By Colleen Kelleher, Northern Virginia Magazine
Dogs will be in their glory at Braddock Bark, a free, festive event for your furry friend at Lake Accotink in Springfield.
The event, put together by Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw and Celebrate Fairfax, is set for 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 21.
Leashed dogs and their two-legged friends are invited to the event that will features activities for your pooch, including a splash zone (aka baby pool) and a ball pit. There will be dog demonstrations.
Four adoption groups — Fairfax County Animal Shelter, Homeward Trails Animal Rescue, Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue, and A Forever Home Rescue — will be on hand with adoption information.
You’ll be able to get information about the dogs that serve Fairfax County in the police department and emergency services. Information will be available about the Caps Canines, the official dog club of the Washington Capitals.
Pet businesses will have things for you to buy your four-legged ones. Those businesses include Miss Boujee Paws Boutique , which creates custom pet wear; Fairfax-based EJ’s Meats & Treats, Inc., which makes its treats using fruits and veggies from Great Country Farms; and Paw Tree, a food, treat, and supplements company.
Several pet care providers and veterinary services will be on hand. Training facility, Paw Mind Body, and indoor dog park and bar Snouts & Snouts will be there, as well as Fairfax Veterinary Hospital and Veterinary Holistic Center. One of the sponsors is VCA Southpaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Specialists.
Don’t have a dog but still want to help out? Volunteer Fairfax is looking for people who are at least 13 to assist with Braddock Bark.
Last year, the first year Braddock Bark was held, Walkinshaw said in a Facebook post that nearly 500 people and their dogs came out.
Lake Accotink Park is located at 5650 Heming Ave. in Springfield.