By Julie Chapman and Stella Hanly
Alexandria, VA – The ALX Dog Walk began in 2021 when Julie Chapman invited a small group of board members—Joe Garrett, Austin Malloy, Kathryn Nobles, and Lisa Novick—to start a fun dog walk with the goal of teaching people about the plastic pollution problem.
They decided to bring dog owners and their dogs together for a two-mile walk through Old Town Alexandria with the event’s focus on plastic pollution and easy solutions. They called it #funactivism.
Volunteers from Maryland and Virginia jumped in to help. NBC4’s Chuck Bell agreed to co-emcee the event with Alexandria’s Monte Durham of Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta and Salon Monte, and the first walk happened on April 2, 2022. Since then, the event’s mission broadened to include plastic-free AND sustainable living.
This year’s ALX Dog Walk takes place Saturday, April 18, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Here’s what to expect:
- A two-mile walk down historic Union Street that loops back along the Waterfront to Oronoco Bay Park. Walkers will enjoy special music performances by The Alexandria Symphony and Alexandria Singers along the way! The walk starts at 8:15 a.m. sharp.
- A post-walk celebration will be emceed by NBC4 Washington Meteorologist Chuck Bell. Monte Durham of Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta and Salon Monte will host The Dog Show competition. Of course, this year celebrates Monte’s new bridal collection, and The Dog Show’s theme is “best wedding fashion.” Three lucky winners will receive prizes.
- A Spring2ACTion Nonprofit Village where nonprofits will share their work before the Spring2ACTion.org fundraising day on April 22.
- A Sustainability Festival and marketplace with eco-friendly products/services for sale.
- A Plastic Art Show where artists used primarily plastic waste to create art and compete for cash prizes; The Art League and Alexandria Arts Alliance will serve as judges.
- Canned water fundraiser by Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail (FMVT)—buy Drink Open Water, and 100% proceeds support FMVT. No more single-use plastics at this event!
A New Partnership: ALX Dog Walk and AWLA
The ALX Dog Walk (ADW) marks its fifth year with a new partner: the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA), which happens to be celebrating its 80th anniversary this year! The event has grown fast thanks to enthusiastic volunteers, and to meet this year’s community demand, the event required additional support. Chapman said, “Nonprofits need to adapt and grow. AWLA lives sustainability every day, and it’s the perfect nonprofit to help take the dog walk to the next level.”
After talks, AWLA and ADW signed an agreement. In 2026, they share responsibilities and split funds 50/50. Chapman added, “Our collaboration shows how groups can team up to do bigger, better things.” Plus, this year, ALX Dog Walk will use a portion of extra funds to sponsor the Upcycle Creative Reuse Center.
AWLA CEO Stella Hanly added, “Partnering like this brings our missions together—helping animals and protecting the planet. We’re excited for a strong future where the ALX Dog Walk keeps growing and making a real difference for pets, people, and our environment.”
New this year: AWLA’s team fundraising system. People can form teams for a friendly local competition to raise the most funds and awareness, from real estate agents to mom groups to local businesses. It’s all about community spirit and FUNraising. The top three teams get weekly shoutouts on social media and a photo with NBC4’s Chuck Bell and Monte Durham.
Hanly said, “Team fundraising builds community and gets people and businesses excited for a good cause. My 10-year-old daughter Aoife heard me talking about the event and started a team with friends. These young animal lovers and environmentalists are already raising money— let’s go The Katseye Squad featuring Archie’s Army!”
Local Businesses Get Involved
The Dog Park store is running an Earth Month campaign called “Raising a Paw for Pets and the Planet.” During April, customers donate, sign a “paw,” and it goes on the store wall. Sponsors like Saint Rocco’s Dog Treats get special tags on products. Saint Rocco’s is a family-owned brand from Pennsylvania that bakes artisan treats for happier, healthier dogs.
Businesses have supported sustainability from the start. This year’s Sponsor Pack includes:
- Top Dog Sponsors: NBC4 Washington, The Zebra Press, Noel Yameogo and Reimy Saavedra with Morgan Stanley, WTOP News
- Pack Sponsors: The Dog Park, Veterinary Emergency Group
- Tail Wagger Sponsors: The World Crafted on King, Posh Pets, Dominion Energy, Happy Paws Photography, FORWARD Real Estate/Charlotte Lee with Corcoran McEnearney
- PlayZone Sponsors: Monster Organics, Elpaw Veterinary Clinic, Earthing Well LLC, Tote Bag Factory, United States Senate Federal Credit Union, MetLife Pet Insurance, Alexandria Restaurant Partners.
Register for the ALX Dog Walk
Registration for the ALX Dog Walk is $35 per person with or without a dog (same price since 2022), and includes a 100% cotton drawstring goodie bag, t-shirt, dog bandana, Earth Breeze pack, Patagonia storage bag, Plastic Pollution Coalition metal straw, Lunchskins bag, Hold On trash liner, and other eco goodies.
To make Walk Day easier, there’s a Pre-Event Check-in Day where you can pick up your swag and more treats on Wednesday, April 15, 12 – 6 p.m., at Hypergoat Coffee Roasters, 215 N Payne St, Old Town Alexandria.
Register now at www.alxdogwalk.com. Let’s walk together for #petsandtheplanet!
Bark on!
