AWLA photo
Ike is looking for love from you, on Valentine's weekend.
It’s time to bring home BIG LOVE … just in time for Valentine’s Day!
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is hosting an adoption event this weekend in a nod to Valentine’s Day. The Big Love Adoption Weekend starts Friday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day at 12 noon and continues through Sunday, Feb. 16 at 5 pm.
The AWLA, located at 4101 Eisenhower Ave., will waive their adoption fees for any dogs that are 40-plus pounds.
Sadly, large breed dogs statistically have the longest stays in animal shelters across the country, but – we would argue – they have the most love to share. While you may not have considered adopting a medium to large-sized pup, there can be many great benefits, including:
- Large dogs typically bark less than small breed dogs.
- Large dogs tend to have milder personalities, greater self-control and higher tolerance for young children compared to small dogs.
- Some large dogs can make great companions for apartment dwellers. Not every large dog requires a ton of exercise.
According to a study by the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, big dogs are statistically better in three categories: obedience, aggression and excitability, and anxiety and fearfulness.
Learn more about adopting a large dog here.
Adoption hours are Friday from noon until 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. The adoption staff will be ready to assist in the matchmaking process and help you find some “buddy” to love. You can meet all of the eligible "bachelors and bachelorettes" by clicking here: https://bit.ly/BigLoveAWLA.
Of course, there are many different kinds of animals available for adoption at the AWLA, including cats, small dogs, and small mammals, like rabbits. We encourage you to visit to find your soulmate!
Here's one pooch who fits the bill who is available:
AWLA photo
Ike is looking for love from you, on Valentine's weekend.
Ike is a 1-2 year old, 51-pound male dog. "Another dog in the home required" is not something we put in a dog's adoption profile often, but Ike is a special boy who needs a dog friend to feel safe and confident.
Ike was found wandering in a local business' parking lot. He was a little skinny and a lot scared. Ike has made great progress with our behavior/training team and volunteers, but he needs a patient home to truly thrive. Ike only wants to come out of his shelter enclosure if he sees one of his best dog buds is going out with him.
He lights up when he realizes it's time to explore, play, and wrestle with friends! (Ike seems to prefer female friends, but he's also gotten along with male dogs, too.) Ike is food motivated and knows sit and paw.
With time, patience, and TLC, we know Ike will make someone (and another dog) a steadfast, loyal companion. Do you have a confident, playful dog who could take Ike under their paw? Please come meet him at the AWLA! His adoption fee is waived this Friday through Sunday.
