A group of Reston and Herndon residents has come together to form a grassroots local dog-walking group.
According to the Meetup page for Herndon/Reston Walking With Dogs Morning Exercise, the 23 member group is open to the public — not just for people who own dogs, but for people who would like to walk with them as well.
“I would love to form a morning walking group for people who have or don’t have dogs,” the group’s organizers said on the page. “This would be an hour or so walk on the pathways in the surrounding area.”
The group was formed in late November, according to its Meetup page.
The group’s next walk is scheduled for this Friday (March 29) at 8 a.m. at the Foxclove Road trail. Sturdy shoes are suggested, and leashes are required.
The hike is estimated to be around an hour and a half.
Photo via Meetup
Since 1982 The Fur Factory has been grooming the Reston region’s canines.
Even Dawn Caicedo, the Reston resident who has owned the shop since 2005, can’t imagine how many dogs — and how much fur — have been shorn in the Tall Oaks Village Center shop, both in her previous location at the center and her new location in the recently remodeled retail building at 12054 North Shore Drive.
The number of satisfied clients — both human and otherwise — are legion, and the confidence in the groomers comes from the years of experience each has put into the craft. The groomer at the Fur Factory with the least amount of time in the trade has 83 dog years of beautifying just about any breed to their credit (that’s 15 “human” years).
The Fur Factory experience begins with a shampoo bath — oatmeal, medicated, hypoallergenic and others — before towel and blow drying (depending on the desired look). The finishing includes brushing, combing, de-shedding (when needed), nail trim and sanitary trims.
Others will want the full haircut, and the Fur Factory’s experienced staff of certified groomers is skilled in the standard look for all breeds, as well as happily following the styling from a photograph.
A community staple, The Fur Factory is located in Reston’s Tall Oaks development and is one of the most valued amenities of the neighborhood. The Fur Factory’s early hours (7:30 a.m., Tuesday to Friday; 8 a.m. Saturdays) accommodate many dog owners’ schedules.
Tall Oaks Village Center is undergoing an exciting transformation as Stanley Martin Homes plans a mix of residential developments that will include townhomes and condominiums, as well as a landscaped plaza which will provide a central community gathering place between the residential area and retail offerings.
Additionally, the recently renovated commercial and retail buildings offer several new and unoccupied professional office and retail suites that are available for lease from 1,290 to 5,430 square feet.
Located less than one mile from the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station, Tall Oaks Center is conveniently situated in North Reston, at the intersection of Wielhe Avenue and North Shore Drive.
For Tall Oaks Village Center office or retail space leasing information, call Ty Hausch at 703-272-2680 or send an email to [email protected]. The Fur Factory is located at 12054 North Shore Drive, Suite 100D, in Reston. To schedule an appointment, call 703-437-7794 or send an email to [email protected].
After two years on the force, Leon recently retired from his police dog duties at the Herndon Police Department.
The 4-year-old German Shepherd was diagnosed with advanced stages of an undetermined form of cancer, a spokeswoman for the Town of Herndon told Reston Now.
Leon graduated from the Fairfax County K9 School in late December 2016. He was trained in tracking and narcotics detection.
In 2017, Leon received his ballistic vests from the nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s, which provides vests for police dogs in honor of fallen K9s.
Officer Trent Ashman, Leon’s handler and partner, told Reston Now that Leon has been deployed to the field 125 times since his 2016 graduation. Leon helped police discover and seize narcotics and weapons 49 different times, he added.
During his time at the police department, Leon aided with nine criminal apprehensions, Ashman said.
A highlight was when Leon tracked and found two suspects in a stolen vehicle case who were hiding in a creek miles away. “The stolen gun used in the crime was also located approximately 20 yards away from where the suspects were taken into custody,” Ashman said.
Leon officially retired on Feb. 22. “He will remain comfortably at home surrounded by his family,” the Herndon Police Department tweeted. “Thank you for your service, Leon. You’re a good boy.”
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the retirement of #K9 Leon for medical reasons. He will remain comfortably at home surrounded by his family, including his handler and partner, PFC Ashman. Thank you for your service, Leon. You're a good boy. #herndonpd pic.twitter.com/yVt9mqsqPt
— Herndon Police (@HerndonPolice) March 4, 2019
Photos via Herndon Police Department
FCPS delays opening — The county’s public schools will open two hours late today after being closed yesterday as a snowstorm hit. [FCPS]
Dogs in the snow — ICYMI: “Locals put their photography skills to use for the snow-covered landscape, with some catching pets and cross-country skiing on camera.” [Reston Now, Reston Now Instagram]
Spruced up Safeway — “The Great Falls Safeway at 9881 Georgetown Pike reopened after renovations with a ribbon cutting on Saturday, Feb. 16.” [McLean Patch]
Blood pressure PSA — Did you know kids can have high blood pressure? The American Heart Association has a short video about health screenings to protect kids. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue]
Photo via @greatfallsva/Instagram
People in Reston and Herndon have been capturing the progress of today’s snowstorm through pictures.
Locals put their photography skills to use for the snow-covered landscape, with some catching pets and cross-country skiing on camera.
Cool jacket! "Peony’s Snow Day In Reston" #snowday #chimein pic.twitter.com/vMeJHKbz2J
— Lindsey Mastis (@LindseyMastis) February 20, 2019
Many residents in Herndon and Reston brought rulers outside to help forecasters and fellow social media users follow along with the increasing snowfall. (Herndon saw around 4.5 inches of total snow accumulation, according to the National Weather Service.)
Right at 3” in Reston. Temp 31.2. @capitalweather @dougkammerer pic.twitter.com/ACZ1SvGnO3
— Bill Wheatley (@billwhe67) February 20, 2019
@capitalweather
About 2 1/2 so far in Reston. pic.twitter.com/7PqthF1LMf— wiredog (@KitCase3) February 20, 2019
Looks like we are at around 4” in Reston @capitalweather – mostly sleet coming down at this point. pic.twitter.com/DKiM3TlzwD
— C. G. Niederstrasser (@RocketScient1st) February 20, 2019
Photos via Marjorie Copson, Katie Butler, @simplylovinglife2019/Instagram, @cjhannas/Twitter and @greatfallsva/Instagram
(Updated at 9:35 p.m. on Feb. 21) Woofie’s, a pet care service that offers a mobile pet salon, pet sitting and dog walking, plans to open one of its two upcoming franchise locations in Reston.
The Facebook page for the Reston location says it is “coming soon” to 1897 Preston White Drive. The spot is right off of the Dulles Toll Road and close to Lake Thoreau.
“We are shooting for an opening date in early April,” Renee Ventrice, the vice president of Marketing for Woofie’s Pet Ventures, told Reston Now.
The second franchise location is set for Leesburg.
Established by pet owners in 2004, Woofie’s currently serves locals in Ashburn, Pomotac Station and Lansdowne with more than 70 pet sitters and walkers and seven mobile pet vans, according to its website.
Photos via Woofies/Facebook, Google Maps
‘Dog Days of Summer’ is today — Dogs and their owners can frolic in the pavilion as it’s transformed into an off-leash play area from 4-7 p.m. The dog days of summer event will take place every Wednesday through September 26 at the Reston Town Center pavilion. [Reston Town Center]
Florence is coming — Invited or not, Hurricane Florence continues to barrel its way towards us. Four to eight inches are expected to begin late Thursday into early Friday. Here’s what you need to know to prepare. [Fairfax County Government]
Crime update in Herndon — In early September, Jose Quintanilla Romero, 25, of Herndon, was arrested on five felony accounts of sexual abuse against a victim known to him. In a separate incident, a man said he was robbed by several suspects on September 6 near the 600 block of Center Street around 11 p.m. [Herndon Police Department]
Flickr pool photo by vantagehill
Child dies after medical emergency on school bus — A young boy died in Herndon Thursday after experiencing a medical emergency on a Fairfax County Public Schools bus in the 2300 block of Dulles Station Boulevard. The boy was pronounced dead at the hospital and no other kids were on the bus at the time. [NBC 4]
A back to school report — School principals in Reston give an update on what’s new this year and their one-sentence message to the community. [The Connection]
The fight for control — Canaan Merchant writes about how Reston Association is asking Fairfax County to give it more control over future growth. Although the Silver Line has brought growth to the area, many residents aren’t happy, Merchant writes. [Greater Greater Washington]
Dog paddle set for today from 4-7 p.m. — Bring your dog for a dip in the pool before it’s shut down for the season. A current dog license is required and registration is $6 for Reston Association members and $8 for all others. [Reston Association]
Photo by Twitter user Mary Dominiak
The dog days of summer deserve a day just for the dogs before the pool season ends.
Reston Association is hosting a Dog Paddle on Saturday in the North Hills Recreation Area from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
People are not permitted in the water with the dogs and a current dog license is required. In order to participate, dogs must remain under control or will be asked to leave without a refund. RA may ask specific patron or dog owners to leave.
A waiver is required on side and admission is $10 the day of the event. Participants can register in advance online via RA’s Webtrac system where tickets are $6 for RA members and $8 for all others.
Photo by Sammy Monaghan for RA
“Dog Days of Summer” sessions are back again at the Reston Town Center pavilion starting today (July 11).
The pavilion will be transformed into an off-leash play area every Wednesday through September 26.
Treats, toys and pet-friendly giveaways will be offered during the sessions.
Sessions take place from 4-7 p.m. The series is sponsored by Healthy Hound Playground, a dog daycare and boarding kennel and a grooming salon and spa located at 45910 Transamerica Plaza.
Photo via Reston Town Center
Fairfax County parks are offering classes to socialize and train four-legged members of the family.
The classes, known as Puppy Kindergarten, will begin June 23-28 at Frying Pan Farm Park. Puppies between 10 to 23 weeks will learn the fundamentals of discipline and socializing, as well as chewing and jumping.
Dogs who are advanced can participate in Dog Obedience I or II. The first class features management, discipline, problem-solving, affection and restraint. Dogs must be at least six months old to attend. Classes meet from 10-10:55 a.m. for eight weeks.
The level one class must be completed prior to taking the level two class. Dogs must be eight months old and will learn how to perform the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test.
Each class costs $109. Humans who participate must be at least 14 years old.
File photo via Chesapeake Dock Dogs
This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.
This week’s Reston Pet of the Week is Kirby, a 12-year-old purebred Papillon who is a longtime Restonian.
Here is what Kirby’s owner, April, had to say about her:
Kirby is a purebred Papillon who will turn 13 on Dec. 14, but often gets mistaken for a puppy, partly due to her small size (she weighs anywhere between 7 and 8 pounds depending on what she just finished eating) and also because she’s still every bit as energetic as her younger counterparts.
She was born in Toledo, Ohio, but has been a Reston resident for nearly 10 years. She was named after the famous Kirby who won Best in Show at Westminster in 1999 (the only Papillon in history to accomplish this so far) and she has even befriended one of famous Kirby’s descendants via the Northern Virginia Papillon Owners Meetup group. (Shoutout to Chancois Nolley!)
True to her breed’s name (“Papillon” is French for “butterfly”), Kirby is a social butterfly who can often be seen walking around Reston Town Center and Lake Anne, where she enjoys patronizing the local businesses and chatting up fellow Restonians. She also enjoys accompanying her human and friends to nearby Northern Virginia wineries in her pooch purse, although she is not a wine drinker herself.
She has quite a social media presence, including nearly 100 Instagram followers. Her Instagram handle is “yappy_pappy” due to how talkative she can be. Kirby is almost never at a loss for words, especially when there’s food nearby.
Although she is very friendly and energetic, she’s also extremely protective of her home and her human and will voice displeasure if you come too close to either without her permission. Once you’re in Kirby’s Circle of Trust, though, you’re pretty much in there for life.
Kirby loves living in Reston because of how dog-friendly it is — namely its paved pathways, caring residents and high concentration of squirrels.
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.
Never Forget — Today is the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks. Be sure to take a moment to reflect on those lost that day in Arlington, New York and western Pennsylvania.
Virginia Task Force Goes to Virgin Islands — After staging in Puerto Rico, responders from Fairfax County are in the Caribbean conducting search and rescue activities on the island of St. Thomas following Hurricanes Irma and Jose. [Fairfax Fire and Rescue]
Community Center Board Preference Poll Voting Open — Voting in the poll for three seats on the Reston Community Center Board of Governors is open through Sept. 29. All residents of Tax District 5 can vote. Three incumbents are all seeking re-appointment. Board seats are filled by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, with guidance from the results of the poll. Voting can be done by mail, in person or online. [Reston Community Center]
Political Protester Gets Married in Reston — In 2013, Mohammed Soltan was jailed in Cairo for political dissidence and went on a 16-month hunger strike while he was psychologically tortured. On Aug. 19, he and his bride were married at the Hyatt Regency in Reston. It wasn’t all happiness, though: Soltan’s still-jailed father could not attend, nor could a longtime friend who was recently released after two years in prison. [New York Times]
Dogs Splash at Water Mine — Check out photos and videos from the “Dog Daze” event Sunday at The Water Mine at Lake Fairfax Park. [Aimee Cho/Facebook]
Herndon Woman’s Photo Hangs in JFK Library — Yvonne Kauffman, 84, met soon-to-be President John F. Kennedy in 1960 while he was on the campaign trail in her hometown of York, Pennsylvania. She recently learned a picture of that encounter, taken by a Life magazine photographer, is on display at the Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. [Fairfax Times]
It will be another busy weekend in the Reston/Herndon area.
Among the highlights will be the 34th annual Reston Triathlon, which will start at 7 a.m. Sunday at Lake Audubon. Those taking part will swim 1,500 meters in Lake Audubon, bike 40 kilometers on area roadways and run 10 kilometers on Reston pathways, ending at the South Lakes High School stadium.
Some traffic in South Reston will be affected by the event. Take note of the attached map of which roads will have bike traffic during the event, which is scheduled to last until about 11 a.m.
Volunteers are still needed for the event, as well.
Even if you aren’t taking part in the triathlon, though, there is plenty else to do around the area this weekend too. Listed below are some other events that you can enjoy.
(Editor’s Note: This is just a limited list of all the events taking place in the Reston area this weekend. If you have an event you would like to ensure is listed on the website, be sure to submit it to our Events Calendar.)
- The JamBrew series continues tonight in Herndon. Aslin Beer Co. will be pouring frosty mugs, Weird Brothers Coffee will be offering tasty drinks, Nordic Knot Pretzels will provide tasty snacks, and there will be much more. Live music will be offered from MK Skillz, Shane Gamble and Burn the Ballroom. The free event is slated for 6-10 p.m. at the Herndon Town Green (777 Lynn St.).
- North Point Village Center will celebrate the arrival of fall Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a Fall Kick-Off event. Washington Redskins great and former All-Pro defensive end Dexter Manley will meet fans at Glory Days Grill (1400 North Point Village Center) from noon to 2 p.m., while the event will also feature carnival games, roaming characters for kids, a DJ playing music, a moon bounce and more.
- DogFest Walk ‘n Roll, a charity event to benefit Canine Companions for Independence, will be at Reston Town Center on Sunday. Admission and parking are free.
- The next exhibition at Greater Reston Arts Center (12001 Market St.), featuring the work of D.C.-based artist Sue Wrbican, opens Saturday with a free public reception Saturday from 5-7 p.m. at the gallery. “Sue Wrbican: Well Past the Echo” will be on view through Nov. 18.
- The Reston Farmers Market will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at Lake Anne Village Center.
- Lake Anne is also hosting Sunday Yoga on the Plaza each week, at 9:30 a.m.
- There will be a ChalkFest workshop Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Reston Town Center (11900 Market St.). The free event will be hosted by Public Art Reston.
- Pulitzer Prize-winner display “Disgraced,” exploring Muslim assimilation and identity in America, will be performed at NextStop Theatre Company (269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon) tonight at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 7 p.m.; and at a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. Tickets range in price from $17.50 to $55.
- The Water Mine (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive) will “go to the dogs” Sunday for its annual Dog Daze event. Suggested donation is $10 per dog. In addition to the doggie splashing, there will be a canine resource fair, door prizes, demonstrations and more.
- The Herndon Garden Tour, slated for Sunday, will feature five private gardens, as well as the Monarch butterfly waystation at Runnymede Park. Painting demos, garden music and more will also be offered. Gardeners will be on hand during the self-guided tour to discuss their gardens and answer questions. Cost is $15; children 12 and under can participate for free.
- An open house at The Lake House (11450 Baron Cameron Drive) is planned for 10 a.m. to noon Sunday.
- At Reston Regional Library (11925 Bowman Towne Drive), the movie “Musicals” will be shown from 2-4 p.m. Saturday.
- United Christian Parish (11508 North Shore Drive) will host a panel of community and faith leaders on Sunday at 2 p.m. for what it is calling a “post-Charlottesville town hall.” According to information provided by the church, residents are invited to take part in the “[discussion of] bigotry and unconscious bias as we seek to work together to heal the wounds.”
- Many restaurants and bars in Reston will have live music this weekend. These include: Vinifera Wine Bar and Bistro (11750 Sunrise Valley Drive) from 7-10 p.m every Friday and Saturday night; Crafthouse (1888 Explorer St.) every Friday and Saturday night from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; and Tavern64 (1800 Presidents St.) every Friday from 6-10 p.m.
- Kalypso’s Sports Tavern (1617 Washington Plaza N.) will have live music from Catchin’ Toads tonight from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; and DJ Kram will play Top 40 hits during those hours Saturday night.
This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.
Meet Maxine, a terrier mix available for adoption.
Here is what her friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about her:
Maxine is an adorable little terrier mix, likely with some Jack Russell, who weighs in at just 22 pounds, so she can come with you on all sorts of adventures. Only 3 years old, she’s a sweet and affectionate girl who would like nothing better than a family of her own.
Precious dogs like this go fast, so please send your application on in pronto so you don’t miss out.
Maxine is up to date on all shots and dewormings, has been spayed and carries an adoption fee of $329, which includes her micro chip. This extremely friendly little baby girl is going to bring lots of joy to some lucky adopters, so don’t delay, get your application in to [email protected].
Are you and Maxine a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.
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.
