DogLeggs, Schon Gross' therapuetic animal products business, came about from her interest in helping her own dog deal with physical ailments. A decade ago, she wanted to help her 10-year-old Rottweiller deal, Grief, with large callouses and arthritis in both elbows. "His arthritis was so bad he would go from standing to laying down in one drop," recalls Gross. The vet explained that there wasn't much that could be done to help the swelling in Grief's elbow, but Gross was determined to find a way.  A graphic designer who also designed and made her own clothes, Gross pulled out some polarfleece…

During October, shelters and rescue groups around the country participate in Adopt a Dog month—a nationwide effort to educate the public on the benefits of dog ownership and the numbers of homeless dogs.  All the dogs I've had in my life were adopted. My first childhood dog, was a brown and white spaniel mix named muffin. Muffin was followed by Simba, a beagle mix who was one of the sweetest dogs I've ever known. When she was happy she would literally "skip" just like a kid skipping down the street, it was the funniest thing. Caviar, a black lab mix, and Chloe, a shepherd mix were the next …

Animals are powerful healers for people of all ages, especially seniors. Studies have shown that just petting an animal can lower blood pressure, increase the "feel good" brain chemical serotonin, and even helps improve memory recall in some Alzheimer's patients. Reston resident Kathi Baker has seen first-hand the healing power of animals. She is among several volunteers who take their pets to visit residents at Cameron Glen nursing home through the Fairfax Pets on Wheels program (FPOW). Founded in 1987, the volunteer-driven organization provides over 8,000 hours of pet therapy visitation …

Times are tough. There are people losing their jobs and their homes, and in many cases, their pets when they can no longer afford the expense of caring for them or are forced to downsize to an apartment with a "no pets" policy. Heidi Hooper,  founder of Home Stretch Animal Rescue (HSAR) says as the economy has trended down, the number of animals needing homes has trended up. "We've seen a definite increase in the past year in the number of animals needing homes, in many cases due to foreclosures," she says. Hooper and the group of dedicated Reston-based volunteers have helped find homes for …

There is no sleeping in on Sundays for many local dog owners who regularly congregate at the Reston Dog Park. The popular enclosed off-leash area at Baron Cameron Park is open from sunrise to sunset year-round and draws two- and four-legged visitors from as far away as Centerville and Leesburg.  Looking around at about 9 a.m. on a recent Sunday, I see  quite a crowd here. There are  many familiar faces,  as well as some new kids on the block. Bailey, an adorable mini Australian Shepherd, and Brady, an equally adorable (and huge) Mastiff/Great Dane mix. have come for their first visit to the …

Tails across the nation will be wagging Thursday  as dog owners celebrate National Dog Day. The day was started in 2004 by pet lifestyle expert and author Colleen Paige. "This special day was created to honor dogs and show our deep appreciation for their endearing patience, unquestioning loyalty and hard work, their capacity for love and ability to impact our lives everyday in the most miraculous ways," Paige says on her web site. Reston dog owners have several ways to make the day all about dogs. What better way to start the day than with a trip to Reston's  dog park where your dog can romp …