A framed photo of Arrow was presented to Arrow's adopter, Anne Hancock (holding Arrow) along with supporters state Sen. Barbara Favola, U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8), President/CEO of AWLA Neil Trent and Patricia Ragan, AWLA board president. Photo by Veronica Bruno.
The Animal Welfare League of Arlington unveiled its newly renovated cat and small animal facility on Thursday, June 5.
“This is a milestone event,” Neil Trent, president/CEO of AWLA, said during the reception. “Now, of course, we've changed,” as he described the many benefits of the state-of-the-art residences designed by Animal Arts, an architectural firm that specializes in this type of veterinary model that provides greater quality of life for its feline and small companion residents.
Patricia Ragan, AWLA board president, described the new facility as “a model shelter,” highlighted the larger cages, cageless cat colonies, more natural light from larger windows, and new cat receiving and isolation rooms. “Housing is the single most important factor for quality of life.”
The new facilities coincide with the Care and Transform (CAT) capital campaign launched this year and the organization's 70th anniversary. Since its launch earlier this year, CAT has achieved 70 percent of it campaign goal. The campaign is embodied by the case of Arrow, who came to the shelter badly injured and mistreated. When Arrow was discovered, he was found with 60 pellets in his body and blind. Through care and love at the shelter, he rallied and was adopted earlier this year.
“He did not break his spirit,” said Ragan. After receiving care at the facility, “something amazing happened,” as she described his recovery. “Arrow's goodness bought out the very best in people. He is here today with his adopter, Anne Hancock,” Ragan announced as supporters of AWLA presented her with a framed portrait of Arrow. “He has been a treasure,” said Ragan.
The new cat receiving wing has been named for the strong-willed cat and the center now includes a plaque in his honor outside the wing entrance.
For information on supporting AWLA, visit www.awla.org or contact 703-931-9241. The center is located at 2650 S. Arlington Mill Dr. in Arlington. Several cats and kittens are available for adoption. There is also an upcoming concert in partnership with the Arlington Symphony on June 29, Pops for Pets, that is free and open to the public at the Lubber Run Amphitheater.