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Megan and Arnold: A Match from the Start

Megan’s Story:

I just moved to Nashville from New Jersey and wanted to find ways to meet new people and continue hobbies, as I like being outside and I volunteered for an animal rescue group in NJ.

Before I left, a friend tagged me in an article about Tails of the Trail.

I quickly looked up the organization and knew I had to get involved! The whole idea of Tails of the Trail is so smart, and you can see a difference in the animals after you walk them.

I signed up for my first event with the group in November and went to Cheatham County Animal Shelter. We were given a really friendly, informative introduction about how to handle the dogs, and I met a lot of very nice volunteers. There is a lot of care and effort on the volunteers’ part and the event was super well organized. You could see that the dogs were having the best day ever, especially after the walk when they were given puppy popsicles – so sweet!

The second dog I walked that day, named Arnold, was an absolute sweetheart.

He was a little shy with me and had some serious skin issues that needed to be addressed. He reminded me of my family dog at home who we rescued and had similar issues.


I inquired about Arnold and ended up going back to the shelter the following Monday to hang out with the little guy. He wasn’t available for adoption until he was neutered, so I spent a little over a week walking and playing with him each day. As soon as he was neutered and cleared to go home, I adopted him!

He’s recovering from his skin infection and is still rocking a cone of shame, but he could not be happier. His personality totally blossomed and now he loves playing with toys and is a total mush. He also celebrated his first Thanksgiving with my family and our dogs, and absolutely loved it.

I definitely have to thank Tails of the Trail for not only hosting a great event, but for introducing me to little Arnold!

I look forward to doing more events with the group and I love having my new little buddy!

      

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Sammy’s Story

“I worry you’re going to come home with a dog,” my wife told me

in the days leading up to the July 23, 2016, Tails of the Trail event at the Maury County Animal Shelter in Columbia, my first time to volunteer for Tails. I did not bring a dog home that day, but I did become emotionally attached to one. Nearly three weeks later, my wife and I brought the dog home together.

After 26 years without a dog in my adult life, I had begun to be cautiously drawn to the idea of having a dog in our family.

So when I learned about a volunteering opportunity to give exercise to shelter dogs, it seemed the perfect way to be around them without owning one. I knew my daughter would be visiting from Knoxville on a July weekend when Tails was doing an event at the Maury County shelter, so I signed us both up.

Sammy was the first dog I walked that day. He is a 25-pound border collie beagle mix, with a border collie’s black and white coloring and a beagle’s body. Thirteen months old when I met him, he still looks like a puppy. When the volunteer led him to me, Sammy stood on his back legs and gently rested his speckled socks in my hand in a most endearing greeting. On our walk, he was all business. He wasn’t interested in dog treats or pupsicles, laying in the shade, or playing in the pool. He just wanted to follow his nose. He never barked, and never acknowledge any of the other dogs. But when any other human came near, he greeted them by raising up and gently placing his paws on the person’s arm or outstretched hand, standing there as in conversation. We made notes about each dog we exercised.

For Sammy, I wrote, “The perfect combination of sweetness and energy. He’ll make some family a great dog.”

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Between my daughter and I, we exercised five dogs that day, including Sammy. On the way home, I said I wasn’t sure if I had walked the dogs, or if they had walked me. All five dogs were special in some way and at dinner that night, the dogs were all we could talk about–the way each one acted, how happy they seemed to be about being able to get outside.

In the days that followed, I kept thinking about Sammy.

I watched every video YouTube showed me from a “border collie beagle” search. I researched the border collie beagle mix and learned this was an intelligent, high energy dog, requiring a lot of mental and physical exercise. This matched what I had seen in Sammy, and fit what I was looking for. Not a dog to sit on the couch with, but a dog to hike trails with.

On the second Monday after meeting Sammy, I called the shelter to check on him. They said he was there, but was quarantined. That sounded ominous, so I didn’t ask more. Yet I still couldn’t forget about him. On Friday of that same week, I called back to check on him and to get more information about the quarantine.

The shelter employee said Sammy had been adopted and returned the next day because his temperament wasn’t suited for a family with a toddler and another dog. “He doesn’t seem to get along well with other dogs,” the employee said. When I relayed all of this to my wife, she knew. She has heard the stories my mother tells of my elementary school teachers saying, “John is a good student, but he doesn’t get along with the other kids.” We agreed that if no one else claimed Sammy by the time he was out of quarantine, and if the shelter would approve us, that we would adopt him.

On the following Monday, we got the word that Sammy was released from quarantine. We filled out the paperwork
and the next day, after a frank discussion about Sammy’s hyperactivity, we were approved to adopt him.

That Thursday, 19 days after first meeting Sammy, my wife and I brought him home.

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Sammy has lived up to his billing as an intelligent, high energy dog. But he has adapted well to our family and we to him, with some adjustments on all sides.

I’m proud that he gets along with other dogs well now, to the point that dog parks are fun, and he goes to doggy daycare one day a week.

He especially likes bigger dogs who like to run. He’s 60 pounds of dog in a 25-pound body. Our step counters tell us we are three times more active than before, and I have lost 15 pounds.

I like to think all of us, Sammy included, have learned something in the two months since he joined our family.

But the main thing I have learned is that a walk is more fulfilling when it’s taken with a dog.

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John has since become a volunteer PAWtograher for Tails of the Trail.

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Celebrating Tracy! by David Battle

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My name is David and I love DOGS!   I’ve been a team member of Tails of the Trail for over a year and am also a regular volunteer at Metro Animal Care and Control.   I found my black Lab mix, Tracy, on Craigslist after many failed attempts to find the right dog.  She is the first dog I’ve had since high school.   At the time I knew nothing about rescues.  Now I am a regular volunteer and know that rescues save the lives of dogs and cats on a daily basis.   Tracy’s exact birthday is unknown but that didn’t stop me from celebrating it on the day she became a beloved member of my family, September 25, 2011, at the age of three (3).  We have been together five (5) years now and recently celebrated her 8th birthday.  Being a dedicated dog lover, I took a week off from work to celebrate her special day and we did fun activities such as visiting several dog parks and pet stores.  I even baked her a special carob (aka dog chocolate) cake, recipe below.  We ate our slices and frozen yogurt on all fours; unfortunately the video was too dark to view…you know, in the birthday candle lighting.  BUT I can assure you we had FUN!

In the minds of many this may seem like it was a bit overdone for just a dog, but Tracy came to me at a time in my life when I was coming up from a major low point.  I often believe that she has helped me to avoid going back there.  She rekindled my love of dogs that had been forgotten for many years though I do still miss my childhood dog, Dizzy.  Tracy is the reason I learned about dog parks and the need to exercise their minds and bodies to stay healthy.  I think back to the day I first visited Metro Animal Care and Control (MACC) to learn about their dog exercise program which ultimately lead me to become a volunteer member for the past 21/2 years and counting.   Coincidentally this is where I also learned about meetup.com and the Tails of the Trails nonprofit organization.   And can you believe that the first event in which I participated was held at MACC.  I love my time helping the dogs during Tails of the Trail events and at MACC.

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Now the love I have for Tracy has expanded to other dogs and animals in general to the point that I no longer eat meat.  I truly respect the lives of all animals and treasure my time with Tracy.  Whether we’re learning or practicing tricks, walking the greenways, playing in the dog parks or she is simply snuggling against me at night I know that I am blessed.  She provides many laughs and much love and I cannot imagine my life without her!

 

I strongly encourage you to volunteer at your local shelter and adopt a dog or two…you won’t regret it.

 

cake

 

Doggie Birthday cake:        

1 cup carob powder

1 cup plain yogurt

½ cup flour

½ cup honey

¾ cups peanut butter

8 oz plain cream cheese

5 large eggs

 

Mix well and bake in pyrex dish at 375 degrees

for about 35-40 minutes.

The cake comes out about 1.5 inches high.

 

Icing

16 oz cream cheese

1 cup large Frozen fruit like strawberries or ½ cup small frozen fruit like blueberries

½ cup honey

Spread onto cooled cake and enjoy.  Human and canine edible; don’t forget the candles!

 

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A Special Thank You to our Friends at Spring Station Middle School!!

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A Special thank you to our friends at Spring Station Middle School for drawing all the fantastic pictures on 100 doggy treat bags.  These treat bags will be handed out at this year’s Barktoberfest!!

Thanks to Mrs. Dugan for allowing her students to help Tails of the Trail.

You all did a fabulous job!!

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Melissa with Tails of the Trails supplied wonderful treats for the 7th and 8th graders to enjoy while working on the treat bags.

 

 

 

Thank You!

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Tails of the Trail® and Belmont University Partner Up to SERVE

WELCOME to Belmont University’s Class of 2020!

And what better way to make the students feel right at home in Nashville than to partner up with Tails of the Trail for a three (3) hour SERVE project.

Thanks to Metro Animal Care & Control, we were able to offer a service project for 21 Freshman and their 2 Student Leaders this past Monday, August 22.

The students sat in on an introduction to our 501(c)3 Tails of the Trail organization with the hopes that we will see them join our shelter dog hiking events in the near future.

Belmont SERVE

In fact, ten (10) spaces have been offered up to students via their Get Connected portal for the upcoming Metro hike on Saturday, September 10.

Next Lulu, an available shelter pup, personally greeted everyone while Sarah Hagood, Volunteer Coordinator at Metro, provided a Shelter Orientation followed by a facility tour.  Students were also able to make dog and cat enrichment toys that will be loved by the shelter pets.

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After socializing with a few cats in their adoption room several students along with six (6) happy dogs made their escape to the great outdoors for a choice of off leash playtime or a stroll around the Mars Scent Garden.

Maggie, an adoptable puppy, stood guard over the breakroom treats sponsored by Belle Springs Lemonade.  Nothing beats fresh squeezed watermelon lemonade, if you are a human; the pups preferred a few biscuits from Nature’s Select.

As students start missing their personal pets left at home, get energized to exercise off that Friday night pizza or simply want to destress from pending exams, it is our hope that they will join a Tails of the Trail event and return once more to Metro Animal Care & Control to brighten the faces of many more shelter dogs in need of a warm smile, soft hug or big kiss!

Thanks for your partnership, Belmont University!

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Tails of the Trail Saves Shelter Dogs

There have been a lot of dogs that do not have a home across the state, and lots of them have been forced to stay cooped up in a kennel. News Channel 5 visits Middle Tennessee Boxer Rescue with Tails of the Trail.

 

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Regina makes it 50!
With Chelsea's adoption of Regina today, that makes it an even 50 adoptions/fosters precipitated by Tails of the Trail! Chelsea volunteered with fellow employees from naviHealth to walk shelter dogs at Metro Nashville Animal Care & Control. naviHealth employees receive paid time off to give back to the community.

With Chelsea’s adoption of Regina today, that makes it an even 50 adoptions/fosters precipitated by Tails of the Trail! Chelsea volunteered with fellow employees from naviHealth to walk shelter dogs at Metro Nashville Animal Care & Control. naviHealth employees receive paid time off to give back to the community.

@naviHealth day of giving

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The Legacy of Twister

How Adoption Can Change Your Life

Our wonderful family dog Twister passed away from cancer in the fall of 2014, just before the holidays. We were saddened by his passing but were grateful to have had him as part of our family!

This is not just a story of losing our family dog; it’s a testament of how he brought so much joy and love to each of us, and how he inspired us in many ways we didn’t see coming.

My sons, Daniel, Bryce, and I had Twister in our lives for 14 years after adopting him in June 2000 from an adoption fair at a local pet store in Franklin, Tennessee. He was a mixed breed, around 8 weeks old and the one of three siblings that barked the loudest in the playpen. Bryce picked him up and didn’t want to put him down, promising to feed him and give him fresh water each day if only we could take him home.  I couldn’t say no and felt it would be good for Bryce to learn some responsibility and have a dog to play with after school.

 

Twister in 2014

Twister in 2014

While there at the adoption fair we learned how Twister came to be put up for adoption.  He, his two siblings and mom were rescued by a fireman during the May 2000 tornados.  The mom named “Stormy” had taken her three puppies down into a drain to wait out the storm.

With Twister’s loss comes a new kind of understanding. After his passing, I realized that I had to “do something” so his life wasn’t wasn’t in vain.

Twister brought so much love and happiness during the 14 years he was with us. With this, I knew I wanted to help other dogs feel loved while waiting to find their forever family – and from that, our Twister leaves a kind of legacy inspiring others in addition to the strong legacy he leaves us who knew him.

“When I first heard of ‘Tails of the Trails’ walking and helping shelter dogs find loving homes, I knew this was something that I had to be a part of!”

Twister inspired me to volunteer with shelter dogs and  promote the adoption of shelter dogs. When I first heard of ‘Tails of the Trails’ walking and helping shelter dogs find loving homes, I knew this was something that I had to be a part of! My first event in July 2015 was so much fun. I so enjoyed taking hundreds of photos showing how happy and loved the shelter dogs were while walking along the trails with their volunteer caretakers.

The big smiles on everyone’s face spoke volumes as the volunteers shared lots of treats and lots of love while caring for their pooch.  The furry face lickers and tail waggers were so grateful for the time spent walking, big hugs and the delicious homemade yogurt and peanut butter treats shared at the end of each hike. It was amazing to see how such a simple deed eased the fear and anxiety helping the dogs feel love and encouragement that their new ‘forever family’ would soon find them.

Camp out with Twister, May 2001

Camp out with Twister, May 2001

Twister also inspired me to make some changes in my own life after his death, highlighting what’s important and that life is very short in the grand scheme of things.

He gave me a life that was worth so much more than it did previous to adopting him. It gave me a clear sense of meaning and purpose, which was to help other dogs that are less fortunate and homeless with no one to love.

“Twister gave me a clearer sense of meaning and purpose, which was to help other dogs that are less fortunate and homeless with no one to love”

Early in February 2015 my son, Bryce adopted Sophia, a black lab, pit bull mix.  She’s so loving and full of energy she can’t stop wiggling from head to paws with happiness when he brings her over.  She now gets to enjoy evening walks with the family and socializing with other dogs at the dog park.

Sophia 2015

Sophia 2015

In October 2015, I stopped by an animal shelter in Murfreesboro just to look and maybe take a dog out for a short walk.  While walking around the caged dogs, I noticed a small white puppy looking straight up at me with the most beautiful brown eyes.  Reaching into the cage, I picked her up to take her outside for fresh air and a brief walk.  She had just been spayed and didn’t feel well.  Her fur was so fluffy and soft as she snuggled up laying her face as close to mine on my shoulder.  When I looked at her she looked back with those big brown eyes as if saying don’t leave me.  And I couldn’t.

Not intending on adopting that day, I just couldn’t put her back in that cage.  So I adopted her.  During the drive home I kept staring at her wondering what was she thinking.  Was she happy?  With an occasional glance she slept in the front seat the entire trip home.  Her forever home.  Bella, a Great Pyrenees mix was eight weeks old.  Now that she was home, I couldn’t image life without her.

Bella and Chanel 2016

Bella and Chanel 2016

Three months later came Chanel.  Chanel was a hybrid mix half Newfoundland, half Bernese Mountain dog.  An elderly couple adopted her but had to give her up as their health was not the best making it impossible to keep her.  She was 3 months when I adopted her.  Today Bella and Chanel are BFFs.  They are so happy and I love them incredibly.

Later that year, my son Daniel, took in a stray pit bull.  Found on the side of the street with cropped ears and a docked tail.  Stitches made from fishing line still in both ears, this puppy had been dropped most likely after losing an illegal dog fight.  While dog fighting is a felony in the United States, it continues underground illegally.

Daniel immediately took him to the veterinarian for medicine and weekly skin treatments thereafter due to a painful and severe skin rash that had taken over his entire body leaving the skin inflamed and bare with some areas raw and bleeding.  His hair was completely gone.

Ricco 2016

Ricco 2016

After several months of treatments and tender loving care Ricco was beginning to look better.  Despite all this dog had been through he is incredibly loving and such a loyal companion.

Family holidays are very lively with all our adopted pets having the best time playing and just being happy lovable dogs.  Lot’s of playful banter, tail wagging, butt sniffs, peeing and more sniffs.  Yes, our family continues to carry out Twister’s legacy.

Fourteen years flew by too fast.  While our newest family members will never be a replacement for Twister as he is irreplaceable, but a reassertion of all that Twister stood for: an incalculable blessing to inspire future adoptions.

I can go on, and on, and on about all the wonderful experiences Twister brought into our lives. Many of the memories that each of us carry will remain in our hearts for an eternity.  And for that, I am forever grateful to that puppy who barked the loudest, was abandoned until fate brought us together in June 2000.  A day that would forever change the course of our lives.

 

 ~Melissa Miles

 

 

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One year later, adopted dog Reese has changed the lives of Nashville couple

On November 22, 2014, Sheryl Handley volunteered to walk shelter dogs at our first Tails of the Trail outreach event and later returned to Cheatham County Animal Control (CCAC) to adopt Reese, the dog she and her husband fell in love with. 

One year later, Sheryl shares how Reese has changed their lives.

I love this time of year: Spring, the season of renewal and rebirth! The woods come alive with blossoming trees, and delicate wildflowers blanket the forest floor. It is a welcome change after the chill and bleakness of winter.

Now we have even more reason to celebrate because it is the first anniversary of the adoption of our dog, Reese.

Upon reflection of a previous post, Rescue, reward, and Reese: A shelter dog adoption story, I have to say that any apprehension we may have had about taking a shelter dog into our lives turned out to be totally unfounded. We can’t even imagine life now without him! I know that my husband, Paul, shares the same sentiments. He admits to missing Reese while away on business trips, and always greets Reese at the door with a jerky treat. Too cute!

Reese is our first canine furbaby, and as any new parent can attest, every new occasion or activity is a big deal. We are still learning, honing our dog ownership skills along the way. We’ve made that desperate emergency trip to the vet all parents fear, only to be reassured that everything would be fine. I’ve since taken a canine first aid class provided by Tails of the Trail.

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On our first road trip, Reese barked at every single noise he heard in the hotel – all night long! Although this made for anything but a rejuvenating weekend getaway, it was a learning experience. Of course, Reese was merely being a dog and alerting us, his pack, to what he saw as potential danger. As it turns out, our camping trips allow a better night’s sleep for all three of us, as we make sure to set up the tent in a secluded spot away from the noise and lights of other campers passing by in the middle of the night. As with anything in life, practice makes perfect and each experience builds upon the last. It’s amazing to see what a difference a year has made in Reese’s social skills!

My husband and I have established a routine which ensures Reese is included in as many activities with us as possible, from frequent errand runs (what dog doesn’t love to ride in the car?) to our occasional getaways. We really appreciate dog-friendly businesses, stores, restaurants, and other places. These are all wonderful opportunities to practice manners and obedience. When we are out on the town, it is so rewarding to hear compliments from workers and other customers about Reese’s excellent behavior!

You should see how surprised they are to learn that he was once a stray taken in by animal control. Of course, many already know that rescued dogs usually turn out to be superb pets and grateful companions.

It warms my heart to hear people share their dog adoption stories. A fellow hiker told me that she was inspired to adopt a senior dog because that age group is the least likely to find placement outside of a shelter or rescue group. Please don’t assume that you must get a puppy or a young dog, or that you should avoid adopting dogs that have been at a shelter for a relatively long time. Reese had been housed by CCAC for nine months prior to adoption. He had been designated as a heartworm-positive, 3.5 year-old pit bull mix – all of which are often considered to drastically lower the chances of adoption.

In our case, the timing was just right – and thankfully, we had the resources to nurse Reese back to health. We are proud to tell a story which clearly demonstrates that an adult shelter dog can be a wonderful pet.

There was no potty training involved, no chewed up personal belongings – and the truth is, you can teach an old dog new tricks! We’ve got his intermediate education certification and graduation photo proudly hanging above his food bowl.

Yes, we are such proud parents of our furbaby!

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