October 2022 Newsletter

1. Always make sure the gates are closed behind you when you enter and exit the dog park. Dogs have run out when they are left opened.

2. Please note that Shirlington Dog Park closes at sunset.  Everyone and their dogs MUST be out of the park by then. The closest dog park that has lights and is open later is Ft Bernard, which is up the hill on Walter Reed Drive.  See the link on our site for details and a list of other dog parks that are open later: https://shirlingtondogs.org/resources

3. Please keep your dogs in sight at all times and pick up after them. Be sure to follow all the other dog park rules including picking up the poop.

4. Paws on the Pike, the annual pet fair, is this Saturday, Oct 1, 1-5 PM at the corner of Columbia Pike and S. Geo Mason Drive. https://www.columbia-pike.org/event/paws-on-the-pike-2022/

5. Thank you to Ruben Fernandez and the county Parks Dept crew for their help in installing the refurbished and the new donated benches.

August 2022 Newsletter

1. If you normally drive to the dog park be aware that Arlington County is planning on reducing the travel lanes on S. Four Mile Run Drive, which leads to the access streets to the dog park, from four to only one lane in each direction. This would make turning into S. Four Mile Run Drive coming from the dog park very difficult and dangerous as there will be much less openings in traffic especially during peak times. There will be a project virtual community meeting on Wednesday, Aug 17 at 6:00 PM. (Note new date). Go to the Project Page for information how to attend. There will be an online feedback form on the page after the 4th but you can also provide your feedback directly to the project manager as well as to the County Board to let them know of your concerns.

2. It was reported recently that a dog in the park swallowed a mini tennis ball that had been left there and had to have emergency surgery. Apparently someone has been bringing these small tennis balls into the dog park. If you see any these balls or anything else that could be hazardous please pick them up and put in the trash. Also if you happen to see anyone bring these items into the park please let them know of the hazard they can cause. Do not forget to keep your dogs in sight at all times and to pick up the poop.

3. Remember to NEVER leave your dog in the car, even for a minute during these hot summer days and watch for signs of hyperthermia as the heat is far more stressful for dogs and can be deadly.

4. Please note that the stream is NOT part of the dog park and it and the stream banks can be very dangerous to you and your dogs.

July 2022 Newsletter

1. Thank you to all those who participated in the dog park cleanup last month including the folks from Fur-Get Me Not. Let's keep their efforts going by always picking up the poop and trash every time you visit the dog park. A special thanks is due to Lindsey Bornick for all her help that weekend. Thank you as well to everyone who made a donation. We were able to raise nearly $2,900 although we fell short of our goal of raising $5,000 due to the weather. You can still make your tax-deductible donation anytime by clicking on DONATE in the menu above.

2. Keep your dogs safe during these hot summer days by watching for signs of hyperthermia and NEVER leave your dog in the car, even for a minute. The heat is far more stressful for dogs and can be deadly.

3. Please note that the stream is NOT part of the dog park and can be very dangerous to you and your dogs. In addition to the recent sewage spills, the stream at any time can carry a variety of toxic pollutants as well as harmful debris even when the water looks clean.

June 2022 Newsletter

1. Spring Cleanup & Fund Raiser New Dates. Mark your calendar for June 11 & 12, as the dog park will have a cleanup and fund raising weekend.  Come show your support by participating in the cleanup starting at 10:00 both mornings. We will be spreading mulch around the trees, picking up trash and doing other tasks. Any amount of your time is appreciated and we will have thank you gifts as well.  We will also be collecting donations both days to support and maintain the dog park and there will be Shirlington Dog Park magnets and other items available. For more info and to also make your tax-deductible donation anytime visit: ShirlingtonDogs.org

2. Everyone must always pick up after their dogs and keep them in site at all times. Those people not following this and the other posted dog park rules will not be permitted in the dog park.

 3. Stream safety:  Please note that the stream is NOT part of the dog park. The stream and the surrounding banks can be very dangerous to you and your dogs. This is an urban stream that at any time can carry a variety of toxic pollutants even when the water looks clean as well as dangerous debris.

May 2022 Newsletter

1. Spring Cleanup and Fund Raiser. Mark your calendars for June 11 and 12, as the dog park will have a spring cleanup and fund raising weekend.  Come show your support by participating in the cleanup starting at 10:00 both mornings. We will be spreading mulch around the trees, picking up trash and doing other tasks. Any amount of your time is appreciated and we will have thank you gifts as well.  We will also be collecting donations both days and there will be dog park magnets and other items available. You can also make your tax-deductible donation anytime at our web site: ShirlingtonDogs.org

2. Visitors must always pick up after their dogs. No one else picks up poop, not the county, not dog poop fairies, so it is up to you. The county could close the dog park if dog poop is left behind causing health and environmental risks. Speak up and remind others to monitor their dogs, pick up the poop and dispose properly in the bins.

 3. Stay aware. Please help by keeping your dogs and children in sight at all times. Should you see anyone not following the posted dog park rules, a gentle reminder by you is in order. 

April 2022 Newsletter

1.There have been reports of Upper Respiratory Infections in dogs that have visited the dog park. These infections can be passed between dogs anywhere multiple dogs gather. To protect your dog and others make sure your dog is currently vaccinated against Bordetella and other respiratory diseases in addition to the other required vaccines before you bring your dog to the park. If your dog shows any symptoms such as coughing contact your vet and do not bring your dog to the dog park.

2. You must always pick up after your dog as dog poop left on the ground can cause many other harmful diseases as well as present other hazards.

3. Dog Obedience Classes offered by Arlington County start April 20 for both Basic and Advanced levels. For information and to register go to: Registration.ArlingtonVA.US , enter the Activity Number 340731 for the basic classes or 340732 for the advanced classes and click "Search for Activity".

4. Welcome our newest corporate sponsor, Dogtopia, offering daycare, boarding and spa, located on S. Oxford St at the center gate to the dog park. 

March 2022 Newsletter

As more and more people are visiting the dog park, especially new dog owners and first time visitors, there is a growing problem of the park rules not being followed. The more serious of these are aggressive dog behavior, not picking up the dog poop, and children not being safe by running or otherwise antagonizing dogs.  As neither the Park Rangers nor our volunteers can be at the park at all times we need your help to inform others of the park rules when needed.

 Dogs that are being aggressive must be removed from the park. If there is a dog bite or attack it needs to be reported to Animal Control, 703-931-9241, as soon as possible. Forms to help gather the information to be reported are located on the side of the bulletin board. If there is an ongoing and/or potentially dangerous situation call the Park Rangers, 703-228-0052, or Arlington County police, 703-558-2222. These numbers are posted on the bulletin board as well.

Picking up the dog poop is totally the responsibility of park users who are required to pay attention to and keep their dogs in sight at all times. It is critical for the health and safety of everyone and to keep the dog park open for all dog poop be picked up and disposed of properly in one of the trash bins.

Parents must be in control of their children at all times and should not allow them to approach someone else's dog without the owner's saying it is okay and safe to do so. 

All of the Dog Park rules are listed on the bulletin board and here are on our site.  Click here.

February 2022 Newsletter

1.There is an increasing problem with dog poop not being picked up. Our dog park is a beloved and highly used public park, but it could be lost unless everyone helps in keeping it clean. You must keep your dogs in sight at all times and have a poop bag handy to pick up after them. Picking up the dog poop is totally the responsibility of park users who must be vigilant in doing so. Also please kindly remind others to pick up after their dogs as well.

2. Shirlington Dog Park closes at sunset. Everyone and their dogs MUST be out of the park each day by sunset. Violators will be ticketed. 

3. Animal Welfare League of Arlington is having a low-cost vaccine and microchip clinic on Saturday, February 26 by reservation only. All dogs entering the dog park are required to have a current rabies vaccine tag. For info: www.awla.org/events/clinics/

4. We have a new corporate sponsor, Snouts & Stouts who have plans for opening an indoor dog run and bar soon in No Va. For info go to: snoutsnstouts.com.
Make sure to patronize all of our sponsors listed at ShirlingtonDogs.org and on the bulletin board and tell them Shirlington Dog Park sent you.

November 2021 Newsletter

1. A raccoon that tested positive for rabies was removed from Shirlington Dog Park on October 28 around 6:00PM. If you or your pets came in contact with the raccoon please call Arlington Animal Control immediately at 703-931-9241. Click for more information. 
All dogs by law must be vaccinated against rabies and all dogs entering the dog park must have a current rabies tag in addition to their license tag. 

2. Shirlington Dog Park closes at sunset.  Everyone and their dogs MUST be out of the park each day by sunset as violators will be ticketed. The closest dog parks that have lights and are open later are Ft Bernard on Walter Reed Dr. and Towers Park on S. Scott St.  See the link on our site for a complete list: https://shirlingtondogs.org/resources

3. Animal Welfare League of Arlington is offeringlow-cost rabies vaccines and microchipson Saturday, November 20 by reservation only. All dogs entering the dog park are required to have a current rabies vaccine tag. For info: www.awla.org/events/clinics/

4. Please help keep the park clean by making sure everyone picks up after their dogs and has them in sight at all times.

October 2021 Newsletter

1. Shirlington Dog Park closes at sunset.  Everyone and their dogs MUST be out of the park each day by sunset as violators will be ticketed. The closest dog parks that have lights and are open later are Ft Bernard on Walter Reed Dr. and Towers Park on S. Scott St.  See the link on our site for a complete list: https://shirlingtondogs.org/resources

2. Paws on the Pike:  Columbia Pike's Pet Fair returns on Oct 3 from 1 to 5 PM at Centro Arlington, 950 S. George Mason Dr. www.columbia-pike.org/pawsonthepike/

3. Animal Welfare League of Arlington is offering low-cost rabies vaccines and microchips on Oct 2 and Oct 28 by reservation only. All dogs entering the dog park are required to have a current rabies vaccine tag. For info: www.awla.org/events/clinics/

4. We are always in need of clean plastic bags, such as those your newspaper comes in, for picking up dog poop.  Please put them loosely in the two green mailboxes at either end of the park.  You can also place them all in an outer bag and hang it on the shed door.

5. Please help keep the park clean by making sure everyone picks up after their dogs and has them in sight at all times.

September 2021 Newsletter

1. Pick up the poop. Too many people are not picking up after their dogs. It is critical you keep your dog in sight at all times and pick up the poop for the health and safety of everyone and to keep the dog park open.

2. We are always in need of clean plastic bags, such as those your newspaper comes in, for picking up dog poop. No food storage bags please.  Please put them loosely in the two green mailboxes at either end of the park or you can place them all in an outer bag and hang it on the shed door handle.

3. Welcome our new volunteers, Nicki, Jason, Phil and Suzanne. Along with Tina and Carlton they are the ones filling the poop bag dispensers and moving out the trash bin to be collected.  Make sure to say thanks when you see them. 

4. Check the Animal Welfare League of Arlington site for info on the Walk for the Animals fundraiser that ends on Sept 12.  Also come meet Animal Control Sgt. Cliff Ballena at James Hunter Dog Park in Clarendon on Sept 9 at 5:00 PM.

June 2021 Newsletter

1. There have recently been reports of a high number of dogs with kennel cough, or Bordetella, at a nearby kennel.  This can be easily spread among dogs in dog parks.  Please make sure your dog is vaccinated against Bordetella in addition to all the other required vaccines before you bring your dog to the park.  

2. We are looking for someone to help with filling the poop bag dispensers at least one day a week.  If you are a regular visitor please consider volunteering a small amount of your time to support the park.  Your dog will thank you.  If interested and for more information, please contact Keith at: info@shirlingtondogs.org

3. Keep the dog park clean. Too many people are not picking up after their dogs. It is critical you keep your dog in sight so you can pick up the poop. The health and safety of everyone and the park depends on this.

4.  We are always in need of clean plastic bags, such as those your newspaper comes in, for picking up dog poop. No food storage bags please.  Please put them loosely in the two green mailboxes at either end of the park.  You can also place them all in an outer bag and hang it on the shed door handle.

May 2021 Newsletter

1. A site map of the Shirlington Dog Park showing its location and amenities can found under the top menu of our web site. Lindsey Bornick, a regular park visitor, created it. A copy has also been posted on the bulletin board.

2. The dog park is mentioned prominently in a recent Washington Post article on the Shirlington neighborhood that stresses how important the dog park is to the area.

3. Construction of the dog run at Virginia Highlands will begin soon with completion after 30 days. Also the new Gateway Dog Park in Rosslyn is now open and is lit to stay open evenings until 10PM. 

4. Your tax-deductible donations to support the dog park are always appreciated. Please go to ShirlingtonDogs.org and click on "Donate" to make your secure donation with a credit card or PayPal.

April 2021 Newsletter

1. Let the county know you support the dog park by providing feedback to the Capital Improvement Plan. In the section about Parks choose "Dog Parks"and in the comments section indicate the importance of Shirlington Dog Park receiving funds to sustain it and make improvements. 

2. Dog Obedience classes now offered by Arlington County. Basic and Advanced seven-week classes start April 14. The cost is $94 for residents, $114 for others. Go to: Registration.ArlingtonVA.US
Under "Type" choose "Dog Obedience" and Search.

3. For everyone's safety please continue to wear a proper face mask and keep at least six feet away from other visitors at the park. 

4. We are always in need of clean plastic bags, such as those your newspaper comes in, for picking up dog poop.  Please put them loosely in the two green mailboxes at either end of the park.  You can also place them all in an outer bag and hang it on the shed door handle.

February 2021 Newsletter

1. Keep the dog park clean. Too many people are not picking up after their dogs. It is critical you keep your dog in sight and pick up the poop even if there is snow or rain. The health and safety of everyone and the future of the dog park depends on this.

2. Please continue to wear a proper face mask and keep at least six feet away from other visitors at the park. A full list of guidelines are posted at the park and on the Shirlington Dogs website.

3. We are always in need of clean plastic bags, such as those your newspaper comes in, for use in picking up dog poop. Please put them loosely in the two green mailboxes at either end of the park.  You can also place them all in an outer bag and hang it on the shed door handle near the main entrance.

4. Your tax-deductible donations to support the dog park are always appreciated. Please go to ShirlingtonDogs.org and click on the "Donate" bone to make your secure donation with a credit card or PayPal.

December 2020 Newsletter

1. Shirlington Dog Park closes at sunset.  Everyone and their dogs MUST be out of the park by then.  The closest dog parks that have lights and are open later are Ft Bernard, up the hill on Walter Reed Dr., and Towers Park on S. Scott St.  See the link on our site for details and list of other dog parks that are open later: https://shirlingtondogs.org/resources

2. Make sure to wear a face mask and keep at least six feet away from others not in your household while in the dog park for the protection of everyone and to keep the park open. 

3. There will be a meeting for those interested in the proposed dog park in Pentagon City on Wednesday, December 9 at 6:00PM.  Join with Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/zby-ecfo-tps

4. We need your donations to pay for the poop bags and other supplies as our in-person fundraisers in the Dog Parkhave been cancelled due to Covid-19. Please go to the ShirlingtonDogs.org website and click on "Donate" to make your tax-deductible contribution with a credit card or PayPal.

5. Pick Up After Your Dogs.  Please be sure to see this all the dog park rules are being followed.  
Thank you.

Wishing you and your furry friends a wonderful and safe holiday season.

October 2020 Newsletter

1. Our in-person Fundraisers in the Dog Park had been cancelled due to Covid-19 but we still need your donations to pay for the poop bags and other supplies. Please go to the ShirlingtonDogs.org website and click on "Donate" to make your tax-deductible contribution with a credit card or PayPal.

2. Please note that the Shirlington Dog Park closes at sunset.  Everyone and their dogs MUST be out of the park by then.  The closest dog park that has lights and is open later is Ft Bernard, which is up the hill on Walter Reed Drive.  See the link on our site for details and list of other dog parks that are open later: https://shirlingtondogs.org/resources

3. The dog park welcomes a new corporate sponsor, Matt Mendelsohn Photography.  One of his specialties is portraiture of dogs with their owners. Check out mattmendelsohn.com.

4. Wear a face mask and keep at least six feet away from others while in the dog park for the protection of everyone and to keep the park open. A full list of guidelines are posted at the park and on the Shirlington Dogs website.

5. Pick Up After Your Dogs.  Please be sure to follow all the other dog park rules including picking up after your dogs. Thank you.

Stream Information

Please note that the stream is NOT part of the dog park and can be very dangerous even when the water looks clean. It is an urban stream that at any time can carry a variety of pollutants as well as debris that can harm you and your dog. Usage is at your own risk. For more info please visit: https://parks.arlingtonva.us/streams-dogs/

Also note that there is NO continuous fencing on the other side of the stream bank which runs parallel to busy S. Arlington Mill Drive.

September 2020 Newsletter

1. Our Fundraisers in the Dog Park have been cancelled due to Covid-19 but we still need your donations to support the dog park. Please click on "Donate" for instructions.

2. You can help to keep the dog park open by wearing a face mask and keeping at least six feet away from other visitors at  the park. A full list of guidelines are posted at the park and on the Shirlington Dogs website.

3. Pick Up After Your Dogs.  Please be sure to follow all the other dog park rules including picking up after your dogs.

4. Stream safety: Please remember that the stream is NOT part of the Shirlington Dog Park and can be dangerous even when the water looks clean. Four Mile Run is an urban stream that at any time can carry a variety of pollutants as well as debris that can harm your dog and you.  For more info please visit: https://parks.arlingtonva.us/streams-dogs/

5. Drive-up Rabies and Microchip Clinic sponsored by the Animal Welfare Leaguewill be held on September 24 by reservation only. Virginia law requires all dogs and cats four months or older have a current rabies vaccination and all dogs using the dog park must display a current rabies vaccination tag along with their dog license. For info visit the AWLA site: https://www.awla.org/event/drive-up-rabies-microchip-clinic-2/

July 2020 Newsletter

1. You can help to keep the dog park open by wearing a face mask and keeping at least six feet away from others when visiting the park.  A full list of guidelines are posted at the park and on the ShirlingtonDogs website.

2. Pick Up After Your Dogs. Please remember to follow all the other dog park rules including picking up after your dogs.

3. Keep your dog safe during these hot summer days by watching for signs of hyperthermia and NEVER leave your dog in the car, even for a minute. The heat is far more stressful for dogs and can be deadly.  For more info: https://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/pmahaney/2012/july/risky_dog_days_of_summer-26515

4. Temporary Foster Needed. A regular visitor needs someone to foster his 18 months old German Shepard for 3 months or less starting July 17. Please contact Edward at charityejr@gmail.com if you can help or if you know of someone who can.

5. Drive-up Rabies and Microchip Clinic sponsored by the AWLAwill be held on August 27 by reservation only. Virginia law requires all dogs and cats 4 months or older have a current rabies vaccination and all dogs using the dog park must display a current rabies vaccination tag along with their dog license. For info visit the AWLA site: https://www.awla.org/event/drive-up-rabies-microchip-clinic/

Opening Restrictions and Guidelines

THE DOG PARK IS OPEN as of June 12 with the following restrictions and guidelines:
· Do not use the dog park if you have a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
· Wearing a cloth face mask is highly encouraged to slow the spread of COVID-19. This is for the protection of others as well as yourself.
· Wash your hands before and after you visit; avoid touching your face.
· Only socialize with family members or those who live in your household.
· Maintain a distance of six feet from other users; don’t gather in groups.
· Don’t touch entry gate, bag stations, trash cans or other surfaces with your bare hands.
· Do not pet dogs other than your own.
· No spitting, chewing gum or sharing snacks.
· Limit your visit to 30 minutes to allow others to enjoy the park.
All the existing park rules need to be followed as well.

In order to have the dog park remain open all these rules and guidelines must be followed.

County personnel and dog park volunteers will be monitoring the park.

Thank you for your cooperation and be safe.

Volunteers Needed

To hopefully have Shirlington Dog Park remain opened we are seeking more volunteers to step forward. They are needed to make sure the safety guidelines are being observed and to remind folks about them.  A strong volunteer response will demonstrate to the county how important the dog park is to so many people.  If you would like to volunteer or for more information please send an email to info@shirlingtondogs.org and indicate when you usually go to the dog park.  
Thank you.

Park Closure Update

It has been over two months since Shirlington Dog Park has been closed and I would like to provide a quick update.  First I would like to welcome all of those who have subscribed since then to receive the newsletter and I am sure you and everyone else are anxious to be able to enjoy the dog park again soon.  As you know while Arlington has opened some of the county parks and trails, all of the dog parks remain closed.  They offer a unique challenge to keeping everyone safe since social distancing in most cases would be nearly impossible with the large crowds expected.  I as well as others have informed the county board and county manager of the details of these challenges and stressed the importance of keeping all dog park visitors safe.  This includes the volunteers who perform the daily maintenance tasks that keep the Shirlington Dog Park such a wonderful destination for you and your pup.  During the County Board Town Hall meeting on Friday, May 29, the county manager indicated because of these challenges the dog parks would most likely be the last of the facilities to be reopened and could not give any specific timetable but added another update would be announced sometime in mid-June.  Personally I see the only feasible and quickest way to reopen the dog park safely would be to require all the human visitors to wear appropriate face coverings or masks. We will have to wait and see what is decided and until then please keep safe and be well.  Also I am sure your dogs have been wondering why you have not been taking them to the dog park recently so try to let them know it is nothing they did and not their fault.  Good dog.

March 2020 Newsletter

1.  Stream Cleanup: Arlington County Park Rangers will hold their annual Four Mile Run Stream cleanup on Saturday, March 14, 10:00AM to 1:00PM.  The closest location to meet is the footbridge between the dog park and Jennie Dean Park.  For more info: https://parks.arlingtonva.us/annual-four-mile-run-stream-cleanup/

2. Please welcome Shirlington Dogs II new corporate sponsor, Ann Wilson Homes, a top local real estate agent.

3. We are always in need of clean plastic bags, such as those your newspaper comes in, for use in picking up dog poop.  Please put them loosely in the two green mailboxes at either end of the park.  You can also place them all in an outer bag and hang it on the shed door handle. 

4. Please note the dog park will be closed the morning of Thursday, March 19 for monthly scheduled maintenance.