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When Avery and her mom arrived at the Bedford County Animal Control (BCAC) in January 2025, they could barely control their excitement. \u201cAvery asked people for money instead of birthday presents.\u201d Kelsey said, \u201cShe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though Icee hogs Avery\u2019s bedcovers, her soft snores lull her to sleep each night, and her ever-watchfulness makes her feel protected. Both of Avery\u2019s dogs provide endless hours of entertainment as they chase each other around the backyard, barking. Life would be dull without them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These dogs \u2014 and cats \u2014 de serve to experience that kind of \u201cfur-ever\u201d love, that kind of \u201cfur-ever\u201d 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\u2019s Facebook page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis was a huge help,\u201d Whitney Yeargan from the BCAC said. \u201cMany 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avery said, \u201cI 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!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yeargan said, \u201cAs we look at Avery\u2019s story, we\u2019re 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n When Avery grows up, she plans to work for an animal shelter, but she also expects to start her own rescue. \u201cI would have bright paint on the walls and, of course, \u2018Avery\u2019s Fur-Gotten Friends.\u2019 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAll 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\u2019s Fur-Gotten Friends is special to me because, though I am only 7 years old, I am making a big difference.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/shelbyville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/03\/1-2-1024x683.jpg\")
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