Don’t let Dolce’s diminuitive size fool you. This Yorkshire terrier still has a world of love to give.

Here is what his friends at the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation have to say:

Dolce is a sweet 10-year-old silky terrier looking for his forever home. He’s taken on the nickname Dooley and he’s small enough to easily tuck into your arms.

He loves being outside and will prance around, sniffing everything, for as long as you let him! Once inside, he’s a little less curious and is content to curl up by your side for a good nap. He loves getting and giving kisses while being hugged.

Dolce is fully housetrained and well behaved. He doesn’t bark or beg. He would do best in a home where he’s the only dog or where the other dogs are the same size and temperament as him as he can be a little fearful of bigger dogs.

If you’re looking for a quiet, cute, and loveable little companion, Dolce would like to apply for that position! He’s an easygoing guy and if you open up your heart and home he will jump right in!

Think you’re a match for Dolce? Contact Flora at [email protected] to adopt him.

This October, beer fans and animal lovers can head over to Lost Dog Cafe to sip Solace Brewing Company’s Rescue Ale and support rescue efforts for dogs and cats.

The charity brew, which benefits the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation, will hit shelves at Solace Brewery on Oct. 8 and will start being poured at all Lost Dog Cafe locations on Oct. 9. A portion of all sales of Rescue Ale will be donated to LDCRF.

There are five Lost Dog Cafe locations, with one in Dunn Loring (2729A Merrilee Drive) and one in McLean (1690A Anderson Road).

The brewery will host a distanced adoption event, and an online auction will offer winners a tour of the brewery as well as  pooch and beer-themed merchandise.

Lost Dog Cafe is a long-time supporter of the rescue and donates a portion of its revenue to support the care of animals rescued by LDCRF. Local breweries have brewed a Rescue Ale in support of LDCRF for the last four years, and this is Solace’s second year making the charity beer. Read More

A local animal rescue group has turned to online resources and bringing in animals from outside Northern Virginia to keep up with the rising adoption demand.

The Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation in Falls Church almost closed when the pandemic hit the Northern Virginia area but decided to stay open under the guidance of its co-founder Pam McAlwee, according to Kim Williams, one of the foundation’s volunteers.

Over the last few weeks, the organization saw a large increase in cat and dog adoptions, Williams said, adding that compared to April 2019, adoptions are up about 60%.

“It’s unlike anything anyone could have ever predicted,” she said.

When the pandemic first hit, Williams said she was concerned because “everything came to a screeching halt.”

The local pet supply stores, which usually would co-host adoption events with Lost Dog, halted their events, and people could no longer meet potential fosters in-person due to health concerns.

But that didn’t stop the foundation from continuing to help furry friends find homes.

Through Zoom appointments and phone consultation, three main volunteers ended up “working around the clock” to process roughly 300 pet inquires and match animals with homes in the first few weeks when people started staying home, Williams said.

“All of a sudden they became Match.com overnight,” she said.

In April alone, the organization took in roughly 370 dogs, according to Williams.

When finding homes for the animals, the volunteers consider a variety of factors, including the age of an animal, preexisting medical conditions, the size of the pet and household factors like children or the presence of a yard, Williams said.

Despite the time-consuming process of matching an animal to an owner, Williams said the team created spreadsheets and even worked to find adopters and fosters for animals that require special care and attention — like Grey, a pup who spent more than 500 days in Lost Dog’s shelter and loves to eat everything in his site — including furniture.

One upside to the pandemic is that people are spending extra time with their foster animals and discovering triggers and solutions for misbehavior that would otherwise cause incompatibility issues, Williams said.

Because many of the animals from the Northern Virginia area have either been adopted or placed in a foster home, the shelter is bringing in roughly 70 animals per week from places such as Puerto Rico, Mississippi and Southern Virginia — all areas with a large number of stray animals. Williams said that a local vet in Mississippi told her that the area was a “dumping ground” for animals.

Though adoptions and fosters have increased over the last few weeks, Williams said it isn’t cheap to rescue animals from across state lines.

Before an animal can be sent to foster homes or be adopted, the shelter has to pay somewhere between $125-$170 in fees depending on the size of animals to take them over state lines. That’s on top of all of the medical expenses to ensure they are healthy.

Thanks to thousands of dollars in donations from an anonymous donor and a partnership with a nearby animal hospital, the shelter has managed to keep up with demand, Williams said.

The Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation prides itself on its ethics, according to Williams. “We never discriminate based on age, breed or health conditions,” she said, adding that they will take in any dog or cat in need of care. 

Anyone interested in fostering an animal or adopting can check out the foundation’s website.

Photos courtesy Kim Williams Photography 

Meet Hank, a gangly foxhound whose smile will warm your heart as surely as a certain children’s movie without the accompanying tears.

The Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation say it’ll be love at first sight for anyone who takes a chance on Hank:

Hank loves you already, and you will love him back if you meet him just once.

This goofy 70-pound foxhound loves to greet everyone he meets. Hank is still a young man and can use your help to become the perfect family member. He is already super cuddly, loyal, and affectionate and has a lot more to offer.

Hank makes sure that every person passing by is greeted properly and showered in kisses. He loves being petted in return and has also shown love for other dogs he met. Typical of a hound, Hank has his nose pressed to the ground and loves to explore his surroundings. He does well traveling in the car and will ride right upfront with you if you like.

Hank needs your help figuring out treats because so far he is eager to take them, carry them in his mouth, but will eventually just drop them to the ground. He is a working dog who loves to walk and will make a great hiking companion.

Hank is a big bouncy guy looking for a family to help him become a well-rounded adult.

If Hank seems like the right walking buddy for you, you can email the shelter at [email protected]

Meet Sally Jane, a boardwalk babe who loves to spend her time splashing in the water. Move over, Torri Huske!

Here’s what Sally Jane’s friends at Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation had to say about her:

Sally Jane is a sweet, playful puppy! She is a rambunctious and adventurous girl who loves to play hard and sleep hard. She will keep you on your toes, but also never want to leave your side.

She is a true lab mix and LOVES the water. Drinking water, eating ice cubes, playing in her doggie pool and running through sprinklers are a few of her favorite things. Also, in true Labrador fashion, she is a naturally skilled retriever, so you will have a friend to play fetch with for life!

Sally Jane has successfully lived with other dogs but is still working on her food guarding manners. She would do best in a home with an experienced dog owner. She has played well with other dogs both her size and smaller. Sally Jane has also previously lived in a home with cats and done well with them!

Sally Jane’s leash skills are coming along great, and she is very smart and food-driven so continue training. She knows her name and “sit” already and is working on “down.”

Sally Jane sleeps in her crate overnight without having any potty accidents. She will also sit politely at the door during the day to tell you when she needs to go to the bathroom.

This cuddly girl would love a large yard to run around in to support her energy needs and would like a semi-quiet area as she continues to adjust to her new life.

Sally Jane is ready to bring a lifetime of happiness to her forever family! Interested in her? Email [email protected] to start the adoption process!

Is Sally Jane the perfect match for you?

Meet Marlow, a laid-back senior dog in search of a buddy to watch “Wheel of Fortune” with in his golden years.

Marlow’s friends at Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation told us a little bit about him:

Marlow is the boxer you want in your corner!

Handsome and affectionate, Marlow is ready to embrace his retirement. He is a master relaxer who likes snoring during conference calls, daintily sampling new treats and arranging the pillows to his exact specifications. He’s got velvety soft jowls and a fabulously expressive RBF (that’s “Resting Boxer Face,” of course).

A gentle and tolerant guy, Marlow likes to snuggle up with humans of all ages. He’s calm and unreactive around other dogs and politely sniffs every new person that he meets. He has completely charmed his foster family’s friends and neighbors, not to mention their mail carrier and a repairman or two. Marlow is a low-energy homebody who doesn’t need (or want) a lot of exercise — no yard or long walks required! He’s a pro at getting his business done quickly and coming right back inside.

Marlow likes having his people around, and he’s looking for a family where someone is usually home during the day, though he’s fine alone in the house for a few hours. He is housetrained but does have some urinary incontinence — that is, sometimes he drips. (What can I say? It happens to the best of us.) However, he is happy to wear a belly band, especially if that means he can jump up on the couch to put his head in your lap and gaze soulfully into your eyes. He also has some skin growths that we’ve been keeping an eye on.

If you want a loving, low-maintenance work-from-home companion, Marlow might be the one for you!

If you’re interested in learning more about Marlow, please email [email protected].

Are you and Marlow a perfect match?

Meet Shelby, the latest Pet of the Week. Shelby is a pint-size pittie with a big personality.

Here’s what her friends at Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation had to say about her:

Are you an adventurer looking for a big dog personality in a travel-size package? Small enough to never have to leave behind but tough enough to handle any terrain!

Shelby is pint-sized pittie with a character the size of Texas. She’s a triple shot Americano in a half-sized espresso cup, a pocket rocket with a mischievous side that is easily overlooked in favor of her zest for life and cuddly, silky soft fur!

Shelby is a carpe diem kinda girl. She seizes the day and comes out full throttle, ready to embrace whatever adventure awaits. She is a whirlwind of love, life and unbridled joy.

She is looking for an active family with teenagers or adults only, a fenced-in backyard and perhaps another high-energy doggy playmate. Bring on the fun — she may be little but she be mighty!

If you are interested in adopting Shelby, please contact Kat Sanders [email protected].

Are you and Shelby the perfect match?

Meet Major Z/Master Bruce, Tysons’ latest Pet of the Week. This sweet boy is very athletic but also loves cuddling up to you in bed each night (it’s hard to say no to those puppy dog eyes!).

Here’s what his friends at Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation had to say about him:

Major Z/Master Bruce is a handsome, confident puppy by day and vigilante by night. In the weeks he has been with his foster, he has grown from being a puppy with explosive energy to the guardian of the house. He is fast and extremely athletic and has learned to catch a frisbee and balls with ease.

He loves his walks and is an explorer at heart. With big energy comes a bigger appetite, and Bruce is treat motivated and has learned commands like fetch, NO!, stay, sit and stand in a matter of weeks.

He will sleep on his bed, but every night he will ask you if he can climb yours and cuddle beside you. You can’t say no to him, because he has really mastered the puppy eyes weapon. He is overjoyed to see his foster dad every day when he returns home from the office, shaking with happiness and a wagging tail!

He is house-trained and only relieves himself outside when we are on the morning and evening walks daily. He did have a tendency to chew on his bed and playfully shred it, but that has changed with the right amount of toys and training.

From Bruce’s foster: ‘I feel really bad letting him go right when I’m able to converse with him and he tries to communicate with me. He has really left his paw mark in my heart. I’m sure he will be an amazing guardian to whatever lucky family he is destined to. It’s been an amazing journey with Bruce, and I will miss him with all my heart.’

Are you and Bruce the perfect match?

Smiley, who’s always got a smile on her face, is a Golden Retriever mix looking for her forever home.

Here’s what her friends at Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation have to say about her:

Meet Smiley, a girl who is sure to always know how to turn your frown upside down! Smiley is a calm and gentle girl who greets everyone she meets warmly and politely along with her friendly grin. (Her name is Smiley for a reason!) You can make her grin even bigger by providing her with some pets to the head and ear scratches — those are her favorite!

Smily has immaculate manners. We haven’t noticed that she jumps on people at all and when we were taking her out, she even offered a sit to be leashed without a treat lure! She also walks well on the leash with little to no pulling (even when passing other dogs) and explores confidently outdoors, unfazed by loud noises or passing vehicles.

Smiley will truly be an amazing addition to her new forever family’s home. Come meet her to see for yourself just how truly amazing she is!

Are you and Smiley the perfect match?

Tysons’ Pet of the Week is Beau, an energetic pup who loves hiking and playing fetch but also cuddling up on the couch.

Here’s what his friends at Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation have to say about him:

Beau is a 1-year-old Aussie-mix, who had a bit of a rough start to his life and is ready for his loving forever home!

While initially skeptical of some people, Beau opens up quickly over a game of fetch and shows his goofy, playful self. You’re sure to win him over if you can throw the tennis ball for hours! If you’re looking for a high-energy dog to play with and take on hikes that also likes to cuddle with you, this is the one. Beau loves to run and play with you and/or other dogs for hours, but at the end (or the middle) of the day, there’s nothing he wants more than to curl up and cuddle with you!

Beau gets along wonderfully with his foster brother and would be happy to play all day with a resident dog or be your one and only that gets all the love and attention. Beau is looking for an active, adults-only home with a fenced yard and dog experience. He is great with other friendly, playful dogs, but he doesn’t like those pesky smaller creatures like cats or bunnies!

If you’re looking for a smart, active pup that learns quickly and knows basic commands, is house-trained and loves to play (with humans and canines), then Beau would like you to apply to be his best friend!

Are you and Beau the perfect match?