Washington, D.C. - July 24, 2007

Pet Sounds

D.C. Dog Guide 2007

The dog days of summer take on a different meaning when you focus less on how hot you feel and more on how warm and cuddly Puppy is.

Start by calling walker extraordinaire Nick Torres (703-489-5143), who will take furry friends in Georgetown, Glover Park, Palisades, or AU Park out for one-on-one romps or time with hand-selected playmates. Words won’t describe how grateful Fido will be.

Afterward, get Scruffy to The Dog Spot (1625 Wisconsin Avenue NW; 202-337-3647) for a self-service wash. There you can scrub Muffy in an easy-to-enter tub and fluff her fur with an Air Force dryer.

Now that your pup looks picture perfect, get PawPrints Photography (703-354-3736) to capture him at his best. They’ll hook you up with prints, jewelry, and even a bag with your pug’s mug.

Prefer something sillier? Check out customized artwork from Janelle Welch of 2Hounds Productions (703-850-6963). She digitally manipulates images of your pet to portray him as a chef, pilot, kung fu master, or other professional.

And when the pooch is pooped: A clever bed from Lexie Lew, covered in 100 percent cotton in patterns like aqua and brown circles and black and white octagons is sweet dreams guaranteed.

Want to share the love? Visit the newly renovated Washington Animal Rescue League shelter (71 Oglethorpe Street NW; 202-726-2556) and adopt a little guy who needs a home.

Now that’s a doggone good idea.