The sights and sounds of Old Town are always enjoyable

Grab your dog's leash and slip on your most comfortable walking shoes for Sunday's dog-and-family friendly event.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)  is hosting the Alexandria Shelter Walk for Homeless Animals starting at 9 a.m. Sunday. This fun weekend event will benefit the residents of the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, and is the only walk to benefit Alexandria's homeless pets.

The walk helps increase awareness about the ever-present problem of pet overpopulation,and covers 1.5 miles, beginning and finishing at Market Square.

Participants, on four legs and two, will stroll through the streets of  Old Town Alexandria's historic neighborhoods, and yes, George Washington himself once walked there (although no one can confirm whether a dog accompanied him.).

Those who share their homes with cats, ferrets, bunnies, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds or fish are asked to let their animal companions stay home from the Walk---really, the pets much prefer sleeping in on the weekend!-- but are encouraged to walk to represent their animal friends' species.

The sights and sounds of Old Town are always enjoyable, and on this coming Sunday, a spectacular autumn morning will offer new appreciation of the quaint and storied community. Hundreds of area canine-and-human duos are expected to turn out at this event, which is open to the public and the media. Congressman Jim Moran and members of the Alexandria City Council have also been invited.

Teams such as the Lyles-Crouch Animal Crusaders, a group of local 2nd through 5th graders, will participate, as well as sell baked goodies to hungry walkers, with proceeds going to AWLA.

Local vendors will be in place all around Market Square in support of the AWLA and all the Walk participants.

Adult registration is $25 and includes an event t-shirt and bandana. Children and teen are invited to join in the fun under the supervision of a registered adult. Youth registration (ages 6-16) is $10 and includes a t-shirt. Children 5 years of age or younger are free. Walkers are encouraged to form teams with coworkers, family members or civic group members. Prizes will be awarded to the top Team and Individual fundraisers. Adult participants who raise $100 also win an LED flashlight and poop bag dispenser to keep your evening walks clean and bright.