Our Mission

PAWS is a 501c3 charity established in 2022 with the intent to raise funds to assist our local shelter and the animals of Benton County. As a charitable organization we have been able to apply for and receive grants, give free immunizations to the public, provide for spay and neuter, and vet bills. With your membership you are helping to continue these good works and have a voice in how our organization moves forward.

Our STORY

When Dawn Bongiovanni made Camden, Tennessee her home, she was moved by the challenges faced by the Benton County Animal Shelter (BCAS) due to limited resources and a high number of stray animals. Recognizing the need for action, she founded a non-profit organization called PAWS to support BCAS financially and promote responsible pet ownership. PAWS aims to prevent animal cruelty, advocate for spaying and neutering, and educate the community about proper pet care. This initiative continues to make a lasting impact on animal welfare in the region.

Meet the Team

  • Dawn Bongiovanni

    Founder/Vice President/Fundraising

  • Sandi Hire

    Secretary/Media Relations

    Sandi and her husband, Dan, moved to Benton County from Champaign, Illinois, a year ago. After retiring from 17 years as a United Methodist pastor, Sandi began volunteering at the county animal shelter, where she discovered PAWS and joined the organization. Passionate about dogs, Sandi is eager to use her talents to make a difference in the lives of Benton County's animals.

  • Heather Drexler

    Membership

  • Michele McCarthy

    Vaccine Coordinator

  • Raquel Bongiovanni

    Treasurer

    Raquel and her husband, Dave, live in Camden with Tommy, some kind of hound dog/Bluetick Beagle concoction; and Frank, an 18-year-old toothless Chihuahua. It’s Frank and Tommy’s house. Raquel and Dave just pay for it.

  • Claire Petry

    Trap S/N

    Claire Hardin, First Lady of Holladay, TN, since 2019, discovered a need for a TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) Program in Benton County after dealing with a feral cat colony left by neighbors. Sharing her concerns with PAWS Director Dawn Bongiovanni, Claire was quickly appointed as the first TNR Board Member and tasked with securing funding and implementing the program. That experience taught Claire never to complain about a problem without being ready to solve it.

  • Kim

    Spay/Neuter

Join the team

Interested in joining the PAWS board? This is a great way to serve your local community and the pets of Benton County, Tennessee. Click the button below and send us a message expressing your interest, and we will get back to you.