From Pageants to Paws: Jaylynn Hiler’s Story

Supporting Animal Shelters: Faith-ful Paws Legacy

Jaylynn Hiler joins the Discover Montcalm Podcast and content creator  Duane Weed to discuss Faith-ful Paws Legacy, pet advocacy, and supporting shelters across Michigan.

Jaylynn Hiler on Faithful Paws Legacy Nonprofit

Animal rescue organizations perform vital work every day, but keeping shelters supplied with food and essential resources remains an ongoing challenge. On a heartwarming episode of the Discover Montcalm Podcast, host Duane Weed sat down with Lakeview native Jaylynn, founder of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Faith-ful Paws Legacy, to discuss her mission to support animal shelters across Michigan and beyond.

Roots in Montcalm County

Growing up in Lakeview, Michigan, Jaylynn was deeply involved in her community from an early age. A 2022 graduate of Lakeview High School, she served as Miss Lakeview 2019, directed the local pageant for two years, and spent over five years coaching youth cheerleading. She also attended the local career center, taking part in education coursework while Duane Weed was on staff.

After pursuing studies at Ferris State University in both education and accounting, Jaylynn felt a calling to channel her passion for animals into direct action.

The Birth of Faithful Paws Legacy

While volunteering at the Animal Rescue Coalition (ARC) of Mecosta County in Big Rapids, Jaylynn realized how much animal shelters rely on volunteer work and community donations. Using her platform as a pageant titleholder—currently holding the title of Miss West Michigan for Miss Northern International—she established Faith-ful Paws Legacy in September 2025.

Rather than providing cash grants, the nonprofit focuses on donating vital supplies, food, and care products directly to rescue facilities. During one major donation drive from Georgia back home to Michigan, Faith-ful Paws Legacy delivered nearly 400 pounds of dog food across multiple shelters in five different states.

Reaching Communities and Educating Youth

Since its inception, Faith-ful Paws Legacy has extended its outreach to 18 of Michigan’s 83 counties and made donations across 16 states. Combining her passion for teaching with animal advocacy, Jaylynn authored and published a children’s activity workbook available on her website. The book features word searches, adoption pledges, and educational activities that teach young children how to responsibly care for pets.

Jaylynn also emphasizes the crucial importance of spaying and neutering pets to help manage shelter populations nationwide.

Connect with Faith-ful Paws Legacy

Animal shelters, volunteers, and donors looking to connect with Jaylynn can reach out through her official channels:

• Website: faithfulpawslegacy.com

• Facebook: Search Faithful Paws Legacy

To feature your nonprofit, community initiative, or local business on the Discover Montcalm Podcast or Chatting Local, contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com or chattinglocal.com.

To feature your business, non-profit, or community initiative on Chatting Local or the Discover Montcalm Podcast, contact Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com.

To feature your business, non-profit, or local story on the Discover Montcalm Podcast or Chatting Local, contact host Duane Weed at 231-250-9624 or visit dwvideo.com or chattinglocal.com.

Discover Montcalm County: Greenville  Carson City  Stanton  Howard City  Lakeview  Edmore  Sheridan  Pierson  McBride  Trufant  Six Lakes  Vestaburg  Crystal  Gowen  Coral

Watch or Listen to the Full Episode

Check out all the episodes Click Here.

Find Discover Montcalm Podcast on:

• YouTube
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Apple Podcasts
• Pandora
• iHeart