Can you believe that it is the middle of May? This year is just whizzing by and summer is nearly upon us. Mikey and I have enjoyed the cooler wet weather, which is more comfortable for us long-haired dogs even if we do look like frizz balls.
Now that the days and days of rain may be ending, I hope that you are enjoying the dog parks and the yappy hours at your favorite venue and other pet-centered events like the one last Thursday at the Torpedo Factory.
I probably dont need to remind you that identification tags and rabies tags are to be worn at all times. Just Thursday, I helped to find a cocker spaniel who had slipped out of her gate and later saw two Jack Russell terriers running loose, with their owner in hot pursuit. None of those dogs had any identification. That really scares me. Cats need to wear their ID tags too.
I have had reports from people who hike and who spend time in the woods that the ticks are really, really bad this year. When you come back home from a nice long hike, please check us from head to toe and yourself, too.
It looks like King Street Cats may have found a new location on Dove Street. I got a request from them to tell you that on June 2 at 7:30 p.m. and again on June 13th (time to be announced), King Street Cats will be appearing before the citys Planning Commission to request a permit for their proposed new facility. They would like you to attend to show support. You wont have to speak. For more information call King Street Cats at 703-231-7199. This is wonderful news. Many thanks go to Ethel Beun, now deceased, whose vision created this wonderful shelter. Chester, her first rescue and the guardian mascot of KSC, would be pleased to have this work continue if he were alive today.
I am going to be pretty busy the next 30 days or so. May 22 is the opening reception at the art show I am co-curating at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery on Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray. The show, Bond for Life, is a celebration of the human/pet companion bond. For more information, visit www.thedelrayartisans.org.
On the 26th, I will be one of the interviewees on the Animal Welfare League of Alexandrias TV show, Animal Matters. Linda Couture, the host, has invited the Alexandria Red Cross to come and talk about their Pet First Aid Classes. The shows are taped and will be available on the Leagues website at www.alexandriaanimals.org. If you are interested in attending a Pet First Aid Class, the next one is scheduled for July 11. Knowing what to do as an owner if your pet is ill or injured can save the life of your pet. The classes also have information on disaster planning and building your own first aid kit. They also have the course on DVD and you can purchase a ready-made first aid kit. Every pet owner should have basic first aid knowledge. The Alexandria Red Cross has information on their website at www.alexandriaredcross.org. Classes are $50. You can also call 703-299-2502 for additional information.
The last event I want to mention is the Alexandria Waterfront Festival. It will be on June 20 and 21 this year and for the first time there will be an opportunity to attend with your dog companions. I was so excited to be asked to be the honorary chair of what they are calling the Daisy Mae Dog Zone. Ill be there so come and meet me. Information on the Waterfront Festival is at www.waterfrontfestival.org. There will be contests and vendors with great pet information and things to purchase. Michelle DEttorre of Barkley Square, who is chairing the Daisy Mae Dog Zone committee, promises that Cocoa, who is Kristina Robertsons Chihuahua and the real owner of Barkley Square, will be available for a photo op, as will I. Be there or be square.
Well, gentle readers, I have blabbed on enough for today. Do continue to send me your comments, events and photos. Keep your tail high and your feet dry.
Daisy Mae.
