Senior Dogs Are A Package Deal For Holidays At Alexandria Shelter

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Finding a new home for the holidays is at the top of the wish lists for pets at shelters like the one run by Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. For senior pups Princesa and Chaquira, the goal is to find a family together.

The two dogs are more than just bonded friends. The 9-year-old German shepherd mix Chaquira is the mother of 8-year-old Princesa, and the two have been inseparable. The pair had been surrendered to a shelter in Miami in November when the owner could no longer care for them.

The bonded pair faced the chance of not finding a home together, or at all. That's why AWLA was contacted by partner organization True & Faithful Pet Rescue Mission, which helps transfer at-risk animals from facilities in Florida and Texas by transferring to shelters that might be better equipped to find them homes. The AWLA team agreed to take Princesa and Chaquira, along with 12 other dogs of various ages and breeds.

Over a month, their environment may have changed, but their friendliness and gentle natures haven't wavered. AWLA staff describe the dogs as "calm," "sweet," and "so loyal." They've been found to be good with other dogs, enjoy slow walks and receive ear scratches and treats.

"This time of year, it just breaks my heart to see two such sweet girls without a family," AWLA Executive Director Stella Hanly in a statement. "We know the right person or people are out there for them, and it would be the greatest gift of all to find them before the year is over!"

Anyone interested in learning more about Chaquira and Princesa or scheduling a virtual or in-person meeting can email holidayadoption@alexandriaanimals.org or call 703-746-4774. Their adoption fees have been prepaid by Priority Automotive Group for AWLA’s Home for the Pawlidays event.