Dog friendly parks in Virginia Beach

The weather is finally cooperating (for the weekend anyway) in Virginia Beach, which means your dog is wanting some outside time just as much as you are. Now is the time to take your best friend and yourself for some much needed fun in the sun. There are numerous parks in the Virginia Beach area, but not all are pet friendly. There are a few; however, that welcomes your four-legged friend. Check out the parks below:


Woodstock Community Dog Park: This dog park is off-leash and offers a tall-secure fence for those dogs who really like to explore and a water fountain for dogs. There is a $10 annual registration fee and vaccination paperwork must be shown before your dog can enter the park. You can visit this dog park at 5709 Providence Road, Virginia Beach, VA.


City View Park: This is a 43 acre public park. Your dog does have to be on leash, but it will be great outdoor exercise in a fun environment. You can visit this dog park at 2073 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach, VA.


Red Wing Dog Park: This park is similar to Woodstock Community Dog Park in that it is off-leash, 1 acre of fenced in area for your dog, and requires a $10 annual registration fee and vaccination paperwork. You can visit this dog park at 1398 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA.


If your dog is a beach dog, then you are also in luck. The oceanfront is open to dogs at any time and will continue to be until Memorial Day weekend (time restrictions begin on that weekend through Labor Day). So get you and your dog outside this weekend for some fresh air, fun, and exercise!

Local Virginia Beach rescue organization is all about the dogs

There are numerous shelters, humane societies, and other organizations throughout the Hampton Roads area that are working hard to save the lives of animals in need of rescue and adoption. One local rescue organization, K-9 New Life, located in Virginia Beach, is going the extra mile to advocate for and save shelter dog’s lives; they are a no-kill rescue organization. No-kill shelters and rescues are less common than regular shelters simply due to the cost of keeping these animals permanently until they can find a home.

The mission of K-9 New Life is to “take in dogs from shelters when they have run out of time or are injured or too sick for the shelters to handle”. K-9 New Life then provides these dogs with the help they need (rehabilitation, medicine, and a foster family) until they can be placed in a home for good. This rescue organization is a non-profit one, and they also take part in many activities and events that go on in the Hampton Roads area. K-9 New Life also showcases their dogs every first and third Sunday from 12-3 pm at the PetSmart in Virginia Beach Town Center. This is a great opportunity for potential adopters to come by and check out these great dogs.

For all of you dog lovers and dog advocates out there, there are plenty of ways that you can get involved and help out K-9 New Life. Some ways in which you can help include donations, sponsoring a dog, and/or becoming a foster parent. To learn more about this local rescue organization please visit their website here: K-9 New Life

Reasons to adopt a Pit Bull

Pit Bulls are one of the most, if not the most, stereotyped and discriminated breed of dog. The media has a lot to do with this portrayal and unfortunately, society buys into it. It is interesting that the majority of dog attacks covered are those where a Pit Bull is the offender. We quickly forget that any breed of dog can be aggressive due to environmental factors (such as how they are raised) and poor breeding. For those people who own a Pit Bull, they will tell you a much different story. Pit Bull owners will tell you that there are numerous reasons to adopt a Pit Bull from your local shelter or Pit Bull Humane Society. Here are just a few of those reasons:

4. Pit Bulls are athletic. These dogs are big balls of muscle that love to play. So take them to the beach, a dog park or for a run and they will love you for it.

3. Pit Bulls are easy to train. These dogs aim to please and they want to show you that they know how. Sit, stay, fetch, roll over, play dead, you name it and they will show you how.

2. Pit Bulls are lovable. Wet sloppy kisses? Check. They want to be lap dogs? Check. These dogs love their owners and are not afraid to show it.

1. Pit Bulls need homes. Of all the reasons given, this one is the most important. Pit Bulls are over looked in shelters because of unfair discrimination and because most people are unfamiliar with the positive aspects of this breed of dog.

If you give a Pit Bull a home, then you will get all of the above and more. Talk to your friends who have Pit Bulls and get to know these dogs. Next time you go to a shelter to adopt, be informed and do not look past these amazing pets.   You can check out the article as well here: http://www.examiner.com/animal-advocacy-in-virginia-beach/top-reasons-to-adopt-a-pit-bull