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The Fourth of July — traditionally filled with fireworks exploding and open flames for barbecues — can be dangerous for pets, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington warns. All sorts of hazards can cause dogs and other critters harm or cause them to run away.

“Dogs have acute hearing — far more sensitive than human hearing — so firework explosions, excited voices, visual stimulation and smells can panic dogs causing them to be fearful, which can activate their fight or flight response,” Alice Burton, Chief Animal Control Officer for the AWLA, said in a press release. “For their own safety this holiday, indoor-outdoor cats should be kept indoors and when outside, dogs should be kept on a leash.”


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This week’s Pet of the Week is a young rescue dog named Adam Puppy, who is looking for a family to call his own. Here’s what the the volunteers at Lucky Dog Animal Rescue had to say about him:

Meet our Lucky Dog. He’s a one-year-old Catahoula Leopard/Doxie mix who is very playful and energetic. Adam is a sweet pup that needs time to warm up to new people, dogs, and places.


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Editor’s Note: This new sponsored column on pet safety is written by Terry Haas, a pet care professional. Terry owns Loyalty Pet Care and its Safety Furst division.

She didn’t know her actions would cause her dogs harm, and unfortunately for many dogs, she’s not alone. According to Alice Burton, Chief of Animal Control Animal Welfare League of Arlington, it happens more often than you might think.


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Arlington’s Public Health Division has reversed course and will now allow restaurants to have “dog friendly” outdoor dining areas. As recently as November, the health department was reminding restaurants that no pets — except for service animals — were allowed in any dining area, inside or outside.

Now, restaurants can apply for a variance that would allow dogs in outdoor dining areas.


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Its website says the mission is “to provide a fun, comfortable, clean and safe environment for dogs and peace of mind for their owners.” Pet owners can choose long or short term care services.

The business plans to provide cage-free doggie daycare with indoor and outdoor play areas. Pets are only confined to their “suites” during feeding, downtime and during the night. The website says the facility will play soothing music at night to “lull our guests to sleep.”


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Arlington Small Business Saturday — This holiday weekend, in addition to today’s traditional Black Friday shopping bonanza, Arlington residents will be able to participate in “Arlington Small Business Saturday.” The day encourages Arlingtonians to shop and dine at small, local businesses this weekend. “Your favorite retail, dining and online small businesses are participating and providing discounts or incentives on a variety of products and services,” according to organizers.

Retirement Ceremony for Therapy Dog — Bailey, a therapy dog at the Capital Hospice Halquist Center near Virginia Hospital Center, is retiring after 10 years of service to those who have life-limiting illnesses. A private retirement ceremony will be held for Bailey, a golden retriever, at the hospice center on Monday night. “Cider, special Goldrush brownies and dog treats will be served,” according to an online invitation.


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