Bow-wow, Meow, and Hello!

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria has been serving the people and animals of our community since 1946, but we're new to the Patch. Much has changed in the 65-plus years since our organization began. Animal welfare legislation has progressed to protect our companion animals, shelters are no longer "pounds" and Animal Control Officers are no longer "dogcatchers," and more and more animals are finding happy, loving homes thanks to innovative new approaches to animal care, life-saving programs, and the continued support of our animal-friendly friends, neighbors, and businesses.

Sadly, our country still deals with the problem of pet overpopulation on a daily basis and there are still abusive and cruel people who commit senseless acts of violence against innocent animals. The League continues to work towards ending animal homelessness, and promoting animal welfare and responsible pet guardianship in our community.

Our new Patch blog will serve many functions. It is meant to be informative, with helpful hints, tricks, and advice; it will hopefully be enlightening, creating a dialogue on animal welfare issues and stimulating thoughtful conversation; and of course, it will feature adorable adoptable dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, ferrets, hamsters, gerbils, turtles, and other animals from the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter.

We look forward to hearing your thoughts and continuing to serve our two-legged, four-legged, finned, scaled, and winged neighbors in Alexandria and the metropolitan region.