What happens when you have a German-shepherd and a great horned owl inhabiting the same space?  You have the fourth annual "Dog Days of Summer" Saturday August 25th at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, VA.  This year's event features the birds of prey from the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia, the military police working dogs from Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia German Shepherd Rescue and a newcomer to the event this year - the Stafford SPCA.

Visitors can enjoy watching the military police working dogs demonstrate their skills when it comes to following the commands of their trainers.  The MP’s provide several demonstrations throughout the event and it has become a crowd favorite.

However, not all German shepherds are trained to attack on command or sniff out explosive devices.  Some are content to be a good companion and family dog, which is why the Museum is happy to have Virginia German Shepherd Rescue in attendance again this year.  "It is a privilege to participate in an event that honors the Marine Corps," says Dawn Lopiccolo, who volunteers for the agency.   "But it is also a great opportunity to show the public the different facets of German Shepherds, whether it be as working dogs, service dogs, or companion dogs."

Also participating in this year's event is the Stafford Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.  They will feature a variety of dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, and even a rabbit.

Visitors to the Museum on this day can walk into Leatherneck Gallery and see more than Marine Corps airplanes that once roamed the skies.  They'll notice some feathered friends that once took flight and hopefully will again.  The Raptor Conservancy of Virginia returns to Dog Days of Summer with their falcons, hawks and owls that always capture everyone's attention.  RCV specializes in the rehabilitation and release of Virginia birds of prey, and also emphasizes conservation, education and its "Adopt-A-Raptor Program."

The event is from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm and is FREE of charge.

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is located at 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway in Triangle, VA and is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm except December 25.  Admission and parking are free.  For more information contact the Museum at 877-635-1775 or visit their website at www.usmcmuseum.org.