Pets of the Month

we enjoy are hazardous to animals. Chocolate, alcohol, and poultry with small bones are on that list, but absolutely not the only risky items. Sometimes the best solution, although not always the easiest, is keeping pets in a separate room during holiday festivities.

Exercising care can ensure that the holidays are a time of joy, not tragedy. An ounce of prevention on behalf of your pets – another example of the responsibility that comes with an animal – pays dividends in the form of kisses, head butts, and cuddles.

The team at King Street Cats wish you and your families, humans and pets alike, a happy and healthy holiday season. Sources: Jennifer Coates, “How Long to Dogs Live,” PetMD (Oct. 9, 2013) (https://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/evr_dg_how_long_do_dogs_ live). Lauren Jones, “How Much Does a Cat Cost?” PetCoach (https://www.petcoach.co/article/cost-of-owning-a-cat). Jenna Stregowski, “The Cost of Owning a Dog,” The Spruce Pets (updated Feb. 4, 2020) (https://www.thesprucepets.com/the-cost-ofdog-ownership-1117321). “Holiday Safety Tips,” ASPCA (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/holiday-safety-tips).

Cheryl Burns and her husband have been King Street Cats’ volunteers since meeting another volunteer running a mobile event in late 2016. They are proud to have been chosen by Smoky Tiggs and Sweet Potato Bailey Burns as their human caretakers and diligent staff. A Legal Editor by day, Cheryl’s love for animals is matched by a passion for words and she has amassed a collection of more than 600 books.

Bath & Primp • Nail Trim & le • Full Haircut Deshed • Theraclean Treatment • Teeth Brushing Hair Coloring • Exotic Grooming Gianna Schjang, Gabriella Brown • Paw Spa LLC

315 South Washington Street, Alexandria 22314 703-517-4428 • www.thepawspava.com Love. Brush. Groom. Repeat.

4101 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 703-746-4774 alexandriaanimals.org Mon-Fri, 1-8 pm Closed Wed Sat & Sun, 12-5 pm CLAIRE Adult, Spayed Female, Brown Tabby with White Domestic Short Hair Hi! My name is Claire and I am looking for a calm, quiet home with caring people. I am a very sweet, gentle girl, who can initially be a little on the shy side. I think I would make the perfect lap cat once I get to know you. I am also a real talker -- I will greet you with a friendly meow and wait for attention. I love gentle head pets and am particularly fond of back scratches. Once I get what I want, you will hear loud purrs of contentment. You will probably hear more talking from me when I want something to eat! However, I admit to being a tad overweight, so you will probably have to go light on the treats! I can’t wait to meet you! Schedule an appointment to visit with me at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

PRINCESS PEACH Adult, Female Turtle Princess Peach is ready to be the top gal in her tank. Like any princess, Peach requests her favorite snacks, the sunniest basking spot and frequent visits from her loyal subjects and admirers. If you’re looking for an aquatic princess to dote on foot and foot, schedule an appointment to meet Princess Peach at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria! TANK Adult, Neutered Male, Brown and White Terrier Tank is a big ol’ goofball who loves his toys as much as he loves his cozy bed! In fact, Tank loves bringing his toys in bed for a perfect afternoon. When Tank isn’t cuddling up in bed, he brings his toys outside, for a leisurely stroll or a nice sit in the sun. Tank loves when his friends toss his squeaky toys for him to catch, and he always makes sure to bring them back. He’s just a good boy like that! Schedule an appointment to meet Tank at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

Adopt by Appointment at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria virtually on Zoom or in-person at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter! The AWLA is upholding ALX Promise standards to welcome visitors back to the shelter safely for adoptions and other community services on an appointment basis. Learn more at AlexandriaAnimals.org/Adopt-ByAppointment.

Your holiday shopping can support animals in need at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria! Learn more about gifts that bring smiles to people and animals at AlexandriaAnimals.org/HolidayShopping. Your gifts support adoptable animals like Princess Peach, Claire, Tank and many more! Schedule an appointment to meet any of our adoptable animals at AlexandriaAnimals.org/Adopt-By-Appointment.