SPCA of Tennessee

Give Daisy A Shot

Matt — Sun, 05 May 2013 23:07:32 +0000

The SPCA of TN first rescued Daisy from an East Tennessee animal control shelter in 2007. Daisy was born with a grossly deformed right front leg. The SPCA of TN raised the money to have the (drastically reduced) costly operation done to stabilize her leg. Her foster Mom became so attached during Daisy’s intensive recovery that she also adopted Daisy. Now, six years later Daisy faces another costly operation on her leg.

About two years ago Daisy began having repeat infections in her “bad” leg. After trying several rounds of antibiotics, it was determined that the implant placed in her leg during her original operation had to come out. Prophylactic antibiotics have kept her leg healthy until money could be saved up for the operation. However, this has not been possible to date. About two months ago it was discovered that one of the screws from the implant was working its way through the skin. Shortly after that, Daisy began to have pain in her leg that was being managed with occasional pain medicine. During the last couple of weeks the pain seems to have increased, and she is now on regular pain medicine to try and keep her comfortable. It is becoming urgent to have this second operation done on her leg.

A special note about the cost of the needed operation: It was originally thought that the operation was going to cost approximately $1,000.00. We recently learned that the original surgeon does these types of implant removals for a flat $500.00 fee. Please help Daisy and make a donation below.

Dog adoption: finding the best match for your children

Matt — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:20:23 +0000

Take a look at this great article about finding a good animal match when you are adopting (http://www.examiner.com/list/dog-adoption-finding-the-best-match-for-your-children)

Help Give Trooper A Better Life

Matt — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 15:37:08 +0000

Hello! My name is Trooper and I am a 2-3 year old GS/Akita mix. I was hit by a car and took to a shelter in Crossville. I was in pain and the hopes to get out of there were not good. A rescue took me in to a vet called Best Friend Animal Hospital and they took me in to see what they could do for me. Unfortunately, I had a lot going on. I had Heartworms, my leg was injury and I needed surgery.

They contacted the SPCA of TN who took me into their care and a wonderful Angel name Polly Sack sponsored my vet bill at the time which cost $700.00 including my HW treatment, shots and x-rays.

I spent 1 month at the vet and then went to Kim Bradley for boarding where I needed to gain weight and feel better. I finally found a great foster home with Jennifer where I feel safe, warm and loved, but it is time to start my CDL surgery and it cost $1100.00.

The SPCA of TN is willing to take care of me but I need donations to be able to finally get my leg feeling better. If you have friends and family, please pass the word on. Please help me get through this surgery so I can recover and find my forever home.

Trouble The Dog

Matt — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 15:10:50 +0000

Special opportunity for animal lovers & shelters: “Buy a Dog to Save a Dog”

Trouble the Dog is a huggable 18″ plush character who attracts children like a powerful magnet. Magically, kids can feel his energy. Trouble comes with his own sturdy doghouse — all ready to color! — packaged flat for mailing and measuring 12 3/8″ x 12 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ when assembled easily via cardboard tabs. A limited run of Trouble dogs is now available at special pricing. While the supply lasts, sell Trouble for $29.95 each and 15% of every sale goes to your charity. You will receive a sample for display and instructions for purchasers to follow in order to ensure that your shelter receives credit for the sale.

Interested? email: info@troublethedog.net | ph: 781.631.0887

buyadogtosaveadog

It’s Just A Dog

Matt — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 23:15:36 +0000

From time to time people tell me, “Lighten up, it’s just a dog,” or, “That’s a lot of money for just a dog.” They don’t understand the distance traveled, the time spent or the costs involved for “just a dog.”

Some of my proudest moments have come about with “just a dog.”

Many hours have passed and my only company was “just a dog,” but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by “just a dog,” and, in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of “just a dog” gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it’s “just a dog,” then you will probably understand phases like “just a friend,” “just a sunrise,” or “just a promise.”

“Just a dog” brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.

“Just a dog” brings out the compassion and patience that makes me a better person.

Because of “just a dog” I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me, and folks like me, it’s not “just a dog” but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past and the pure joy of the moment.

“Just a dog” brings out what’s good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it’s not “just a dog” but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being “just a human.”

So the next time you hear the phrase “just a dog.” just smile….because they “just don’t understand.”

- Anonymous

I stood by your bed

edwardb223 — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 02:21:16 +0000

I stood by your bed

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you wer…e crying, You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
“It’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I’m not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said ” it’s me.”
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It’s possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew…
In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over… I smile and watch you yawning
and say “good-night, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out…then come home to be with me.

Choose Me by The Song Trust

edwardb223 — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 02:20:26 +0000

Choose Me by The Song Trust

Should I adopt an older dog?

edwardb223 — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 02:19:02 +0000

Why I love older dogs

Why do I love older dogs? Why NOT? Older dogs, first of all, are some of those in most urgent need of homes. They’re often the first to be put down at kill shelters. They’ve lived their whole lives just hoping for the perfect family, and often they’ve been neglected or mistreated for much of their lives. Then they end up in a shelter and watch while people walk past their hopeful eyes and their gray muzzles, choosing younger, more playful dogs instead. Don’t they deserve to live their golden years being spoiled and loved, just like all the younger dogs will eventually do? I say YES!

Older dogs require far less training than younger dogs. They’re curious but not destructive. I don’t come home to find that older dogs have chewed my couch apart. They are already house broken much of the time, and if they’re not, they’re far easier to housebreak. They’re almost always already crate trained, too! They are typically very mellow – all they want to do is be with their family and feel safe. And they still come with all the benefits you get with a young dog. They’re loyal, protective, loving, and even playful! They may tire more easily, but isn’t that what you want? Who has the energy to entertain a young, crazy, four-legged furball ALL THE TIME? Not me. I find I can play with my older dogs for a little while, but then, when it’s time for me to get to work or clean the house, they’re content just plopping down to watch me. We have our time together, but then I have the very important ME TIME. It’s a perfect balance.

The next time you’re at a shelter, please give some serious consideration to those graying faces and those tails that might not wag as quickly. If you’re looking for a new friend online, do the same. Remember that all dogs get older, and by adopting an older one, you’ll be with your new best friend during the best years of his or her life…and they will be forever grateful.

Foster Homes

edwardb223 — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 02:18:12 +0000

Foster homes are a vital part of our organization that has a no kill philosophy and because we don’t have a facility at this time, good foster homes are always at a premium. Foster homes provide a valuable service, not only to temporarily house an animal, but also to assess any behavior issues, socialize, train and otherwise prepare an animal for adoption. It can be very rewarding to know that you have helped save an animal’s life.

The decision to become a foster home should be undertaken thoughtfully. It’s not always easy to take abused or neglected animals into your home, watch them blossom under your care and then let them go. People often become so attached to their foster pet that they can’t give them up. Good for the animal, but in the process our organization may lose a valuable resource.
Become a Foster Home
Usually the animal’s needs are simple, but occasionally there may be more involved. Some animals could have health problems and require medication or special diets. An animal lacking in social skills must learn to be a companion. An animal that’s been abused or neglected for a long time has to trust again. These pets are given up or abandoned because their previous owner was unable or unwilling to provide the necessary time, training or care.

If you think you may be up to the challenge to change an animal’s life, please complete the foster application form. This information will enable us to place an animal in a home that best meets the animal’s needs and that is best suited to the time, schedule, lifestyle and talents of the foster family. We have plenty of animals in our program at this time and we will make sure we can place the appropriate animal in you household to be foster.The foster coordinator will contact you and you will be given as much information as known about the animal including any particular health or behavior problems.
Role of Foster Family

The foster family is expected to provide good quality food, exercise, socialization, a safe place to eat, sleep and play, and most of all, love. Although it’s a family affair, children should never be left alone with or made responsible for the care of a foster pet. Foster families are not expected to place the animal. Ideally, pre-approved potential adopters should be able to meet the animal at the foster home, although other arrangements can be made. The foster parent should observe the interaction and answer questions, and if there are any incidents that lead the foster parent to doubt the advisability of the match, it should be noted and reported to the foster coordinator. Foster families are encouraged to make recommendations but do not approve or deny an adoption.
Cost of Fostering

How much you choose to spend on your foster pet is up to you. Some foster families want to assume full responsibility for care, but it’s certainly not a requirement. We can provide necessities like crates, litterboxes, toys, beds, etc. and food if needed. Generally, any medical care including testing, vaccinations, or worming will be done prior to placing the animal in foster care, except when not advisable due to age or condition. Additional veterinary care will be paid by TNSPCA and must be approved in advance by a foster coordinator, who will also schedule appointments. Foster families may be asked to transport an animal to the vet for spay/neuter surgery or other treatment.
Problems With a Foster Pet

We do not abandon the foster family. If there is a problem, contact a foster coordinator for help or advice to work through the problem. If an animal bites or shows any sign of aggression we will remove the animal as soon as possible. Foster families are expected to maintain weekly contact with a foster coordinator and may be asked to keep a progress report.

If you and/or your family is interested in becoming a foster home/family, please contact us now.