Smart pooch Parker of Reston, figured out this whole “dock dog diving thing” on his second try at “catch the stick in the water.” The crowd gave Parker and “mom” Michelle a mighty cheer on his successful second attempt. Photo by Andrea Worker.
It was a real dog day afternoon at Lake Anne in Reston, and yes, there literally was a lot of splashing going on! The Chesapeake Dock Dogs (CDD) were back by popular demand, ready to thrill the crowd of adults, kids and lots of canines with their dogs who love to fly off the docks in pursuit of a favorite toy and a swim. The CDD have entertained and amazed at this location before, but Saturday’s audience might just have been their biggest at this venue yet.
Club President Frank Moraff was manning the microphone and doing a great job of not only calling the action, but explaining the differences in the various aquatic manoeuvres that these athletic pups perform, and outlining the rules and regulations enforced by the club to protect the safety of the canine-human team members. “No pushing, no pulling, no forcing a dog into the water,” said Moraff. The parent Dock Dogs Club, which holds numerous competitions around the country during their sporting season, has a strict set of policies that govern membership and all aspects of the canine aquatic sport.
As always when the Dock Dogs come to town, the Plaza was also filled with vendors and activities related to all things canine – and feline. PetMac Marketplace and Adoption Center, located in the Plaza, sponsored the event. Just Cats Clinic, another Lake Anne tenant, also had tent space and were on hand to talk about the care of the more water-averse creatures to which they cater. A number of specialty pet food providers like Weruva and Fromm Gold had booths with samples and knowledgeable staff.
And lest we forget one of the main reasons why PetMac keeps wanting the CDD to bring their talented swimmers to the Plaza and to draw the crowds that they do, the day included a Doggie Adoption opportunity, with “guests” of nonprofit K-9 Lifesavers strolling the crowds with their volunteer caretakers, on the hunt for their “forever homes.” We are happy to report that at least one such “hunter” was fortunate enough to connect with a new “mom” and “dad” and was heading home to his new digs in Tacoma Park, Md.
The Chesapeake Dock Dogs invites anyone with a water-loving dog to check out what the club has to offer. For information, go to www.chesapeakedockdogs.com.
Members from this regional affiliate come from all around Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, the District and Pennsylvania. Keep up with PetMac happenings and their other sponsored events by stopping by to see them at Lake Anne, or checking out www.petmac.org.