animals | ALXnow

Alexandria dog daycare owner sued for $585K two years after dog’s death

Published July 31, 2026 at 3:45PM | Updated August 1, 2026 at 3:20AM

Your Dog's Best Friends at 2000 Richmond Highway (via Google Maps)

The owner of a dog that died after being abused at an award-winning dog daycare in Del Ray has sued the business owner for $585,000.

Earlier this month, Andrew Cheslock filed a civil suit against Paul Haire, the owner of Your Dog’s Best Friends (2000 Richmond Highway). It’s been two years since Cheslock’s 14-month-old golden retriever Abigail died after being strangled by Kevin Malik Sanders, a former groomer who pleaded guilty to one count of felony animal cruelty and four misdemeanor counts of animal abuse. Cheslock’s suit was filed soon after Sanders surrendered to authorities to serve a two-year prison sentence.

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Adoptable pet of the week: Golden girl Charlotte will be your chill sidekick

By Emily Leayman

Published July 31, 2026 at 2:45PM

Adoptable senior dog Charlotte (via AWLA)

If you’re in need of a mellow office assistant at your home, look no further than Charlotte.

Meet Charlotte, a 10-year-old golden girl who will be a reliable companion for strolls around the block or time lounging at home. According to an AWLA volunteer, the senior’s ideal day is moving from her dog bed to the couch and back with her human at her side.

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Alexandria man charged with animal cruelty after allegedly throwing woman’s dog

By James Cullum

Published July 31, 2026 at 1:45PM | Updated July 31, 2026 at 2:02PM

Alexandria police cruiser (staff photo by James Jarvis)

An Alexandria man was arrested earlier this month for cruelty to animals after allegedly picking up and throwing a woman’s companion dog and injuring it in Oakville Triangle.

On Thursday, July 2, the dog’s owner reported that around 10:15 p.m., the suspect allegedly picked up her companion animal “twice without due cause or lawful permission to do so,” according to a recently released search warrant affidavit. The incident occurred near the suspect’s apartment building in the 400 block of Swann Avenue, in the city’s Oakville Triangle neighborhood near Potomac Yard.

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Adoptable pet of the week: A mix of energetic and zen from Ares

By Emily Leayman

Published July 24, 2026 at 9:15AM

Adoptable Ares (via Animal Welfare League of Alexandria)

Meet Ares, a large dog with lots of love to give.

This 4-year-old dog at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria offers a good balance of an energetic and chill nature. Ares enjoys running and playing but won’t want to miss his cuddle time too.

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Adoptable pet of the week: Petite Ginger seeks a quiet home

By Emily Leayman

Published July 17, 2026 at 1:15PM

Ginger is available for adoption (via AWLA)

Meet Ginger, a petite pup seeking a quiet home to land in.

This gentle dog at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria needs a patient family who will move at her pace until she gets comfortable. She enjoys snuggling up once she feels safe with her person, an AWLA volunteer told ALXnow.

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AWLA taps into emergency vet fund to help dogs after Alexandria house fire

By Emily Leayman

Published July 16, 2026 at 11:45AM | Updated July 16, 2026 at 3:57PM

Senior dogs Dunya and Jasnah received emergency vet care after being displaced by a house fire (via Animal Welfare League of Alexandria)

Two dogs recently surrendered to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria due to a house fire have received emergency care, but that has put a strain on the organization’s emergency veterinary fund.

Senior dogs Dunya and Jasnah had been surrendered due to a displacement from a house fire. The animal shelter operator confirmed to ALXnow that the dogs were from the house fire Monday (July 13) in the 600 block of N. Ripley Street.

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Adoptable pet of the week: Mac the fun-loving sidekick

By Emily Leayman

Published July 9, 2026 at 3:45PM

Adoptable Mac (via AWLA)

Meet Mac, a fun companion who hasn’t met a person he didn’t like.

Mac will enthusiastically greet you with doggie kisses and loves to play games like tug-of-war. He also likes to show off his smarts with tricks like “sit” and “down.” But he’s ready to learn more with the bribery of treats.

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AWLA wins largest grant in its history to address veterinary care access

By Emily Leayman

Published July 8, 2026 at 1:45PM

Vaccine clinic hosted by the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (via AWLA)

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria has won the largest grant in its 80-year history as it continues an initiative to improve access to veterinary care.

AWLA announced today (July 8) that it was awarded $600,000 from the PetSmart Charities Incubator grant program over the next three years. It marks the second phase of the Incubator grant, following $100,000 provided to AWLA in July 2025.

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Adoptable pet of the week: Mocha will tag along on your outdoor adventures

By Emily Leayman

Published July 2, 2026 at 3:15PM

Adoptable Mocha (via AWLA)

Meet Mocha, a former stray who will melt the heart of her next owner.

Mocha came to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria as a stray and is looking for a home of her own. She prefers the company of people over toys and would love to accompany her owner wherever they venture to.

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Adoptable pet of the week: Social Rufus is living out his golden years

By Emily Leayman

Published June 26, 2026 at 9:15AM

Adoptable Rufus (via AWLA)

Meet Rufus, a handsome older dog looking for a home for his golden years.

This 10-year-old dog is outgoing and loves to make new friends, according to an Animal Welfare League of Alexandria volunteer. He is eager to make a loving companion for his next family.

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Adoptable pet of the week: Gentle Bart looks for home with love and treats

By Emily Leayman

Published June 19, 2026 at 2:45PM

Bart, an adoptable dog at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (via AWLA)

Meet Bart, a large-breed dog from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria who could use a home with lots of love and treats.

This handsome pup can be shy at first, but his sweet personality will soon take over after meeting new people. He loves being with people and appears to get along well with other dogs, an AWLA volunteer told ALXnow.