From a reader:

“Long story short – I found an unaltered male tiger wandering around the house on the corner, also 4000 block of New Hampshire. He’s big – maybe 12-15 lbs, can be sweet to me but grumpy to other people, and can be assertive and territorial around dogs – my roommates say he only likes me. He’s litter trained, and well-fed, so I’m wondering if he’s someone’s pet, and hoping you could post on your blog asking if someone’s misplaced an orange tiger, and if so, can they contact me at [email protected]


Dog Taxi and I love to go for long runs around the city, but now that summer is here, its quickly apparent that sweat glands are superior to panting – Dog Taxi is starting to lag behind after the third mile. To compensate, I like to stop for her to get a drink of water and cool off for a minute. But often that brings me to a big challenge: doggy water locations in DC.

Here, Dog Taxi is drinking from the doggy fountain at Walter Pierce Park – the only dog-specific water fountain I know of. Other times, she’s colling off in random mud puddles or I run through Rock Creek, where Taxi loves to tackle Rock Creek ripples But I’d love to expand my running routes across town.

Where else might she lap up cool water on a hot day?


This is something I’ve been thinking about lately. On my walks around town (and through the occasional email) I’ve been noticing a ton of lost dog posters. And I’m just wondering why there are so many lately? I know one dog slipped its collar but that seems rare to me. How do all these other dogs get lost. Do they run out of the house, jump fences? What’s the deal here? I’m also wondering about one poster that said the dog had a microchip. Can’t they put a GPS function in the microchip?

It’s actually quite sad. The effort that has been made with many of these posters (including rewards offered) clearly shows that the owners are terribly distraught. But I’m seriously curious – how do so many get loose? Have you guys noticed a lot of posters lately?


“Mona, a female 1yr old Havanese, slipped her collar on Monday night near Dupont and ran across 17th, 16th, 15th and 14th street, and was seen around Logan circle as well as 11th and Florida. She is a fast runner, and is very frightened but friendly. She has silky black short hair, a long tail, floppy ears, weighs about 10-12 lbs, and is only about 1.5ft tall. She also has short legs, and a white patch on her chest. She has a microchip. If you see her, please don’t chase her as she will likely run. Please call 202.271.7702 with any information or sightings.

Thank you so much for your help!

Jenny”


From Joel of Qualia Coffee:

“I am trying to find out whether anyone in the neighborhood knows anything about a stray dog I found wandering up 5th St. this morning. I’m attaching a photo. I can be reached at the shop any time today. 202-248-6423”

From DC Alert:

“MPD is reporting a Water Main Break at 17th & Florida Ave NW. It is unknown if any customers affected.” I hear 18th Street has been closed. Did this destroy your commute?

From a reader:

“Oprah is giving out free kfc coupons for a free lunch. Coupon is only good to print till 11 or so today but its good to redeem until the 19th. I like that its not valid on mothers day, like hey cheap-o’s you can’t do your mother like that. Take her out to a real place and get her a steak…”


From a reader:

“I am writing to ask if you would mind mentioning on your blog that a dog in foster care on behalf of the Washington Animal Rescue League is missing. Berdina is a brindle/gray/white pit bull mix who is VERY friendly and was last seen in the area of Longfellow and Blair Streets, NW on April 21. The league’s staff and volunteers have been looking for her and posting fliers, but with no luck so far. She weighs about 50 pounds and was last seen wearing a red, white, and blue “Obama” collar with a red rabies tag. We’re really worried about her. Anything you could do to help us get the word out would be very much appreciated. I have attached a picture of Berdina. She’s a sweet girl! Anyone with information can call Mary at WARL (202-375-7755).”


Tired of playing defense, Robyn goes on the offensive.

I was one of the many Americans who opened up their newspaper (browsers) today to see DC’s newest DCelebrity Bo, the new White House Dog. But I was NOT one of the many Americans who cooed at the photos of the 6-month-old pup romping around the White House lawns with a stiff-suited Obama running after him. Why? Because I don’t like Bo.

First of all, a Portuguese Water Dog? While I’m no Westminster judge, I do watch the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet and count the film Best in Show as my all-time favorites, and I’ve never heard of such an animal. Why does the White House need a Portuguese Water Dog? Someone please show me where DC’s sandy beaches are. And wouldn’t you think the Obamas would have gotten a Lassie lookalike, or goofy Chesapeake Water Dog, or even a slightly-stupid but always happy Labrador retriever (my childhood lab liked to take naps in the middle of the road those things are NOT smart). Or what about a super-smart Border Collie that can double as an advisor of some sort? Hasn’t Obama ever seen Babe?

Secondly, Bo is just plain ugly. You can’t even see his eyes due to his retro hairstyle, he’s got two pointless white front paws, and he has a ratty tail. My parents’ overweight three-legged mutt, Sammy, is cuter. He wouldn’t even shake Bo’s paw, partly because he can’t, but also because Bo is downright offensive.

I’m in offense of Bo.

Do you think Bo is a proper presidential pup?


So much for ending the week on a positive note (unless someone finds the dog.) From a reader:

“This is a tragic story and we need your help. Apparently on Tuesday night, two teenage boys stole this 92-year old man’s dog Sparky right from his front yard near 11th and Park. We all need to keep an eye out for Sparky so he can be reunited with his owner.”

From Officer Eagan:

“Sparky was stolen from his Owner in the 3200 Block of 11th Street on 04-08-09, he is wearing a Redskins collar with a purple leash. Sparky’s owner information is on a tag attached to the collar. Sparking is a poodle mix charcoal gray in color and is 5 years old. Please contact 911 or the Third District Sub Station 0n 202-576-8222 with any information. There is an undisclosed reward for his safe return. Sparky’s owner is a 92 year old man who misses him very much. Thank you for any help you may be able to provide

Respectfully,
Officer Travis C. Eagan”

UPDATE: From MPD 3D Listserv:

I am happy to report that SPARKY is back home and in good health. A good citizen saw some children that do not own a dog playing with it. SPARKY was taken and returned. I want to thank the community for the overwhelming support for SPARKY and it’s owner.”


“Dear PoP,

My dog Peat snuck under my fence this evening and escaped. I haven’t received a call about him. His name is Peat. If he is not wearing a collar people can email me at [email protected]. I’ve attached his picture (he normally looks much happier). Oh yeah, and he is shaved, so the only long hair is on his head and tail.

He was last seen at 13th and Taylor NW. He is a bit of a wanderer – prone to climbing fences. This time it looks like he dug himself out. He has been found as far north as Military several years ago. I called animal control and he no one has called in no him.”

Please email [email protected] if anyone spots Peat.


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