Out enjoying the Spring-like temperatures, the Coopers, once a family of three, expanded with the addition of Cooper, now 13 months old. First “son” Charlie, an 8-year-old-terrier mix, a big cuddler in a small body, has had to give up some lap time to Cooper, but still loves his new brother, say parents Amy and David Merkel, of Springfield.
Teasingly spring-like warm days have popped up amid seasonal and unusually cold ones this February. Many residents are ready to leave the area’s coldest month, January, behind to enjoy February’s warmer averages of 31 to 52 degrees Fahrenheit. Instead, dog walkers were surprised to find some February days dipping near zero with wind chills after slipping on leashes to head outdoors in past weeks. Those chills helped many, including our dogs, appreciate the unusually warm February days all the more. On those sunny days, we found area dogs out walking jauntily with smiling owners, all in good spirits, brought on by the enjoyment of easy weather and discarding winter coats. Some owners took time to tell stories of the mischief that can come of too much time inside escaping the cold and memories of past fun.
In one last grasp at winter sport, and picking up on the theme of warm love in February, NOVA Parks and the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) asked animal lovers to extend the warm spirit of Valentine’s Day with their “Share the Love” event on Feb 19. By donating needed pet supplies, participants received a discounted entry ticket to ice skating at Cameron Run Regional Park. As temperatures on that day shouted Spring not Winter, it was a reminder that the skating park is marking its last days until its end of February closure. Soon it will transition into its Spring and Summer role of waterpark, mini golf, batting cage practice and picnic area with the chill of winter left behind. And while dogs were not invited to ice skate, they are welcome in the park to join their people in celebrating the warm days of spring and summer.
Cameron Run Regional Park is located at 4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria; see https://www.novaparks.com/parks/cameron-run-regional-park for more information and reservations.
While less well appointed dogs walk, some are able to roll in their own special conveyance, complete with a ramped rear entrance. Although there’s no sauna or mini-bar in their limo, yet, Titan and Roscoe, two senior Dachshunds, need chauffeuring these days regardless of weather to enjoy the same trails they once walked with ease. Caring owner Sarah Chey, of Springfield, makes sure they get their beloved outside time, and a chance to do their old men grumbling at passers-by. They know they have a good ride, and they will brook no possible carjackers getting too close.