The Washington Animal Rescue League recently celebrated their 85th anniversary as one of our area’s oldest animal welfare organizations with a celebration at the lovely Decatur House in Lafayette Square. The evening’s program included a wide array of activities. Guests had the rare opportunity to take part in virtual pet adoptions to facilitate permanent placement. Excellent door prizes and a well-stocked silent auction provided the perfect opportunity for pet owners to pick up several luxury items for both themselves and their pets. Items up for bid included: a web page designed for a pet, pet accessories including an all-important Redskins sweater, a shot at being a movie critic with training provided by Arch Campbell, French cooking classes, an autographed “Austin Powers” poster, and accommodations at an Irish country cottage. The event also marked the official results of a special Animal Rescue League contest wherein doting pet owners could explain why their dog or cat deserved to be named the “Power City’s Y2K-9” or “Silicon Alley Cat of Washington, D.C.” Winners were announced at the benefit event and received a web site designed especially for their pets.