Meet Mia, a sweet, smart pup from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria who is eager to make new friends.
At just over a year old, Mia loves playing tug and fetch, and a volunteer with the AWLA told ALXnow that she’s picking up training pretty quickly. She also savors a good nap.
Meet Spike, a happy dog at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria who is full of energy.
The three-year-old furry friend weighs 49 pounds and is known by his distinctive tri-colored coat “and a personality that can’t be beat,” an AWLA volunteer told ALXnow.
Meet Drako, a one-year-old pup at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria who is ready to explore the world with a new family.
Drako “would be a lovely companion on weekend road-trips and sniffy neighborhood walks,” an AWLA volunteer wrote. He’s also confident and easygoing around other dogs, and “never passed on making a new friend,” according to his pet profile.
Meet Leo, a sweet dog who’s been spending his days at an area foster home through the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
At one year and seven months old, Leo carries the personality of a “polite young gentleman,” an AWLA volunteer wrote. He enjoys going on walks and playing with squeaky toys, and has a good time socializing with other furry friends.
Meet Boone, a puppy from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria who just experienced his first snow with his foster home as he awaits a forever family.
The 7-month-old Boone weighs about 32 pounds and still has some growing to do. He would love a buddy who can take him on walks or hikes and give him enriching activities, like food puzzles. He “is sure to bring sunshine to your life through his playful puppy energy,” wrote a volunteer at AWLA.
Meet Inu, a happy pup at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria who loves tug-of-war, hiking and long walks.
Two-year-old Inu weighs about 56 pounds, thrives with lots of affection and is super outdoorsy — he “would be thrilled to go on woodland hikes or neighborhood strolls, as long as he’s by your side,” according to an AWLA volunteer. While he may be active, “he transforms into a cuddle bug at the end of active days.”
There are 76 items up for bid in the Animal Welfare League’s Paws in the Park silent auction. The final day to make a bid is 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19.
The cancelation of the Paws in the Park fundraiser at Oronoco Bay Park due to weather on Oct. 12 was a blow to the AWLA, as it’s the biggest moneymaker for the nonprofit every year. Consequently, the silent auction deadline was extended, and items include second-row seats for the Washington Capitals game against the New York Rangers on Dec. 23, a week-long vacation in the Outer Banks, a U.S. flag flown over the Capitol, and lunch with U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-8th).
National veterinary chain Livewell Animal Hospital will hold its grand opening in Old Town on Saturday, Oct. 4.
The event will be held at the hospital’s location at in the Atrium building at 277 S. Washington Street in Old Town. The event is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and visitors will get hospital tours, a chance to meet the veterinary team, get free pet caricatures, and enjoy snacks (for pets and their humans), according to Livewell.
Local businesses are being praised for their efforts in supporting the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA).
AWLA recently thanked several contributors to its Adopt-the-Shelter program, where the names of donors and the amounts donated are displayed at the shelter’s dog yard, community room, visiting rooms, and other areas. The program has resulted in tens of thousands of dollars in donations, including $2,500 from Old Town Books, which funded the addition of “Book Buddies shelves” in the Cat Adoption Room, allowing children to read to rabbits, guinea pigs, cats, and other small animals.
An Alexandria man charged with felony animal abuse was granted bail on July 24 (Thursday), despite objections from the Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Kevin Malik Sanders was granted a $10,000 bail on personal recognizance and goes to court for a three-day jury trial starting Feb. 2, 2026, according to the Alexandria Clerk of Court. The 29-year-old was arrested on July 21, 2025, after the death of a three-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. The Commonwealth’s Attorney released allegations of abuse in an effort to keep him behind bars (see below).
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.
