Meet Nena! This girl is a 3-year-old brown and white dog in need of a special forever home.

She can be nervous so a quiet and calm home would be perfect for her, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“We are unsure of what Nena’s life was like before arriving at the AWLA, but the world can be an overwhelming place for her,” said Shackelford. “We think her home would not have kids or other dogs.”

As Nena still has a lot to learn, she needs space and parents with patience to help her learn. Her checklist of skills to learn include walking on a leash and learning that the outdoors aren’t so scary.

Nena needs a very special home and to find her special person or persons.

To learn more about Nena, you can read her entire profile. And to start the adoption process email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) announced today a low-cost canine training program called Alexandria Animal Academy.

The new program is set to start on Jan. 21 and will feature an eight-week virtual course coaching both parents and pets in various fields, from confidence building to leash reactivity.

“The course includes 8-weeks of virtual coaching (both live and recorded) and tailored instruction from a certified professional dog trainer, a starter pack with basic materials to be successful, lifelong access to the course materials, and opportunities to build community with other dog parents facing the same issues,” AWLA said in a release.

Introducing Alexandria Animal Academy dog behavior and training community courses! The canine courses have been crafted to teach pets and people to live better together. Sign up to attend our Zoom info session and Q&A on Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. https://t.co/NTFHt8ytP8 pic.twitter.com/kfLoIV6vkK

— AWLA Alexandria (@AlexAnimals) November 2, 2023

The program is being led by Alli Holte, the behavior and training coordinator for AWLA who works one-on-one with dogs at the shelter who need behavioral work.

After the course, there are three free follow-up sessions for up to six months after the coursework is completed.

The courses can cover:

• Confidence Building: “This track is for pups who show signs of shyness, fearfulness, and stress, and who might act in aggressive ways (growling, snapping, barking) when faced with novel people, places, or things.”
• Chill Out: “This track is for pups with big feelings! If your dog loses their mind when the mail carrier comes, has a hard time calming down at the end of the day, or nearly tears your arm off every time they see a squirrel, ‘Chill Out’ might be the right fit for you.”
• Leash Reactivity: “This track is for pups who have big feelings when they see scary things during leash walks. If your dog snarls and snaps when they see a stranger, pulls you into traffic to get closer to another dog, or pancakes when a city bus rumbles by, ‘Leash Reactivity’ might be the right fit for you.

Enrollment for an 8-week course is $200, or $300 for two tracks, or $350 for all three tracks. The course content is also available for $100 for those that don’t want to attend the live Zoom sessions or receive feedback/personalized training plans.

AWLA said a limited number of needs-based scholarships are also available.

“Please contact us at [email protected],” AWLA said, “or register for the live Zoom session on Wednesday, November 15 at 6 p.m. if you would like information on the scholarship option.”

Registration for the program is set to run from Dec. 1-Dec. 31.

Photo via AWLA/Facebook

Are you searching for a furry companion who can light up any room? Meet Rita, a 9-year-old black dog up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

Rita and her happy-go-lucky attitude, plus her adorable ears is a complete package! This girl also has impeccable leash manners, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“Overall, she’s very easygoing and calm,” said Shackelford. “She also knows sit, paw, and some sign language commands.”

Rita does well meeting new people and other animals. She is also crate trained and house trained. This girl would make a great addition to any family!

Be sure to read Rita’s entire profile to learn more about her. Rita’s adoption fee has been sponsored. And to start the adoption process email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774.

Say hello to Bobby who is up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria!

This 1-year-old male tuxedo kitty is perfect in every way and looking for a special place to call home. Bobby has a large personality, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“Bobby will certainly keep his family entertained with his antics,” said Shackelford. “He will need a family that can dedicate time to play with him (wand toys are the best) and also provide enrichment toys like licky mats and food puzzles to keep his brain active.”

This playfully cute guy is such a charmer and will never say no to some affection!

To learn more about Bobby, you can read his entire profile. And to start the adoption process email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774.

Onyx and Garnet are two adorable pups up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

These two have been through a lot, both arriving separately at the AWLA and very scared. Once the AWLA Behavior Team began working with Garnet she started to improve but Onyx was still very scared, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“Our Behavior Team decided to reintroduce them,” said Shackelford. “When Onyx saw Garnet, a switch flipped — he was so excited!”

Though they arrived separately, it was clear they were bonded once reintroduced. These two are clearly better together and ready to find a forever home.

Want to see more of these adorable two? Watch the story of Onyx and Garnet!

To learn more about Onyx and Garnet, check out their entire profiles. And to start the adoption process email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774.

(Updated 10/3) Paws in the Park, a pet-themed festival, is returning next Sunday (Oct. 15) to Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison Street).

The event is the biggest pet adoption event of the year for the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA). Activities include a dog costume contest, a “pet parade,” and activities for both pets and owners.

The event started back in 2017 with pet businesses coordinating a block party to celebrate local animals, and over the years the event has continued to grow. Paws in the Park runs from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and features shopping, music, food and drink, and pets available for adoption. Event proceeds benefit the AWLA.

Who's ready to paw-ty? Paws in the Park is Sunday, October 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Oronoco Bay Park. Paws in the Park brings together shopping, music, food and drink, and lots of adoptable animals. The event is FREE to attend! #alexanimals #alexandriava https://t.co/6SYo9m0Xcz pic.twitter.com/VmlErPotkm

— AWLA Alexandria (@AlexAnimals) October 1, 2023

Meet the adorable Cooper!

This white and tan senior pup is looking for a forever home and is currently up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

Searching for a loving place to live out his golden years, Cooper is super sweet with unconditional love to give. He is still very much active and loves going on walks, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“Cooper is very social and loves to give lots (and lots) of kisses,” said Shackelford. “Cooper has never met a stranger — he makes extremely fast friends!”

With a few years under his belt, Cooper knows a few tricks. He of course knows to not use the bathroom indoors and knows to sit and shake — or “paw”. This lovable guy is ready to chill in his forever home with his forever family!

If you’re interested in meeting Cooper, email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774, option 2. And be sure to check out his entire profile!

Say hello to this sweet and very huggable dog, Huggies!

This all black pup is up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria and is currently in foster.

Huggies is very comfortable and confident, and also housetrained, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford. He loves playtime, exercise and is very responsive to commands.

“He does need some additional work on his leash manners,” said Shackelford. “We think he would thrive as an only pup in the home.”

Huggies loves affection and is always up for some cuddles!

If you’re interested in meeting Huggies, email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774, option 2. And be sure to check out his entire profile!

Named after the Bronte siblings, Branwell and Charlotte are two sweet kittens up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

Branwell and Charlotte are two of the most happiest kittens and would make wonderful companions, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford. Branwell is a handsome black and white male kitten, and Charlotte is a beautiful gray and white female kitten.

Both kittens have been diagnosed with FeLV (feline leukemia virus), which is common in cats. FeLV cannot be cured, but those diagnosed can live a happy symptom free life with the right care!

“Their lifespan is usually shorter — the average lifespan of an FeLV+ kitten is 2-3 years, but they can live longer,” said Shackelford. “FeLV+ cats should not live with other cats who do not already have the disease, as the virus can be spread to other cats.”

These two fluff balls are happy, healthy and full of energy!

Like any other kittens they enjoy treats, especially Churus and are very playful. They love playing with feather wands and pipe cleaner toys.

If interested in talking with the adoption and veterinary teams about caring for an FeLV+ cat, please email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774. And don’t forget to read more about Branwell and Charlotte by checking out their entire profiles!

Prince is a very handsome 1-year-old pup up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

This all white pup with the black button nose is a bit shy at first, but warms up once getting to know you, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“As he is young, we do think he’d thrive in a home with a yard or an active individual to take him on walks, runs, or other outdoor adventures,” said Shackelford. “Prince absolutely adores toys! He can be found prancing around the shelter with a stuffed toy in his mouth.”

Prince knows to share his toys and loves to chase them!

This pup is also very smart and continued training will definitely help stimulate him mentally.

His adoption fees have been paid and Prince’s new family will receive a year’s supply of healthy, nutritious dog food, plus toys and treats thanks to Pampered Pet Boutique and Barkery!

To learn more about Prince, you can read his entire profile. And to start the adoption process email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774.