Pets

Reader Alleges Dog Attacked at Shaw Dog Park While Owner Does Nothing

By Prince Of Petworth

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“Dear PoPville,

This afternoon [Thursday] around 4:40pm I was at the Shaw Dog Park with my 10.5-year-old Jack Russell Terrier Baxter. He was doing the usual frolicking and playing along with about 5 or 6 other dogs. Out of nowhere a large black female Pitbull named Molly attacked my dog, throwing him to the ground and rolling him. I ran to the dog to try to intervene but, for obvious reasons, did not grab Baxter until the Pitbull backed off a bit. I looked up at the other owners and not one person came to aid or indicated this was their dog. After noticing that Baxter was bleeding profusely I decided that I should go to the vet. About five minutes after the Pitbull attacked my dog she attacked another… all while the owner (an elderly white male) did NOTHING to intervene or apologize.

Baxter spent 2 hours in the vet and it costs us $400 for sutures, a drain, antibiotics and a cone. He’s got a lovely shaved spot on his shoulder from the surgery. We have filed a report with animal control but we aren’t sure what the next step is. Obviously we realize there is some assumed risk when going to a dog park but it’s completely absurd that this dog’s owner apparently doesn’t care that his dog is aggressive. This dog should be euthanized and I think the owner should pay for at least half of the vet bill.

On a side note, City Paws on 14th is a fantastic vet! I’m hoping you can post this to warn other dog owners to look out for this violent dog and also hopefully someone else who was there this afternoon can speak up, call animal control and help up track down the irresponsible owner.”

Graphic photo of complete injury after the jump. (more…)

Kitten Found on Frederick Douglass Bridge – Adopt Him – UPDATE – adopted!

By Prince Of Petworth

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“Dear PoPville,

A friend found a kitten about to toddle into traffic on the Frederick Douglass Bridge. I’d guess it’s about six weeks old… big enough to eat wet food and use a litter box, but still smaller than you’re used to seeing. I think it’s a boy, but won’t swear to it.

I wanted to call him James Traficat, or Jim for short. But since I’m not keeping him, that will be up to his forever people.

He’s sweet and social. He trips over his feet when he walks, and he lies on his back and tries to catch his tail. He cries if you turn out the light and leave him alone. (So of course you immediately go back in to give him a snuggle and tuck him in again.)

But he can’t stay here too long, because my giant cat doesn’t approve of animals in the house (he thinks he’s people) and he would never forgive me. So please help me find a home for the little guy.”

UPDATE adopted! From OP “L’il Jim already has a waiting list. Thank you to everyone who stepped up, or wanted to!”

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Day of the Dog at Congressional Cemetery, Sat. Aug. 30th

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user johnmcochran2012

Thanks to a reader for sending Day of the Dog At Congressional Cemetery [1801 E Street, SE], August 30, 2014, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.:

“Day of the Dog is an annual festival held at Congressional Cemetery in celebration of man’s best friend! On this day, the cemetery is open to all dogs, not just K-9 Corps members.

The 2013 event included activities for both pups and their people, including contests, raffles, games, demonstrations, and more. Pet vendors and services from the D.C. area were in attendance, as were local pet shelters with dogs and cats available for adoption! Live music was provided by Charlottesville band Red and the Romantics.

Admission is FREE, and tickets will be available for puchase for activities and the raffle.”

Doggie Day Swim Scheduled for September 6th!

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user Wayan Vota

Though it’s always sad to learn of the public pools closing schedule – there is one more day of happiness for many – Doggie Day Swim. This year DPR tells me it will be on Saturday, Sept 6th at Randall (25 I Street, SW), Upshur (4300 Arkansas Ave, NW) and Francis (2435 N Street, NW) pools from 12 pm to 4 pm.

Ed. Note: Reminder from previous years – “All dogs must have a valid DC dog license, issued by DOH, to enter the pool. For more information on how to obtain a dog license, call DOH at (202) 535-232 or go to the DOH Dog License website.”

UPDATE: From the full press release:

“The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will partner with the Department of Health (DOH) to host the Sixth Annual DPR Doggie Day Swim on Saturday, September 6, 2014 from 12 pm to 4 pm at DPR’s Upshur Main & Kiddie Pool (4300 Arkansas Avenue, NW); Francis Pool (25th & N Street, NW); and Randall Pool (South Capitol and I Sts., SW).

With the end of the outdoor swimming season, this annual event provides dogs with a one day opportunity to partake in the pools, enjoy a swim and play fun aquatics games. DOH will be on location to monitor the health and safety of the pets and their owners; to ensure that all dogs have a DC dog license; and to provide outreach and education on animal related issues.

Admission is free, however all dogs must have a valid, DOH-issued DC dog license, to enter the pool. DPR and DOH encourage dog owners to obtain dog licenses prior to Doggie Day Swim. For more information on how to obtain a dog license, call DOH at (202) 535-2323 or go to the DOH Dog License website. Licenses will be issued on site, however dog owners must have all the required documentation (proof of rabies and distemper vaccinations; and proof of spaying/neutering) and fee payment. Only money orders or personal checks are accepted (no credit cards nor cash), made payable to “DC Treasurer.” The cost of the license is $15 for dogs that are spayed/neutered and $50 for non-spayed/neutered dogs.

Attendance on the day of the event will be based on capacity at the time of arrival. During Doggie Day Swim, there will be a capacity limit in terms of the number of dogs allowed in the pool at one time; 75 dogs at Upshur Pool, 75 dogs at Randall pool and 150 dogs at Francis Pool.

To maintain order and to ensure a safe and fun event, dog owners are asked to follow these rules:

All dogs MUST have and wear a valid DC dog license.
Dog handlers must be 16 years of age or older.
Dog handlers cannot swim or enter the pool with their dogs.
Dogs must be sociable and remain leashed while on the pool deck.
All dogs must be current on vaccinations including rabies and distemper.
All dogs must be spayed/neutered.

To volunteer for Doggie Day Swim, please call (202) 535-1952.

Doggie Day Swim will take place rain or shine.”

Dear PoPville – Adopt A Miracle Kitten, Now With 7 Lives UPDATE: Adopted!

By Prince Of Petworth

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“Dear PoPville,

On my way to work, while waiting on the corner of 7th and Q, I saw a kitten get run over by a car. Then again by another car coming from the opposite direction. I dropped my bike and ran over to discover the kitten completely unharmed.

A miracle kitten? Perhaps. An adorable kitten? YES!

She’s now resting comfortably in my home, but I can’t keep her. I have two cats already and in a 1,000 square-foot home, I can’t handle another. Plus my cats are old and frankly, I don’t think they’ll be nice to a new roomie.

Can you help me find a new family for this adorable kitten? Solitj(at)gmail.com ”

UPDATE: Adopted!

Dear PoPville – Dog Boarding in DMV Area? and Check Out WARL’s new Kitten and Puppy Cams

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user ken_1001

“Dear PoPville,

I was wondering if your readers could weigh in on a good dog boarding place in the DMV area? I am from NE DC, and I am not interested in using Wagtime or Dogma which is near me. I heard rumors of a place in the DMV area where they will board your dog and also help to train him and teach him to herd sheep on a farm. Does anyone know of a place like that?”

And from an email:

“Want to make sure readers know that they can get their puppy/kitten fix 24/7 through the Washington Animal Rescue League (www.warl.org) Puppy and Kitten Cams. Right now on the puppy came is a sweet Pitty momma and her brand new pups. Once the puppies are old enough, they all will be available for adoption at 71 Oglethorpe NW, DC. The 24/7 cams are in partnership with Animal Planet. Warning-they are ADDICTIVE!

Puppy cam

Kitten cam”

Help Save our Rescue Pup, Cedar, if you are able

By Prince Of Petworth

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“Dear PoPville,

Cedar is an adorable, hilarious, loving, energetic, and clumsy 1.5 year old labradoodle-of-sorts rescue pup, and he’s brought an incredible amount of joy into our lives.We were broken-hearted to find out recently that our little guy has a heart condition called PDA, which basically means that there is a small hole in his heart. There is a curative surgery for PDA which would enable him to live a full and normal life, but the cost is enormous. Without the surgery, he’ll live for at most one year.

Cedar is fully a member of our family, he’s about to be a big brother (I’m due with a baby girl in November)! We want to do everything we possibly can to give our guy the happiest, longest life possible because we love the little dude so very much. But paying his medical bills is going to be a real struggle for us.

Cedar’s rescue was kind enough to set up a donation page to help us fund his life saving surgery, and you can access it or share it from here.

We’ve also set up a Facebook page for him here.

We would deeply appreciate any help, whether it be a donation, sharing the donation page with others, “liking” Cedar’s Facebook Page, or even sending good thoughts. Every little bit helps.

Many, many thanks,
Sarah and Joshua (and Cedar)”

No!!! DC’s most famous Dog, Romo, is moving from Adams Morgan

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user ekelly80

Sad, sad news via a commenter in this morning’s rant/revel from WTOP:

“But pretty soon, Romo will have a whole new view on life — quite literally. This fall, Bacon and Scourby will move out of their Adams Morgan apartment to a bigger space in “the burbs” — Arlington.”

Romo from Adams Morgan is understandably the most photographed dog to appear on PoPville. Farewell good pup.

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