Several animal welfare organizations in Logan County are teaming up for the first time to host an event aimed at tackling the county’s pet overpopulation crisis.
“So the event we are having, this is kind of the first time in Logan County, we are able to bring multiple animal organizations together for the better cause,” said Amanda Castile, co-founder of Spayed and Aid of Kentucky. “The cause being the overpopulation that we have in Logan County and the crisis that we are in right now with overpopulation and need for spay and neuter and adoptions.”
The “Pawty for a Purpose” event will take place Sept. 6 at Haley’s Auction and Realtor, which Castile said is one of the group’s biggest sponsors. The location will host food vendors, bounce houses, training demonstrations and a petting zoo provided by Lily’s Ranch, a new large animal rescue in Auburn.
“We are excited to be putting on this event, it’s a great way for everybody to come together, all the rescues in town, the shelters in town, for a greater cause of saving the animals,” said Aric Tousignant, director of Logan County Animal Care and Control. “Since I’ve been here the past two years, it’s very exciting that this event’s going to actually take place and we’re excited to see Southern Paws, Spayed and Aid, and the Logan County Animal Shelter coming to do this event.”
Castile said the idea began with a conversation between her and co-founder Karen Kirsch, who wanted to unite the many animal welfare groups in the county.
“When we started this adventure, all the organizations were invited and we were really lucky enough that Southern Paws agreed that it was time for the community to come together to better serve the animals here in our county,” Castile said. “Logan County Animal Care and Control has also recently joined in with us, and then of course Lily’s Ranch and Rescue in Auburn.”
Organizers said the event will be family-friendly and backed by several community sponsors including PSK Heating and Air Conditioning, First Southern National Bank, Lewisburg Banking Company, Jason Harper, The Hoagie House, Nashville Road Animal Hospital, Logan Bethel Veterinary Hospital, Roxanne’s Pizza and Pub, and the Keysburg Family Store and Restaurant.
Kali Remington, president of Southern Paws Animal Rescue, said vendors are still needed.
“We’re looking for any type of vendor that can set up, it’s going to be an outdoor event so you’re probably going to need a tent, booth, everything like that, but we’re doing any type of vendor,” Remington said. “It’s a $25 donation to set up, and you can apply by going to either Southern Paws Facebook page or Spayed and Aid Facebook page and you can just send us a message and let us know that you’re wanting to set up.”
Tousignant said he hopes the event will not only raise awareness but also create lasting collaboration between organizations.
“It’s going to be a fun, exciting time with many things happening, we’re going to have food, we’re going to have training classes, just an all around great time, bounce houses, so come on out and see us and join in on the exciting fun that it’s going to be,” he said.
