NOVADog Blog

I can’t think of anything worse than losing my dog. Whether dashing out the front door, getting out of the fenced yard, or slipping out of his collar, it all results in a heart sinking feeling that something could happen to him. Panic sets in (was he wearing his tags?), making it hard to know exactly what you need to do to find him.

The National Registry for Lost and Found Pets (www.helplostpet.com) is an invaluable tool when it comes to finding your missing dog. This online registry provides a listing of lost and found pets, searchable by state or zip code. They also provide step-by-step actions to take: First, register your dog on www.helplostpet.com. Second, post a free profile of your dog that includes a photo and owner contact info. Using the Animal Shelter Directory, look up all the shelters in the area your dog was lost, searchable by state and zip code. Print your dog’s profile and fax it to all the shelters, then copy the link to your dog’s profile and e-mail it to the same shelters. The instructions provided then go on to provide three additional online tools you can use to locate your dog.

Individuals or shelters can use the site to look up profiles of missing dogs or to post profiles of found dogs, all in the hope of reuniting the dog and his family. The registry is not limited just to dogs; any type of pet can be registered and posted. It is highly recommended that you pre-register your pet, in the event your pet becomes missing, you can immediately change his status to add him to the lost pet listing, saving valuable time in locating your pet.

March 7th, 2009
Market Square in Old Town, Alexandria

The Ballyshaners Inc., was founded in 1980 with the goal of organizing a Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Town, Alexandria. The Ballyshaners, Gaelic for “Old Towners”, has grown in membership and goals over the years. It is now a non-profit, non-sectarian, and non-partisan corporation, whose objective is to promote and preserve Irish heritage through charitable and educational events. This Saturday, March 7th, the Ballyshaners are Co-Sponsors of the Alexandria Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and the Alexandria Irish Festival.

What’s a day of fun without the dog though? NOVADog is proud to be the official media sponsor of the Fun Dog Show that will kick off the activities of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Fun Dog Show is co-sponsored by Barkley Square Dog Bakery & Boutique and Karing by Kristina. This event has quickly grown over the years to become one of the most anticipated fun dog events in the area. This year’s Dog Show judge, Honorable Daniel O’Flaherty, will join the Master of Ceremonies, newscaster John Harter, in evaluating the dogs in fun categories ranging from Best Tail Wag to Best Irish Costume.

The Fun Dog Parade sponsors will be raising money to benefit the Animal Welfare league of Alexandria, so be sure to visit their tables!
Click here for the Fun Dog Show schedule of events and registration information, and here for general information on the Alexandria Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and the Alexandria Irish Festival.