Paws in the Park

Walk in the park with a friend.

Credit: Tab Asselin

 

Celebrate responsible dog ownership in the great outdoors!

Join the fun in Pine Grove Picnic Area on Saturday, June 1st, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for four legged fun. This canine-centered event spotlights responsible pet ownership. Discover the powers of working dogs, search and rescue organizations, and companion dogs waiting to be adopted. Military, police, and search and rescue experts bring their working dogs out to prove their value. Dog obedience experts provide helpful advice.

Activities include:

Working dog demonstrations
A dog talent show
One day only off-leash dog area
Appearances by McGruff the Crime Dog and Sparky the Fire Dog

 

A trainer and dog demonstrate SAR techniques

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Virginia Search and Rescue Association

The Virginia Search and Rescue Dog Association (VSRDA) is the Southeast's oldest air scenting wilderness search dog unit. VSRDA is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at no charge to the requesting agency. (VSRDA) is a highly skilled volunteer canine search and rescue unit that uses specially trained dogs to locate missing persons or human remains in wilderness, disaster, and water search and rescue/recovery missions. A trained dog's sensitive hearing, night vision, endurance, and keen sense of smell have proven invaluable in the effort to locate missing persons more swiftly. Come watch the Virginia Search and Rescue Association as they put their noses to the test in our demonstration field.

 

The badge for Dogs East Search and Rescue

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DOGS-East, Inc.

Dogs East, Inc. ia a professional volunteer wilderness search and rescue organization serving primarily the Mid-Atlantic Region and on-call for natural disasters in the continental United States. DOGS- East Inc. responds to requests from Virginia Department of Emergency Management (DEM) as a state search and rescue resource. They are also called to assist on searches conducted by the State Police and other local and federal law enforcement offices. Searches can come at any time, day or night, holidays, workdays, etc. The dedication of our members ensures that even at inconvenient times, we can respond and fill a request from Virginia DEM to help in a search effort. DOGS-East, Inc. will be giving search and rescue demonstrations throughout the day and will host an informational table.

 

McGruff the Crime Dog greets visitors

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McGruff the Crime Dog

Prince William County Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit has agreed to allow McGruff, the crime prevention dog, to return to Paws in the Park this year. Everyone, especially children, loves meeting McGruff! He will meet and greet event attendees and give out crime prevention tips.

 

Members of the military bring out their working dogs.