How dog-friendly is Fairfax County? For now, it's just not in the same league as Provincetown, Massachusetts, that has just been named the winner of the 2010 DogTown USA competition by Dog Fancy Magazine.
Saluting it as America's most dog-friendly city, Dog Fancy Editor Ernie Slone said "All dog owners know of a few local shops or restaurants that allow dogs, but it is remarkable to have an entire town where virtually every establishment opens its doors to dogs - even the bank. Where else can you take your dog along for a whale-watching or sunset cruise, walk miles of off-leash scenic beaches year-round and enjoy one of the nation's finest dog parks?"
The city refers to itself as "Pet-Friendly Provincetown, the East Coast's premiere canine resort town."
"We extend our hospitality not only to those on two legs but to those on all four!" says Provincetown Dog Owners Association.
"Since the Pilgrims first dropped anchor in Provincetown Harbor on November 11, 1620, dogs have played an important part in the town's history. An English Mastiff and English Springer Spaniel sailed to Provincetown in 1620 aboard the Mayflower. Our first canine residents arrived in the New World to provide protection and hunting assistance to the Pilgrims. Today, this seaside community has become the ultimate East Coast canine resort with its off- leash beaches and trails, dog park, pet-friendly dining and accommodations, and other pet-friendly activities."
Every fall, the Carrie A. Seamen Animal Shelter (CASAS) hosts Pet Appreciation Week, where visitors can participate in canine games and contests, a pet parade down Commercial Street, a dog T-dance at the Boatslip, and a blessing of the animals at St. Mary's of the Harbor Episcopal Church. For more information, visit WWW.CASASANIMALSHELTER.ORG.
A highlight of the city is the Pilgrim Bark Park that finished second in the Dog Fancy ratings of best dog parks this year. Opened in 2008, Pilgrim Bark Park is located on an acre of land where dogs can run free and socialize off leash.
"To reflect the town's rich appreciation for the arts, local artists designed benches (including a small-scale version of the Pilgrims' Mayflower ship), poop bag stations, kiosks, signage and a super-sized doghouse at the park's entrance. Anchored by a bronze whale's tail sculpture is a memorial section. Three fire hydrants painted to look like canine versions of Provincetown's police officers, firefighters and public workers sit sentry outside the park," says the Dog Owner's Association.
The next nine Dog Fancy dog-friendliest cities this year are:
-- Carmel, California
-- Madison, Wisconsin
-- Benicia, California
-- Fort Bragg, North Carolina
-- Lincoln City, Oregon
-- San Diego, California
-- Virginia Beach, Virginia
-- Sioux Falls, South Dakota
-- Salem, Oregon
What didn't Fairfax do? "It may be that they just didn't submit their credentials," says Ernie Slone. "We look at things like number and quality of the dog parks, availability of 24-hour emergency medical pet care, vaccination rates for pets, and availability of low-cost spay and neutering services."
Next year's competition kicks off in February, with a major call for entries contained in the March issue of Dog Fancy, Ernie says. "And don't miss the 'best dog park' competition," he says, that will be featured in the February issue. " Provincetown came in number two in that competition, and number one was Jackass Acres in Arizona.
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