RUSSELLVILLE, Ky. (WBKO) – In its eight weeks of existence, Spayed and Aid of Kentucky has brought hope to Logan County’s animals, capturing the attention of the community and other animal welfare organizations.

“Our main goal and mission of Spayed and Aid of Kentucky is to prevent unwanted litters from ending up in local welfare organizations or being dumped or we see thousands of pets having to be given away on Facebook every single day,” said Amanda Castile, Co-founder of Spayed and Aid of Kentucky.

After their first successful pet food drive, distribution event, and spay/neutering clinics, Spayed and Aid of Kentucky is actively seeking individuals in the community to join their mission to assist the pets of Logan County.

“We are a grassroots organization 100% funded by donations. We’ve been around for exactly 8 weeks and have had tremendous support from Logan County. We can’t thank people enough!” said Karen Kirsch, Co-founder of Spayed and Aid of Kentucky.

Kirsch and Castile met while working for another animal welfare agency. Castile dreamt of bringing free spay/neuter services to the county while Kirsch dreamt of creating a free pet food pantry. The two decided to combine their efforts and became an official non-profit organization in January.

Their goal is to help pet owners with financial hardship and alleviate some of the costs of taking care of their animals. This would help those owners be able to keep their animals instead of releasing them into the wild or surrendering them to the already overcrowded shelters.

The dreams of the founders have become a reality where over 400 animals have been served through their pet food pantry and over 80 animals are awaiting spaying and neutering services.

“Spaying or neutering your pet is extremely important. Spaying, you will prevent breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, (and) neutering your animal is going to prevent roaming. It’s also preventing the unwanted litters which, in essence, will save thousands of lives every year,” Castile said.

For their spaying and neutering services, they have partnered with Dr. Jenny Brown-Todd, owner of Brown Animal Hospital in Russellville.

“In addition to the Spayed and Aid program, I also offer discounted spays and neuters myself to help give back to the community, help prevent suffering, and increase the quality of life for the pets,” Dr. Brown-Todd said.

The service through Spayed and Aid is entirely funded by donations, and Spayed and Aid will manage all appointment details. Those wishing to participate must contact the agency and not Dr. Brown-Todd directly.

For their pet food services, 217 families signed up and received food for their pets at the first distribution event last week. The event fed over 400 pets.

Those who hadn’t signed up for services were able to get food on a first come, first served basis.

Future distribution events will be announced on their Facebook page.

Spayed and Aid of Kentucky is also looking for volunteers to help them with their mission.

As the organization is projected to grow, Castile and Kirsch will need help managing the operations and logistics of the organization.

“We are not affiliated with any other government organization or animal welfare organization, and so donations are what is helping us save lives,” Castile said.

“We really need the Community’s help, and we are so thankful for you all,” Kirsch added.

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