Arlington Pet of the Week: Ellie

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Meet Ellie, an inspiring 11-year-old lab and pit bull mix who survived living on the streets and now gives back to her Clarendon/Courthouse community by working as a therapy dog.

Here is what Ellie’s rescuer and owner had to say about her:

I adopted Ellie from a rescue after from college. She is an incredible, well behaved dog. She has gotten to know the location of any local store that provides her with free treats and often attempts to direct me there on walks. She was a real hit at the recent Clarendon Mardi Gras Parade and got more beads than she knew what to do with!

Ellie is a joy and I cannot imagine not having her. She is a therapy dog and we volunteer with a local organization called People Animals Love (PAL). We often frequent the Central Library where children actually read to dogs like Ellie. She has brought a lot of joy to various local nursing home residents where we also volunteer.

Ellie loves to play and has remained active in her old age. She used to be the best running partner I had, but now she settles for long walks. She loves catching Frisbees and has been known to run up and down park slides. She adores toys and often takes them with her outside. At my prior condo she was known as the dog with the big fish in her mouth and brought a smile to anyone that saw her.

Ellie is the perfect example of the joy that a rescue dog can bring to a household. I have often had many people comment that before Ellie they did not like dogs, but that they would gladly adopt any dog that has her disposition. The rescue found her as a stray roaming the highway extremely underweight. Whomever her prior owner was had no idea on what an amazing dog they missed out on! She is without a doubt my best friend.

The Arlington Pet of the Week is sponsored by Dogma Bakery, which has locations at The Village at Shirlington (2772 S. Arlington Mill Drive) and the Lee Harrison Shopping Center (2445 N. Harrison Street).

Want your pet to be considered to be the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email steph@arlnow.com. Each week’s winner receives a $25 Dogma gift card.