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September 2005

My goal in life is to be as good of a person as my dog already thinks I am. - Unknown

Students from Margaret Losch's class at LaGrange School made Mardi Gras masks which they sold via silent auction that benefited Fayette County Animal Rescue. Their effort raised $500 which will be used to care for our rescues.

The students came out to our shelter in Rossville to present the donation and to volunteer.  Their generosity of both their time and their financial contribution was a wonderful gift to our shelter and to our rescued animals.

Natalie’s Legacy

          Several weeks ago you may have read our article about a dog named Natalie who was abandoned and rescued by Fayette County Animal Rescue. She had her seven two week old puppies with her. Natalie was extremely emaciated and very sick, but she gave her all to nurse and tend to her puppies. The staff and doctors at Animal Care Hospital and the volunteers at FCAR did their best to care for Natalie, but she died less than week after she arrived. The volunteers at FCAR became surrogate moms to the puppies, bottle feeding them and caring for them around the clock. It is very difficult for any of us to talk about Natalie without crying, and her death hit all us very hard. But, today I want to tell you about the happy ending of Natalie’s legacy.

          I am, of course, referring to her seven puppies. I would go to their foster mom’s house and help her bottle feed the babies and clean their kennels. I am a puppy person, and it took no time for me, and everyone else, to fall madly in love with them. They were so adorable. However, we worried about their health. Their mom died so early in their life and she was so sick. Would they survive? I worried about them so much. They just had to make it; I couldn’t handle losing them in addition to Natalie. It was a very emotional time for all of us.

          Day by day the puppies did grow stronger and got bigger. We would take them outside and let them run around the yard. They were soon chasing each other and playing with toys. They started receiving their puppy shots and we were all feeling very confident about their future. They were going to make it! I took so many adorable pictures of them and I treasure each one. Even when I didn’t need to stop by the house to care for them, I would go by just to play with them. All seven puppies would jump all over me and I would roll around in the grass with them. Tears of sadness for Natalie were soon replaced by tears of joy for her babies.

          There were three black puppies, two white ones and two tan ones. Two of the black puppies had infections and therefore suffered some permanent hair loss. One of them, Suzette, barely had any hair on her tail. The skin was very rough and bumpy. Another black one, Mariah, also had hair loss on her foot and ear. I worried about their chances for adoption because of that, but also because black dogs have a lower rate of adoption than other dogs. People don’t see color on them and therefore frequently overlook them. However, Suzette had the most adorable face and furry ears. She was very photogenic and she really tugged at my heartstrings.

          We all became very excited when the puppies were ready for adoption. I joked that I was not “emotionally ready” to part with them. I would miss them so much, but I would rather them find a good home. They went to their first adoption day November 5, and now all have been adopted except for two, a tan female and a white female. One family had seen Suzette’s picture on our website and wanted her. I told them about her tail, but when they saw her they didn’t care about it. They fell in love with her instantly and took her home. The couple that adopted Mariah also didn’t care about her hair loss. We were all so thrilled! I feel confident that the last two puppies will get adopted soon.

          Dealing with Natalie and her puppies was very emotional for all of us. People that have seen her picture and heard her story asked us how we can deal with such sadness. We tell them that there are a lot of happy endings to what goes on at our shelter. Finding animals good homes, rescuing dogs from abusive or neglected homes and helping very sick dogs become healthy ones brings a lot of happiness to all the volunteers. So many of the animals at FCAR have touched us deeply, and Natalie will never be forgotten. She left a wonderful legacy that will touch many others as well.

FCARs Pet Adoption Festival a Tremendous Success

Fayette County Animal Rescue (FCAR) held their first annual “A Home for the Holidays Pet Adoption Festival” on Saturday in Oakland, TN. FCAR had 43 dogs and 3 cats available for adoption, along with vendor booths, entertainment and plenty of food. This was the largest pet adoption event in FCAR history and the first major event FCAR has held in Fayette County.

Thanks to the generosity and support of local residents, FCAR found wonderful forever homes for 7 dogs and 1 kitten. In addition, we raised a significant amount of money which will be used to cover medical costs associated with caring for the almost 100 animals at our shelter.  We were all amazed and excited by the incredible turnout at this event. The crowds started before we even opened and remained steady throughout the day exceeding even our wildest imaginations!

FCAR would like to deeply thank Fetch Ur Pets, Old Don’s Crafts and Search Dogs South for participating in this successful event. Nora Tucker & friend, Nichols Wall and Mike Provow provided lively entertainment throughout the day, and Mahaffey Tent provided the tents. We would also like to thank the many volunteers that worked throughout the day.  Without volunteers our work would be limited, but with the help of so many passionate individuals the possibilities are endless.

We still have dozens of dogs and cats at our shelter that need forever homes. If you are looking for a loving companion and have a fenced in yard, please contact our shelter at (901) 854-2565 or visit our website at http://fayettefcar.com.  With the weather turning cold soon, what better way to keep warm than a grateful new dog snuggled up on your feet.

Mail your tax-deductible contributions to FCAR. P O Box 44, Rossville, Tn. 38066 Tax ID # 62-1836008

Pet Adoptions at the Fourth Annual Oakland Fire Department Open House This Saturday

Pet Adoptions will be available this Saturday, October 8th at the Oakland Fire Department.  This will be Fire Departments fourth annual open house with free food, drink and entertainment and this year including a pet adoptathon by Fayette County Animal Rescue. Quoting Delores D. Provow, CEO of Fayette County Animal Rescue “ I was so excited when Mark Antonetti, Lt. of the Oakland Fire Department called me last week and asked if we would like to bring some animals and try to get them a home. Our group had already decided to hold special adoption events in Oakland because of the rapid growth and the opportunity for these Fayette County rescues to get good permanent homes.”

Fayette County Animal Rescue will have puppies, kittens, dogs, and cats available for an adoption fee of $100.00.  All pets are spayed/neutered, current on all vaccinations, microchipped, 30-day pet health guarantee, one month of free pet health insurance, free leash, collar, id tag and a free bag of Science Diet pet food. A fenced yard is required along with a home inspection to make sure the fenced yard is secure.

Mail your tax-deductible contributions to FCAR. P O Box 44, Rossville, Tn. 38066 Tax ID # 62-1836008

September 12, 2005

Who Will Care for Your Pets When You’re Gone?

So you’ve secured a safe home for your companion animals in the event of your death. But what about the cost of the animals’ food, shelter and veterinary care? Wouldn’t it be nice to offer monetary support for the care of your pets? While some states have already made provisions for animal trust funds (see “Gaining Ground,” below), some tender hearts in Congress are pushing to make these provisions federal law.

In the summer of 2001, Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D–Oregon) introduced a bill, which he named the Morgan Bill after his pet collie that would allow a person to create a trust fund for the benefit of his or her companion animal(s). The fund would serve the animals until their deaths, and any leftover money in the trust would be given to a pre-determined qualified charity. This bill, which is the first attempt by Congress to establish a charitable pet trust fund, has gone to the Ways and Means Committee but has not yet been acted upon.

The Morgan Bill would benefit more than just the animal beneficiaries. Under current law, certain tax advantages are extended to a taxpayer planning to leave a charitable gift in a trust fund. The taxpayer must first name a beneficiary who would receive payments for a specified period of time or for his or her lifetime, as well as a charity that would receive the remaining funds when the beneficiary dies. Presently, the beneficiary can only be a living person. If the proposed Morgan Bill is passed, a taxpayer could name his pet as the income beneficiary and receive similar tax breaks.

Outlining the Morgan Bill
Here are some of the highlights of the Morgan Bill: The amount set aside for your pet must be paid at least annually and is for the exclusive use of your pet for as long as the animal lives. This is important because some state-enacted pet trust laws do not allow a trust fund to exist beyond 21 years. The federal bill would permit a trust to exist for the duration of a pet’s life. This is great news for guardians of companion animals like birds and horses whose life spans typically exceed 21 years.

Also, the bill requires that no payments (including taxes) be made to any person or organization other than the charity named in the trust. Only organizations described under section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code qualify to receive remaining trust funds. These include corporations, trusts, community chests, funds or foundations created or organized in the United States and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes.

What’s more, the remaining interest transferred to the organization must have a value of at least 10 percent of the fair market value of all assets initially placed in the trust. And the trust has to pay taxes on income generated by the funds held in trust whether it is paid out for the benefit of a pet or if some of it is held for future payments.

Finally, the proposed bill includes a definition for “pets” under federal law and provides several examples. The definition reads: “For purposes of a charitable remainder pet trust, a pet is any domesticated companion animal (including a domesticated companion cat, dog, rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, gerbil, ferret, mouse, rat, bird, fish, reptile or horse) which is living, and is owned and cared for by the taxpayer establishing the trust, at the time of the creation of the trust.”

What About Fido IV?
This definition raises several issues: Does the proposed bill allow a person to include pets born after the creation of the trust, such as kittens and puppies that might be the descendants of current companions? Will the trust include any companion animal in existence at the time of the taxpayer’s death or must a new trust document be drafted with each new companion animal living in the taxpayer’s household? Is a trained animal who has lived his entire life around humans considered “domesticated” even though his species is normally considered wild, for example, circus elephants and monkeys?

Though many animal welfare groups support the Morgan Bill, there are some concerns. Taking the time to reflect on possible solutions to some of these questions before the bill is passed is important. You can voice your opinion by contacting your congressional representative.  Be sure to speak with your legal advisor before creating any kind of pet trust of your own.

Attorney Freeman C. Marr will draw up your will free of charge if you name Fayette County Animal Rescue as beneficiary. His address is 2944 Sycamore View, Bartlett, Tn 38134 and his phone number is 901/388-6682. 

Mail your tax-deductible contributions to FCAR. P O Box 44, Rossville, Tn. 38066 Tax ID # 62-1836008

Fayette County Animal Rescue Comes To The Rescue For Animal Evacuees 

FCAR stepped up to the plate to help some of the evacuees from the Katrina disaster with their pets.  Craig Robbins, 600 WREC Radio interview with Randy Adams Thursday, September 1, prompted Delores D. Provow, Chief Executive Officer of FCAR to email and offer help for those families that could not take their pets to the local shelters with them.  “We have limited space but we will set up crates and kennels to help these people in their time of need.” Said Ms. Provow.  Mr. Adams had called the radio station concerned that families were going to be displaced because of the American Idol group coming into town. The hotel he was staying in was going to have to honor previous reservations and they were asked to leave today.  When Craig got the word out Mr. Adams situation changed drastically and his family will be able to stay at the hotel with his 5 pets until Monday.

“Of course this will put quite a burden on the already strained finances of our non-profit group but we are confident that we can count on our pet friendly community to step forward and help us help them”. Quoted Yvette Gilbert, President. “These people have lost everything and their pets are their families and did not hesitate to bring them to safety. We will do what we can to help”.

Fayette County Animal Rescue is a non-profit, 501 (c) 3, chartered humane organization operating in Fayette County, Tennessee

 Mail your tax-deductible contributions to FCAR, P O Box 44, Rossville, Tn. 38066

 Rabies Vaccinations—Did You Know It Is The Law To Have Your Pet Vaccinated?

Two Saturdays ago as we were in one of our long car processions taking around 30 pets to the Petco location in Cordova we came upon a little beagle that was literally running up to the vehicles as if she wanted to get in. Yvette Gilbert, FCAR President and Rachel Little, Board Member; stopped their vehicles and picked up this little dog. The dog was wearing a color and had blue paint on her head so we were sure she must have just escaped her back yard.  Yvette loaded the sweet dog up in her truck and turned around and took the dog to our shelter. 

Thinking her “owners” would be missing her; Yvette made up posters and headed back to Petco to help with adoption day.  She left early to go and put the posters out in the area near the shelter where the beagle was found.  Well, to make a long story short, the owner did show up for the dog and did not have very much good to say about us. What she did tell us was that she “raises” beagles to sell. She thought it would be a good idea if we would just keep the beagle, get her spayed, vaccinated, microchipped, heartworm tested (and treated if necessary) and then she would turn around and adopt the dog back from us. You see the adoption fee would be cheaper than her taking the responsibility for her own pet. Which brings me to the title of this article; she mentioned that she never vaccinates any of her pets or even the dogs she makes a profit from. (Note:  If you are going to buy a puppy from a “backyard breeder” make sure they have had the animals vaccinated for your own safety and the safety of the other pets in your home”.)

YES, it is a Tennessee State Law that all pets are to be vaccinated against rabies. Duh!

What is rabies?

Rabies is a deadly virus that is transmitted by bites from an infected animal.  Rabies can be prevented if treated promptly before symptoms develop.  Left untreated, rabies is nearly always fatal.  Although rabies in humans is very rare in the United States today, up to 40,000 people each year receive preventive treatment following an exposure.

Is rabies still a problem?

In Tennessee and elsewhere in the U.S., the number of rabies cases in domestic animals has declined dramatically due to mandatory vaccination laws for dogs and cats.  However, rabies among wildlife (especially skunks, bats, and raccoons) has become more prevalent. The higher the incidence of rabies in wildlife, the greater the risk is to domestic animals that act as a buffer zone between wildlife and humans.

How prevalent is rabies in Tennessee?

There were 52 cases of rabies in Tennessee in 2004, including 27 skunks, 11 bats, 11 raccoons, 1 grey fox, 1 opossum, and 1 dog.

How can you protect your pets?

Tennessee law requires that all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies and their shots kept up-to-date.  Although cases of rabies in cats in Tennessee are uncommon, there are twice as many rabid cats as dogs in the U.S.  To further protect your pets, keep them confined to a controlled area to limit their exposure to wild animals.

What should you do if you are bitten?

If you are bitten or get fresh saliva into a fresh wound or scratch by a wild or domestic animal, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least five minutes, and seek medical attention immediately If it is determined that treatment for rabies is necessary, it should begin immediately.

A dog or cat that bites a person should be confined and observed for 10 days, and any illness that occurs during confinement should be evaluated by a veterinarian and reported to the local health department.  Do not attempt to capture an animal that you suspect has rabies.  Notify your local health department or animal control.  Signs that an animal may be rabid include nervousness, aggressiveness, drooling and foaming at the mouth, and abnormal behavior.

Ok, I got the above information about rabies (which I already knew) from the Tennessee Department of Health. Yes, the woman I referred to above will more than likely read this article and yes she will be even madder at me.  But you want to know something? I don’t care because first of all, she does not like us anyway (which she stated) and would be willing to use a non-profit organization for her own benefit and secondly I will do whatever it takes to protect our community and our four legged friends from greedy “backyard breeders” using animals in such a sinful way. These back yard breeders may say they buy their vaccines from a local coop or through the mail but don’t let them fool you. You cannot buy the rabies vaccine unless you are a licensed veterinarian. I cannot stress enough, please get your pets vaccinated!  Call any of your local vets and get this State required vaccination taken care of. You may never know when Animal Control knocks on your door to see your rabies certificates for your pets.

Fayette County Animal Rescue is a non-profit, 501 (c) 3, chartered humane organization operating in Fayette County, Tennessee

Mail your tax deductible contributions to FCAR, P O Box 44, Rossville, Tn. 38066

A side note here:  We would not have adopted that beagle back to that woman because she would not have qualified. You see we require vet references for people that adopt a rescue from us and if they were negligent in having their previous pets vaccinated than chances are they are not going to continue to have any other pets vaccinated.

It’s Time to Support Those Business’ That Support FCAR

So many times we forget to thank those people that silently support our efforts to help the sick, injured, abused, abandoned and neglected animals right here in our very back yard; Fayette County.  Well, now is the time to ask you to support and thank those small business owners that do so much for us.

You have all seen the ads in the local papers of the cute, little boxer of Hilltop Wine and Spirits located on Highway 64 just east of Oakland.  That is the sweetest dog you will ever meet and I know that my eyes are drawn to any ad that includes a dog or cat.  Ever since Hilltop opened its doors they has always been eager and willing to help with our efforts.  They have provided us with the opportunity to place a cash collection box at their front counter and it has really brought in the money. I would like to thank them personally and on behalf of all the animals that come to us for sanctuary.

Next, everyone in the area is familiar with the Donut Hut in the Masco Plaza on Highway 64; at least I am real sure everyone in Fayette County knows by the number of cars that are in the parking lot so early in the morning.  This local business has supported our efforts for many years even providing donuts for the various fundraisers that we have held at our shelter in Rossville.  They also provide a cash donation box at their front counter which is very handy for us since we take the money directly next door the Animal Care Hospital to help pay our medical expenses.

Now that brings me to Animal Care Hospital also located in the Masco Plaza.  There is not enough room in this paper to thank Drs. Stephen and Melanie Galloway for their years of service to our group.  Without this husband and wife team along with their very capable and talented staff we would not be able to help the hundreds and hundreds of animals yearly that so disparately need a helping hand.

The Fayette Falcon, the Fayette Falcon, the Fayette Falcon…what can I say but thank you because you have my deepest gratitude with your emotional and financial support that you have provided to Fayette County Animal Rescue so many years beginning when we were just two people trying to make a difference. Butch and Carolyn Rhea and family are a part of the family of Fayette County Animal Rescue and their efforts to help will never be forgotten. They may not realize but their support has helped to change people’s attitudes and animals lives for the better. God Bless you! Then there is Thomas and Associates. Alissa Thomas was highly recommended by the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce. She is located on Hwy 64 in Oakland and has been our bookkeeper ever since we were incorporated and she does this free of charge. When our attorney Charles Key found out that she was our bookkeeper he told us that she is probably the best he has ever known and congratulated us for our choice. She has never disappointed me for sure. Allisa has her own rescue group that is called “Save our Setters” and does excellent work with this displaced breed all over the country.

We have a couple of Shelby County business’ that help us also. I would like to thank Dr. Bardon Greenfield and his very competent staff at Southwind Animal Hospital for their many fundraisers on behalf of FCAR.  They also provide a cash donation box at their front counter and are constantly providing much needed food and medical supplies.  I would be remise if I did not mention my partner’s husband and his business Boat and Motor Clinic located in Rossville, Tn.  David Gilbert has been behind Yvette and I 100% in everything we do to help the animals. In fact he just signed the adoption papers on little Sommer (another article in itself about a poor little unadoptable puppy) and this little one that needs so much will have the best home ever. Of course we all want to thank my husband Michael Provow, General Contractor for his support of my craziness that many husbands would have committed their wives at this point. His support has been…well I don’t even have words to describe. Thank you.

Now for the pizza lovers, Johnnie Brusco’s in Collierville has also been providing a cash donation jar on their front counter.  In fact we are planning a board meeting at their establishment in the very near future and I have to tell you I can’t wait for some of their pizza.

We have many business’ that do support our efforts but I wanted to focus on those that continuously provide for Fayette County Animal Rescue. Please support these fine establishments and thank them for their work in helping us to help the silent ones.

Mail your tax deductible contributions to FCAR, P O Box 44, Rossville, Tn. 38066

A Road Race, A Redbirds Game, a Garage Sale, An Adoptathon, a Job Fair and a Home & Business Expo…..

  The question is “What has Fayette County Animal Rescue been up to?”  It has been busy and I missed my deadline last week for this column because I got one of those nasty worms in my computer and lost a lot of hard work. Well, I am back and hope you missed us.

   This past Saturday was the Second Annual Fayette County Animal Rescue Road Race and was it ever a success.  There were over 180 riders from all over the country competing for prize money. This fund raising event was sponsored by Jimmy Reed, Realtor, Marx & Bensdorf, Memphis Motor Werks Cycling Team, Renn Multisport, Pikes Plus, Memphis Family Chiropractic Clinic, Smith Imports and Automatic Slim’s Tonga Club and Michael L. Provow, General Contractor all benefiting Fayette County Animal Rescue.

   Monday night we were invited to set up a booth at AutoZone Park for their hosting of Fayette County Night.  The Redbirds wanted to shine the spotlight on the great fans from Fayette County.  Jayne and Mary Chase Breedlove sang the National Anthem; the Fayette Academy Cheerleaders performed a dance routine and Fayette County youth teams paraded on the field prior to the game.

   There will be a big garage sale this Saturday at 1834 Brierbrook Road in Germantown from 8am-1pm.  All proceeds will benefit FCAR.  Call 848-9283 for more information.

  Sunday from 12 noon until 4pm we will be holding an adoptathon with puppies, dogs, cats and kittens available at Petco in Germantown.

 June 10, Friday from 7am-10am we will have a booth at the Job Fair as part of the Oakland Home & business Expo held at The Oakland Elementary School Gymnasium off Highway 194. June 11, Saturday you can visit our informational booth from 10am-5pm and then again Sunday from 1pm-5pm. Stop by for free pet related gifts and important medical information concerning your pet’s health provided by Animal Care Hospital.

   Well, that pretty much covers it all for us.  I want to thank every Fayette County citizen for their financial support of our efforts to help the silent ones.  Without you we would not be able to treat the sick, injured, abused, abandoned and neglected animals found wandering these rural roads.  Mail your tax deductible contributions to FCAR, P O Box 44, Rossville, Tn. 38066
 

FCAR Officers Attend 2005 Animal Care Expo
Officers Gina Thweatt, Vice President and Delores D. Provow, Chief Executive Officer of Fayette County Animal Rescue attended the 2005 Animal Care Expo held by The Humane Society of the United States April 6-9 in Atlanta, Georgia.  A dynamic education conference designed for those people who work or volunteer at the local level with dogs, cats, or other animals.  The Expo offered animal care and control professionals the world’s largest training and educations program, as well as a full-scale trade show featuring everything a humane organization needs to be the best it can be.

Also there was a panel discussion on the Asilomar Accords, a community-based approach to saving animals’ lives developed by national and local humane organizations, animal care and control agencies, SPCAs, and rescue organizations.  Participants reflected on what brought the groups together and how they plan to implement the Accords.  Introduced by Wayne Pacell, the HSUS’s president and CEO and facilitated by Steven McHugh, the panel included Richard Avanzino of Maddie’s Fund, Ed Sayeres of the ASPCA, Bob Rhode of the Dumb Friends League, Jan McHugh-Smith of the Humane Society of Boulder Valley, Belinda Lewis of Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control and Martha Armstrong of The HSUS.

“We will be implementing many of the new and innovative approaches that were presented to the 1,300 attendees at the convention, here in Fayette County.” Said Gina Thweatt, Vice President.  “It was so refreshing really to meet with so many people in this field that were experiencing the same problems that Fayette County Animal Rescue experiences on a local level thus giving us the confidence that we are still on the right track and doing everything we can possibly do to help the many abused, abandoned, and neglected animals of Fayette County.”

Fayette County Animal Rescue is a non-profit, 501 (C) 3 organization operating in Fayette County Tennessee. Mail your tax-deductible contributions to FCAR, P O Box 44, Rossville, Tn. 38066
 

Thankful for those Fayette County Rescues
Last week I mentioned in my article about how we screen people to know if when they adopt a pet from us that it will be a lasting relationship.  Below are two responses that Gina Thweatt, Vice President of FCAR received after inquiring about the pets two difference families had recently adopted.  They are heart warming and just one more thing that happens when people care enough to make a difference.

"Gina, Thanks for asking about Millie. She has really been a joy to have in our family - in fact, it already seems like she has been with us a long time. 

She has taken well to her crate training. We expected some trouble with her sleeping well through the night, but this hasn't been a problem. She has had only one accident on the floor, but she is learning fast about asking us to take her out when she has to relieve herself.

The hardest lesson for her is to learn to be calm while fitting in with our many cats - we have seven inside cats. She gets excited and wants to chase them, but the cats are training her to respect their space. Some of the cats will get close to her and "touch noses" to show some guarded affection, so we think this is going fine.

We want to thank FCAR and especially Millie's foster mother Laurie for the good work in bringing up Millie in a loving environment. She obviously has had very happy, warm experiences and it shows in how eager she is to please and be good, even if her puppy enthusiasm sometimes takes over! Please invite Laurie to visit Millie whenever she wants.

Gina, when I first was called over to miss Millie’s cage I knew she was meant to be in our family just as Millie knew we were meant for her. I was not looking for a doggie that day but Millie knew and looked at me and told me so! She is the sweetest heart and has just melded into our lives wonderfully. Sleeps all night from the very first in her kennel, only yipping if she needs to go out. Only accident she has had was my fault cause I forgot to show her to the doggie door. Every morning she snuggles in bed with Richard and me while we have our coffee and visits with us and the kitties. She has already learned that chasing them is a bad and jumping on us or Cotter, our elderly dog, a no. Today we worked on staying on her cushion by my art table while I worked and she did a very good job of it.  I also let her play out in the side yard by herself for a bit today while I watched from the window and she responded well whenever I told her no to chewing on something she shouldn't.  We will give her freedom slowly simply because we worry about her chewing and eating something that might hurt her but she is learning quickly and I’m trying to keep her occupied with acceptable toys and chews. Thank you so very much for our loving girl. Violet

Richard Redfearn & Violet Trosper"

Now for the second response about a puppy we had named Bartholomew…

"Hi Gina! Well, I fell for him at Petco that day, and it has just gotten worse as the days go by!  He is such a love and a sweetie.  My son loves getting big wet kisses from him, and chases him all over the house until he lays down on his back and begs for tummy rubs! (The dog, not my son!)

We re-named him Bingo, my son did because he thought he looked like the dog on Barney...not a name I would have chose, but I like the thought of "a boy and his dog Bingo" - kind of sweet!

He and my purebred idiot Lakeland terrier are doing fine - we still don't have an Alpha yet, but they are working it out!  They wear me out just watching them play.  Running all over the house, flying out the dog door and into the yard.  They chew all over each other like giant chew toys, but neither one has bitten the other.  They are fun to watch.  As well as funny!

Bingo is coming around on the cat.  I think he finally decided a cat was ok, and he didn't have to be scared of it.  Actually, I caught them nuzzled up together this morning on the couch.  I knew if they ever had a chance, they would be buds...they are the nicest and sweetest souls in the house!  (Humans included!)

He eats great, and knows to wait until after dinner for his leftover dinner treats.  Actually, I think he is showing our goofy terrier how a dog is supposed to act!  They do share the food and water bowls really well now - not at first, but things are fine now.  It's first come first serve and they seem to respect that.

I find it funny that I spent all that money on a purebred that I just tolerate, and here is this "mutt" who has stolen my heart!  It just figures.  He loves my son, but I think he is going to be 'my' dog.  I was trying to avoid that, but a dog will choose his master, not the other way around.

All in all, our adoption has been 100% completely successful!  We love him and we're never letting him go!  I'll try to get some photos out real soon, I promise!

Thanks for asking and keeping in touch, it means a lot to know you still care about your animals.

Candy and Justin Tilley"

If you would like to help us continue to make a difference in the life of an animal that was found abandoned here in Fayette County, please mail your tax deductible contributions to FCAR, P O Box 44, Rossville, Tn. 38066
 

All In a Day’s Work…The Story of a Long Lost Dog.
   Last week I received an email from a lady about a dog in Fayette County that was homeless. This past Wednesday morning at 6:00am, in the dark, in the pouring rain I managed to sneak up on a little cocker spaniel that had been running loose for two years on the edge of the Fayette County and Shelby County line. 

  The story about this little darling is that a couple of years ago a woman was killed in a car wreck on the interstate near Collierville/Arlington Road and her little male, black cocker spaniel managed to escape unharmed only to run into the woods.  The daughter of the woman, who lives out of town, tried to catch this little dog; could not; and then gave up going back to whereabouts unknown.  Now this is the story we have been getting ever since all the locals in that area found out that I was able to catch this little guy. I had put a sign up for people that fed this dog that we had rescued him and not to worry any longer. For two years people had been leaving food on the edge of the road, supplied two dogs houses no less and were pretty content to let this little guy live out his life; alone. You see he would not let anyone get within fifty feet of him and off he would run.

  The day before I was able to catch him, Yvette Gilbert, Gina Thweatt and myself went to the location to see if we could find him.  We located the doghouses and were looking around when Yvette said, “Hey there he goes!” He had been lying next to the interstate and when we got out of our vehicle he decided it was time to run. Yvette brought back a trap that evening and set it in hopes that he would go into it for food; but because everyone was feeding him constantly he was not hungry.  I could not sleep that night and lie awake wondering how I could catch him and not scare him to death.  It rained pretty much most of the night so I got up at 4:30am, got dressed and headed to where Yvette had set the trap.  In the pouring rain I looked in the trap; no dog…looked in the first dog house; no dog… then with flashlight in hand I proceeded to go down into a ravine where someone had put another dog house and I very carefully, bent down and shined my light on the cute little face of that elusive black cocker spaniel. You see it was raining so hard and it was so dark outside that the little guy could not hear me or see me coming.  I positioned myself in front of the door and every time that I would gently try to pet him he would growl and jump at me. He was not being mean, just scared to death. So I knelt down and thought how on earth am I going to get this guy into my truck without being too physical about it and with as little trauma as possible?   Let me explain, this was a makeshift doghouse meaning it was one of those blue barrels that the farmers use around these parts. Someone had carefully cut out a section of it and put two by fours on the bottom so the “house” would be off of the ground. They had lovingly put hay inside so the dog would stay warm and dry.  I said a little prayer and decided to gently pick up the doghouse with the dog inside. I tilted it backwards and some of the hay fell over the top of the dog and he was real sure he was hidden so he was unaware of the long climb back up the hill, doghouse and all.  I opened the back of my truck and awkwardly placed my rescue, who was still hidden inside the doghouse and shut my door.  I am sure if someone had videotaped this; FCAR would be the proud recipients of $10,000.00 on America’s Funniest Home Videos.  I can’t tell you how much Yvette laughed when I pulled up to Animal Care Hospital and told her how we were going to have to get this dog inside the clinic.  To make a long story short, this little guy that we have named “Bama” is safe and secure and getting much needed socialization in our shelter.  I have contacted Cindy Wolfe of the Commercial Appeal and told her about the dog and she is searching the archives to see if she can come up with the owner’s name.  You see, in the back of my mind I remember reading several years ago about a wreck on the interstate and about a pet that escaped and no one could find it. Pray that we locate the woman’s daughter because how awesome would that be to get this baby back to his family after so much time has passed.  Surely it would be a blessing from God for a family to get their loved one’s pet back.  If you would like to sponsor “Bama” and help with his medical expenses and care mail your tax-deductible contributions to FCAR, P O Box 44, Rossville, TN  38066
 

Tennessee Spay/Neuter Law, Fayette County Animal Rescue Groups and Volunteers
There are several humane societies operating in Fayette County and many who volunteer for “all rescue groups” helping to foster or emailing all over the country to get an animal off of the Memphis Animal Services death list as I like to call it.  Their work is very commendable and I am sure they feel a sense of relief that they helped to save this animal from death.  But, my question is “Was this animal spayed or neutered before it left the confines of the shelter and sent on it’s merry way traveling many miles by many well meaning people to a new life?” If not, what these well meaning individuals and groups have done is sent not one animal off but an animal off that will reproduce and add to the vicious cycle of disposable, unwanted animals. Shame on you for calling yourself humane. 

Per Tennessee State Law, 44-17-505. Requirement for adoption.  (a) No person shall adopt a dog or cat from an agency, including, but not limited to, an animal shelter, dog pound, animal control agency or humane shelter operated by a municipality, county, or other governmental agency within the state, or a private organization operating a shelter from which animals are adopted or reclaimed, unless:  (1) the dog or cat has already been spayed or neutered; (2) the dog or cat has been spayed or neutered by a licensed veterinarian while in the custody of the agency; or (3) the new owner signs a written agreement with the agency stating that the new owner will have the dog or cat spayed or neutered by a licensed veterinarian: (A) within thirty days of the date of the adoption, if such dog or cat is sexually mature; or (B) within thirty days after the dog or cat reaches six months of age, if the dog or cat is not sexually mature at the time of the adoption. (b) Noting in this section shall preclude the spaying or neutering of a sexually immature dog or cat at the discretion of a licensed veterinarian with the consent of the new owner.

There is another section to this law basically saying that the shelter or humane group shall require a deposit of not less than $25.00 from the new owner prior to the adoption in order to ensure that the dog or cat is spayed or neutered. Guess what people, only about 3% of the adopted animals ever come back to be spayed or neutered.  I know of one local group that put a dog in a foster home, did not get the animal sterilized and that animal had a litter of puppies. In my opinion, I believe that any group or individual that operates under a humane non-profit status and receives donations from the general public should have that status legally removed.  Any time an animal is rescued and it is not immediately spayed or neutered these groups are no less irresponsible than the original owners that somehow put these animals in a position to “sit” on death row in a shelter because there are simply not enough homes to go around. 

Fayette County Animal Rescue realized years ago that if you let a person take a pet with promises they will bring their newly adopted pet back in six months to be spayed or neutered; well it never happened.  My partner Yvette Gilbert and I both were spending countless hours trying to track down people that adopted a pet from us only to find they had moved with no forwarding address or then there were those that decided since this dog was such a good dog they would like to have at least one litter.  Back then vets were not performing spay/neuters until the pet was six months of age so Yvette and I said well if we had to hold onto a pet for six months until we got it spayed or neutered then that would be the policy. No one could get a young puppy from us because they were not leaving the confines of our organization without being sterilized.  Thank God Dr. Stephen Galloway of Animal Care Hospital came along and believed in early spaying and neutering of pets. 

My point being here is we are in a crisis situation with pet overpopulation. It would be far better in the long run to let an animal that sits in a “kill” shelter to be euthanized than to let that animal go only to bring in litters and litters of more unwanted pets. These animals will end up abandoned on the sides of the road starving to death or killed by cars. Folks, this happens every single day.  In the last five years Fayette County Animal Rescue rescued, rehabilitated and found good loving homes for over 1,000 animals and not a single one left our organization without being spayed or neutered.  Yes, this is expensive but that is where your donations are doing a world of good by providing us with the necessary funds to stop this vicious cycle of pet overpopulation. I thank you and you can be sure that your donation will save many more lives; those that are still alive and those that will never be born to suffer needlessly because of irresponsible people.
 

Dear Friends, 

  Amazingly enough after 5 full years as the President of Fayette County Animal Rescue, this will be the last letter as President of FCAR that I write to you.  With the rapid growth of our organization it was time for some new faces and new ideas to help move us forward. 

  Over the past year we have expanded our operations, made many improvements and all for the comfort and well being of the many animals that come to our “no-kill” organization. The irony of all of the years of wondering if we were going to be able to keep our doors open; well we have succeeded.  I am going to miss the day-to-day operations of our shelter but my work is needed elsewhere.

  On December 31, I was overwhelming elected as Chief Executive Officer and Director of Fundraising.  We felt that my expertise in this area was where I needed to focus all of my attention. I have the utmost confidence in our newly elected officers to run the day-to-day operations of Fayette County Animal Rescue. I am excited for the animals and for all of our volunteers and employees that work so tirelessly to make a difference. It is my dream to find the funds that are necessary to help these individuals to continue to help the sick, injured, abused, abandoned and neglected animals of Fayette County.

  Please remember that we are still in the process of raising all of the funds that are needed.  We have not achieved our monetary goal but I feel in good faith you all will continue with your outstanding generosity.

  Thank you all for your wonderful support, the time it took to read this letter and your belief in our mission.  We are succeeding and will continue with our success because of you.

Fondly,

Delores D. Provow
Chief Executive Officer