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| September 2008 |  |
Elizabeth Grant's love and passion for animals shines through when she comes to comfort and care for our Shelter cats. She became a Cat Companion volunteer in January 2006 (and is now also a member of the League's Development Committee!). "Cats are my passion. I have loved cats since I was 5 and begged my mom for one. Investing in your passion brings purpose and meaning to your life, particularly when you see a pressing need that matches your passion", said Elizabeth. "I want to help meet that need and be part of a solution, not just stand on the sidelines and wring my hands or look away because I don't have the strength and courage to help".
While volunteering brings many rewards, it can also be difficult. "It is hard volunteering sometimes - thoughtlessness can hurt just as much as heartlessness, and unfortunately, that is a reality we see every day. But, we also see the incredible generosity of the human spirit - in the staff, the volunteers, the shelter supporters, and the people who come looking for that special animal to share their lives", observed Grant.
"Love is a verb, an action, not some fluffy feel-good abstraction. When I help a cat who is sick and discouraged become well and confident, when I help match a family to that special cat just right for them, and best of all, when I see that cat go to a new forever home--all that is so richly rewarding. So, why do I volunteer? Because I love cats, and because I can make a difference". Elizabeth shares her heart and home with 2 wonderful cats and a very supportive husband. 
Do you know of an animal-friendly business that designs or paints commercial vehicles?
The AWLA is looking for a business to volunteer to design and/or paint our new van. This van is used to transport animals as well as for our outreach/education events. Our white van is now a blank canvas just waiting for an eye-catching design that will help spread awareness of the League and services we provide to the community. We’ll also happily take recommendations from the public for businesses we might be able to contract with should we be unable to secure a donation of this service.
The League would like to honor or remember five special pets with birthdays in September.
Pele – Sept. 2
Lilly – Sept. 5
Fenway – Sept. 12
Maggie – Sept. 15
A.J. – Sept. 17
Any pet can join our Birthday Club! To help celebrate that special day, each Birthday Club pet receives a birthday card, recognition in our E-Newsletter and in the Shelter's display case. 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.
Special Events
Round-Up
Annual Doggie Day Swim
Wet fur was the order of the day on September 2 as the Alexandria Parks and Recreation Department held its Annual Doggie Day Swim at the Old Town Pool. An estimated 200 dogs and their owners were greeted by League staff, and local vendors. Also joining in the fun were Mayor Bill Euille, and former City Manager and current AWLA Board member Vola Lawson with her dog Jack. Proceeds from this family friendly event will be donated to the AWLA.
Pet Calendar Photo Contest
The votes have been counted and the winners notified in the Pet Calendar Photo Contest. Who won? You’ll have to wait to see! The calendar will be unveiled during our Annual Dinner & Silent Auction on October 25, and will be on sale at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter the next day.
Wellington Civic Association’s Annual Picnic
We were guests of the Wellington Civic Association’s Annual Picnic at River Farms on September 7 from noon until 3pm. Association members were able to meet with adoptable pets and learn about the League.
- Peanut Butter
- Hotdogs
- Towels
- Blankets
- New Toothbrushes (to clean out kong toys for our dogs)
Longtime ferret owners will be the first to tell you what wonderful and entertaining companions they can be. These creatures' antics will make you laugh more than any sitcom, and their frenzied play sessions do a good job of tiring them out. They commonly sleep about 18 hours per day, but are ready and raring to go when it's playtime. Watch for the "weasel warrior dance", leaping, tumbling, and for some, splashing in water. Because they're so curious, a thorough ferret-proofing is in order before letting them explore and play outside of their cage. These charming and sociable creatures need daily attention and interaction from devoted owners, and will do best with a friend.
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.
Come see us the First Thursday of every month through October at Barkley Square Del Ray from 6-9pm. We’ll be there with adoptable animals for you to meet and staff to answer any questions you might have. Barkley Square is located at 2006 Mt. Vernon Avenue in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria.
September 14
Second Annual Olde Towne Dogge Walke
Olde Towne School for Dogs
9am - 11am
September 20
Cameron Station Community Day Dog Parade
We will have staff, volunteers and adoptable dogs on hand.
September 20
Macy's Shop for a Cause
Passes may be purchased now through September 19 at 6:00pm for the Macy’s Shop for a Cause Day. The entire $5.00 cost of the Savings Pass stays with the League.
September 27
All Paws on Deck
Mango Mike's
2pm - 6pm
September 28
Rabies and Microchipping Clinic
Shelter
2pm - 4pm
October 4
Estate Planning for Your Pet
with attorney Peter King
Shelter's Community Room
1pm - 3pm
October 13
Columbus Day Fast & Furriest 5K Run/Walk
Mount Vernon Trail
eventnetllc@aol.com
October 30
Doggie Happy Howloween Costume Contest
Hotel Monaco Alexandria
480 King Street
December 5-7
Pet Photos with Santa
Olde Towne School for Dogs
February 14
5th Annual Black Tie & Tails Gala
Please visit the Special Events section of our website for more details on these and other exciting events.
To be added to our email list, please send an email to staff@alexandriaanimals.org.
The Board of Directors and the Staff of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria invite all of our volunteers to the annual Volunteer Appreciation Evening on Wednesday, September 17th, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the Shelter's Community Room. We hope all volunteers can join us on September 17th at 6:30 for fun and refreshments! Please RSVP to the Manager of Volunteer Services. We are looking forward to seeing you there!
(703) 838-4774 ext. 225 or dmurray@alexandriaanimals.org.
Join Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille and Alexandria Mascot Alex for a morning walk through Old Town Alexandria during the Second Annual Olde Towne Dogge Walke. This mile-and-a-half walk will kick off from the Olde Towne School for Dogs at 9 a.m. when Washington-area animal lovers and their four-legged friends take to the streets to raise money for the care of abandoned and homeless animals in the community. The event takes place on September 14 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. On-site registration begins at 8 a.m. Proceeds benefit the League. Olde Towne School for Dogs is located at 529 Oronoco Street.
Bring your dogs and cats to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria on Sunday, September 28 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm for their rabies vaccination and/or to have a microchip implanted during our Rabies and Microchipping Clinic. A rabies vaccination protects your pet and is required by Virginia State law. Microchips offer permanent identification for your pet. The cost for the rabies vaccination is $10 and only cash and checks are accepted, no credit cards will be accepted for the rabies vaccines. If you would like your pet to receive a three-year vaccination, you will need to provide the appropriate documentation that your pet's rabies shot is still current. Otherwise a one-year vaccination will be given. The cost for microchipping your pet is $30 and payment for microchipping can be made by credit card, check or cash. Appointments are not available. All dogs must be on leash and cats must be in a carrier. The Rabies & Microchipping Clinic will follow the activities for the City of Alexandria’s Rabies Awareness Fun Day in Ben Brenman Park from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Plans are underway for our Annual Dinner and Silent Auction! Come join us for this special evening when we share the successes of the past year and honor some of the special people who have distinguished themselves on behalf of the animals, all while bidding on fabulous auction items. This year’s items include sporting goods, artwork, jewelry, restaurant gift certificates, tours, hotel stays and more! Circle October 25 on your calendar and come join in on the fun! Tickets are $75.00 each. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, purchasing an ad in our commemorative program, or wish to donate an item for our auction, please call 703/838-4774 x206.
Come party with some of our adoptable dogs in the courtyard of the Hotel Monaco Alexandria in Old Town. We'll be there most Thursdays through October from 6-8pm for their Doggie Happy Hour. Plan now to attend the Doggie Happy Howloween Costume Contest to benefit the AWLA on October 30. The Hotel Monaco Alexandria is located at 480 King Street.
Have you ever had a toothache? Imagine having 26 of them! When Bowman, a seven-year-old Miniature Poodle, was surrendered to us, we immediately knew that he would need to have his teeth cleaned soon, as his breath was horrible and the veterinarian who examined him agreed that he needed immediate and serious help. After an extensive dental procedure, Bowman had 26 teeth removed, one of which was decaying so badly that his nasal passages were in danger of infection as well. We can't imagine the suffering he endured before he came to us, but we're so glad that we could help him!
We're able to help animals like Bowman because of people like you who contribute to our special Sarah's Fund, a fund specifically designed to allow us to help animals with serious medical needs. We’re asking for contributions right now to go towards Bowman’s dental care.
Your generosity can help provide the financial stability that enables the League to care for thousands of animals at the Shelter each year, find them permanent homes, extend outreach services into the community, and educate youth and adults about being part of the solution. By choosing either a one-time donation or perhaps an ongoing monthly gift, you can help us help the animals in our care and in our community. Simply click on the "Donate Now" button at the end of this e-newsletter, or on our website at www.alexandriaanimals.org to make a contribution. You may request that your donation be applied towards Sarah's Fund or towards the League's general fund.
The United Way of the National Capital Area consists of a far-reaching network of more than almost 900 agencies assisting people in your community - your neighbors, friends, and family. Through the combined annual campaigns, employees in local businesses and governments donate small portions of each paycheck to the United Way. Those payroll deductions add up to millions in annual monies that are distributed to causes directly impacting our community. In fact, United Way donations are the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria's single largest source of donated funds.
These campaigns' fundraising efforts support non-profit organizations like the AWLA that help people and animals from all walks of life. In Alexandria, we value the lives of animals and the welfare of our pets. If you would like to make a donation to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria through the United Way, Combined Federal Campaign and/or the Combined Virginia Campaign please note, our identification numbers for donations are as follows:
United Way 8372
CFC 92767
CVC 8068
Please look for these AWLA numbers when attending UW/CFC sponsored events.
You are receiving this e-mail because your name is on the League's mailing list. If you wish to no longer subscribe, please send an email to staff@alexandriaanimals.org. We never sell or share our list.