mtbr – Tails of the Trail

Mason and Kaye: One Especially Great Match

I recently moved to Nashville in August after having lived most of my life in Northern Illinois. I was tired of the midwest and needed a change.

Growing up, I always loved Kentucky and Tennessee, so when it came time to pick a new place to live I was easily drawn back to the area. I visited Nashville in the spring and decided to move here whether I had a job or not. It ended up being the not….

After about three weeks of living here and knowing very few people and not working, I realized I needed a way to meet new people. I was at REI, when a very friendly employee and I got to talking. She suggested I join Nashville Hiking Meetup, as that’s how she met a lot of people when she first moved here. So I went home created a profile and began looking at events. It only took me a couple minutes to stumble upon the Tails of the Trails events and eagerly signed up for the next open event. That event just so happened to be a walk with Middle Tennessee Boxer Rescue (MTBR).

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I went to that event and fell in love. I realized how much I missed being around dogs and how much they added to my life. After the event I asked Nicole, one of MTBR’s volunteers if they needed any extra help and she said YES! I began walking with the MTBR volunteers the next day and continued walking with them several times a week.

When I moved to Nashville, I had considered bringing my family dog Emma, but ultimately decided against it for many reasons. I didn’t know quite what my apartment was going to be like, how much time I would have for her, she’s an older dog used to her routine, and my parents are more attached than they care to admit. I didn’t think I would be adopting a dog anytime soon but that changed as soon as I met Mason.

Mason was this incredibly handsome boxer mix at MTBR who very quickly stole my heart. I avoided walking him for about the first week or so because I just had a feeling the minute I walked him I was going to get attached, and boy was I right about that.

The first time I walked him he was so well mannered and just such a sweet, easy-going boy that you can’t help but loving him. I remember telling my boyfriend about him, and his response was, “well if you love him so much then why don’t you adopt him?”

At first I told myself, “no you can’t adopt a dog that big, your apartment won’t allow it, plus it’s a small space it might not be fair to him.” This went on for a couple weeks where I just kept telling myself no I couldn’t do it. But finally I couldn’t say no anymore. I would fall asleep imagining bringing him home and taking him on all sorts of adventures. It finally got to a point where I knew I just needed to try to adopt him.

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I talked to the staff at my apartment first and made sure his weight wasn’t going to be an issue. They confirmed there are only breed restrictions not weight restrictions, so I was a go there. Then I filled out the application and patiently awaited my decision. After about a week I got a very congratulatory phone call saying I’d been approved and I could pick Mason up that weekend. I was beyond thrilled. When I went to pick Mason up that Saturday, everyone at the rescue was so happy for the both of us that I knew I had made the right decision.

I’ve only had Mason for a couple of weeks but he’s been everything I’ve imagined and more. After waiting for a home at MTBR for about 8 months, I think he is just as appreciative as I am.

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Adopting Mason has added so much joy to my life. He makes me smile every day and he’s just a happy, loving, easygoing boy to have around. Without Tails of the Trail and MTBR I never would have met him and he might still be waiting for his forever home. I feel very lucky to have found both of these organizations and one especially great dog.

Kaye Kleine is a recent transplant to Nashville and is an event leader for Tails of the Trail.

Nashville Paw magazine spotlights Tails of the Trail in holiday issue

Heather Dowdy features Tails of the Trail™ in the December 2015 / January 2016 holiday issue of Nashville Paw magazine. The article includes paw-tography by our own Reiner Venegas.

Nashville Paw has been supporting animal rescue and welfare since 2006.

See the online version of the article here.

Find where to pick up a print issue in Middle Tennessee here.

Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog courtesy of Tails of the Trail™ and our Shelter/Rescue Partners

Tails of the Trail™ has joined forces with our animal shelter partners to sponsor the adoption fees for over a dozen dogs in celebration of October’s National “Adopt a Shelter Dog” Month.

Each dog is currently available for adoption and we hope you will pay it forward so another deserving furry one can be matched with its forever family. In addition to dog sponsorship fees we have also funded monies toward veterinary care for one beautiful boxer at Middle Tennessee Boxer Rescue and provided a crate of special request items for Nashville Humane Association.

Learn about each special pup who has graciously agreed to have their photos displayed:

Bonaparte’s Retreat

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Juno: Golden Retriever/Shepherd mix, spayed female, about 4 years old, 50 pounds, up-to-date on all vaccinations

ADOPTED!

Curious, energetic, determined and super smart: That’s JUNO! She knows many commands and tricks—Sit, Down, Twirl, Paw, Crawl, Stay. And her Sit & Stay is truly awesome. An outdoors-y girl, she would make a great hiking companion and she walks beautifully on a leash. A water dog, too, Juno enjoys a cool swimming hole during the hot summer months. Even though she likes playing with most dogs, she seems just as content being an only dog so she can have someone to call her very own. She’s either busy as a bee, studying every corner of her environment or she’s a happy napper. And with a gentle and loving massage, she snuggles up to her people and works overtime giving kisses. Because she’s a smart and determined dog, Juno needs a patient, just-as-smart leader to continue her training. She can be a resource-guarder and at times hesitant meeting new people—but she’s also one of the most-eager-to-learn dogs we’ve ever met. With the proper training and guidance, you’ll find that Juno really is just about the perfect dog!

Cheatham County Animal Control

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Dalton: 2 years old, neutered male

ADOPTED!

I’m a sweet boy who would love a family to hang out with. I’m active and playful with a wonderful cuddle side. I’m heartworm negative. I do have a personality that prefers to be an only dog so plan to have lots of play time with me so I can wear you out! Come see me at Cheatham County Animal Control!

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Maxine: 5 years old, spayed female

ADOPTED!

I am a mellow girl and very shy as I have lived my whole life as a free-roamer and without a forever family to take care of me. I love people, dogs and cats. I’m heartworm negative. Unfortunately I was in early pregnancy when I was spayed so it was a bit hard on me. Just give me some special love and time and I will be a wonderful companion, confidante and adventure twin. Visit me at Cheatham County Animal Control!

Metropolitan Nashville Animal Care and Control

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Carly: 6 years old, female, pit bull terrier mix breed

ADOPTED!

Hi, I’m Carly. I love going on walks and running around outside in the yard. I have an excitable personality for a dog my age. I get along with people so well and just love being around them. I need someone to fall in love with me and take me to a wonderful forever home. Can you pass up my infectious smiling face? Come visit Carly at Metro Animal Care & Control, Nashville.

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Domino: 10 years old, male, mixed breed senior

ADOPTED!

Domino loves to run around and play and acts more like a 5 year old. He has a very sweet personality and is an instant favorite with our volunteers. He loves to get treats and snuggle. Who can pass up such a wonderful addition to your family? Domino is available for adoption at Metro Animal Care & Control, Nashville.

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Millie: 8 years old, female, mixed breed senior

ADOPTED!

Millie is as sweet as can be. Everyone at the shelter instantly fell in love with her laid back personality. She likes to go out for walks and then come back inside for cuddles with the volunteers. She would love to be part of a laid back less active family. You will not find a more lovable dog than Millie. Millie is currently available at Metro Animal Care & Control, Nashville.

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Plucky: 6 years old, male Labrador mix

ADOPTED!

Plucky is great dog because he has all the personality of a lab but in a smaller package. He definitely does not act his age and is always ready for a good time. He can also be a super snuggle companion. He is the perfect addition to any family! Plucky is available for adoption at Metro Animal Care & Control, Nashville.

Middle Tennessee Boxer Rescue

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Adele: 3 or 4 year old, female Boxer

ADOPTED!

Adele has just arrived and is currently getting a full checkup. She has a case of cherry eyes that will require medical treatment. Tails of the Trail is pleased to donate monies towards her veterinarian care. We hear she is a very happy nub wagger through it all and we can’t wait to meet her on an upcoming Tails of the Trail hike. Adele will become available for adoption at Middle Tennessee Boxer Rescue in Brentwood, TN.

Nashville Humane Association

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Tails of the Trail used its charitable monies toward the purchase of much needed items on this shelter’s wish list including multiple rolls of paper towels, peanut butter, bleach and dish detergent.

Pet Placement Center, Chattanooga, TN

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Navient:

ADOPTED!

Navient along with his sister Sallie Mae and mother, Meryl were rescued from a home in Marion County March, 2015. They were all ironically named after financial institutions since one of our employees had just finished paying off her student loans! Navient was born January 1, 2015 and is an American Bulldog and Jack Russell mix. He will grow to be large dog (currently weighs 57 pounds) and is already bigger than his mom, the Jack Russell mix. Navient has a lot of love to give but he’s a very large puppy so he gives it a little too exuberantly. He needs a home with the time and patience to teach him large dog manners. He is an excellent running companion and enjoys long walks. He loves all people and kids and gets along with other dogs that can tolerate his level of energy. He gets especially excited when you give him dog treats or peanut butter!

The paid sponsorship fee includes neuter, a free veterinary exam within 2 weeks of adoption at local participating vets, up to date vaccinations, test for heartworms & heartworm preventative medication, de-wormer, flea preventative & microchip. Please visit Pet Placement Center at 5975 Dayton Blvd., Chattanooga, TN 37415 to meet Navient. Questions can be answered by emailing manager@thalppc.com or calling 423-877-0738. Adoption Applications are on our website www.petplacementcenter.com

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Princess Peach:

ADOPTED!

Princess Peach is all that her name implies. This young, brown eyed shepherd mix beauty was born in October 2014 and is playful, charming, and athletic. In fact, because of her gymnastic capabilities, she will require at least a 6 foot fence that encloses her home ground surroundings. A family surrendered her to us after attempting to find her rightful owner. She had no identification tags but was healthy so we assume she belonged to someone who fed and treated her well. She is still young and has good energy that will require the new parent (or parents) to commit to frequent walks or sport-like exercise.

This is a very happy dog with a wonderful spirit. Princess Peach warms up to people quickly and treats everyone like family. She plays well with other dogs and until recently spent her days playing with Sampson, a boxer who was adopted. It is unknown whether she plays well with cats and small children but she is so good-natured, that surely she can be socialized with most every living thing. She deserves the love and attention of those who are seeking a larger dog with an ideal “best friend” personality.

The paid sponsorship includes a free veterinary exam within 2 weeks of adoption at local participating vets, up to date vaccinations, test for heartworms & heartworm preventative medication, de-wormer, flea preventative, microchip, & spay or neuter. Please visit Princess Peach at Pet Placement Center located at 5975 Dayton Blvd., Chattanooga, TN 37415 Wednesday through Sunday, noon until 5 PM. You can also get more information by emailing manager@thalppc.com or calling 423-877-0738. Our adoption application is available on our website at http://www.petplacementcenter.com/

Williamson County Animal Center

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Burt: 6 year old male, 64 pound Pit Bull Terrier

ADOPTED!

Burt is naturally playful, curious and trusting. He is a strong boy who enjoys long, daily walks. He also looks forward to outings in the shelter yard where he can run and play. Burt is a friendly, good-natured dog who has quickly become a favorite among the volunteers. Burt was the dog selected to visit the after school program for 1-5 graders. He was very friendly with the children. Burt loves to be petted and gives hugs. Burt was found as a bone thin stray who is still in need of treats to regain his true body mass. He is currently being treated for heartworm positive which will end in min November. Burt is located at Williamson Animal Center. You can learn more about him by emailing wcacangels@yahoo.com.

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Page: 1 year old, spayed, 48 pound Mountain Cur mix

ADOPTED!

Page is a fun-loving and happy dog. She loves to rub up against you and sit in your lap. She gives hugs and kisses. Her brindle coat is just beautiful! Page is such a friendly young dog who wants to please. She enjoys being close by your side for daily walks and loves the play yard where she bounds about in total joy. Page loves toys. She is a very sweet dog who enjoys cuddle time. She will be a best family companion. Page is currently located at Williamson County Animal Center. Learn more about her by emailing wcacangels@yahoo.com.

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Sandy: 1 year old, spayed, about 58 pound Pit Bull Terrier mix

ADOPTED!

Sandy is every dog’s playmate and loves chasing the ball. She is a goof ball, fun loving, and happy-all-the-time kind of dog looking for someone who loves to laugh and play around. Must have a great sense of humor and some time to spend. She’s always on a mission to please you!

Sandy is an absolute delight! She will make an enthusiastic walking companion and loves to run in the shelter yard. Sandy especially enjoys playing with toys. And she truly enjoys being around people and is always ready to be petted. This great young dog will be such a fun and loyal companion.

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Smokey: 2 years old, male, 57 pound American Pitbull Terrier

ADOPTED!

Smokey is a very special dog having experienced gunshot injuries to his face/neck. He was recently featured on local Nashville news and is one of many reasons to respect our state of Tennessee’s Animal Abuse Registry. He is stitched and healing nicely today. Due to this sensitivity Smokey is best walked in a harness versus neck collar.

If you are looking for a best friend, come meet Smokey! He will be by your side for daily walks and enjoys playtime in the shelter yard. Most of all Smokey deserves a forever home that will treasure his fun-loving spirit and pamper him with many years of deserving companionship. The volunteers at WCAC love Smokey. He is located at Williamson County Animal Center. You can learn more about him by emailing wcacangels@yahoo.com.

To learn more about Tails of the Trail™ visit our website at https://tailsofthetrail.org.

Raise money for your favorite animal shelter just by walking

Want to raise money for your favorite shelter or rescue just by doing something you already do? Our friends at Middle Tennessee Boxer Rescue recently hipped us to the Walk for a Dog app by WoofTrax. Download the app for Android or iOS and launch it on your smartphone when you start walking, hiking, or running with (or without) your dog.

You choose the shelter or rescue organization to receive the credit for your walk, and periodically WoofTrax will send money directly to that organization. I’ve just started using the app, and one of our shelter partners Cheatham County Animal Control was not listed. They’ve contacted WoofTrax and hopefully will be in the app’s beneficiary list shortly.

The WoofTrax website says they’ve “raised over $120,000 for our shelter and rescue partners” in the last year. We’ll be checking with our partners to make sure they’re reaping the benefits of us using this app.

We’re urging Tails of the Trail volunteers and leaders to download and use the app, and if you can deal with the ad-supported interface, it’s a very simple way to get a few more bucks to your favorite shelter or rescue operation.