The Canine Cruise offers another fine addition to Alexandria's popular dog-friendly social scene.
A lot of people come down here after canine happy hours or a trip to the dog bakery," said boat captain Chris Olney, whose dog, Ogie, also came along for the ride. The dog-centric cruises are run through Potomac Riverboat Company and leave the Alexandria City Marina hourly on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., May through September.
Last weekend Metromix tagged along with D.C. non-profit group People Animals Love (PAL), on their company outing aboard the canine cruise. The relaxing boat ride and dog-friendly atmosphere made it a perfect venue for the organization's day out. Founded in 1981, PAL is the longest-running pet-therapy agency in the D.C. area with over 280 volunteer/dog teams who each year make pet-therapy visits to thousands of patients, children and seniors in the D.C. metropolitan area. Many of the canine companions on the cruise have visited injured soldiers and cancer patients, comforted victims of Hurricane Katrina, improved the health and cognizance of Alzheimer’s patients, and provided comfort to thousands of others in need of an uplifting boost from a four-legged friend.
For D.C. resident Ann Manheimer, the cruise was also a new and different way to spend time with her 8-year-old dog, Louie.
"And you don't have to feel guilty about leaving your dog at home while they give you that take-me-with-you look," she said. Manheimer picked up her medium-sized, curly-haired white dog so he could look out across the Potomac. A mild breeze blew the wavy fur from his face in a dramatic fashion.
Before passengers and pooches board the ship, the party gathers for light socializing on the boardwalk behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Each passenger and dog gets commemorative snapshots taken on the dock. The pictures are available for purchase right when you step off the boat.
The assembly of so many four-legged friends on the dock is also a sight in itself to see– tangled leashes, hectic sniffing and all. Each dog is required to have a 6-foot flat leash.
Many dogs didn't quite know what to make of the whole riverboat experience. Rena, the owner of a five-year-old beagle mix named Grady, said of her dog, "I think he enjoys cars more." On the boat's top deck, canines enjoyed the wind in their faces and the company of their own species. Those who were adventurous enough to peer above the boat railing were treated with a fantastic view of the water.
Downstairs was home to a more mellow crowd, the kind of crowd that appreciates air conditioning on a muggy night, cold metal floors and space for concessions. Food and drink aren't served on the boat, but passengers are welcome to bring their own refreshments and dog treats for the 40-minute ride.
Even if you don't have a furry friend, come simply for the love of dogs or to mingle with animal lovers of all ages while taking in gorgeous views of the Alexandria seaport.
On the weekly canine cruises, dogs ride for free while human passengers require a $14 ticket. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the marina ticket booth. Space is limited to about 50 people per boat ride.
