Planning for Emergencies Should Keep Pets in Mind September is National Preparedness Month, a reminder that everyone should plan year-round how to handle an emergency for the whole family – including pets. Hurricanes, floods, ice storms and fires can require quick action, and preparing in advance can save lives. Survival can come down to crucial details. For example, stocking a …
Senior Dog Makes Dramatic Transformation During Stay at AWLA
The tricolor American foxhound mix zooming around the Alexandria yard at the speed of a cheetah looks to be about 11 months old rather than the dog’s actual 11 years. But that’s only one sign of the recent transformation of Louie the super-dog. Louie’s journey began in January, when he first came to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA). …
Another Summer of Fun and Learning with the AWLA’s Summer Camp
The AWLA’s summer camp is coming to a close after nine weeks of fun and interactive humane education that included: touring the shelter, meeting a variety of animals, learning more about the world of animal welfare and crafting creative (and occasionally tasty) treats for animals. Check out just some of the activities this year’s summer campers experienced. Animals of All …
Veterinary Care for Pets of All Types
Veterinary care is important for all pets, not just dogs and cats. That’s why, on Saturday, July 30, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria hosted a Community Wellness Event focused specifically on some of our smaller furry friends: rabbits and guinea pigs.
Temporary Stays for Pets at Shelter Provide Lifeline for People in Crisis
When Courtney R. of Alexandria reached a low point in her life — unhoused, ill and without a dime — her one source of comfort was her dog. A black, white and gray Chihuahua-shepherd mix, the pup had stood by Courtney through numerous crises. “He has the biggest heart, and I know he would lay down his life for me,” …
REPOST: Keeping Cool During the Dog Days of Summer
We all feel it when the summer weather heats up, especially those of us with built-in fur coats. As you’re looking for ways to cool off during the warmer weather, consider trying to make a tasty treat for your canine companion(s) as well! *Please check with your veterinarian to ensure that treats and flavorings suggested below are safe for …
Cats and Dogs Overcome Fear, Learn Manners at Shelter
An orange tabby known as Josiah was fearful and disoriented, and he would nip at people who came too close. Volunteers at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) alerted Behavior and Training Manager Joe Miench, who determined that this was a cat who would need some extra attention. Miench quickly noticed that the cat’s whiskers had been trimmed, sometime …
Kitten Season is Up and Purring at the AWLA
It was three in the morning, and this wasn’t the first time Bonny M. had been up that night at her Alexandria home. Only two hours had gone by, but it was time for yet another feeding for tiny Bentley and Cupid, two newborn kittens, one of them orange and the other mostly white. Bleary-eyed herself, Bonny still had an …
AWLA’s Pets & People Events Return Throughout the City
It was a cool, breezy day on the morning of April 30, the perfect weather for the return of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s Pets & People Community Wellness Events. Held from 10 a.m. to noon, this past Saturday’s event was the first held at Stevenson Park, helping to serve the needs of pets in Alexandria’s West End – …
Specialized Care All in Day’s Work at Animal Shelter
A 10-month-old cream-colored Himalayan cat transferred to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) was friendly and beautiful – but not quite ready for adoption. The AWLA’s veterinary team discovered that, besides needing to be spayed, Lyla was experiencing an umbilical hernia that would require surgery. Lyla didn’t have to go far to get the help she needed. She was …