family

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Forever homes a bit easier for a dozen dogs thanks to unique Christmas gift – Update! All dogs adopted!

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Update! All dogs adopted!
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A dozen shelter dogs in Nashville are closer to finding forever homes thanks to a family Christmas gift. Instead of the typical gift card or mall trinket, Tails of the Trail pack leader Emily Raudabaugh chose to sponsor the adoption fees for a dozen shelter dogs at Metropolitan Nashville Animal Care & Control (MACC) as her gift to her family this year.
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“I was thinking about what to give my family and I came to the quick realization that we are blessed with all we need,” Emily said.

“These homeless dogs stole my heart after volunteering at Metro with Tails of the Trail and they need forever homes.”

Check out twelve wonderful dogs in these photos, find out more on AdoptaPet.com, and contact MACC if you’re interested in adopting.

Any of these pups can be matched to a forever family and the usual adoption fees will be waived thanks to Emily.
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Update! Prince was adopted yesterday from Metro Nashville Animal Care and Control! https://tailsofthetrail.org/forever-homes-a-bit-easier-for-a-dozen-dogs-thanks-to-unique-christmas-gift/

Posted by Tails of the Trail on Sunday, March 13, 2016

Look at that doggie smile! Prince is the last to be adopted of the 12 dogs that Emily sponsored at Christmas. He is at…

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Home for the holidays! Volunteer love helps Baxter find a forever family

Bernice Karnett, a physician and volunteer staff member with Tails of the Trail, shares her recent post-hike experience with Baxter (a.k.a. Joey), a dog hidden in the back corners…

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On December 12, 2015, Tails of the Trail hosted a shelter dog hike at Metro Nashville Animal Care and Control (MACC). After helping to bring out several dogs to partner up with their companion hikers from Belmont University, I went to the back room and saw this sad boy in his pen. I knew I just had to take him outside. It was a beautiful sunny day and when I showed him to Lisa Thomas, co-founder of TOTT, I told her he had no name on his kennel. It’s probable he was a recent street pickup. We decided to call him “Joey.” He was sweet, affectionate and oh-so docile. He had a lot of scrapes, especially on his face, no doubt from being a stray and was bone thin, but still he wagged his tail in friendship, all the while shivering in fear.

That day after I left the shelter I couldn’t stop thinking about Joey. I knew then that I would return the following weekend to MACC and volunteer to walk the pups; I just had to see him again.

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Upon my arrival I made a bee line to his cage. My heart melted as soon as I saw him. Not only was he wagging his tail in excitement–I think he remembered me–but his whole body was in full action. This time the tag on his kennel had a name, Baxter.

So out Baxter and I went into the play yard where we spent a wonderful time cuddling and enjoying the fresh air. I couldn’t help but bring him a special treat, a piece of baked chicken. After all, he needed a little meat on his skin and bones. My initial thoughts were that he would quickly devour the meal and my hand, but I was so wrong. He very slowly and gently ate each morsel with such delight!

Now I confirmed in my heart that I had to help sweet Baxter any way possible. I was on a mission to save this wonderful pup!

As luck would have it, when I entered the waiting room of MACC, there were several people inside and I started talking to and introducing them to Baxter. I described this wonderful sweet boy and everyone became excited to meet him. In fact, one couple had specifically come to MACC to look for a cat but they ultimately decided to spend some time with Baxter, my sweet dog, in the socializing room.

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I spent the rest of the weekend thinking about Baxter. Was he lonely and waiting for my return visit? Was it possible that someone would fall in love with him just as I had done? I could only hope so.

Upon returning to work on Monday I immediately logged onto the MACC website to check the status of adoptable dogs. To my amazement, there was no Baxter listed. As I started to cry, my nurse walked into the room. I told her the story of Baxter, while tears ran down my face. They were tears of JOY! Baxter had found a forever home just in time to celebrate the holidays and I was forever grateful. For me and Baxter, this was truly the best Christmas present ever!

I believe everyone should spend their free time loving an orphaned pup. And who knows what miracles may happen. I feel like my few hours with Baxter helped calm him, helped him feel loved, and hopefully made him a better fit for his forever family!

‘tis the Season!

Sirius Black is a German Shepherd, and in this story he sits down with foster mom Jennifer Davis to talk of his experiences being a foster brother

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Hi people! My name’s Sirius and I’m the best foster brother ever, at least, that’s what my mom says. She’s a foster mom for Southeast German Shepherd Rescue. We just started fostering this year, after mom bought me a house with lots and lots of land to run and play on. You see, I just love to play with other dogs and mom thought fostering would be a great way for me to have a playmate without committing to having another dog forever. I mean, what if we got another dog and I didn’t like him? And then we’d be stuck with him forever!

I think fostering is a great thing to do! I was fostered by a very nice lady before my mom adopted me. She taught me lots of stuff so when I met my real mom for the first time, she was super impressed with me! Mom said that by fostering other dogs we could help them become more adoptable so they could find moms and dads of their own. My mom loves me so much and I really want to help other dogs find that kind of love too!

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My first foster sister was named Ginny. I really loved her! We got to play in the yard every morning and every night. Ginny didn’t know a lot of stuff when she came to live with us, so mom said I had to help teach her how to be a good dog so she could find a family of her own. I taught her how to sit and not to chase the cats and how to walk nice on the leash. And guess what? She got adopted by an awesome family that adores her almost as much as my mom adores me.

We did have to make some changes to our routine for Ginny. I don’t think she got fed very much before she came to live with us, so she would gobble all of her food down and then come over and eat mine. I’m such a nice guy, I would just back away and let her have my food too, but mom said that I shouldn’t let her take advantage of me (whatever that means). So now I get to eat my meals in the guest bedroom with the door closed. Mom says I’m a slow eater, but really I just like to savor my food and chew it thoroughly, that’s very important you know!

I was a little bit sad after Ginny left, but about a month later JP came to live with us. He was only 10 months old and full of energy. Boy, did I have a lot of work to do with him! But we had lots of fun running around and chasing each other in the yard. And after only a month, he got adopted too! Now I have a new brother named Remus. He is only 7 months old, but mom says he reminds her of me and that’s a big compliment because I’m the best dog ever! Mom says we might foster-fail and keep him forever. I really hope so, because I love him a lot. Mom says he loves me too, even more than he loves her because whenever she calls his name he runs to me instead of her.

I think that more people (and dogs) should consider being foster families. It is hard to say goodbye to your foster brothers and sisters, but there are always new fosters to meet!

Sometimes it’s hard having to share my mom’s attention with other dogs. She’s only one person so she can’t love on all of us at the same time and sometimes she needs to spend extra time with my foster siblings to work on training or take them to the vet. But I feel so sad for all the dogs that have to live in shelters without moms and dads of their own. So I don’t mind sharing my mom with other dogs for a little while until they find families of their own.

Tag: family