Fairfax Animal Protection Police found Avita (now Avida) as a stray in September 2024. At eight years of age and a sturdy gal, she was perfectly healthy but perhaps intimidating to potential adopters due to her age and size. If only everyone could see how playful and loving she was with the Animal Services staff, she would have been snapped up immediately! After a false-start adoption in March 2025, it wasn’t until January 2026 that the perfect match was made.

Avida went home with her new family (and a $500 voucher to Pender Veterinary, courtesy of Friends) and she’s never looked back! “Avida made our lives complete. {While initially] it has been a challenge, she now knows all her commands.” Although she still barks when there’s a knock at the door, once her owners say, “Leave it,” she knows to stop barking. Avida’s parents consider themselves very disciplined dog owners and understand that consistency is what she really wants and needs. The doctor says she has lost eight pounds [since her adoption], and needing to lose a bit more, she is on a healthy diet and goes on daily walks. “We go to Home Depot every weekend and everyone is quick to pet her! We love her so much; we can’t thank you enough for bringing her to our lives.”