I have an animation program. You can get free gif software on the web, but I don't know which free one to recommend, mine came with Paint Shop Pro. The "Test" Forum has a lot of help on making Avatars and many talented people who will make you one.
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=12
You don't have to be a donating member, you just get a bigger one if you are a donating member.