Special to The Nashville News-Leader
The Nashville community came together in a powerful show of support last Saturday night, July 26, at Mingling for Mutts, an event sponsored by SWA Paws, a local nonprofit dedicated to reducing shelter overcrowding and improving animal welfare in Southwest Arkansas.
The fundraiser raised enough money to launch low-cost spay and neuter clinics and support other key initiatives planned by the organization.
Hosted by Dr. John and Gail Hearnsberger, the evening drew a large crowd and an outpouring of donations, exceeding initial expectations,\to help create a brighter future for the region’s animals.
SWA Paws President Deb Young addressed attendees, acknowledging the organization’s founders, board members, and committee members who have worked tirelessly to build the foundation for this nonprofit.
Formed in response to the alarming euthanasia rates at the Nashville Animal Control Shelter, SWA Paws is dedicated to reducing those numbers and ultimately moving toward a no-kill status for the region.
The event was attended by several local leaders and officials, including State Rep. Dolly Henley, City Councilwoman Kay Gathright, Howard County Economic Development Director Vanessa Weeks and Nashville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tim Pinkerton, among others.
While Mayor Larry Dunaway, Animal Control Officer Seaborn Gregory, and City Attorney Aaron Brasel were unable to attend, SWA Paws expressed gratitude for their ongoing collaboration to improve shelter operations, explore legal solutions, and reduce euthanasia rates.
Additionally, Nashville native Erica Linville, associate attorney at Mitchell, Williams Law Firm in Little Rock, is partnering with SWA Paws to help the organization achieve its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
SWA Paws was founded after Best Friends Animal Society reported that the Nashville Animal Shelter had an 82% euthanasia rate in 2024, one of the highest in Arkansas. Of the 1,016 animals taken in, only 182 left the shelter alive through adoption, rescue, or return to owner—an average of 2.28 animals euthanized per day.\
The shelter serves as a regional facility, accepting animals not only from Nashville but also from Dierks, Murfreesboro, Prescott, Delight, Mineral Springs and Old Washington. SWA Paws is currently seeking volunteers from these communities to support ongoing efforts.
In July, SWA Paws took further action to reduce euthanasia rates by sponsoring adoption fees for all qualifying animals, making it more affordable for local families to adopt pets in need. As a result, six dogs and six cats have already found loving homes, and six puppies were successfully placed with a rescue group.
Despite this progress, the Nashville Animal Shelter remains at capacity. As of this month, there are still 17 adult dogs and 17 adult cats available for adoption—not including the many puppies and kittens currently housed at the shelter.
SWA Paws is urging the public to consider adoption. Every adoption not only saves a life but also creates space for another animal in need. With community support, we can reduce overcrowding and move closer to our goal of becoming a no-kill shelter.
One of the organization’s top priorities is launching recurring low-cost spay and neuter clinics across Southwest Arkansas. These clinics aim to tackle overpopulation at its root, reducing shelter intake numbers and easing the burden on staff.
Licensed veterinary professionals will provide services at reduced rates, making them accessible to pet owners who might otherwise struggle to afford these procedures. The goal is to begin these clinics by the end of the year.
By funding the clinics directly, SWA Paws ensures this effort will move forward without additional financial burden on the city or taxpayers. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to improve live outcomes, increase adoptions, and promote humane treatment of animals in the region.
“We’re not asking for blame—we’re asking for partnership,” said SWA Paws leadership.
“Our region’s animals deserve better. So do the residents who care about them.”
With growing community support, SWA Paws hopes to transform the Nashville Animal Shelter into a model of compassion and progress.
The SWA Paws Board of Directors includes: Deb Young, President; Gail Hearnsberger, Vice President; Nikki Ray, Treasurer; Jenna Millwood Pope, Secretary; Terry Young; Dr. John Hearnsberger; Gayle Castleberry; Marlin Masey; and Jodi King. Committee Members Include: Roger Stivers, Linda Stivers, Sheila Kreul, Adrianne Pickett, Rhonda Kwok, Brenda Watson, Kay Walden, Whitney Turley, Elizabeth Overton, Jessica Delozier, Lynn Wrinkle, Fran Strawn and Leah Hainen.
SWA Paws also extends heartfelt thanks to the many friends and supporters who volunteered their time to make the event a success—your help truly made a difference. For more information: Follow SWA Paws on Facebook or email [email protected].
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
