Sebastian, a Black Mouth Cur, temporarily of Forever Haven rescue, takes a moment out from puppy play to thank Supervisor Dan Storck for hosting Ides of Bark
The alert sounded well ahead of time: “Calling all dog lovers!” The invitation: join Supervisor Dan Storck “for the most PAWsome event of the year — the Ides of Bark Dog Festival! Bring your best canine friend” to Grist Mill Park for games, prizes, food, vendors and family fun on March 24.
Hard to tell who has the bigger smile, Supervisor Dan Storck or Cash, grinning about being at the Ides of Bark festival, as Dollie and Sebastian look on. Dogs with Furever Haven rescue.
If anyone noticed that the event didn’t fall exactly on the Ides, it certainly wasn’t the dogs. Pups of all sizes, shapes, breeds and ages were digging into the many tempting treats on offer, and greeting the many other dogs in the usual dog way, nose first.
Storck says, “This is one event that you have to like: people and animals. And you can show up and feel the love of the community. … You can come if you have a dog or not. One of the first events of the season, only rained out once in seven years; with the opportunity to get out of the house and reconnect.”
While dog noses were busy, accompanying humans appeared just as distracted by an array of pooch product and service vendors, games, prizes, swag and food trucks. If the humans attending happened to be in need of additional dog companionship, rescue groups, such as
Furever Haven Animal Rescue of Fairfax Station (fureverhaven.com), brought along some new best friend possibilities.
As an event climax, dogs were informally judged for several awards. It wasn’t a dog eat dog competition, just a fun chance to step forward if a dog felt representative of the Most Charming, Best Hairdo, Most Photogenic, Gentle Giant, or Little & Feisty category, among other awards.
The free event, sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation, and supported by the Mount Vernon District, described as a “paw-sitively” wonderful time, drew both first timers and those who make it an annual outing. The event is conveniently located within walking distance of the Grist Mill Dog Park for those doggies who really want to stretch their legs and enjoy a rousing chase off leash to work off the treat calories.
