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FEATURE: Sleeping with Your Dog? Research says good for some and bad for others Couples argue over it. Diehards can't get enough. Letting your dog or cat sleep in your bed may no longer feel like it's your choice — sometimes the pet wins. CNN's Randi Kaye found that has positive and negative effects on your well-being. |
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Community Care
& Local Outreach |
Children's National Hospital |
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Full-Time Canine Support at Children’s National Hospital (DC)
Therapy dogs now provide consistent emotional support to pediatric patients and their families at Children’s National Hospital, working alongside medical teams |
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Fairfax Pets on Wheels Seeks New Volunteers |
Fairfax Pets on Wheels is on the lookout for new volunteers to help spread joy to seniors and patients across Fairfax County. If you’ve got a friendly dog and a heart for service, this might be the perfect way to give back. Pet therapy visits are making a big difference in assisted living and healthcare facilities, and your pup could be the next hero with a wagging tail. |
| Learn how to get involved → |
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Snouts & Stouts Offers a Dog Bus |
Snouts & Stouts, Arlington, Virginia’s exciting indoor-outdoor dog bar and play park, has launched a unique dog-friendly shuttle bus to ferry pups to and from the venue. This local hotspot is redefining pet-friendly fun—and community transportation—for the canine crowd. |
| Explore the adventure → |
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Fairfax County Dog Park Expansion Plans |
Source: Fairfax County Dog Park Study
A recent planning report outlines new dog parks in Franconia, McLean, and Lake Fairfax to meet growing demand. The county currently has 13 public dog parks, with 7 more planned. |
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End-of-Summer Dog Swims in Reston 🐶💦
Ready to let your pup make a splash? Reston pools are going to the dogs this August with a series of “Dog Paddle” swim events!
Where & When:
• Autumnwood Pool: August 16 & 30
• Hunters Woods Pool: August 17
• Lake Audubon Pool: August 23
View full details at DullesMoms.com
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Fairfax County: A Dog Lover’s Paradise |
Source: Fellow.dog Magazine
This lifestyle piece covers everything from leash laws and muzzle requirements to behavioral training and dog-friendly amenities. |
🐶 10 Tips for Responsible Dog Ownership in Fairfax County Source: Fairfax County News Center
With over 87,000 registered pups, Fairfax County shares updated guidance on licensing, vaccinations, leash laws, and dog park etiquette. The county also offers microchip clinics and obedience classes through its Park Authority. |
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On The Town |
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Celebrate Virginia Cluster Dog Show |
Dates: August 21–24, 2025
Location: Meadow Event Park, Doswell, VA
Source: Northern Neck Kennel Club
This massive AKC-sanctioned event features conformation, obedience, rally, FastCat, dock diving, and even a PeeWee class for young handlers. Clinics include cardiac and eye screenings, plus a “Meet the Breed” showcase. |
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Doggy Noses & Yoga Poses + Adoption Event |
Date: August 10, 2025
Location: Eavesdrop Brewery, Manassas, VA
Source: Operation Paws for Homes
Enjoy a mixed-level yoga class with adoptable dogs roaming the floor, followed by an adoption and outreach event. Proceeds benefit rescue efforts. |
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Pet CPR & First Aid Certification |
Dates: August 15 & August 30, 2025
Location: Becky’s Pet Care, Northern VA
Source: Becky’s Pet Care Events
Hands-on training for pet parents, sitters, and professionals covering CPR, choking management, bleeding protocols, and more. Includes certification and take-home materials.
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National Spoil Your Dog Day Celebration |
Date: August 9, 2025
Location: James River Cellars, Glen Allen, VA
Source: BringFido
Live music, food trucks, and dog-friendly vendors like Doggone Treats and Beagles & Bentleys. |
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Luna, Bella & Max... ROLLOVER! |
(Haha,,. below with your mouse pointer) |
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Therapy & Service Dogs in Action |
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K-9 Caring Angels |
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Empowering Independence |
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Service Dogs of Virginia |
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Smiles & Stress Relief |
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Manassas Therapy Dogs |
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01 July |
July DaVinci Digest |
In case you missed it last month. |
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Service Dog Visits Aquarium,Dolphins' 'Special' Response Says It All |
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Labrador Hero & Planet-Saving Poop Bags 🐾Labrador Retriever Acts Just Like a Lifeguard When Human Toddler Tries to Swim — This brave pup channels full Baywatch energy to keep his tiny human safe. It’s loyalty, love, and a splash of Labrador logic. Read more More Than a Million Poop Bags End Up in Landfills — Ever wonder what happens to all those bags? The answer might surprise (and slightly horrify) you. Here’s how your pup’s potty break may be affecting the planet—and what you can do about it. Learn more
Dog Owner Teaches Pooches to Play UNO 🐾
What would game night look like with your furry friends? One clever dog owner has taught her pups to play UNO—and it’s as hilarious as it sounds! Read the full story
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Let’s give these future therapy dogs the golden start they deserve! |
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Calling All Golden Hearts! |
Canine Concierge Corporation is preparing for the next chapter in animal-assisted therapy, and we need your help finding two exceptional Golden Retriever puppies to train as future therapy dogs! |
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Do you know a reputable breeder with healthy pups? |
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Are you a breeder committed to purpose-driven placements? |
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We’re seeking Golden Retrievers who will grow into gentle, intuitive companions—ready to bring comfort, joy, and healing to individuals, children, and veterans facing life’s challenges. |
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When Therapy Dogs Are Mistaken for Service Animals – What You Can Say (and What You Can’t Be Asked) |
Confused stares. Denied entry. Demands for paperwork. These are common experiences for therapy dog handlers navigating a world that often confuses therapy dogs with ADA-protected service animals. This month, we're clarifying what you can say—and what they can’t legally ask.
Key takeaways: Therapy dogs do not have public access rights under the ADA. You are not required to disclose medical information or answer invasive questions. But you can advocate respectfully using the right language, and we’ll show you how. |
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August DaVinci Digest Subscriber Launch |
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