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| October 2008 |  |
Recently the League had the privilege of honoring volunteers at our annual Volunteer Appreciation evening. The League is very fortunate to have so many wonderful volunteers who give countless hours throughout the year to help the homeless animals in our community. Through their love, dedication, and sheer energy, they have made a difference in the lives of many animals.
During his remarks at the volunteer night, Board Chair Gordon Kromberg asked volunteers to help the League expand the existing volunteer program. Building on comments made by Executive Director, Tara Blot, who outlined the League’s new Mission and Vision statements, Gordon highlighted areas where we want to grow. Fundraising, community awareness, public relations, media exposure, soliciting donations from local businesses, hosting a Circle of Friends event in homes for fundraising and/or community awareness are just a few areas where we need help. If you are interested in helping the League, please contact the Manager of Volunteer Services at 703-838-4774 ext. 225.
Thank you again to each and every one of our dedicated volunteers.
Do you know of an animal-friendly business that designs or paints commercial vehicles?
The AWLA is looking for a business to volunteer to design and/or paint our new van. This van is used to transport animals as well as for our outreach/education events. Our white van is now a blank canvas just waiting for an eye-catching design that will help spread awareness of the League and services we provide to the community. We’ll also happily take recommendations from the public for businesses we might be able to contract with should we be unable to secure a donation of this service.
Come party with some of our adoptable dogs in the courtyard of the Hotel Monaco Alexandria in Old Town. We’ll be there most Thursdays through October from 6-8pm for their Doggie Happy Hour. The Hotel Monaco Alexandria is located at 480 King Street.
October 18
Massage and Reiki for Dogs
Come and learn how massage and Reiki can benefit your dog. Tomoko Kawasumi, a certified canine massage instructor, will show you a very gentle way to massage your dogs with a combination of traditional Swedish, Japanese Shiatsu Acu-pressure applications, and companion animal massage therapies. Dr. Christina Richardson, a Reiki Master/Teacher, will also be there to introduce you to the many healing components of Reiki, a healing therapy and a great stress reducer that can help reduce any pain or discomfort experienced by your beloved pet.
October 30
Doggie Happy Howloween Costume Contest
Hotel Monaco Alexandria
480 King Street
The hotel encourages guests, two and four-legged alike, to don creative costumes for the contest portion of the evening to compete for prizes, including a Pampered Pooch package at 70 Park Avenue Hotel in New York City with two night deluxe accommodations and all the pet pampering a dog could want. Proceeds will be donated to the League.
Charlie, a handsome Bichon and the hotel’s Director of Pet Relations, will join a panel of celebrity judges to rate human and canine costumers in the following categories: Political Pooch Award – awarded to the best politically-themed costume, Most Glamorous Get-Up – awarded to the dog who best lets out his/her inner diva, The Best Dressed Couple – awarded to the most creative pet/owner costume combo and the ‘Top Dog’ Award – the grand prize for best all-around costume.
December 5-7
Pet Photos with Santa
Olde Towne School for Dogs
Take your pet and family to the Olde Towne School for Dogs for professional photographs and capture a holiday memory. Appointment bookings will begin in early November at Olde Towne School for Dogs at 703-836-7643.
Patsy, a 5-year-old Black and Tan Coonhound is an extremely sweet, affectionate, and gentle dog who has maintained her delightful demeanor despite the hardships she has encountered in her lifetime.
Patsy, along with 65 other dogs, were living in horrible conditions in a barn with limited access to food and water when they were seized by the Middleburg Humane Foundation in Virginia. Soon after, she arrived at the AWLA emaciated and quite sick with pneumonia and heartworm. In spite of her weakened condition, she has been incredibly patient and affectionate throughout her treatment and recovery and is a delight to everyone she meets. Patsy loves attention and enjoys playing with her toys. She would be a great "first dog" and may be placed with children ages 4 and older. Now, at a healthy 42 pounds, she is looking for a loving home to call her own.
Visit www.alexandriaanimals.org to view more animals available for adoption or stop by the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, located at 4101 Eisenhower Ave., for a personal visit with our adoptable animal friends.
Dog Tricks for Sunday!
In addition to our Saturday presentations, join us every Sunday in October from 11a.m. to Noon at our Shelter to learn a new trick for your dog! By utilizing positive reinforcement techniques and lots of yummy treats, we’ll use our own dogs and Shelter dogs to show you how to make your pup the star of any party! Come check us out, then go home and teach your own dog what you’ve learned.
October 25
Kids and Dogs: Learning How to Communicate
Even good kids and great dogs will have miscommunications from time to time. Come learn how to "speak dog" with professional trainer and author, Colleen Pelar. She will be teaching kids what to do when approached by a stray dog as well as the three steps to take for meeting a new or unknown dog. During the session, children can practice their newfound skills by meeting and petting one of Colleen’s canines. This session provides very important information for youngsters who live with dogs . . . and for those who don’t.
February 14
5th Annual Black Tie & Tails Gala
This year, you don’t have to choose between your dog and a fabulous evening out. Spend this Valentine’s Day with the League and with those you love (sorry kitties, this one is just for the dogs!), by joining us for a glamorous night featuring terrific food, auction items and other activities. More details about this exciting gala are yet to come so check out are website often!
Please visit the Special Events section of our website for more details on these and other exciting events.
To be added to our email list, please send an email to staff@alexandriaanimals.org.
Adopt-A-Dog Month
October is National Adopt-A-Dog Month and the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is celebrating with free seminars all month long! No reservations are necessary — just come on down to the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter! We do love dogs, but we ask that you keep them home for these events.
Come and hear presentations from some of our area’s top dog professionals each Saturday in October from 10am to Noon at our Shelter. On October 11th, we started our sessions with Raising a Great Dog presented by Laura Sharkey of Woofs Dog Training in Arlington. Participants of this group learned the latest and greatest tips on socialization, training, and fun activities to help make sure their new pups grow up to become well-mannered adults.
Make sure to join us for the exciting sessions yet to come!
The Animal Control Officers in Alexandria are always ready to help the public while working very closely with our Fire, Code Enforcement, Sheriff and Police departments. On October 2, 2008, Officer Corman was patrolling Old Town when he heard a police call go out regarding an elderly woman who appeared lost and confused. A police officer had observed her "walking back and forth" in front of his patrol car several times and became concerned that she may either be lost or disoriented. The officer tried to communicate with her, but it became clear that she didn't understand.
A few officers were familiar with this elderly woman, and they began making efforts to find out where she lived; this is when Officer Corman stepped in. He understood that the woman was Vietnamese and that she had family living in the area, but the police were unsure of the location. Officer Corman, who is half-Vietnamese himself, speaks enough "to have a basic conversation." He informed the dispatcher that he could speak Vietnamese and headed in their direction to assist.
Upon arrival, Corman found a police officer waiting outside an apartment. He had followed her to this address and she wouldn’t answer the door. Officer Corman was able to get her to answer the door by identifying himself and explaining that he was there to help. Because of Officer Corman's ability to communicate with her, she was able to let them know that she was simply out for a walk and lives there with family. Officer Corman explained that the police were there to help and just wanted to make sure she made it home safely. He also asked her if she knew how to call the police for help, and she told him that she didn't. After demonstrating how to dial 9-1-1 using her cell phone and once everything had been settled, he left and met with the appreciative police outside. Because of the teamwork and efforts between the police and animal control--and a little translation--the situation had a safe and happy ending. Just another interesting day in the life of an animal control officer!
The League would like to honor or remember four special pets with birthdays in October.
Harrison October 13
Josie October 9
Mishka October 24
Violet Norton October 31
Any pet can join our Birthday Club! To help celebrate that special day, each Birthday Club pet receives a birthday card, recognition in our E-Newsletter and in the Shelter's display case. Best of all, lifetime membership is only $10 and proceeds help the League find homes for Shelter animals so that they can also enjoy the good life with a family that cares. To enroll, click here.
Your generosity can help provide the financial stability that enables the League to care for thousands of animals at the Shelter each year, find them permanent homes, extend outreach services into the community, and educate youth and adults about being part of the solution. By choosing either a one-time donation or an ongoing monthly gift, you can help us help the animals in our care and in our community. Simply click on the "Donate Now" button at the end of this e-newsletter or on our website at www.alexandriaanimals.org to make a contribution.
Through the combined annual campaigns, employees in local businesses and government donate small portions of each paycheck to the United Way. These donations are the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria's single largest source of donated funds. If you would like to make a donation to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria through the United Way, Combined Federal Campaign and/or the Combined Virginia Campaign please note our identification numbers:
United Way 8372
CFC 92767
CVC 8068
Please look for these AWLA numbers when attending UW/CFC sponsored events.
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