I was going to ask for the Top 5, but figured that might be pushing it...

I am meeting a shelter dog tomorrow night, and if all goes well, we will be adopting her shortly. I have lived in DC and surrounding suburbs for a total of almost 10 years, but I have spent those years dog-free.

NYC always seems to be such a dog-friendly place to me...is DC similar? For those of you have dogs in/near DC, what are some of the top activities you do with your dog? Are there any outdoor eatiers that don't mind if your pooch joins you? I don't even know where the local dog parks are!

Thanks for any dog-friendly advice you can offer.

You can easily find out these things if you spend a little time online with Google. The entire DC metro area is huge, so people might be able to give you better advice if you were specific as to where you live. It doesn't matter what dog parks are in Greenbelt if you live in Reston, for example. There are lots of dog parks in NoVa and some in Md Suburbs, but only a couple in DC proper, of course. I think there is one at Lincoln Park on Capitol Hill and Glover Park.

I hope you have learned about leash laws, and other laws relevant to your pet in public.

Top three things to do:
-Keep your dog on a leash.
-Get his shots.
-PICK UP AFTER HIM.

No worries...always had dogs growing up, but this is *my* first dog. Always kept my pets on leashes (even my cats on my deck), keep them healthy, and do my duty after they do theirs.

I know better to post a question only *after* I have done my own research. I have spent lots of time looking at Washingtonian, Metro Pets, dogfriendly.com, and other similar websites, but most of the info leans towards dog day cares/boarding, vet recommendations, grooming, etc. I found a listing for a dog park in Reston, but am hoping someone might suggest a few favorite nature walks that they also enjoy or casual/dog friendly outdoor dining options. I know of a few places that offer "yappy hours" in Alexandria, but am hoping someone has other ideas.

I live near Leesburg but don't confine myself to the 'burbs - enjoy getting out in western VA and downtown DC whenever possible.

Anyone?

On more comment...I'm smart enough to google before posting here but clearly NOT smart enough to remember to tell folks *what* area of DC I live in as part of my original post.

Thanks for reminding me, Christina. ;-)

Well, I didn't have a dog when I lived in DC, but you got so many crabby responses, I thought I'd try to turn the tide! So: I always thought the people and their dogs romping on the Mall looked so cool and seemed to be having such a good time. If I had a dog, I would join them, or sit on a bench with my pooch at my side and take it in. So many restaurants and cafes in Dupont and Adams Morgan have outdoor dining--a stroll through those neighborhoods and a couple of inquiries might yield a cool place to chill with the canine companion...
Hope these get this thread going again--good luck! You're doing a fine thing, adopting a shelter pup.

Good for you,Beanweb. It is great you are willing to take a shelter dog. Your life and his (hers) will be all the richer.

Thanks, E and cmcfong. I forgot about Adams Morgan area (easy to forget once those bar hopping days are over) - I'll do some research.

I'm more than willing to adopt her...question is, will she like ME?

Hi beanweb24,

Good for you for adopting ! She will love you ! Don't doubt that for a second !

Shelter dogs, who can't tell us about their past, certainly sense when they have a second chance and she will reward you with much love and gratitude.

Trust yourself and her...and you'll both be fine !

Let us know how things go...please

Marion

Glencarlyn Park in Arlington is really nice and the doggy swim in Old Town Alexandria's pool is kind of different and fun, it's coming up in September.

Also, Mount Vernon allows dogs (a little known fact) and that's a nice day, although they can't go into the house.

Beanweb:

I can't answer your question, but I second all the props for what you're doing.

My purebred-owning friends sometimes ask why I have a mutt from the pound (and a mutt-cat, too).

Usually I just say, "You know her, why wouldn't I have adopted her?"

But actually, I have a secret belief that for every pet you adopt from the pound, God crosses off one of your sins.

Too bad I don't have room for a LOT more dogs.

One event my family enjoys is the Alexandria Canine Games, held this year on Oct 8th. (sponsored by the Animal welfare league of Alexandria) Our pup didn't win any contests, but it was still alot of fun! More info at www.alexandriaanimals.org

Thank you for all of the suggestions so far -- the dog swim in Alexandria sounds particularly fun.

Update: I met the dog tonight! She ran right over to me with a wagging tail, sat down, and gave me some kisses. She was really well behaved and very interested in the treats I had in my purse for her. I left a msg on the shelter's voice mail and hope to have her by the end of the week!

Noticed a somewhat old (2003) but nonetheless helpful Guide Book for a dog's guide to visiting Washington DC. Think I'll look for a copy tomorrow. Hopefully will have an opportunity to write a trip report on DC from her persepctive in the future.

Speaking of Adams Morgan. They actually have a doggy happy hour at the Adams Mill Grill during the week - though I forget which night.

My favorite thing to do with my dog was go for a walk in Rock Creek Park. So many paths, and frankly so many opportunities to sneak your dog off the leash and let it play in the creek.

Funny thing about the Mall. On hearing the news when my basset hound passed a couple years ago (lived a happy long life - no sadness), my brother's first response was reminding me how much fun we had when he came to visit and the three of us went down to the Mall.

Enjoy!

Hey, Beanweb, how is the adoption going? What does the little girl look like?
I could use some happy news today!

Yes, I agree cmcfong, I too was thinking about Beanweb's new addition...

Name??????

Description??????

Favorite toy??????

Is she sleeping on your bed yet, hehehheheheh?????????

Come on bean, we need a happy story!

Love, Tiff & Sophie ((&))

ttt & good example of a travel thread...

I'm back...and now I have a dog!

We picked her up last night so we're still honeymooning. Her name is Hops (we are beer lovers) and she's a 2 yr old German Shepherd/Greyhound mix. She LOVES our 2 kitties but the feeling is not yet mutual. Took her to the vet first thing this a.m. and also got her groomed - she looks lovely but is worn out from so much excitement. She seems to like me a lot (and that feeling IS mutual) and she has been staying close to my side...she's a sweetheart.

Thanks for posting additional suggestions - definitely sounds like a trip to the Mall is in our future. Think there's a trip to Camden, Maine, in our future too based on a recent dog-friendly trip report posted a few days ago.

WOOF!

Congrats on Hops! Sounds like she needs a frisbee for the Mall!

I can't tell you ANYTHING useful on DC parks, ha, but I can offer that Sophie's favorite toy is called "Kong". It is this hard rubber toy with a hollow part that you put a biscuit or a treat in and they do everything they can to get the treat.

It is her favorite, she loves it so much!

It may also help to give Hops this treat when you leave, as to ease separation anxiety.

I don't care if my post is not related to travel, at least it is related to the cause of a shelter pup finding a new loving home!

Well done Beanweb, and welcome to Hops!

((&))