11 | October | 2011 | DCPetTalk.com, Your Resource for DC Area Pet Info

If you’ve ever wondered about pet-friendly hotels in this area that could accommodate any of your four-legged, out of town guests then wonder no more. There are several actually, but none so conveniently located next to Reagan National Airport and Route 395, than the Residence Inn, Arlington Capitol View. This new, and dog-friendly hotel is located at 2850 South Potomac Avenue in Arlington.

The hotel facility is very welcoming to dogs and to show their commitment to being dog-friendly they held a contest on Thursday evening, October 6^th to select the Top Dog – that dog who would essentially become the goodwill ambassador to the hotel.

Twenty three entrants particpated in the contest, representing a wide array of all types of dogs. With names like Rebel, Sophie, Sweet Dee, Moses, Dora, Peanut Butter, Mooch, Lani, Mugsly, Petunia, and Moose it was quite the ensemble.

Tommy McFly who hosts a morning radio show with Jen Richer on 94.7 Fresh FM was the emcee for the evening’s festivities and he was accompanied by his dog Chip McFly.

And, an impressive line-up of judges was assembled to review the contestant’s performances.

Dan Russo, Arlington County Canine Division Officer
Steve Chenevey, morning Anchor on the Fox Network
Dr. Katy Nelson, Veterinarian Consultant
Lee Trimble, Dog Behavioral Therapist & Trainer

Treats for dogs were provided by Kristina Robertson of Barkley Square Bakery. She and her team made handmade, all natural dog treats and cakes for this evening’s contestants, the same kind of baked goods which she makes available at Barkley Chocolate in Del Ray and Barkley Gifts and Chocolates in Old Town.

Moses a white Cockapoodle and his two human companions, Kim and Jane Adams were the first to arrive. Moses, “inherited” from Jane’s son who now lives in NY, is a very calm dog and seemed a natural when posing for his picture. Jane explained that Moses is well behaved, adding that, “Moses attended the Old Town School for Dogs ”. Jane went on to say, “We live in Clarendon and everyone knows Moses. He’s a therapy-dog and accompanies them on visits to people living in local nursing homes and mental health centers”

By 6:00pm most of the contestants had arrived including Hope Bludworth with Sophie a petite black and white Papillon. Sophie was adorable and was not shy in vocalizing her excitement at seeing the other contestants and for the evening’s festivities.

Mike Chan and Vickie Huang arrived with Sweet Dee a mix of Boston Terrier, French Bulldog and Pug with a bright smiling face. Vickie explained that they saw a photo of Sweet Dee on the website of a humane society in Front Royal, Virginia and eventually adopted her. “We are very lucky to have Sweet Dee”, she added. They had been alerted to the Top Dog contest through a flyer at Wag Time daycare where Vickie takes Sweet Dee once a month.

Bernie Delia arrived in his business suit with Lani a Husky, Malamute, Akita, and Shepherd mix. Bernie a long-time supporter and contributor to The Washington Humane Society had found out about the Top Dog contest from a friend. He mentioned, “Lani has walked the runway in The Washington Humane Society’s Fashion For Paws benefit event in the last two years”.

Blair O’Brien was another person with ties to The Washington Humane Society. She brought a prospective adoptee, Neena, a white and black Pit Bull mix to the Top Dog contest. Blair, who lives in Arlington, helps the Society at their adoption events, and also volunteers once a week with the Society’s Pack Program, in which several dogs are taken out for runs in Rock Creek Park and other parks in the area on Saturdays.

Tonight’s entrant who had traveled the farthest was Dora, with Emily Ann Meyer. They had made the two-hour drive from Frederick, Maryland. Emily explained the long drive by saying, “I found out about the Top Dog contest through my vet’s blog, and I felt that Dora has the perfect laid-back disposition for ambassador type of work. Dora is the greatest dog, and a testimony to getting second chances in life, because she is a rescue dog, a cancer survivor, and a therapy dog”. Emily adopted Dora from Friends for Life in Gaithersburg six years ago Emily and is very proud of Dora. “Dora has been through a lot. She underwent a splenectomy in March and now is defying all the odds”, she added.

As for the Contest itself, each entrant was required to walk a circle in front of the judge’s stand, sit and stay, and perform a trick. Each of the contestants provided their own unique “take” on performing and in the end each of them was a winner. Nonetheless, the judges had a tough time deciding who would be the “Top Dog” among all of the very qualified contestants, and in the end narrowed the field down to the winner – Sweet Dee!

As winners, Sweet Dee, Vickie Huang and Mike Chan will receive a 3 night stay at their choice of Marriott hotels, as well as 10% off at restaurant SOCCi Italian Bar and Grill for one year. Sweet Dee will also serve as the hotel mascot, make appearances, receive discounts and will be a guest blogger for the Residence Inn, Arlington Capital View.