Fees Waived For Big Dogs Like Scooby For AWLA Big Love Adoption Event

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Valentine's Day is the perfect time for adopters who want to show some love to the big dogs.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is hosting its "Big Love" adoption weekend to celebrate Valentine's Day. From Friday to Sunday, adoption fees will be waived for all dogs 40 pounds and up at the city's animal shelter.

The animal shelter operator says big dogs often have the longest stays at animal shelters around the U.S. According to the organization, some benefits of larger dogs are tendency to bark less than small breed dogs, milder personalities and tolerance for young children than small dogs, and some kinds being able to live in smaller spaces with minimal exercise. A study by the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna found that big dogs tend to do better with obedience, aggression and excitability, and anxiety and fearfulness.

However, considerations for adopting big dogs may include a higher cost for food, heartworm, flea and tick prevention; bigger beds, crates, toys and other items; the need for more exercise; the need for training to avoid jumping on people; physical strength needed to handle a big dog; and more difficulty traveling with a larger dog. Apartment residents may also want to check with their landlord about dog size and breed restrictions.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria staff and volunteers get to know shelter pets well, so they can explain to adopters what types of home pets would do well in.

Here's a profile on Scooby, one of the adoptable big dogs:

Scooby is a 2-year-old, 59 pound male dog. Scooby is an extremely happy, affectionate dog. He is a little indecisive and never can decide how to wear his ears - sometimes 1 up and sometimes both. His absolute favorite thing to do in the whole world is play fetch with tennis balls. He is very good at bringing the balls back too. He has a personal best record of fitting three tennis balls in his mouth at one time -- very impressive! He has gotten along well with other dogs at the shelter. If you're looking for a happy-go-lucky guy, Scooby could be your man!

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is located at 4101 Eisenhower Avenue. Adoption hours are Friday from noon until 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. For more information about adopting and more adoptable pets, visit AlexandriaAnimals.org.