by Marlene Berlin Meet Meredith. Last Saturday, she taking her humans for a walk on the Western Ridge Trail in Rock Creek Park. They could not stop long to chat; Meredith was eager to continue her hike. And in case you were wondering, those backpacks are cat carriers. One online seller, Travel Cat, even has […]
UDC biomedical engineering researchers are studying dog-walking injuries
It started with a newly adopted dog – and its owner’s back pain. And now, students at the University of the District of Columbia are conducting a study on dog-walking injuries. The dog’s owner, Alexander Peebles, is an expert on human movement biomechanics, and an assistant professor at UDC’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. […]
Photos: A long-awaited snowy day
by Marlene Berlin We just got our most substantial snowfall in two years. I wouldn’t have missed walking in it for anything. I set out for Van Ness via Rock Creek Park trails, during a period that the Capital Weather Gang described as “light and polite.” A thin veneer of snow was mostly melting on […]
To be neighborly to the sight-impaired, keep dogs leashed and distanced from guide dogs. And be mindful of sidewalk obstructions.
by Ken Sands Forest Hills is a beautiful, walkable neighborhood. During the pandemic, it’s been ideal for socially distant walking. More people also adopted pets as walking companions, so you’re more likely to encounter dogs on our streets and sidewalks. As it became evident that Covid-19 is not often spread outdoors, and as most of […]
Emmy, our canine correspondent (semi-retired), would like to have a word or two with us – about words
When we launched Forest Hills Connection in 2012, one of our early contributors was Emmy Elfin. Emmy has emerged from her retirement – still quite opinionated for someone of the canine persuasion. Hello, it’s Emmy again. I am coming out of retirement because of my concern for the spoken language which I think has been […]
For Romeo, the small rescue dog “who led a large life”
by David Jonathan Cohen Once upon a time, there was a small dog who led a large life. No one knows his name of origin. In the West Virginia prison where his documented story begins, the inmates called him Puddles. He was “the slickest dog in the yard.” When the guards noticed Puddles, they called […]
Opinion: What I wish I had said to the dog owner whose pooch was off-leash
by Scott D. Seligman While out walking my dog the other night, I ran into another dog owner whose pooch was off the leash. This struck me as a bad idea and I challenged him about it. He assured me what he was doing was perfectly legal, that his dog was very obedient, and that […]
Obey the law: Leash your dog and scoop the poop
“There seems to be a persistent and pervasive problem in Forest Hills (and neighboring areas) of dog walkers failing to leash their dogs,” Forest Hills neighbor Paul Walters recently wrote in an email to Council member Mary Cheh: This is dangerous for the dog, the owner, and others. A dog’s behavior with people or other […]
Now Oct .14: Party with your pooches at “Barks & Brews”
New day, new time. Barks & Brews is back on. Van Ness Main Street’s event combines a few of our favorite things: local food and drink, and man’s best friend. Postponed due to rain, the Second Annual Barks & Brews Fest is now Sunday, October 14th from 6 to 9 p.m. in the parking lot […]
Thursdays in August: “Pups on the Patio” happy hours at Van Ness restaurants
Van Ness Main Street is inviting everyone to celebrate these dog days of summer: Thursday evenings in August, from 5 to 8 p.m., Van Ness Main Street is sponsoring “Pups on the Patio” happy hours at each of these restaurants: August 9th: Acacia Food & Wine August 16th: Soapstone Market August 23rd: Sfoglina Pasta House […]