Meet Ready Rufus, he has a knack for fashion and lives to charm the ladies… and men with his sweet, playful personality.

Here’s what his friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue say about him:

Rufus is confused. He is cute, right? He loves people. He is always happy to see other dogs — so why has he not found his family yet? He’s done everything right — completed agility courses in record time, gone in the swimming pool and looked cool while doing it, and has been nice to everyone he has met.

He loves toys. (Give him a Kong or a bone, and he’ll be occupied for hours. Give him a peanut butter-filled kong, and he is in doggie heaven.) He takes treats ever so gently from your hand. He loves to snuggle and bury his head into your chest — his way of showing how much love he has to give and how appreciative he is for attention. He’s even competed in our summer event competition as Jimmy Buffet’s sidekick (see primary picture). He is hopeful that maybe the suave, debonair approach might work. (See how handsome he is in the green hat?) I mean this boy is up for anything! Yes, Rufus has many “looks,” but only one sweet, funny personality.

If you would like this handsome, people-pleasing dude bringing all these talents with him — promising endless fun and laughter (yes, he thinks he is a comedian also) — let us know! Lots of personality with this boy! Rufus is 70 pounds and is 2 years old. He is neutered and up to date on all his shots. I mean, this pup is the whole package!

Rufus carries an adoption fee of $389, which includes his microchip. This attractive, affectionate guy is going to bring lots of joy to some lucky adopters, so don’t delay, get your application in to his coordinator at my email below [email protected].

Are you ready for Ready Rufus to join your pack?

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This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Northern Virginia that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.

By John V. Berry, Esq.

One of the larger questions in our security clearance practice over the past year and a half is whether or not the security clearance hearing process will move online permanently and what form it will take as we move to a post-pandemic world.

The clearance hearing process or personal appearance (depending on the federal agency involved) is typically the most important stage of an unresolved security clearance case where an individual is allowed to present their case in person with counsel if they choose. Depending on the federal agency, the clearance applicant or holder can present their case directly to the decision-maker, along with other witnesses and exhibits.

Pre-pandemic hearing process

Pre-pandemic, almost all federal agencies held security clearance proceedings in person. Depending on the agency, the process would vary significantly. Some agencies like the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) held courtroom proceedings with administrative judges. The Department of Energy (DOE) held less formal court-like proceedings with administrative judges. Other federal agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), often held personal appearances before a designated decision-maker. Intelligence Community agency processes varied but were in person. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the National Reconnaissance Office typically held personal appearances that were less formal. The National Security Agency (NSA) held cases before a multi-person panel consisting of employees and advisors. In short, every federal agency was a little different, but most cases were heard in person.

During the pandemic

During the pandemic, the security clearance hearing process did not stop but began to change slightly. Cases continued to be adjudicated, and security clearances were restored or denied following the hearing or personal appearance process. Many federal agencies, like DHS, went online.

Other agencies, like DOHA, followed CDC protocol and still held many cases in person in courtrooms but began to experiment with online hearings. For the first time, a number of Intelligence Community agencies began to suggest the possibility of telephonic hearings but also offered in-person personal appearances.

Thoughts on the online hearing process during the pandemic

In general, we found that the online hearing process was useful for many clients. It definitely helped in some cases where clients were in remote locations. However, where cases required many documents to be reviewed as exhibits or had many witnesses or where the credibility of the person was at stake, we found ourselves believing that a return to in-person hearings should occur.

We think that the online hearing process is definitely helpful for some individuals but not others. In cases where credibility is not at issue, and there were a reasonable amount of documents and exhibits to be presented, online hearings could be very helpful in the future. However, where an individual is accused of being dishonest or where large amounts of documents are needed, we found that online hearings were not as useful. Decision-makers tend to get a better evaluation of an individual when they are facing them directly, as opposed to observing them online. Complicated cases are also harder to present online and should remain in person.

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11597 Maple Ridge Road (via Google Maps)

In the market to buy a home? Or just want to take a look around?

There are 237 homes currently for sale in Reston, according to Homesnap. Breaking it down, that’s 135 condos, 35 detached homes and 77 townhomes. Additionally, as of Aug. 15, there have been 57 new listings in the past four weeks.

Find a number of open houses in Reston this weekend including:

Image via Google Maps

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First off, thank you for following us on Facebook and Twitter. (And if you don’t already, you know what to do.)

If you want more local news, join the 5,000+ people who have already signed up for our daily newsletter.

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Meet Meghan, a 3-year-old Maine coon mix who’s having a hard time adjusting to shelter life and is ready to find her forever home.

Here’s what her friends at Fancy Cats Rescue Team had to say about her:

Meghan is a gray-and-white female domestic medium-hair mix. She is approximately 3 years, 3 months old. She has been spayed.

Poor Meghan is a little confused and having trouble adjusting to shelter life. She’s a very shy kitty at first but is said to be very affectionate once she warms up to you. She is a playful kitty who loves to play with toys, especially fake mice and on cat towers! She is already litter-box trained.

She previously lived with four other cats, a small dog and children and did well with all of it, though she could be timid around the other kitties.

Learn more about Meghan via Petfinder.

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12025 New Dominion Parkway #301 (via Google Maps)

Sure, a lot of homes in this area are going for over asking price, but that doesn’t mean others aren’t seeing a price cut.

In the past 30 days, 51 Reston homes were reduced in price, according to Homesnap.

A few of the most recent price reductions include:

Image via Google Maps

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1851 Stratford Park Place (via Google Maps)

If you’re looking to rent in Reston, you’ve got options.

There are currently 65 homes listed for rent, according to Homesnap. You’ll find everything from luxury condos to roomy single-family homes and townhome.

Below, find a few recently listed rentals in Reston:

In the market? Check out the latest in Reston real estate.

Image via Google Maps

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First off, thank you for following us on Facebook and Twitter. (And if you don’t already, you know what to do.)

If you want more local news, join the 5,000+ people who have already signed up for our daily newsletter.

When you subscribe, you’ll get the latest headlines delivered to your inbox each afternoon. Think of it as your free digital newspaper. You’ll never miss out on local happenings (the social algorithms work in mysterious ways), and you can easily scan the newsletter to find what interests you most.

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And we know your inbox is sacred territory. That’s why we’ll never give your information away. You may get an occasional email on behalf of an awesome local sponsor, but we’ll never spam you with obnoxious emails.

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Meet Sweet Scooter, Reston’s newest Pet of the Week! Sweet Scooter is just that — sweet! Found as a stray, he was initially shy around humans, but now his personality is blossoming.

Here’s what else his friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue had to say about him:

Sweet Scooter! He’s the cat’s pajamas!

This guy came to us as a stray and though a little shy at first has really blossomed! He is good friends with his buddy Joyful Julio (who is also available for adoption), and he has really shown him how terrific and wonderful people are! Now this boy wants to romp and play and definitely loves his attention! They are so cute!

Currently, Scooter is about 21 pounds and may gain a few more but won’t get much bigger. Our best guess is that he is a corgi mix and overall just a sweet guy.

For more information about Sweet Scooter, stop by his Petfinder profile.

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11900 Blue Spruce Road

In the market to buy a home? Or just want to take a look around?

There are 213 homes currently for sale in Reston, according to Homesnap. Breaking it down, that’s 112 condos, 32 detached homes and 69 townhomes. Additionally, as of Aug. 1, there have been 59 new listings in the past four weeks.

Find a number of open houses in Reston this weekend including:

Image via Google Maps

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Sure, a lot of homes in this area are going for over asking price, but that doesn’t mean others aren’t seeing a price cut.

In the past 30 days, 54 Reston homes were reduced in price, according to Homesnap.

A few of the most recent price reductions include:

Want more? Check out the latest in Reston real estate.

Photo via Tierra Mallorca/Unsplash

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Reston’s latest Pet of the Week is Odie, who may be shy at first but will quickly warm up and become a purr machine.

Here’s what her friends at Fancy Cats Rescue Team had to say about her:

Odie might be a little shy to start but with some head and neck scritches, she’ll warm up right away! She is a real purr machine and will want to be near you all the time. She will be a gentle companion to any family (older kids are best). Odie is friendly with other cats, too!

Are you and Odie the perfect match?

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11990 Market Street

It’s that time again! Let’s take a look back on Reston real estate in July.

According to Homesnap, nearly 130 homes were sold in July. In total, there are 219 homes for sale (up from last month), and 58 new listings hit the market in the past four weeks.

Now, let’s take a look at a few of the most expensive homes sold in Reston in July:

In the market? Check out the latest in Reston real estate.

Image via Google Maps

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First off, thank you for following us on Facebook and Twitter. (And if you don’t already, you know what to do.)

If you want more local news, join the 5,000+ people who have already signed up for our daily newsletter.

When you subscribe, you’ll get the latest headlines delivered to your inbox each afternoon. Think of it as your free digital newspaper. You’ll never miss out on local happenings, and you can easily scan the newsletter to find what interests you most.

Signing up takes less than a minute.

Subscribe to the Reston Now daily newsletter

* indicates required
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Thank you for subscribing and your continued support of local news.

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Reston’s latest Pet of the Week is Buddy, a 4-year-old border collie mix who’s in need of a home after his owner passed away.

Here’s what Buddy’s friends from NOVA Pets Alive! have to say about him:

Introducing, Buddy!

Buddy is 4 years old and 65 pounds. Sadly, his owner passed away and he’s now in search of a new, loving home.

Buddy is such an amazing dog! He’s super smart, housebroken, crate-trained, walks well on a leash, is friendly with other dogs and LOVES every person he meets. His foster mom is an avid runner, and he has been accompanying her on her morning runs. He really seems to like getting fresh air, jogging and taking in the scenery!

If you’re looking for a social, active, happy dog to add to your family, look no further than Buddy!

Are you and Buddy the perfect match?

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