“Dear PoPville,

Yesterday evening, my roommate took our dogs to the Shaw Dog Park as she does daily. At one point, a dog was becoming a little too rowdy with her dog so she tried to intervene to remove her dog from the situation. As she was doing so, another dog (a known aggressor in the park – I have previously witnessed this dog try to attack other dogs) ran up trying to get into the mix and ended up biting my roommate on her leg. When this was happening the aggressive dog’s owner was on her cell phone and not paying attention. When approached by my roommate about the bite, she did not want to be held accountable for her dog’s actions stating it was a dog park and things happen.

I think my roommate needs to at the very least address the Shaw Park List Serve regarding the incident. Someone else suggested she file a police report. I’m curious if anyone else has had this happen and what action was taken.”

I’d be curious to know what your roommate would like to do? I also think it depends on the severity of the bite – did it break the skin? I’m not saying nothing should be done – it’s just not clear to me from the info above that a police report should be filed. I wonder – are there plans/procedures for how to deal with consistently aggressive dogs at the dog park? Are the park rules self enforced or is there a procedure to enforce the rules?

The Shaw Dog Park on 11th Street, NW (north of Q). Rule 2 on their Web site states:

“All persons use Shaw Dog Park at their own risk. Neither the District of Columbia, its agencies nor MidCity Association shall be liable for any injury or damage caused in the dog park. Every dog entering the dog park shall be accompanied by a person (“dog handler”) aged sixteen (16) years or older who shall be personally and legally responsible for that dog at all times while using the dog park. No unattended dogs are permitted and no more than three (3) dogs are permitted per dog handler. “

Though, again, it’s not clear to me who enforces these rules – so I would definitely email [email protected] to seek their advice as well.

What do you guys think should be done in this situation?

Ed. Note: This is not the first time there has been controversy at this dog park.


“Dear PoPville,

I found this little dog this morning on the corner of 18th & Allison St NW, in Crestwood. There is a little bit of a leash left on his collar, but no contact information. Planning to take him to a vet later today to see if he has a microchip, but also hoping someone will recognize him.

If you or anyone else knows anything about this little guy, please call me at 202.596.9763.”


From an email:

“On sept. 1st I adopted a dog from the Washington Humane Society. Yesterday evening, I was buying food/brush/treats for him only to find out he was stolen!!!!!! Im heartbroken, he is a sweet boy that was just beginning to brighten up after two months at the shelter (and if you ask my friends, we were crazy in love already). Two people saw a guy taking him on his bike from the 17th and Corcoran Safeway entrance.

Im doing everything possible to find my sweet boy. I reported this to the police and Washington Humane Society and have already posted over 50 posters in the area in case he fell from the bike and ran.

Im begging for help from each of you, I will be really grateful if you help me spread the word by posting the attached poster in a visible spot around your place, Im not sure in which area of the city he is and anything could help. If you could also forward the message below to the people you know in DC/Mayland/Virginia… I dont know, I just want to exhaust all the options available. Maybe somebody recognize him and report it.

Thank you for your help!!!!!!!!! I really need it!”



Photo by PoPville flickr user J@M3S C@MPB3LL

“Dear PoPville

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for a bar where one can bring his dog to watch the NFL — either on a patio area where they have TVs, or otherwise. Am looking forward to the season, but now that we have the puppy, we can’t go watch the games all day and just leave her crated. Used to go to Jay’s when I lived in Arlington, but I think they are closed now. Any ideas?”

I know Lou’s in Columbia Heights has a patio but I’m not sure if you can bring a dog? Anyone know where you can catch a game with your dog?


“Dear PoP,

My friends came across an abandoned dog at 18th & Lamont this morning and are trying to find someone to foster or take him. He’s part pit bull, speckled black and brown with white streak on chest, neutered, male, very friendly. If you know anything, please call (202) 384-4926.”


“Dear PoPville,

My wife and I found a Black Lab about 50lbs at the intersection of Quincy St NW and Rock Creek Church Rd tonight at about 530pm. He has a collar but no tags. We put him on our dogs leash and we have him in the back yard now. Can you post this to see if you can help us locate his owners.

Male, 50lbs ish, kind of afraid of people, Black Lab

Eric Rice

202-365-0508

[email protected]

Update:

“The Human society just called and they found the owners. We are all set!”


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Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

“Dear PoPville,

I live in Columbia Heights and I’m in the midst of firing our dogwalker. This is the second time in two years that I’ve had to do this. Can anyone recommend a great dogwalker (and by great I mean actually takes them for walks instead of just letting them out in the back yard, etc.). Many thanks!”



Photo by PoPville flickr user Wayan Vota

Yesterday, a reader asked if DPR was going to be hosting a doggie day swim when the pools close after Labor Day weekend. Via tweet, DCDPR shares the good news that this year’s doggie swim will be at:

Francis (2435 N Street, NW) Upshur and Banneker (2500 Georgia Avenue, NW) pools on September 10th from 12-4.”

DCDPR updates with a press release:

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will partner with the Department of Health (DOH) to host their 3rd Annual DPR Doggie Day Swim on Saturday, September 10, from 12 noon to 4 pm at the Upshur Pool, 4300 Arkansas Avenue, NW, and Banneker Pool, 2500 Georgia Avenue, NW. With the end of the outdoor swimming season, this annual event provides dogs with a one day opportunity to enjoy a swim and play games. DOH will be on location to monitor the health and safety of the pets and their owners. They will also provide outreach and education regarding pet vaccinations, dog licenses and dog park licenses.

Admission is free to DC residents and their dogs. Attendance the day of the event will be based on capacity at the time of arrival. During the Doggie Day Swim, there will be limits to the number of dogs in the pool area at one time; 75 dogs at Upshur Pool, and 150 dogs at Banneker Pool.

To maintain order at each of the pools, dog owners are asked to follow these rules:

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 wear current DC dog license
All dogs must be current on vaccinations including rabies

The event is subject to favorable weather conditions. DPR staff may cancel the event if the weather does not allow for safe pool conditions.

If anyone goes – take some photos for me!



Photo by PoPville flickr user Laura_Grageda

“Dear PoPville,

I know this is a bleak topic, but I have a question for the PoP community concerning “end of life” services for pets. I have a dog that’s getting up there in years and while hopefully she’ll be with us for a long time to come, I like to be prepared. Firstly, does anyone know of/ recommend a local veterinarian who makes house calls for euthanization? I found out that the one I had been going to doesn’t and for the sake of continuity of care as well as comfort for my pet I’d like to start going to one that will. Secondly and on the same dreary note, does anyone have any recommendations for cremation services? I’ve dealt with some awful places in the past and don’t want to have to go through that again.
Thank you.”


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