Community Foundation Awards Funding to Support Medical Resources Offered at Williamson County Animal Hospital
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) has awarded $15,000 from their Animal Welfare Special Interest Grant Program to Friends of Williamson County Animal Center. Funded by the Patricia & Edward J. McGavock Humane Treatment of Animals Fund, the grant supports free spay/neuter procedures, basic and emergency veterinary treatment and fee forgiveness needed to keep people and pets together and cats who do not have a human to pay for their care.
This award supports Williamson County Animal Center’s (WCAC) program that provides free spay or neuter for any cat that spends any amount of time outdoors in Williamson County. Some sources estimate that a single cat can be responsible for more than 400,000 cats over seven years if they and all of the offspring continue to reproduce. Thus, sterilization is widely accepted as the most effective means of controlling homeless cat populations.
“We have been able to increase services available to members of our community in need because of the continued support that we receive from the Community Foundation,” said Dr. Erin Birdwell, Medical Director at WCAC. “And, this generous grant alone will touch the lives of 400 animals. Keeping them healthy and comfortable – and, out of the shelter – whether they are part of someone’s family or independently living outdoors.”
Bonita has been at the animal center for several months and recently underwent surgery to relieve pain caused by a fracture in her femur. She is doing very well in recovery and, at six-years old, she’ll benefit by being in a home with a fenced yard and/or with someone willing to give her multiple walks and plenty of exercise each day to stay fit and trim. Bonita is friendly with people, including kids, and has been social with a lot of dogs during her time at the shelter, but does not do well with small dogs or cats. Come see Bonita and all of the adorable adoptables at WCAC!
According to WCAC Assistant Director Scott Pieper, financial struggles are consistently among the top reasons given by those who surrender. Often, Pieper said, families who are not able to afford basic or emergency care make the difficult decision to do what is best for their pet and bring it to the animal center. Funding from CFMT’s grant also supports the shelter’s programs that prevent surrenders for such circumstances.
Friends of WCAC is a non-profit organization, run by volunteers, that provides direct programmatic and financial support to the animal center. The two collaborate regularly to identify and meet the needs of animals, pet owners, and the community in real time. Their mission is to promote quality of life for all animals and the humans who care about them by supporting a compassionate environment and humane treatment for the animals of Williamson County and to advocate for animals.
WCAC is located at 1006 Grigsby Hayes Court in Franklin, near Franklin Christian Academy. The center is open to the public Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.; Saturday 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.; closed Sunday. Times may vary due to holidays.
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