For a silver-colored wire-haired terrier mix named Trixie, life just keeps getting better: She was adopted and brought to the home of Susan Senn and her husband, Jim Senn soon started taking her out for “walkabouts” in their spacious backyard. Trixie then figured out that those intimidating stairs in the house were just right for flying up and down. And, she learned that good behavior equals delicious treats. 

But life wasn’t always this cushy for Trixie. Trixie was actually known as Kitara when she arrived at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) in February. Rescued from a Miami, Fla., area shelter by True & Faithful Pet Rescue Mission, Kitara had then gone to a foster home, where she gave birth to stillborn puppies. True & Faithful determined that Kitara needed special attention — and contacted the AWLA so that she could be transferred.  

Trixie, originally known as Kitara, as she awaited adoption at the AWLA. The dog was transferred in from Florida and quickly found a new home in Northern Virginia. Photo by DeSilva Studios, LLC.

“We transfer in many animals from areas where there aren’t enough resources to care for the number of animals in need,” said AWLA Transfer & Training Coordinator Erin Short. “We try to bring in at least one transfer group a week, many of them from southern Virginia and West Virginia. We have a hugely supportive community here who open their hearts and homes to these animals, who may not have had the best start in life.”  

About 700 animals of all species are transferred in to the AWLA each year. In March, for example, the AWLA transported 50 cats from shelters in Texas that were overwhelmed by the February snowstorms and power outages. Of those cats, 20 remained with the AWLA to find their families while the others continued on to other area shelters and rescues. The AWLA also has transferred in rabbits, reptiles and even rats and mice. 

Trixie snuggles with adoptive parent Jim Senn. Photo by Susan Senn.

Upon arrival at the AWLA, Kitara received a medical and behavioral examination by the staff veterinarian, who detected a heart murmur; a veterinary heart specialist confirmed the diagnosis with an echocardiogram. Kitara also tested positive for Lyme disease, and the dog was prescribed an antibiotic for treatment, said Veterinary & Foster Care Manager Arianne Killen, who assists with many animals’ medical exams. Killen says that with proper treatment and care, Kitara, who’s now about four years old, should be able to lead a normal life. 

Despite her medical challenges, Kitara was the “cutest, most social girl,” said AWLA Director of Operations Katie DeMent, who conducted the dog’s intake exam. “It appeared that she had been very well cared for,” DeMent said. “She obviously had been someone’s pet.” Kitara quickly found her happy place at the AWLA, hanging out with the front-desk staff, taking naps at their feet. It was clear she soon would be ready for adoption. 

Susan Senn of Arlington had been seeking a new dog for some time, checking the AWLA website first thing every morning. She finally got the chance to meet Kitara, and after a thorough discussion with the shelter staff, Senn decided to adopt her. Senn took Kitara home on March 4. 

Now “Trixie,” the pup has blended seamlessly with Senn and her family, even their cat, Dolly. On her first night, Senn’s husband felt she needed some company, so he took her from her crate at midnight and slept with her on the couch. “She loves my husband, and she runs to him wagging her tail when he comes in,” Senn said.   

Trixie makes herself comfortable in her new home. Photo by Susan Senn.

On Trixie’s second night in her new home, she walked right into the crate, lay down and slept all night. But the following night, Senn says, she picked Trixie up and put her on the bed when it was time to go to sleep. “She crawled right between us and spent the night. Every day there seems to be something new.” 

This story was originally printed in the Alexandria Gazette on March 25.