2025 Year in Review: Resilience, Community, and Compassion
As we close the door on 2025, we’ve been reflecting on the “vibe” of the past twelve months here in Takoma and across the District. It has been a year of undeniable intensity—full of challenges and profound changes.
Admittedly, the world outside our doors has felt heavy at times. But in the face of malice and division, our resolve has only hardened. We believe that the best way to combat negativity is to double down on doing good. We chose to focus on what we can control: nurturing our community, protecting the vulnerable, and ensuring that kindness remains the currency of our neighborhood.
Community & Compassion
This year, we poured our energy into supporting the organizations that hold our community together. We are proud to have facilitated sizable donations and support for:
- FAUNA
- The Northwest DC Food Pantry
- Humane Rescue Alliance
- Lucky Dog Animal Rescue
Our founder, Pennye, participated in several crisis to care sheltering support deployments with the Red Rover Long Distance Deployment teams coming in from all over the country to support large seizures and rescues.
We also rolled out our Pay It Forward program, a vital initiative that allows us to support our federal worker neighbors during times of instability. Seeing our customers chip in to help strangers has been a highlight of our year.
Advocacy & Adoptions
The statistics regarding animal welfare this year have been sobering. We have seen rising numbers in animal surrenders and abandonment, a heartbreaking reminder of how much depends on our actions. That is why we continue hosting adoption events right here in the store and offering our free New Adopter Package to help families get off on the right foot.
However, 2025 brought a massive victory for animal welfare: the implementation of the Pets in Housing Act this past October. This legislation is a game-changer, removing barriers for pet owners and ensuring that fewer animals are surrendered simply because their humans couldn’t find housing. We were proud to support this push for housing equity for companion animals.
The Power of Local
We remain committed to the ethos that built this store: eco-conscious business practices and independence. When you shop with us, you aren’t just buying kibble; you are keeping money in the Takoma community.
As a DC Benefit Corporation and independent small business, we are able to make choices that value the 3 ‘s, People, Planet & Profits. This includes honoring our fellow pet care experts with our 10% Pet Professional Discount, supporting the dog walkers, trainers, rescue personnel, and veterinary professionals who care for our animals every day.
We also have launched a new initiative to help pet parents stave off those costly pet bills with the Woof Member’s Circle, a private community dedicated to providing resources for wellcare, and support for your companion animals.
Looking Forward
We want to express our deepest gratitude to you—our customers, neighbors, and friends. We know that the future feels uncertain. There are questions about what the next year brings for the economy, for our city, and for the world.
However, we are moving into 2026 with a Positive Mental Attitude (PMA). We control our reaction to the world, and we choose hope.
We wish peace, health, and happiness to all humans and companion pets. Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives.
May The Woof Be With You,
The Owners and Staff
The Big Bad Woof
