By: VOICE-TRIBUNE
Photos by: Matt Johnson
We recently shared the story of EthanAlmighty, a local animal shelter rescue rescue who was dropped off at the main facility at close to 30 pounds and starving. His owner, Jeff Callaway — previously a director of facilities at the organization — adopted Ethan and nurtured him into the healthy, 130-pound dog he is today.
On the heels of his rescue, Ethan and Callaway quickly gained followers on social media, garnering national attention and becoming one of the best-known and honored dogs in the country. Following this success, Ethan was named Humane National Shelter Hero Dog of the Year in 2022. Governor Andy Beshear named January, “EthanAlmighty Shelter Animal Awareness Month.” The amount of accolades the pair has received is numerous.
VOICE-TRIBUNE recently caught up with Callaway, who is often on the road with Ethan advocating for legislative change in their work in promoting awareness of animal abuse. Below, Callaway relays his most recent updates to our readers.
You and Ethan were recently successful in getting Ethan’s Law (HB 258) passed. What was it like taking Ethan to the capital to advocate for legislation?
“Getting HB 258 passed was years in the making. For several years it wasn’t called at all. Then it was called but not voted on. Before the 2023 session, the bill got a complete rewrite and was vetted through some influential organizations like Protect the Harvest, the Houndsmen and Farm Bureau. In 2023, it was called in the house and passed 92-6. Ethan and I were lucky enough to be there to see it pass that year. We had watched the house many days that session and were excited to see it moving to the Senate. Unfortunately, the writing was on the wall when it was not assigned to a committee in the Senate. More work needed to be done. So in the summer of 2023, we spent many days scheduling and meeting with Senators to talk about the bill. What they liked, what they didn’t. What would they change? One of the most important things we did was reach out to Representative Susan Tyler Witten about being the sponsor. Susan and I testified to the House Judiciary Committee where it passed and was brought to the House floor for a vote and passed there several days later 79-9.”
“A week or so later we went to testify to the Senate Judiciary Committee where it also passed out of committee. It had never gotten this far and we were so excited. More days of following the bill in the senate until the day it was to be called for a vote. We arrived early to get the best seat. It was a long day but eventually HB 258 was called. After some spirited debate opposing the bill and two floor amendments being withdrawn and two others being voted down, it was voted on and finally, Ethan’s Law had passed 31-5. It was an incredible day for cats and dogs in Kentucky.”
“To be a part of passing animal welfare legislation, in a state like Kentucky is unbelievable. To have Ethan’s name attached to it is truly the most amazing thing he has accomplished to this point. To go from a parking lot, left to die, just three years ago, to having a law named in his honor that will help cats and dogs survive and punish the people that commit these crimes, like the very atrocities that were committed against him is really quite remarkable.”
Can you share the news with our readers on the upcoming film?
“The Ethan movie will be called EthanAlmighty, One dog…and one kind act changed the world. It is being produced and screenwritten by Tane McClure films. It is in pre-production with the screenplay being finished soon. The majority will be filmed in Kentucky. I’m so excited about getting Ethan’s story on the big screen and being able to tell his journey to people around the world. I think the heart of this movie touches every single person. Filming should begin by early fall.”
Ethan’s Foundation recently partnered with Shirley’s Way. Could you tell us a little about each of the nonprofits, and the details of your partnership?
“Ethan’s Foundation, EthanAlmighty’s Blessings, has partnered with Shirley’s Way to create Furever Friends. We will help animals in our community with so many things. From helping to pay vet bills to helping provide pet food or assist with spay/neuter and microchipping. I want to highlight different people, organizations or animals in our community that are making a positive impact. These are two great organizations teaming up to help as many animals and people in our community as possible.”
Finally, you and Ethan seem to spend 24/7 side by side. Tell us about the day-to-day, and what the routine (home and travel) look like. How do you both unwind?
“Ethan goes with me everywhere I go. We attend so many events and functions in the community. Anywhere we are asked to attend in order to raise awareness or spotlight a cause, we always participate. Ethan loves to ride in the car and even flys with me to different events in other parts of the country. We spend downtime walking through our neighborhood or through local parks. We are season ticket holders and enjoy relaxing and having fun at all the LouCity FC soccer matches.”