Zoey Tests the waters: The 2 yr-old Silver Labrador was first in line when volunteers were called for to test the exit ramp for the canine competitors from Chesapeake DockDogs who were there to support the Grand Opening of PetMAC, owner Cindy Williams’ pet supply retail shop – and rescue adoption center and partner. Photo by Andrea Worker.
Although Cindy Williams actually opened the doors to PetMAC, her pet supply and adoption center located in Reston’s Lake Anne, in January of this year, the official grand opening was only recently celebrated - and done so in style.
The significant crowd that attended the May 30 event from 1 – 4 p.m. included almost as many pawed partyers as those on two feet. The wagging wanderers were happy to sample offerings from participating pet food vendors like Stella & Chewy’s, Open Farm, Weruva, Answers, Golden Nugget Treats, Look Who’s Happy Dog Treats, and Bear and the Rat (serving probiotic frozen yogurt for dogs). Their human companions got to enjoy a few treats, themselves, served up by the Culinaria Cooking School of Vienna.
Pet owners were also able to pick up some tips on training, general care and health from the likes of the Hope Advanced Veterinary Center of Vienna (experts in emergency and specialty veterinary care) Old Town School for Dogs, and the Just Cats Clinic, located in Lake Anne.
The highlight of the day’s activities was the demonstrations by the aquatically inclined canine members of the Chesapeake DockDogs, a regional affiliate club of DockDogs, the organization that sponsors canine aquatic competitions around the country and the globe. It took some time, some maneuvering, and a volunteer named Zoey to set up and test a safe exit for the dogs from the waters of Lake Anne back onto dry land, but once the logistics were complete, the canine competitors made it clear they were more than ready to take a dive or two! Such was their enthusiasm that some of the “divers” had to be vigorously reminded to patiently wait their turn. The audience cheered as each pooch seemed to fly out over the water in chase of their particular toy. For those unfamiliar with the sport, the announcer explained the four disciplines of competition for DockDog events: Big Air, Extreme Vertical, Speed Retrieve, and Iron Dog, which combines all three of the maneuvers.
PetMAC owner Williams couldn’t have asked for better weather or a better turnout for her official grand opening celebration, moving her business to Reston after almost a decade in Arlington. The name of her establishment reflects not only the retail focus of her business, but its philanthropic purpose, as well. PetMAC stands for Pet Marketplace and Adoption Center. As someone who has been actively involved in animal welfare, rescue and rehoming for more than 20 years, Williams is excited to be able to bring this combination of quality pet nutrition, supplies and pet adoption opportunities to her new community.
Why not stop by and welcome her to the neighborhood, pick up some treats for your furry family members, or maybe even add to the clan as a result of your visit!
PetMAC is located at 11412 Washington Plaza West at Lake Anne in Reston. For more information visit www.petmac.org.