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Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Mixed Reaction to Electronic Textbooks — Electronic textbooks are getting mixed reviews from Arlington Public Schools students. Some say they appreciate the accessibility and update-ability of the electronic books, but others say the books can be glitch-y and are not easy to search. [Sun Gazette]

Topping Out for New Ballston Hotel — A “topping out ceremony” was held on Friday for the new Residence Inn hotel within the Founders Square development in Ballston. The ceremony was held to celebrate the last of the building’s 11 floors being built. The hotel is expected to open mid-2013. [CityBiz Real Estate]

Kenmore Students Donate Bags for Dog Dirt — This morning the 6th grade science classes at Kenmore Middle School are being recognized for their donation of about 10,000 used plastic bags to the group Arlington Dogs. The bags will be reused for pet waste disposal at Arlington County’s eight dog parks. By reducing the amount of pet waste in the park, the bag donation should also improve the water quality of Arlington’s streams.

Dogma May Close N. Arlington Store — Dogma Bakery’s store in the Lee Harrison Shopping Center is in financial jeopardy, according to owner Sheila Raebel. The gourmet dog bakery and boutique has reportedly been losing money for the past two years, and last year’s opening of a Petco store across the street likely hasn’t helped matters. Dogma’s Shirlington location, however, is expected to become profitable at some point this year. [Examiner.com]

Arlington Parking Meter Slogan, Explained — In case you were wondering, the slogan on Arlington County’s parking meters — “All May Park. All Must Pay” — originated in 1994. The phrase was coined to succinctly describe a policy change: the county stopped allowing those with disabled placards to park for free, due to rampant abuse of the system by the non-disabled. [Washington Post]

Clarendon Dog Park to Get Revamped

By Katie Pyzyk

James Hunter Park in Clarendon is about to get a facelift.

At its meeting on Saturday, May 19, the County Board is expected to award a contract for construction of the dog park, at N. Herndon and 13th Street, to Avon Corporation. The contract will be worth more than $1.6 million.

The plan to revamp the park has been in the works since 2007. The county has been collaborating with nearby neighborhood associations to devise the final plan.

The final design is for a park containing a plaza terrace with an open lawn area, gardens, a canine area, pedestrian areas and public art.

The project aims to be on the forefront of sustainability by using alternative energy, managing and recycling stormwater for use throughout the park and using recycled materials for construction.

If the board approves the contract on Saturday, construction is supposed to begin early in the summer, and should finish by late spring next year. Officials had originally hoped to have the revamped dog park ready by this summer.

County staff will work with Clarendon Dogs to post signs about other dog friendly venues that visitors can use while James Hunter Park is closed for construction.

Dogs and Humans Welcome at Fundraising Walk

By Katie Pyzyk

The pitter patter of many little feet will be filling the air on Saturday, during the Animal Welfare League of Arlington’s 17th Annual Walk for the Animals.

AWLA considers this one of its most important fundraisers of the year. Money raised will help care for all the homeless animals brought to AWLA every day, from dogs to hamsters to birds.

The three mile walk or one mile stroll will start and finish at Bluemont Park (329 N. Manchester Street). Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 9:30 a.m. In addition to sponsor booths, there will be demonstrations by WOOFS! Dog Training Center of Shirlington, and by the Arlington County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit.

Humans are encouraged to bring any canine walking partners older than four months. Dogs must be on a flat leash, not a flexible leash. Cats and other pets must stay at home. All pre-registered human walkers will receive a t-shirt, and dogs will receive a bandana.

You can register for the race on AWLA’s website. The cost for the walk is $25 in advance and $40 the day of the event. Special prizes will be awarded to participants who raise the most money.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

ACPD Cruiser Hits Dog — An Arlington County police cruiser hit a dog Thursday night. The dog’s owner is accusing the police officer of speeding at the time the dog was struck, but a police spokesman suggests that that the dog’s injuries — it survived and is expected “to make a full recovery” — would have been worse if the officer was actually speeding. [WUSA 9]

Ballston Craft Market Season Starts — The Ballston Arts & Crafts Market will open its 2012 season on Saturday, May 12. It will take place on the second Saturday of the month through October. [Sun Gazette]

Wine Shop Offers Discount for Locals — The new Crystal City Wine Shop is offering 10 percent off to neighbors who live in the 22202 zip code and can prove it with a valid photo ID. The deal is valid on Tuesdays only. The shop is also offering 10 percent off on Wednesdays to anybody who works in the 22202 zip code and can prove it with a business card.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

May Day — It’s the first of May and, after a relatively cool April, the weather is finally expected to warm up today. [Capital Weather Gang]

Worries Over Westover Farmers Market Parking — As part of a compromise between the organizers of the new Westover Farmers Market and the Arlington County Board, the market will close at noon (instead of 1:00 p.m., as originally proposed) and will provide attendants to direct patrons to designated parking areas. Still, some businesses and residents are worried that market-goers may cause parking woes in the neighborhood. [Arlington Mercury]

Defense Contractor Relocating to Arlington — DRS Technologies, a military contractor, is relocating its corporate headquarters to Crystal City from New Jersey. The move is expected to bring at least 75 new jobs to Arlington, on top of the 26 employees who already work in an existing DRS office in Crystal City. Gov. Bob McDonnell reportedly initiated talks with DRS about moving to Virginia while attending an air show in England. [Washington Business Journal]

Photos: Children Reading to Dogs — The library has posted some photos from a recent Paws-to-Read session at Westover Branch Library. The Paws-to-Read program, which is now in four Arlington libraries, gives children an opportunity to practice reading aloud to a cuddly, non-judgmental audience. [Arlington Public Library]

Photos: GMU Law Students Relax at ‘Puppy Day’

By Katie Pyzyk

A little puppy love is helping law students at George Mason University’s Virginia Square campus get through the stress of final exams.

Students had three hours to leave the books behind and cuddle with some furry friends during “Puppy Day.”

A law school staff member came up with the idea last spring, and the event has since become a tradition for every final exam week in the spring and fall.

The study break is also beneficial for the pups, who are brought in from A Forever Home Rescue Foundation. Representatives from the dog rescue group were on hand to assist with giving out information and to help those interested in adopting one of the puppies.

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AWLA to Offer Low-Cost Microchips, Rabies Shots

By ARLnow.com

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington will be holding a low-cost microchip and rabies clinic tomorrow (Thursday).

From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the AWLA offices (2650 S. Arlington Mill Drive), the organization will be offering $30 microchipping and $10 rabies shots.

AWLA recommends microchips for dogs and cats to help with identification should they ever become lost.

“Each year thousands of lost and abandoned animals are taken in by shelters and humane societies across the country. Some of these animals never make it home because they can’t be identified,” the AWLA notes. “Microchipping offers pet owners the only truly permanent method of identifying your pet and linking the animal back to you, the owner.”

Six other rabies and microchip clinics are planned through the end of 2012.

File photo

AWLA Warns Against ‘Unsupervised Doggie Doors’

By ARLnow.com

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington recently responded to a lost dog call that, they say, is a cautionary tale against “unsupervised doggie doors.”

From the AWLA’s animal control blotter:

A woman called the shelter to report a dog loose in her neighborhood. An animal control officer responded and found a lactating black Labrador mix sitting in front of a house. Searching around, the officer found no puppies. There was no answer when the officer knocked on the door so she left a note saying that the dog was taken to the shelter. Later that afternoon, the owner called and explained that the dog escaped through their doggie door. The lab was picked and reunited with her 4 week old puppies. The League discourages the use of unsupervised doggie doors not only due to the risk of losing their pet but because the door allows wildlife into the house.

AWLA To Offer Discounted Spay and Neuter Service

By ARLnow.com

 The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is offering discounted spay and neuter service for low-income pet owners during the month of February.

In recognition of World Spay Day, AWLA will be offering low-cost spays and neuters on four days: Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24. Participants must bring proof that their annual household income is $40,000 or less. The service will cost $25 for male cats and $50 for female cats and all dogs.

“Spaying cats and dogs eliminates the possibility of uterine and ovarian cancer, while neutering eliminates the possibility of testicular cancer,” AWLA noted in a press release. “Spaying and neutering reduces the potential for territorial marking, especially in your home, makes pets less likely to run away, and helps to reduce aggressive behavior, especially in dogs.”

“We do have limited space for this event, so if you qualify and would like to register your pet, please send an e-mail to Kimberly Harman at [email protected] or call her at (703) 931-9241 x246,” the AWLA added.

World Spay Day, promoted by the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, is Feb. 28.

AWLA Handles Richmond Stray Dog Case

By ARLnow.com

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington recently handled a case involving a stray dog picked up near Richmond and turned in to the AWLA in Arlington.

From the League’s Arlington Animal Watch blotter:

12/26/11 — An Arlington resident driving through Henrico County, VA picked up a stray beagle wearing a collar with ID tags and a tracking collar and brought the dog home with her to Arlington County where she turned it in to AWLA. The shelter found the owner from the information on the ID tag who said he was hunting with his dog and the finder must have picked it up while they were out. The shelter verified the current status of a rabies vaccine  and released the dog to a friend of the owner who agreed to drive it back to Henrico County. If you find a stray dog, it’s best to turn it in to a shelter in the jurisdiction where you found it.

AWLA Warns About Out-Of-Date Microchip Info

By ARLnow.com

A stray dog was captured and returned to his owner in Arlington this week, but not without a bit of drama.

The large, black German Shepherd had an embedded microchip that’s supposed to tell animal control officers how to contact its owner. But the chip’s information was out of date — leading back to a registered owner in South Carolina who was no longer there.

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) consulted a local directory and eventually found the owner living in Arlington. The man and his dog were then, at last, reunited.

The incident prompted the AWLA to issue to a reminder for pet owners.

“The League would like to remind owners to notify the microchip company that holds the database when their information has changed,” the organization said.

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