Brittnie has always had a love for animals. She and her partner have two canines of their own. After moving to Nashville, she volunteered at a shelter where she met the founder of Charlie’s Angels Saving Animals (CASA)Transport, a nonprofit that serves to reduce the number of animals in overcrowded shelters by transporting them to northern states. She learned that overcrowded shelters often euthanize animals to make space for a constant influx. Before arriving in Tennessee, Brittnie had never heard of a “kill shelter”. Eager to save animals from euthanasia, she began volunteering with CASA and now serves as the Director of Outreach.

CASA Transport serves not only as a transport service for animals. After they obtain animals, they spay and neuter, test for heartworm disease, and provide necessary vaccinations for them. Once each animal passes a health inspection, it is transported to a new shelter with ample space. CASA Transport has transported over 7,000 dogs, cats, and birds in just three years of operating as an official nonprofit.

In addition to her role as the Director of Outreach, Brittnie acts as a foster parent to animals at risk of euthanasia. She has housed over 150 foster animals. Opening her home to foster animals has changed her life and her personality.

“Their resilience to continue to love is something we could all learn from,” Brittnie says.

These animals often come from horrific situations involving neglect and abuse. In spite of all their trauma, they want to love and be loved. Thankfully, there are many people out there who now have a chance to love these animals because of this service.

Brittnie reports that CASA Transport frequently receives updates on successful rescues. Adoptive families often send photos of their companions enjoying their new lives. One dog in particular had spent ages living in a shelter and now has a home in the Hamptons.

“The updates are amazing. That is probably what fuels us to keep going,” Brittnie says.

Clearly, overpopulation is an issue in the southern United States, but animals all over the country need homes. There are many ways to help these animals, but Brittnie is a believer in fostering and encourages others to open their homes as well. There is not enough space in shelters for the number of homeless animals, but when one fosters an animal, it creates more space in shelters for more animals. Fostering saves animal lives, even if you risk falling in love with one. Additionally, if you want a furry family member, consider the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” campaign that encourages people to seek companions at their local shelters rather than purchasing from breeders or pet stores.

To hear Brittnie’s full story, listen to her interview on the Doing Good podcast.