Diamonds in the Ruff Project

Animal World USA’s Week for the Animals is finally coming to the Greater Washington, DC area, and kicks off on Saturday, May 30, 2009. Animal World USA is a non-profit organization dedicated to making the plight of our animals across the globe known to the world. By working with other organizations through education and information their goal is to help us see what a great treasure in and responsibility of stewardship we have toward our animal kingdom. Washington, DC’s Week for the Animals will highlight the importance that animals play in our lives and bring communities together on behalf of the animals. This inaugural week of events is designed to celebrate and build awareness on behalf of all animals, as well as, recognize the organizations and citizens who support them.   Throughout the week, humane organizations, shelters, rescue groups, educational agencies and non-profit organizations across the area will be hosting wonderful animal-related special events.  Educators, students, businesses and caring citizens throughout the District and across the entire Washington, D.C. metropolitan area will be joining in as well, each planning their own activities to celebrate and help animals. 

In Alexandria, Virginia, activities include The Diamonds in the Ruff Project and Del Ray Business Association’s First Thursday Tribute to Animals. The Diamonds in the Ruff Project is an effort by local businesses to go into the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria and give special makeovers to a few lucky dogs. The hope is that by giving these dogs a new look will enhance their adoptability. The project is sponsored by Karing by Kristina, Barkley Square Dog Bakery & Boutique, Chios Pet Grooming, Fido Journalism, and AskMissA.com. Kristina Robertson, Owner of Barkley Square Dog Bakery & Boutique and Karing by Kristina pet sitting company said, “Increasingly, dogs and cats are being abandoned in the Greater Washington, D.C. area. The rise in home foreclosures has been a huge contributing factor in this. Many are left in foreclosed homes, or dropped off on lonely roads. The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria rescues these animals, and accepts others handed over directly for shelter and adoption. These foreclosure animals inspired me to bring together other businesses to give some of these dogs an “Adopt Me Makeover” in hopes that it would lead to adoption.”

The doggie “Reveal” will be made on Thursday June 4th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the Barkley Square Patio located at 2006 Mt. Vernon Ave in Alexandria in conjunction with Alexandria’s Del Ray Business Association’s First Thursday. First Thursday is a monthly event where all of the businesses along Mt Vernon Avenue participate in one central theme and keep their doors open until 9pm. The theme for June is Dog Days of Del Ray. The Diamonds in the Ruff Project participants will be on hand with their “Before Photo,” and will be available for adoption with other dogs from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria shelter. Barkley Square Dog Bakery & Boutique will have a Bark Bar on the patio with free dog treats for the AWLA and attendee’s dogs.

For more information and to learn about other events during DC’s Week for the Animals, click here.

TUNE INTO FOX5 WITH HOLLY MORRIS  THIS TUESDAY MORNING TO SEE THE MAKEOVER PROCESS LIVE FROM THE ANIMAL WELFARE LEAGUE OF ALEXANDRIA!

I hope to see you and your dog at Barkley Square for Yappy Hour this Thursday!

- Miss A