Local Resources

Family Activities for Fourth of July

June 22, 2022
Local Resources, Pets as Family

In search of fireworks, refreshments, American fare, and more for July 4th, 2022? So are we! In preparation for the Fourth of July, our family at Bonilla Pet Studio has compiled a list of the top 5 family events to celebrate the fourth of July in Norfolk and Williamsburg.

Top 5 Fourth of July Events in Norfolk

1. Baseball is truly America’s pastime and what better way to celebrate Independence Day than spending an evening at the ballpark. The Norfolk Tides have games Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night 4th of July weekend.

Friday, Jul 1, 2022 7:05pm
Saturday, Jul 2, 2022 6:35pm
Sunday, Jul 3, 2022 6:05pm
Cost: General Admission: $14.00
Pet Friendly: No
https://www.milb.com/norfolk/schedule/2022-07

2. Dance into the 4th of July weekend at the Silent Disco in the Waterside District, Saturday, July 2nd. If you have never experienced a Silent Disco, this is something you should absolutely try.

JUL 2, 2022 – 8:00 PM
Doors Open at 7:30pm
Waterside District, Norfolk, VA Ages: 21 & Over
Cost: $10.00
Pet Friendly: No
https://watersidedistrict.com/events?filter=Silent+Disco&venue=&startDate=05172022&endDate=09032022&show=7

3. Celebrate in style with $5 flights of 5 select wines at Vino Culture Wine Shop. Tastings will be held all weekend at various times.

Friday, Jul 1, 2022 4pm – 6pm
Saturday, Jul 2, 2022 1pm – 5pm
Sunday, Jul 3, 2022 1pm – 5pm
130 Granby St Suite 100, Norfolk, VA 23510
Cost: $5.00
Pet Friendly: No
https://www.downtownnorfolk.org/explore/calendar/event/weekend-wine-tastings

4. Hamburgers and hot dogs alongside Norfolk’s waterfront in Towne Point Park? Yes, please. Festivities, including live music, will be ongoing on the 4th starting at 5 p.m.. The main event, the fireworks, begins at 9:30 pm.

Monday, Jul 4, 2022 5pm – 10pm
Town Point Park
113 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly: Yes (*fireworks can be upsetting to your animals)
https://www.downtownnorfolk.org/explore/calendar/event/fourth-of-july-great-american-picnic-and-fireworks

5. The best way to watch the spectacular firework show is on the water. Come sail away on the American Rover to view the fireworks in the harbor.

July 4, 2022, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Duration: 2.5 hours
333 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510
Cost: Adult: $75, Child: $45, Children 3 and under: free
Pet Friendly: No
https://www.americanrover.com/special-events/july-4th-fireworks-cruise/

Top 5 Fourth of July Events in Williamsburg

1. Celebrate all weekend with brews, music, and food truck fare at Alewerks. Weekend highlight: half-off growlers on Monday, July 4th, and doors open early at noon that day. The complete music and food truck schedule can be found on the website.

July 1 – 4, 2022, 12pm – 9pm
Alewerks Brewing Company
189B Ewell Rd Williamsburg, VA 23188
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly: Yes
https://www.alewerks.com/events

2. A colonial brewery crawl is in the forecast for the Fourth. Check out Saturday’s lineup at the Virginia Beer Company. Live music and food trucks will be on-site starting at 4 p.m..

SATURDAY BEERS, BEATS, & BITES AT VIRGINIA BEER CO.
Every Saturday. Repeats Weekly, 4pm – 8pm
401 Second Street Williamsburg, VA 23185
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly: Yes

https://www.visitwilliamsburg.com/events/saturday-beers-beats-bites-virginia-beer-co?profile_category=Seasonal%20Events

3. Dine like our colonial cousins in celebration of Independence Day at Shields Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg. The menu will feature a modernized version of traditional dishes of the past.

July 4, 2022, 11am – 5pm
422 East Duke of Gloucester Street Williamsburg, VA 23185
Cost: Varies
Pet Friendly: No
https://www.visitwilliamsburg.com/events/shields-tavern-independence-day-buffet?profile_category=Seasonal%20Events

4. Colonial Williamsburg has patriotic events starting on July 1st and ending with a firework display on the 4th. Lots of food, fun, and glimpses into colonial life. Experience Independence day where it all started!

July 1 – 4, 2022, 9am – 10pm
Colonial Williamsburg301 South Nassau Street Williamsburg, VA 23185
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly: Yes (*fireworks can be upsetting to pets)
https://www.visitwilliamsburg.com/events/july-4-celebration-colonial-williamsburg-0?profile_category=Seasonal%20Events

5. Yorktown has festivities all day long for the 4th starting with a 5K and ending with fireworks over the York River. You can spend your whole day celebrating in one spot in Yorktown.

July 4, 2022, 8am – 10pm
Historic Yorktown, 331 Water Street Yorktown, VA 23690
Cost: Free
Pet Friendly: Yes (*fireworks can be upsetting to pets)
https://www.visitwilliamsburg.com/events/independence-day-celebrations?profile_category=Seasonal%20Events

Tell Us About It!

Let us know what event you attend by tagging us in a photo on Facebook or Instagram. We also LOVE to see pictures of your fur babies celebrating. Send or tag us in a picture of your pet in their best patriotic ‘fit on Instagram or Facebook. Did we miss an event? Send us a message and let us know!

The Best Places to Walk in Hampton Roads

March 16, 2021
Health, Local Resources, Pet Tips and Tricks

“Social Distance” isn’t a new word in the local vocabulary anymore, and while it’s very important to maintain proper distance at social activities and while performing daily errands, it’s also important to find some time to safely get out of the house with your pup. We think local walking and hiking trails offer a great solution and some new scenery! Our area in Hampton Roads has so much to offer any slightly adventurous family looking to spend some time in the sun or among the trees and natural beauty of our state parks.

Mount Trashmore Park – Fun for kiddos, pups, and parents! Mount Trashmore Park has something for everyone. Not to mention the 60- foot tall, 800- foot wide mountain made of solid waste–being quite the eyecatcher, to say the least. This park is located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Off-leash areas are limited for pups, but the walking areas make it quite the experience for your pup.
First Landing State Park – With 9 trails totaling over 19 miles of walkable and bike-able nature paths First Landing is one of the largest parks in the area. With cheap parking, stunning views, and options for all sorts of distances we really recommend this spot for avid and amateur walkers and their pups! Be sure to give your pup proper flea and tick prevention beforehand though as this trail is in the thick of nature.
Oak Grove Lake Park – Located just off Volvo Pkwy, with its lake and scenic open space. There are 65 acres of hardwood forest and wetlands. Picnic tables and benches are scattered along the trail, which provide a mixture of panoramic views of the lake as well as forested areas and wildlife.
Noland Trail – While at the time of writing, the Mariner’s Museum is closed due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, the vast trail network attached to the museum is still available for use! This 550-acre park offers visitors a quiet and serene place to walk, hike or run amongst rolling woodlands and features the award-winning five-mile Noland Trail that surrounds the 167-acre Mariners’ Lake.
Grandview Nature Preserve – A beautiful 2.5-mile trail to the beach. This gem is located in Hampton VA and the surrounding beach makes for a gorgeous morning walk with your pups.
Elizabeth River Trail – An adorable 10.5-mile trail to walk/run, that gives you an amazing view of the Norfolk Waterfront! Bike, run, walk, or be tugged along in a wagon if that’s your style– either way this area is endlessly pretty and worth visiting at least once.

Find a Pet Groomer in Hampton Roads

January 18, 2021
Local Resources

We know you want everyone in your family portrait to look their best! Our clients often coordinate outfits, bring makeup and brushes to touch up right before we shoot, and plan ahead for nail and hair appointments to look as glam as possible. And if you want to do the same for your fur babies, we know how to find a local groomer that can get the job done!

Groomingdale’s – Groomingdales! groomingdalesghent.com

Groomingdale’s has been serving the Ghent business district for over 50 years and is maybe one of the most well-established local groomer in the area. A family business that offers all breed bathing and grooming in a safe and clean environment, their salon avoids the use of heated dryers, and instead the staff are hands on with pup clients. This allows more personal time with your pet so that they are as comfortable as possible in Groomingdale’s care.

Salon Versace – Salon Versace Dog Wash & Grooming

Salon Versace offers multiple pet grooming options from self washing at a walk-in appointment to a full service grooming appointment scheduled in advance. They offer military and government discounts, and even discounts for teachers and first responders. Their modern spa has been lauded on Facebook as beautiful and state of the art with walk-in tubs and classic barn doors.

Muddy Paws –Muddy Paws muddypawsnorfolk.com

Muddy Paws offers grooming, daycare, and boarding services as well as a full retail section with treats toys and more! It’s safe to say that if you’re in search of most pet care needs they will be able to help! And if you’re looking for a dramatic look for your pet they do offer hair dye services unlike other groomers on this list!

No matter where you take your fur baby for their grooming appointment we know that they will looks great for their portraits!

4 Great Dog-Friendly Trails/Parks For Winter Walks:

December 19, 2019
Local Resources

Outside time isn’t just for when it’s warm out. Here are 4 locations that have beautiful scenery and fun so plentiful, it makes freezing your tail feathers off more than worth it!

By Abigail Brown

Grandview Nature Preserve

A beautiful 2.5-mile trail to the beach. This gem is located in Hampton VA and the surrounding beach makes for a gorgeous morning walk with your pups. Bring hot cocoa to keep warm, and enjoy!

Via bringfido.com

Elizabeth River Trail

An adorable 10.5-mile trail to walk/run, that gives you an amazing view of the Norfolk Waterfront! Bike, run, walk, or be tugged along in a wagon if that’s your style– either way this area is endlessly pretty and worth visiting at least once.

Via traillink.com

Shirlington Dog Park

Located in Arlington VA, Shirlington dog park is quite a bit of fun for pets and pet owners. Inside the dog park is gates that lead to an adorable stream and this fenced area allows your dog free space to run around to their heart’s content.

Via T.Worden, bringfido.com

Mount Trashmore Park

Fun for kiddos, pups, and parents! Mount Trashmore Park has something for everyone. Not to mention the 60- foot tall, 800- foot wide mountain made of solid waste–being quite the eyecatcher, to say the least. This park is located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Off-leash areas are limited for pups, but the walking areas make it quite the experience for your pup.

Via bringfido.com

If you would like to capture the bond you and your pet share in a way you can cherish forever— Click the button below to look into our artwork options.

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The Purrrrrfect Gifts for Pet Lovers

December 13, 2018
Local Resources

The holidays are among us! If you still need to find some last-minute gifts for the pet lovers in your life, look no further: We’re here to help.

“I Work Hard So My Dogs Can Have a Better Life” T-Shirt:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/658532959/i-work-hard-so-my-dogs-can-have-a-better?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=animal+lover+gift&ref=sr_gallery-1-4&pro=1
“I Work Hard So My Cats Can Have a Better Life” T-Shirt:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/658535313/i-work-hard-so-my-cats-can-have-a-better?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=animal+lover+gift&ref=sr_gallery-1-10&pro=1
Paw Print Heart Dish:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/251580388/animal-lover-gift-paw-print-heart-dish?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=animal+lover+gift&ref=sr_gallery-1-21&bes=1&col=1
“Rescued is My Favorite Breed” Keychain:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/566332627/rescued-is-my-favourite-breed-dog-lover?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=animal+lover+gift&ref=sr_gallery-1-48
“Be Kind to Every Kind” Wall Art:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/559547740/be-kind-to-every-kind-quote-print-vegan?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=animal+lover+gift&ref=sr_gallery-2-18
“It’s Basically a Zoo in Here” Doormat:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/592985465/dog-lover-gift-dog-doormat-pets-doormat?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=animal+lover+gift&ref=sr_gallery-2-34
DJ Cat Scratching Pad:
https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/dj-cat-scratching-pad
A Bonilla Pet Photography Gift Certificate!
Check out our Facebook for more details: https://www.facebook.com/EBonillaPhoto/

Happy shopping & Holidays, everybody!

Meghan, for Bonilla Pet Photography

Pets and Summer Celebrations

July 5, 2018
Health, Local Resources

Summer is here and that means cookouts, celebrations, and firework-filled nights! We all want to make sure our pets this summer stay safe during these times. Are you prepared?

Here are some tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Preparing in advance:

Make sure your pets – cats and dogs alike – have identification tags with up-to-date information.
If your pets aren’t already microchipped, talk with your veterinarian about microchipping. This simple procedure can greatly improve your chances of getting your pets back if they become lost.
If your pets are microchipped, make sure your contact information in the microchip registry is up-to-date.
Take a current photo of all of your cats, dogs– just in case.
If your pet has historically been anxious during celebrations or fireworks, or if you have reason to expect potentially harmful reactions, consider behavioral therapy to desensitize your pet and reduce the risk of problems. Some pets may need medication. Consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist.
Make sure the environment is safe and secure. If your neighbors set off fireworks at an unexpected time, is your yard secure enough to keep your pet contained? Evaluate your options, and choose the safest area for your animals; and make improvements if needed to make the area more secure.

Safety during celebrations:

Leave your pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays, parades and other gatherings. Loud fireworks, unfamiliar places and crowds can all be very frightening to pets, and there’s great risk of pets becoming spooked and running away.
Consider putting your pets in a safe, escape-proof room or crate during parties and fireworks.
If you’re hosting guests, ask them to help keep an eye on your pets to make sure they don’t escape. Placing notes on exit doors and gates can help both you and your guests remain vigilant.
Keep your pets inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks.
Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal and kabob skewers away from curious pets.
Don’t let pets get near your barbecue grill while it is in use or still hot.
Avoid the urge to feed your pets table scraps or other foods intended for people.
Remember that too much sun and heat (and humidity!) can be dangerous to pets. Keep them inside when it’s extremely hot/humid; make sure they have access to shady spots and plenty of water when outdoors; don’t leave them outside for extended periods in hot weather; and know the signs that a pet may be overheating.
Never leave your pet in your car when it’s warm outside. Vehicle interiors heat up much faster than the air around them, and even a short time in a locked car can be dangerous to pets.
If you’re travelling out of town for the holiday, consider leaving your pets at home with a pet sitter or boarding them in a kennel. If you need to bring them with you, be sure you know how to keep them safe.

After the celebrations:

Check your yard for fireworks debris before allowing pets outside to play or relax. Even if you didn’t set off fireworks yourself, debris can make its way into your yard, where curious animals may pick it up to play with or eat.
If you hosted guests, check both your yard and home for food scraps or other debris that might be dangerous to pets, such as food skewers.

It’s Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month!

June 12, 2018
Local Resources

When most people think of June their first thought is usually a month filled with warm summer days, family barbecues, and lots of beach trips! However, to the staff at an Animal Shelter, the biggest thought that is running through their minds is kittens, kittens, kittens! The month of June…. and pretty much all of the Spring and Summer season is what is known in the animal care world as “kitten season.” Kitten season is generally described as the time of year when an astonishingly large amount of stray or orphaned kittens and a lot of pregnant cat moms find their way into an animal shelter whether it be by the local animal control picking them up or a kind samaritan bringing them in. During this time most shelters are scrambling to find every foster family and possible resource available to take these moms and kittens until they are big enough and healthy enough to come back and be put up for adoption. This process can take anywhere from one week to a couple of months!

National Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month kicks off every June in hopes of spreading shelter cat awareness and helping to find both help and homes for homeless cats and kittens. It also, again, marks the height of kitten season! Here are a few ways you can help shelter cats and kittens near you:

Fostering- Shelters are always looking for families to foster their cats and kittens! It helps the shelter so that they can keep space available for other animals that are coming through their doors, but it’s an even bigger help to the cats and kittens that are coming in! A lot of cats and kittens that enter a shelter environment are exposed to a plethora of different upper respiratory diseases. They also do not get as much one on one care that they so desperately need since a lot of times shelter staff are stretched taking care of hundreds of shelter animals at a time. Taking a mom and kittens home or even an orphaned group of kittens greatly reduces their chance of being infected and developing complications from URI. They are also able to get the extra one on one love and care that they thrive from so that they remain happy and healthy and can be put up for adoption sooner!
Adopting- Whats better than bringing home a fun, furry, new bundle of joy? Adoption is one of the greatest things you can do for a homeless pet. It’s actually one of the best things you could do for yourself as well! Animals provide an amazing amount of companionship and cats are full of different personalities so there’s always bound to be one that matches what you are looking for! Did I also mention it’s been said that having a pet can lower stress levels, lower blood pressure, and improves one’s mood? Every year thousands of animals end up at a shelter waiting to find their perfect forever home. If you are interested in bringing home a new furry family member then always remember to stop by your local shelter!
Donating- If you are unable to adopt or foster the next best thing you can do to help is donate! You can donate lots of helpful items such as blankets, heating pads, kitten formula, and other cat care items! A lot of shelters are non-profit, meaning they rely heavily on donations from the public. When there is a big influx of cats and kittens, supplies diminish fast! Donating items to a shelter will help to ensure that moms and kittens will get food, warmth, and all of their basic care to help them grow!

There are numerous ways to help your local shelter cats and kittens! Don’t be afraid to stop by your local shelter to take a look around! You never know, you may just find your new best friend!

“Time spent with cats is never wasted.” by Sigmund Freud