Bella is a beautiful 9-year-old dog up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

This tan and white girl is searching for her forever home with her forever people and her adoption fees have been paid!

One of her best features are her “bat ears” where she loves to pose for pictures with her signature head tilt, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford. This friendly girl is also know to stop, drop and roll at any moment.

“Bella absolutely adores people and will probably bond strongly with her family,” said Shackelford. “We do think Bella will do best as the only animal in the home because she wants all the attention for herself.”

While Bella may do best in a home by herself, she is not too bothered by other dogs while on walks and loves car rides. She is a sweet and snuggly senior ready to shower her forever family with love!

To learn more about Bella, you can read her entire profile. And to start the adoption process email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774.

Meet Nena! This girl is a 3-year-old brown and white dog in need of a special forever home.

She can be nervous so a quiet and calm home would be perfect for her, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“We are unsure of what Nena’s life was like before arriving at the AWLA, but the world can be an overwhelming place for her,” said Shackelford. “We think her home would not have kids or other dogs.”

As Nena still has a lot to learn, she needs space and parents with patience to help her learn. Her checklist of skills to learn include walking on a leash and learning that the outdoors aren’t so scary.

Nena needs a very special home and to find her special person or persons.

To learn more about Nena, you can read her entire profile. And to start the adoption process email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774.

Alexandrians might be able to find a furry new friend this weekend.

Lost Dog Cafe (808 N. Henry Street) in the Braddock neighborhood is hosting a puppy adoption event from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, for a litter of puppies born last month.

“Are you ready to welcome a furry friend into your life?” the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation said on the event website. “We have something special just for you! Join us for ‘Pups on the Patio’ at Lost Dog Cafe in Alexandria. This heartwarming event is dedicated to finding forever homes for an exceptional litter of puppies known as ‘Butterball’s Little Turkeys’.”

According to the Lost Dog Rescue website:

These precious pups have an incredible story to tell. Born on September 8th, 2023, they were brought into the world by a caring mama who was rescued from the Dickenson County Animal Shelter in Virginia. She was pregnant, confused, and scared, but thanks to the swift action of Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation (LDCRF), she was given a safe haven in foster care.

The foster mom says she is an amazing mama, and her puppies are a testament to her love and care.

This special adoption event will feature only this litter of puppies, so you don’t want to miss out on this special opportunity. Come and meet these little darlings, fall in love, and take one home to be a part of your family.

An online application must be filled out before requesting an ‘interview’ with the puppies.

The puppies are:

• Blue Slate
• Narragansett
• White Holland
• Royal Palm
• Osceola
• Rio Grande
• Merriam
• Bourbon Red
• Gould
• Eastern

Are you searching for a furry companion who can light up any room? Meet Rita, a 9-year-old black dog up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

Rita and her happy-go-lucky attitude, plus her adorable ears is a complete package! This girl also has impeccable leash manners, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“Overall, she’s very easygoing and calm,” said Shackelford. “She also knows sit, paw, and some sign language commands.”

Rita does well meeting new people and other animals. She is also crate trained and house trained. This girl would make a great addition to any family!

Be sure to read Rita’s entire profile to learn more about her. Rita’s adoption fee has been sponsored. And to start the adoption process email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774.

Say hello to Bobby who is up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria!

This 1-year-old male tuxedo kitty is perfect in every way and looking for a special place to call home. Bobby has a large personality, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“Bobby will certainly keep his family entertained with his antics,” said Shackelford. “He will need a family that can dedicate time to play with him (wand toys are the best) and also provide enrichment toys like licky mats and food puzzles to keep his brain active.”

This playfully cute guy is such a charmer and will never say no to some affection!

To learn more about Bobby, you can read his entire profile. And to start the adoption process email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774.

Onyx and Garnet are two adorable pups up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

These two have been through a lot, both arriving separately at the AWLA and very scared. Once the AWLA Behavior Team began working with Garnet she started to improve but Onyx was still very scared, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“Our Behavior Team decided to reintroduce them,” said Shackelford. “When Onyx saw Garnet, a switch flipped — he was so excited!”

Though they arrived separately, it was clear they were bonded once reintroduced. These two are clearly better together and ready to find a forever home.

Want to see more of these adorable two? Watch the story of Onyx and Garnet!

To learn more about Onyx and Garnet, check out their entire profiles. And to start the adoption process email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774.

(Updated 10/3) Paws in the Park, a pet-themed festival, is returning next Sunday (Oct. 15) to Oronoco Bay Park (100 Madison Street).

The event is the biggest pet adoption event of the year for the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA). Activities include a dog costume contest, a “pet parade,” and activities for both pets and owners.

The event started back in 2017 with pet businesses coordinating a block party to celebrate local animals, and over the years the event has continued to grow. Paws in the Park runs from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and features shopping, music, food and drink, and pets available for adoption. Event proceeds benefit the AWLA.

Who's ready to paw-ty? Paws in the Park is Sunday, October 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Oronoco Bay Park. Paws in the Park brings together shopping, music, food and drink, and lots of adoptable animals. The event is FREE to attend! #alexanimals #alexandriava https://t.co/6SYo9m0Xcz pic.twitter.com/VmlErPotkm

— AWLA Alexandria (@AlexAnimals) October 1, 2023

Attention Del Ray dog owners: The Eugene Simpson Park will reopen to the public in the beginning of next year at the end of more than a year of redevelopment.

The formerly dusty, not-grassy park at 521 E. Monroe Avenue will be closed for the last three months of the year to allow for a “sod establishment period,” according to the city.

“Construction at the dog park continues with grading and site preparation for tree installation and sod installation this month as the start of the fall planting season approaches,” the city told ALXnow in an email.

In other Del Ray dog-related news, more work is being completed this fall on the dog run at Mount Jefferson Park (300 block of Hume Avenue). Work began on Mount Jefferson Park in Jan. 2022.

“The developer has been working with staff on a few options to address the drainage issues within the dog run and will be submitting a revised site plan,” city parks planner Judy Lo told ALXnow. “We anticipate the northern section of the dog run will be re-graded with possibly additional inlets and/or bioretention and plantings. This type of work is best done in the fall when the temperatures start to cool.”

Photos via Facebook and City of Alexandria

Meet the adorable Cooper!

This white and tan senior pup is looking for a forever home and is currently up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

Searching for a loving place to live out his golden years, Cooper is super sweet with unconditional love to give. He is still very much active and loves going on walks, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford.

“Cooper is very social and loves to give lots (and lots) of kisses,” said Shackelford. “Cooper has never met a stranger — he makes extremely fast friends!”

With a few years under his belt, Cooper knows a few tricks. He of course knows to not use the bathroom indoors and knows to sit and shake — or “paw”. This lovable guy is ready to chill in his forever home with his forever family!

If you’re interested in meeting Cooper, email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774, option 2. And be sure to check out his entire profile!

Say hello to this sweet and very huggable dog, Huggies!

This all black pup is up for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria and is currently in foster.

Huggies is very comfortable and confident, and also housetrained, according to AWLA spokesperson Erin Shackelford. He loves playtime, exercise and is very responsive to commands.

“He does need some additional work on his leash manners,” said Shackelford. “We think he would thrive as an only pup in the home.”

Huggies loves affection and is always up for some cuddles!

If you’re interested in meeting Huggies, email [email protected] or call 703-746-4774, option 2. And be sure to check out his entire profile!