The Neutering Debate
This is a MUST read for any dog owner, and anyone currently agonizing over the decision to neuter. I decided to post this after a recent dog park visit when I asked an owner if his dog was neutered. I suspected not (seeing him from the front) as one of my intact...
Lazy Saturday
We have the beautiful Lily as a houseguest today, and we couldn't be happier! As you can see, she's made herself at home in the spare bedroom on a queen-size bed. Only fitting for royalty, so we don't mind.
The Difference Between a Watchdog and a Guard Dog
I was having a conversation with someone about dogs recently (I know, what a surprise), and specifically, what sorts of dogs make good guard dogs. The guy I was talking to did the same thing in that conversation that most people do when they’re talking about a guard...
Last Minute Plans? Need a Place For Your Dog? We Can Handle That.
It's getting late in the game, but, as of this writing, we have a single opening for an overnight stay for a dog during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday. Whether you want one night or three nights, we can host your dog in our home, where he/she will stay with our...
My Dog Has Better Stuff Than I Do
We've all seen it and some of us have purchased it - the wildly expensive leash made out of organically-grown hemp, the dog bed that promises a perfect acupressure sleeping experience, the all-natural raw pet food packets. Buying a house with a yard, or fencing in the...
Your Dog on Drugs
There's an interesting article/discussion on the New York Times website today about the increasing amounts of medication given to pets in order to control their behavior. Some of the comments from readers are interesting as well. Here at Run and Play, we are pretty...
Actual Research to Test Effectiveness of Pet Therapy
It’s an accepted fact by many people that having a pet around does wonders for people that are ill. And there are many people that also believe that “therapy dogs” can do wonders for isolated senior citizens, children with reading disabilities, autistic children,...
What NOT to Do at a Dogpark
This is a great read, even if you know all of this already. And if you are a dog park neophyte, it is a wonderful primer on what to expect, what to look out for, etc. Click this link, and enjoy!
Open For Business
Yes, today is our first day of business as a company. We're accepting clients, and looking forward to a busy future serving the needs of dog owners local to the Silver Spring area. We have no desire to make you cringe with hollow platitudes, and we're not the type to...
Ready, Set, Bark!
Text us today and mention the word "barketing" and get 10% off your first 2 weeks of service. Be sure to include your location (either exact address, closest intersection or building), days of the week for walking, cat care, or boarding dates desired as well as the age & breed of your pet. We'll get right back to you.
Washington, DC
Monthly Yappy Hour with Tito's Vodka at metrobar — Sun, Aug 9
Washington, DC. A monthly happy hour with cocktail specials, pet treats, and vendors; proceeds support the Humane Rescue Alliance.
🔗 Yappy Hour at The Stacks — Fri, Aug 14
Dry Dock Park, DC. An evening social with a live DJ, cocktails, cornhole, and giveaways while dogs mingle.
Maryland
Woof Wednesdays with the Chesapeake Baysox — Wed, Aug 5 & Aug 19
Prince George's Stadium, Bowie, MD. Leashed, vaccinated dogs are welcome at these Bark in the Park baseball games.
🔗 Cat Video Fest 2026 — Thu–Fri, Aug 6–7
Warehouse Cinemas, Frederick, MD. A family-friendly film screening of the best cat videos culled from submissions, sourced animations, and music videos — a portion of ticket proceeds benefits local cats in need. (Worth noting: this one's cat-themed rather than dog-themed, but a fun outing if your pup's okay staying home for a couple hours!) One heads-up on timing: Cat Video Fest runs Thursday and Friday (Aug 6–7) rather than the weekend itself — this coming weekend (Aug 8–9) it won't be showing, so you'd want to catch it before then.
🔗 Dog Days at Linganore — Fri, Aug 7 & Fri, Aug 21, 5–8pm
Linganore Winecellars, Mt Airy, MD. Select Friday evenings from May through September, the winery hosts local animal rescues on the lawn. 20% of purchases made during the event go to the featured rescue.
🔗 Pooch Pool Party — Sat–Sun, Aug 22–23
Upper County Outdoor Pool, Gaithersburg, MD. The pool opens exclusively to dogs to swim and play before winter closure.
🔗 Register
Doggie Paddle Swim — Sat, Aug 22, 9–10:30am
Whetstone Pool, Montgomery Village, MD. A one-day pool swim with access to the wading pool; every pup gets a "Puppachino" after. Registration required.
🔗 Register
2026 Puppy Plunge — Sun, Aug 23, 11am–2pm
YMCA Camp Letts, Edgewater, MD. SPCA of Anne Arundel County's annual beach bash — live music, food, vendors, and beach access for dogs. $15/car, proceeds benefit the SPCA.
🔗 Northern Virginia
Summer Renaissance Festival at Shipgarten — Sat, Aug 15
McLean, VA. A medieval-themed outdoor festival with games, food, a costume contest, an off-leash area, and pup cups. Fun for the whole family!!!
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