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,” she said.  

But when Courtney had no choice but to go to a homeless shelter for a while, her dog wasn’t allowed to accompany her. She called the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA), which had a solution. The shelter’s Crisis Care program, which provides temporary care for animals whose owners are experiencing a temporary crisis or emergency, could house her beloved pup while Courtney searched for a new home.

Courtney was greatly relieved that he had found a safe place to stay. “What sets [the AWLA] apart is that you understand people,” she said. “The community is so lucky to have you.”

The Crisis Care program takes in dozens of pets each year for temporary stays. People may seek help when fleeing domestic violence, after a sudden hospitalization or other emergencies, including experiencing homelessness. Many are referred to the AWLA by the City of Alexandria agencies who are assisting people in crisis. “Families often just need a week or two to figure out options for their pet,” said AWLA’s Director of Community Programs Joanna Fortin. “That really is the motivation for the program – the hope that by providing interim care, we enable them to stay with their pets in the long run.”

These temporary shelter residents may be sent out to foster homes or might spend their days in staffers’ offices rather than in kennels, said AWLA Community Programs Coordinator Demetrius Jackson, who manages the program with Fortin. Jackson stays in close contact with the animals’ owners, working with them to contact their friends, family and neighbors to line up temporary housing for the animals. Most of the animals ultimately return to their owners, he said.

Like Courtney, another Alexandria resident faced a stark choice: Stay in her home to endure continuing domestic violence or leave — and abandon her beloved Yorkshire terrier. She brought her dog to the AWLA.

“Sometimes a pet is the only other living being who has endured the trauma that the person has been through; it creates such a strong bond,” said Fortin. “Being able to preserve that relationship is so important to their mental health.”

After a few weeks at the city shelter, the woman was able to arrange permanent housing for herself — and a reunion with her dog.

“When animals are reunited with their person, they often run toward them, so happy to see them,” Jackson said. “I feel a little release, knowing that they’re going back to their family, the people they love.”

This story was originally printed in the Alexandria Gazette on July 21 (page 7).