Washington Humane Society Waives Adoption Fees for Black and Orange Animals

Special Halloween event runs from October 25-30.

  The Washington Humane Society (WHS) is hoping waiving fees on all black and orange animals will inspire people in the DC metro area to adopt an animal, teach it some tricks and give it some appropriate treats, during this special Halloween promotion from Oct. 25-30. This is a frighteningly good deal for potential pet owners as adoption fees are $85 for cats and $170 for dogs. You do not have to be a resident of the District of Columbia to adopt an animal from either of the two WHS adoption locations: If you are interested in adopting a dog, cat, ferret, guinea pig or bird from WHS, you’ll need the following items to get started: For more information about the Washington Humane Society’s adoption program, please visit its website, or call…

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A Dog's Life

Due Diligence at the Dog Park

Tips and suggestions to ensure a fun, safe trip to the dog park.

Dog parks are a great way to meet other dog lovers and let your dog socialize while getting some exercise and burning off some energy! It is important to be aware of your surroundings and respectful of other people to ensure that all dogs and people are able to have a good time at the park. Here are some tips to keep in mind at the dog park: 1. Separate big and small dogs. In parks that designate “small dog” and “big dog” sides, make sure you stick to the appropriate side of the park based on your dog’s size. The difference in body size alone can create a hazard for small dogs as they can easily get stepped on or rolled by the bigger dogs. In addition, sometimes bigger dogs will corner and chase smaller dogs, not necessarily out of …

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A Dog's Life

Take Your Dog to Work on Friday

On June 24 businesses around the country will promote adoption and responsible pet ownership by celebrating 'Take Your Dog to Work Day.'

On June 24, for one special day, thousands of dogs will have a chance to trade their bones for briefcases and their collars for collared shirts. Take Your Dog to Work Day provides a unique opportunity for hard-working dog lovers to bring their well-mannered canines to the workplace in recognition of Pet Sitters International's special holiday. Local businesses are encouraged to join forces with professional pet care providers, animal shelters, humane societies and rescue groups on this unique day to celebrate the human-pet bond.   This annual event has become increasingly popular over the past decade and encourages employers to experience the value of pets in the workplace one Friday per year to support the pet community. The “holiday” was…

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A Dog's Life

Tasty Frozen Treats to Cool Down Your Canine

Homemade and healthy treats to help your dog beat the heat.

Summer is here and dogs, like humans, are looking for a few good ways to cool off. While a previous column mentioned great ways to keep your dog active and safe during the summer, cool treats can help beat the heat for both man and his best friend. Frozen treats aren't only for humans, so try some of these great options to reward your pup after a long, warm summer day. 1. Doggy Ice Cream Frosty Paws may be the most well-known doggy ice cream, but it’s actually pretty easy to make your own version at home. Here are the ingredients you need: It is best to use cupcake liners since ice cube trays are so small. Mix or blend all of the ingredients, then spoon them into the cupcake liners and freeze them. After you freeze the treats in the liners…

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A Dog's Life

Springtime Fun for You and Your Dog

Exciting and unique spring outings good for man and his best friend.

Owning a dog can translate to springtime fun for both you and your dog in the Washington, D.C., metro area. The Capital Crescent Trail, Great Falls Park and local dog parks are just a few great options for enjoying the season with your pup. Here are some other fun places nearby to enjoy the warmer weather and meet other dog lovers. 1. Downs Park Dog Beach: Located in Pasadena, Md., the park includes a small beach for dogs and is an ideal place for water-loving canines to frolic in the Chesapeake Bay. On any given weekend you can find multiple dogs chasing tennis balls in the waves and wading in the shallow water. Although it is not fenced-in, this sandy inlet is surrounded by thick woods on one side, making it a perfect place to let your …

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A Dog's Life

Too Fat To Fetch?

Canine obesity is on the rise in America but you can prevent your dog from packing on the pounds.

It’s not just American humans who are struggling with rampant weight gain. Unfortunately, our dogs are also getting unhealthily heavy. Canine obesity is a rising problem in our country and can mean serious health implications for our beloved pets. The fourth annual Association for Pet Obesity Prevention study released this February found approximately 55 percent of dogs in America are overweight or obese. The most common causes of obesity in dogs are the same as humans — overfeeding and lack of exercise. These might seem like obvious reasons but you’d be surprised at how little people pay attention to their dog’s diet and exercise habits. If dogs consume more calories than they need without burning off that energy, they will gain weight (…

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Local Pet Care Business Gets Regional Recognition

Katie and Rosie's Pet Care based in Potomac started out as a favor for a friend and is now getting attention in Washington Magazine.

Katie and Rosie Kohn are the mother and daughter co-owners of the Potomac-based pet boarding business, Katie and Rosie’s Pet Care, which recently received some attention in Washington Magazine’s online edition. Washington Magazine called its online readers to submit their picks for the top pet care providers in the Washington, D.C., metro area, and several readers recommended Katie and Rosie’s Pet Care. “Katie and Rosie’s pet care is great, my standard poodle Madison has spent a lot of time with Katie and Rosie and they take wonderful care of her, she even gets to sleep in bed with them,” posted Judy Z. of Potomac on the comment chain. “Highly recommend them!” The mother, Katie said it all began when she visited veterinarian Dr. Richard …

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A Dog's Life

Protect Your Dog from the Cold Weather Woes

Dogs may love to romp in snow and eat ice, but pet owners must be aware of the hazards that come with winter weather.

Some of the household products commonly used in winter weather can be toxic and even deadly to dogs. Anti-freeze has a sweet taste to animals but contains ethylene glycol which is extremely dangerous when ingested, even in small amounts. Do not let your dog drink from puddles or lick the ground anywhere near vehicles, even if they are parked. You never know where anti-freeze has been spilled or leaked and toxicity can occur within minutes. If you suspect your dog may have ingested anti-freeze or any other chemical contact your vet immediately- do not wait for symptoms to appear! Salt products used on icy sidewalks contain chemicals that can be harmful to pets. These ice-melting salts can dry out or burn a dog's pads with prolonged contact…

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Non-profit Offers Free Dog Training at Community Center

A local woman's passion for keeping dogs out of shelters inspires her to offer free monthly workshops at the Potomac Community Center.

Debra Ekman believes there are too many dogs in shelters, so she decided she would do something about it. Ekman founded Your Dog's Friend, a non-profit organization dedicated to  its mission to keep dogs out of shelters by educating and supporting dog owners, Ekman said. Your Dog's Friend offers free workshops year round at the Potomac Community Center to help pet-owners with some common problems. The next workshop will take place on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. at the Potomac Community Center. The speaker, Dr. E. Kathryn Meyer will speak on the top ten secrets for well-behaved dogs and happy humans. Ekman said 130 people are signed up for Saturday's workshop. "Too many dog owners give up their dogs because of problems that could have been …

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Dog Walk And Pet Fair Will Be A Barking Good Time

The 21st Annual Montgomery County SPCA Dog Walk and Pet Fair will take place Saturday, Oct. 16.

Halloween is coming early for Potomac dog lovers, so get your pooch's costume ready for the 21st Annual Montgomery County SPCA Dog Walk and Pet Fair on Saturday. The event — which will take place at 10:30 a.m. at Avenel Local Park on Saturday, Oct. 16. — will include a one-mile walk and opportunities for pet-owners to showcase their dogs' costumes and talents. Also there are various contests for owners and pets, such as the best tail-wager, largest and smallest dog, best musical sit and best person and dog costume. The Montgomery County SPCA has been working on behalf of our furry friends for 37 years. The organization fosters rescued, abandoned, abused and sick animals in the homes of dedicated groups of volunteers. The MCSPCA is non-…

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