Courtney Butler’s journey in animal welfare began at 16 as an intern at a veterinary clinic. After graduating from Carroll High School, she earned a degree in Business Management from Indiana Tech. Her lifelong passion for horses began in 1987 at the Red Cedar Center, leading to over 30 years of riding, training, and owning horses on her own property.

After a time in retail, Courtney transitioned to Fort Wayne Animal Control as an Animal Care Specialist and was later promoted to Volunteer Program Manager. She then served as a Veterinary Practice Manager for Banfield/GMP across several locations. Following the start of her family and the establishment of a senior horse rescue, she managed St. Joe Center Veterinary in Fort Wayne under National Veterinary Associates.

In 2016, Courtney moved to DeKalb County and worked with the Surveyor and Parks and Recreation departments in order to meet and serve her new community. Before stepping away from those roles in 2021 to focus on her family and rescue work, she collaborated with city leadership to establish a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) ordinance in 2021. In 2023, she founded AWA and began working with DeKalb Commissioners to establish a county-wide TNR program in 2023. Today, AWA’s volunteers educate the community and facilitate low-cost surgeries for hundreds of animals annually.

The Butlers also volunteer and foster for animal shelters in Allen County, having welcomed hundreds of animals into their home. Courtney is dedicated to providing the resources and education the DeKalb community needs, believing that helping people is essential to improving the lives of pets. Her work is guided by the quote: “I asked God why He hasn’t done something to help our animals, to which God replied, I did—I sent you.”

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 learned to work with equine and bovine from an early age and is a skilled horseman.  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. Jake is a Chief Information Security Officer for a health network. It goes without saying that Jake is the tech mastermind at AWA. Jake has a passion for saving the 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 people with 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.