A message came in to the ADogs inbox tonight about a dog found earlier in the day:
"A woman stopped by Banneker CCA this evening with a dog that she found earlier (about 4PM I think) today, 2 Dec, on Tuckahoe. The dog is named Buffy and has New York tags. Call 703 629 6820 if you have information on the owner."

Santa Paws pet photos will be at Reston Town Center on Saturday, 12/7 and Saturday, 12/14, from 2-6 pm. All well-behaved pets are welcome. Visits with Santa are free; you can also buy photos of your pooch with Santa, and bows and antlers will be available for putting those final touches on your doggy. Sponsored by Equity Office and DoggieFun.com, the event will also feature dog biscuits and dog baggies (just in case!) provided by Reston Dogs. More info is at www.doggiefun.com

The Humane Society of the US is holding PetFest America on January 19, 2003. Tickets go on sale this week (Dec. 6) for this day of fun and entertainment that includes Superdogs (a troupe of canine performers), info from veterinarians, a chance to see the FEMA disaster dogs who help in disasters ranging from 9/11 to hurricanes and other natural disasters. You will also get a chance to meet some of the adoptable pets currently in local animal shelters, waiting for new homes. More info is at www.petfestamerica.org

Sign the Petition for Park Improvement
ADogs has submitted a small parks grant to the county, proposing a project to mitigate streambed erosion near Glen Carlyn CCA. The proposal is the only streambed project submitted to small parks grant this year, and will help all down stream residents of the Four Mile Run stream, as well as ­ by helping improve water quality ­ all residents of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. ADogs has proposed undertaking the project, providing the labor, and has committed contributing funds to the project. What you can do is send in a letter of support, or sign the petition posted at Glen Carlyn CCA. The more widespread community support we can demonstrate, the better. The project has already received the endorsement of Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment, Friends of Arlington Parks, the Glen Carlyn Citizens Association, and individual Glen Carlyn CCA visitors (who have also pledged contributing funds). Questions or interest, contact arlingtondogs@hotmail.com.

Bags Needed for CCAs
Many of the CCAs are running short of bags for poop. Please help keep our CCAs clean by bringing spare bags to your CCA for others to use.

Watch for Sharp Objects
A dog recently cut its paw near the log in the stream at Glen Carlyn CCA, causing a deep cut and cutting an artery. CCA patrons waded the stream (with shoes on!) and picked out objects near the log, but visitors should still be careful since no one knows if the dangerous piece was located and the vet was unable to determine whether the cut was caused by glass, metal, or a sharp rock. In addition, trash washes down Four Mile Run periodically -- particularly after storms -- and debris can be lodged along rocks and logs or buried just under the surface.

Annual “Blessing of the Animals”
On Sunday, October 6th at 5 p,, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church on North Glebe Rd. in Arlington will conduct the annual “Blessing of the Animals” in honor of the Feast of St. Anthony (patron saint of animals). Bring your dogs, cats, etc. on a leash or in a crate to be blessed.

Second Annual “Putt for Mutts”
Here is your chance to have some fun while helping to raise funds for rescuing animals. The second annual “Putt for Mutts” golf tournament is scheduled for October 11th at Twin Lakes Golf Course. Last year, Lost Dog Rescue was able to make over $4,500 with this event. You can help gather donations for raffle prizes, get a foursome together to play, help distribute brochures about the event, sponsor-a-hole for $150, and/or volunteer to help the day of the event. Contact Ellen.Greenberg@lostdogrescue.org or Bobbie.Webster@lostdogrescue.org for details.

Safe Kids/Safe Dogs
Arlington Dogs is working with the County and the 4H to present a program called "Safe Kids/Safe Dogs" which helps train 4H staff and parks and rec staff in helping children understand how to interact with unknown canines. Just as a reminder: Parents, please be sure to watch your kids in CCAs (it’s part of the dog park rules) and all dog owners, be sure to carefully monitor your dog’s interactions with people in CCAs, especially any children who might be there.

Women Needed for ArlingtonDogs Coed Softball Team
The coed ArlingtonDogs softball team needs women players. We’ve had to forfeit all but the last of their games because we didn’t have the required number. Please, if you like playing softball, contact Joe.Geles@eds.com to find out how you can sign up.

Two recent letters.

The first, printed in the Sun Gazette:

Editor:

ArlingtonDogs shares the concerns expressed by a recent letter writer, who described injuries caused by an off-leash dog on an Arlington bike path ["One Dog Walker Showed No Responsibility on Trail," Aug. 29].

In addition to working to establish and maintain dog parks, ArlingtonDogs works throughout the year to educate and remind dog owners of their legal responsibilities. We have distributed the
letter-to-the-editor to our more than 500 members - many of whom are bicyclists, joggers and rollerbladers themselves, and are keenly aware of the dangers of off-leash animals on paths.

While we have no idea whether the jogger described last week is a member of ArlingtonDogs, we hope that information about that incident is distributed widely and serves to educate as many dog owners as possible.

For owners who want to let their dogs off-leash in public areas, we remind them that there is an alternative: Arlington's network of Community Canine Areas, off-leash dog parks that are clearly marked, posted, and separated from other recreational park uses. These parks - which have proved to be a model for other communities around the country - provide Arlingtonians with large open spaces where they can congregate and their dogs can run off-leash, while allowing people who are engaged in other activities to avoid them altogether.

The letter last week was an important reminder to all dog owners that the county has a leash law, it has alternatives for legal off-leash areas, and that all dog owners have a responsibility both to obey the law and be good citizens if an incident does occur.

Michelle Prettyman
Chairman, ArlingtonDogs

And from County Board Chair Chris Zimmerman:

Dear Ms. Prettyman:

Thank you for sharing with the County Board a copy of a letter you received from an official of Canon City, Colorado, commending Arlington's dog parks and asking for more details on their establishment. It is great to hear that Arlington's Community Canine Areas (CCAs) are serving as a model for other regions across the country.

I see that the email from the official was forwarded to Howard Hudgins in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Resources. I am confident he will make the appropriate contact and supplement the information you have already shared. The Board, too, stands ready to be of assistance in sharing our success, which was achieved in large part to our partnership with caring and committed community-based groups such as ArlingtonDogs.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to make us aware of the compliment of Arlington's CCAs and exchange of information with Canon City, Colorado.

Sincerely,

Christopher Zimmerman
Chairman
Arlington County Board

Feed Your Dog Raw Chicken?
WOOFS! Dog Training Center and Susan Heckelman, a Bones and Raw Foods specialist, are offering a complimentary seminar on the Bones and Raw Foods Diet, recently the subject of an hour-long discussion on NPR’s Public Interest show. The seminar will be held at WOOFS at 2 pm on September 21, at 4241-A North Pershing Drive. Call 703-536-PUPS to register.

Two AWLA Events
On Sunday, September 29, 2002 from 1pm-5pm, spend some quality time with your pet at Pentagon Row, and help domestic animals everywhere by participating in "Paws for a Cause." The proceeds of this pet promenade and contest will all go to support the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (http://www.AWLA.org). Festivities include a gala parade of pets, a pet beauty contest, pet talent contest and more, all at the Plaza at Pentagon Row (located at the corner of Army Navy Drive and South Joyce Street, Arlington.) Registration starts at 1pm with judging beginning at 2pm. Awards ceremony to follow. And bring your Pentagon Row receipts dated 09/29/02 to the plaza and 10% of the total will go to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington

And what are you doing on October 5th 2002? Don't be left out of the fun for Mamma Meow! The AWLA Casino Night and Silent Auction. Contact Denise Pons dpons@awla.org for more details on either event.

Charity Dog Wash
Join Pro Feed, Avo Diets and Capital Animal Care for the 4th Annual Charity Dog Wash. Stop by Sunday, September 15th from 1 - 3 and have your favorite pooch scrubbed. All proceeds benefit the Capital Area Mobile Spay Neuter Clinic, offering subsidized sterilization and wellness services to pets of families with little or no income. Bring your own towels & brushes, they supply the water, scrubbing power, Avo shampoo and special treats! Donations requested. Pro Feed is at Bradlee Shopping Center, 3690-G King Street, Alexandria. Questions? Call (703) 820-3888

Let’s Get Social
There has been talk among ADogs members about having some social activities for our members. Currently, the only thing we have scheduled is the holiday party in December. If you’d like to help organize or be part of a social committee to plan activities such as parties, happy hours, outings, etc. drop a note to arlingtondogs@hotmail.com.

MORE NEWS ABOUT THE TOWERS CCA. Installation of permanent fencing at Towers is moving along. According to county staff, the Towers CCA should have fencing by late September or early October (depending on whether the fencing is in stock). The county will be installing a waterline for the doggy/people water fountain, an information kiosk readable from both inside and outside the fence, and will moving the volleyball court to accommodate a puppy or time-out area.

ADOGS GIVES BACK TO LOCAL CCAs. Fresh off of successful fundraising and membership drives, ADogs has sent a $75 donation to each of the CCA sponsoring groups in Arlington for use at their CCAs however they see fit. The work of the CCA sponsoring groups is critical in providing a place for Arlingtonians to gather, a model for other communities across the country, and helping ADogs advocate at the county and regional level for increased efforts for animal welfare, animal health, and for support of county dog parks.

DOG SHOW 9/7. The Greater Washington Siberian Husky Club is sponsoring a novice rally obedience match for all breeds and a conformation show for northern breeds at the Lucketts Community Center in Leesburg VA. For more information, call Mac Thompson at (703) 771-7392 or e-mail him at mactho@aol.com.

9/11 COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS. Arlington County is hosting two 9/11 commemorative events: (1) The County will unfurl a large flag in Gateway Park (located at the foot of the Key Bridge near Rosslyn's metro station) at 9:37 AM--the exact minute that the Pentagon was attacked a year ago. Brief remarks and remembrances will be offered up by local government officials, civic leaders and first responders and their families. NBC News Anchor Doreen Gentzler will act as emcee for the 15-minute program. Following the ceremony, a 3,500-pound bronze Bell of Remembrance will toll 184 times in memory of the lives lost at the Pentagon. Citizens are asked to arrive by 9:15 AM for the event. (2) At 7:00 PM an outdoor concert featuring the Arlington Symphony Orchestra and a 150-member choral group will be held at the Netherlands Carillon near the US Marine Corps Memorial. (The rain date is 9/12.) More details are at the county’s website, http://www.co.arlington.va.us/scripts/default.asp

CHARITY DOG WASH 9/15. Pro Feed & Avo-Diets dog food are sponsoring a dog wash on September 15th from 1:00 PM-3:00 PM at the Bradlee Shopping Center (3690-G King St. Alexandria, VA). Bring your pooch, towels, combs & brushes; they'll supply the water, scrubbing power, Avo shampoo, and special treats. Donations are requested and Pro Feed will donate 5% of the day's sales to the Capital Area Mobile Spay-Neuter Clinic. Questions? Call Pro Feed at (703) 820-3888.

CHARITY "PUTT FORE MUTTS" GOLF TOURNAMENT 10/11. Our friends at the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation are hosting the second annual "Putt Fore Mutts" Golf Tournament at Twin Lakes Golf Course. For $125/per player ($62 tax deductible) you get breakfast, 18 holes and a cart, lunch, free beverages, and a chance at raffles & prizes. Make up your own team or join another one. Send a check made out to LDRF and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of your team's members to 13523 Sequoia Lea Dr. Clifton, VA 20124. Questions? Call Ellen at (703) 222-9711.

DOGS OFFLEASH ON BIKE PATHS. The letter to the editor of the Sun Gazette this week reminds all of us that it’s important (and the law) to keep dogs on leash in public areas outside of CCAs ­ and reminds us to take responsibility for our the actions of our dogs. If anyone has any information about the incident reported, please feel free to contact ArlingtonDogs at arlingtondogs@hotmail.com or (703) 578-0522.

ArlingtonDogs Makes the Most of the Dog Days of Summer
group dispenses information as well as cold cash during hot days (read more)

UPDATE: Thanks to quick action by rescuer, owner, and AWLA, the dog wandering around Ballston was reunited yesterday afternoon with her owner after spending an inadvertent “take someone else’s dog to work day” with her rescuer. Mattie, raised in rural Virginia, had slipped her collar and her fence and wandered down to the Ballston Metro.

NEW ALERT: Another lost dog message came in today: “On my way home from work Monday evening, July 22nd, there was a stray brown/black German Shepherd on South 17th Street (between S. Monroe and S. Glebe Rd). It did not have a collar on. I called the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (703.931.9241) at 6:10pm and they were on their way to find the dog. If anyone is looking for a brown/black German Shepherd please contact AWLA at the above number. Thanks!!!”

RABIES CLINIC: AWLA’s July rabies clinic is this Thursday, July 25th, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Vaccinations are given for a low $7 per animal; the shelter is at 2650 So. Arlington Mill Drive.

4H FAIR: Perfect Pets 4H Dog Training Club presents a canine musical freestyle demonstration and workshop at the Fairfax County 4H fair in Frying Pan Park, Herndon, August 3 at 1 pm. You can bring your dog, enjoy the fair, dog show, Patie Ventre and her dog Dancer, and members of the Chesapeake Rock N’Rovers demonstrate World Canine Freestyle Organization freestyle. Donations gratefully accepted. Questions, call or email Joanne Graves, dog_4h@hotmail.com, 703-642-1726.

ADOGS AT ARLINGTON FAIR: Which brings up the Arlington County Fair, August 15-18. The theme this year is “Celebrating the Best of Arlington,” ADogs will again have a booth, and volunteers are being sought to help set up, design, and staff the booth. The Fair is a great opportunity to introduce dog-owners and non-dog owners to ADogs, educate folks about location of dog parks as well as good canine citizenship, and each year it gives ADogs a great deal of visibility. Contact ADogs’ Vice Chair and award-winning Fair booth designer Becky Halbe to volunteer or to ask any questions (halber@bellatlantic.net)

PARK SAFE. Arlington County has kicked off Park Safe. Throughout the month of July, officers will be increasing the enforcement of laws that prohibit drinking, using fireworks or otherwise disturbing the peace, harassing wildlife and pets, and other inappropriate behavior in public parks. This should help with some “happy hour” problems and harassment of their dogs that dog park visitors have noted and reported to authorities. Dog park visitors should also be aware that enforcement will include cracking down on leash law violations. Please remember that if your dog is in a public area outside a CCA, he or she MUST be on-leash. It’s not just a matter of being a good neighbor, it’s the law!

BOOK SIGNING/LECTURE. Noted author and certified pet dog trainer Joel Walton (author of “Labrador Retrievers for Dummies” and “Positive Puppy Training Works”) will be delivering a lecture and signing copies of his books on July 20 at the grand opening of WOOFS!, a new dog care facility in Arlington owned and operated by the folks who organize and manage ADogs’ weekend puppy parties. The event is free of charge, and dogs and humans of all ages are welcome. Event is July 20, 2002 (book signing: 1-3 pm; reception 3-6 pm). WOOFS! will focus on enriching the relationship between humans and their canines through positive reinforcement training, cageless doggy daycare every weekday, and educational opportunities such as book clubs, and seminars, is located at 4241-A N. Pershing (behind the El Paso Café and just past the corner of Pershing and Glebe). For more information send a note to janet.crist@att.net or sharkey18@msn.com

SMALL PARKS. ArlingtonDogs thanks Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment for its letter to the county endorsing the our small grants proposal for stream mitigation ­ the only small parks grant proposal submitted that dealt with stream erosion efforts. The ACE letter is reproduced below. Thank you, ACE! Any other groups or individuals who want to send in letters of support should feel free to do so, the sooner the better. And any ADoggers who want to be on the environmental committee that will be putting together the final plan by Sept. 15, please send a note to michelle_prettyman@yahoo.com.

K-9 VEST. Thank you to all Adoggers who have contributed over the years to the ADogs Vested Interest Fund, which support efforts to assist Arlington County Police Department’s K-9 units. The Fund has purchased another bulletproof vest, this one for the newest member of the canine unit. Rico is a 3 ½ year old Belgian Malinois who joined the force last August as a patrol/explosives expert, and accompanies veteran police officer and K-9 handler Corporal Thorpe Lichtenberg. Police dogs face shooting, stabbing, beating, and other dangers. The individually-tailored and specially made K-9 vests help mitigate damage in all of those situations. Kudos to ADog Treasure Lois Trumbull for coordinating the logistics of this purchase and donation. kkirchoff@ahadirect.com.

VIENNA DOG PARK. The Mayor and Town Council of the City of Vienna invite folks to the dedication and grand opening of a new dog park at Moorefield Park, 700 Courthouse Road (I-66 to Nutley, left on Courthouse, left into Moorefield Park), in Vienna VA at 9 am on Saturday, July 13.

AWLA POLICIES.Those of you who volunteer at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington may already have received this note, but we wanted to help AWLA get the word out to as many interested persons as possible and AWLA agreed to let us distribute their note to volunteers explaining shelter policies. This may answer questions some of you have directed our way. Contact information for further info is included in the letter.

SOFTBALL. Thanks for the responses from last week’s call for softball players ­ now if we can get a few more female players together, we’ll have a team. For three years now ArlingtonDogs and The Lost Dog Cafe have put together a team for Arlington County's fall coed adult softball league. If you are interested in playing please send a note to michelle_prettyman@yahoo.com ASAP. The deadline for the Fall league paperwork is July 17. Games are played on Saturdays (usually in the morning) in Arlington, beginning the end of August through early October.

BLESSING OF THE PETS. Thanks to all ADoggers who made it to Blessing of the Pets on June 30 at Clarendon United Methodist Church, and thank you to the Church for hosting this terrific event and inviting ADogs to have a table. About 25 dogs and 20 cats came to the three services.

UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS. Chair Michelle Prettyman has set and confirmed locations for ADogs Board meetings this year, well in advance. All are 7:30 pm to 9 pm in room CC3 on the first floor of the NRECA building, which is on Wilson Blvd. across from the construction site that used to be the parking lot adjacent to the Hechts section of Ballston Mall. Dates are: July 10, Sept. 18, Oct. 9, Nov. 13, Jan. 8, Feb. 12, March 12, April 9 (this will also serve as the ADogs annual meeting), May 14, and June 11. All ADoggers are encouraged to attend any or all of these public meetings.

SAAB FUNDRAISER. Thanks to Saab and You Lucky Dog Barkery and Boutique in Alexandria for hosting a fundraiser that netted nearly $2,000 for ArlingtonDogs. But most importantly, thank you to all ADoggers who showed up to test drive a new Saab. Each driver meant a $20 contribution to ADogs from Saab, and apparently our turnout well exceeded the norm that the Saab folks expect (about 50-75). And a final thank you to ArlingtonDogs’ Board member Dawn Dangel for organizing and setting up the event.

OPEN SPACE. Dog park advocates have also had a good turnout at the County’s Open Space Task Force meetings, expressing their interest in maintaining and expanding dog parks in the County and detailing the benefits the Community Canine Areas bring to humans as well as canines in the area. Meetings continue in July ­ let’s keep up the turnout, and feel free to submit written comments if you can’t come! Contact Karin Kirchoff for details, more info, or to help put the final polish on ADogs’ official written submission, kkirchoff@ahadirect.com.

SOFTBALL. Softball fans, it's that time of year again. For three years now ArlingtonDogs and The Lost Dog Cafe have put together a team for Arlington County's fall coed adult softball league. If you are interested in playing please contact Michelle Prettyman at michelle_prettyman@yahoo.com ASAP. The deadline for the Fall league paperwork is July 17. Games are played on Saturdays (usually in the morning) in Arlington, beginning the end of August through early October.

AWLA SHELTER. Many ADoggers have expressed interest in the Animal Welfare League of Arlington’s (AWLA) policies detailed in recent press accounts. ADogs efforts include many years worth of fundraising, collection of dry goods for, and support for AWLA projects. At the same time, ADogs has received increasingly numerous complaints from individual ADogs members who felt that their questions about specific shelter practices -- particularly questions regarding euthanasia policies and fostering policies -- had been brushed aside, rebuffed, or that AWLA had otherwise been evasive.

Given ADogs’ longstanding support for AWLA efforts, the need to work closely with and maintain public confidence in AWLA (which serves as animal warden and enforcement authority for many activities in Community Canine Areas), and an interest in being responsive to the concerns of members, ADogs’ Board accepted the recent suggestion from an ADogs member to hear from former employees of the shelter who had similar concerns as had been expressed by members. Those employees invited a reporter to accompany them to an ADogs Board meeting (all ADogs Board meetings are open to any member of the public). After the presentation, several ADogs members volunteered to be on an ad-hoc task force to better understand AWLA policies and practices. The hope is that such a task force could help clear up possible misunderstandings or misinformation and perhaps suggest new policies where appropriate. ADogs hopes to work with AWLA on our shared goals -- sensible, humane approaches to dealing with stray and homeless animals within the confines of strapped local budgets and a sometimes overwhelming population of unwanted pets. ADogs also hopes to work with AWLA to use our own extensive network to help AWLA improve its communication to Arlington residents with questions about shelter policies. Any questions, interest, etc., please email ArlingtonDogs at arlingtondogs@hotmail.com, or call 703-578-0522.

ADOGS NEEDS YOUR HELP! The Open Space Master Plan Task Force - the group who is making recommendations about uses for “open space” in Arlington - is looking for YOUR involvement in "The Arlington Way". There will be one Historic/Cultural work group meeting on June 17 (think: Madison CCA), and the Outdoor Active Recreation working group that will include looking at dog parks in general is holding three working open meetings (June 24, July 1 and July 8) so that the public can attend and register comments. A letter from the Outdoor Active Recreation working group is here. ArlingtonDogs will be submitting an official position but we need lots of ADogs supporters to speak about or submit comments about the value of Community Canine Areas to Arlington! All meetings will happen at Central Library at 7 pm.Other working groups are also meeting throughout the month. Contact Karin Kirchoff for more details - kkirchoff@ahadirect.com

MADISON. ArlingtonDogs sent this letter to the Arlington Sun Gazette, following the paper’s report that the Arlington Heritage Alliance has once again targeted its efforts on the Madison CCA at Fort Ethan Allen.

USA TODAY. Some of you may have seen the USA Today piece on dog feces in waterways (including Four Mile Run) and the similar piece on Channel 9. ArlingtonDogs sent this letter to both media outlets.

FUNDRAISER. Don’t forget to stop by You Lucky Dog in Alexandria (Fairlington Shopping Center, 1531 Quaker Lane) on June 22 and test drive a Saab. The new Saabs have dog friendly features, you can bring Fido, and stay and enjoy some of the treats You Lucky Dog has to offer ­ refreshments for both canines and humans will be available. Hours for the event have been extended (10 am to 5 pm), call You Lucky Dog at 703-933-3838 with any questions or to reserve a specific car model for your test drive. Click for more information.

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFORTS. ArlingtonDogs has submitted a letter of intent to the County for a small parks grant to help mitigate erosion along Four Mile Run adjacent to Shirlington and Glen Carlyn CCAs. Emphasizing that increased usage of all Arlington parks has stressed the environmental of health of the stream, the letter offers to help the County improve shoreline, restore native plants, and monitor water quality ­ efforts that will benefit users of all types of parks along Four Mile Run as well, ultimately, as all residents of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. ArlingtonDogs has also written to the Commonwealth of Virginia offering to assist in efforts to monitor and reduce runoff and other pollution contributing to the degradation of the Bay. The state is setting water quality standards for fecal coliform (of all types ­ human, wildlife, and pet) in Four Mile Run. Dog parks provide a good place to educate dog owners about the effects of runoff of animal wastes, collect waste in one place, and with the periodic “sweeps” that occur, to collect overlooked waste. Remember: Scoop that poop! It’s important to everyone in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed!

OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN. Arlington County is currently updating its Open Space Master Plan. Its Outdoor Active Recreation Working Group is gathering information and identifying issues about active-use outdoor facilities including: athletic fields and courts, playgrounds, community canine areas, trails/paths, boathouse/Potomac River access and use, and facilities for skateboarding, Frisbee, and other outdoor sports and activities. Other working groups are gathering similar information on indoor facilities; outdoor passive recreation and natural resources; urban areas and streetscapes; art, historic, and cultural resources; and land acquisition and optimization. The Outdoor Active Recreation Working Group is scheduled to conduct public forums on three Mondays (June 24, July 1, and July 8), 7:00-9:00 pm at Arlington County Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy Street. Information can be submitted by attending the forums, by submitting comments by fax, email, or snail mail (contact info will follow shortly). These public meetings will not be decision-making events, but will be purely information-gathering forums. Depending on the turnout and mindful of time constraints, the Working Group may need to limit oral comments (ie, two minutes per speaker, one speaker per viewpoint until all representative viewpoints have been heard once-around, etc.) but welcomes as much input as possible. ArlingtonDogs will be attending and submitting comments on the usefulness, condition, and need for CCAs, and their value in helping preserve open space. Any member who wants to help put the ADogs comments together or wants more info on this effort, please contact us at arlingtondogs@hotmail.comor 703-578-0522.

MADISON CCA. The County Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board (HALRB) has sent a letter to County Manager Ron Carlee asking him to act on last year’s HALRB vote regarding the Madison CCA at Fort Ethan Allen park. As reminder, the HALRB had disapproved a Certificate of Appropriateness for the fencing at the dog park, which would necessitate closing the existing park. This led to a long series of public meetings in which HALRB, two other historic groups, ArlingtonDogs, MadDogs, and the two civic associations participated. An alternative site was found near the existing park ­ on the Madison Community Center site but completely outside the historic designation area -- acceptable to the great majority of participants in the work group, including HALRB and ArlingtonDogs (as an alternative to the complete closure of the CCA). The alternative site was recommended for approval to the County Manager, but for some reason he did not approve the alternative and the situation continues in limbo. Without an alternative and if the county acts to close Madison, one of the few CCAs in North Arlington faces shutdown. ADogs continues to argue that CCAs should be treated like any other county park and the public process for siting them should be respected. If the rules can change for dog parks, then all parks (CCAs and other) are threatened. ADoggers who want to weigh in with the county board can contact countyboard@co.arlington.va.us

ANOTHER CALL FOR VIGILANCE. With the warm weather, some of the problems with people who don’t have dogs but sometimes loiter at various county parks (including CCAs) have begun again. Park users in Shirlington’s CCA have particularly noticed this, have contacted county staff, and the area should be receiving increased attention from the police. CCA users and users of other county parks should continue to be vigilant, careful, report incidents to the county (contact information should be up at every dog park) and some users have suggested attending the dog parks in groups or at times when other users are present. And not to sound like your mother, but a few cautionary reminders (we only remind you because we love you). Please remember we need to police ourselves and be good witnesses. A Clarendon CCA visitor reports that when her teenage daughter was at the park with her dog on May 8 at around 5 pm, another Clarendon user viciously kicked her dog in front of other CCA visitors and ordered the daughter and her friend out of the park. The dog owner has asked that anyone who was at the park at the time: “I’d like to talk with them to check the girls’ account.” Anyone who can help, please contact ADogs at 703-578-0522 or arlingtondogs@hotmail.com. A dog struck by a car near Ft. Barnard CCA a week later is another reminder: Keep your dogs leashed until inside the CCA, and have proper ID on your dog so that if something does happen, you can be located.

SAAB FUNDRAISER/TESTDRIVE. Show up at You Lucky Dog Bakery (1531 N. Quaker Lane, just over the border into Alexandria) on Saturday, June 22, between 11 am and 4 pm to test drive a new Saab and Saab will donate $20 per test drive to ArlingtonDogs. New Saabs have dog-friendly seats and safety features. All you have to do is test drive it, and you can even bring your dog. Let’s get a great turnout to thank both Saab and You Lucky Dog for organizing this event! ADogs is still looking for volunteers to help staff the tables and prepare for the event; reply to arlingtondogs@hotmail.comif you are interested.

DOUGLAS DOGS had its first meeting since the creation of Ft. Barnard and is now going gangbusters. They are online at with a group at yahoogroups (group name: DouglasDogs) and a website. Anyone who wants to join the yahoo group can send an email to douglasdogs@yahoogroups.com­ and DouglasDogs invites everyone to sign up.

GAS CHAMBERS IN VIRGINIA. There are still animal shelters in Virginia that use the gas chamber to kill unwanted pets ­ a method many regard as among the most inhumane ways to end an animal’s life, leading to a slow and painful death. There is a petition online to ban gas chambers in Virginia shelters, and you can “sign” it at www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/petition-sign.cgi?chamber

Walk for the Animals
The Animal Welfare League's 7th Annual Walk for the Animals will be held on Saturday, May 11th. Walkers may participate in the 3-mile walk or the 1-mile stroll. This walk is being held in conjunction with Arlington Neighborhood Day. Registration begins at 8:30 at the Bluemont Park Main Picnic Pavilion (601 N. Manchester Street). Dogs are welcome (on-leashes, of course!). Post-walk activities include contests, refreshments, and demonstrations. Registration is $25 on-site and $20 before April 30th. Walkers are also encouraged to obtain pledges from family and friends. All proceeds benefit the League's programs, such as sheltering thousands of homeless animals each year, low-cost spay/neuter programs, and programs in the community, such as Pet Assisted Therapy. For more information, call (703) 931-9241 ext. 280 or visit our website. A registration form can be obtained on the site.

Annual Meeting
Please note that due to unforeseen circumstances, the ADogs annual meeting will now be one day earlier (Tuesday, April 9) and in a new location (NRECA building at the corner of Glebe and N. Fairfax, across N. Fairfax Street from Hechts at Ballston Mall), at 7:30 pm. Parking is available under the building, if you arrive before 8 pm.

Party for Pooches
Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation is pleased to announce the first annual “Party for Pooches” on Saturday, April 27th, at Spurs Night Club. More information is available at www.lostdogrescue.com. Spurs is at the Pinefield South Shopping Center, Route 301 & Mattawoman Beantown Road, Waldorf, Maryland, and the fun begins at 7 pm. Proceeds go to a good cause ­ Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation’s efforts!

Potential Herndon Dog Park
The Observer (Fairfax and Loudon Counties) has a piece on efforts to establish a dog park, including an online poll re. a potential dog park in Herndon. At “press time” the poll is running at 100% pro dog park, 0% against, and the poll is up until Thursday the 28th. Poll is at www.observernews.com(right hand side of home page).

ArlingtonDogs Volunteer Drive
We have many great opportunities which can take advantage of your talents!! We are looking forward to meeting with you to share our plans for the coming year and to pair you up with a committee. To kick off our volunteer drive we are having an organizational meeting on Saturday March 23rd at 11:30 AM at the Arlington Mill Community Center, Room 135A. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided. The community center is located at 4975 Columbia Pike between S. George Mason Dr. and S. Carlin Spring Dr. We are looking forward to meeting with you on the 23rd! If you have any questions, please contact Laura Sharkey at sharkey18@email.msn.com.

GlenCarlyn Clean Up
Arlington County is sponsoring a stream clean-up on Saturday, March 9th, from 9 am to noon. GlenCarlyn Dogs is co-sponsoring the clean up in Glen Carlyn (the area around the dog park as well as the area adjacent to the park). It would be great to have a group of dog park folks there. Wear work clothes, boots or shoes you would not mind getting wet, and we’ll see you there! For questions, please contact Karin Kirchoff of GlenCarlyn Dogs, kirchoffkarin@hotmail.com.

Sale for the Benefit of Dogs
On March 6th and 7th, from 5 pm to 11 pm, meet fun loving, art loving, jewelry loving, and animal loving people at Irene Antonucci’s, 2915 9th Street North, between Garfield and Filmore. 20% of the sales will be donated to the care of dogs at risk who are injured or have special needs. There will be a lot of handmade jewelry from Italy, India, and Mongolia, as well as an eclectic collection of original art, unique dog and cat stuff, and a photo exhibit of loving dogs needing loving homes. Questions? Call Irene Antonucci at 703-527-0892

ArlingtonDogs to be featured on WAMU (88.5)
ArlingtonDogs will be on Kojo Nnamdi’s “Public Interest” show on public radio WAMU (88.5) on Wednesday, February 27, from noon to 1 pm. The subject will be: Dog Parks, why are they good, why are they bad, and why are people so passionate about them? Tune in, and call in! The show is a talk/Q&A format and live calls will be taken at 1-800-433-8850. The more we can demonstrate community support for dog parks, the better.

Particularly valuable would be calls from parents (demonstrating that it’s not kids-vs-dogs), people who have created a community of friends through dog parks (demonstrating that dog parks are not just about dogs…they are about people too), and people who live near the parks (demonstrating that dog parks in the neighborhood are a value, not a detriment). Judy Green, founder of ADogs and now head of Northern Virginia Dog Park Coalition, and ADogs Board Member Laura Sharkey will be on the show and looking forward to some supportive calls.

Tune in, call in, or email in with your supportive comments ­ we need you and most important, we need to hear from you! The number is 1-800-433-8850, or you can email pi@wamu.org.

"Hero Dogs" airing on the History Channel
John Burnam, President of the Vietnam Dog Handlers Association (www.vdhaonline.org) invites ArlingtonDogs members to watch a new documentary entitled "Hero Dogs" airing on the History Channel at 8:00 p.m. on March 11. Many ArlingtonDogs members had the privilege of meeting John at our fundraiser for his organization's national war dog memorial effort last year at the Rhodeside Grill.

ArlingtonDogs' February Newletter
Click here to access the newsletter (in Adobe PDF format) and read more details about our recent activities.

DOG PARK LAW UPDATE.
The Virginia Senate Committee on Local Government deferred action on the bill introduced by Sen. Byrne (D-Fairfax) that would have tied the hands of local governments seeking to locate dog parks within their boundaries. Thanks to Senators Whipple (D-Arlington) and Ticer (D-Alexandria) for opposing the legislation, and thanks to all A-Doggers who registered their opinions. If the bill arises again in this or another form, we will try to keep you posted.

HART ART AUCTION.
One of Homeless Animals Rescue Team’s most important fundraisers, the Art Auction will be Saturday, March 16, at 7 pm in Dulles Airport Marriot’s Grand Ballroom. There will be a silent auction in addition to the art auction, complimentary champagne, and a dessert buffet. Tickets are $20. More info is at www.hart90.com

ADOGS EMAIL HAS CHANGED.
Please note that you can now reach us at ArlingtonDogs@hotmail.com.

ANIMAL CRUELTY BILL.
The Virginia Senate and House of Delegates have before them two bills that would stiffen penalties for animal cruelty, SB 306 and HB 707. You can contact your legislator at 1-800-889-0229

Buffet Brunch at Dogma on January 26 (1-15-02)

Four-Legged Rescuers (10-11-01)
Check out these photo tributes: Boston Globe, The Scoop

Arlington County Press Release (9-17-01)
SEPTEMBER 17 - ARLINGTON ASKS FOR COORDINATION OF VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE AND FOOD DONATIONS

Community Gathering Set for October 7
Arlington County will host a community gathering to grieve, to honor, to unite on Sunday, October 7, from 6 - 7:00 p.m. at the Washington and Lee High School Stadium, Stafford Street and Washington Boulevard. Among those to be honored are members of the Arlington County Fire and Police Departments and other emergency workers. The evening will conclude with a candle lighting ceremony.

The Dogfather is Coming (9-17-01)
Casino Night! October 6 7:30-11pm, NRECA Conference Center

Glebe Park Alternatives (6-29-01)
July 17 meeting scheduled

Letter to Ron Carlee (7-17-01)
Regarding the Madison Dogs Public Process

Park Officials Support Dog Park in Annandale (7-11-01)
From the July 12 Washington Post

Introducing Alexandria Dogs (7-15-01)
Get involved now!

Fur is Flying (7-5-01)
between historical preservationists and pet owners over the location of the
dog park, which is near Madison Community Center

Pet Food: The Lowdown on Labels (6-26-01)
Reprinted from the FDA Consumer Magazine

How To Break up a Dog Fight Without Getting Hurt!
Tips from Ed Frawley

How to Start a Dog Park!
Some guidelines courtesy of sfspca.org

Herndon Town Council OKs Dog Park (1-12-01)
County Must Now Approve Use for Dogs - By Louise Cannon, Observer Staff Writer

Romping with Rover (12-17-00)
Alexandria City Dog Rules

County May Add Second Dog Park (11-2-00)
Journal article by Amena H. Saiyid

Puppy Party Publicity (11-13-00)
ArlingtonDogs' Puppy Parties were recently profiled in the Washington Post

HELP MADISON PARK! (6-25-00)
Visit the section on Local Dog Parks for more information on Madison and how you can help.

Oakton Park News (5-25-00)
Oakton's new park featured in the Washington Post.

Dog Licences (2-1-00)
Read the last Arlington County Dog Licencing Memo.