Allyson Hester/Athenspets.net

Allyson Hester is the primary founder of
Athenspets.net, a voluntarily run website
to help bring awareness of the unfortunate
animals that are without a home at the county’s
dog pound. She gets no compensation, just the
satisfaction of knowing that she’s helping
save canine lives.

Q: Why and when did you start the website?
A: “I started volunteering at Animal Control back in 2000 when I was in college at UGA. I went by weekly for walks, baths, and snuggle time with the dogs there. We still love volunteers to come in and do that! At that time, the dogs weren't published online and there was no way people could see what dogs were available other than a visit to Animal Control. After proving myself as a dedicated, consistent volunteer for over 8 months and going through lots of red tape (a citizen trying to do the work of a gov't beaureaucracy), I was finally granted permission to start a website the summer of 2001. It was a free yahoo website (geocities) and started very small.”
Q: What do you find most fulfilling about what you do?
A: “The euthanasia rates used to be very high at ACCAC. The most rewarding part of my volunteer work and the website is knowing that the adoption/rescue rates consistently top the euthanasia rates. It's great not only saving so many dogs' lives, but affecting so many people who find their beloved companions on athenspets.net.”
Q: How do you feel that your website benefits the animals the most?
A: “People all over the country view athenspets.net and coordinate cross-state rescue efforts. People are able to watch for particular dogs for others whom they know may be looking for a canine friend. Not to mention the quality of the photos and stories. The volunteers spend at least 5-10 minutes interacting with each dog so as to have enough information for a thorough, quality write-up of the dog.”
Q: Have you always been an animal lover?
A: “I've always been an animal lover. As a little girl, I preferred stuffed animals to dolls from the youngest age. :) I've always loved all kinds of animals, but I've always felt connected most to dogs.”
Q: What do you suggest people can do help with the over-population of dogs?
A: “Spay and neuter your pet! Spread the word about the benefits of spaying and neutering. Also, don't buy your pets from pet-stores. Many, regardless of their claims, get their dogs from puppy mills, or places that are at least pretty close caliber with a puppy mill. The dogs there live in horrid condition and pump out one litter after another. All the while, our dogs at Animal Control sit with their lives at stake, waiting for someone to adopt them. As long as people choose to spend hundreds of dollars to purchase a dog, puppy mills will stay in business, and animal shelter dogs will continue to be euthanized.”
Q: How can people help with homeless animals if they are unable to own one themselves, but want to contribute?
A: “Donate supplies to Animal Control! See www.athenspets.net and click on "wishlist". Or to make a monetary donation, go to www.athenspets.net and click the link, "make a donation". Or donate your time by going to Animal Control to walk, bathe, or just love on the pups. Visit www.athenspets.net and click the link, "Volunteer opportunities"”