Category: Blog

Canine Flu Alert by Dr. Caitlin Bentley
You may have heard about recent cases of Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), H3N2, or “dog flu.” Here are a few facts to keep you and your pets safe:
  • Signs of CIV include coughing, nasal discharge, fever, and lethargy. Most dogs recover in a few weeks time.
  • CIV is very contagious, and dogs that don’t seem very ill can still spread the virus.
  • The most recent cases of CIV have been linked to dog shows and a boarding facility. If your dog is showing signs of CIV, please isolate them from other dogs and contact your veterinarian.
  • There is a vaccine for CIV available. It’s two doses, given a few weeks apart. If you occasionally board your dog, visit dog parks, or attend dog shows, it’s a good idea to get your dogs vaccinated.
  • Cats can be affected by CIV, and it can be transmitted from cat-to-cat. Cats show many of the same signs as dogs when infected, including a runny nose and sneezing. There is no evidence CIV can be transmitted to humans.
Here is a great resource for pet owners about CIV: https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/FAQs/Pages/Control-of-Canine-Influenza-in-Dogs.aspx
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A Road Trip of Love to Delaware

Sharing the Love (Part 1)

 

This month we are sharing a great success story about how one committed and very energetic person, Laura Prechel, is saving the lives of so many TN shelter dogs.  Read her story below and lend financial assistance, if you can, by visiting her Go Fund Me page:  www.gofundme.com/save-a-shelter-dog.  And please share Laura’s story with family and friends so she can keep this mission alive.  Volunteer co-transporters/drivers are always welcomed.  Or perhaps you have an out-of-state connection that can meet up with Laura to share the transport effort and ensure the safe delivery of shelter dogs to DE, NJ and IA.  I know you will truly enjoy being a part of Laura’s mission and be able to write your own LOVE story in the near future.

 

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Laura’s Story (as found on her Go Fund Me page) (Part 2)

 

Have you ever wished you could help save a dog that is going to be put down simply because a shelter doesn’t have enough space or adopters?  Me too!  Have you thought “I’m just one person, what can I really do to help?”  Me too!  But here’s the great news; you can help!

I’m a volunteer at a shelter in Maury Co, TN that is over-crowded and has the need to publish “urgent” lists of dogs that will be euthanized if no adopters or rescues can be found for them by a certain date.  All dogs are young, healthy, behavior tested and highly adoptable.  I have fostered many of these dogs for a local rescue and can attest to that. The problem is that our local rescues are so overwhelmed with rescue requests that they’re not able to pull all of these urgent dogs.  I’ve been able to establish relationships with several out-of-state shelters that are willing and able to take these dogs in. These shelters have lower populations and higher adoption rates, so they’re able to successfully place these dogs in a short amount of time and give them a second chance at life.

So why do I need your help?  Because pulling dogs from one shelter and sending them to another requires money!  The fee to pull a dog is anywhere from $27-$75, depending on if the receiving shelter requires that the dog be spayed/neutered prior to transport. If I’m able to drive the dogs, the cost of a van rental and gas is somewhere in the ballpark of $600 per trip. If we have to use paid transport it’s anywhere from $130-$150 per dog. That adds up in a hurry!  This is an on-going campaign to continue to raise the funds to get these TN shelter dogs to safety!  I started the fund in December and have raised over $5,000 to date which has helped to cover some of the transport costs and all pull fees of the 122 dogs that have already been sent from this shelter to shelters in DE, NJ and IA. Within about three months, nearly all of those dogs that have languished in a TN shelter for months on end have found their homes in other states, many within a few days or a week of arriving. Those results are amazing and make this mission so worthwhile. The current need is to raise funds for another van load of shelter dogs to travel to DE and IA in April. Any contributions toward this trip are greatly appreciated.   NOTE:  Tails of the Trail has stepped up to fund the pull/transport fees for 10 of the 20 dogs that arrived in DE April 13th.  We can’t wait to post their smiling faces and the faces of their soon-to-be adoptive families.

It would mean the world to these dogs, and to me, if you would be willing to help.  No donation is too small. Together, we can make a difference and save some lives. Who’s with me?!?!? We certainly support all your hard work…100%!

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Interested in understanding what it takes to transport dogs from a local shelter to the Delaware receiving shelter?

 

 

Laura has provided the below journal on this week’s trip (April 12 – 13); now you can grasp the dedication and energy it takes to succeed with this mission…and this is just the driving part of her daily work efforts.   Read on…

 

The road to Delaware Journal (Part 3)

 

Wednesday April 12, 2017

 

5PM– Leave work and pick up full size rental van. Drive to friend’s house to get help removing the obnoxiously heavy and awkward van seats to make room for the pups. (What have I gotten myself into?!?)  Yes, Laura is starting her 28+ hour transport journey after working a full day!

 

6PM– Arrive at home and take care of my two foster dogs as well as my own two dogs.  Load up the van with crates and other supplies and head for the shelter.

7PM– Arrive at Maury Co shelter where a few shelter staffers have graciously come back after hours to help me load up the 20 dogs that are headed to a new life in DE.

8PM– All loaded up and ready to hit the road!

 

8:01PM– Are they really going to bark the whole trip??

 

8:10PM– Everyone has settled in and quieted down!

 

12AM Thursday, April 13– I’m really still in TN?!?  How long is this state???

 

1AM– Virginia! Finally! Is it really for lovers?  (On Eastern time zone now)

 

4AM– Just a few more hours until dawn.  I’ve got this!

 

6AM– Seriously, is it ever going to get light out?

 

7AM– Yay, daylight!  Just in time to screech to a halt around the Capital Beltway area.  Love rush hour traffic towards the end of a 12.5 hr drive!

8:30AM– Finally through traffic!  Just paid my toll and I’m headed across Bay Bridge.  My favorite part of the journey.  Only one hour left!

9AM– How is it possible that this last 30 mins feels longer than the entire 12 hours I’ve already driven?  Two lane roads, 45 mph and construction…Will I ever get there??  Hang on guys…just a little longer.

 

9:30AM– Pulling into the Delaware SPCA!  Let’s get these pups unloaded! I’m greeted by the smiling faces of staffers and volunteers who are here to help me unload and are so thrilled to fill their shelter up again with adoptable dogs.  From unwanted in TN to loved in DE!

10:30AM– Pups are settled in their new abode and will be adopted within days.  In the meantime they’ll get lots of love and attention from the wonderful volunteers at the DE shelter.  Mission Accomplished!!

 

10:31AM– Oh wait, now I still have another 12.5 hr drive in front of me… Laura can drive the hours as well as any professional trucker!

 

12AM Friday– After a few stops to sleep, I have finally made it back to TN. (back on Central time zone) Exhausted but feeling the satisfaction of moving 20 precious lives one step closer to their forever families.  Can’t wait for the adoption photos to start rolling in!

 

 

Laura, we are in awe of your ability to do this 28+ hour road trip as a solo driver and hope many readers will step up to help you out on future trips as well as provide funding to your mission…it is so well deserved!

 

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Tips for Tails: Avoiding Frosty Paws

Tips for Keeping Your Furry Friends Comfortable During the Winter

By Dr. Bentley

Hi there! I’m Dr. Caitlin Bentley, one of the newest board members of Tails of the Trail. From time to time, I’ll be popping in here to offer some vet tips, insight into how animal shelters work, and other tidbits to make your life with your furry friends easier. I’m one of the vets at Metro Nashville Animal Care and Control. I’ve got two dogs and two cats of my own, all from shelters, and I’m passionate about shelter medicine. I’m also passionate about dressing my dogs in matching bandannas, cat toys that are shaped like human food, and telling my dogs about a thousand times a day how cute they are. I can’t wait to get to know the Tails of the Trail family! Now, down to business. 

With the holidays over, we’ve still got a long winter ahead of us. It’s during these dreary days that I start longing for spring, or even humid summer! Our dogs and cats can be affected by cold weather just as much as we are. Here are a few tips to keep them warm and cozy during the long slog towards spring.

·    Help them on their potty breaks: Sometimes pups can be reluctant to potty outdoors on snow. I can’t say that I blame them, I bundle up with wool socks and boots to go in the snow, while they have only bare paws! To remedy this, try grabbing some straw from your local grange or feed store and scattering it outside the door or porch. This can help keep their paws insulated while doing their business.

·    Bring them inside: Many cities have ordinances that don’t allow pets to be kept outside in extreme weather. Here in Nashville, dogs cannot be tethered when it is below freezing, and owners can be cited and subject to legal consequences. It’s best to bring pets indoors when it’s freezing outside, so they can stay warm, well fed, and healthy.

·    Clean them off: Salt and de-icing compounds are often spread on icy winter roads, and these can be irritating to tender paws, and irritating to tender mouths when licked off. Keep a towel by your door to wipe down your pets when they get inside.

·    Beware the antifreeze: Antifreeze is poisonous and deadly for dogs, cats, and children. If you spill any, clean it up promptly. Its sweet taste is irresistible to animals and children, and even a small amount consumed can cause life-threatening illness.

·    Consider providing a feral cat shelter: Feral, or community, cats need to stay warm in the winter, too. Consider making them a shelter out of an inexpensive styrofoam cooler. Simply obtain a cooler, tape the lid on, cut a cat-sized hole in the side, and bed with straw. Some organizations even provide these shelters for free, like Pet Community Center in Nashville. Check with your local community cat group, and consider becoming a caretaker for community cats in your neighborhood.

·    Don’t stop prevention: As a vet, I am obligated to tell you: even though it’s wintertime, your pets still need their monthly flea/tick and heartworm prevention. It’s true, when you graduate veterinary school, you must solemnly swear that “I shall always chastise pet owners for forgetting their prevention.” As much as we would all love it if the danger of fleas, disease-carrying ticks, and heartworm larvae disappeared in the winter months, it’s not the case. Keep your pets safe from pests with prevention year-round.

·    If you see something, say something: If you see an animal that is struggling outside in the cold, please contact your local animal control. Animal control officers do their best to work with people to allow them to keep their pets. Sometimes people just don’t know what’s best or have financial constraints. I’ve known animal control officers who bring bags of pet food to people in need, buy new doghouses to replace leaky ones, and bring straw bedding to warm outdoor dogs. If you’re worried about a pet in your neighborhood, don’t be afraid to call your local animal control agency. They’ll be happy to have the chance to save a pet.

 

Keep your fuzzy bundles of love close and warm this winter! Together, I know we’ll make it to spring!

 

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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.”

john-parker-1

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.

john-parker-2

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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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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Giving back: Brookdale seniors create “pawsitive” dog treats for Nashville music event in partnership with Tails of the Trail®

In partnership with residents from Brookdale Green Hills Cumberland assisted living community, a delicious way to give back to the Nashville community was produced. The residents of the Brookdale Green Hills Cumberland reveled in getting hands deep in dough and ribbons to share the love of dogs within the Nashville community. The ambitious efforts scheduled by Brookdale Green Hills Cumberland and Tails of the Trail promote meaningful activities for the residents and awareness about deserving shelter dogs in need of affection and forever homes.

At the end of June, residents baked 500 dog treats and then hand wrapped them all into bags for Nashville’s summer concert series, Musician’s Corner. The “pawsitive” dog treat bags were then passed out to community attendees who visited Dogville with their personal pets and leisurely enjoyed the event’s live music, food trucks, artisans, and dog and kid activities. Middle Tennessee Boxer Rescue, a Tails of the Trail rescue partner, also joined in the fun by helping pass out the dog treats while showing off their adoptable Boxers. Musician’s Corner is the first Tails of the Trail event showcasing the new partnership with Brookdale Green Hills Cumberland.

Not only did the dogs visiting Musician’s Corner and the kind friends of Tails of the Trail benefit from this effort, but also the residents were likely impacted the most. Seniors within assisted living communities have given up many of the activities they once enjoyed and did with ease, which can be a challenging adjustment. The pawsitive dog treats not only provide a purposeful and meaningful activity but also offer the opportunity to socialize with others and alleviate stress. The residents enjoyed each other’s company as they mixed ingredients and tied bows while reminiscing over cherished memories. The dog treats are a true labor of love that create multiple moments of success…and opportunities that transform confusion to clarity. This aligns with the goals of Tails of the Trail which offers weekly community outreach activities, pairing hikers with shelter dogs, for much needed exercise and socialization, ultimately reducing both human and canine stress.

This newly founded partnership has created multiple moments of success for seniors and shelter dogs alike. Stay tuned for more exciting happenings!

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