Around Town

Old Town will go to the dogs tomorrow (Saturday) as the ALX Dog Walk returns.

The event, first held in 2022, combines the causes of animal welfare and sustainability for a two-mile walk through Old Town and a celebration with activities at Oronoco Bay Park. The event runs from 7-11 a.m., with the walk starting at 8:15 a.m. An estimated 2,000 walkers and their dogs are expected to participate.


Around Town

A new owner wants to take over operations at a pet grooming and boarding facility in Old Town.

Delaware-based Pet Resort Hospitality Group has filed new ownership paperwork with the city to convert the former Board Hound at 133 S. Peyton Street into an Olde Towne Pet Resort. The company, which also owns Olde Towne Pet Resorts in Springfield, Sterling and North Bethesda, Md., is proposing to increase daycare and boarding capacity at the site.


Around Town

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.


Around Town

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.


Around Town

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.


News

A former groomer at Your Dog’s Best Friends was found guilty today of felony animal cruelty resulting in the death of a two-year-old golden retriever named Abigail, and four misdemeanor counts of animal abuse.

Kevin Malik Sanders, 30, pleaded guilty to the felony animal cruelty charge, a Class 6 felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $2,500 fine. Each misdemeanor count also carries a maximum penalty of a year in jail.


Around Town

A new children’s book from an Alexandria author is rekindling the stories she told local students during virtual storytimes amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Seven Days of Sophie” by Southerlyn Marino captures a week in the life of Sophie, a lovable black-and-white French bulldog. Though Marino released the book at the Made In ALX store just last month, the stories are from five years ago, when she was asked to be a virtual mystery reader for her nephews’ class at Charles Barrett Elementary School.


Around Town

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.


Around Town

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.”


Around Town

Meet Crystal, a good girl with endearingly pointy ears who is waiting to meet her future family at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

The three-year-old dog weighs 56 pounds and is easily spotted by her brown brindle patches and “ears that could hear signals from space,” an AWLA volunteer wrote. The four-legged pal is full of energy and fond of squeaky toys.


Around Town

Meet Oakley, an “extra-large dog with a big heart” at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria who enjoys walks and slow, snuggly afternoons.

The 10-year-old senior fellow is “a sweetheart with a winning personality,” according to an AWLA volunteer. The pooch is fairly calm, enjoys meeting new humans and knows cues to sit and shake.


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