Dogma Bakery Customers Rally to Feed Pets of Federal Workers During Shutdown

ARLINGTON, VA – In true Northern Virginia fashion, compassion is going viral.

Dogma Bakery & Boutique — located in Shirlington, adjacent to Alexandria — has captured hearts across the region with a grassroots effort to help federal workers feed their pets during the ongoing shutdown.

Earlier this week, the beloved small business launched its “Buy One, Give One” program, inviting customers to purchase an extra bag of pet food for a furloughed or unpaid federal employee in need. Anyone struggling can simply email [email protected] with their pet’s usual food details, and Dogma will quietly set aside the matching food as a “special order” — completely free of charge.

“If you need it now, let us know and we will make it happen,” Dogma shared. “No one needs to go hungry. If we could afford to feed everyone we would, but we can’t — but we can raise money and will figure out ways to help! We will all get through this together.”

The message struck a chord, spreading rapidly across social media. “I love this,” commented Queenie Phoenix, one of many new supporters. “Never heard of y’all till this popped in my timeline. I’ll be by to donate for my fellow Feds in person. ❤️🤍💙”

Within hours, their social media post went viral — and donations began pouring in, both online and in-store. Dogma reports the response has been so strong they’re now sourcing food from multiple suppliers to meet the need.

In an update on November 1, 2025, Dogma wrote:

“Thank you all for your support! The emails for food have been quite numerous and we are ordering what we don’t have in our store through any means possible. Your pets will get what they need, even if I have to go to your vet myself and pay for the food! 🙂 Thanks so much to the many people who have donated money or food — even RABBIT FOOD! We are on a roll helping out our neighbors!”

For those who’d like to support the effort, Dogma has created a secure link to contribute directly:
👉 Donate here

Dogma Bakery & Boutique is well known throughout the DMV for its friendly staff, professional grooming, and impressive selection of pet foods. The store carries over 20 brands of dog and cat food, offering options that range from raw and freeze-dried to kibble and canned varieties, along with treats, toys, and unique pet accessories.

Locations & Website:

• Shirlington Village: 2772 S. Arlington Mill Dr., Arlington, VA 22206

• Clarendon: 2509 Franklin Rd., Arlington, VA 22201
  Website: dogmabakery.com

Dogma Bakery has once again proven that the region’s strength lies in its community — neighbors helping neighbors, two- and four-legged alike.

To request help or donate:
Email [email protected] or give online via this link.