Alexandria’s beloved fall festival celebrating animals returns to Oronoco Bay Park on Sunday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering pet adoptions, live music, shopping, and family entertainment — all free to attend.
Paws in the Park, which benefits the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, will feature local artisans, nonprofits, and animal-focused businesses, along with food and beverage vendors including local cideries, breweries, wineries, bakeries, and food trucks.
Meet Green Bean, a 7-month-old pup whose cheerful personality and adorable wiggle are guaranteed to brighten your day.
This handsome brown-and-white “low rider” came to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) as a local stray in need of medical care. After recovering in a loving foster home, the 32-pound boy has blossomed into a playful, curious companion who’s ready for his forever family.
Meet Lena, a 4-year-old black and tan beauty who’s ready to become someone’s devoted companion. This 109-pound sweetheart is available for adoption through the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria and embodies the perfect balance of playfulness and affection.
Lena’s volunteers describe her as having “a heart as big as her cuddly body,” and her personality backs up that assessment. She’s an enthusiastic fetch player who will happily chase balls for as long as her human is willing to throw them. But when playtime winds down, this gentle giant transforms into a “leaner” who craves close contact with her favorite people.
Good morning, Alexandria! 👋 Today is Wednesday, Sept. 3, the 246th day of 2025. There are 119 days left in the year.
☀️ Today’s weather: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82 degrees. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Mostly clear tonight, with a low around 64 degrees. South wind around 7 mph.
Max knows what he wants in life: a fenced yard to lounge in, puzzle toys to solve, and a devoted human to lean against for scratches behind his perfectly mismatched ears.
The 3-year-old, 73-pound tan and black mixed breed at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria describes himself as more of a cuddler than a long-distance walker. This social, people-loving pup has already mastered the commands for sit and down, and his treat-motivated nature means there’s no limit to what he could learn with the right person.
After the recent adoption of last week’s featured pet Lucas, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) is highlighting another deserving canine ready for her forever home: Honey, a 2-year-old mixed breed whose warm personality matches her golden-tan coat.
Weighing 49 pounds, Honey represents the ideal companion for families seeking a dog past the unpredictable puppy stage but still energetic enough for an active lifestyle. Shelter volunteers describe her as affectionate and intelligent, with a temperament suited for both outdoor adventures and quiet evenings at home.
Lucas, a 7-month-old black and white pup with striking blue eyes, is looking for his forever home through the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s “Back to School” adoption event.
The 64-pound mixed breed has already mastered leash walking and would make an ideal companion for hiking or neighborhood strolls, according to AWLA volunteer Maria Stebbins. Lucas also excels at fetch and enjoys squeaky toys.
Some dogs just have that special something that makes you stop and smile. At the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, that dog is Ace – a stunning 2-year-old black brindle mix who’s looking for his forever adventure buddy.
With his striking coat pattern and soulful brown eyes, Ace is undeniably handsome. But it’s his zest for life that truly sets this 65-pound charmer apart. Despite being two years old, Ace still carries that infectious puppy energy that makes every day feel like a new adventure waiting to happen.
Roman is the kind of dog who commands attention the moment he walks into a room—and at 95 pounds with a striking steel-gray coat, he’s hard to miss. But don’t let his imposing size fool you. This 3-year-old is all heart, ready to trade his kennel for a cozy spot on your couch and a permanent place in your family.
A Perfect Family Addition
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.
