AVERY LANÉE Floyd slides another blue, velvety-smooth bead onto the wristlet, meant for holding keys, and lifts it up for her mom, Kelsey, to examine before she sells it. “This one’s gonna say ‘Dog Mom,’ and it’ll have an orange sparkly paw print dangling from the middle.” Without pausing, Avery adds, “Instead of gifts, for my birthday this year, I want to help even more animals. ‘Cause every animal deserves to have a ‘fur-ever’ home and not be forgotten about.”
Her mom grins. “That’s it! ‘Avery’s Fur-Gotten Friends!’ That’s what we’ll name your Facebook page.”
As if smiling in agreement, Avery’s pit bull mix, Icee, charges into the living room and bounds toward Avery on the couch. Icee clumsily thrusts her paws against Avery’s kneecaps and swipes her pink tongue across her nose and cheek. Avery erupts into giggles. Her French bulldog, Squirt, who had been snuggled against her hip, stretches her front paws and yawns. Everyone is in agreement.
Avery counted the days until her seventh birthday. “I decided to donate money to animal rescues and shelters because I just love animals,” Avery recalled. “I thought the dogs and cats in the shelters and rescues needed some extra love. I feel happy because I’m glad to know that I was able to give them something to make them happy, too.”
When Avery and her mom arrived at the Bedford County Animal Control (BCAC) in January 2025, they could barely control their excitement. “Avery asked people for money instead of birthday presents.” Kelsey said, “She was able to donate $300, plus multiple bags of dog and cat food. She was even able to donate dog beds to one of our local animal rescues. Her dad, Chaz Floyd, brought a trailer load of bales of straw to the rescue so they could distribute them to people in need. Avery has already stated she will be doing this for her birthday again this year.”
Avery wandered past the rows of chain-link doors, scanning the scribbled names of the animals awaiting adoption at BCAC. Several dogs whined, while others scarcely lifted their bony heads.Their bodies formed a tight, protective ball, but their brown eyes observed her intently.
Though Icee hogs Avery’s bedcovers, her soft snores lull her to sleep each night, and her ever-watchfulness makes her feel protected. Both of Avery’s dogs provide endless hours of entertainment as they chase each other around the backyard, barking. Life would be dull without them.
These dogs — and cats — de serve to experience that kind of “fur-ever” love, that kind of “fur-ever” bond, too. Kelsey pulled her phone from her pocket. One by one, she recorded the animals playing with Avery and uploaded the videos to Avery’s Facebook page.
“This was a huge help,” Whitney Yeargan from the BCAC said. “Many people first ask if a certain animal is good with kids. Seeing them interact with her makes a huge impact! She loves to come by and spend time with the animals. She does not miss even one and spends time with each and every one we have. Avery wants them all to feel loved. Her selflessness is inspiring, and her dedication to finding homes for animals and supporting spay and neuter initiatives is a testament to the kindness that resides within her. Her Facebook page is a reflection of her passion and commitment to helping those in need.”
Avery said, “I absolutely love taking pictures with the animals. It is so fun because they are always happy to see me. The cats jump and climb all over me, and the dogs run all around me and lick me all over my face. I think taking pictures and making videos helps because so many people see the videos and see how great the animals are with kids. One of my videos had about 2,000 people watch it, and the dog was adopted!”
Yeargan said, “As we look at Avery’s story, we’re reminded that even the smallest hands can make a big impact. Her compassion, empathy, and generosity are qualities we can all learn from, and her story is a beautiful reminder of the good that exists in the world.”
When Avery grows up, she plans to work for an animal shelter, but she also expects to start her own rescue. “I would have bright paint on the walls and, of course, ‘Avery’s Fur-Gotten Friends.’ It would also have pictures of the animals that were adopted. The cats would be up front so people could see them, and the dogs would have a big fenced-in area so they could run and play.”
Avery has made and sold enough bracelets to donate more than $3,000 to local rescues, shelters, and the Middle Tennessee Spay and Neuter Clinic (MTSNC). In fact, her recent donations to MTSNC covered 100% of the spay and neuter costs for an entire day.
“All of that money came from my birthday money, piggy bank, and my bracelet money. I also enjoyed making homemade dog treats with my little sister, Parker. We also gave out pup cups at my last event in Wartrace, and dogs LOVED it! Avery’s Fur-Gotten Friends is special to me because, though I am only 7 years old, I am making a big difference.”
Kelsey said, “My dream isn’t for Avery to make me proud. It’s for her to make herself proud in a room that I’m not in — doing things I’ve never dared to try — with a voice that never flinches. Dream big, sweet girl, and NEVER let anyone tell you that you can’t!” GN
For more information, follow Avery’s Fur-Gotten Friends on Facebook and the Bedford County Animal Control.
Looking to adopt? Searching for a specific breed? Go to www.petfinder.com.
