12 ❖ Alexandria Gazette Packet ❖ July 26 - August 1, 2018 www.ConnectionNewspapers.com

By Lisa Groover

McEnearney Associates, Inc.

When I was in college, my par-ents gave away my blacklab, Kayla, because theycouldn’t find a place to live

that would accept a dog over 50 pounds. Itbroke my heart. When I got into real es-tate, I knew from the beginning that Iwanted to ease the pain for people in simi-lar situations.

I was just churning some numbers anddiscovered that 40 percent of my clients arepet owners!

Pugs, Bulldogs, Greyhounds, Havanese,Rottweilers, Weimaraners, Tabbies, Calicos… it has been my pleasure to work withanimal lovers to find a new home, or to selltheirs. I have to admit that finding the right

place to live for a family with seven beagleshas been my most challenging search todate!

My dog owner clients Tracy and Sherriesaid, “Being the first time we sold a home,Lisa made us feel like her only client, andwas extra attentive to our needs as we havethree dogs. We would use Lisa again in aheartbeat!”

And dog owner Jacquie said, “Finding ahome with three dogs was challenging.Working with an agent who understood ourpet needs was not one of them. A pet ownercan always tell another animal lover, andthat is exactly what we got with Lisa!”

In addition to being a pet friendly realestate professional, I have also been a vol-unteer dog obedience trainer with MountVernon Dog Training Club for 5-6 years.Ours has been a class teaching the basic

skills of sit, down, stay, come and heel todogs 5 months or older. More advancedclasses are available through the club of-fering opportunities for earning a CanineGood Citizen (CGC) designation, and skillsfor showing your dog in all levels of com-petition. My dog AnnaBelle (Golden Re-triever) earned five obedience and rallytitles at trials throughout the area.

Dog therapy has been one of my favoriteways to volunteer in the community. Alex-andria Public Library has a wonderful Pawsto Read program where elementary school-aged children practice their reading aloudone-on-one to dogs.

Playing with a dog during exam week isa great way to relieve stress for students.We had a very special day at GeorgetownUniversity.

Greeting WWII and Vietnam vets as they

arrive on Honor Flights at Reagan NationalAirport is a fantastic way to give back tothose that have served.

Whether it is nursing homes, hospitals,libraries or schools … dog therapy makes adifference to those that need unconditionallove from a caring four-legged friend.

I am proud to have been a sponsor forthe Alexandria Dog Walk in support of theAnimal Welfare League of Alexandria, andPaws for the People to raise funds for theChrist Church Food Pantry.

Yes … I am a dog lover. Please stop meto say “hello” when you see me walkingHoney … my seventh Golden Retriever. Iwould be happy to help you get involved.You may also go to my website(LisaGroover.com) and click on the “dogfriendly real estate” section for tips onmoving when you own a dog.

Helping Dog Owners When They MoveLisa Groover with Honey.

AnnaBelle (left) with her Rally Excellent Ribbon and Honey (right) when she got herChampionship title.

Pet Gazette