Celebrating the Opening of Paws, Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital

Last weekend we were honored to be part of “A Day in the Park,” which marked the opening of Paws, Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital. The event was a fundraiser and adoption event for the Washington Humane Society, as well. They raised quite a bit of money, and got a dog adopted! In addition, the Washington Times wrote a piece on Drs. Perkins and Vyfhuis today!

We had a good time (and lots of food!), and I documented the day for PPEAH. Many thanks to Andrea Rodgers for helping pull the event together and the folks at PPEAH for their hospitality. Here are some of my favorite images from the day: 

Dr. Nia Perkins on the right.
 

Dr. Elton Vyfhuis thanks the crowd.

There were contests for dogs, including best trick, won by Gigi for her clapping.

Dogs were treated to Reiki, a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. Caren Quinn provides these services for dogs. Contact Barkley Square Bakery if you’re interested!
 

Some special guests showed up to welcome PPEAH to the neighborhood, including Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille, Vice Mayor Kerry Donley, Redella S. “Del” Pepper, and WKYS 93.9’s Angie Ang.

Our friends at Karing by Kristina and Barkley Square Bakery brought a table full of goodies.

There was face painting and other fun activities for kids.
 

And of course dogs!

“A Day in the Park” Fundraiser for WHS

On July 18, I will be taking part in “A Day in the Park” to benefit the Washington Humane Society and to celebrate the opening of Paws, Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital, the first African-American owned animal hospital in Alexandria. FidoJournalism will be taking photos at the event and will also have a table showing our work, so stop by and say hi if you’re in the area. It promises to be a fun event for dogs and kids too.

Paws, Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital, Alexandria’s newest, state-of-the art veterinary hospital, located at 133 South Peyton Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, is hosting an “A Day in the Park”, an open house on Saturday July 18, 2009 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The  event is free and open to the public., and will feature:

- 2pm Dog Show with Prizes for: Smallest Dog, Largest Dog, Best Outfit, Dog-Owner Look-alike, and Best Pet Trick

- 4pm Fashion Show Showcasing Doggie Couture by Barkley Square Bakery & Boutique

- Door Prizes Announced Each Hour

- Dog & Cat Adoption with the Washington Humane Society’s Adoption-Mobile

- Complimentary Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream for the first 50 guests

- Complimenary Popcorn and Beverages

- Animal-themed Arts & Crafts Station for Children

- Balloons for the Kids

- Face Painting

- Hospital Tours

- Complimentary Dog Treats provided by Barkley Square Dog Bakery

- Pet-friendly Vendors

“We are bringing those whose businesses serve animals in our community together to celebrate our opening and to raise funds for the Washington Humane Society”, said owner Dr. Elton Vyfhuis. I have supported the WHS for years by volunteering performing surgeries for them at their National Capital Area Spay & Neuter Center, and am excited that the first event at our new hospital will support the great work that the Washington Humane Society does in our community.”

“We want the event to be family-friendly, as we want to establish a long-term relationship with our clients, their families and their pets. We will host an open house to showcase our new clinic and look forward to serving the Alexandria community, as well as surrounding area.  ” Dr. Nia Perkins said. Paws, Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital will offer high-quality, affordable veterinary care for dogs, cats, small mammals and exotics. Their services include general medicine, surgery, digital radiography, grooming, day boarding and daycare services, and professional training. For details, call the hospital at 703-549-PAWS (7297)