Dogs and humans join forces in last year’s Walk for Animals. Photo by Alison Satinoff
Alexandria’s Walk for Animals on May 1 will be a first for a 6-year-old toy fox terrier called Gorgeous. A former show dog champion, Gorgeous has walked the 1.5-mile course around Old Town before, but this will be her first time attempting the Walk without vision. Gorgeous lost her eyesight in December to acute glaucoma.
“I am Gorgeous’s seeing-eye person,” says her guardian, Denise Matthews of Alexandria. “We’re taking one block at a time … Even if we walk slowly at the end of the pack that day, I hope we can inspire others to support and love all animals, including those with special needs.”
Gorgeous may want to team up with Steve, an 8-year-old Parson Russell terrier mix who also is signed up for the Walk — and who also is blind. Despite concerns about his disability, Lisa Antonelli adopted him two years ago from the Vola Lawson Shelter in Alexandria and has learned a life lesson from her pet. “Steve does not think he has a disability,” Antonelli says. “I cannot imagine my life without him.”
Gorgeous, Steve and hundreds of other dogs and their “humans” will gather at 9 a.m. Sunday, May 1, in Old Town’s Market Square to give their heart and soles to Alexandria’s animals and the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA), which operates the Vola Lawson shelter. The relaxed stroll around OId Town will include a new feature this year — a scavenger hunt for youngsters. Stuffed animals will be hidden in various spots along the course, and children who find them will be encouraged to turn the “animal” over to Animal Control Officers stationed along the route, following the procedure AWLA recommends for people who find stray animals on the streets of Alexandria.
Now is the time for people interested in taking part in the Walk to sign up at AlexandriaAnimals.org/Walk. Walkers can participate as individuals or as part of a team. Walking with teammates is a great way to raise more money for the shelter. Citizens can join existing teams, already listed on the website, or create one of their own by recruiting friends, family members, coworkers or any other animal enthusiasts in their lives. Some teams have specific missions: Denise Matthews and Gorgeous have joined the “Sarah’s Fund” team, which will benefit a special AWLA fund that aids shelter animals who need costly medical treatment.
Special opportunities to participate are also available to businesses: Speck-Caudron Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, VCA Animal Hospitals in Alexandria, Old Town, MacArthur and Beacon Hill, and Hayfield and Fort Hunt Animal Hospitals have committed to being this year’s “Premier Sponsors” with pledges of $2,500 each. Those that pledge $1,000 become “Animal Heroes” and receive Walk registrations for a team of five along with extensive recognition at the event. “Tail Waggers,” who donate $500, receive Walk registrations for a team of two along with special recognition. Elaborate prizes — including theme parties, spa services, free AWLA summer camp stays and AWLA merchandise — will go to the top adult and youth fund-raisers and top adult and youth teams.
Veterinarian Katy Nelson, host and executive producer of "The Pet Show with Dr. Katy" on News Channel 8, will serve as host of the Walk, and Alexandria Mayor Allison Silberberg will join in the festivities. Alexandria’s Animal of the Year, a stray-turned-well-loved pet named Doug, will be the event’s top dog, accompanied by his “people,” Joseph Gillmer and Leah Mazar-Gillmer. Joe Gillmer, who is chairman of the AWLA board of directors, says it was a proud day when Doug was selected to grace the cover of the AWLA’s 2016 Calendar. Doug will appear on stage to help the AWLA encourage the crowd to submit their pets’ photos for this year’s calendar contest.
Follow the Walk on Twitter at #WalkwithDoug.