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

By James Cullum
Exterior of a light purple-brick building with two large banners advertising a dog store and services; a white door is centered on the wall, with a sidewalk and a streetlamp to the right and a purple car in the background.
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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News

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

By James Cullum
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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News

Alexandria police ask dog walkers to watch out for crimes and other emergencies

By James Cullum
Lila at the Del Ray Dog Fest 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

The Alexandria Police Department is asking dog walkers to join a citywide watch program where walkers keep an eye out for crimes and to call 911 if they see a situation needing an emergency response.

APD is launching the Dog Walker Watch program as the city is experiencing a summer uptick in violent crime. APD says that the dog walkers will help strengthen public safety and “serve as extra eyes and ears while walking their dogs, reporting suspicious activity through 911, 703-746-4444, or 311, as appropriate,” according to an email registry with the city.

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News

The Dog Store extends lease in Del Ray until January 2027 as search for new home continues

By James Cullum
The Dog Store at 2301 Mount Vernon Avenue was originally set to close on June 27, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

After announcing its impending closure last month, The Dog Store on Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray has had its lease extended to January.

Owner Paul Haire confirmed to ALXnow that Ray Mahmood, the new owner of 2301 Mount Vernon Avenue, extended the pet shop’s lease to Jan. 6, 2027. Even though his rent is going up significantly, Haire credited former Mayor Bill Euille and locals Gayle Reuter and Bill Blackburn with convincing Mahmood to extend the lease.

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Around Town

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Two-year-old Lorelai, who takes her stuffed animals on walks

By James Cullum
Lorelai is up for adoption in Alexandria (courtesy of AWLA)

Lorelai is looking for a new home.

The 67-pound, two-year-old pup with a reddish-brown coat also likes to take her stuffed animals on walks, according to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Lorelai came to AWLA’s shelter at 4101 Eisenhower Avenue as a stray.

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Around Town

ALX Dog Walk to draw 2,000 walkers with dogs Saturday in Old Town

By Emily Leayman
2025 ALX Dog Walk (staff photo by Ryan Belmore)

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.

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Around Town

Olde Towne Pet Resort proposes taking over The Board Hound’s former Old Town location

By James Cullum
Onyx, an eight-week-old American bull dog mix, getting water in Del Ray (staff photo by James Cullum)

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.

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Around Town

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Mia, a sweet, playful pup awaiting her forever home

By Katie Taranto
Mia (courtesy of AWLA)

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.

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Around Town

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Drako, a playful companion

By Katie Taranto
Drako (courtesy of AWLA)

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.

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Around Town

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Leo, a polite and playful fellow

By Katie Taranto
Leo (courtesy of AWLA)

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.

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News

Alexandria man found guilty of felony animal abuse in dog death at Del Ray boarding facility

By James Cullum
The Alexandria courthouse in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

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.

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