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.
It was the first PupFest: An Irish Faire held March 19, 2016 at Nashville Pet Products in Hermitage, TN, featuring five shelters, Irish music, and the Apollo Food Truck. We had a wonderful morning hike with our shelter pups.
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Famished after our hike, even we humans had to eat! Business was bustling at the Apollo Food Truck, but Cassie (a food truck worker), couldn’t take her eyes off of Roc. Roc had arrived from Cheatham County Animal Control (CCAC). The shelter was temporarily closing due to much needed renovations.
Finding a home for Roc and the other dogs at this shelter was a top priority. Would the luck of the Irish be in Roc’s favor?
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I spent the better part of the afternoon walking Roc alongside the Apollo Food Truck; Cassie couldn’t leave her work post, and having Roc nearby definitely made Cassie’s day. She totally delighted in watching Roc… so much so that she decided to adopt the precious pup! I became the de facto liaison between Cassie and TJ Jordi (the Director of Cheatham County Animal Control), shuffling the paperwork back and forth until Cassie got the final approval to adopt dear Roc. All that was left was the adoption fee payment; as adopting a dog that day was not on Cassie’s to-do list, she didn’t have the extra cash on hand. Needless to say, I was determined to do whatever it might take to make Roc’s adoption happen.
There’s nothing more our volunteers cherish more than seeing a dog find a permanent, loving home. It’s a priceless reward that touches all our hearts.
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Without hesitation, I paid the adoption fee, later telling Cassie it was an early Christmas present! Big smiles followed.
That day Roc, now known as Rocky, sniffed and licked his way to the pot of gold at the end of his rainbow… and so did I!
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Thanks to all the hard work and effort from our volunteers, five dogs were adopted that day! There must have been four-leaf clovers aplenty in the field that day. A bit of luck and a lot of love is exactly what it takes to find homes for these precious pups!
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!
One of the first things I said when I saw the precious pooch named Minnie Pearl was, “HowDEE!”
Minnie looked so forlorn lying in her pen, what with her misshapen, cropped ears. This girl, I thought, deserves something more akin to country music star treatment! I gently coaxed her out of her pen at Metro Animal Care and Control and took her for a walk outside. Minnie Pearl — so sweet and gentle — just wanted to cuddle; she wouldn’t even leave my side. As I returned Ms. Pearl back to her pen, adoption hours had just begun. At that moment, I resigned myself to finding Minnie a loving home.
Minutes later, I met a lovely woman and her two young daughters who had come to the shelter to look at Grandpa, a much older bulldog/pit bull mix. She already had two younger, rowdier dogs at home and wanted an older, mellower dog to join them. As luck would have it, I had taken Grandpa out for a walk minutes earlier. Not the mellow dog at all, Grandpa was a rather feisty fella which behaved younger than his years. I told her of my experience with Grandpa, thinking all along that Minnie — not Grandpa — was the dog she perhaps ought to be considering. I explained to her that although Minnie was only a couple of years old, she was
very gentle and loving… perhaps just the dog to help temper the rambunctious behavior of the woman’s other two.
When the family passed by the pen a second time, Minnie seemed to look longingly at the family with sadness in her eyes — or, just maybe, the perceived sadness was my own pity for the precious canine. At that point I introduced the family to Minnie, hoping that the metal barrier between them would soon be but a memory.
I finished my shift and headed for the front lobby, where I was thrilled to see the family filling out the form to officially meet and greet Minnie. I struggled to contain my excitement and let them know I hoped they would find Minnie to be the one. At soul level, I was extremely hopeful this was Minnie’s lucky day — the day she’d find a home with a loving family. Could my words of encouragement actually save a canine life today, or would they return home empty handed? Could my simple actions possibly serve as catalyst for a loving relationship between a doomed shelter pup and searching family? Would this be a random act of kindness with results?
A couple of days later, Metro Animal Control posted a beautiful picture of Minnie Pearl going home with her new family. The joy I felt at that moment was indescribable! Because of the small amount of time taken to understand a family’s needs, I had actually saved Minnie! And if I can do it, anyone can!
Minnie Pearl now goes by the name of Ruby. A recent video sent by her new family shows Ruby frolicking in the snow with her two new four-legged siblings. It doesn’t get better than that for a true dog lover! I encourage everyone who loves animals to take the time to volunteer at a local animal shelter or dog rescue operation and see how satisfying the experience can be… especially when you know you are instrumental in creating a new and lasting relationship between man and man’s best friend.
Bless your new loving family, canine and human alike!
As reported in my earlier blog in January 2016, Rockie is a dog that I first encountered during a Tails of the Trails hike at Williamson County Animal Center. He is a Feist mix that loves walking. The only drawback is that he lifts his rear, right leg off and on during those walks. After a consult at Nashville Vet Specialists (NVS), Rockie underwent surgery to repair a luxating patella (a kneecap that would move in and out of place thus causing the limp to come and go). We are now six weeks into his eight week rehabilitation period and I’m happy to report first and foremost that Rockie is doing AMAZING!
Let me paint the picture of his rehabilitation period: he has been restricted in his movements, not allowed to run, jump, climb stairs, play with other dogs, jump on furniture or any other movements that would deter his healing process.
For the first two weeks, he had to wear an E-collar (also known as an Elizabethan collar) around his neck so he didn’t lick or bite his surgery incision. Though somewhat cumbersome, he did great with the E-collar and more than tolerated it. After a follow-up exam at NVS, his surgical staples were removed because the incision had healed so well and he was no longer required to wear the E-collar—freedom! To keep him confined and away from the other dogs in my house, Rockie got a “man cave” of his own in my bedroom, a portion of the room sectioned off by a crate and plywood walls. He has been allowed to be out of his man cave during bathroom breaks and feeding only.
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My initial concern was that he would be going stir crazy being confined so much. He’s a young, energetic, happy dog who loves people. Yet, he spends most of his days in this confined area with only a 12 foot space to move around. I engage his mind with food puzzles, food-stuffed toys and the like. It’s said that if you engage a dog’s brain in these types of behaviors, you wear the dog out mentally and that can be four times more exhausting than physical activity. Even with that, I was still concerned his desire for activity would far outreach his imposed restrictions.
One of the amazing aspects of Rockie is his ability to stay in the confined area without being hyper, destructive, or other such behaviors. He also doesn’t complain when he has to go back into his area after bathroom and feeding breaks. When he is out, he is the snuggliest, happiest, most affectionate dog you can imagine. He’s my kind of dog. He loves it when I sit on the floor with him. He snuggles in my lap and laps up all the love and petting I give him. He allows me to gently rub his healed incision to stimulate blood flow to the area. In addition, he loves to chew on bones which has the benefit of releasing his energy while keeping him off of his feet.
My fears of an emotionally and physically pent-up dog who needs sedation have not come to fruition. He’s been the easiest foster I’ve ever had and has endured this time with happiness, contentment, and willingness to accept all the restrictions necessary. I’ve learned a lot from his example; to not grumble so much when I go through a tough situation. For that he’s a true champion.
He continues to be a delight and brings such a smile to my face. I look forward to two weeks from now when x-rays show him healed and ready for action!
Stay tuned to this blog for updates on Rockie’s next consult with NVS which will determine if the activity restrictions can be lifted and what the future holds for him.
Kayla adopted Chevy after our Tails of the Trail hike with Maury County Animal Services on Saturday! Check out the photos of the happy pair:
Chevy and Kayla
Chevy and Kayla on their first hike
Chevy loves new mom Kayla!
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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…
Posted by Tails of the Trail on Sunday, March 13, 2016
Great news! Tammy Toes, Ginger, and Wabbit have been adopted from Metro Nashville Animal Care and Control with the…
Posted by Tails of the Trail on Tuesday, January 19, 2016
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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.
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:
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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!
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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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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!
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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 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 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 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.
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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.
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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.
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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 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/
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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 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 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 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.
On November 22, 2014, Sheryl Handley volunteered to walk shelter dogs at our first Tails of the Trail outreach event. That could have been the beginning and end to this story, but that day at Cheatham County Animal Control (CCAC) changed the future for one rescue dog and the couple who adopted him.
We spoke with Sheryl recently about her experience these first six months after adoption.
I met Reese at the inaugural Tails of the Trail (TOTT) event with Cheatham County. Though I had been paired with another dog, I very clearly remember a fun-loving and still full of energy pup wagging his tail and licking the face of another volunteer after the hike at Hidden Lake State Park. Meanwhile, the sweet little dog I had walked was feeling a bit worn out but still grateful to be in the sunshine and fresh air. None of us were in any hurry to bring the dogs back to the shelter, so we hung out at the trailhead chatting and playing with the pups.
Little did I know that five months later I would be adopting that bouncy black and white dog named Reese.
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Honestly, I didn’t think that I wanted to adopt a dog (or maybe I was just kidding myself). My husband sent me a text message “DON’T GET ATTACHED” while I was out on that first TOTT event.
But I did get attached. I continued to volunteer walking dogs at CCAC on my own. I loved the idea that I could do what I enjoy the most, that is exercising outdoors but now have an additional purpose of enriching the lives of dogs in need. I had convinced myself that this was the perfect world: volunteering provided the affection and companionship of pets without any of the responsibility!
It was just a matter of time. I studied up on dog ownership…what it takes to be a responsible pet owner…how much it costs in both time and money…what breeds to consider…having a puppy versus adopting an older dog.
But in the end, it was actually my husband who chose Reese. Since he was apprehensive about having a dog join our world, I knew that if I was going to adopt, it was very important that he picked the dog. He’s a big mountain biker so I sort of tricked him into walking dogs at CCAC on the way back from biking at Montgomery Bell State Park.
After a few visits he, too, became a fan of Reese. And because Reese was a pitbull terrier and also heartworm positive, we felt that his chances of being adopted from a rural, low traffic facility were limited. After all, Reese had been picked up as a stray and held at CCAC for over eight months.
For me the biggest challenge is one that is all too familiar, time management. I promised that I would be the primary care taker and house cleaner. You can’t rely on others (your partner, children, or roommates) to assume responsibility for your pet, so I had to change my routine so my dog could have his routine. That means waking up early to feed and walk Reese and leaving right after work to head home to feed and walk him. I’ve had to switch up my social life and workout routine, but now I have many more doggy friends and find myself choosing dog-friendly activities and places. It’s sort of like having a permanent toddler in your life. Sometimes I wish Reese would grow up so he could take care of me when I get old!
I’ve learned that there is nothing more gleeful than a pittie smile! My dog is always delighted to see me. It’s an instant pick me up when things in life may be less than perfect.
Likewise, Reese is always there to cheer me on in my greatest moments, too! He’s just a very happy boy and his emotions shine through in his facial expressions and body language.
Dogs are extremely good at communicating with humans and each other. It’s really important to learn how to read them. I’m betting that many “problems” occur because people aren’t being perceptive to what their pet is trying to tell them.
Bringing a dog into your home is a huge commitment. You have to consider: How does this animal fit into my life now? Am I willing to keep this commitment for the next ten years or more?
Volunteering provided me with the opportunity to learn about dogs and what kind of dog would best suit my lifestyle. I got the chance to not only bond with so many different dogs but also to connect with other volunteers and the wonderful staff at Cheatham County Animal Control.
I can’t emphasize enough how important it is for the shelter dogs to be socialized and exercised and what a rewarding experience it is to get involved! I still visit CCAC when I can and help out. I am so grateful that Tails of the Trail opened up a whole new world of adventure to me.
Thank you to Sheryl and Paul for their story, photos, and most especially for allowing Reese to rescue them.