Braddock Bark connects humans with dogs
By Julia Key
Barking could be heard from the entrance of Accotink Park on Saturday as people and their dogs gathered for the annual Braddock Bark on a sunny 78-degree day.
The event was hosted by Braddock District Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer, Celebrate Fairfax, and the Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.
Braddock Bark drew dozens of dogs of all sizes, breeds, and fur types.
Tents set up by adoption centers, nonprofits, businesses, and a food truck lined the field for humans. The dogs got to play in the middle of the field on an obstacle course, kiddie pools, and a carrot-on-a-stick-type contraption.
While some of the humans came to show their dogs a good time or meet other dog owners, others were interested in adopting or fostering a dog.
“I love to foster dogs. In the past two years, I’ve fostered three,” said Alisa Holmes. “My husband and I just moved to the area, and we want to find a reputable group to foster a dog through and, hopefully, more dogs in the future.”
A Forever Home, a rescue foundation, had dogs available for fostering and adoption, including the last three puppies from a litter of eight German Shepherds born on April 3.
Elaine Suzuki brought her Rottweiler to Braddock Bark to scout out what dog she wants to adopt next. “I absolutely love my dog, Bailey. She’s like a kid to me, so searching for a second dog has become tedious because I want a dog that will get along with her,” she said.
Suzuki said it feels like every dog is so loved, and she is glad the rescue dogs can find good homes. “You can tell the volunteers are genuinely invested in the well-being of these dogs. Seeing so many people here supporting adoption and animal rescue is really inspiring.”
For a handful of families, coming to Braddock Bark was one step closer, or further, from getting a dog. That includes Frank Garcia, whose three sons have been begging for a dog since Christmas.
“The kids have been talking about getting a dog for months, so this is a great opportunity to meet some in person,” Garcia said. “We’re taking our time and asking questions because we want to make sure all the kids are ready for the responsibility.”
“With the variety of dogs here, it’s nice to see what my youngest kid might be scared of and what dog would be willing to have enough energy to tire all of them out,” he said. “We’ve been watching the dogs try out the chasing contraption to see who can keep running.”
The contraption, which is called a “lure course,” entertains dogs by encouraging them to chase a toy moving around on a rope on a conveyor belt.
While the course was designed for dogs, it was just as entertaining for the humans crowding around it. Katherine Hitcha, of Fairfax, who was there with two small tan dogs with beady brown eyes, volunteers at local dog rescue events.
Adoption events like Braddock Bark “help us introduce adoptable dogs to members of the community who might not otherwise visit a shelter,” Hitcha said. “Beyond adoptions, this event raises awareness about animal welfare.”
Julia Key, Annandale Today’s summer intern, is a resident of Burke and a journalism student at Penn State University.