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

Kip‘s serious face is balanced by floppy ears. The six-year-old male brown German shepherd mix is up for adoption with the Animal Welfare league of Alexandria.

“Kip loves a good game of Toss the Toy, and he’s equally happy for you to throw it or he can do it himself,” AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter told ALXnow. “Kip is an energetic guy who could see himself meshing with families of all types, especially if they are active and love to keep busy. He would prefer to be the only pup in his new home, though.”

Learn more about meeting Kip virtually or in-person at AlexandriaAnimals.org/Adopt-By-Appointment.

Via AWLA

Like big dogs? This weekend (Feb. 18 to Feb. 21) the Animal Welfare League has waved adoption fees on all pets weighing more than 30 pounds.

One of those big pooches is Mars, a 56-pound three-year-old fawn-colored terrier mix.

“Mars is an active guy whose favorite game is tug-of-war, which he’d be happy to play with his new best friend all day,” AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter told ALXnow. “Despite his sometimes silly demeanor, Mars is a mature adult gentleman who would prefer a home with adults or old children.”

The nominations are in for the annual Heart of Del Ray Award, and all the community has to do now is find the love.

Voting closes at noon on Thursday (Feb. 10) for the Del Ray Business Association’s annual award to the business that best represents the heart and soul of the community.

“We are excited that YOU — our neighbors, customers and friends — will determine the winner of this prestigious award,” DRBA said. “(W)hat business warms your heart when you hear its name?”

The nominees:

• Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap
• St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub
• Stomping Ground
• The Dog Store/Your Dog’s Best Friends
• Windmill Hill Design Build

Votes can be cast here, and the deadline is noon on Thursday, Feb. 10. The winner will receive a large heart-shaped award on Friday, Feb. 11 — just in time for Valentine’s Day on Monday, Feb. 14.

Previous Heart of Del Ray award winners:

• 2021 — Dolce & Bean
• 2020 — Preeti Patel’s 7-Eleven on Mount Vernon Avenue
• 2019 — Taqueria el Poblano
• 2018 — Pork Barrel BBQ
• 2017 — Del Ray Cafe
• 2016 — Caboose Cafe
• 2015 — Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga
• 2014 — Del Ray Pizzeria
• 2013 — The Greener Cleaner of Del Ray
• 2012 — The Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray
• 2011 — Bobi Bomar, Homes of Alexandria/Compass
• 2010 — Jen Walker, McEnearney Associates
• 2009 — A Show of Hands

Mango is super sweet. The five-year-old Australian cattle dog is up for adoption with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

“Mango is a girl on the go and loves to run around the yard, especially when accompanied by a squeaky toy,” said AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter,  She’d love to keep up her active lifestyle in her new home. “Mango is such a sweet and fun girl that she would prefer to be your only baby.  With all her love, she doesn’t think you need any other pups.”

Rotttweiler mix Baxter weighs 95 pounds and likes nothing more than cuddling. The seven-year-old is also up for adoption with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

“Baxter can be a bit shy at first, but once he gets to know you, he bonds hard, so expect a friend for life,” said AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter. “Baxter is quite the gentleman, who walks attentively on a leash even in the hustle and bustle of Old Town.”

Baxter’s adoption fees have been pre-paid by a generous donor, and he is available to meet from his foster home.

If you are interested in learning more or scheduling time to meet him, email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774, extension 2.

Tilden, the two-year-old mastiff mix looks tough, but he’s a complete marshmallow. He’s up for adoption, too, with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

“Tilden’s an all-around cool guy who would be a great addition to any family,” AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter told ALXnow. “Whether they are active or looking for a couch potato, Tilden’s got you covered.”

He also knows a few tricks, like shake and sit.

Tilden’s adoption fees have been pre-paid by Priority Automotive, as part of the AWLA’s annual Home for the Pawlidays adoption event.

Not able to adopt but still want to help animals? AWLA needs donations for their (Stocking) Stuff the Van event on Dec. 24. Donations will be used at the AWLA, as well as to help pets throughout the community.

Butter will make your heart melt, and he’s up for adoption with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

The 14-month-old terrier mix is deaf, but that doesn’t stop him from playing his favorite game of fetch.

“He’s a clever boy who’s been learning training via hand cues with the AWLA’s training team,” AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter told ALXnow. “He loves the tennis ball so much that sometimes, he prefers to keep it and cuddle up with rather than bringing it back.”

Butter’s adoption fees have been paid by a generous donor. Learn more about how to meet him at AlexandriaAnimals.org/Adopt-By-Appointment.

Animal rescue organization Lucky Dog is hosting a puppy adoption event this Saturday (Nov. 20) at the Potomac Yard PetSmart (3351 Richmond Highway).

The event is scheduled to run from noon to 2 p.m. and will give local prospective adopters a chance to meet some local dogs looking for homes.

Interested pet owners can get started by filling out adoption forms online in advance. There are also resources on the website for those looking for help training their new pets or finding pet-care options locally.

A list of featured dogs and other pets currently looking for adoption are also on the Lucky Dog website.

Photo via Lucky Dog Animal Rescue

Alexandria Democrats win, but party loses Governor’s race — “CBS News projected that Republican Glenn Youngkin had won Virginia, a state President Biden won by 10 points.” [CBS]

A rabid raccoon was on the loose at the Shirlington Dog Park — “There was a rabid raccoon on the loose in Arlington that came into contact with a number of dogs.” [ARLnow]

Annual Lion Fest returns to Lyles-Crouch, raises almost $50K for students and teachers — “On November 1, 2021, with a Monday morning sunrise in a playground full of streamers, the Lion Fest Fundraiser returned to Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy.”

American Horticultural Society names new executive director — “After a year that can only be described as tumultuous, the American Horticultural Society is looking for stability and a return to its roots with a new director.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]