Paws In The Park, Alexandria’s biggest annual animal-focused event is returning on Sunday (October 16).
More than 50 adoptable pets will be on-hand at Old Town’s Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison Street) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We’re talking about probably close to 50 adoptable animals, mostly dogs and cats,” said Animal Welfare League of Alexandria spokesperson Gina Hardter. “It’s gonna take over the entire park. It’s fun for the whole family stuff for kids. We’ve got stuff for adults and well behaved leashed pets are welcome as well.”
There will be music and food at the event, which is free to attend.
Participating shelter and rescue organizations:
- Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
- AERO Animal Rescue
- A Forever Home Rescue Foundation, Inc.
- Australian Shepherds Furever
- Canine Companions
- Humane Society of Fairfax County
- K-9 Caring Angels
- Margaret’s Saving Grace Bully Rescue
- Miri’s Haven Senior Dog Rescue
- Mount Vernon Animal Rescue
- Oldies But Goodies Cocker Rescue
- Project Second Chance
- Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue
- Squishy Face Crew Virginia
- Tails High Inc.
- Tails of Hope
- Wildlife Rescue League
Bareil and Quark do everything together.
The bonded kitties are looking for a new home to share, and are up for adoption with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
Bareil is a seven-month-old gray and white male domestic short-haired kitten, and Quark is a seven-month-old male gray tabby.
“Like all young cats, they have a lot of energy and playfulness, and they are as happy playing with and entertaining each other as they are with their human friends, so they are great at keeping each other occupied when you’re busy,” said AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter. “Their adorable antics are also so much fun to watch.”
Schedule time to meet this dynamic duo by visiting AlexandriaAnimals.org/Adopt-
Betty doesn’t subscribe to the notion that black cats crossing paths are bad luck.
The nine-year-old female black medium-haired cat is up for adoption with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
“Betty is definitely channeling her zen vibe,” said AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter. ” She’s not the kind of cat you’ll find climbing the curtains; her preferred perch is on the couch, by your side, maybe taking in a Netflix binge of Midsomer Murders.”
Learn more and schedule time to meet Betty by emailing [email protected] or calling 703-746-4774.
Baby likes her independence.
The three-year-old gray tabby is up for adoption with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. She might have a “resting grump face,” but doesn’t mean it.
“Once she gets to know her new friends, she loves to be by your side, enjoying watching you read or taking in the latest stories on TV — even if her face doesn’t show it,” said AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter. “She’s the kind of cat who is comfortable doing her own thing and doesn’t always need to be by your side – though she does enjoy some good ear and chin scratches when you are hanging out.”
Baby is spending time with a foster family, and her adoption fees have been paid by a generous donor. Schedule time to meet Baby from her foster home by emailing Adopt@
Coal loves to play games, especially hide-and-seek.
The two-year-old female black domestic short-haired cat is up for adoption with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter says that Coal has an encouraging personality.
“She’s always ready with a gentle head butt to let you know when you are scratching her chin just right,” Hardter said. “When Coal determines she’s the house panther for you, consider yourself lucky, because you have made a friend for life.”
Coal is currently staying with an AWLA foster caregiver, so to learn more about her and schedule time to meet her from her foster home, email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774 (opt. 2).
Maven loves to watch birds and squirrels from the window of his foster home.
The two-year-old brown tabby seems shy at first, but opens up when he’s excited, says Gina Hardter, spokesperson for the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
“Maven loves to share with his friends how thrilled he is about mealtime, a new crinkly ball or the happenings outside the window,” Hardter said.
Maven is staying with an AWLA foster caregiver, and to learn more about him, email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774 (option 2).
Boots, a 5-year-old male black and white domestic short-haired cat with white spats, is up for adoption with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
He’s a bit shy when you first meet him, but warms up fast, says AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter.
“His favorite thing is head scratches,” Hardter said. “Boots is also an energetic gent who loves to spend some of that energy playing with his toys, especially pipe cleaners.”
Boots is currently available from an AWLA foster home, but you can learn more about him or schedule time to meet him by emailing [email protected] or calling 703-746-4774 (opt. 2).
Toys, treats and neck rubs — Kitty knows what he wants.
The four-year-old gray and white male domestic short-haired cat is up for adoption with the Animal Welfare league of Alexandria.
“Once Kitty gets to know you, be prepared for a loyal companion,” said AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter. “Kitty is also a keen observer, fascinated as much by the people around him as the birds out the window, and he can’t wait to see what he can…well, see from the vantage point of his new home.”
Hardter said Kitty is a fan of all kinds of toys, treats and head and neck rubs.
Schedule time to meet Kitty at AlexandriaAnimals.org/Adopt-
Nobody is quite sure why, but Lars has lived at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria for a while without being adopted.
The two-year-old male gray and while domestic short-haired cat has been staying with a foster family lately.
“Lars is the perfect Office Administrator for a work-at-home lifestyle,” AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter told ALXNow. “If you’re at your desk, Lars wants to be right by your side…or on your desk…or your keyboard, helping you along every step of the way.”
Lars’ adoption fees have been pre-paid by a generous donor, so if you’d like to learn more about meeting him in his foster home, email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774.
Malt is always dressed to impress.
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria says that the adoption fee has been covered for the three-year-old male black and white “tuxedo” cat.
“Malt is an energetic young cat who loves chasing wand toys, climbing to the top of ‘Mount Cat Tower’ and watching the world go by from his windowed enclosure at the AWLA,” AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter told ALXnow. “Although he’d love it even more from a window at his own house.”
Malt is a cat of adult tastes and would prefer a family of adults or children older than 16, Hardter said.
Schedule time to meet him virtually or in-person by emailing [email protected] or calling 703-746-4774.
