The Protest at Petland—Who Is Right?
Located in the Picket Shopping Center in Fairfax, Petland is a modern, well-run business. Brightly lighted and clean, it markets an array of topnotch supplies for pets, and it features cage after cage of beautiful animals. As I entered the store, I was greeted by Vinnie, a handsome English Bulldog introduced as the “store manager.” Near the entrance, a stunning rose-breasted cockatoo and a flashy scarlet macaw caught my eye. I was mesmerized by the exotic birds the snoozing ferrets, the cuddly hamsters, the showy fish, the outlandish reptiles, and the amusing hermit crabs. Next I spotted the adorable puppies, and like all the other visitors, I was enchanted.
Why, then, do protesters stand on Pickett Road each Saturday, challenging Petland’s policies towards animals? Through these weekly demonstrations, animal welfare activist Holly Sternberg hopes to focus attention on the many homeless animals in shelters throughout Northern Virginia and to dissuade prospective owners from purchasing dogs and cats at pet stores.
What’s wrong with getting one of those irresistible pups at pet stores? By buying one, according to Sternberg, you support midwestern puppy mills. Petland’s animals, she claims, are born in puppy mills. There, dogs are bred “solely for profit. In a typical puppy mill, adult dogs are confined to cramped cages for their entire lives. They are given the cheapest food available; they live in filth; their injuries and diseases go untreated; and after being bred over and over until their bodies wear out, they are killed.”
Kareem Koshok, who opened Petland in 2003, is puzzled by Holly Sternberg’s opposition. Along with his brother and dad, who are his partners, he is proud of the store and the animals. His description of puppy mills agrees with Sternberg’s, and he emphasizes that he purchases his puppies from reputable breeders. He has visited their facilities, which are sanitary and comfortable. Breeding operations are professional, “by the book.” Like Sternberg, he is concerned about the quality of the dogs. He looks for good teeth and eyes, shining coats, energy, and friendly dispositions. “I try to make the breeders better by buying only the best pups available. I have high standards”
Holly Sternberg criticizes the trucks that transport the puppies. The young dogs, she notes on the recently published Web site, www.petstorecruelty.org, are stuffed into small cages, loaded onto trucks, and shipped to pet stores. The cages are jammed together, the air is foul, and the stench of ammonia is overpowering. “Not my dogs!” disagrees Koshok emphatically. He invites customers to inspect the vans which deliver the pups to Petland. Health issues are a concern for both Sternberg and Koshok. She adds that many of the puppies have contracted respiratory ailments when they reach their destinations. Koshok, however, maintains resolutely, “I don’t sell sick animals.” His dogs have five vet checks before they reach the store. A veterinarian visits the store weekly, he and the head kennel technician talk daily to the vet, and each new owner receives an additional free checkup by the store’s vet within the first four days of ownership. Vaccinations and worming are up-to-date.
How do you identify a store which sells dogs from breeding mills? What conditions in a store are considered inhumane? Many violations are easy to spot: mesh flooring that catches tiny legs and feet; cages with inadequate resting platforms; cramped or dirty cages; sick, malnourished, or dehydrated animals. If the pet store has cages filled with different breeds of puppies, you can assume that these babies were produced at a puppy mill, Sternberg asserts. Not so with Petland, rebuts Koshok. He knows his breeders, and he picks the puppies he wants. He features a wide variety of purebred dogs because his customers request them. In addition, the cleanliness of Petland, the exuberance of the dogs and their condition attest to their care. “Every animal gets the same care as if he were privately owned. Every time I turn around, a puppy gives me a kiss,” he affirms with a smile.
“I know what I’m doing is right,” Kareem Koshok continues. “If you know a better way, show me. Teach me.” The protesters organized by Holly Sternberg, carrying tombstone-shaped placards and dressed in black, are also right to mourn the 133,000 dogs and cats killed in Virginia shelters in 2003. Holly and Kareem have similar goals. Both want to discourage people from buying pets indiscriminately, then discarding them like old shoes. The families cooing over the lovable babies at Petland, however, would not see themselves, or the store, as contributors to this horrendous problem.
Holly Sternberg’s Web site is extremely informative—and heartbreaking. The opinions she expresses about the Petland chain of stores are hers, however; I could not verify them. I had a difficult time reconciling the grim picture she painted with my visits to the attractive Petland on Main Street. I could barely be restrained from buying the spunky Irish Terrier as a buddy for my adopted, rescued Airedale, and after hearing about the store, my son-in-law marched right in and bought a perky Boston Terrier.
Monday, August 4, 2008
THE FAIRFAX COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER - October, 2005
Located on West Ox Road near Fair Oaks Mall, the Fairfax County Animal Shelter’s facilities are impressive, its atmosphere reassuring. A visitor, walking through a plant-filled atrium, is struck by the colorful bulletin boards, educational materials, and stacks of donated supplies. The 48 dog kennels are spacious, each large enough for a Great Dane. A separate room is devoted to cats. Its 28 stainless steel cages are filled with adult cats and kittens. In the vestibule between the cats and dogs dwell several rabbits, a parakeet, and a huge iguana. Everything is clean, and the animals have cushions and toys.
The shelter is staffed by professionals and volunteers who care deeply about animals and their welfare. Clearly, pets and people are treated with respect and understanding. An older man, in tears, returns a puppy so full of energy he can’t manage her. A couple and their cancer-ridden, soon-to-be-euthanized Labrador patiently await their appointment while an enthusiastic family, eager to take home a kitten, fills out an adoption form. A mother and her teen-age daughter clap their hands with joy because they have just found their lost Jack Russell. On the weekends, parents and children throng the shelter, looking for just the right pet.
Adoption is a major goal that is successfully met. In 2004, 2,621 animals were adopted while another 1,527 were redeemed by their owners. A stray animal with a collar is held for at least 11 days before adoption is permitted; without a collar, an animal can be adopted after 7 days. If the owner has voluntarily relinquished custody, the pet is available immediately. To qualify for adoption, you must be at least 18, own or rent a home in Northern Virginia, and agree to observe state and local laws concerning animals. You must spay or neuter your pet, get a license, keep your cat inside, and walk your dog on a leash. Other requirements include rabies shots, vet exams, food, water, shelter, and humane treatment. Because most of the approximately 4,000 animals euthanized each year have behavior problems, you are encouraged to provide training. New owners, in other words, are asked to be responsible, to treat their adopted pets with kindness.
The Fairfax County Animal Shelter offers many additional services to the community. Group support meetings are sponsored on the third Wednesday of the month. Anyone grieving for a pet or expecting a loss is invited to attend. Sharing grief with others, especially if the pet’s illness has been lengthy, helps you deal with sorrow that can be overwhelming.
Volunteers are always welcome. They are needed to walk the dogs, assist in the kennel and cat room, give tours of the Shelter, help in the front office, and counsel people about adoption. A volunteer must be at least 16, willing to take training classes and to work a minimum of 8 hours a month for 3 months. A fall training class will be held in November; deadlines for applying to later sessions are Jan. 15, March 12, and June 11. If smiles, cheeriness, and courtesy characterize happy workers, volunteers at the Shelter obviously enjoy their tasks.
Rabies is a serious problem in Northern Virginia, where foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats may carry the virus. The Fairfax County Animal Shelter offers rabies clinics five times a year. For $10, your cat or dog can receive a lifesaving vaccination against a disease that has no cure. The last clinic of the year will be held on Nov. 13 from 12-2.
Providing information about spaying and neutering is a vital service. Several local agencies cooperate with the Animal Shelter to offer lower-cost spaying and neutering. Why is this so important? Each day 70,000 puppies and kittens are born in the United States, compared with 10,000 humans (www.doghause.com). From the Feral Cat Coalition, we learn that “a pair of breeding cats, which can have two or more litters per year, can exponentially produce 420,000 offspring over a seven-year period.” Animal welfare activist Holly Sternberg reminds us that in 2003 approximately 133,000 dogs and cats were euthanized in Virginia shelters. Moreover, “U.S. animal shelters are forced to kill an estimated 15 million homeless cats and dogs annually.” (www.feralcat.com)
Perhaps your family is looking for a new pet. Before calling a breeder who advertises in the newspaper or driving to a pet store, visit the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. There you will see at least 30 lovely cats who need homes. Across the hall in the dog kennels, you will meet Golden Retrievers and Labradors, who look lovingly at you. You’ll see many other dogs who might fit nicely into your life -- an adorable dachshund, a handsome Akita, a frisky Wirehaired Fox Terrier. You’ll also observe several more aggressive dogs, such as Pit Bulls and German Shepherds, that will probably never find homes. As you scurry past these dogs, you wish their original owners had believed in spaying, neutering, and obedience training
The shelter is staffed by professionals and volunteers who care deeply about animals and their welfare. Clearly, pets and people are treated with respect and understanding. An older man, in tears, returns a puppy so full of energy he can’t manage her. A couple and their cancer-ridden, soon-to-be-euthanized Labrador patiently await their appointment while an enthusiastic family, eager to take home a kitten, fills out an adoption form. A mother and her teen-age daughter clap their hands with joy because they have just found their lost Jack Russell. On the weekends, parents and children throng the shelter, looking for just the right pet.
Adoption is a major goal that is successfully met. In 2004, 2,621 animals were adopted while another 1,527 were redeemed by their owners. A stray animal with a collar is held for at least 11 days before adoption is permitted; without a collar, an animal can be adopted after 7 days. If the owner has voluntarily relinquished custody, the pet is available immediately. To qualify for adoption, you must be at least 18, own or rent a home in Northern Virginia, and agree to observe state and local laws concerning animals. You must spay or neuter your pet, get a license, keep your cat inside, and walk your dog on a leash. Other requirements include rabies shots, vet exams, food, water, shelter, and humane treatment. Because most of the approximately 4,000 animals euthanized each year have behavior problems, you are encouraged to provide training. New owners, in other words, are asked to be responsible, to treat their adopted pets with kindness.
The Fairfax County Animal Shelter offers many additional services to the community. Group support meetings are sponsored on the third Wednesday of the month. Anyone grieving for a pet or expecting a loss is invited to attend. Sharing grief with others, especially if the pet’s illness has been lengthy, helps you deal with sorrow that can be overwhelming.
Volunteers are always welcome. They are needed to walk the dogs, assist in the kennel and cat room, give tours of the Shelter, help in the front office, and counsel people about adoption. A volunteer must be at least 16, willing to take training classes and to work a minimum of 8 hours a month for 3 months. A fall training class will be held in November; deadlines for applying to later sessions are Jan. 15, March 12, and June 11. If smiles, cheeriness, and courtesy characterize happy workers, volunteers at the Shelter obviously enjoy their tasks.
Rabies is a serious problem in Northern Virginia, where foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats may carry the virus. The Fairfax County Animal Shelter offers rabies clinics five times a year. For $10, your cat or dog can receive a lifesaving vaccination against a disease that has no cure. The last clinic of the year will be held on Nov. 13 from 12-2.
Providing information about spaying and neutering is a vital service. Several local agencies cooperate with the Animal Shelter to offer lower-cost spaying and neutering. Why is this so important? Each day 70,000 puppies and kittens are born in the United States, compared with 10,000 humans (www.doghause.com). From the Feral Cat Coalition, we learn that “a pair of breeding cats, which can have two or more litters per year, can exponentially produce 420,000 offspring over a seven-year period.” Animal welfare activist Holly Sternberg reminds us that in 2003 approximately 133,000 dogs and cats were euthanized in Virginia shelters. Moreover, “U.S. animal shelters are forced to kill an estimated 15 million homeless cats and dogs annually.” (www.feralcat.com)
Perhaps your family is looking for a new pet. Before calling a breeder who advertises in the newspaper or driving to a pet store, visit the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. There you will see at least 30 lovely cats who need homes. Across the hall in the dog kennels, you will meet Golden Retrievers and Labradors, who look lovingly at you. You’ll see many other dogs who might fit nicely into your life -- an adorable dachshund, a handsome Akita, a frisky Wirehaired Fox Terrier. You’ll also observe several more aggressive dogs, such as Pit Bulls and German Shepherds, that will probably never find homes. As you scurry past these dogs, you wish their original owners had believed in spaying, neutering, and obedience training
ADOPTING A DOG - Your New Family Member - September, 2005
"Adopting a dog has got to be about as hard as adopting a child," commented the Sears technician knowingly as he repaired my refrigerator and simultaneously greeted my new Airedale. When I questioned him, he told me about the two Labrador puppies he had adopted a year ago. During the first week that Tessa the Airedale joined our family, I quickly learned that one of my neighbors had adopted two Shelties, while another was the proud owner of a pair of black Labs she had also adopted. Erin Drake, a young equestrian who works at CliftonSaddlery, boards her horse in Fairfax Station, and exercises one of my nags, added that she, too, had adopted a dog recently. Even the pet store clerk, who sold me a stylish collar for Tessa, was an adoptive dog owner.
The process of adoption is not easy, we all agreed. Hopeful dog parents contact the adoption service and fill out a lengthy application form. After a telephone interview, a volunteer visits you, discusses the prospective dog with you, and inspects your house and yard. Questions during the telephone interview and the visit give the adoption agency insight into your philosophy of dog rearing: How do the other members of your family feel about the dog? Who is the primary caregiver? Where will the dog sleep? Do you have a fence? How many hours a day are you away from the house? What will happen to the dog when you take a vacation? Who is your vet? How do you discipline your pets?
Before Helga Adams, the Fairfax coordinator of the Metropolitan Washington Airedale Rescue and Adoption Committee, visited us, I vacuumed up the Corgi hair, wiped the paw prints off the storm doors, brushed our other two doggies, and picked up the bones. I really wanted to make a good impression because to us life without an Airedale isn't quite complete. The interview seemed successful. Helga wasn't even too concerned about my rickety fence, which I thought might be a stumbling block. We were approved officially that evening.
And then we waited for the call to pick up our new dog...and we waited...and we waited. The first dog we might have adopted wasn't quite right for our family; neither was the second or the third. Discouragement, doubt, sadness, even annoyance passed through my mind. Weren't we good enough to adopt a dog somebody else had discarded? Finally, the long anticipated call came, and Tessa the Princess entered our lives, surely a match made in Heaven.
Why the delay? Acquiring a pet from a rescue and adoption agency is serious business. Many of the animals have had hard lives, and the service wants to make sure that the home you provide will be the best possible one for a particular dog, and the last one, too. My husband and I, for example, wanted a young, friendly, female Airedale who liked other canines, and that is exactly what we got. Placing the right dog with the right family is the primary goal. Breed adoption groups in different parts of the state and even across the country work together to find this perfect match.
After the home visit, Helga gave my name to Elizabeth Berry, her Richmond Airedale Adoption counterpart. Elizabeth, managing nine homeless Airedales at the time, explained that "Often more than one person will be involved in an adoption. One group or person has an approved home, while another person might have the dog or dogs." Another reason for the delay in acquiring a dog, this cooperation ensures the best possible match between family and pet.
Rescue and adoption agencies which concentrate on one breed are common in Northern Virginia. Jack Russells, collies, greyhounds, Labs, cocker spaniels, Shetland sheepdogs, Golden Retrievers, and just about any other breed you can name have their advocates. They are staffed by volunteers who know the characteristics of a particular breed. According to both Helga and Elizabeth, they also know the characteristics of people who make good owners for different breeds. Amazing!
Perhaps you aren't interested in a specific breed. You want a sweet, playful, cuddly dog, and you would really like to help a homeless animal because you have a kind heart. In that case, HART is the place for you. The Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART) sponsors the adoption of more than 1000 dogs and 400 cats in our area each year. Every weekend HART representatives bring 10 to 20 pups and adult dogs to local pet stores, which hold "adoptions days." There, potential owners can view the animals, become acquainted with them, and begin adoption proceedings.
My granddaughter, Tori Mandes, who lives on Mason Neck, recalls the day her family adopted Skippy. Tori, her brother Evans, and her dad drove expectantly to a pet store in Woodbridge. "There were cages filled with dogs. Some of the large cages had several puppies in them. The dogs were barking, and lots of people were playing with them. My dad picked Skippy right away because he has such beautiful eyes--and he wasn't barking!" Before Skippy could join his new family, however, they had to complete successfully HART's thorough adoption process. HART requires an application, interviews with several staff members, and a home visit. A volunteer will even call your vet to see if you have taken care of your previous pets' medical needs.
Animal rescue and adoption services prefer for pets to stay with their original owners. After all, these are the humans who selected them first and who promised to love and cherish them. However, like marriages, relationships between pets and people don't always work out. When pet owners decide to give up their dogs and cats, they frequently mention several reasons to HART volunteers, such as rental problems, allergies, unruly or destructive conduct, aggression, barking, housebreaking accidents, and clawing furniture. To this list Helga and Elizabeth added several others, including death, divorce, illness, and moving to a nursing home. As breed rescuers, they are sensitive to special concerns: the owner who chained a large Airedale on the deck during the day and put the dog directly into a crate at night; the would-be breeder who housed three males in cages outside and tied his four females inside a barn; the hunting Airedale who chased his master's horses. Many problems are not insurmountable, however. The HART web page contains information about each of the common negative behaviors, as well as suggestions for correcting them.
When animals are relinquished, adoption and rescue groups turn to dedicated foster families, who have agreed to take in abandoned pets, care for them, calm their fears, and provide a link to the new family. If a foster family is not available, the pet is housed in a kennel. During this time the dog is evaluated for temperament, especially important for large dogs. Veterinary care includes shots, heartworm tests, and heartworm medication. If health issues are uncovered, they are treated. Rescue organizations licensed in Virginia are also required to spay or neuter all dogs sponsored for adoption. Finally, the Airedale Rescue Committee microchips their orphans, while HART gives each dog a distinctive identification tag. Families approved for adoption receive dogs who closely suits their needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Recommendations for training are provided; the Airedale Rescue even offers the assistance of a behaviorist, an expert who combines the skills of a trainer, psychologist, and nutritionist. "We give the best help we can," concludes Helga Adams.
Why should you adopt a dog? Helga, who has rescued dogs for 25 years, explains that they "give you so much in return; they are so grateful for everything, so worth it." Information about adopting or becoming a foster parent is as close as your computer. A search on the Internet yields page after page of rescue groups for every imaginable breed and type of dog. HART's Web address is www.hart90. org; its telephone number is 703.691.HART; and the mailing address is P.O. Box 7261, Fairfax Station, VA 22039. Telephone or email a rescue and adoption agency; check out the classifieds for "Dogs to Adopt;" spend time getting acquainted with the many available dogs; and finally have fun and years of companionship with your new friend.
All rights reserved. Copyright © 2005 South County Chronicle.
The process of adoption is not easy, we all agreed. Hopeful dog parents contact the adoption service and fill out a lengthy application form. After a telephone interview, a volunteer visits you, discusses the prospective dog with you, and inspects your house and yard. Questions during the telephone interview and the visit give the adoption agency insight into your philosophy of dog rearing: How do the other members of your family feel about the dog? Who is the primary caregiver? Where will the dog sleep? Do you have a fence? How many hours a day are you away from the house? What will happen to the dog when you take a vacation? Who is your vet? How do you discipline your pets?
Before Helga Adams, the Fairfax coordinator of the Metropolitan Washington Airedale Rescue and Adoption Committee, visited us, I vacuumed up the Corgi hair, wiped the paw prints off the storm doors, brushed our other two doggies, and picked up the bones. I really wanted to make a good impression because to us life without an Airedale isn't quite complete. The interview seemed successful. Helga wasn't even too concerned about my rickety fence, which I thought might be a stumbling block. We were approved officially that evening.
And then we waited for the call to pick up our new dog...and we waited...and we waited. The first dog we might have adopted wasn't quite right for our family; neither was the second or the third. Discouragement, doubt, sadness, even annoyance passed through my mind. Weren't we good enough to adopt a dog somebody else had discarded? Finally, the long anticipated call came, and Tessa the Princess entered our lives, surely a match made in Heaven.
Why the delay? Acquiring a pet from a rescue and adoption agency is serious business. Many of the animals have had hard lives, and the service wants to make sure that the home you provide will be the best possible one for a particular dog, and the last one, too. My husband and I, for example, wanted a young, friendly, female Airedale who liked other canines, and that is exactly what we got. Placing the right dog with the right family is the primary goal. Breed adoption groups in different parts of the state and even across the country work together to find this perfect match.
After the home visit, Helga gave my name to Elizabeth Berry, her Richmond Airedale Adoption counterpart. Elizabeth, managing nine homeless Airedales at the time, explained that "Often more than one person will be involved in an adoption. One group or person has an approved home, while another person might have the dog or dogs." Another reason for the delay in acquiring a dog, this cooperation ensures the best possible match between family and pet.
Rescue and adoption agencies which concentrate on one breed are common in Northern Virginia. Jack Russells, collies, greyhounds, Labs, cocker spaniels, Shetland sheepdogs, Golden Retrievers, and just about any other breed you can name have their advocates. They are staffed by volunteers who know the characteristics of a particular breed. According to both Helga and Elizabeth, they also know the characteristics of people who make good owners for different breeds. Amazing!
Perhaps you aren't interested in a specific breed. You want a sweet, playful, cuddly dog, and you would really like to help a homeless animal because you have a kind heart. In that case, HART is the place for you. The Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART) sponsors the adoption of more than 1000 dogs and 400 cats in our area each year. Every weekend HART representatives bring 10 to 20 pups and adult dogs to local pet stores, which hold "adoptions days." There, potential owners can view the animals, become acquainted with them, and begin adoption proceedings.
My granddaughter, Tori Mandes, who lives on Mason Neck, recalls the day her family adopted Skippy. Tori, her brother Evans, and her dad drove expectantly to a pet store in Woodbridge. "There were cages filled with dogs. Some of the large cages had several puppies in them. The dogs were barking, and lots of people were playing with them. My dad picked Skippy right away because he has such beautiful eyes--and he wasn't barking!" Before Skippy could join his new family, however, they had to complete successfully HART's thorough adoption process. HART requires an application, interviews with several staff members, and a home visit. A volunteer will even call your vet to see if you have taken care of your previous pets' medical needs.
Animal rescue and adoption services prefer for pets to stay with their original owners. After all, these are the humans who selected them first and who promised to love and cherish them. However, like marriages, relationships between pets and people don't always work out. When pet owners decide to give up their dogs and cats, they frequently mention several reasons to HART volunteers, such as rental problems, allergies, unruly or destructive conduct, aggression, barking, housebreaking accidents, and clawing furniture. To this list Helga and Elizabeth added several others, including death, divorce, illness, and moving to a nursing home. As breed rescuers, they are sensitive to special concerns: the owner who chained a large Airedale on the deck during the day and put the dog directly into a crate at night; the would-be breeder who housed three males in cages outside and tied his four females inside a barn; the hunting Airedale who chased his master's horses. Many problems are not insurmountable, however. The HART web page contains information about each of the common negative behaviors, as well as suggestions for correcting them.
When animals are relinquished, adoption and rescue groups turn to dedicated foster families, who have agreed to take in abandoned pets, care for them, calm their fears, and provide a link to the new family. If a foster family is not available, the pet is housed in a kennel. During this time the dog is evaluated for temperament, especially important for large dogs. Veterinary care includes shots, heartworm tests, and heartworm medication. If health issues are uncovered, they are treated. Rescue organizations licensed in Virginia are also required to spay or neuter all dogs sponsored for adoption. Finally, the Airedale Rescue Committee microchips their orphans, while HART gives each dog a distinctive identification tag. Families approved for adoption receive dogs who closely suits their needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Recommendations for training are provided; the Airedale Rescue even offers the assistance of a behaviorist, an expert who combines the skills of a trainer, psychologist, and nutritionist. "We give the best help we can," concludes Helga Adams.
Why should you adopt a dog? Helga, who has rescued dogs for 25 years, explains that they "give you so much in return; they are so grateful for everything, so worth it." Information about adopting or becoming a foster parent is as close as your computer. A search on the Internet yields page after page of rescue groups for every imaginable breed and type of dog. HART's Web address is www.hart90. org; its telephone number is 703.691.HART; and the mailing address is P.O. Box 7261, Fairfax Station, VA 22039. Telephone or email a rescue and adoption agency; check out the classifieds for "Dogs to Adopt;" spend time getting acquainted with the many available dogs; and finally have fun and years of companionship with your new friend.
All rights reserved. Copyright © 2005 South County Chronicle.
THE WASHINGTON GLORY– Women’s Pro Softball in Fairfax - August, 2007
By Trish Mandes
Sports at George Mason University(GMU) continue the meteoric climb to glory with women’s professional softball. The Washington Glory, the National Pro Fastpitch softball league’s newest team, will call Mason home until 2011. Although new to our area, women’s professional softball got its start in the early 90s. In 2002, the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league was launched, and Major League Baseball joined hands with the league to promote female athletes and to encourage women’s interest in baseball. As a result, expansion teams attracted talented NCAA All-Americans, gold medalists from the 2004 Olympics, and of course enthusiastic fans.
Paul Wilson, the Washington Glory’s owner and general manager, is perhaps the most dedicated fan of all. A lifelong athlete, he operates a first class, on-line sporting goods store, Paul’s Sports (www.paulssports.com), which offers everything a softball or baseball player could ever hanker after. To show teams the quality and variety of his equipment, he began displaying it at area tournaments. When Wilson’s elementary school daughter accompanied him to a fastpitch exhibition, she fell in love with the sport. Within three days of that game, he hopped a plane to a league championship in Chicago, to discuss buying a team. Negotiations continued for a year and a half, and in January 2007 the Glory became his.
The Washington Glory has created an extraordinary win-win situation in Fairfax. To Wilson, the possibilities of building the team in partnership with GMU are unlimited. “Mason’s location in the heart of Fairfax is fantastic -- very convenient for our fans throughout Virginia, Maryland and the District ,” Wilson commented. “But it’s the university’s entrepreneurial spirit, talented administration, and gifted student body that really solidified our decision to play at Mason.” As the team grows, he foresees internships for students in nursing, sports medicine, physical education, marketing, management, communications, development, and finance. Bringing the Washington Glory to Mason has required major improvements in the university’s softball complex, located on Rapidan Road near Route 123—and a major investment in the community by Wilson. He has added lights for night games and television. stadium seating for 1,300 cheering fans, and temporary concession stands and bathrooms. Permanent structures will be installed in 2008.
The Washington Glory is made up outstanding athletes. Glory draftee pitcher Monica Abbott developed a huge fan club at the University of Tennessee, where she racked up the most wins in the history of the NCAA; she was the 2007 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year; and she’s on the 2008 Olympic training team. University of Alabama graduate Kelly Kretschman, an outfielder, won Olympic gold in 2004. Several members of the team have ties with Virginia. GMU graduate and Falls Church resident Christa Dalakis will play with the Greek Olympic team in 2008. Sara Larquier, a UVA alum, was the 2005 Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year. Rookie Jessica Moore, a native of Chesapeake, VA, just graduated from Liberty University, where she was named Big South Conference Player of the Year in 2005 and 2007. Farmville’s LaDonia Hughes, while at LSU, was in the SEC Top Ten in runs, hits, batting averages, triples, total bases and stolen bases.
Glory Head Coach Carie Dever-Boaz has led the team to spectacular wins since the exhibition game on May 27. The New England Riptide and the National Teams of China and Venezuela faltered as they faced power hitters Amber Jackson, Sara Larquier, Kelly Kretschman, Oli Keohohou, Jessica Moore, and Nichole Thompson. After the series with the Akron Racers in late June, the team sprinted into first place, with pitchers Desiree Serrano and Sarah Pauly smashing the competition. Matches with the Mid-Michigan Ice, the Philadelphia Force, the Chicago Bandits, and the Rockford Thunder are scheduled for later in the season
Wilson explains proudly that the Glory’s amazing athletes are true role models, demonstrating to girls of all ages the possibilities, opportunities, and success derived from hard work. If fans want a photograph, a handshake, a smile, or an autograph, they will get it from the Washington Glory. If fans want a closer look at this team, they can sign up for the recently announced Diamond Elite Training Summer Series, where individuals, small groups, and even teams will have the chance of a lifetime for one-on-one training or practice with Glory coaches and stars.
In six months, Paul Wilson’s accomplishments have been extraordinary – buying the Washington Glory, filling its roster with talented players, securing a home for the team, making significant upgrades to Mason’s softball complex, and starting a community-oriented sports program. How has he managed this feat? First, he credits the Fairfax County government, especially Chairman Gerry Connolly, for its support. Next, he praises the university. “I owe a debt of gratitude to the entire administration. How are we going to get this done?” he reflects, is their approach to any problem. “Without having George Mason, Fairfax County, and the League pulling in the same direction, we couldn’t have done it.” And what a glorious experience we fans would miss -- our chance to see a professional sports team in Washington that is winning!
For more information about the Washington Glory, the schedule, and tickets, please visit the Web site (www.washingtonglory.com).
Sports at George Mason University(GMU) continue the meteoric climb to glory with women’s professional softball. The Washington Glory, the National Pro Fastpitch softball league’s newest team, will call Mason home until 2011. Although new to our area, women’s professional softball got its start in the early 90s. In 2002, the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league was launched, and Major League Baseball joined hands with the league to promote female athletes and to encourage women’s interest in baseball. As a result, expansion teams attracted talented NCAA All-Americans, gold medalists from the 2004 Olympics, and of course enthusiastic fans.
Paul Wilson, the Washington Glory’s owner and general manager, is perhaps the most dedicated fan of all. A lifelong athlete, he operates a first class, on-line sporting goods store, Paul’s Sports (www.paulssports.com), which offers everything a softball or baseball player could ever hanker after. To show teams the quality and variety of his equipment, he began displaying it at area tournaments. When Wilson’s elementary school daughter accompanied him to a fastpitch exhibition, she fell in love with the sport. Within three days of that game, he hopped a plane to a league championship in Chicago, to discuss buying a team. Negotiations continued for a year and a half, and in January 2007 the Glory became his.
The Washington Glory has created an extraordinary win-win situation in Fairfax. To Wilson, the possibilities of building the team in partnership with GMU are unlimited. “Mason’s location in the heart of Fairfax is fantastic -- very convenient for our fans throughout Virginia, Maryland and the District ,” Wilson commented. “But it’s the university’s entrepreneurial spirit, talented administration, and gifted student body that really solidified our decision to play at Mason.” As the team grows, he foresees internships for students in nursing, sports medicine, physical education, marketing, management, communications, development, and finance. Bringing the Washington Glory to Mason has required major improvements in the university’s softball complex, located on Rapidan Road near Route 123—and a major investment in the community by Wilson. He has added lights for night games and television. stadium seating for 1,300 cheering fans, and temporary concession stands and bathrooms. Permanent structures will be installed in 2008.
The Washington Glory is made up outstanding athletes. Glory draftee pitcher Monica Abbott developed a huge fan club at the University of Tennessee, where she racked up the most wins in the history of the NCAA; she was the 2007 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year; and she’s on the 2008 Olympic training team. University of Alabama graduate Kelly Kretschman, an outfielder, won Olympic gold in 2004. Several members of the team have ties with Virginia. GMU graduate and Falls Church resident Christa Dalakis will play with the Greek Olympic team in 2008. Sara Larquier, a UVA alum, was the 2005 Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year. Rookie Jessica Moore, a native of Chesapeake, VA, just graduated from Liberty University, where she was named Big South Conference Player of the Year in 2005 and 2007. Farmville’s LaDonia Hughes, while at LSU, was in the SEC Top Ten in runs, hits, batting averages, triples, total bases and stolen bases.
Glory Head Coach Carie Dever-Boaz has led the team to spectacular wins since the exhibition game on May 27. The New England Riptide and the National Teams of China and Venezuela faltered as they faced power hitters Amber Jackson, Sara Larquier, Kelly Kretschman, Oli Keohohou, Jessica Moore, and Nichole Thompson. After the series with the Akron Racers in late June, the team sprinted into first place, with pitchers Desiree Serrano and Sarah Pauly smashing the competition. Matches with the Mid-Michigan Ice, the Philadelphia Force, the Chicago Bandits, and the Rockford Thunder are scheduled for later in the season
Wilson explains proudly that the Glory’s amazing athletes are true role models, demonstrating to girls of all ages the possibilities, opportunities, and success derived from hard work. If fans want a photograph, a handshake, a smile, or an autograph, they will get it from the Washington Glory. If fans want a closer look at this team, they can sign up for the recently announced Diamond Elite Training Summer Series, where individuals, small groups, and even teams will have the chance of a lifetime for one-on-one training or practice with Glory coaches and stars.
In six months, Paul Wilson’s accomplishments have been extraordinary – buying the Washington Glory, filling its roster with talented players, securing a home for the team, making significant upgrades to Mason’s softball complex, and starting a community-oriented sports program. How has he managed this feat? First, he credits the Fairfax County government, especially Chairman Gerry Connolly, for its support. Next, he praises the university. “I owe a debt of gratitude to the entire administration. How are we going to get this done?” he reflects, is their approach to any problem. “Without having George Mason, Fairfax County, and the League pulling in the same direction, we couldn’t have done it.” And what a glorious experience we fans would miss -- our chance to see a professional sports team in Washington that is winning!
For more information about the Washington Glory, the schedule, and tickets, please visit the Web site (www.washingtonglory.com).
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