By Bailey Lucero-Carter
Get ready for some fluffy, wet-nosed fun this Saturday in Arlington at the first DogFest Walk ‘N Roll. This event is hosted by Canine Companions for Independence, a nonprofit organization that does a lot of work worth celebrating.
Canine Companions for Independence, or CCI, is one of the largest organizations that provides service dogs to individuals with disabilities. It is also provides these service dogs for free. The organization hopes to inspire joy and greater independence in individuals who benefit from their helpful companions.
DogFest Walk ‘N Roll, which several CCI beneficiaries are expected to attend, is outdoors, handicap-accessible and open to anyone who loves dogs. In addition to the one-mile ceremonial walk, DogFest will include live music by Alicia Rae, dog contests, vendors, a dog agility course, face painting, appearances by Miss Maryland USA Taylor Burton and plenty of furry friends.
CCI was founded in 1975, and since then 4,460 dog-and-human teams have graduated from training to become long-lasting friends.
“It’s really based on the volunteer work and the sponsorship,” says Laura Clark, chair for the Washington D.C. DogFest Walk ‘N Roll and a volunteer puppy raiser. She is currently raising Kiva, a 15-month old black lab-retriever mix that will soon go into advance training to become a service dog. Clark is one of over 3,000 active volunteers nationwide that help raise, train, and care for the dogs, which are all bred by CCI.
“I contribute about a year and a half of my time to raise a puppy before she goes on to advance training,” Clark says. “It’s just a collective effort.”
Registration is opened now. The event is free to attend, but donations are welcome. For those interested in an assistance dog, the application can be found on the CCI website.
DogFest Walk ‘N Roll
Pentagon Row
1201 South Joyce Street, Arlington
Sept. 13, 9 a.m. – noon
Free Admission
