As warm days become the norm here in Washington, we need to pay attention to how the heat is affecting our pets. Access to water dishes is key. It goes without saying that we should always have fresh water or our dogs and cats at home, whether they roam free or are crated while we are away. But what do we do when we are out walking our dogs and realize that he or she is in need of a drink?
There are a few options for accessing a water dish when we are taking our dog for an afternoon stroll. Along Barracks Row (8th St. SE), a number of restaurants set out water dishes for passing pets. Occasionally, Matchbox and Medium Rare will set out water dishes. Further south on 8th St., Howl to the Chief will set out a dish of water as well. Perhaps the best place for a fresh drink of water though is at the Banana Café. When you enter the restaurant, on the corner of 8th and D Streets, the staff set out two large bowls of ICE WATER! They seem to replenish it regularly and dogs love it.
At Eastern Market, two establishments offer bowls of water. Radici, the Italian wine and condiments store, usually keeps bowls of water at both entrances of the shop. This is also a nice place to sit outside with your pet on hot afternoons. The garden is in full shade and there are plenty of tables where you and your pet can relax before continuing on with your walk. Across the street, directly in front of Eastern Market is Tunnicliff’s pub. The old pewter water dish has a long history of refreshing passing dogs, though it often runs low in the warmer months.
Further down Pennsylvania Ave., Pret a Manger, the sandwich shop on the corner of Pennsylvania and 3rd Streets SE, keeps a large dish of water out for dogs, usually found near the side entrance on 3rd Street.
While no doubt there are other establishments who provide refreshment for our animals, these are the most prominent locations on the south side of Capitol Hill. Enjoy the warmer weather and remember to keep both you and your pets hydrated.
