"Chicken Run" at the Shelter
Alexandria animal control officers responded to a call for assistance with eight Bantam chickens running loose near the George Washington Parkway. Upon arrival at the scene, animal control officers were able to catch three of the six hens and two roosters and brought the birds to the AWLA. The birds have made themselves at home along with the dogs, cats, guinea pigs, iguanas and various other creatures who find their way to the AWLA!

"Hawkeye" visits Shelter
Two Animal Control Officers responded to a call that a Cooper's Hawk was trapped in the boiler room of an apartment. The room’s 30-foot high ceilings made capture of the hawk difficult, but the officers were able to net the tired bird and bring him to the AWLA. The hawk was then transferred to a Virginia state licensed raptor rehabilitator. The hawk will spend several days at his new location, eating and resting before being released to live on his own again.

Special Delivery!
The AWLA welcomed a Muscovy Duck (a domestic duck originally bred in Mexico) to the Shelter recently. The duck had landed in a local resident's back yard, and the resident was concerned that the duck may be injured, as it did not leave for two days. No one came forward to claim this stray duck, and ownership of domestic poultry is not allowed under local ordinances. After one week of recuperation, the duck was adopted by a property owner in Fauquier County--where duck ownership is permitted!

"Donated" kitty lands on her feet
Several weeks ago, an AWLA staff member discovered that a visitor had deposited a large pile of donated towels and blankets in our lobby, and left a cat carrier with a cat inside at the bottom of the pile! We named the affectionate girl Penelope, and she soon found a home. Her adopters have re-named her ZZ Cat and reported that she is doing well in her new family.

Raven Goes Home!
After three months of waiting, Raven, a lovely Labrador mix, went to her new owner yesterday -- just in time for the holidays! We are so happy this funny and smart girl found just the right home. Here's wishing all of our supporters and their loved ones - both two and four-legged - an equally happy holiday!

Visit from one of our Hurricane Katrina dogs!
It was so wonderful to see this lovely dog, three years after she was adopted from us. She was one of a number of dogs that we took in from Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina hit. We treated her for heartworm, had her spayed and found her a home with people who understood that she's been through a rough time. She's now very happy, and her owners adore her!

Macy Finds Her Owners
Macy's owner is in town from Georgia visiting her parents. Macy slipped out in the Kingstowne area on Tuesday night and spent the night in the woods. On Wednesday, a kind lady saw Macy in the Kingstowne Shopping Center and brought her to the Shelter. Within moments of Macy's arrival, her owner called us to see if she'd been located -- the owner was delighted to hear that not only had Macy been found, but she was sitting on our receptionist's lap that very moment. They quickly drove to our Shelter to pick her up, and to buy a new i.d. tag!

Forlorn Fellow Finds Help
Our animal control officer responded to a call for assistance from the Alexandria Police Department for a cat whose owner had passed away. Our officer brought the cat to be cared for here at our Shelter while the next of kin was notified. We gave him food and water and a comfy place to sleep, and spent some time combing out his mats. His new guardian picked him up just a few days later.

The Cat's Out of the Bag!
Come meet Sir, this handsome grey and white cat who hopped in one of our staff member's totes to have his photo taken, and many, many other cats and animals tonight as we stay open until Midnight! The shelter opens at noon, and starting at 5pm we'll have caroling, refreshments and activities for the whole family. Update: Sir was recently adopted and exploring new secret hiding spots in his new home!

A Visit from "Earless Joe"
We were delighted to receive a visit from "Earless Joe", who was saved by a local veterinarian when he was run over by a lawnmower. His story made all of the local newspapers as his ears were severed and required extensive surgery. He was adopted by a local family and is very happy there with his fellow dogs and cats. He has been renamed "Smooch" because of his loving personality.

Bumper Cat
Alexandria Animal Control Officer Allan Corman assisted a kitten who had become trapped in the front of a city resident’s car. The kitten crawled under the car’s hood and settled near the front bumper. An area resident called the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria for assistance. Upon arrival a the scene, Officer Corman listened for the kitten’s cries and determined that the kitten was perched inside the car’s front bumper, out of arm’s reach. First using compressed air, and then compressed water provided by an Alexandria police officer who also arrived on the scene, Corman was able to move the kitten to an opening where he could reach in and remove the kitten from the car. The kitten appeared to be upset, but healthy and was taken in by a building resident who has assumed care for it.