The Aussie Meetup

 

Boomer, my little tank

“Don’t roll the Pug down the hill!”  It was that frequent refrain that lead me to create a “play group” for our Australian Shepherd, Boomer.

Boomer is a tank.  He’s an adorable and loving tank.  He LOVES to run and he’s a “ruff” and tumble dog park player.  Unfortunately, not every dog or owner appreciates his antics.  Let me be clear, he is not aggressive and he has a very good read of other dogs – he knows when to stop, but that’s often after he inadvertently t-bones a dog or owner.

Aussie butts at an early meetup

Just over three years ago, I decided what Boomer needed was a group of Aussies to play with – dogs (and owners) that had probably experienced the dog-park scowl. 

On a whim one January afternoon, I created Australian Shepherds of the DMV on meetup.com – the description was pretty straight forward – a group interested in Australian Shepherds and their activities. Let's get our Aussies together for play dates, hikes, swims, agility, walks and runs and some sheep herding! Let's also support Aussie rescue activities.

I remember when the first “members” joined.  I was so excited!  We scheduled a walk through Old Town, Alexandria, VA.  It was great talking to other Aussie owners, who like me, love the breed and the endearing characteristics of our dogs.

Riley got his sheep together!

 

Today we have over 300 members from Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC.  Our outings range from a casual meetup at a local dog park, to hikes and one of our greatest adventures – sheep herding!

The meetup is designed to allow any member to schedule or suggest an outing.  The sheep herding adventure was done by one of our members, and a regular agility outing at the Zoom Room is hosted by another.

Boomer loves his meetup pals.  The dogs (and owners) are comfortable with each other, and play comes easily.  If Boomer and his “girlfriend” Cassie are together – watch out, because those two will definitely get the party started.  Jack will likely race around with them and Roxy will soon join in.  Sweet Zoe (a mini) watches the big dogs run, but is likely to also engage.  Rain and Obbie are swimmers and Faith is a master at agility.  We typically see Cash and Keller when we have events in Maryland.  Riley is the born sheep herder!




Aussie mosh-pit at the Zoom Room

 

Our dogs have gone swimming, toured Mount Vernon, hiked along the Potomac, practiced their agility both indoors and outdoors and raced alongside llamas.

 

 

Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane, Virginia

Indoors at Mount Vernon

Other events include winetasting, an agility yappy hour (beverages for humans) and a boat cruise down the Potomac (Yup!  We have a boat cruise for dogs in Alexandria).

I was asked once if it takes a lot of time to organize the meetups.  Not really.  Members make suggestions and we have as much fun at one of the larger dog parks as we do at an organized outing – although I will say the dogs were EXHAUSTED after their sheep herding adventure.  And it’s always more fun trying something new with your friends!  I pay a fee to host the meetup site – which is worth every penny based on how much fun the dogs have.

Llamas (and a horse)

While members do come to us via meetup.com, membership is primarily viral.  Members run into an Aussie and owner and tell them about our group.  As I say to every new member in my welcome message to them– it’s great bunch of dogs and people!

You can find Australian Shepherds of the DMV on www.meetup.com, we also have a Facebook page -- if you're in the Washington, DC area -- come and join our fun!

You can read more about out sheep herding adventures here http://pawsgo.blogspot.com/2014/03/pawsgo-herding-weve-got-our-sheep.html

 

 

Cassie and Boomer

 

Want to show your love of Aussies?  Purchase this great shirt from PawsGo -- www.pawsgo.com.  Shirts are $20 and half goes directly to Aussie rescue!  Adult sizes.