Dog Rescue

GRASP started on April 27, 2022 - exactly 4 years to the day and at this very location! (formerly Mod Pizza) Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate our community and see friends old and new while enjoying pizza that has become quite a hit in the DMV area! Andy's serves pizza by the slice and also wine by the glass or bottle. Two slices of pizza and a coke cost about $12. It all started with a ball of Trader Joe’s pizza dough. Over nearly a decade, Andy Brown has refined his recipe from semihomemade to a from-scratch crust that ferments for 72 hours before it’s baked in a hot stone oven. This location, in Kentlands, is the newest but Andy’s is quickly mushrooming around DC and NoVA. With its pliable crust, tangy tomatoes, and high-quality cheese, this is one of the most awarded pizzas in the DMV.

Walk among the largest stand of large-flowered trillium in Virginia at GR Thompson Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Linden, VA. These iconic woodland wildflowers are identified by three large petals, which start white and deepen to rose as they age. A great many other spring ephemerals growing in this area promise to delight both expert and beginner naturalists. On this 5.5 mile hike we will gain about 1000 ft of elevation, and we will hike about 2.0 mph when moving. Photos encouraged! **Hike Route:** Trillium 5.5/1000 (UpperTedLake) on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/trillium-5-5-1000-uppertedlake-92262bf **Time to Meet:** Please meet 15-20 min prior to hike start for introductions and liability waiver sign in. **RSVP:** RSVP to register for this hike. If your plans change, please edit your RSVP 24-48 hours before the hike to open a spot for another hiker. This request also applies to hikers on the Waitlist. RSVPs close at 6 PM the evening before the hike. **Meeting Location/Parking:** 3750 Freezeland Road, Linden, VA. Room for 10-12 cars. **Carpooling strongly recommended.** If we should fill available parking, we will shuttle hikers from a small park (a minute or two away). **GPS 38.93950, -78.03943** **Group Size:** 20 hikers **Facilities:** Privy at Manassas Gap shelter, a mile or so into the hike. **Access Fee:** Hike leader will secure WMA group access permit and pay daily access fee for hikers. **For this reason, NO SHOWS and last minite RSVP updates are discouraged.** **Contact Information:** Please use the comments feature for comments and questions. The hike leader is Lisa P. **Cancellation:** In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. Please check Meetup for updates before leaving for the hike. **What to Bring:** Water at least two liters, emergency contact information, medications, snacks/meal, insect repellent, sunscreen/protection from weather, and personal first aid kit. Trekking poles if you use them, sturdy hiking footwear. Please leave pets at home. Thanks! **PATC:** * To find out more about PATC, [click here](https://www.patc.net/)**.** * Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here](https://www.patc.net/membership) Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present.

Games night is back! With our favorite local game store opening back up, Games night will come back starting Monday June 7th! We are an lgbt+ games group that’s been going for nearly 3 years now! We welcome anyone in the lgbt+ community to come play board games every Monday with our fun and chaotic crew! If you’re brand new to board gaming and looking to make some friends or if you love playing 4 hour space operas and are looking to make some rivals, we’re the group for you! We are an lgbt+ group that focuses on creating a safe lgbt+ community. Non-lgbt+ individuals are welcome when attending with an lgbt+ friend, family member, or partner. Huzzah hobbies currently follows cdc guidelines, where customers who are vaccinated are allowed to not wear masks indoors. With their current hours on Mondays, they are open until 9pm; if they change hours and remain open later, games night will continue until close. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please feel free to message us here!

This is introductory meditation for people who wants to learn basics of meditation. It's a free event held every week and everyone is welcome to join.

Looking for a spring weekend for this one. We will be gathering in front of the Tavern at 2 pm and will walk south along the towpath or Berma Road (depending on crowds) until we reach the wide water bridge entrance (across the street from Old Anglers). Please note that on perfect fall days it may be very long wait to get into the park so please check announcements related to park entrance wait times. If you miss us at 2 pm I'm sure you can catch us if you enter the park around 3 at wide water entrance. Otherwise just run along the tow path and ask where the corgis are and I'm sure you will catch up to us. This walk should be roughly 2-4 miles total. You may turn back at any point on your own if you or your corgi is exhausted. However, please note this is NOT the "death march" version of the walk as it starts at 2pm - I will schedule the death march version by poplular request as most folks don't want to walk til they drop.

Our regular Sunday meetup at the Shirlington Dog Park -- members start arriving around 10:15 a.m. You'll always find an Aussie to play with. There are 3 entrances, so wander the park -- the dogs will find each other! For puppies, Shirlington has a small dog park within the larger dog park. It's the prefect place for your puppy to gain confidence and socialize with others. There is also plenty of room to run. Just a reminder, the Dog Park is under attack by the Arlington County Board of Commissioners. While early plans to decrease the size of the park by 50% has been tabled, it's important to remind Arlington County how important this park is to dogs and owners. Here are links to the change.org petition and the Facebook page where you can get updates. Shirlington Dog Park Page Petition: https://www.change.org/.../arlington-county-board-save... Arlington County Board: Save the Shirlington Dog Park! We love the Shirlington Dog Park -- it provides… change.org Shirlington Dog Park Page Shirlington Dog Park Page Save the Dog Park Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/groups/696087663906890

Join us for a volunteer day helping the animals at Rosie's Farm Sanctuary in Potomac, MD. Before attending this event, you must sign a liability waiver. Please use this link [https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/b5nky2tonaovjqgjn6ap5p/web/](https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/b5nky2tonaovjqgjn6ap5p/web/) The chores you will be doing are physical. You will be working on big projects that require many volunteers like removing old bedding, sanitizing stals and replacing with new bedding, along with the daily clean up chores. Wear boots and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. Feel free to bring a filled water bottle. On sunny days a brimmed hat and sunglasses may be helpful. Sunscreen is also suggested. Please do not bring any food or yummy-smelling items on your body or in your bag as our animals love to eat and are on special diets. Out of respect for the animals, we do not allow any food with animal products to be consumed at Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary. Please ensure that all edible items are plant-based (no dairy, no cheese, no cow’s milk ice cream, no meat, no fish, no eggs). Thank you for your cooperation and respect for this. It is very important to us. There is a gift shop where you can browse and warm up during the event. Please post your pictures and tag Rosie’s Farm Sanctuary and VSDC! Stick around at the end for a group photo behind the barn. If there is interest, we may go out to eat in one of our local vegan restaurants afterward. We are limited to 30 volunteers, so please change your RSVP if you cannot attend. Rosie's Farm Sanctuary is always in need of volunteers. If you want to volunteer with them outside of VSDC's volunteer days, make sure to visit [Rosies Farm Sanctuary ](https://rosiesfarmsanctuary.org/volunteer/) to sign up. By coming to this event, we expect you to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC: More Than A Meetup** We are delighted to have you as part of The Veg Society of DC Vegan Meetup group, and we look forward to seeing you at our events. Did you know that [VSDC](https://vsdc.org/%20) is a nonprofit organization with membership benefits? With VSDC membership, you will save money at area restaurants and businesses, attend VSDC member-only events, and, most importantly, support us as a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. The membership fee is minimal, but the impact is significant! [Join today](https://vsdc.org/membership/)! **Ways to Stay In Touch with Us** Thank you for being part of our Meetup presence and bringing like-minded people together. We invite you to: * Become a [VSDC member](https://vsdc.org/membership/) to save money at area restaurants and support us in being a clear and consistent voice for improving the lives of all beings through community building and education centered on the benefits of a vegan diet and lifestyle. * Sign up for our[ monthly e-newsletter](https://vsdc.org/about/newsletter/) to hear more about our activities. * Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vegsocietydc/) or [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vegsocietydc/) to engage with us. **Interested in Volunteering with VSDC?** VSDC offers many events each month, thanks to the dedication of our event planning team. Would you consider volunteering? To learn more and get started, [please visit our website](https://vsdc.org/volunteer/). **Only Vegan Food, Please** While VSDC welcomes people wherever they are on the path to an all-plant, vegan diet and lifestyle, it is our policy that only vegan food be served and consumed at our events. If you would like to [explore a vegan diet or get support in making lifestyle changes, consider these resources](https://vsdc.org/exploringvegan/). **Liability Waiver and Code of Conduct** When you sign up to attend, you automatically acknowledge [VSDC's Liability Waiver](https://vsdc.org/activity-waiver/) and commit to follow the code of conduct found at [Policies - VSDC - Veg Society of DC](https://vsdc.org/policies/). **VSDC. Creating communities. For your health, the animals, and the planet.**

🐾 Dog Sound Bath A gentle sound healing experience designed for dogs, with their humans alongside them. Join us for a small-group Dog Sound Bath, created to support your dog’s nervous system through gentle, grounding sound. This experience is designed for dogs first, with their humans alongside them for comfort, co-regulation, and connection. Using crystal singing bowls and other soft, supportive sounds, we create a calm environment where dogs are invited to settle, rest, and relax at their own pace. Some dogs may lie down, some may remain alert at first — all responses are welcome and respected. To help us prepare a calm and supportive experience, we kindly ask that payment be completed prior to attending. Dogs will remain on leash at all times and under the care of their person. Each dog will have space to rest comfortably next to their human while sound is offered with close attention to body language and comfort cues. Sound is adjusted as needed to support each dog’s comfort. This is a small group experience to ensure safety, calm energy, and the ability to respond thoughtfully to each dog. Important details: • Dogs must remain leashed at all times • Owners are responsible for their dog’s behavior and comfort • A waiver is required to attend • If a group setting is not the right fit for your dog, private sessions are available upon request Cost & Registration: • Cost: $75 per pet • Registration & Payment: Please complete advance payment using the link below. [https://pay.hoofs-woofs-masseuse.com/d5d03b1b-276b-4274-a288-97f](https://pay.hoofs-woofs-masseuse.com/d5d03b1b-276b-4274-a288-97f) Space is limited, and advance payment allows us to prepare the space and sound experience appropriately for each dog. 📍 Location: Light Works Spiritual Wellness, Manassas, VA 🕰️ Duration: Approximately 45 minutes Hosted by Hoofs & Woofs Masseuse Meet Tina McKevitt Certified Equine & Canine Massage Therapist, Animal Reiki Practitioner, and Owner of "Hoofs & Woofs Masseuse" From a young age, Tina felt a deep connection with animals—whether it was her own pets, the horses she rode, or animals in the wild. Being around them has always brought her a sense of peace, and throughout her life, animals have healed her in so many ways. It felt only natural to want to give that same care back to them. As Tina watched many of her pets age, all she wanted was to help them feel more comfortable and supported. That desire is what inspired her to start Hoofs & Woofs Masseuse. She feels truly blessed to now be offering her services and to give back to the fur babies who give us so much every day. At Hoofs & Woofs Masseuse, Tina believes in promoting the health and well-being of your furry companions through specialized sports massage therapy, including equine massage therapy for horses and canine massage services for dogs. Her holistic approach not only focuses on relaxation and recovery but also incorporates elements like Animal Reiki to enhance overall wellness. She aims to reduce muscle tension, improve flexibility and range of motion, accelerate the healing of injuries, and provide stress relief for your beloved pets. To learn more or to schedule a session, visit www.hoofs-woofs-masseuse.com or contact Tina @ 571-991-1717

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, **[https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf)** and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "**I Accept"** to be permitted on the hike. **8.00 mile circuit hike with 500 feet of elevation gain.** **Description:** Our Hike will begin at **Pennyfield Lock 22** along the **C&O Canal** in the **[Pennyfield Lock Parking Lot](https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Montgomery-Parks-Blockhouse-Point-Trail-Map-letter-2024_a11y.pdf)** , and heads over to the **[C&O Canal Towpath.](https://www.canaltrust.org/plan/co-canal-towpath/)** While walking along the water’s edge, keep an eye out for sunbathing **[turtles](https://www.canaltrust.org/2020/10/top-5-photographed-turtle-species-on-the-co-canal/)**, elegant **[Blue Herons](https://potomac.org/blog/2022/7/11/5-large-birds-you-can-easily-spot-along-the-potomac-river)** and yes, **[snakes](https://www.nps.gov/choh/learn/nature/reptiles-amphibians.htm)** too, all the while soaking in sweeping views of the **Potomac River.** From there the hike heads up into the **[BlockHouse Point](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/block-house-point-conservation-park/)**[ ](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/block-house-point-conservation-park/)**[Conservation Park](https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/block-house-point-conservation-park/)** offering spectacular views of the **[Potomac River](https://www.americanrivers.org/river/potomac-river/).** **Facilities:** Portable bathrooms at the trailhead **Hike Pace**: Pace will be about **2.0 – 2.5 mph** while moving. **Bring:** Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, insect repellant and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas/tree roots, stream crossing. Hiking poles if you normally use them. **Fee:** None **Dogs:** dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the **[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy)**. Please be sure your dog is able to hike the distance, **Where to Meet:** **GPS Coordinates**: **39°03'14.7"N 77°17'20.4"W** **[LINK](https://maps.app.goo.gl/1eeDTXwpeV94x4cC8)** **Address:** Pennyfield Lock Road Parking Lot, **12400 Pennyfield Lock Rd · Potomac, MD** Pennyfield Lock Road is about 5.5 miles northwest of Potomac Village on River Road. Turn left onto Pennyfield Lock Road, take it to the very end, then turn left, and continue a few hundred feet to the Porta-Johns where we will park. **CONTACT INFO:** Any questions, please message me here or text me at 703 533 9231 Dawn K. Hike Leader **MAPS:** **[BlockHouse Point Conservation Park](https://montgomeryparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Montgomery-Parks-Blockhouse-Point-Trail-Map-letter-2024_a11y.pdf)** **[AllTrails](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/blockhouse-point-loop-trail)**

THE TIME IS NOW. 2,000 beagles are currently trapped inside Ridglan Farms--a facility where a judge has already found probably cause for felony animal cruelty. While Ridglan has agreed to surrender its breeding license by July 1, there is NO PLAN to protect the dogs currently inside. Without our intervention, they face being sold to other laboratories or worse. Following the historic "Mass Open Rescue" attempt in Wisconsin in mid-April, MoCo and DC is joining the national call to FREE THE 2,000. We are standing in solidarity with those who were tear-gassed and arrested to demand that our representatives take immediate action. Also, we are asking NIH to cease funding to institutions that buy dogs from Ridglan for experiments. **Attend the Rally: We will peacefully gather with signs, posters, and positive energy. Bring your friends!** **Location: Bethesda, MD on 355 near the NIH Metro, any changes will be noted. 1 pm-3 pm**

Come join us at [Loudoun Brewery Co.](https://loudounbrewing.com/) in Leesburg, VA, on Wednesday, May 6th. Former board member and long-time friend of HSLC, Melissa Hughes, will be calling Charity Bingo. Your $20 donation will benefit at-risk cats and dogs in our community and make you eligible to win fabulous prizes! HSLC volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about our life-saving mission. Hope to see you there!

PET EXPO HAS CHANGED LOCATION TO MANASSAS SO I NEED TO FIND ANOTHER DATE FOR THIS. Please note park charges admission but meetup itself is free. I highly recommend folks invest in a NPS annual pass as it will pay for itself quickly. We will be exploring the Virginia side of the Great Falls National Park. Please meet at the visitor's center promptly at 9 am. Dogs must follow NPS rules (be kept on a leash and be 4 months/fully vaccinated). We will depart after the group picture along the ramp to the visitor center. This will be a gentle slow walk to take in views.

We have many cats and kitties hoping to find their fur-ever families. Come meet them at [Pet supplies Plus](https://www.petsuppliesplus.com/store/va/sterling/4487-sterling/4487) in Sterling from Noon to 2pm on Saturday, May 17th. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit the [Humane Society of Loudoun County website](https://humaneloudoun.org/adopt/)! If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, [complete a no-obligation application today](https://humaneloudoun.org/adopt/adoption-process/) to expedite the application process.

**Ready for a night of bold flavors and good company? 🌭🍕** Skip the kitchen and join your DTs family and friends for a fun-filled dinner at **[Kook Dogg Cafe!](https://www.kookdoggcafe.com/)** After our Thursday night Happy Hour, let’s head over for some delicious **artisan pizzas, mouthwatering sandwiches, and unique eats** at **12100 Sunset Hills Rd R-6, Reston, VA 20190**. Whether you're craving a crispy flatbread, a loaded sandwich, or something totally unexpected, Kook Dogg has something for everyone! Please **RSVP on our Facebook and Meetup pages** so we can give the restaurant a heads-up on how many hungry DTs to expect! We usually have a group of **12-20**, but the more, the merrier! Walk-ins are welcome, but reserving your spot helps us plan better. We’re always switching up the dinner spots for variety, so keep an eye out for **next week’s location**—because every **Thursday brings something new to the table! 🍽️**

Meet new friends and enjoy a **medium/low difficulty hike** at Ball’s Bluff Regional Park! This hike focuses on good conversation and fresh air as we hike through wooded trails, with scenic views of the Potomac River. It’s a perfect way to connect with others who love the outdoors and take in the natural beauty of Leesburg during this 3-hour hike. Ball’s Bluff Regional Park is a hidden gem rich in history and natural beauty. The park features winding forest trails, scenic river views, and quiet spots perfect for taking a break or chatting with fellow hikers. Once the site of a Civil War battle, it’s now a serene place to enjoy nature and experience a peaceful escape just minutes from downtown Leesburg. **Meeting Time & Location:** 9:30 AM at the **Ball's Bluff Regional Park Parking Lot**. **Distance:** 5.34 miles (approximately) **Elevation Gain:** 643 feet **Difficulty:** Moderate Hike This hike features natural trails with moderate difficulty, including some elevation gains. We recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes to navigate this terrain comfortably. **Estimated Duration:** 3 hours. **Waitlist Policy** To keep things fair, hikers will be moved off the waitlist in this order: **1\. Regular Hikers:** Those who join hikes often get first priority. **2\. Past Hikers:** Next are returning hikers, based on attendance and cancellation history. Frequent cancellations may lower priority. **3\. New Hikers:** New members will be added as space allows. **Age Requirement:** **Children under 18 are not permitted** to ensure a comfortable experience for all participants. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. **Pace:** Moderate. We'll walk a steady, comfortable pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment. **Trail Map:** [Ball's Bluff - 5.34mi loop](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-ball-s-bluff-red-and-orange-loop-0010dae?u=i&sh=mdqqtd) **Restrooms:** Restrooms are not available on this hike. **Lunch After the Hike:** After we wrap up our hike, we invite you to join us for a relaxed lunch together. We'll meet for a casual lunch at **[Vanish Farmwoods Brewery,](https://maps.app.goo.gl/RRviGPewRvUmow46A)** *[42245 Black Hops Lane](https://maps.app.goo.gl/RRviGPewRvUmow46A)* *[Leesburg, VA 20176](https://maps.app.goo.gl/RRviGPewRvUmow46A)*