Last month, AWLA staff received an urgent call from a local animal hospital regarding a puppy that had just been presented to them for treatment. A four-month-old Airedale Terrier puppy named Ben had been hit by his owner the day earlier and was brought to the hospital for treatment of the injury he sustained at the hands of his owner.

When told the extent of the injury and cost to treat the puppy, the owner balked at paying and told the veterinarian to euthanize the dog. Hospital staff knew the dog could be treated and rehabilitated and persuaded Ben’s owner to surrender the dog to them.

The hospital immediately contacted the AWLA for assistance, informing staff that Ben’s rear leg required amputation, but that his overall prognosis was bright. The League assumed responsibility for Ben and is helping him to recuperate while he waits for a new, loving home.

The League was able to pay for Ben’s medical expenses through Sarah’s Fund: an account designated for extraordinary medical expenses of animals in the League’s care. Through generous donors to Sarah’s Fund, pets like Ben receive the medical treatment they urgently need. Please consider donating to Sarah’s Fund to help Ben, and other pets like him.

Ten special pets are celebrating their birthday in March. Our warmest birthday wishes go out to:
Dusty – March 1st
Shakiyah – March 5th
Shadow – March 7th
Sara and Lucy – March 9th
Tobey – March 10th
Kiska – March 14th
Rory – March 17th
Betty – March 21st
Scooter – March 23rd

Any pet can join our Birthday Club! To help celebrate that special day, each Birthday Club pet receives a card from Chewie, the League mascot, recognition in our E-Newsletter and in the Shelter lobby. Best of all, lifetime membership is only $10 and proceeds help the League find homes for Shelter animals so that they can also enjoy the good life with a family that cares. To enroll, click here.

Come to the Shelter and meet Jimmy, a handsome tri-color guinea pig. Jimmy had one home for four years but was brought to the AWLA because his former owners could no longer care for him properly.

This friendly fellow is easy to handle and enjoys snuggling with you. He also enjoys munching on his favorite vegetables: carrots and celery. Guinea pigs can be rewarding companion animals. They chirp, wiggle and can be very sweet and gentle. They do not require much space---just appropriate caging, food and time for handling and playing.

As part of Adopt-A-Guinea-Pig month, the AWLA will offer several informational sessions about caring for guinea pigs and our staff are always willing to provide advice on their care and handling. Come and visit with Jimmy—he may be the right pet for you!

Visit www.alexandriaanimals.org to view more animals available for adoption or stop by the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, located at 4101 Eisenhower Ave., for a personal visit with our adoptable animal friends.

Saturday, March 21
11:00-11:30 a.m. and
12:00- 12:30 p.m.

Guinea Pigs make wonderful companions for kids and grown-ups alike. To celebrate Adopt-a-Guinea Pig Month we are pleased to host Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue for a pair of “pig” presentations.

Modern Guinea Pig Care- This informational session will give you all you need to know! This class is geared toward adults and older children.

Guinea Pig Health Check- This will be a hands-on clinic for adults and older children. If you have a “piggy” please feel free to bring your pet to this class. For those without a guinea pig, we will be working with adoptable guinea pigs.

To be added to our email list, please send an email to staff@alexandriaanimals.org.

The AWLA expresses our sincere gratitude to the Olde Towne School for Dogs (OTSD) in Alexandria. OTSD recently became an Annual Sponsor at the Silver giving level!

Carlos Mejias and his wife Sandy founded the OTSD in 1975. In that time, they have won competitive breed championships and helped other owners do the same. The Mejias family also trains dogs in basic obedience and for more specialized work: to aid handicapped individuals in their homes, schools, and workplaces.

The Mejias support the Alexandria pet community and the AWLA through the following popular events: the Canine Games, Pet Photos with Santa, the Doggie Bone Hunt and the Olde Towne Doggie Walke.

OTSD’s ongoing support of the League is deeply appreciated by staff, volunteers and adopters alike. In 2007 and 2008, OTSD contributed over $20,000 in in-kind services for events held to benefit the Shelter. Thank you!

Continuing thanks to our Platinum Sponsor: Alexandria Animal Hospital

Reduced-Cost Rabies & Microchipping Clinic
Sunday, April 19
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

On Sunday, April 19th the AWLA will host a clinic to provide rabies vaccinations and microchips at a reduced cost. The clinic will be held at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, located at 4101 Eisenhower Avenue in Alexandria.

Rabies vaccinations will cost $10 for each dog or cat. Three-year rabies vaccinations will be given to animals with proof of current inoculation; others will receive a one-year vaccine. Pets residing in the City of Alexandria are required to be licensed and have current rabies vaccination. Licenses may be purchased at the AWLA.

Microchips will cost $30 for each cat or dog. A microchip is a tiny transmitter (about the size of a grain of rice) that is implanted under the skin between a pet's shoulder blades; the procedure is similar to a vaccination.

All area shelters and most animal hospitals have scanners that read the microchip number and can trace it back to the owner through a national database. Not only will a microchip help reunite you and your missing pet, it also serves as proof of ownership, which is needed to reclaim your pet.

No reservations are necessary. Cats must be in carriers and dogs must be on leashes.

Pawsitive Impact Circle Reception
Wednesday, June 3rd, 6:30 p.m.

Save the Date! All current members of the Pawsitive Impact Circle are invited to a private reception on Wednesday June 3 at 6:30 p.m. The reception will be held at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter. Guests will enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and beverages and have the opportunity to meet with members of the League’s Staff and Board of Directors. Invitations will be mailed in April.

For more information about the Pawsitive Impact Circle please contact Lisabeth Adams, Director of Development, (703) 838-4774 ext. 206.

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