RUSSELLVILLE, Ky. (WBKO) – Spayed and Aid of Kentucky recently celebrated its first anniversary, marking a milestone in its mission to keep pets with their families during difficult times.
Founded on Jan. 5, 2024, the organization has worked tirelessly to provide free pet food and spay and neuter services to veterans, senior citizens, individuals with disabilities and those facing financial hardship.
“We could have never imagined last year that we’d be where we are today,” co-founder Karen Kirsch said. “Last February, we had a pet food drive at Olmstead Elementary. Since then, we collected enough food in 2024 to feed 3,087 Logan County pets.”
Co-founders Karen Kirsch and Amanda Castile said they envisioned a way to address the challenges many pet owners face when economic pressures force them to make the heartbreaking decision to surrender their pets. By offering critical resources, Spayed and Aid of Kentucky aims to reduce the number of animals entering local shelters while strengthening the bond between pets and their owners.
“The mission of Spayed and Aid is to keep animals out of the animal shelter and at home with their owners,” Kirsch said. “We do that through providing free pet food and free spay and neuter services for those who can’t afford it, primarily the veterans, senior citizens, the disabled, and others who are having financial difficulty in Logan County.”
In its first year, the organization made a significant impact:
- Pets Fed: 3,087
- Pets Spayed/Neutered: 111
- Feral Cats Fixed: 145
These numbers reflect the community’s growing need for support and the dedication of Spayed and Aid of Kentucky to meet it.
“Every spay and neuter procedure helps keep unwanted pets off the streets of Logan County,” she said. “And every bag or can of dog or cat food helps keep animals at home with their families so they don’t have to make the heartbreaking decision to send their animal away.”
As part of its ongoing efforts, the organization is launching the “Love for Pawz Pet Food Donation Drive,” which will run from Feb. 1 through the 28. With 24 drop-off sites currently available, the drive aims to gather enough donations to sustain its vital pet food distribution programs.
More details about the drive, including drop-off locations, can be found on their website.
“Last year, we collected over 1,100 pounds of food with 11 sites,” she said. “This year, we have 24 sites and we are so excited to work with the community to help feed the animals of Logan County.”
This year, they will be taking the organization even further at the state capitol about their pet food pantry.
“We were invited by the Humane Society of the United States Kentucky chapter to speak at their state meeting in Frankfort,” Kirsch said. “In a couple of weeks, we’ll be there and we’ll be speaking about our pet food pantry.”
Spayed and Aid will also host the Puppy Parade at this year’s Mardi Gras celebration in Auburn.
For more information about Spayed and Aid of Kentucky, its programs, or how to get involved, visit their website or email spayedandaid@gmail.com.
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