President of Local Animal Welfare Group Discusses Mission, TNR Efforts and Community Involvement
By: Lauren Ramsey – Wise News Network
Cherryville, NC (WNN)— Since 2000, the Association for the Welfare of Animals has been working to improve the lives of animals in Cleveland County and beyond, thanks to the efforts of founder and president Alison Still.
During our interview, Still shared the story behind the organization’s founding, its mission to promote spay and neuter programs, and the community events that help fund its life-saving work.
Inspired to Do More
Still began her journey in animal welfare as a volunteer for another organization in the late 1990s. When that group shifted focus away from low-cost spay and neuter services, Still and three fellow volunteers decided to take a new path.
“We all talked on the phone and decided we were going to start another organization that would focus specifically on lowering the cost of spay or neuter for pet owners in the community,” Still said.
The group formed the Association for the Welfare of Animals in 1999 and officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in December 2000.
Understanding Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)
The organizations signature program Born Free Felines, follows a trap-neuter-return (TNR) model to manage feral cat colonies in the area. Stray cats are humanely trapped, taken to a low-cost clinic for spay or neuter surgery, treated for any urgent medical issues, and then returned to the exact location where they were found.
“It’s cruel to trap, neuter, and release an animal anywhere but where it came from,” Still said. “They don’t know how to survive in a new place.”
Each cat is also tested for feline leukemia, FIV, and heartworms. If they test positive for a disease that poses a risk to the colony, the animal is humanely euthanized. Still emphasized that the process protects both the cat and the community.
In addition to TNR for cats, the group offers the lowest rates in the area for spaying and neutering of companion cats and dogs. Currently, pricing ranges from $20 for a tame male cat up to $110 for a dog, assuming there are no surgical complications such as pregnancy. Surgeries for cats are performed at one of several low-cost clinics with which the group partners, while all dog surgeries are now exclusively performed at SNIP in Shelby.
More than Just Cats and Dogs
While the organization’s main focus is cats and dogs, it has helped other animals over the years, including lizards and even ponies.
Still recalled one pony rescue involving animals that were being chased by a man in a pickup truck in the southern part of Shelby. “He was trying to get them stabled for the night, but having never known love or trust, they were running from him,” she said.
The ponies were eventually rescued and rehomed, now enjoying peaceful lives in safe environments.
She also shared a tragic story of a dog that had been burned and was found hiding under a house. “One of our volunteers crawled under the house and coaxed the dog out,” Still said. Despite emergency treatment, the dog’s injuries were too severe. The organization honors its memory each year at their Blessing of the Animals event.
Community Support Through Wags and Whiskers
One of the organization’s main fundraisers is Wags and Whiskers, which began many years ago and is modeled after similar national campaigns like the sale of paper shamrocks for Multiple Sclerosis and paper balloons for the Children’s Miracle Network. Supporters can donate any amount to honor a pet by purchasing food bowl paper cutouts at local businesses and writing a pet’s name on it to display.
It costs nothing for participating businesses to take part, and the campaign runs throughout the month of April. As an incentive, the top three sellers that raise at least $150 will each receive a $50 gift card to a merchant of their choice. Businesses in both Shelby and Grover are participating this year.
Proceeds from the fundraiser help subsidize veterinary care and emergency visits, as well as spay and neuter services for pet owners who need financial assistance. The group also offers a discounted rate for pit bulls, in an effort to reduce shelter overpopulation.
“At any shelter, within a 150-mile radius, the majority of dogs are going to be pit bull mixes,” Still said. “Our goal is to keep them out of the pound.”
Hands-On Ways to Help
Currently, AWA runs on the efforts of a small but dedicated group of volunteers, and more help is always welcome. The group operates without a physical shelter or facility and does not house animals. Instead, its work is carried out through partnerships with low-cost clinics and the team at Cherryville Animal Hospital.
“Our doors are always open to anyone desiring to become more involved in the type of work that we do,” Still said. “With that, anyone interested in volunteering to make animals’ lives better is invited to call us at any time to discuss the possibilities.”
In addition to financial support, residents are encouraged to participate in the group’s various events. The Blessing of the Animals is held in October and includes luminaries and a moment to honor both living and deceased pets. During the Dog House Derby, volunteers build and paint dog houses from pre-cut kits.
“We would love to see more community members get involved,” Still said. “And if you’re not sure how to help, just call— we’ll figure it out.”
Contact to Help
If you’d like more information or to volunteer, contact the Association for the Welfare of Animals at (704) 487-6555 Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, email Alison at [email protected], or visit one of their participating local locations in Cherryville, Shelby, or Grover.
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