Stafford County leash law in effect

Fredericksburg, VA -- TAFFORD'S getting a new club that claims to be the first of its kind in the area and pledges to be open to everyone, not just blue-bloods.

Its name is the Stafford Dog Club, and unlike many a dog club, this club welcomes not just pedigrees, but mutts, too.

Karen Donnelly, the club's treasurer, says everyone will be welcome to join with the only requirement being that you have a dog, and that you like dogs.

"We've been thinking of doing this for a long time, and with the county growing, it just seemed like we really needed a dog club of our own," said Laurie Williams, the club's president.

Williams is a dog trainer, and has been concerned for some time that the only dog clubs in the area were outside the county. Those clubs, she said, were for owners of purebred dogs, meaning proud owners of mixed breeds had nowhere to go.

"We just thought it would be a good idea," she said. "And we have tons of ideas about what we're going to do."

The main focus of the club, at least for the first year, will be to offer activities for dogs and their owners, educate the public about the proper way to treat dogs and act as a resource for people interested in training their pets.

"It's going to be a lot of fun," Williams said. "I've been wanting to do this for years."

A top priority for the club will be responsible pet education.

In March, a Spotsylvania County woman was mauled to death by loose pit bulls.

"That's one of the things we think we need to educate people about because of all the negative things that have been happening with dogs," Williams said.

Williams said some problems with aggressive dogs could be avoided if owners knew the proper way to raise and train their dogs.

"It's a huge problem," she said. "People aren't training dogs and monitoring them. It's not really a dog problem as much as it is a people problem. We want to help, educate people."

So for its first year, Williams says the dog club, which officially opened April 12, will work hard informing the public about responsible pet care, including a campaign to encourage spay and neutering.

She says overpopulation is a big problem in Stafford and throughout the country.

The nonprofit club also will help steer people to trainers and other activities available for dogs.

Additionally, the club plans to help raise money for charity, including a dog walk and a bake sale that will consist of goodies for both dogs and humans.

It also is planning a dog festival where pet owners could bring their dogs and dress them up in costume.

After its first year, Williams said the dog club will hopefully expand so it can offer competitions for obedience and agility, just to name a few.

It might also engage in lobbying on pet legislation just like other dog clubs do.

"That's something we might pursue," Williams said. "We might have something to say about breed-specific legislation. Most dog clubs are not in favor of that."

In the meantime, the club is soliciting members. Right now it has 15 members and a treasury of $200. Annual membership is $30.

To join, pet owners need to contact the club, which will be meeting monthly at the Porter Library. For details, contact Williams at 288-0316 or Donnelly at 752-2314.

To reach JODI BIZAR: 374-5000, ext. 5627 jbizar@freelancestar.com