The Williamson Source was out at the SHEL album release show and Tails of the Trail fundraiser on June 24 at the historic Franklin Theatre. The venue also celebrated its fifth anniversary that night.
Check out the full article here.
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.
Now there’s a new guy reaching for the stars. No, I’m not talking about the new movie Creed where Rocky trains a former fighter’s son. I’m talking about a dog with that name (spelled slightly different: “Rockie”).
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I first met Rockie while attending a Tails of the Trail event at Williamson County Animal Center in Tennessee. He was a happy-go-lucky guy with a love of walking. But there was one problem: Rockie showed signs of an impairment with his back legs. He would limp off and on. Since it would come and go, volunteers didn’t know if they should continue on his beloved walk.
The implications of an injured dog in the shelter system are more than just the dog’s pain or inconvenience. An impaired shelter dog is less likely to get adopted, and some shelters might turn to euthanasia.
After taking one look at him, I knew what needed to happen: an orthopedic consultation with Nashville Vet Specialists (NVS).
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Enter Dr. Wes Roach, board certified veterinary surgeon on staff with NVS since 2010. He examined Rockie and confirmed the initial diagnosis of two rear luxating patellae (kneecaps that move side to side out of the normal position which caused the limp to come and go). With a grade 3 out of 4 for severity on the right and 2 out of 4 on the left, he recommended surgery. Since surgery on both patellae would make his 8-week recovery extremely difficult, he recommend repairing the right leg and a reexamination of the severity of the left one after his recovery. It’s possible repairing the right one will allow the left one to remain stable and avoid further surgery.
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On Tuesday, December 29, I brought Rockie to NVS for his surgery, gave him a hug and a kiss and told him I’d be there for him when he was awake. Rockie came through surgery like the champ that he is and Dr. Roach is confident the surgery was a success.
After a few days of severely limited activity and I can report Rockie is still the same happy-go-lucky guy I met that fateful day.
After the upcoming eight weeks of recovery time, he’ll be available for adoption. Stay tuned to the Tails of the Trail blog and Facebook page for updates and photos of our champion!
Our recent Tails of the Trail Volunteer Appreciation Hike was captured by WC-TV, Williamson County’s government and education channel, on December 5, 2015. The video features Mayor Rogers Anderson who came out for the day to celebrate the staff, volunteers, and animals of Williamson County Animal Center.
Debbie Sims sits down with Tails of the Trail co-founder Lisa Thomas on ‘Pet Watch’ from WC-TV, Williamson County’s government and education channel.
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.
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.
We met Madison Shedd when she helped run our first Tails of the Trail event with Williamson County Animal Center in July. We quickly learned of her talents as a graphic designer and maker of organic dog treats. Her company Axle Bites subsequently became a sustaining sponsor of Tails of the Trail outreach events.
We sat down with Madison for a conversation about her life and loves.
I am originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, but grew up in Brentwood, Tennessee. I have always been interested in art, which led me to a career in graphic design. My day job is at a print shop in Franklin in the design department. I live in Nashville and collect antiques and restore vintage taxidermy.
Bunners, our eldest, is an 8 year old Dwarf English Spot mix rabbit. I adopted him when I was in high school. While he is only 2 pounds and is mostly blind in both eyes, he is full of “grumpy old man” personality.
Axle is our 6 year old Red Heeler mix who we adopted from a small rural shelter in Tennessee. Axle is my shadow, and I take him with me wherever I can. He often accompanies me on hiking and camping adventures, and does his part to make sure whichever weekend foster dog we have feel right at home.
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Clover, my fiancé’s dog, is the middle sister of our “pack”. She is a soon-to-be 5 year old Husky/Golden Retriever mix. She was adopted at 4 months old, and is still full of puppy energy. Clover is sweet, loves to give kisses, and is one huge, blue eyed, lovable ball of fluff.
Danu, often just referred to as “kitty” is my fiancé’s cat and the baby, just turned a year old this spring. She is a solid black ball of trouble, often terrorizing the dogs which each have 50 plus pounds on her. She was found by my fiancé under a truck as just a teeny tiny 2 pound kitten.
When we adopted Axle four years ago, it was pretty apparent that he was having some serious digestive issues. He just seemed to be getting sicker and our vet was trying everything. Axle was getting weekly shots, pills, special food additives, and steroids. But nothing seemed to be working. The diagnosis jumped from pancreatitis, to Crohn’s disease, to acid reflux, to missing enzymes. After about a year of trying one treatment after the other our vet finally suggested putting him on a food trial, thinking maybe 
Axle’s issues were something external like an allergy. So we tried brand after brand of food, at least half a dozen. finally we tried a higher end, grain free food, and sure enough, after about 3 weeks Axle started gaining weight; he was eating and not immediately getting sick. That’s why I started home making his treats: I could control the ingredients and know for sure nothing he was allergic to was in the treats.
After a while I started giving bags of the treats to friends who had dogs. They were a hit! And I was getting requests for different flavors too. I never set out intending to start a business, but with my design background, it wasn’t a big step for me to create branding, packaging, marketing, and an online shop. Now I take Axle with me to most of the local markets I participate in. He was the inspiration for the business, and always draws a big crowd at events!
Aside from the Axle Bites treats I also offer a small clothing line called PitCrew Apparel. The tanks, t-shirts and hoodies help promote a positive image for a very misunderstood breed of dog.
This clothing line is a great way to promote “bully breeds” and help educate anyone who inquires about the product. In my experience, pittie advocates are always more than happy to talk about their dogs and shed light on any of the countless myths surrounding pits and pit mixes. Whenever true information can be shared and a mind can be changed about these dogs based on a conversation about a t-shirt, I consider that a success!
Shelter work has really given me a greater purpose. As a designer, I love what I do, but I feel I’m not making a huge impact on the world. Yeah, I can create a killer logo or marketing piece. But I’m not a firefighter saving someone from a burning building, or a scientist coming up with a cure for a disease. But working with shelter animals I’m at least making their world better. Shelters can be loud and scary and no matter how many times you have cleaned, cleaned, and re-cleaned the kennels that day, its still going to be some level of smelly and dirty.
When I walk into a kennel and bring out a shy, confused dog and walk her out into the grass it can be a scary experience. But I sit next to that dog and talk quietly to her, gently petting her back. And when she finally leans into my chest and lets out a hard sigh of relief, that moment of complete trust and gratitude is what makes it all worth it. Even great shelters like Williamson County can still be pretty stressful for the animals. And when you make that connection with a dog or a cat, you can 100% see how much they appreciate it. And that’s what really got me hooked, seeing what an impact spending time with these animals has. They all crave attention and human contact, and I can do that. I can make a difference in that animal’s life, and in turn her family’s life when they get adopted.
I’ve also formed a strong group of friends from the shelter, people I would have never met if not for my involvement in rescue. It really has become a huge part of my life and how I see my place in the world. If I’ve had a hard day, I will head to the shelter and spend some time with the dogs and my friends. It really has become a stress relief for me, and a way for me to make an impact in my community. If I’m walking dogs after work, spending six hours at a Saturday adoption event, weekend fostering, or transporting a dog to new home or rescue, I’m making a difference and it really gives me a sense of accomplishment and worth.
Photographer John Partipilo with The Tennessean joined our Tails of the Trail event at Williamson County Animal Center on Sunday, August 2 and shot some gorgeous pics of the humans and hounds in action! Here’s the spread from page 3 of the Monday, August 3 newspaper:
And the online version featured a gallery of images:
