An Alexandria man is behind bars for allegedly abusing several dogs, leading to the death of one dog, at an award-winning boarding facility in Del Ray.
Kevin Malik Sanders, 29, was arrested on July 21, 2025, after the death of a two-year-old Golden Retriever named Abigail at Your Dog’s Best Friends (2000 Richmond Highway) on July 12, 2024. He was charged with four Class 1 misdemeanors and one count of felony animal abuse and is being held without bond.
Meet Abi, a sweet 4-year-old boy who loves to explore a grassy yard and hang out with his humans. This 59-pound love bug is the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s (AWLA) featured adoptable dog this week, and he’s receiving rave reviews from his current foster family.
At four years old, Abi is out of his puppy stage but still has lots of energy to play and join you on all your adventures. He loves a good run in the yard and playing fetch with his people, although he is still working on returning items during fetch. He’s eager to please and learn new things, making him an ideal companion for an active family.
Despite being “cute as a button” and possessing all the charm of a young puppy, Connie has been waiting at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) for her forever family to find her. The 37-pound black and white pup, who came to the shelter as a local stray, is ready to bring joy and energy to the right household.
At just 10 months old, Connie embodies everything people love about puppies—she’s playful, affectionate, and eager to please. Her favorite pastimes include chasing squeaky toys (which “hate to see this playful pup coming,” according to AWLA), going on walks and runs, and being the center of attention with new people she meets.
Alexandria’s government offices will be closed on Friday, July 4, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t have a good time.
Here’s what you need to know about city services on Independence Day.
A recent social media post from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria just went viral on Facebook and Instagram.
The short video shows what appears to be Pit Bull mixes with wigs, and the message: “Our dogs thought it would help them get adopted if we listed their breed. This goes against our policy, but they were adamant.”
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) is expanding its community outreach efforts with the launch of its summer Alexandria Animal Academy, a comprehensive dog training program designed to help pet owners build stronger relationships with their four-legged companions.
The seven-week virtual training program, which begins Sunday, July 6, offers three specialized learning tracks targeting common behavioral challenges that dog owners face. At $200 per track, the courses aim to make professional dog training accessible to families throughout the region.
Meet your new best friend, Ren – this week’s adoptable dog of the week!
Available for adoption from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA), Ren is a 4-year-old female mixed breed.
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) is hosting a special adoption event this weekend, waiving fees for larger dogs to help them find homes more quickly.
Their “Splish, Splash Big Dog Adoption Bash” runs from June 6-8 and covers all pups weighing 40 pounds or more.
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) is seeking a permanent home for Steve, a 7-year-old, 90-pound dog currently residing with a foster family.
Steve is a laid-back and easygoing companion who does great on leash walks and gets along well with other dogs during playdates.
Good Tuesday morning, Alexandria!
🌥️ Today’s weather: Scattered showers, mainly after 5 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71 degrees. Light and variable wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning. The chance of precipitation is 30%. Showers tonight. Low around 56 degrees. South wind around 8 mph, becoming east after midnight. The chance of precipitation is 80%—new precipitation amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch are possible.
Meet your new best friend, Safari – this week’s adoptable dog of the week!
Safari is a 2-year-old female mixed-breed available for adoption from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA).
