Llama Reunited With Her Owner, Holiday Pet Photos: NoVA Good News

VIRGINIA — This week's good news stories in Virginia include an escaped llama named Kolby being reunited with her owner after some drama, a national survey recognizing Arlington for its happy residents, and waterskiing Santa returning to Alexandria's waterfront.

Plus, view the holiday pet photos from Patch towns across Virginia; learn about a new chocolate and coffee shop opening in Old Town Alexandria; and read how a cancer survivor is giving back.

Here are some of this week's good news headlines:

Loose Llama Reunited With Owner After Chase In Fairfax County

A 20-year-old llama named Kolby escaped from her Fairfax Station home but was rescued in someone's backyard. Kolby was taken to the animal shelter, where she was kept in a barn and given bedding, food and water while shelter staff attempted to locate her owner. Eventually, Kolby's owner was found, and he was "eager to be reunited with his llama."

Arlington Residents Rank 2nd Happiest In The U.S.: SmartAsset

According to a new data analysis by SmartAsset, Arlington residents ranked No. 2 on the list of happiest in the country, just behind residents of Sunnyvale, California. Arlington ranked in the top seven across the three categories measured by SmartAsset, with the county seeing its highest ranking in personal finances.

Company's Food Donation Supports Vienna-Based Charity CHO

Capstone Strategic, a business management consultant firm in Tysons, provided several hundred pounds of nonperishable food to the Committee for Helping Others office. The donation supports the Committee for Helping Others emergency food pantry. The Capstone Cares Comfort & Joy Food Drive, part of the company's Capstone Cares philanthropic effort, started in November.

Season's Greetings

• 2022 Holiday Pet Gallery: Herndon Readers Share Beloved Pet Photos
• 2022 Holiday Pet Gallery: Fairfax City Residents Share Beloved Animals
• 2022 Holiday Pet Gallery: Reston Readers Share Beloved Pet Photos
• Waterskiing Santa Returns To Alexandria Waterfront In 2022

New (and Moved) Businesses

• Lily's Chocolate & Coffee Seeks To Open At Busy Old Town Intersection
• Roots Natural Kitchen Cuts Ribbon At Its New Fairfax City Location
• Silver Diner Running 'Pancake Express' To New Arlington Location

Community Hero

• Woodbridge Hero: Lucy Williams Is A Cancer Survivor Who Gives Back

Picture Perfect

• Alexandria Pet Of The Week: Handsome Rocky Is Picture Perfect

A Few More Good News Stories:

• Donate The Gift Of Warmth To Homeless Residents Of Herndon, Reston
• Little Food Pantry Installed At Hybla Valley Community Center
• Most Popular Books Of 2022 Released By Fairfax County Public Library