-friendly evening of pasta, held by the Washington Animal Rescue League,

PE

PREP

will be available in the new year.

Email development@warl.org for more information.

Feb. 24 Special Pet Preparedness Book Discussion A moving account of rescues and reunions involving animals separated from their owners during hurricane Katrina. Lead

by Cathy Scott, author of Pawprints of Katrina: Pets Saved and Lessons Learned.

Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street 7:00 pm -8:30 pm 1st floor. For more Information and to register visit http:// arlingtonva.libcal.com/event/2303248

Feb. 27 7PM-11PM – 3rd Annual Bets for Pets Casino Night Fundraiser. There will be Casino style table games including blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker to benefit Community Cats. The evening will also include live music, a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction and delicious hors d’oeuvres, drinks and desserts. Woodsboro American Legion, 101 W. Elizabeth St, Woodsboro, MD. Tickets are $50 in advanced; $60 at the door.

Feb. 29 Treat Baking Nights—Want to make tasty healthy treats for your favorite dog and dog lovers without messing up your kitchen? Grab a drink, roll up your sleeves and join us for an evening of treat baking fun. Led by pet profes-

sional Andrew Colsky of Arlington’s K9 Cakery. www.novadogmagazine.com/ treatastic-bake-nights.

MARCH Mar. 1 Treat Baking Nights—Want to make tasty healthy treats for your favorite dog and dog lovers without messing up your kitchen? Grab a drink, roll up your sleeves and join us for an evening of treat baking fun. Led by pet professional Andrew Colsky of Arlington’s K9 Cakery. www.novadogmagazine.com/treatasticbake-nights.

Mar 6 Dog Toy Making: Have Fun & Do Good! Join our experienced trainer to learn critical life-saving and injury prevention information while you also enjoy making some safe dog toys for you to take home for your dog AND for you to give to the Arlington Welfare League for enjoyment by the dogs in their care. Brighten your own dog’s day and be able to help those in need. This is a fantastic opportunity to give back to animals in need. All materials included.

In addition to the dog toys you make, the AWLA will also receive a donation from your ticket purchase. Children welcome. www.novadogmagazine.com/Events

Tools and knowledge to save your pet in an emergency

Bring a friend and SAVE!

Preparation Saves Lives

“1 of 4 pets would survive if just 1 pet first aid technique was used prior to seeking emergency care.”

—American Animal Hospital Association

PetSaverTM

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8 Hour Course: $150 Jan 25, Feb 29, Mar 22 (8am-5pm)

5 Hour Course: $99 One 5 hour session (8am-1pm) Feb 6, Feb 21, Mar 5, Mar 12

Knowing Your Pet’s Health 2 Hour Seminar: $35 Jan 31 (2-4pm)

Two 2.5 hour sessions Jan 27 & 28, Feb 18 & 25, Mar 3 & 10

Hiking and Walking with Your Dog 2 Hour Seminar: $35 Mar 30 (7-9pm)

Pet Parent’s Guide to Dental Health 2 Hour Seminar: $35 Feb 2, Feb 11 (7-9pm)

Information and Registration: BeckysPetcare.com/PetPrep 703-822-0933

24 Northern Virginia Dog

| Winter 2016

Offering PetTech Training

Mar 13 Dog Toy Making: Have Fun & Do Good! Join our experienced trainer to learn critical life-saving and injury prevention information while you also enjoy making some safe dog toys for you to take home for your dog AND for you to give to the Arlington Welfare League for enjoyment by the dogs in their care. Brighten your own dog’s day and be able to help those in need. This is a fantastic opportunity to give back to animals in need. All materials included. In addition to the dog toys you make, the AWLA will also receive a donation from your ticket purchase. Children welcome. www. novadogmagazine.com/Events

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Mar. 18-20

Serving NOVA & MD

Super Pet Expo Chantilly. This pet lover’s dream weekend event will feature exciting entertainment for pet lovers, over 150 local and national shops and exhibitors, adoptable pets, learning opportunities about pets and pet related products, Canine Good Citizen Testing with the AKC, the Aquarium Experience, the CatCentric Exhibitors and more! Leashed pets welcome (Retractable leashes NOT permitted). Dulles Expo Center, 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly, VA. Learn more and buy tickets at www.superpetexpo. com/chantilly.

APRIL April 9 Pet phoDOGraphy 101—Love taking pictures of your pets but wish they would turn out better? Learn tips and tricks from professional pet photographer Terry Wingfield. Bring your dog and your camera this exciting interactive class. Space is limited. www.novadogmagazine.com/events. Please note: One dog is allowed to attend per paid participant.

Dog must be friendly towards other dogs and humans and a liability waiver must be signed. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, class will take place indoors and outside. Staff will be on hand to help handle dogs throughout the event.

Bring: Camera-phone and/or camera, charger, extra batteries, dog treats, clean-up bags. NOVADog

daycare • boarding • spa

dogtopia.com

703 627 4462

DogOnFitness.com

“ We’re more than just a walk around the block! ”

will have water for dogs and light refreshments. www. novadogmagazine.com/Events

April 10 7:00AM-1:30PM - 2nd Annual Fast & Furriest – Fit and Fun. Operation Paws for Homes will be hosting this event at Monocacy Village Park in Frederick, Maryland. The event is expanding to include three sessions of options including: 10K or 5K Run, 5K walk, yoga, basketball, kickball, ultimate Frisbee, BANG! Power Dance and cross fit workouts for adults and children. Register early at http:// goo.gl/dRd1wI

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

April 23 Pet phoDOGraphy 201—Already feel like you take pretty good pictures of your pets? Join our upper level Photography class. This class will go more into detail about lighting and recommended equipment and you’ll have extra time to work one on one with professional pet photographer Terry Wingfield as you photograph you dog during this interactive class. Space is very limited. Tickets will be onsale soon! Please Note: One dog is allowed to attend per paid participant. Dog must be friendly towards other

dogs and humans and a liability waiver must be signed.

Dogs must be on a leash at all times, class will take place indoors and outside. Staff will be on hand to help handle dogs throughout the event. Bring: Camera-phone and/ or camera, charger, extra batteries, dog treats, clean-up bags. www.novadogmagazine.com/Events.

SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN. — BANDIT adopted 11-26-09

www.novadogmagazine.com

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

Hit the Trail Close to Home

By Carol Brooks

I

f you’re looking for a dog-friendly hike close to home, try the Pimmit Run Trail in Mclean, VA, located between North Glebe Road and Maddux Lane.

Winding along beside Pimmit Run and Little Pimmit Run, this trail is perfect for a winter hike. I first discovered the Pimmit Run Trail with one of our early DogOn Fitness clients, Toasty – a red golden retriever, who loved to splash through the water on her daily fitness hikes. Neighborhood trails have always appealed to me for their natural setting without the travel commitment, so I decided to revisit Toasty’s trail to find out more.

You will find the Pimmit Run Trail starting point where North Glebe Road meets Chain Bridge. If arriving by car, park at a small public lot located at the corner of Glebe Road and 41st Street, just under a George Washington Memorial Parkway overpass. From the parking lot, walk about 50 feet toward Chain Bridge and look for the visible signs for the Potomac Heritage Trail on the left.

The land along Pimmit Run near Chain Bridge was home to Arlington’s first industrial complex in the 18th century. A tavern operated on the property as late as the 1940’s, but signs of any commercial development are no longer visible. An informative placard at the trailhead explains how to locate the site of a grist mill that, in 1814, served as a one-night hiding place for the Declaration of Independence and other important documents during the British invasion.

Luckily for present day hikers, creation of the George Washington Memorial Parkway preserved the area from further development, leaving the area buffering Pimmit Run almost as pristine as it was in early America. The sound of

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| Winter 2016

Cora, CW, Baby Piper, and Mosa on The Pimmit Run Trail.

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

Toasty Along Pimmit Run Trail - photo

By Dave Rothschild.

Continue along the dirt trail that ends on a private drive off Kirby Road. This is a good turn-around point for your 3.5-mile out-and-back route. If you want to add mileage, continue on the private drive toward Kirby Road. The trail follows Little Pimmit Run behind a bank of residential mailboxes on the left, and continues for a mile to Maddux Lane where it ends.

Turn around at any point and return the way you came.

This trail is restricted to hikers – no bikes allowed - and on weekends is a popular destination for local dog walks.

Washouts, roots, and rocks add to the trail’s challenges, but for the most part, the trail is easy to traverse. Opt to go on the trail during dryer weather since the pathway can be muddy and slippery in wet weather. The winter landscape is an excellent setting for unobstructed views.

ND HIKE SPECIFICS

Getting There: Parking for the Pimmit Run Trail is located at North Glebe Rd and 41st Street in Arlington, VA. The trailhead is on North Glebe Rd near Chain Bridge Road.

The Pimmit Run Trail.

Cost: Free

nearby cars and presence of occasional graffiti are reminders of the trail’s urban surroundings, but you and your dog are likely to spot deer, squirrels, an occasional blue heron, and other wildlife as you hike deeper into the woods over this preserved land.

The out-and-back hike begins at the trailhead on North Glebe Road. Follow

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.

the Potomac Heritage Trail green blazes, going left at the first fork and continuing for about half a mile. This first half mile of the trail is narrow and hilly, but then it widens and is fairly flat for the rest of the hike. One mile into your hike, the Potomac Heritage trail turns right and crosses Pimmit Run toward Ft. Marcy.

Stay on the unmarked Pimmit Run Trail, which continues under a George Washington Memorial Parkway bridge. Shortly after the bridge, you will get to a fork in the trail. Go right at the fork. Follow the trail, using rocks to cross a small creek.

Be sure to locate and follow the trail to the right of the chain link fence after crossing this creek. When in doubt, always stay on the path closest to stream.

Park Hours: 7 days a week, Dawn to Dusk What to Bring: Wear sturdy waterproof shoes – the trail has muddy spots and stream crossings.

Bring some water for you and your dog, waste bags, and towels for after hike clean-up.

Trail Specifics: The Pimmit Run Trail is unmarked. Check Google maps for the most recent trail map. It is not regularly maintained so be prepared to scramble over downed trees.

Fido-Friendly Features: Off-street parking, bikefree trails, trash cans in the parking area.

Use: Hikers, runners, on-leash dogs.

Best Time to Go: Anytime.

Rated: 1-2 paws. Very easy.

1 paw = easy; 5 = expert

www.novadogmagazine.com

27

WAGS TO RICHES Adoption success stories

BG loved by Pat and Dan in Fairfax, VA

Adopted in: November 2015 from Mutt Love Rescue. BG was found in the woods of Central South Carolina and trapped by animal control. Once the rescue got her, it was discovered that she had a bullet along her spine, and was probably facing her shooter when the shot was fired.

How did she get her name: BG short for Baby Girl because she is only 15 pounds.

You picked her because: We saw her pitiful face in a Facebook thread. It was an inmate holding her at the shelter.

Favorite activity or outing: Snuggling together.

Favorite Treat/snack: True to her beagle nature, anything.

Favorite toy: A stuffed fox.

You love her because: Look at that face. What’s not to love?

ND

Mutt Love Rescue is a non-profit, no-kill, volunteer dog rescue organization serving the Washington, DC, metro area.Visit them on the web at www.muttloverescue.org.

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