An elderly, golden-haired cocker spaniel named Solo is, ironically, looking for some companionship.
The 10-year old spaniel at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (4101 Eisenhower Avenue) has a number of tricks he’s been showing off in foster care — like sit, stay, down and come — but also has a more specialized ability to find treats hidden around a room on command.
“With his golden, flowing locks and award-winning smile, you might think Solo was an international dog model, but in fact, he’s just a sweet senior spaniel looking for a home,” said Gina Hardter, spokeswoman for the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
Solo has a liver condition, but it’s well managed with medication, Hardter said.
“He plays like a puppy, but he’s a perfect gentleman on a walk,” Hardter said. “Despite his puppy-like demeanor, he’s looking for a home in the company of like-minded adults (or older children) where he can snuggle, play and enjoy the occasional well-deserved nap in the sun.”
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If you had a chance to enhance a child’s future with a time commitment of less than 2 hours a week, how would you respond? You have that opportunity right now to join over 200 Alexandrians as a reading tutor volunteer with the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium (ATC).
ATC tutors work with one child in kindergarten, first, or second grade in Alexandria public schools who need extra help with reading. Tutors meet with their Book Buddy 1-2 times each week for 30 minutes October-May at school, during school hours. Many struggling readers only receive one-on-one instruction through this program, and it makes all the difference. Last year, ATC served 195 children, of whom 82% ended the year reading on grade level and 96% made substantial reading gains. But the need is great, and we are still seeing learning lags from the pandemic.
This year, ATC plans to significantly increase the size of the program to reach over 250 students and to serve every elementary school in Alexandria. This is very exciting news, but we will only succeed if we can recruit more tutors. ATC trains you, matches you with a child, and provides ongoing lesson materials and support.

If you have been thinking about buying your first home or haven’t owned one in the last three years, THIS IS FOR YOU!
In the DMV area, it can be difficult to save the downpayment necessary for you to get into your own home. We have a solution. The Funder’s Summit!
We have assembled a summit with different municipalities to tell you how to access their funds for your home purchase.
Family Fun Fall Fest
Mark your calendars and join us for the Family Fun Fall Fest on Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 11am – 2pm!
This FREE in-person event will be held at the Shoppes at Foxchase, located at 4641 Duke St, Alexandria, VA
2023 Alexandria Fall Festival
Food trucks, bounce houses, pony rides, magic shows and more at the 2023 Alexandria Fall Festival, an Alexandria Living event presented by The Patterson Group. Join us at River Farm on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.