One of the best pet names I’ve ever seen, though I suspect if I actually encountered Boss I might be terrified.

Growing up a buddy of mine had a dog named Killer and I always flinched when the dog approached me even though he just was looking for a scratch behind the ears…



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This is quite scary and sad. From MPD:

The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating a police involved shooting of a dog that occurred in the 3400 block of Quebec Street, NW.

On Sunday, December 6, 2009 at approximately 5:30 pm, members of the Second District responded to the 3400 block of Quebec Street, NW, in reference to a call for a victim who had been bitten by a dog.

Prior to police arriving, a concerned witness heard the victim screaming for help. He managed to pull the dog, a male pit bull, off the victim, subdued the dog and placed the animal in a cage.

In addition to police, personnel from DC Animal Control and DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene. The victim, an adult female, was admitted to a local hospital and is currently in stable condition.

During the investigation of the incident, the dog reportedly became aggressive and got out of the cage. Animal Control employees made several unsuccessful attempts to secure the dog. The dog then charged towards one of the responding officers. Fearing imminent danger for his safety and the safety of others, the officer fired his service weapon, striking and injuring the dog.

Animal Control officers were then able to secure the dog, which has subsequently been euthanized.

The member who fired his weapon is a 39-year-old sergeant who has been with the department for 12 years.

“This is a tragic incident,” said Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier. “I commend the man, who put his own life in danger and stepped in to assist the victim in this violent dog attack. I also want to recognize the sergeant who stopped the dog from attacking anyone else.”



Photo by PoPville flickr user Wayan Vota

“Dear PoP,

After a long separation, my dog will be moving back in with me (from my parents’) over the holidays. I’m relatively new to the neighborhood, and have seen a few dogs around, but I’m curious if there are some suggestions about dog friendly parks in the Petworth/Parkview area?

Also, I’d love to know if folks have any suggestions for dog walkers, vets, and boarding. I know – it’s a lot of dog questions, but I appreciate any help I can get! Thanks a lot!”

Well, we had some good recommendations for dog park/dog friendly spots here. Eric Nuzum wrote about doggie day care here. Can anyone recommend some good dog walkers, vets and/or boarding spots?


“Dear PoP,

My dog Peat escaped from my backyard Friday. I haven’t received a call about him and won’t because his name tag came off in the escape. His name is Peat. He is a malamute/husky mix, about 75 pounds, and very friendly. If someone has seen him or knows where he is they can email me at [email protected]. I’ve attached his picture (he normally looks much happier).”

Update: Dog has been found!


“Dear PoP,

My cat Simba has been away from home since Sunday afternoon. He is a tan tabby, and is very friendly with people. He goes outside regularly, but he usually returns home in the morning. If we’re not home when he wants to go in, then he usually goes into the basement apartment. But he hasn’t seen him either.

He lives on 13th St., in between Irving and Kenyon. I have walked around looking for him, and I can’t find anything. Also, I called Animal Control and they do not have him.

Again, he is a male, tan tabby, wearing a black collar and has a lil bump above his right eye.”

Please email me princeofpetworth (at) gmail (dot) com with any sightings.


Speaking of dogs, I thought this note from Wayan was very interesting. He writes:

“Dog Owners

He’s ripping off the dog owners who think their dog is getting an individual dog walk service. At 14 dogs at a time, this isn’t attention or exercise for your dog, just a factory-walk where the dog is pulled along with others. Small dogs could get hurt and he would not notice, or be able to stop it – he has 13 other dogs to try and control too.

Dog Supporters

With a 14-dog pack, this dog walker is exploiting those who support dogs and dog parks in Washington, DC. He is unable to control the dogs – three were off leash in this park – which will lead to complains about dogs running after people off-leash. And at 14 dogs, he is not possibly able to pick up all dog poop, leaving dog feces for others to step in and complain about.

Dog Walkers

If you enjoy making money walking dogs, dog walkers like this will have the city regulate or ban your industry. At 14 dogs, he cannot control this pack. All it takes is for one dog to get in a dog fight with another dog or a child, where he cannot control it because he’s trying to rein in the rest of the pack, and he (and you) will be front page news for all the wrong reasons.”

What is the maximum number of dogs a professional dog walker should be able to take out at once?


“Dear PoP,

His name is Manny, he is a Newfoundland/St Bernard mix (yes he is that big!) and is one of the sweetest dogs I have ever met. He was last seen at the park at 39th Street NW (Nov. 2) and ran into the woods leading into Rock Creek Park. He was wearing tags, but unfortunately they found the collar and tags, so he will have no identification now. He is very friendly, follows basic commands and is not aggressive at all. I have attached a photo of him. If anyone has seen him or knows of his whereabouts, please contact me at [email protected]. Thanks and I hope that the geographically diverse readership can help out!”



Photo by Wayan Vota

“Dear PoP,

I heard there’s a pet costume contest/parade in Petworth this coming Wednesday.  Do you have any details? My dog and I are ready to show off our costumes!”

Following is the info from the organizer.  I’ll be there as a guest judge so if in anyone wants to bribe me, I’ve been dreaming of some pumpkin pie…

“Those of us on the Petworth Dogs listserv http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/PetworthDogs/ would like to invite you to the:

2009 Petworth Dog Walk Halloween
a costume celebration of dogs and owners
Wednesday, October 28, 7pm
@ Domku Restaurant
821 Upshur St NW
http://domkucafe.com

Contestants – meet at 6pm at the Clark School (7th and Alison Streets NW) to wear out your favorite pooch, before suiting them up in a great costume. From there, we’ll walk our bedazzled best friends down to Upshur Street where they’ll be judged on:

* Best Doggie Costume – the classic, dress ‘em up!
* Best Twins – Celebrating how dogs and owners can look alike
* Best Trick – Costume or not, show your dog’s skills

— We have prizes for every category!  —

The Domku patio will be the reviewing stand and the post-parade party spot.  Feel free to print out copies of our flier and take them with you when you’re out walking. When you see a dog + owner, hand them a flier and encourage them to come out as a participant or observer: http://wayan.com/files/petworth_dog_walk_2009.pdf

Wayan
Petworth Dogs”


“Dear PoP,

After last weekend frolicking in the wilds of Virginia followed by a solid week of rain, the dog was in serious need of a bath. But with no hope for a warm day for a backyard hosing, and the certainty of Sasquach sized hair clogs in the bathtub, I remembered seeing a self-dog-wash place near Adams Morgan and decided to give it a try.

It was truly life changing! Remember that scene in the Wizard of Oz where they come in all bedraggled from the journey and get all buffed and brushed so effortlessly?

Raised metal tubs, aprons, warm water, shampoo, towels, blow dryers (too scary for my dog, but a nice option) plus friendly helpful staff. Basic wash for a mid-size dog is only $16.00, with discount for first-timers. This was truly one of those “where have you been all my life!” moments. Would be great to see them open a branch in CH or Petworth, but meanwhile the trek to Adams Morgan is well worth it.

http://www.petmaclaundromutt.com/dogwash.html

How often should one generally wash a dog?


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