Senior mastiff mix Brown spent the last 13 years perfecting the art of snuggling, and he can’t wait to show off his skills.

The light brown-colored male mastiff mix is up for adoption with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

“Brown is an easygoing fellow who’s not asking much of our his future family,” AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter told ALXnow. “He loves leisurely walks, comfy bed and all the ear scratches you have to offer. Bonus points if you let dogs on the couch!”

Brown’s adoption fee has been pre-paid by a generous donor. Learn more at AlexandriaAnimals.org/Adopt/By-Appointment.

The countdown to Cinco de Mayo has begun, and a number of Alexandria’s watering holes are offering special deals for residents and guests to fiesta in style.

All week, Tequila & Taco (540 John Carlyle Street) is gearing up for the big day on Thursday (May 5). Customers can get free queso with every order on Monday, $4 bottled beer today (Tuesday) and $8 nachos on Wednesday. On Thursday, the party begins at 9 a.m. with margaritas on sale for 5 cents until 10 a.m., followed by an outdoor party until 8 p.m.

There are a number of other ways to commemorate the Mexican victory over the French in 1862.

The American Legion Post 24 (400 Cameron Street in Old Town) is also hosting its annual Cinco de Mayo bash on Thursday. The event is open to the public, and tickets cost $10.

“Enjoy a refreshing glass of cerveza or freshly made sangria, and bring your festive spirit,” notes the Legion’s event listing. “Live music, patio party, corn hole games, and grilled food… Beer, wine, sangria, and soda available for purchase at bar.”

For dog owners, Barkhaus (529 E. Howell Avenue) is hosting a bingo night, along with District Dogs and Chippin’. Tickets cost $10 for members and $15 for the public, and ticketholders will get Cinco de Mayo swag, bingo cards and photo ops with a themed backdrop.

Residents can also order cocktails to go from dozens of Alexandria restaurants and bars.

Celebrate the fiesta with your pup at @barkhaus_, May 5!https://t.co/t4YIKjHTNG

— Visit Alexandria VA (@AlexandriaVA) April 30, 2022

Via Facebook

A recent ranking by Zillow of fastest-emerging dog-friendly cities — cities where pet-friendly home rentals are on the rise — Alexandria ranked third nationwide.

The ranking looks both at where dog-owners are registered on the dog boarding and walking site Rover and where there are the most page views of pet-friendly single-family home rental listings on real estate marketplace site Zillow.

In their writeup about Alexandria, Zillow said:

It seems that more dog owners are sniffing out Alexandria. Its average daily page views of pet-friendly single-family home rental listings on Zillow are up 70.1% over last year. This D.C. commuter town is home to several dog runs, off-leash areas and plenty of family-owned pet supply stores. Take a look at rentals currently listed on Zillow and you just may find your dog’s next home here.

Boiling Alexandria down to a D.C. commuter town might get some locals barking mad, but overall it’s good news for local dog owners.

Nearby Baltimore was number 2 on the ranking, with Antioch, Tennessee taking the number one spot.

Ten-year-old Trixie is full of excitement and is up for adoption with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

The dachshund/beagle mix loves three things most of all: snuggling, sniffing and snacks, according to AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter.

“Don’t let her frosted face fool you,” Hardter said. “Trixie has quite a bit of pep in her step and loves adventures where she can get outside and explore the world.”

Trixie recently had a mastectomy, and due to the size of the mass, it is likely that is was not able to be entirely removed, and AWLA can discuss next steps and Trixie’s medical records.

Find out more about Trixie by emailing AdoptTrixie@AlexandriaAnimals.org, or calling 703-746-4774.

Missing a pet in Alexandria?

Cookie, a three-year-old Border Collie was recently found on N. Payne Street in Old Town, and parakeet Viola was discovered near Sanger Avenue and Derby Court.

The Animal Welfare League currently has four stray animals in its shelter — two dogs, a cat and a bird. These companions are designated as strays for up to 10 days before they are put through AWLA’s evaluation process to be adopted. During that time, AWLA releases photos of the pets with descriptions on its website, social media and on local sites like Nextdoor.

“We hope that we’re able to reconnect these animals to their homes,” AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter told ALXnow. “We know sometimes people don’t necessarily know or don’t think of how to reconnect with a pet once they’re out of your home. So, we just try and get the information out there in as many ways as possible.”

If you’ve lost a pet or have information on one, call AWLA at 703-746-4774.

Delilah loves to play fetch more than anything. The three-year-old terrier mix is up for adoption with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, and her adoption fees have been pre-paid by a generous donor.

“Delilah is a clever girl who has learned Sit, as well as Drop It (which goes great with her Fetch skills), and she’s pretty sure she has the brains to master several more skills,” AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter told ALXnow. “Delilah’s favorite activity in the whole world is Fetch, which she would be happy to play all day long with the right best friend.  She’d also be open to exploring more active endeavors like running or hiking.”

(updated at 4:45 p.m.) While more than half the hotels in Alexandria are pet-friendly, one hotel has added a package to go above and beyond for your furry friend.

The “Bark, it’s your Birthday!” package from Hyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria figuratively rolls out the red carpet for your pooch.

The package that comes at a price of $250 ensures Fido’s favorites are awaiting him at your hotel stay. Ahead of check-in, the hotel will call the dog parents and ask about all the pet’s tail-wagging favorites from treats to toys, and deck out the room with the assistance from local “bonetique” The Dog Park. Also included in that additional fee is a pet-friendly itinerary created by the hotel.

Visit Alexandria says that there are more than 2,000 pet-friendly hotel rooms in the city. And there’s plenty for owners to do once they do get to Alexandria with their best furry friend from pet-friendly patios, dog happy hours, pet salons and doggie gyms.

Alexandria is known for its pet-friendly accommodations. U.S. News and World Report lists the top four hotels in Alexandria for Fido as The Lorien Hotel & Spa, The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria, Morrison House Autograph Collection and the Westin Old Town Alexandria. Hyatt was not included — Perhaps next year.

The U.S. News list includes hotels where pets stay for free by taking into account “amenities, reputation among professional travel experts, guest reviews and hotel class ratings,” according to its website.

Hotels nationwide are embracing amenities that cater to dogs. During the Covid pandemic, many people stuck at home adopted pets and many in the travel industry, eager to capture an increased demand, have leaned into making it easier for people to travel with pets.

“The pandemic created just the right recipe for an uptick in pet-travel,” a spokesperson for the Hyatt stated. “Starting with the puppy adoption boom during the initial weeks of lockdowns and the stay-at-home orders that followed, parting with a pet seemed more dreadful than ever. On top of that, COVID led to a decline in air-travel, the most difficult type of pet-travel, and an increase of more accommodating modes of transportation such as road trips.”

Hilton’s CEO said on an earnings call last year that he hoped the surge in pet ownership would help the hotel chain appeal to those would be customers through a partnership it announced with Mars Petcare in an effort to make its hotels more pet friendly, according to the Washington Business Journal.

Thinking about going into business in the Alexandria area?

It can sometimes be easier to buy an existing business, and the latest listings on BizBuySell show all kinds of companies in and around the city.

The website aggregates numerous business sale listings, and the names and locations are generally left out.

Reasons for selling, when provided, typically do not mention economic hardship, but more often involve the owner retiring or not having time to actively run the business.

Here are some that are currently listed:

1. Low rent bakery for sale — “Specialty bakery for sale in the heart of Alexandria. This bakery is located on a very busy road surrounded by residential and retail businesses. The current owner is looking to retire and we are looking for a new owner/operator ready to expand this current business by adding a new menu with more options than the current menu. Seating inside and outside. Bring your concept to this turn key location.”
2. Dog boutique in Old Town — “Incredible dog boutique store in charming and wealthy Old Town Alexandria. The business has been growing since inception in 2010.The high visibility location draws in hundreds of customers each week.”
3. Truck parts distributor — “Turn Key Truck Parts Distributor! This business has been profitable for 60+ years. Loaded with Goodwill!”
4. Alexandria-Falls Church nail salon — “Established, nice nail salon/spa with good income available for sale in the Falls Church, Alexandria area. Good rent. Potential for growth if adding more nail techs. Nail services comprise 80% of the business, the rest is hair services. Highly visible from main road. Good reviews. Nice and well decorated. Owner can stay and work on a part time basis. Staff will stay if new owner want.”
5. Plumbing company in Alexandria part of Fairfax County — “Recent Price Adjustment a must see business. PROFITABLE, GROWING, Fully Staffed with great growth potential.”
6. Former hair salon in Fairlington — “Formerly a hair salon by the name of Primary Colors, a hair salon that was in business for twenty years. Now the space is open, and is still built out to be a hair salon, but the space can also be altered to become a different business.”
7. Hair salon for sale — “Great opportunity to own a small business for hairstylists who dream of owning their very own salon or a low capital investment for seasonal beauty salon owners who want to expand their business networks. The important fact to know is not about the price to buy this salon, it’s the financial ability and assets to prove to the Landlord in order to get the Landlord approval on the Leasehold of this great and unique business location.”
8. Profitable restaurant for sale — “Great location, great visibility, long lease term, plenty of parking spaces, in a busy shopping center with many other businesses that crowded with customers on the daily basic, this restaurant is built up from the cold cell condition with new kitchen equipment, freezer, cooler, HVAC….., that’s clean and presenting a long useful life for new owner to do business in years to come without any major upgrading. This restaurant can be converting to other cuisine given there is no other restaurant of that cuisine is currently operated within the shopping center.”
9. Highly profitable well-established restaurant for sale — “Located in the big shopping mall with a lot of traffic. Business serving dine in and high volume of carry out and perfect for any type of cuisine. Ample parking all around and lease is inexpensive. Owner is seeking a retirement.”
10. Busy high-end Mediterranean restaurant — Sales at this location are listed at  more than $75,000 monthly, and the seller claims that the owner income is $250,000. The restaurant seats 104, has 12 trained employees and is surrounded by commercial and residential properties.
11. Dog waste removal company — “Currently have 500 active customers and growing quickly! Fully staffed and great reviews. Owner is looking to relocate and invest in a new venture.”
12. Full-service restaurant with outdoor seating — “Prime location full service restaurant in the heart of Alexandria. Located on a heavy traffic road surrounded by residential, retail and offices. This restaurant has 3 floors which is great to host private events, lounge area as well as the sit down restaurant portion. The menu/concept can be kept the same or converted to your own. Large kitchen area with top of the line equipment. This is a must see location for any restauranteur looking to expand or take over an established turn key location. The current owner is ABSENTEE but ready to retire and we are looking for a new hands on owner/operator to bring this location to its full potential.”
13. Profitable fast casual restaurant — “Profitable Thai restaurant in a very busy shopping center on a high traffic road in Alexandria VA. This restaurant has been in business for almost 10 years and has a great following with excellent google reviews by serving the most authentic Thai food with the highest quality ingredients in the area. All furniture, fixtures and equipment are in excellent condition and are included in the sale of this restaurant. Can be converted to fit most concepts & menus.”
14. Mexican restaurant in Alexandria part of Fairfax County — “Fast casual dine in & carry out Mexican restaurant in a high traffic shopping center. This restaurant needs an updated menu with a hands on owner to manage daily business and take this location to the next level. The current Mexican menu can be changed to fit most concepts. Great layout for almost any type of fast food restaurant. All furniture, fixtures and equipment are in great working order.”
15. Optometry practice — “Turnkey Optometry and Optical Business. Lease is assignable. Business is established and profitable. Optometry is considered “essential” business. Sellers will stay for transfer training. Beautiful store fully stocked with inventory, equipment, lab, exam room. 5 star location. Database, business name, website, inventory, and seller training all included. Priced below market.”
16. Pizza restaurant — “Pizza restaurant established in 2014 for sale in Alexandria. This restaurant is located on a heavy foot traffic road surrounded by residential, retail and businesses. Great location with very low rent. Perfect starter restaurant for anyone looking to get into the restaurant business as well as a great location for restauranteurs looking to expand. This restaurant serves hand crafted pizzas, sandwiches and pasta’s as well as beer and wine. All furniture and fixtures are in excellent condition. High end kitchen equipment.”
17. Japanese restaurant — “The restaurant is located in a busy area, and has been in the operation more than 8 years. More than 5000sf, high-class construction and decoration. The menu includes sushi, hibachi, and ramen. First generation owner since the business was founded, tons of the local customers and Japanese food fans from other places, the business can make $180k sales per month, lease can be extended definitely.”
18. Barbecue chain with food trucks — “An American-style (Kansas City ) BBQ Restaurant with food trucks. They also have a nice catering component to the business. Decorated in a rustic decor, these units are located in great locations in easily accessible areas close to Washington DC.”
19. Remodeling business — “After serving the community for 7 years, the current owner is ready to retire from this successful construction business. Ranked as a Top 100 Remodeling Company in the United States by Remodeling Magazine, the company provides exterior remodeling, windows, roofing, siding, gutters, doors, and attic solution services to their residential clients, tailored to fit their needs.”
20. Auto sales and repair shop two blocks from Metro — “Auto use is grandfathered making this literally a once in a lifetime deal!”

Oshkosh, a two-year-old terrier mix up for adoption in Alexandria, is shy… At first. Adoption fees have already been paid for by a generous donor to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, which means that he is ready to go home to a new owner for free.

“Oshkosh is ready and raring to meet his new family,” AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter said. “Since Oshkosh can be a bit reserved, he’d prefer a quieter household with adults or older children who understand that sometimes dogs want to snuggle and, just like all of us, sometimes they like to have their personal space.”

Find out more about Oshkosh by emailing [email protected] or call 703.746.4774 opt. 2 to learn more about Oshkosh and schedule time to meet him.

French bulldog Lilac needs a new home to chew up her toys, and the squeakier the better, says the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

The nine-year-old pooch is up for adoption, and may need some medical attention in the future.

“Lilac is best described as a snugglebug, and as soon as you are on her level, you should anticipate that she will soon be in your lap, ready to cuddle,” AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter told ALXnow. “Lila has a condition called IVDD, which may cause her spinal problems in the future, but she is not bothered by it right now; she’s far more concerned with toys, treats and snuggling.”

To learn more about Lilac or to schedule time to meet her, email the AWLA at [email protected] or 703.746.4774 opt. 2.

Via AWLA