Issue link: https://fredparent.uberflip.com/i/1340584
www.FredericksburgParent.NET 17 Dogtopia Provides Dogs Safe Socialization During COVID-19 INTERVIEWED BY EMILY FREEHLING While 2020 social media memes joked that dogs were living their best lives as people hunkered down at home to stop the spread of COVID-19, the pandemic brought big changes for dogs. Suddenly pandemic life means: • Humans were home all the time, and they were talking to computer screens and didn't have time to play. And, for some reason barking or jumping on their lap when they were talking was a bad thing! • Kids were no longer in school and they wanted to play all the time which meant no nap- time for the dogs • Vet appointments changed a lot—dogs had to separate from their humans in the parking lot before going in to see the vet. Through all of these changes, Dogtopia of Fredericksburg remains open, giving pet parents and dogs the same trusted care and socialization they have come to expect since opening in 2014. "We have been able to stay open and provide a much need service to the community because of our pet parents and their support," said Lynn Konetschni, owner of Dogtopia of Fredericksburg. "We're happy we can be a partner in helping them adjust to their new life routine." While COVID-19 has severely limited opportunities for human gatherings and in-person social- ization, dogs are able to safely socialize and play. As much as dogs love being with their humans, they are pack animals and the behavior they learn from being with other dogs can't be replicated when they're home alone. "Paired with dogs of similar size and temperament, pups will have a fun-filled day of socializing, interacting with our certified Canine Coaches and burning off all their energy," said Konetshni. This means less mischief happening at home." Konetschni and her team have expe- rienced another pandemic trend—the puppy adoption boom. "So many people got puppies dur- ing quarantine, and as these puppies reached the age where they could come play with us, we started getting a huge influx of dogs coming to daycare for socialization," she said. "It's been reward- ing watching these puppies learn and grow into good canine citizens." As people start venturing outside of the home, Konetschni advises dog own- ers to pay attention to how their dogs respond. "Dogs, young and old, have adjusted to everybody being home all the time," she said. "When you start leaving again, they may exhibit separation anxiety that might not have existed before. Daycare is a great option to give them socializa- tion and exercise. You'll pick up a tired but very happy dog. Interested in scheduling your dog for daycare? Visit: dogtopia.com/fredericksburg Dogtopia of Fredericksburg Sponsored Material Dogtopia has COVID-safe proce- dures in place! Pet parents can use our curbside drop off /pick up; our lobby is limited to three pet parents at a time and masks are required! We're proud to be strong support- ers of the Dogtopia Foundation and we were honored with the Noble Cause Award at Dogtopia's 2020 virtual conference! We've raised over $18,000 to sponsor three service dogs in training and our goal is to sponsor two more in 2021. Our pet parents are the best for their continued support of the Foundation and helping us reach our goals!