AWL Executive Director Exudes Passion
By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews
PIERCETON — Passion is a plus when it comes to working, and Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County Executive Director Tonya Blanchard exudes that passion.
“I’m living my dream job,” said Blanchard. “Not a lot of people can say that, but I can say I love what I do.”
Her love for animals of all sizes and breeds really comes through while discussing her future plans for the AWL, which include helping pay the shelter building off and creating new activities for Kosciusko County residents to enjoy.
Blanchard was born in Illinois and moved to the northern Indiana area in elementary school. She worked for Indiana Dimensional Products, a family business in North Webster, prior to taking over as AWL’s executive director.
“I stepped away to do what I have passion for,” said Blanchard. “Life’s too short.”
Blanchard has an extensive background with the AWL as a 15-year shelter volunteer. She also owns two Great Danes.
“My draw to being with the pets was when my son went off to college,” said Blanchard. “The best part of my whole life was being a mom and when he went off to college, I had this empty gap. I met one of the previous directors at an event and started volunteering on Saturdays because I was working. Just any chance I could, ‘Oh we have a three-day weekend? I can be at the shelter for three days!’ I was drawn to this place.”
With her job, Blanchard really enjoys interacting with people and helping animals find their “fur-ever” homes. She recalled an instance where staff became very emotional after a dog that resided at AWL for almost one year was adopted.
“Everybody cried when they left,” said Blanchard. “(The dog) turned around and looked at us and it was just like, ‘I’m gonna be fine.’ Stuff like that is just amazing to me.”
Blanchard also spoke highly of AWL’s staff, as well as volunteers and fosters who assist AWL.
“For them to come in here, that is unconditional love,” said Blanchard. “This is a non-judgmental place. (The animals) just want to be loved to the point that they forget about what they’ve had in their past.”
Blanchard is very passionate about helping special needs cats and dogs, as well as senior animals, since those AWL residents are typically harder to find a home for. She plans on creating an area at the shelter where AWL’s senior dogs won’t have to be kenneled, and can live in a free-roaming area while sitting on recliners and enjoying television time.
“In the past year and a half we have been totally blessed in Kosciusko County,” said Blanchard about the community. “I mean, if I put out there, oh we need wet food, donation after donation comes in. It’s amazing how much the community supports us.”
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer for AWL is encouraged to call (574) 267-3008.
“Just give us a call and we’ll work with you and find out what your passion is,” said Blanchard.