DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
Banner photo by Zak Khaliqi
DOG DAYS “PUP-UPS”
During the month of August, FONA hosted three community “pup-ups” to honor the canine companions that enjoy the National Arboretum. We partnered with Brandywine Valley SPCA and the Humane Rescue Alliance to showcase some adoptable dogs and discuss ways the community can support these rescue shelters through donations and Shelter Skip Days. Washington Capitals goalie Logan Thompson also joined us to share his love for rescue animals with fellow animal lovers.
Thank you to all who joined us for these events! We hope to make our Dog Days of Summer events an annual tradition at the National Arboretum.
Photo by A2Z Photography
DOG OF THE YEAR PHOTO CONTEST
Congratulations to the winners of FONA’s 2025 Dog of the Year photo contest! As the first place winner, Miles Morales and his owner win a custom photography session and $700 wall art product credit. This prize was graciously donated by Megan Purtell Photography. Gracie took home second place and will receive a gift certificate for three nights of boarding from Take Paws. Chip won third place and will receive a one-month BarkBox gift certificate.
Want to participate in the 2026 Dog of the Year contest? Become a FONA member! We’ll announce the next contest early in the summer of 2026.
JOIN THE PACK
During Dog Days of Summer, we invite you to join the pack by becoming a Sustaining Member. Sustaining Members help FONA bring accessible programming to the National Arboretum all year long. Your monthly donation — at any level — supports everything FONA does, from hosting public events and youth education programs to supporting capital projects and visitor services at the National Arboretum.
When you give monthly, you:
- Join a loyal community of National Arboretum supporters
- Provide steady, reliable support we can count on
- Get insider updates and all the members-only perks
Join the pack and help us grow this special place and community at the National Arboretum!
Photo by A2Z Photography
Photo by Barbara O Photography
SPONSORS
Thank you to all of our Dog Days of Summer sponsors! Want to become a sponsor and support FONA’s Dog Days of Summer? Contact Leandra Nichola at 202-544-8733 x303 or lnichola@fona.org.
Top Dog Sponsor
Megan Purtell Photography is an award-winning pet photographer who captures the unique personality of every pet with stunning portraits. She also volunteers to photograph foster pets for rescues, helping them find forever homes with beautiful, eye-catching photos. A passionate animal advocate, Megan’s work not only creates lasting memories but also supports animal welfare through her artistry and dedication.
Pack Leader Sponsor
Capital Dog Training Club of Washington, D.C. is an all volunteer organization providing training and activities for dogs and their handlers.
Fetch! Pet Care offers in-home pet care for every kind of breed of pet. Their pet care services are tailored to meet the individual needs of each animal and are designed to ensure pets are as happy and healthy as possible.
Tail Wagger Sponsor
Take Paws is a DC-area family-run dog care business, offering care for your furry family members while you’re away.
Your Dog’s Friend is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization located in Rockville, MD and online that is working to improve dogs’ lives, reduce problem behaviors, and keep dogs out of shelters by educating and supporting their humans. Your Dog’s Friend advocates for a positive, force-free and fear-free approach to training and behavior change. They offer free monthly interactive webinars, an advice-rich website, one-on-one consultation and referrals by phone and email, low- and no-cost training classes, and support for animal welfare organizations.
ARBORETUM DOG RULES
Dogs and other pets are welcome to join you on your visit to the National Arboretum. Please be a good member of the pack and follow the Arboretum’s rules and guidelines regarding pets during your visit:
- Pets must be leashed at all times.
- Pets must be controlled so they do not enter, urinate on, or defecate in garden beds. Owners must clean up after pets.
- Pets are not allowed in the Visitor Center building or in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum.
- Visitors are not allowed to play with balls, frisbees, or other sports activities at the Arboretum.
Following these rules not only protects the plants growing in the National Arboretum’s collections, but they also ensure the safety of other visitors.
Photo by Zak Khaliqi