VOLUNTEER LUNCHEON celebration
Additional Information
More than 100 AWL volunteers celebrated at the luncheon held in their honor on February 26, 2026 at the Coronado Center. Special thanks to the Volunteer Luncheon committee members from left, Susan Senogles, Lisa Austin, Luncheon Chair Sandie Rickerman, Michelle Alford, Pattie Swenson, Susie Neal, Beverly Fitzpatrick, Jennifer Hurd, Barbara Reinecke, Tori Varriale, Melanie Marshall, and Jill Jones.
Special guests included Roxy, a Certified Courthouse Facility Dog and Susan Bradshaw, part of the Paws for Justice Program
in Little Rock; and entertainment by Elvis, aka Marcus Sugg. But the true stars of the event were our fantastic team of AWL volunteers, who always go above and beyond to help our animals.
Thanks to everyone who supported us at the 30th Anniversary Walk & Wag-A-Thon!
Wonderful weather, great friends (and the opportunity to meet new ones), a scenic trail, plus adorable dogs of all shapes and sizes guaranteed a fun time for all at our Walk & Wag-A-Thon on May 8th.
Over 75 registered walkers and volunteers, along with 40 of our four legged friends, walked along the Balboa Trail to support the AWL. (View photos on the gallery below).
We are grateful to everyone who registered to walk, and especially to their family members and friends who sponsored their walk. Nearly $9,000 was raised to help care for our adoptable pets.
Special thanks to our generous sponsors: Clampit's Country Kitchen, Brookshires, ReMax, Barkansas Pet Supply, and Artfully Baked & Brewed for providing treats and refreshments; and to Village True Value and Ike Eisenhauer at State Farm for their contributions.
1st Annual K9 Costume Party October 31, 2020
Thank you for supporting the AWL!
Cleverly dressed up K9s and their owners enjoyed the 1st Annual K9 Costume Party on the patio of the DeSoto Club on Halloween. A special thank you to Bryan Garrett, Food and Beverage Manager, for orchestrating the fun filled event. Guests enjoyed a lunch of hot dogs, brats, hamburgers and beverages, as well as a variety of salads. Anita Cox and her daughter Toni from Sweet Treats Bakery provided baked treats, with all proceeds from the lunch sales supporting the Animal Welfare League.
Thanks to everyone's generosity, more than $500 was raised for AWL programs!
The highlight of the afternoon was the "Pooch Parade" and gift cards to POA restaurants were awarded for the best dressed K9s.
Thanks also to Bryan's staff at the DeSoto Club, and to Kim Massey, Human Resources Manager, for their valuable assistance.
We also want to thank Ben E. Keith Company and Miller Lite for sponsoring the event.
Congratulations to the Winners!
3rd place - $25 GC to "Sophie - the Batgirl" and Liz Lovelace
2nd place - $50 GC to "Poppy - the Bad Pet" and Sue Avery
1st place - $100 GC to "Jessie - the Budweiser Dog" and Allison & Mark Allen