Try saying “no” to Cocoa. Seriously, look at those puppy eyes.
Cocoa is a three-year-old brown and white pitbull who — like Sugar — works as an “office dog” at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) at 4101 Eisenhower Avenue.
Gina Hardter, spokesperson for the AWLA, said Cocoa has devised the perfect “puppy dog stare” to get what she wants. Usually, that’s snuggling and big hugs, with Hardter said Cocoa is very fond of.
“Sometimes Cocoa needs a little time to warm up to new things, but other times, she’s happy to give them a try,” Hardter said. “Check out Cocoa’s first experience with carrots.”
There’s just one catch: if Cocoa moves into a home with a cat or another dog, they should meet first at the shelter to make sure they’re compatible, according to shelter staff.
Photo courtesy Animal Welfare League of AlexandriaÂ
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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.