PRESS RELEASE: Pair of Senior Dogs Looking for the Greatest Holiday Gift of All
Media Contact: Regina Hardter
(703) 746-5662
communications@alexandriaanimals.org
Pair of Senior Dogs Looking for the Greatest Holiday Gift of All
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Dec. 21, 2020) — Princesa and Chaquira are more than best friends. Nine-year-old German shepherd mix Chaquira is also the mother of 8-year-old Princesa, and the two have been inseparable since Princesa’s birth. The pair were surrendered to a shelter in Miami in November when their owner could no longer care for them, and the “bonded” senior pair were in danger of not finding homes together…or perhaps at all.
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) was contacted by partner organization True & Faithful Pet Rescue Mission, a non-profit that helps at-risk animals from facilities in Florida and Texas by transferring them to other shelters that might be better equipped to find them homes. The team at the AWLA knew how devastating separating these two senior dogs would be and immediately agreed to take them in, along with 12 other dogs of various ages and breeds.
“Senior dogs like Princesa and Chaquira have spent their whole lives giving love to others,” said AWLA Executive Director Stella Hanly, “and they deserve just as much love in their older years.”
Chaquira and Princesa have provided each other with the support they each need, as their environment has changed radically over the course of a month, but they’ve maintained their amiability and gentle dispositions throughout it all. The pair are described by AWLA staff as “calm,” “sweet” and “so loyal.” They are great around other dogs as well as each other, and enjoy slow, leisurely walks, thorough ear scratches and treats of all varieties.
“This time of year, it just breaks my heart to see two such sweet girls without a family,” said Hanly. “We know the right person or people are out there for them, and it would be the greatest gift of all to find them before the year is over!”
If you are interested in learning more about Chaquira and Princesa or scheduling time to meet them by appointment either virtually or in-person, please email us at holidayadoption@alexandriaanimals.org or call 703.746.4774. Their adoption fees have been pre-paid by Priority Automotive Group as part of the AWLA’s Home for the Pawlidays event.
Left: Chaquira and Princesa smile for the camera at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Right: Chaquira and Princesa are ready for the holidays. Individual photos also available upon request. Photos courtesy of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
###
About the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is a local 501(c)(3) organization that operates the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, Alexandria’s only open-access animal shelter. In response to the global pandemic, the AWLA has initiated a virtual adoption process that has seen adoption of hundreds of pets and is operating a Pet Pantry that has provided more than 12,000 pounds of pet food and supplies. They also have launched a virtual event series for children and adults and offer assistance to Alexandrians with questions about wildlife and animals in the community. More information can be found at AlexandriaAnimals.org.