Around Town

Meet Diesel, a sweet, wrinkly-faced pup at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria who is ready to go home for the holidays with fur-ever humans.

The three-year-old cutie patootie is about 89 pounds, “with a heart to match his impressive physical presence,” according to an AWLA volunteer. The social pup is “full of love and curiosity.”


Around Town

Meet Jax, an adorably furry four-legged friend and resident of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

The five-year-old pooch weighs about 40 pounds and is starting to settle into his mature personality, making him “ideal for adopters who prefer to skip the rambunctious puppy phase,” according to an AWLA volunteer.


Around Town

What a day for a parade it was in Old Town on Saturday, Dec. 6.

The wailing of bagpipes sailed through Alexandria’s historic streets as thousands of community members gathered to watch the 54th annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade.


News

A pet store from Del Ray opened its newest location over the weekend at the Belle View Shopping Center.

The Dog Store is now open at 1612 Belle View Blvd, replacing a vacancy left by the Pampered Pet Boutique & Bakery earlier this year. Owner Paul Haire founded the shop’s first location in Del Ray in 2014, after opening Your Dog’s Best Friends daycare in 2003.


Around Town

Meet Skye, “a sweet girl with a shy shell” who arrived at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria as a local stray.

The medium-sized pooch with black and white fur weighs about 46 pounds, “is very treat-motivated and would love to become friends through the help of some tasty snacks,” according to an AWLA volunteer.


Around Town

Sassy, “the wonder pup” of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, is always ready for a good adventure.

The 8-month-old puppy “is demonstrating many great qualities at a young age,” an AWLA volunteer wrote. Affectionate and active, she needs plenty of exercise, “preferably at your side.”


Around Town

Meet Estelle, a playful pup and “awesome companion” at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria who is ready to find her fur-ever home.

The “tail-wagging pocket of sunshine” is three years old, weighs 41 pounds and “loves to run and play with her squeaky toys,” according to an AWLA volunteer.


News

Welcome to Friday, Alexandria! Here’s a look at ALXnow’s top stories of the week.

With less than a month until the Nov. 4 general election, this week’s most-read story is on the controversy surrounding Virginia’s Democratic attorney general candidate Jay Jones. The National Review broke the news last Friday (Oct. 3) that in August 2022, Jones sent text messages to Del. Carrie Coyner (R-75), “fantasizing about shooting then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his children,” according to the Virginia Mercury story posted on ALXnow.


News

Room service, playtime, and Dog TV are just a few of the amenities that a luxury pet hotel franchise wants to bring to 2836 Duke Street.

The owners of a K9 Resorts franchise recently filed a special use permit request to open their doggie daycare and hotel at 2836 Duke Street. The 8,800-square-foot space is the former longtime home of Burke & Herbert Bank, which closed in 2023.


News

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).


News

A recent social media post from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria just went viral on Facebook and Instagram.

The short video shows what appears to be Pit Bull mixes with wigs, and the message: “Our dogs thought it would help them get adopted if we listed their breed. This goes against our policy, but they were adamant.”


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