By Erin Shackleford Billie Jean is a five-year-old cuddle connoisseur who believes people trump everything else. This 63-pound sweetheart with a tan-and-white coat and “feed me early” eyes lives for tug, fetch, and sofa snuggles. She’s lived happily with adults and a teen and is happiest as your one-and-only sidekick. Dream home? One where her human is around a lot, enjoying some quality time. Looking for a loyal, affectionate best friend? Billie Jean is ready to move in. Her adoption fee is waived thanks to Vola’s Dockside Grill. Hannah is a one-year-old dog with a perpetual smile. Her happy-go-lucky nature is contagious! At 39 pounds, she’s the perfect “not too big, not too small” adventure buddy. She loves walks, toys (especially squeaky ones), and greeting everyone like they’re her long-lost bestie. Smart, treat-motivated, and eager to learn, Hannah is ready to grow into an amazing companion with a little guidance. If your life needs more fun and fresh air, Hannah’s your girl. Crystal is a gentle girl who wishes for a loving home with a doting family. She has adorable brown brindle patches on her white coat, and ears that could hear signals from space. Crystal weighs 56 pounds at three years old and thoroughly enjoys a squeaky toy. She’s always up for a game of fetch, too! Crystal will stick by your side when playtime ends, and she has very good house manners. She likes to meet new people of all ages, even children. As a young adult dog, Crystal is past the rambunctious puppy stage and still has plenty of energy for adventures. She would be a great hiking or running buddy, and she would bring tons of joyful curiosity to every outing. Crystal’s adoption fee is waived thanks to Royal Restaurant.
By Erin Shackleford Leo is a distinguished older gentleman who is seeking the companionship of a loving person. He is a very sweet dog who weighs 77 pounds at eight years old. Leo loves meeting new people! Since he is a little older, he is quite chill and would make a great lounge buddy. He grew up with children of varying ages. It has been reported that he has pretty good house manners and can be left alone for a couple of hours without issues. Leo is a playful pup and a favorite game is fetch, although isn’t too invested in bringing the ball back! He can be very affectionate and loves being petted. He is also a pretty smart dog who knows the cues for sit and paw. Thanks for a generous donor, Leo’s adoption fees have been paid. Are you the Luigi to this furry Mario? Mario is a handsome black and brown male dog with a rugged zest for the outdoors. He is one year and two months old, and he weighs about 47 pounds. Mario loves being outside and would enjoy access to sniffy walks or a nice yard. As a young dog, Mario would also benefit from positive reinforcement training to help him develop into a calm and confident pup. Really, he is simply looking for a friendly human companion to share his life with as the seasons turn. Mario is ready to leave winter behind and embrace springtime outdoor activities! He would also love to accept some tasty treats from you, of course. Bruno is a bouncing, furry boy who is looking for a home where he can get lots of love. He’s hoping for plenty of exercise and cuddles galore, too! He is a handsome guy sporting a white coat with brown patches and soft floppy…
By Erin Shackleford Meet Leo, a sweet dog in search of a loving home! Leo is a gentle boy who arrived at the shelter as a local stray. This one year and seven months old dog weighs 44 pounds, although he would benefit from gaining some weight in his forever home. In other words, he would love to receive lots of treats and nutritious food! Leo sits nicely and takes treats softly as a polite young gentleman. Leo enjoys walks and playing with squeaky toys. He is an affectionate fellow once he gets to know you and delights in being around his favorite people. Leo is a gentle and treat-motivated personality. As a young dog, Leo is a great candidate for regular positive-reinforcement training. Meet handsome Drako! This one-year-old boy is ready to live out his next chapter with you. Drako weighs 54 pounds and sports distinctive tan markings on his short black coat. His friendly face is always ready to greet new people and furry pals. Drako enjoys playing with other dogs and taking trips to the park. He would be a lovely companion on weekend road-trips and sniffy neighborhood walks. As you emerge from hibernation following the winter storm, imagine the joy of Drako as he gets to explore the world at your side. If this confident and affectionate dog seems like a good fit for your household, then reach out to arrange a meet-and-greet. Zseri is a 10-year-old classy white and gray kitty with undeniable charm. Once shy and a little conflicted, she is blossoming more each day, discovering that the world is far less intimidating than it first appeared. These days, she often gets so excited to see visitors that she forgets to act shy at all. She enjoys being talked to and is an excellent listener, always ready…
By Erin Shackleford Crystal is a gentle girl who wishes for a loving home with a doting family. She has adorable brown brindle patches on her white coat, and ears that could hear signals from space. Crystal weighs 56 pounds at three years old and thoroughly enjoys a squeaky toy. She’s always up for a game of fetch, too! Crystal will stick by your side when playtime ends, and she has very good house manners. She likes to meet new people of all ages, even children. As a young adult dog, Crystal is past the rambunctious puppy stage and still has plenty of energy for adventures. She would be a great hiking or running buddy, and she would bring tons of joyful curiosity to every outing. Are you looking for an extra-large dog with a big heart? Oakley could be your guy. This 10-year-old senior fellow is a sweetheart with a winning personality. Oakley is a fairly calm, handsome boy who likes to meet new people. Despite his age, Oakley’s nose for fun is fully engaged. He has a good amount of energy for walks and has demonstrated good leash manners. Oakley is a mature, smart boy who knows several cues. He can sit and give you his paw upon request. Of course, he is motivated by tasty treats! Oakley can be a snuggly couch potato and will happily join you for slow afternoons of reading or movie watching. This laid-back dog is waiting to meet you and join you for his active golden years. His adoption fee is waived thanks to Royal Restaurant. Meet Devo, a handsome and clever young dog! This 57-pound boy would love to be your one and only furry pal. He is very smart at the age of one year and one month, and he enjoys a good puzzle…
By Erin Shackleford Are you looking for a most handsome companion? Max is ready to go home as your loyal and loving sidekick. This gorgeous guy with his perfectly mismatched ears weighs 73 pounds at 3 years old. Max is a social dog and is eager to please, already responding to the cues for sit and down. He is food-motivated and could learn more through the power of treats and loving attention. Max is playful and engages enthusiastically with chew toys and food puzzles. This smart guy would benefit from having a fenced yard where he could play, sun himself, and do some training. Max is a leaner and a cuddler! He frequently sidles up for some pets and scratches. Email adoptions@AlexandriaAnimals.org to arrange a meet and greet! Yang is ready to hop into your heart! This flopsy lady is sure to come over when you offer a timothy hay treat. Yang was transferred to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria from a different shelter, and we are still learning about her quirky personality. She may not have been treated kindly in the past and is learning to trust humans. A patient bunny-lover who could continue to offer Yang new treats and gentle attention would be ideal for her journey. If you pretend not to notice, Yang may even jump into your lap. She enjoys hanging out on the bed with her foster mom as they each do their own thing. Yang enjoys a good head scratch right now and definitely believes that she deserves the attention. Email adoptions@AlexandriaAnimals.org to arrange a meet and greet! Charlie is a two-year-old black cat with movie-star looks and the personality to match. His silky-soft coat and fluffy tail tend to stop people in their tracks, but it’s his lively, affectionate nature that truly wins hearts. Sweet, social, and endlessly…
By Erin Shackleford Sassy the wonder pup is ready to join you on your weekend adventures! This 8-month old dog loves to run and play, then settle down for cozy cuddles with her person. She is very affectionate and got along well with young children in a previous home. Sassy weighs 54 pounds and still has some growing to do! She needs plenty of exercise, preferably at your side. As Sassy is a young dog, she would benefit from having someone to show her the ropes through gentle guidance and positive reinforcement training. She also gets along well with other playful dogs. If you think that this perky-eared pup could be right for you, contact the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria today! Meet sweet Estelle, a playful dog in search of her forever home! Estelle is an active girl who loves to run and play with her squeaky toys. She enjoys a good game of fetch and may even return the ball to you once in a while! Medium-sized Estelle savors her daily walks and would make an awesome companion for your neighborhood explorations. She weighs 41 pounds at age three years old and seems to get along well with other dogs. Little Estelle is at a great stage of life, past the puppy silliness yet full of more balanced young dog energy. She is a tail-wagging pocket of sunshine who is sure to make your day, every day. If you think that Estelle could be your new furry friend, contact the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria! Teddy is a young black Rex bunny who is as cute as can be with his plush velvet fur. Rex rabbits are known for being calm, friendly, smart and playful, which accurately describes Teddy! Teddy is bonded with Snowbah, so they’re a package deal. They are…
By Erin Shackleford Meet Nova (pictured above), a delightful dog in search of her forever home! Nova is a super fun pup that is full of life and joy at four years old. This 56-pound pumpkin is made for outdoor adventures. Nova enjoys playing chase with her ball and favorite squeaky toys. We won’t call it fetch until she masters bringing it back. Nova is a playful girl and has lived with another dog in a previous home. She is also said to have very good house manners and to be crate trained, which will help with her transition. Nova likes to relax as much as she relishes staying busy, and she would be an awesome sofa buddy at the end of a long day of activities. Contact the Animal League of Alexandria to meet sweet Nova today. Artemis is a nearly 2-year-old female kitty. She is calm, gentle and social. She gets along swimmingly with other cats, too. Her favorite activities include a Churu snack break and a long relaxing cat nap. Artemis is extra special and does require a certain prescription food. She’s looking for a special loving family who will keep her happy and healthy! Artemis’ adoption fees have been sponsored, thanks to Royal Restaurant! Holmes is a beautiful black and white shorthaired rabbit who has been waiting far too long for a home! We believe Holmes is around 2-3 years old. He lives for treats — with veggies and timothy biscuits being his absolute fave. He is litterbox trained and likes to be a free roam bunny. His foster says he is very mannerly and doesn’t chew on anything he isn’t supposed to. He likes a booty scratch here and there. Holmes is smart and loves to play with food puzzles. Holmes’ adoption fees have been sponsored, thanks…
By Erin Shackleford Say hello to Hazel! She is a medium-sized dog at 40 pounds and absolutely loves people. At two years old, Hazel has a bright zest for life and is always excited to meet new people. Judging by her enthusiastic tail wags, greeting people might be her favorite activity. Hazel is an active girl and is known to have pretty good leash manners, especially on a harness. She enjoys evening walks around the neighborhood at “golden hour” and could join you on sniffy hikes. Hazel is curious, independent, and likes to explore the world through her nose. She can already show you her perfect “sit” on cue and could continue training with the incentive of tasty treats. If you are looking for a friendly buddy around town or on the trails, Hazel could be your girl! Max is a 3-year-old, 73-pound gorgeous German Shepherd mix dog. Max loves to meet new people and is extremely affectionate and social. While Max likes a walk about, he isn’t into long strolls. If you had a backyard for him to lounge around in, that would be perfect! He likes staying mentally acute by engaging in food puzzles. Max needs a home where he can steal the show and be your one and only. However, Max has gotten along with easygoing dogs in the shelter. If you’re ready for big love and big personality, Max is your man. Meet handsome Shady! At about one year old, young Shady has already seen a lot of life. Shady arrived at the shelter as a stray alongside another dog and is ready to settle into a loving home. This playful guy would be a great fit for an active family and still has some goofy puppy energy. Sweet Shady loves to relax after playtime and is an affectionate…
By Erin Shackleford and the AWLA Meet Ace, a handsome brindle boy who’s always dressed for a party. Ace can see into your soul with his big brown eyes, and he knows that you’re looking for a fun guy to hang out with every day. Conveniently, Ace is a playful 2-year-old with a bit of puppy energy! This 65-pound boy is ready to join you for enriching hikes, long neighborhood walks, and chasing his favorite toys. Ace enjoys a good game of fetch, and receiving rump scratches while he relaxes afterwards. This boy is food-motivated and could learn new cues in his forever home. Most of all, Ace is looking for cuddles and love that match his enthusiasm for life. If you are looking for a companion to join you on outdoor adventures, Ace is your guy! Meet Molly, a sweet and smart senior pup looking for a place to spend her golden years. She’s a beautiful brindle color, 8 years old, and weighs 50 pounds. While she’s a little shy meeting new people, she quickly opens up. Molly is also very well behaved and knows cues for sit, paw, and down – always taking treats politely from your hand. Molly is looking for someone with a laid back lifestyle who shares her love of leisurely walks, snuggling up on the couch, or simply hanging out enjoying a good bone. If you are looking for an easy going companion, Molly may be just right! Molly is currently relaxing in a foster home but you can schedule a time to meet her via email at adoptions@alexandriaanimals.org or calling 703.746.4774, option 2. Shyla is a spry, social senior gal. She’s 12 years old and 63 pounds. If she was in a senior living community, she’d be headed down to the community room for bingo (and maybe a couple glasses…
By Erin Shackleford This month the AWLA wants to highlight their adoptable guinea pigs. They have quite a few available for adoption right now, but also have a lot more becoming available for adoption in the coming weeks. They had numerous pregnant female guinea pigs surrendered to us that has substantially increased their numbers. Pictured here are three of their favorites and each is loaded with their own little personalities –we are guessing that they are both “sweet and salty” judging from their names. A Note from Erin at AWLA: With a “wheek and a squeak”, a guinea pig will wiggle its way into your heart! If you’ve ever considered adding a piggie pal to your pack, now is a great time. The AWLA has many guinea pigs available for adoption. Here are a few things to consider and remember with guinea pigs: – Guinea pigs are social – we urge you to consider adopting them in pairs (of the same gender, for obvious reasons). – They can live between 4-8 years, so they’re a long-term commitment. – Their teeth never stop growing, so a fresh well-stocked supply of hay must always be available. – They need an adequately sized enclosure for all their piggie activities — approximately 10.5 square feet for two. You can find these furry friends and all our available animals at www.AlexandriaAnimals.org/adopt.










