Open House, Opens Hearts

Though today was not the sunniest of days, one would never have guessed it in Manassas. That's because everyone was full of bright smiles at the Prince William County Police Animal Control Bureau Open House.

Families, most accompanied by their furry family companions, came even during the rainy drizzle to enjoy the festivities of the day, held at the Prince William County Animal Shelter. Adoptions ran throughout the course of the event, starting with several puppies that were adopted right away. There were many fun activities planned for people and pets to participate in, such as the craft center with glittery art supplies and face painting. There were also door prizes and snow cones, hot dogs and popcorn to munch on.

This is the fifth open house held since the year 2007. The PWC Open House is also an opportunity for private rescue groups, businesses and veternarians to show their support to the community and introduce themselves. Among the many volunteers from different organizations today were the Animal Allies, a cat rescue, The Dog Eaze Inn for boarding and grooming, Bow Wow Meow Pet Services, Brian's Aquarium and Pet Care, Invisible Fence, Ridge Lake Animal Hospital, Helping Hands Veterinary Surgical and Dental Care, the Pet Nutrition Center, Dog U, Virginia Shephard Rescue, SADSAC (Save a Dog, Save a Cat), Canine Dimensions In-Home Dog Training, and the Lab Rescue of LRCP.

Members of the Department’s K-9 Unit also featured a canine agility demo and a canine rally demo to the community. 

People administered rabies shots for only $10 and microchips were implanted for $20.

Families enjoyed the opportunity to visit the barn behind the animal shelter. Children happily ran through the barn gates to meet and pet the goats, pigs, rabbits, cows and other farm animals happy and willing to receive their greetings.

Another fun part of the evening was the participation of the Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit. First Sergeant Susan Crosbie and Officer Jeremy Ramos were on hand, with their horses, to provide detailed information to the public about how they can help the community.

First Sergeant Susan Crosbie explained how during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, the mounted police watch over the packed parking lots at the Potomac Mills Mall and the Manassas Mall.  

"On a horse, we are about 10 feet tall and can the see entire parking lot. In a cruiser, we can only see cars from either side of the patrol car. This also makes us really useful for attaining visibility for full parking lots during concerts and other venues. We also are very useful with searching areas for a missing person. We can go out on horse and not compete with any of the scents so that we do not disrupt the K-9's search," Crosbie said.

She added that the officers ride in parades and funerals, and do career days at elementary schools. 

"Most kids will not go up to a cruiser, but they will always come up to an officer on a horse," Crosbie said.