More than one hundred adults, thirty children and twenty dogs enjoyed a beautiful, sunny Sunday afternoon at the First Annual Animal Rescue Fund "Dog Fest" at Fox Hall Farm in Delaplane.

The event kicked off with a dog walk along trails cut through the 150 acre farm. Walkers and dogs enjoyed the magnificent views and companionship as they leisurely strolled the grounds.

Highlights for the children were the Marshall Volunteer Fire Department truck provided by Fire Chief Eddy Payne and the pony rides. There were also games and plenty of treats for the kids.

Fauquier SPCA, Middleburg Humane, SPCA of Northern Virginia and the Virginia German Shepherd Rescue were there with "ready to be adopted" dogs.

There was also a Silent Auction, an ARF store, and other vendors. The BBQ by a local caterer received rave reviews.

The generosity of Pedigree, distributed by Mars Petcare, meant that no guest went home empty handed.

Event hostess Ursula Landsrath said, "We hope this annual event will grow to be as large and important to Delaplane as the annual Strawberry Festival founded by the late wife of Willard Scott. Mary Scott began on a small patch of grass in Delaplane that has grown to become an annual event for thousands".

Event Chair Mary Johnson pointed out that "All the funds raised will go to Animal Rescue Organizations in Virginia that serve animals in need. Applications for 2012 grants will be available in September."

The Dog Fest is one of three events organized each year by the Animal Rescue Fund, an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization. Animal Night, a stag dinner, takes place in October and the ARF annual Estate Sale takes place in November.

For more information or to volunteer, please visit www.arfrescueva.org