Black Fur-Day: Alternative Gift Ideas From the Animal Welfare League of Arlington

Nobody wants another fruitcake for Christmas. But the Animal Welfare League of Arlington is betting someone may want a Doodlebug.

Doodlebug, a shy, 6-month-old collie, is one of a number of shelter animals in need of a forever home.

To that end, the league will offer half-price adoptions on Black Friday — one of several holiday promotions that double as unique gift ideas and could help one of Arlington's four-legged residents.

“We have many animals looking for a home for the holidays. On Black Friday and throughout the holiday shopping season, we encourage folks to shop our shelter whether it is for a furry or feathered companion or a special gift for their pet,” league CEO Neil Trent said in a statement. “People can feel good knowing that their purchase or adoption not only fulfilled a gift-giving need, but also helped to support our shelter animals.”

The league will offer more than just the adoption special on its dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and hamsters.

Bring your gifts to the league between noon and 5 p.m. on Black Friday, and staff and volunteers there will wrap them for you. Get a single gift wrapped for a $3 donation or four for $10.

Alternative gift ideas include:

• Gift certificates: Surprise a loved one with a league gift certificate for a pet adoption fee, retail or bakery item or a microchip and rabies vaccination clinic. They'll be available at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, 2650 S. Arlington Mill Drive, or by phone at 703-931-9241.
• Sweet treats: Get a 5-inch-tall, custom Rudolph cookie treat from Dogma Bakery & Boutique exclusively at the league. Cost is $3 for a single treat or $5 for three. Proceeds benefit the shelter animals.
• 2014 Animal Welfare League of Arlington calendars: The calendars feature inspirational stories and photos of league adoptions. Cost is $20, and proceeds benefit the shelter animals.

This holiday season, the league is holding a collar drive for shelter dogs. The organization needs Quick Release Snap Martingale Collars. The collars can be purchased and shipped directly to the league from its Amazon wish list.

After Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this year Giving Tuesday falls on Dec. 3. The league is requesting tax-deductible donations for shelter animals at http://givingtuesday.razoo.com/story/Awla.

In the spirit of giving, the league also is asking residents to giving the gift of time as a foster guardian. The shelter can be a stressful environment for some animals, and the league always seeks individuals or families who can temporarily house an animal in need of foster care. The league provides foster training and covers all expenses associated with caring for a foster animal, including feeding and medical expenses.

To learn more about becoming a foster guardian, volunteer, donor or any of the league's diverse selection of companion animals, visit www.awla.org or download the free Arlington Pets App.