Some NOVADog readers are really quite high-tech and truly enjoy their gadgets, smartphones, tablets and of course, the Internet, quite thoroughly. Clearly, many also seem to enjoy connecting and participating in conversation via social networking as we have seen in the online pet community here in the DC Metro area.
NOVADog partner, Olde Towne Pet Resort, has scoured the web in search of some of the latest pet-specific mobile apps, sites, blogs and other pet-geeky news items of interest to help NOVADog pet parents get their “pet tech” on.

Social Network for Pets Launched With petCentricity
The website petCentricity.com has launched as a means for pet lovers to network with like-minded people. Touted as “your pet’s virtual world and the ultimate pet social network and directory,” membership is free. After creating a pet’s profile, members can begin socializing with pets worldwide. The website plans to have a host of useful information in their directory, including access to pet stores, breeders, groomers, pet photographers, pet sitters, trainers, and more. petCentricity is geared to provide a pet-centric variation of Facebook for dogs, cats and any other animals, including horses, reptile, rabbits, birds, turtles, and any small furry animals.

HandicappedPets.com Launches Mobile Store and New Product
HandicappedPets.com, a company created in 2001 with the purpose of assisting pet owners caring for elderly, injured, and/or handicapped pets, recently announced the grand opening of the HandicappedPets.com mobile store. The mobile store will enable people caring for disabled, elderly, or injured pets to purchase dog wheelchairs and other products via mobile phones. For those who visit HandicappedPets.com on a handheld device, they will be automatically redirected to the mobile website.

Dogington Post Launches Online Forum for Dog Lovers
In honor of National Puppy Day, Dogington Post officially launches its site, (http://dogingtonpost.com/) promising a forum of informative articles, newsworthy dog stories, health and breed information, and heartwarming videos for the most discerning dog lover. Dogington Post is the internet source of information for everything dog. The site addresses current issues affecting dogs and their human parents. Articles on the site range from serious health concerns (“Are jerky treats killing dogs?”, “Can dogs get frostbite?) to lifestyle issues on feeding, grooming, and the overall well-being and mental health of dogs.

PetConference Live Inaugural 2012, Free, Virtual Conference for Pet Owners
This online-only conference brings veterinarians and pet owners together in an educational environment where pet owners can learn about topics of their choice directly from veterinarians. PetConference Live’s motto is “By Vets for Pets.” (http://petconferencelive.com/) Veterinarians are helping to educate pet owners to become more of an advocate for their pet’s health. Pet owners will be able to ask questions of veterinarians, and will be able to visit a virtual exhibit hall, where they will be able to speak in real time to the representatives of products that they currently use or are interested in trying.

And for those of you out there who didn’t know … Olde Towne Pet Resort has something for the pet-geek in you! Both the Springfield and Dulles locations provide 24×7 pet cams for the pet lover who just can’t get enough of live pet watching online! Use the link below to enjoy some live pet cams, OTPR style!
http://www.oldetownepetresort.com/gallery/pet-cams/
Got any cool pet tech stuff to share with us? Let us know in the comments!

Read all about it in our Spring issue! And then grab the pooch and head out for some fun and socialization! (you can check out our canine calendar of events online for additional Yappy Hour dates: http://www.novadogmagazine.com/mydogrules/events

You need the NOVADog guide to grooming. We have expert tips and advice from local groomers and answers to reader questions. Plus a grooming chart that gives you all the details about our featured groomers.

You can read the whole article here:

Since soooooooo many of you asked for the recipes of our yummy “pup” cake at the ball game yesterday (Pups in the Park with the Washington Nationals), I am posting the recipes. I got them from the internet a few years ago, and I don’t remember the source to give them credit (sorry!)

My two NOVADogs Nikki and Chance love these and lay in the kitchen waiting for them to get done baking!

Carrot Banana Pup Cake

In a large bowl, blend 3 cups of water, two large shredded carrots (or a handful of shredded baby carrots) one egg,  1/2 teaspoon Vanilla, and 2 Tablespoons of honey.

Mix in two mashed bananas.

In a separate bowl, combine 4 cups of whole wheat flour, and one Teaspoon each of baking powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

Combine the carrot and flour mixtures and blend well.

Spray a 13 x 9 inch cake pan with cooking spray and pour in the batter.  Bake at 350 degrees F. for about an hour. Store the left overs in the fridge for a few days, or the freezer for a few months.

Cinnamon Carob Chip Pup Cake

2 cups water
2 ripe bananas
1/8 tsp vanilla
3 cups of whole wheat flour
1/2 Tbs baking powder
1 egg
2 Tbs honey
1/2 cup carob chips (I get mine at Whole Foods…they look like chocolate chips, but are safe for dogs to eat)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In mixing bowl, combine water, bananas, vanilla, egg and honey. Add whole wheat flour and baking powder and carob chips. Mix well.

Pour mixture into a 13 x 9 inch cake pan, sprayed with non-stick spray.  Sprinkle a layer of ground cinnamon on top before putting in the oven.

Bake for about an hour, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Store the left overs in the fridge for a few days, or the freezer for a few months.

Because both of these cakes have eggs, they should be stored in the fridge or freeze them and treat your pup to a few at a time!

To see photos of yesterday’s Pups in the Park event visit our Flickr feed: http://www.flickr.com/photos/novadog/sets/72157629870481683/

There are still THREE more Pups in the Park events this year (June, July and September) Get your tickets early, the games sell out fast: www.nationals.com/pups

You must buy tickets in advance to attend the game and a portion of the proceeds donated to the Washington Humane Society.

Ever wonder what canine guests at an upscale pet resort experience, do and enjoy on any given day? We thought it would be fun to share a full day of “doggone” fun by highlighting a day in the life of two adorable Goldendoodles in our area–Harley and Leo–affectionately known as “The Boys” by their doting pet parent and loving “mom,” Cathy Bennett.

Bennett, who in the past few months has taken to actively blogging about The Boys and their many zany adventures on her Groovy Goldendoodles Blog, allowed us to shadow Harley and Leo during their typical day at the Olde Towne Pet Resort’s (OTPR) Springfield, Virginia location.

The day for these two furry boys typically starts early. Mom gets them to hop into the back of the family car and off they go!

“To Olde Towne Pet Resort, please!” they must think out loud as mom chauffeurs her canine kids from Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge to Springfield several times a week.

Before long, The Boys find themselves at the doors of what has become their second home.
Harley and Leo are beloved guests at OTPR. The staff has become quite enamored with them and are happy to greet this dynamic doggie duo in person upon their arrival.

As The Boys leave their mom, there are no sad tears or anxiety. And that’s because these Doodles know exactly what awaits them after a short elevator ride: it’s Doggie Day Camp!

Yes, Harley and Leo are “cool as cats” as they ride up to OTPR’s second floor (Above, right) where the Doggie Day Camp crowd eagerly awaits the arrival of their Doodle buddies.

At last, it’s day camp time! Today, camp is full of all kinds of furry pals and cute canines who seek out The Boys for companionship, joint barking and oh yeah, some playtime too!

And hey humans … don’t let the name “Doggie Day Camp” fool you! It’s not just for fun and fetching.

Day camp dogs, The Boys included, are welcome to weave their way through all the wagging tails and panting poodles to plop down on the camp couch and enjoy some down time and relaxation.

Taking over the day camp couch from end-to-end is clearly an enjoyable highlight point for Leo! (Above)

Couch lounging aside, day camp also includes having fun outdoors!
And … in addition to outdoor playtime with other day camper pups … OTPR guests also get lots of human hugs from the pet care staff. Here, Leo is in full kiss-ready mode and awaits a major hug-fest from OTPR staffer Aaron. (Below)

Later in the day, The Boys are taken for a cool afternoon dip inside the OTPR indoor pool. (Above)

The indoor pool is not all about carefree “splishing” and splashing—staff use water play as a way to incorporate healthy exercise into the day of their canine guests.

As the day winds down, The Boys are taken down to grooming.

These Doodles are so comfy with their grooming routine. Harley just *knows* he’s about to get all kinds of hooked up at the OTPR grooming salon! (Above, left)

Leo is first to get nice and wet! Bet you didn’t know a fluffy Doodle looked like this when their beautiful fur is being washed, did you?? (Above, right)

Not long after their grooming experience, The Boys’ mom shows up to take her beloved babies back home.

Within an hour’s time, The Boys finally arrive back at their digs. And as you can very well imagine, they are doggone tired and totally pooped out…pun intended!

Our thanks again go to Cathy and her beyond-awesome double-Doodle-duo for inviting us into their day and sharing many fun photos in order to tell this story!

For more than nine years, Olde Towne Pet Resort has provided Northern Virginia and Washington DC metro area canines and felines premier boarding, day camp and grooming services. For more information, please visit www.OldeTownePetResort.com or contact 703.455.9000.

New city ordinance will affect animal owners as temperatures rise
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) and its animal control officers were instrumental in passing legislation prohibiting the confinement of animals in vehicles when the outside temperature is at or above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The ordinance requires owners leaving animals in vehicles to maintain an internal vehicle temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit or less.The Alexandria City Council voted unanimously to add Section 5-7-58 to the City Code, which classifies violation as a Class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by a $250 fine per animal.

Since the new legislation was passed in November, temperatures have rarely reached 70 degrees Fahrenheit in Alexandria, and animal control has only responded to a handful of cases. But as the region transitions into spring and the warm weather that accompanies it, Alexandria’s animal control officers will be enforcing the new law and issuing citations. Animals are even more susceptible to heat-related illness than humans. Owners in violation of Section 5-7-58 that cause their animal to suffer from heat stress, as diagnosed by a licensed veterinarian, will also be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor of animal cruelty.

Chief Animal Control Officer Joy Wilson says, “The new ordinance allows our officers to better protect animals in the City of Alexandria during the hot summer months. Animal control now has the authority to prevent injury and suffering by removing animals from enclosed vehicles and providing immediate veterinary care if necessary.” While the ordinance officially became law last winter, it very rarely affected animal owners until now, and Chief Wilson and her team are working to educate the public and raise awareness about the health threats caused by high temperatures. “Research shows that internal automobile temperatures can rise to dangerous levels very quickly on warm days, especially within the first fifteen to thirty minutes,” says Wilson. “When the temperature outside is 80 degrees, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can be as high as 114 degrees in just half an hour.”

The AWLA urges animal owners to be cognizant of outside temperatures and recognize the dangers of vehicle confinement during the spring and summer months. If the last few weeks are any indication of what temperatures will be like this year, the threat to animal safety could be deadly. It is unsafe to leave any living creature inside a parked car in hot weather for any period of time, even if the car is parked in the shade and the windows are cracked.

While we all love spending time with our companion animals, the best option is to leave your pet at home in a cool, air-conditioned environment.

For more information, contact the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (www.AlexandriaAnimals.org).

By Brian Kerchner, Good Dog Workshop, LLC

“Does he know any tricks?”
“Oh, yes! He can shake, sit up, roll over, hold a treat on his nose, bark on command, and catch a frisbee!”
We’ve all heard something like that, right? Dogs who have been trained to do cool tricks. And we’ve seen K-9 police dogs who are trained to sniff out drugs or explosives, apprehend fugitives, scale walls and many other useful tasks.

All of those are examples of well-trained and obedient dogs, and whether you’re teaching your dog obedience, fun tricks or useful tracking & sniffing skills, training is great for both you and your dog. Training helps strengthen the bond of trust and respect between you and your dog, it reinforces the Leader-Follower relationship by you (the Leader) giving commands and your dog (the Follower) obeying those commands, and it’s a great mental and physical workout for your dog.

But is that same obedient and highly-trained dog also well-behaved? In other words, what does he do in between commands? When he’s free to do whatever he wants, is he chewing up a shoe or digging up the garden? Is he at the front window barking at the slightest movement outside? Is he counter-surfing for food that was left out? Or is he laying quietly on his bed? When walking past another dog, does he pull on the leash and lunge and bark? Or does he politely and quietly meet other dogs and people? That’s the difference between an obedient dog and a well-behaved dog: self control. Self control is the same for dogs and people: the ability to regulate one’s own behavior and impulses. For example, when your child is at a friend’s house, is she well-mannered? Does she say “Please” and “Thank you”? Does she pick up after herself? After a meal, does she offer to help her friend’s parents with the dishes? We teach our children self control, and our dogs can learn it, too.

So for many dog owners, there’s still more work to be done-teaching your dog self control. We call it Behavior Conditioning. It’s teaching him to make good choices when you allow him the freedom to choose. Some examples of a dog exercising self control are: refraining from nabbing a piece of food off the floor, staying within the confines of the front yard without any physical barrier, not bolting out an open door, not jumping up on people to greet them, avoiding counter-surfing, not chasing squirrels, meeting new dogs calmly and quietly, and bite inhibition. This ability to demonstate self control is one of the most important things you can teach your dog; it results in a well-mannered and predictable dog and that benefits us all.

And like any type of training, Behavior Conditioning doesn’t happen overnight. It involves your time and effort. It involves understanding how dogs communicate and ‘Knowing Your Dog’. It involves building a natural bond with your dog through Leadership and Exercise, Trust and Respect-all concepts which dogs instinctively know. This is the core of our philosophy at Good Dog Workshop and it creates the harmony that allows people to achieve the most enjoyable and beneficial relationship with their dogs.

To find out more about Behavior Conditioning and how you can achieve this relationship with your dog, visit our website at GoodDogWorkshop.com or call us at (703) 489-1319.

Serious Hobby Breeders vs. Backyard Breeders and Commercial Breeders

by Christina Van Patten, Good Dog Workshop, LLC

So you want to buy a purebred dog? Do it right—you will have this pet for the next 11-14 years if all goes well, so it pays to do your research before you make the commitment.

Let’s talk about the different types of breeders out there beginning with the serious hobby breeder. This breeder has one goal each time she breeds a litter: the betterment of the breed. Period. Not money, not so “the kids can witness the miracle of birth”, not “She’ll be such a good mom”. She spends thousands of dollars and countless hours learning, competing, and studying her chosen breed. She participates in AKC conformation and/or performance events. Her dogs have AKC Championships and performance titles. She tests for genetic defects in the parents before she breeds, and she can supply you with certificates of the results of breed-appropriate OFA, PennHip, BAER, and CERF tests. She belongs to relevant AKC breed and all-breed clubs. She will encourage you to come to her home to meet the puppies and her adult dogs. She will be happy to mentor you, she will probably require an ownership contract, she will encourage or require you to spay or neuter if the puppy is not going to be shown, and she will take the puppy/dog back if you can no longer keep it.

The serious hobby breeder does not: “meet you elsewhere” so you never see the conditions in which the puppies are raised. She does not breed “teacup”, “babydoll”, “teddybear”, or “doodles”. She does not have many different breeds, always have puppies available, advertise “show quality” puppies but fail to show her own dogs, nor register her dogs with a registry other than the AKC in the US or the Canadian Kennel Club in Canada. Take note: the CKC (that stands for Continental Kennel Club) is a huge red flag that you are dealing with a commercial breeder.

You will find the serious hobby breeder by going to dogs shows, watching the breed you are interested in during judging and meeting the breeders and exhibitors afterwards. You can find shows near you by going online and looking at infodog.com and onofrio.com and selecting Upcoming Shows. You can also go to the AKC website and look up the AKC Parent Club for your preferred breed. For example, if you’re looking for a Lab you would go to the Labrador Retriever Club of America’s website and they have a breeder referral section. Contact breeders who interest you and if they don’t have what you are looking for they will refer you to someone who will.

The backyard breeder, on the other hand, has a female and wants to recoup her “investment” by having a litter of puppies. She might have a “breeding pair” and breeds the same two dogs over and over again to make a quick buck. She will often advertise in the newspaper and have a sign outside her house or notices up on bulletin boards. She’s not interested in genetic testing, Championships’ points, performance titles, or breed standards. It’s enough for her that she has a male and a female with no fertility issues—voilá—63 days later: another litter of puppies. She is happy to let the puppies go as young as possible, will meet you somewhere to drop off the pup, and requires no ownership contract. If she says the pups are “vet checked”, that means they were taken to the vet once or twice for shots.

The commercial breeder has one motivation: making money fast. Puppies are a commodity and the parents of the puppies are livestock. They may have hundreds or even thousands of dogs churning out puppies every six months. The dogs are not socialized, they typically have many different breeds, they generally register with registries other than the AKC, and the parents of your puppy will not have AKC Championships or performance titles. The commercial breeder mainly cares that the dogs are alive and can be sold, and not concerned about genetic defects or other health issues. It’s unlikely that they even know what the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals is. These people supply pet stores, but with the recent crackdown on puppy mills in the United States, they have come up with clever ways to advertise directly to buyers via the internet or through dog magazines. They might offer “rare” colors, coat types, or sizes—“Gigantic!” “Teeny!” “Huge boned!” “Hypoallergenic!” They may well take credit cards, offer one day delivery, and will happily ship the puppy to you without meeting you. It’s VERY unlikely that you would be permitted to visit their kennel. The stated reason would be “to protect the health of the puppies” but the real reason is to keep the public from seeing the conditions in which these dogs live.

The bottom line: If the breeder can’t show you proof of their involvement with the breed-breed club membership, conformation and performance titles on their breeding stock, health screening for the breed’s genetic problems—it’s best to look elsewhere. Commercial breeders and backyard breeders don’t do these things.

The best way to ensure that you’re getting a healthy dog is to buy from a serious hobby breeder who is dedicated to her breed and to every dog she owns. It’s worth the extra effort to search out such a breeder and to be prepared to be on a waiting list for a puppy. These breeders are also a source for obtaining a lovely adult dog if you decide not to go the puppy route. They will sometimes have a nice young dog that they kept to show but which might have a slight flaw-this simply means that it wouldn’t make the top tier of show dogs but is a well-socialized adult who would make an excellent pet. Or they might have retired Champions that they are willing to place with a family to make room for a youngster they are bringing along. These adult show dogs often make superb pets and are much less work than a puppy.

Christina Van Patten has been showing dogs for over 30 years and has been a breeder/owner/handler of Champion English Toy Spaniels for over 20 years. She has finished Championships on over 30 dogs, and has bred three National Specialty Best In Show Winners, a multiple All-Breed Best In Show Winner, and a multiple Westminster Best of Breed Winner. Christina is a member of the English Toy Spaniel Club of America and has served on its Board of Directors and as its AKC Judges’ Education Chair. She is also the AKC Ambassador for the English Toy Spaniel Club of America.

To find out more about reputable breeders or to learn about reputable rescue groups, visit GoodDogWorkshop.com or call 703.489.1319.

Preventive tooth care is not only necessary for pets, it’s financially sound for pet owners. According to Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the average claim last year for pet teeth cleaning was $164. In contrast, the average claim amount for treating tooth-related disease was $238. Keeping your pets teeth and gums clean can actually save you money.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), an organization dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by the age of 3.

Pet owners should have their pets’ oral and dental health evaluated regularly by a veterinarian. Between regular check-ups, pet owners should look for the warning signs of gum disease such as bad breath, red and swollen gums, yellow-brown crusts of tartar along the gum lines, and bleeding or pain when the gums or mouth are touched.

For a detailed video on how to care for your dog’s teeth between professional cleanings, please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsNlLLSBWLU

Our partners are celebrating Pet Dental Month with the following specials and savings: (make sure to tell them NOVADog sent you!)

Nova Mobile vet: During the month of February, get 10% off the complete cost of the dental. That includes the exam, blood work, anesthesia, extractions, and any medications. Have any questions or want an individual estimate? Please e-mail amylvt@novamobilevet.com to schedule your pet’s dental. Visit them online at www.novamobilevet.com

Blue Ridge Veterinary Associates: Dog and Cat owners can save $120.00 on scaling and polishing for dentals, during the month of February. Appointments 7 days a week…   Filling up fast.   Call for appointment. 540-338-7387. Or email info@blueridgevets.com for additional information.  visit them online at  www.blueridgevets.com

Bark N Bubbles Dog Wash:  During the month of February, for only $5 you can receive a pre-treatment spray that helps loosen up the tartar, a water pick treatment and finish with a good tooth brushing to get those teeth clean!!! Visit them online at www.barknbubblesdogwash.com

Dogma Gourmet Dog Bakery and Boutique—Shirlington location. During the month of February, come in Tues – Saturday to get your dog’s teeth cleaned for $10 with Cassandra.  No appointment necessary.  Also receive a free teeth cleaning for first-time grooming appointments for the rest of February. Visit them online at www.dogmabakery.com

Dogtopia—Is celebrating pet dental month on Wednesday, February 22nd at the following Dogtopia locations: Herndon, Tysons Corner, & White Flint locations.  They will be giving away pet tooth brushes to any new or current client that come to visit on that day. For more information, visit www.dogdaycare.com/

Uptown Pet Bistro and Boutique: Sunday, February 12 is customer Appreciation Day. Save 10% on Food 15% on everything else. Stock up on dental wipes and breath drops.  First time customers always receive a 20% discount.  Cannot be used with any other discounts. Visit them online at www.uptownpetboutique.com

Whole Pet Central, Inc: Now carries the Vet Tech Dental Care System that’s designed for senior dogs or cats, or ones at any age that have sensitive teeth or gums.  It’s a brush that uses a microfiber pad with a cleansing liquid.  The liquid does not contain any artificial colors or flavors.  It’s a good alternative for dogs or cats that resist the tooth brush, as the pad is wiped across the teeth instead of the brushing with bristles. Visit them online at www.wholepetcentral.com/store/

In 2002, a needs assessment conducted by Prince William County (PWC) identified off-leash dog parks as the number one write in request from citizens. 10 years later, that request is finally on the horizon of becoming a reality. Following many legislation revisions, discerning an appropriate location, passing through the Parks Planning Commission, and continued community support throughout the span of a decade, The Prince William County Park Authority Board of Directors voted on a master dog park plan at 13251 Sturbridge Rd, Lake Ridge VA  (near the intersection of Minnieville Road and Colby Drive) this past October, voting unanimously in its favor. While two other privately owned dog parks operate in Manassas and Gainesville, this park will be the first in Prince William County supported by the Park Authority.

While the dog park is supported by the Prince William County Park Authority and the Prince William County Parks Foundation, all expenses for the construction of the park must be privately funded by citizens, and Prince William County Residents have formed a support group  to encourage volunteer involvement, in kind donations, and corporate and individual sponsorships to give the county’s furry friends a place to play. The Mission of Prince William County Dogs (PWC Dogs) is to work in partnership with the Park Authority and Parks Foundation to establish a fenced -in, off-leash dog park where well-behaved canine citizens can exercise in a clean, safe environment, and educate the community on responsible pet ownership.

Fence installation costs are estimated by the Prince William County Park Authority to be $12,050. However, this cost does not include additional amenities to enhance the park, such as waste bag dispensers, benches, bulletin boards, and park water supply. Thus far, the group has raised approximately $1,000 and is partnering with local community individuals and businesses to continue raising the funds needed to construct the park. In 2011, Occoquan restaurant Cock and Bowl supported the Dog Park through a series of Yappy Hour proceeds nights, and there are local fundraising efforts taking place in the month of February to further the group’s fundraising efforts. PWC Dogs fundraisers are in place for February, and like all great community efforts, need additional community support to be successful!

Amanda Sterber, a Scentsy consultant in the area, will be donating a portion of her wickless candle sales to the dog park (anywhere from 20-25%). Additionally, in the month of February all Scentsy products are 10% off for customers, so it’s very much a “give and get” month-long fundraiser.  You can support  this fundraiser at https://wicklessmoments.scentsy.us/.

Additionally, Dogtopia of Manassas will be having an indoor dog park event this Sunday, February 12^th at their doggie daycare and boarding facility (10352 Balls Ford Road  Manassas, VA 20109), and charging $5 for current Dogtopia Manassas customers, $10 for non-customers as a benefit for the PWC Dog Park (all attending dogs must be up to date on their vaccinations to party, just as they should be when the actual dog park opens!). Dogtopia has been promoting this on their Facebook page if you need additional information about the event. Big pups play 11am-1pm, little dogs play from 1-3pm.

If you can’t support a fundraiser but would like to donate, you can do so online or by check. The Prince William County Park Foundation has set up a separate holding account for any donations solicited for dog parks in the count, and have requested that donors clearly identify that the donation is to go toward supporting dog parks. All donations are tax-deductible!

To Donate Online, simply go to http://www.pwcparks.org/parksfoundation/SupportYourParks/MakeaGift/tabid/730/Default.aspx for the direct link to the PWC Parks Foundation giving page.  Once there, simply click on the “Donate” link and fill out your credit card information. When you are asked to confirm your donation on the next page there will be a little box that asks for “Instructions to Seller”. In this box, write “DOG PARK” or something noting your donation is restricted for Dog Park use.

Checks should be mailed to: The Prince William County Park Foundation, Dog Park Account, 14420 Bristow Road, Manassas, VA 20112. Once again, please make sure donations specifically state “Dog Park Account” on it. The Park Foundation supports a number of community projects, so if your donation is in support of the Dog Park, you must note this to ensure it goes there!

PWC Dogs meets as a group on the second Thursday of each month, and new volunteers are always welcome. You can also visit the Prince William County Dogs Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/pwcdogs for continued updates on fundraising events and ways to volunteer. You can also follow them on Twitter at @pwcdogs.

In order to get more involved with volunteering, fundraising, donating, or hosting fundraising events for the Prince William County Dog Park, contact Lynn Heun, Community Partnership Coordinator, at princewilliamcountydogs@gmail.com.