This week’s Reston Pet of the Week is Brady, a puppy who is going end up being a big guy.

Here is what his owner, 10-year-old Alysa, has to say about him:

Brady is a 5-month-old puppy. He is a very energetic puppy.

Brady is the perfect dog for our family. He’s always extremely excited to see us.

Brady loves to drive in passenger seat of the car, eating snow, chewing sticks, running really fast with no leash and jumping on people’s beds.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?

Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet.

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, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.

To many in Reston, art is synonymous with The Greater Reston Arts Center — a wonderful place with a mission to enrich our community by providing access to contemporary visual arts. In pursuit of this mission, GRACE provides a year-round program of contemporary visual art exhibitions, education programs for all ages, and special events.

GRACE has been a Reston institution since 1974, when artists and art lovers founded it as a source of cultural enrichment for the new town of Reston. From its early beginnings in the Lake Anne Village Center to its current home in Reston Town Center, GRACE continues its role as a leader in the expanding regional arts community.

What I love about GRACE is that something is always happening there. I love spending evenings at Reston Town Center, seeing a new exhibit at GRACE and then going out for a wonderful dinner. I feel like I’m in Washington, DC — or even New York. And every May, I look forward to the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival–one of the premier juried art festivals in the country.

Click any of these links to learn about GRACE’s exhibitions, educational programming, and the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival.

GRACE is located at 12001 Market Street Suite #103 Reston, VA 20190 (near the little park area where you often see children playing). Gallery Hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.

This week in Reston, 23 properties went from pending to sold. They ranged in price from $897,000 to $210,000 and collectively had an average days on market of 35.

In Reston we’re selling more houses — much faster than they were in the fall of 2014.

Here are a few of the houses that sold last week.

2077 Cobblestone Lane. 3BR, 3.5 BA. List Price $585,000. Sold Price $585,000. Seller Subsidy $7,500

2069 Royal Fern Court #12B. 2BR, 1 BA. List Price $210,000. Sold Price $210,000. Seller Subsidy $0

1537 Inlet Court. 4BR, 2.5 BA. List Price $434,500. Sold Price $474,500. Seller Subsidy $8,000

11063 Saffold Way. 4BR, 3.5 BA. List Price $429,900. Sold Price $429,900. Seller Subsidy $7,500

11730 Summerchase Circle #1730. 2 BR, 1 BA. List Price $255,000. Sold Price $255,500. Seller Subsidy $7,665

1315 Dasher Lane. 6BR, 4.5 BA. List Price $897,450. Sold Price $893,000. Seller Subsidy $0

This is a sponsored post from Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.

What a difference a month makes — We have 26 new listings on the market in Reston this week; total inventory is holding steady at around 214 properties for sale.

What’s remarkable is that 35 properties went under contract and 21 properties went from a pending status to sold — that means our housing inventory has suddenly dropped from just over four months to only 2.5 months.

Here are a few of the new listings.

1143 MEADOWLOOK COURT. 4BR, 3.5BA. List Price $925,000. Open Sunday

2177 CABOTS POINT LANE. 3BR, 3BA. List Price $589,5000

2305 RAVENSDON COURT. 3BR, 2.5BA. List Price $419,000. Open Sunday

1517 AUTUMN RIDGE CIRCLE. 2BR, 3.5BA. List Price $369,900

11011 BIRDFOOT COURT. 4BR, 2.5BA. List Price $849,000. Open Sunday

12025 NEW DOMINION PKWY #204. 1BR, 2BA. List Price $510,000

To see more of this week’s open houses, visit Reston Real Estate.

This is a sponsored post by veterinarian Elizabeth Arguelles of Just Cats Clinic at Lake Anne Plaza.

If you’ve ever injured a foot, you know how debilitating it can be. Having to limp around because of a cut, sore or other trauma can really limit your mobility and cramp your style!

The same goes for our feline friends making paw health an important part of your cat’s care. So how can you help your cat stay “happy-pawed?”

Here are some tips:

Always talk to your veterinarian if you notice that your cat is licking their paws obsessively, limping, or favoring a leg. This behavior can indicate a variety of issues so it’s best to your cat examined if you’re noticing these symptoms. Obsessive licking can be signs of dermatological issues, food allergies, or even anxiety. Limping or favoring a leg can be signs of internal injury or even arthritis in a senior kitty.

Wipe your kitty’s paws with a damp cloth once a day, making sure to check between the toes and around the pads. Your cat’s feet should be kept as clean as possible, meaning free of litter, dirt and household chemicals. Keeping chemicals off your feline friend’s paws is especially important, as they may be ingested during the grooming process and cause toxicity. For outdoor cats, make sure to clean their paws each time they come back inside. By wiping each time they go in and out you remove pollens and potential toxins they may have picked up.

Inspect your kitty’s paws for cuts, sores, swelling or splinters. In addition to being very painful, those injuries can cause potentially dangerous infections. If your cat has a prominent and obvious splinter, contact your veterinarian immediately. Attempting to remove it yourself can potentially cause more damage and pain for your cat.

Clip your cat’s claws regularly. This will help prevent its nails from getting caught painfully when it scratches things. Most cats do not like it when their claws are trimmed, but gently massaging your kitty’s paws helps get it used to having someone touch its paws and makes the process a little easier. To clip the nails, carefully apply pressure to the top of your cat’s foot and the cushioned part underneath. This will cause your kitty to extend its claws. Then clip the very ends, making sure not to get too close to the base of each nail (which can cause pain). Your vet can help you with recommendations about which clippers to use and can even do the trimming if your cat is less than cooperative.

Certain longhaired breeds may need the hair between their pads trimmed. Contact a groomer or your veterinarian before trying this at home. When and if you try it at home, always use a rounded pair of grooming scissors to minimize potential accidents. It’s incredibly easy to cut your cat’s skin accidentally and cause a painful injury. Read More

With another snow day upon us, we asked for some great dogs-in-the-snow pictures for a photo contest.

Here are some of the best entries.

Reston Now picks Syd at Lake Newport as the winner. Congratulations to owner, Anna Atkinson, who wins a Reston Now water bottle.

But let’s pick a fan favorite too. Scroll through the pictures and tell us your favorite in the comments. We’ll count the comments by 9 a.m. Friday and give a second lucky dog owner some swag too.

Thanks for playing!

This week’s Reston Pet of the Week is Ryder, who likes playing tug-of-war and snacking on cucumbers.

Here is what his owner, Ratha, says about him:

Ryder “Monkey” Bannon is the best four-legged companion we could have asked for. He’s our “baby”. We picked him out when he was a few weeks old and could barely open his eyes. He’s now 5 1/2 years old and has not changed one bit.

He loves soaking in the sun, chasing squirrels of his property, showing mail carriers who’s boss and playing catch and tug-of-war. His favorite snacks and treats include peanut butter which causes him to lick his lips every time we say those two words, ice-cream, pasta, and cucumbers. He takes after his papa.

Ryder is such a character. He’s captured the hearts of many children, puppies (especially the females), and even non-dog people. We can’t imagine our lives without him!

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?

Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet.

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, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

This is a sponsored post by Reston interior designer Cindy Beyer, a Reston Now Best Reston Business winner.

I have had the pleasure of working with many contractors — big jobs and small, kitchens, basements, baths or just plain painting.

As an interior designer, it is my job to work closely with the contractor to make sure my clients receive the best possible outcome. Each contractor is different and can offer many different aspects of the job.

Here are some tips and things to think about when hiring a contractor.

Project management: Whether it is a large or smaller contracting company, it is important to have good communication between the project manager, the design professional and you. For many years, I have used one contractor as my main contact. This allowed me to effectively communicate my client needs and easily execute any required change orders. The change order was usually a verbal communication.

Most small contractors are less formal about change orders. If you do use a small contractor, please make sure you know each and every charge associated with each change order. You do not want to be surprised at the end of the job.

On the other hand, larger contractors have the luxury of employing a contract estimator who, if using a good software package, can quickly estimate the cost of your changes. If you are a detail-oriented person, this can be a blessing. If you are not, it can be your worst enemy. Too many change orders can confuse and frustrate the client and could derail a perceived good relationship.

As a designer, it is my job to work closely with each party so be sure you get the most perfect fit between contractor and you.

Billing: Each contractor has their own billing methods. Some require one-third down when starting the project, some require more. Most of the time, the contract is between the paying party and the receiving party so the designer never handles the money, which is a plus for us designers.

I believe a one-third down with the contract is fair. Then comes a payment after the rough-ins and cabinet installs, and the final payment at job completion. I advise all clients to hold back the final payment until you are completely satisfied.

Expectations: With all of my projects, we have the highest expectations. Sometimes these are not communicated between the parties and one or the other feels they have to take on a more hands-on role.

It is important to have written expectations, even if they seem trivial. This will make things easier in the end. I guarantee that 99 percent of the projects have overrides unforeseen to both parties.

Your designer can be an important part of the project management and help manage expectations with your contractor.

If you would like more insight into the hiring of a contractor, please contact me at [email protected].

Chamber Spotlight is a new feature from the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. Reston Now will spotlight local businesses and business leaders on a regular basis. Today, Jen Sterling of Red Thinking, a digital marketing and brand strategy firm.

1. Why did you decide to start your business in Reston? I escaped DC and moved west early in my business. Originally located in Loudoun County, I shifted to Reston because I fell in love with the energy and the people. I felt drawn in and welcomed. In addition, it was a thriving hotspot for my target market as well making it great “feeding grounds” for my business.

2. What are the challenges and rewards of being a business owner?

It’s a complete and total roller coaster. Sometimes that is emotional …f rom “Wow this controlling my own future thing is amazing!” to “What the hell was I thinking?” And sometimes that is financial where you are rolling in it one month and the next you start thinking about invoicing your dog just to get cash flow. It is one of the most challenging, and yet rewarding things that I have ever done. I would never go back.

3. Name something about your business that most people don’t know? Our business is a ubiquitous workplace. While we are headquartered in Reston, we no longer maintain a formal office space. Our staff is able to work from wherever they want. They may be in a home office one day, a local Starbucks the next, or perhaps at the beach for a week. Our work is not tied to location so we can work from anywhere and everywhere.

4. What is the unique value proposition your client’s know of when using your services? Our entire goal as a company is to provide an environment where our staff and our clients can succeed while still having a life.

5. Describe a typical day as the business owner? My days are never the same. One day I am focused on financials and running ratios, the next I am knee-deep in a dashboard about our proposal pipeline. The day after that I may be in a three-hour strategy session with a client who is preparing to take their business through a 180-degree shift in focus. I am interviewing new staff and cultivating the team members I already have to make sure that they are happy and delivering. One of my favorite things about being an entrepreneur is that no day is the same.

6. How has the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce helped your business grow? I first joined the GRCC when my business was young. The GRCC’s staff and fellow members helped me to learn about the region and to explore the business community around me. As a volunteer for the Chamber, I met hundreds of people and I learned to build teams to accomplish goals. As a volunteer leader in the chamber I learned to plan strategically, to budget, and to build partnerships between organizations. All of these lessons helped shape and improve my business.

7. What is your advice to someone who is thinking about owning a business? Know that it will be the most magical and frustrating ride you will ever take. You will have days where you feel like a superhero, but be prepared to also have days where you question your sanity and your ability to handle it all. Then be resilient and never give up. It’s worth it!

Photo: Jen Sterling/Credit: Red Thinking

You love your pet. Why not tell everyone in Reston?

Reston Now has a weekly feature called Pet of the Week, which is sponsored by Becky’s Pet Care.

You can shine the spotlight on your animal companion and win prizes as well. Here is what to do:

Send a 2-3 paragraph bio of your pet (e.g., his name, age, what he likes to do, his favorite places to go) and at least 3-4 horizontal photos to [email protected].

To see what the post will look like, see this previous post on Reston Now.

Each week’s winner will receive dog or cat treats from Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.

Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate.

The Reston real estate market has been very active, with 28 properties going under contract in the past 7 days and 12 going from Pending to Sold.

Cold and snow not withstanding, agents have reported good traffic at their open houses and good activity on active listings. A strong start to the 2015 real estate market!

Here are a few of the houses that sold this past week.

1602 Wainwright Drive. 2BR, 1.5 BA. List Price $357,700. Sold Price $347,700. Seller Subsidy $9,900

12709 Thunder Chase Drive. 4BR, 2.5 BA. List Price $643,000. Sold Price $622,000. Seller Subsidy $0

11008 Saffold Way. 3BR, 2.5 BA. List Price $393,000. Sold Price $387,000. Seller Subsidy $1,000

11401 Gate Hill Place #O. 2BR, 2 BA. List Price $360,000. Sold Price $352,500. Seller Subsidy $0

11755 Dry River Court. 3BR, 2 FBm 2 HB. List Price $430,000. Sold Price $415,000. Seller Subsidy $6,500

12025 New Dominion Parkway #407. 1BR, 1 BA. List Price $419,000. Sold Price $412,500. Seller Subsidy $500

This is a sponsored column by attorneys John V. Berry and Kimberly H. Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Reston Town Center that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement, and private sector employee matters. They write biweekly on RestonNow.

When an employee has been accused of engaging in workplace misconduct, the employer will sometimes conduct an administrative or internal investigation.

Some reasons why employers investigate employees include discrimination complaints, threats against others, safety problems, and workplace theft. The purpose of the investigation is for the employer to gather relevant evidence regarding the employee’s alleged misconduct and determine whether the misconduct warrants a disciplinary or an adverse action (e.g., termination or significant suspension) within the requirements established by law, policy, or regulation.

On occasion, these types of investigations can lead to a potential criminal investigation. Depending on the federal, state, local agency, or private employer involved, a supervisor or other designated investigator may be asked to conduct an investigation regarding the facts at issue. Employees may then be asked to provide verbal or written responses to questions regarding the alleged misconduct.

Employees, depending on their particular employer, may have a duty to fully cooperate with the assigned investigator or can decline to participate in the investigation unless they are ordered to do so.

For example, federal employees may decline to participate in an administrative investigation if it is voluntary. Refusing to cooperate with an investigation or providing false statements or answers during an investigation can be grounds for disciplinary action. Providing false statements, if made to a federal or other law enforcement investigator, can also subject an employee to potential criminal penalties. Internal or administrative investigations can also involve risks for the employer.

Inadequate investigations may raise questions regarding the accuracy of the results or whether the employee was treated fairly. In addition, the employer may not like what the investigation uncovers and will have an obligation to resolve or address issues, such as a systemic problem or legal impropriety.

Prior to providing information to an employer, it is helpful for an employee to discuss with an attorney the issues associated with the information being sought by the employer and the employee’s role in the matter being investigated. An attorney familiar with administrative or internal investigations can provide legal advice to assist an employee in preparation for responding to questions about his or her actions in the matter being investigated. In addition, an attorney can often accompany the employee during any investigative interviews.

Our law firm represents and advises employees on employment-related matters. If you need legal assistance, please contact our office at (703) 668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation. Please also visit and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BerryBerryPllc.

This is a sponsored post by veterinarian Elizabeth Arguelles, owner of Just Cats Clinic at Lake Anne Plaza. She writes weekly on Reston Now.

It can be tempting for pet owners to forgo spaying or neutering their cats. Letting “nature take its course” by avoiding an “unnecessary” or “elective” surgical procedure can seem like a better option to many. However, it can pose serious health risks and unwanted behaviors and can cause unnecessary increases in your community’s cat population.

What does spaying or neutering entail?

Spaying (for females) is a surgical procedure in which the cat’s reproductive organs (ovaries and uterus) are removed. Neutering takes the testicles out of male cats.

What are the benefits to your cat?

Longer and healthier lives: In addition to preventing unwanted pregnancies, spaying helps keep female kitties from developing uterine infections and even breast cancer, which is fatal in approximately 90 percent of the cats who contract it. To ensure that the kitty gets the maximum protection, you should spay before its first “heat” or reproductive period.

In male cats, neutering prevents testicular cancer if done with in the first six months of life.

What are the benefits to your community?

Population control.Neutering and spaying reduces the stray cat population in your area and helps reduce the number of cats who are euthanized. Unfortunately, millions of cats are picked up off the streets every year, given to shelters and put to sleep due to overcrowding. This huge population of strays is largely the result of unplanned litters that could have easily been prevented by spaying or neutering the parents.

What are the benefits to you as a pet owner?

A quieter and cleaner house. An unspayed female cat will normally go into heat for four to five days every three weeks for the entire duration of its breeding years. During those periods, she will try to signal to male cats that she is receptive by yowling incessantly and urinating in your house. Spaying eliminates this behavior. Better behaved male kitties.

Unneutered cats tend to be more territorial and aggressive toward other cats. They are therefore more likely to urinate in the house and to get in fights with other nearby felines. Indoor cats will try to sneak out of the house to look for reproductive opportunities, exposing them to additional dangers outdoors and potential health risks. Neutering generally reduces these aggressive and unsafe behaviors.

Cost savings. The cost of spaying or neutering is usually far less than caring for a litter of cats. When having your cat spayed or neutered, always make sure to get labwork to ensure it is safe for them to undergo anesthesia and make sure you are sent home with pain medication to help them recover. Spaying or neutering your cat is an affordable, safe, and responsible decision that ultimately helps control populations, provides lifelong health benefits for your cat, and creates a better household environment for you.

This is a sponsored post by Eve Thompson of Reston Real Estate at Lake Anne Plaza.

The Reston real estate market has been steadily gearing up as we seem to be heading into an early spring market. Over 100 properties went from Active to Pending, (meaning they are under contract), in the past 30 days.

Reston has 214 active properties, 17 that were listed in the last week; all in all a lot of activity.

Here are a few of the new listings in Reston this week.

1283 Wedgewood Manor Way. 3BR, 3.5 BA. List Price $574,900. Open Sunday

1674 Chimney House Road. 3BR, 2.5 BA. List Price $499,900

2228 Hunters Run Drive #2228. 2BR, 2BA. List Price $299,500. Open Sunday

12000 Market Street #259. 3BR, 2 BA. List Price $529,900. Open Sunday

1602 Woodstock Lane. 4BR, 3.5 BA. List Price $900,000. Open Sunday

11127 LAKE CHAPEL Lane. 3BR, 3.5 BA. List Price $739,000