Pet of the Week | ARLnow.com

Arlington Pet of the Week: Riley

Published December 20, 2017 at 12:45PM | Updated July 18, 2019 at 11:42AM

This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Riley, a mini Goldendoodle puppy.

Here is what her owner Erica had to say:

Riley is a very friendly 3-month-old mini Goldendoodle puppy weighing in at only 5 pounds (for now). She has brought so much love and joy to us, even more than we could imagine!

One of the best things about her is coming home to her (she can easily turn a frown upside down!). She runs right to the door to greet you and is just so excited with so much love to give!

She is originally from Indiana and now lives with us here in Virginia! Riley absolutely LOVES humans! We don’t get very far on our walks just yet because she wants a belly rub from everyone, literally EVERYONE.

Her favorite pose is laying on her back giving you her puppy eyes so she gets those amazing belly rubs that she loves so much. When she gets overly excited and meets someone for the first time she might even pee just a bit! We’re working on that. However, she is so cute (as described by many as a little teddy bear) no one seems to mind!

Many people have tried to offer us things in exchange for her (even the people at the vet!), since everyone falls in love with her the second that they meet her! We don’t blame them; we did too!

Riley’s absolute favorite toys are her alligator and her lobster. When Riley wakes up in the morning and comes to have breakfast with us she makes sure to go back and get them one at a time from her crate so that they can join us too (they can NOT be left out!).

They always need to be in the same room at all times with her. Some of Riley’s other favorite things are almond butter, cheerios, kissing attacks, and finding the coziest places to take naps! Like I said Riley loves EVERYONE so if you ever see her walking feel free to come up and say hi!!!

You can also follow her on Instagram at @missrileydood to watch her grow!

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos, they don’t fit in our photo galleries!

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care is the winner of six consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Awards, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year and a proud supporter of the Arlington County Pawsitively Prepared Campaign.

Becky’s Pet Care provides professional dog walking and pet sitting in Arlington and all of Northern Virginia, as well as PetPrep training courses for Pet Care, CPR and emergency preparedness.

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Arlington Pet of the Week: Willow

Published December 13, 2017 at 12:45PM | Updated July 18, 2019 at 11:42AM

This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Willow, a 2-year-old Yorkshire terrier.

Here is what she had to say about her life so far:

Hello! I’m Willow and I’m 2 years old. Some people say I look like an Ewok, but I’m actually a Yorkshire Terrier. Seeing as my mom is a huge Disney fan, she named me after Grandmother Willow from Pocahontas.

In my spare time I like to play with all my toys (as you can see in my picture) and lay down with my parents. My daily struggle is debating if I love playing with my rope or ball more.

I also enjoy dressing up. My favorite outfit of choice is my white lifeguard sweatshirt from Bethany Beach.

When people meet me they are surprised because I am a quiet Yorkie. I was taught as a puppy not to yap. But if we are playing with toys or you come knocking at my door, then you might hear a little bark or growl!

When I grow up, I hope to be a famous soccer player. My Aunt Bee taught me everything I know. In one of my pictures, I am practicing my soccer pose for when I become famous.

I hope to meet you around Arlington!

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos, they don’t fit in our photo galleries!

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care is the winner of six consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Awards, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year and a proud supporter of the Arlington County Pawsitively Prepared Campaign.

Becky’s Pet Care provides professional dog walking and pet sitting in Arlington and all of Northern Virginia, as well as PetPrep training courses for Pet Care, CPR and emergency preparedness.

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Arlington Pet of the Week: Wilson

Published December 6, 2017 at 12:45PM | Updated July 18, 2019 at 11:42AM

This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Wilson, a 15-week-old goldendoodle puppy.

Here is what his owner Jennifer had to say:

My husband and I recently expanded our family to now include our mini goldendoodle puppy, Wilson.

Wilson is 15 weeks old and is a mix of a golden retriever and a mini poodle, although Wilson inherited more of the looks of his mom, with the straight golden retriever hair.

Wilson has been making his way around Arlington. He’s been to lots of bars/restaurants already – including his favorite, Whitlow’s on Wilson, where his mom and dad met (hence the name Wilson!)

Wilson’s favorite experience so far has been hiking in Scott’s Run Nature Preserve last week. He loved the water!

We love showing Wilson around our hometown of Arlington and have been pleasantly surprised by the amount of attention he gets when we go for walks!

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos, they don’t fit in our photo galleries!

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care is the winner of six consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Awards, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year and a proud supporter of the Arlington County Pawsitively Prepared Campaign.

Becky’s Pet Care provides professional dog walking and pet sitting in Arlington and all of Northern Virginia, as well as PetPrep training courses for Pet Care, CPR and emergency preparedness.

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Arlington Pet of the Week: Dixie

Published November 29, 2017 at 12:45PM | Updated July 18, 2019 at 11:42AM

This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Dixie, a retired therapy and crisis comfort dog.

Here is what she had to say about her life:

My name is Dixie and I am a small Goldendoodle. Yes, I look like a lion. Or Beyoncé. Before I retired, I was a therapy dog and a crisis comfort dog for eight years. I helped people cope, often during the most stressful times in their lives.

Now I spend my time deciding if it will be a dog day or a cat day. On my cat days, I boss my Mom around, telling her exactly where I want to go on my walks. She says I am a Diva.

On my dog days, I go where she wants me to go. My favorite places are Petco Unleashed and Starbucks.

Please stop and say hello if you see me on the streets. I am friendly and my Mom always has dog treats with her.

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos, they don’t fit in our photo galleries!

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care is the winner of six consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Awards, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year and a proud supporter of the Arlington County Pawsitively Prepared Campaign.

Becky’s Pet Care provides professional dog walking and pet sitting in Arlington and all of Northern Virginia, as well as PetPrep training courses for Pet Care, CPR and emergency preparedness.

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Arlington Pet of the Week: Prickles

Published November 22, 2017 at 12:45PM | Updated July 18, 2019 at 11:42AM

This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Prickles, a hedgehog who got involved in one of the Arlington County Board’s recent policy debates.

Here is what his owner John had to say:

Cats and dogs are great, don’t get me wrong, but few have won recent legislation battles with Arlington County.

In an article this year, your website covered an exception for hedgehogs in the new exotic animal ban. My hedgehog, Prickles, was part of that fight.

After emailing the county on behalf of the Arlington hedgehog community, the county responded and reassured us that Prickles was A-OK in their books and that his voice was heard loud and clear throughout their offices.

So who is Prickles? Well, he is a 1-year-old African hedgehog who was born in the countryside of Winchester, Va. He spends most days curled up in a small fleece sleeping bag (we should all be so lucky).

At night is when the magic happens. Around 10 p.m. or so, he wanders out for water and a quick bit to eat (dry cat food).

Gold’s Gym is closed at this point, so instead he rotates between sessions of running on his wheel and powerwalks with toilet paper tubes on his head. Some of his favorite toys are ping pong balls, cat toys with bells and PVC tubes to run through.

Prickles isn’t much of a talker: just the occasional squeak or hiccup. He also doesn’t fetch, kill mice, roll over, or care about laser pointers; these things are beneath him.

While he certainly can be lazy, and he is most certainly grumpy when he wakes up; my finance and I love him, and hope you guys will consider a pet outside of the box, yet has recent relevance to Arlington, for your Pet of the Week.

PS: He thinks Sonic projects an unrealistic body image for all other hedgehogs. Just kidding, he loves him, but he does hate those pesky water levels.

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos, they don’t fit in our photo galleries!

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care is the winner of six consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Awards, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year and a proud supporter of the Arlington County Pawsitively Prepared Campaign.

Becky’s Pet Care provides professional dog walking and pet sitting in Arlington and all of Northern Virginia, as well as PetPrep training courses for Pet Care, CPR and emergency preparedness.

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Arlington Pet of the Week: Sandy

By ARLnow.com

Published November 15, 2017 at 12:45PM | Updated July 18, 2019 at 11:42AM

This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Sandy, a mixed breed from Alabama.

Here is what her owner Emily had to say:

Sandy is an energetic 1-year-old mixed breed who was rescued from the Humane Society after making the trip up here from Alabama. Sandy arrived just in time for Christmas this year, making her the best gift we have ever received!

She is incredibly friendly and loves getting attention from anyone who will look in her direction.

Sandy is always trying to entice us to play with her, often smacking us in the rear with a toy to try to get our attention. She has taken over a chair in our house and likes to sit in “her” chair keeping an eye on the neighborhood.

Her favorite activities are chasing squirrels, following her mom and dad around the house, spending time at the dog park playing with any and every dog, and cleaning food off of little kids faces. She has a loud snore after a day of play and always likes to have a toy within reach.

Luckily she is pretty cute and has a great personality which distracts us from her more naught habits of eating anything in site (including vitamins, hair brush, dust buster, you name it…) and her love of chewing on shoes and houseplants.

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos, they don’t fit in our photo galleries!

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care is the winner of six consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Awards, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year and a proud supporter of the Arlington County Pawsitively Prepared Campaign.

Becky’s Pet Care provides professional dog walking and pet sitting in Arlington and all of Northern Virginia, as well as PetPrep training courses for Pet Care, CPR and emergency preparedness.

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Arlington Pet of the Week: Rusty

By ARLnow.com

Published November 8, 2017 at 12:30PM | Updated July 18, 2019 at 11:42AM

This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Rusty, a retired racing greyhound.

Here is what his owner Deanna had to say:

Rusty is a retired racing greyhound who made his way around five different racing tracks and raced in about 80 races before he was adopted out through our local greyhound rescue group, Greyhound Welfare.

He actually won a few races, but we think he is best suited to being a pet. The rescue group described him as a lovebug who is free with his kisses, and they could not have been more accurate. He approaches strangers and friends with the same warm excitement and wants to say hi to everyone we pass on our walks.

He is an expert snuggler and loves nothing more than cuddling up on the couch with his human family and friends. Although greyhounds are notoriously lazy, he loves going on runs if it is not too hot out and will do absolutely anything for a snack.

We love Rusty very much and hope his story will help encourage others to consider adopting a retired racing greyhound! You can find out more about Greyhound Welfare at http://greyhoundwelfare.org/

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos, they don’t fit in our photo galleries!

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care is the winner of six consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Awards, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year and a proud supporter of the Arlington County Pawsitively Prepared Campaign.

Becky’s Pet Care provides professional dog walking and pet sitting in Arlington and all of Northern Virginia, as well as PetPrep training courses for Pet Care, CPR and emergency preparedness.

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Arlington Pet of the Week: Lucy

Published November 1, 2017 at 12:30PM | Updated July 18, 2019 at 11:42AM

This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Lucy, a 2-year-old Boxer.

Here is what her owner Lacey had to say:

Ms. Lucy is a super playful, affectionate, wiggle-butt 2-year-old Boxer. She was born in the great outdoors of Shenandoah Valley and now sleeps inside on a king-sized bed in Arlington. She still enjoys the outdoors, but also loves chasing squirrels, eating cookies, and peanut butter-filled Kong.

Lucy has a very expressive personality to say the least. She loves giving hugs and kisses, and can be quite emotional at times. If you are talking too loud or sitting in Lucy’s favorite spot on the sofa, she’ll look at you and let out a loud sigh.

An only child, Lucy also likes to be the center of attention and will try anything for acknowledgement–howling and whining, nudging you with her nose, or a slapping you on the wrist with her paw. In her teen years Lucy does not like to be left behind and has a serious case of FOMO.

As part of a working-class dog family, Lucy works patiently alongside her momma by day and leads a very active lifestyle by night. She especially enjoys walking her parents around the neighborhood and socializing at Towers Doggie Park.

On the weekdays, Lucy prefers later morning office hours and on weekends she likes to catch up on her beauty rest–don’t expect Lucy to wake up any earlier than 11am. Please say hello next time you see Lucy and be prepared for plenty of hugs and kisses!

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos, they don’t fit in our photo galleries!

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care is the winner of six consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Awards, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year and a proud supporter of the Arlington County Pawsitively Prepared Campaign.

Becky’s Pet Care provides professional dog walking and pet sitting in Arlington and all of Northern Virginia, as well as PetPrep training courses for Pet Care, CPR and emergency preparedness.

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Arlington Pet of the Week: Lincoln

Published October 25, 2017 at 12:30PM | Updated July 18, 2019 at 11:42AM

This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Lincoln, a black rabbit.

Here is what her owner Jaime had to say:

Lincoln the rabbit was adopted from the Southeastern PA-DE Chapter of the House Rabbit Society two years ago, and while she was originally a cruelty case, is now living the life of a princess.

We aren’t sure what condition she was rescued from but we think the former owners weren’t feeding her adequately. So when I first brought her home she went crazy for food, running across the floor and sliding into her food bowl like a puppy. Even though she’s nice and plump now, she still maintains that same appetite.

Lincoln loves car rides, raisins, lettuce, her fluffy beds and chewing the wood trim on the wall (ugh). Anytime you pet her on the head or comb her “mane” she grinds her teeth in happiness.

She loves to cuddle and her favorite times are spent wrapped up in a blanket, or “bunny burrito” and watching Netflix in bed. Lincoln is a great example of “Adopt Don’t Shop” and such a sweet little girl!

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos, they don’t fit in our photo galleries!

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care is the winner of six consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Awards, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year and a proud supporter of the Arlington County Pawsitively Prepared Campaign.

Becky’s Pet Care provides professional dog walking and pet sitting in Arlington and all of Northern Virginia, as well as PetPrep training courses for Pet Care, CPR and emergency preparedness.

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Arlington Pet of the Week: Willy Pep

By ARLnow.com

Published October 18, 2017 at 12:30PM | Updated July 18, 2019 at 11:42AM

This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Willy Pep, a Boxer mutt.

Here is what his owner Sarah had to say:

Willy Pep is a sweet 11-year-old Boxer mutt who was rescued from an animal shelter seven years ago by my family, the Malks.

In the shelter, when all the other dogs would run forward to greet their potential new owners, Willy hung back and gazed lackadaisically into the distance, as if he couldn’t care less about the commotion around him. That’s when we knew he was the dog for us.

However, Willy Pep did surprise us with his endless energy and sunniness once he was home. There has not been one single visitor to our front door in the past seven years who has not felt the wrath of a million slobbery kisses at eye level — no matter their height.

Willy Pep was named for the World Featherweight boxing champion, Guglielmo Papaleo, or “Willie Pep,” who was known for his sprightly speed and optimistic attitude on life.

Our Willy Pep has been recently diagnosed with cancer, and we are making the days that we have left with him count. But, throughout all of his veterinarian appointments and pain, Willy Pep has remained the same glowingly spunky and exciting dog that he has always been.

We are so thankful for the pet, friend and family member that he has been to us these past seven years. We will miss our dear Willy Pep once his time is up, but, even though he’s no featherweight, he’ll always be a champion in our hearts.

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos, they don’t fit in our photo galleries!

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care is the winner of six consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Awards, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year and a proud supporter of the Arlington County Pawsitively Prepared Campaign.

Becky’s Pet Care provides professional dog walking and pet sitting in Arlington and all of Northern Virginia, as well as PetPrep training courses for Pet Care, CPR and emergency preparedness.

#Pet of the Week

Arlington Pet of the Week: Bruce Wayne

By ARLnow.com

Published October 11, 2017 at 12:30PM | Updated July 18, 2019 at 11:42AM

This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Bruce Wayne, a former street cat.

Here is what his owner Maggie had to say:

Bruce Wayne was found on the streets of Arlington in October 2011, when he was about six months old. A kind stranger brought him to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington where he was adopted in almost no time at all.

Despite appearing innocent and quiet, Bruce would lead a mysterious life during the darkest hours of the night. As a kitten, I returned home to a disheveled bathroom including shredded paper and claw prints up the side of the tub. It was then he earned his name.

For six years, Bruce has entertained anyone he encounters. He oscillates between wanting love and wanting to play, with claws out! Very cuddly, he often gets compared to a dog. He’ll greet you at the door, follow you around and almost knows how to fetch. This is all very endearing, except when it’s the middle of the night.

Bruce’s hobbies include chasing his favorite sparkly toy, affectionately know as “Mr. Fish,” and running back and forth between windows to try to catch leaves through glass. A fruitless, but very entertaining, hobby.

He refuses treats but loves when fresh dry food is put out. He hates the vacuum but tolerates it because he loves a clean home. Bruce is currently an only child but wouldn’t mind having a little puppy around, if Dad would ever agree to it.

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos, they don’t fit in our photo galleries!

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care is the winner of six consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Awards, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year and a proud supporter of the Arlington County Pawsitively Prepared Campaign.

Becky’s Pet Care provides professional dog walking and pet sitting in Arlington and all of Northern Virginia, as well as PetPrep training courses for Pet Care, CPR and emergency preparedness.

#Pet of the Week