— Todays News— By Diane Tomek A Little birdie told me you want the latest news! April 8, 2001     Hound dogs are everywhere! The two litters recently rescued from the woods in Tellico turned out to be red bones and plott mixes. Twelve in all, 3 have been placed. These sweet babies are in temporary foster care, have been given first shots, wormed and of course will be spayed or neutered before going to their forever home. Call Diane at 420-0288 to adopt. It's unclear whether they were dumped, or a result of hunting dogs who were lost and became pregnant But since no mother was ever seen, we usually assume the worst. Unfortunately, by the time they were discovered, several had died due to starvation. It boggles my mind to think why people would deal with a situation in this way. Every adult must surely know that dogs are domesticated animals and cannot survive in the woods alone. I'm sure every once in a while there are those who make it, but at what price - killing farm animals, rummaging through garbage cans, or grazing along major roads for litter thrown from cars - and to what end - a bullet from a farmer protecting his herd, or being hit by a car. The community is at risk when animals are set out, as they tend to pack up, and can carry all manner of disease. There is a better alternative in early spay/neutering, and if you do get caught with a litter, adoption is the righteous alternative. . Roxanne is a 3-4 month old rotty/dobie mix. Found in a dumpster, her life improved drastically when foster mom Gail took over. She is spoiled rotten, gets along well with other dogs and cats, and is about the cutest thing on 4 paws. She needs a nice yard, and a loving family to take care of her. She has been spayed, had all shots, and wormed. Call Diane at 420-0288 for more info. ,br> Our long term goals for Happy Dog Farm included a plan to take animals out of the Monroe County Volunteer Humane Shelter, socialize them, get them spayed/neutered and take them to our adopt-a-thons. Well, a wonderful woman, called Kathy last week and volunteered to do just that! Some of those dogs have been out there more than 2 years. If anyone would like to foster an adult dog from the Humane Society, call Kathy at 442-8503. Don't forget about the adopt-a-thon at the Knoxville Petsmart this Saturday. And the yard sale the following week. Call Renee at 442-6759 if you have anything to donate. Lastly ~ It is situation critical out at the Madisonville City Shelter, folks ~ they are full ~ and the city's only alternative is euthanasia if these animals are not adopted. There is a mother dog with pups not even weaned yet. Will someone please foster her, we will take care of the medical expenses and the adoptions if someone will only give her food, shelter and love She and her pups do not deserve to die just becuse humans were uncaring. Plese help. Call Jarrod at 442-2268 or call Happy Dog Farm at 420-0288 or 442-8503. Previous Letters March 26, 2001