Hope Springs Eternal

It was Christmas Eve when Hope arrived at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter. The brown tabby was severely underweight and malnourished, her fur matted and dirty. She had a serious wound on the left side of her neck and various scratches and sores. She received immediate treatment from the League's animal care technicians but her condition was so poor that many did not expect her to survive the night. On Christmas morning, AWLA staff found Hope still weak, but stable. Her will to survive was strong, earning her the name Hope.

For the animals like Hope that are fighting for their lives and have nowhere else to go, the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter is a safe haven. The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria supplies food, shelter, medical care, and love. Thanks to the generosity of animal lovers in the community, the League is able to rescue animals in need, regardless of age, breed, or disposition.

On Wednesday, April 17th, you can help hope spring eternal at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria by making a Spring2ACTion donation. Spring2ACTion is an online day of giving for Alexandria's nonprofits, and the League is striving to give all of our animals hope by raising $10,000 in 24 hours. You can give the gift of hope by making an online donation at http://spring2action.razoo.com/AlexandriaAnimals on April 17th.

To aid Hope's recovery, she was placed in a foster home. AWLA staff member Joe Klatt and his fiancé Tracy welcomed Hope into their home and began nursing her back to health. Although skittish and fearful at first, Hope quickly recognized that Joe and Tracy were there to help her.

Several more weeks passed and Hope's health and behavior improved dramtically. She loved her soft bed by the sunny window and interacting with Joe and Tracy. She was a playful, affectionate, friendly girl who was now ready to find her forever home.

Hope returned to the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter from foster care in early March. It only took her 6 days to win the hearts of her new family. Hope's adopters were so excited to find her and knew immediately she would be a perfect addition to the family. At last, her long journey back from the brink of death came to an end in a forever home with a family to care for her.

Hope is just one example of the thousands of animals (and people) whose lives are forever changed by the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Though we love and care for animals in their darkest hours, it is supporters like YOU that make it possible for so many beautiful creatures to receive a second chance to find the homes they deserve. Hope's story was made possible by the generous donations the League receives throughout the year.

You can give Alexandria's animals hope and a brighter future by donating on April 17th at http://spring2action.razoo.com/AlexandriaAnimals and encouraging your friends and family members to do so as well. Every gift gives the League a chance to win additional prize and grant money, which will go a long way towards helping our animals in need. Prizes are also available to individual donors, so be sure to check the Spring2ACTion schedule of power hours and giveaways to maximize your donation.

On behalf of Hope and the animals that will benefit from your gifts, we thank you.