Canines turn out for 'Hotel for Dogs' movie

Event at Regal Aquia 10 helps pups find forever homes

STAFFORD — Great Danes to miniature dachshunds and poodles seemed to have recently overrun the lobby of Regal Aquia 10 Cinema.

As the movie Hotel for Dogs played on the big screen inside on Jan. 24, pups from three local dog rescue groups played with movie attendees in the lobby.

Theater Promotions Manager Lorien Benson decided that the movie was the perfect venue for a real world dog rescue operation.

“I worked in Colorado when the movie “Because of Winn Dixie” was released and we invited the local SPCA to conduct an adoption drive,” she said. “It turned out to be a positive event for both patrons and the SPCA with four dogs being adopted as a result.”

Benson, who resides with a Husky, decided that “Hotel for Dogs” was another opportunity to help find forever homes for dogs.

The recent event included representatives from Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue (MAGDRL), Dachshund Rescue of North America, and Second Chance Dog Rescue.

Although the rescue groups occasionally have strays, most dogs in their care are owner surrenders. Some have been turned in as a result of the death of their elderly caretakers and the economy has created an increase in dogs being surrendered due to loss of family homes. But a Virginia law, limiting the number of dogs over one year of age for breeding purposes in commercial facilities to 50, became effective on Jan. 1 and has resulted in breeders surrendering dogs to rescue groups.

All three of the rescues at the adoption event are located in the greater Fredericksburg area and have dogs in foster care that are available for adoption. For those not capable of adopting a live dog, a representative from Wacky Bear Factory in Doc Stone Commons had a table filled with samples of the dog breeds available for stuffing at their store.

Regal Aquia 10 is tucked in the back of the former Aquia Towne Center, under major renovation, but the business is fully functional. The new plaza will be called the Towne Center at Aquia.

Benson said Regal would reside in the current building until Jan. 2010. But a new building is being constructed in the center that will house 14 theaters with stadium seats and 3D picture capability.

“The new theater will have all digital technology,” she said.

“Hotel for Dogs,” which relates a tale of the efforts of a young brother and sister to rescue homeless dogs, opened on Jan. 16.

Marty van Duyne is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America. Reach her at info@staffordcountysun.com.