Need a great Christmas gift? Or do you just have a heart for furry friends?
The 2013 Pets Calendar, created by the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, is now on sale at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter at 4101 Eisenhower Ave. and other retail locations throughout the city. The price is $15 for a single calendar or two for $25.
All proceeds benefit the AWLA, which contracts with the city to handle animal control and shelter services. The calendar sales help many animals go from being shelter residents to cherished pets. More than 80 cats, dogs and small animals from around the region are featured in this the 2013 calendar, including many AWLA alumni.
This year, more than 80 pets competed for the grand prize, a professional pet portrait session with Stephen Bobb of Fidojournalism and their photo featured on the cover of the 2013 calendar. The contest itself raised more the $30,000. Photos of these pets are featured in an online photo gallery.
Diana Cole, AWLA development manager, said the yearly calendar sale usually raises about $10,000, on top of the funds generated by the contest.
“It’s a great opportunity for both exposure for the shelter and pets in the area, and we’re fortunate that a lot of our alumni are featured in the calendar,” Cole said.
Earning the top prize this year were "brothers" Mr. Speaker and 7. Mr. Speaker, an AWLA alumnus, and his family were enjoying a canine cruise on the Potomac River when they meet 7, an adoptable dog from Lucky Dog Rescue. They adopted 7 that night.
The AWLA cares for more than 3,500 animals each year. Calendars are on sale at these retail locations.
