Our vision at the Animal Welfare Alliance of DeKalb County is to create a future where every animal in our community receives the love, care, and respect they deserve. We envision a world where the pain and suffering of stray and abandoned animals is eradicated through our tireless efforts. By promoting TNR programs, providing affordable spay and neuter services, offering low-cost vaccine clinics, and educating our community about responsible pet ownership, we are dedicated to keeping pets with their families and preventing the heartbreaking separation that too often occurs. Through our free pet food pantry, we strive to ensure that no animal goes hungry, even in times of hardship. Together, as a compassionate team, we believe in the power of unity, empathy, and advocacy for the voiceless. Join us as we work towards a future where all animals thrive, and together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of our community's precious companions.

Courtney Butler began her journey in animal welfare at the age of 16 as an intern at an Allen County veterinary clinic.  After graduating from Carroll High School, she worked at Pier 1 Imports and attended Indiana Tech, where she earned a degree in Business Management. 

Retail was not her true calling, so Courtney returned to her passion for animals by taking on the role of Animal Care Specialist at Fort Wayne Animal Control. She was later promoted to Volunteer Program Manager. 

Courtney then became the Veterinary Practice Manager for Banfield/GMP, working in Fort Wayne, Carmel, and Lexington. After getting married and starting a family, along with establishing a senior horse rescue, travel became impractical.  Courtney then managed St. Joe Center Veterinary in Fort Wayne, under National Veterinary Associates.

In 2016, Courtney and her husband moved to DeKalb County, where she worked in local government with the Surveyor and Parks and Recreation departments.  In 2021, she decided to focus on caring for her family and the senior horse rescue. Before leaving her government position, Courtney collaborated with city leadership to establish a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) ordinance and program plans.  In 2024, Courtney founded AWA and began working with the DeKalb Commisioners to establish County TNR. AWA operates AWA as volunteers to educate, schedule and transport hundreds of animals to low coat surgery a year.

The Butlers volunteer and foster tirelessly for Humane Fort Wayne, having welcomed hundreds of foster animals into their home over the years. 

Courtney has listened to the community's calls for more animal resources and education. She believes that helping and educating people in need is essential to improving the situation for animals. Inspired by her dedication to the DeKalb community, she felt compelled to return to the field to assist both people and pets.  Her favorite quote is: “I asked God why He hasn’t done something to help our animals, to which God replied, I did—I sent you.” (Author unknown)

Jake Butler is the co-founder of AWA.  Without Jake, no fostering, rescuing, or progress would be happening. Jake is truly the driving force thanks to his positive, never-give-up attitude. If you ask Courtney, he is absolutely the reason for AWA coming to be.

Jake grew up in Ohio, working and living on a cattle farm. Jake began college in Fort Wayne for Information Security and then moved to Fort Wayne. Jake was then hired by a local health network and has recently achieved his 20th anniversary there. Jake chose a career in information services with healthcare because he wanted a career that impacts lives and helps people.

Jake obtained his Master's degree in Information Security and Data Assurance as a personal goal in 2019. It goes without saying, that Jake is the tech mastermind for AWA. Jake has a passion for saving lives of all kinds, including livestock, his skills and experience are invaluable.

Jake devotes his life to leaving the world better than he found it, he is committed to being a great father and husband as well as rescue for all animals in need. Jake has a passion for helping the people with the animals, Jake hopes to provide a pet food bank and free vaccine options in our community to those in need.

Jake loves his local DeKalb community and brings compassion, insight, excellent communication skills, and the best sense of humor you can ask for.