Around Town

Meet Mac, a fun companion who hasn’t met a person he didn’t like.

Mac will enthusiastically greet you with doggie kisses and loves to play games like tug-of-war. He also likes to show off his smarts with tricks like “sit” and “down.” But he’s ready to learn more with the bribery of treats.


News

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria has won the largest grant in its 80-year history as it continues an initiative to improve access to veterinary care.

AWLA announced today (July 8) that it was awarded $600,000 from the PetSmart Charities Incubator grant program over the next three years. It marks the second phase of the Incubator grant, following $100,000 provided to AWLA in July 2025.


Around Town

Meet Mocha, a former stray who will melt the heart of her next owner.

Mocha came to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria as a stray and is looking for a home of her own. She prefers the company of people over toys and would love to accompany her owner wherever they venture to.


Around Town

Pride celebrations and World Cup watch parties will continue this weekend as the last weekend of June brings numerous events to Alexandria.

The Croatian National Football Team, which has used Alexandria as its World Cup home base, will play Ghana on Saturday. Continues Arcade will gather fans to cheer on the Croatian team.


Around Town

Meet Rufus, a handsome older dog looking for a home for his golden years.

This 10-year-old dog is outgoing and loves to make new friends, according to an Animal Welfare League of Alexandria volunteer. He is eager to make a loving companion for his next family.


Around Town

The Dog Store on Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray will shut down on Saturday, June 27, its owner said on social media.

Shop owner Paul Haire said that the shop is closing due to “circumstances beyond our control.” The 2301 Mount Vernon Avenue location remains open for in-store sales through June 27. After that, it will temporarily move from 2301 Mount Vernon Avenue to Haire’s dog boarding facility Your Dog’s Best Friends at 2000 Richmond Highway. The business will continue to offer online ordering with free delivery.


Around Town

Meet Bart, a large-breed dog from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria who could use a home with lots of love and treats.

This handsome pup can be shy at first, but his sweet personality will soon take over after meeting new people. He loves being with people and appears to get along well with other dogs, an AWLA volunteer told ALXnow.


Around Town

Meet Layla, a pint-sized pup who will be your loyal companion once she warms up to you.

This 4-year-old dog is timid when meeting new people, but an Animal Welfare League of Alexandria volunteer told ALXnow patience goes a long way with her.


News

After a raccoon that later tested positive for rabies came into contact with a dog and its owner in Potomac Yard, the Alexandria Health Department is urging caution around wildlife.

The health department said the raccoon was aggressive when it had contact with the dog around E. Glebe Road in Potomac Yard on May 23. The dog’s owner was also potentially exposed while relocating the dog to a safe area. Officials say the dog and owner are safe, and the dog is being monitored for symptoms.


Around Town

Meet Slim, whose love for her human companion is anything but slim.

Slim came to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria animal shelter as a stray and wants to find a home to call her own, an AWLA volunteer told ALXnow. The pup has a soft tan coat and golden eyes, and she weighs 36 pounds.


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