During the week of September 22, 2007, Tennessee hosts an annual statewide celebration to bring awareness of the love, healing and joy that animals bring to our lives. This year's festivities are kicking off at Metro Nashville Animal Services. (See article below for all the planned events).
As many people know, Metro Nashville Animal Services has had a long standing policy on not releasing pit bulls. They do not make exceptions - not even for rescue - all pit bulls that enter their facility are euthanized. (Well, that is... except for Blanca and Felicity - two bullys here with me that were once residents at Metro Animal Services).
I have some more news that may (hopefully) be the beginning of a break in the barriers for stray and/or otherwise unfortunate pit bulls in the Nashville area. Judy Ladebauche, the director of Metro Nashville Animal Services, has invited Bless the Bullys to participate in their adoption event with Emmilou Harris on September 22. Granted, this is a small step, but it is a small step in a positive direction. I am hopeful that in time we might open some doors that have previously been closed to pit bulls in Metro Nashville. I have no doubt it will be a long, uphill climb, but its definitely well worth the work.
I am really honored to have been asked to attend Metro's event. I think we have the potential to do a lot of good as this is an excellent opportunity to educate people on the "true" pit bull and break some stereotypes.
If you are in the Nashville area, please join us at Metro Nashville Animal Services on September 22, 2007 to show your support for this incredible breed.
Jodi
3rd Annual Tennessee Week for the Animals to be kicked off by Emmylou Harris!
by Michelle Buckalew
Mark your calendars! The 3rd Annual Tennessee Week for the Animals is being celebrated September 22-30, 2007.
This annual statewide celebration is held to bring further awareness of the true love, healing and joy that animals bring to our lives. Governor Bredesen is once again officially proclaiming the week to honor the animals.
Organizations across Tennessee will be holding special adoption events along with educational institutions and businesses ensuring that animals are the focus of their work, school and/or organization.
On September 22 Emmylou Harris will kick off the week at Nashville Metro Animal Control to further promote the importance of adopting a pet from your local shelter. This is a chance for people to save a loving life and adopt their next best friend. Also it will be a day to meet talented and compassionate Emmylou and learn more about her true dedication to the animals. There will be fellow musicians that will be a part of the "Metro Pet and Pickin Party!" There will also be a celebrity pet strutt. A day full of fun is planned.
Smoky Mountain Pet Foundation in beautiful Maryville will be breaking ground for their new highly anticpated facility which should open its' doors by end of 2008. Community leaders and loving animals will be on hand for this long awaited day. A special day is in store.
Memphis Animal Appreciation Day kicks off the week in the Memphis Zoo courtyard on September 22 with pet adoptions from MAS and Pet Placement Partners beginning with a a blessing for the animals. Mounted police will be giving a demonstration and K-9 units will be there too.
Chattanooga HES will have 3 events including Tuxedo Tuesday which
will be focusing on adoptions of black and white animals. They will also have 2 HES offsite pet adopthons on the weekends! Oak Ridge Animal Shelter will be having an adoption event on September 22 from 1-4 and SARG will be on hand helping adopt the sweet babes.
Farm animals will be represented in events for the animals in Nashville, Chattanooga and Memphis. The farm animals need us all to help them and we are happy to be having these events represent the entire state from west to middle to east portions of the state.
The exciting Smoky Mountain Pet Fair is scheduled for Sunday, September 23. Adoptions from humane groups and activities all day for the animals. Activities for the entire family are planned.
Also on September 27 Elephant Sanctuary of Tennessee founder Carol Buckley will give a rare presentation and have a book signing at The Frist Museum in Nashville.
In Memphis an adoption event with approximately 15-20 humane groups is scheduled for September 29 at the Agricenter under the beautiful trees at the Farmer's Market. This is an ideal setting for this event. Candidiates and community leaders will be in attendance, in advance of the Oct 4 elections, to meet and greet. This is going to be a fun-filled event with loving adoptables that will help build awareness for the animals with the decision makers.
Pet therapy at St. Jude and other children's hospitals and nursing homes are scheduled. R.E.A.D. dogs and library events are currently being planned, as well. School children will be creating posters and essays across Tennessee. Law enforcement and military animals will be saluted at many super events. Spay and neuter clinics will be giving special rates and emphasis on the week TBA.
Memphis Shelby County Humane Society will also be having activities and special fees for adoptions during the entire week at their new state-of -the-art facility in beautiful Shelby Farms.
Knoxville and Nashville Zoos have organized Meet the Keepers events during the week. This is an opportunity for you to meet and build relationships with those special folks who care for the wild and precious animals every day.
The Collierville YMCA is having a special Pet Day on September 29. Pet adoptions, pet care and health, grooming, pet accessories, obedience training and pet crafts. 1-mile dog mile at 10:30am; pet show at 11:30am. Public is encouraged to bring Item for the Collierville Animal Shelter.
Animal Protection Association will have a special rate for all feral cats spay and neuters during the week. They will also be in attendance at two Memphis events.
UT Vet School in Knoxville will be showcasing the staff and their pets on their website. They will also have an event where Smoky, the mascot of the winning foootball team UT Volunteers, will be on hand signing autographs and wagging his tail.
Lichterman Nature Center will have a special event, "Say Goodbye to Summer" on September 29 at their 65 acres of forests, meadows and lakes. They are home to a wide variety of plants, trees and animals that are breathtaking. The whole family will enjoy this day!
Blessings for the animals are being scheduled across the state and will be included in honor of St. Francis Day. Please see photos of the past years' events on the official TWFA website to see how these events have such love being shared between all.
The special annual TWFA edition of The Animal World newsmagazine will be distributed to all 312+ libraries in Tennessee in September, as well as their regular locations and events.
There are other exciting surprises being planned so please check back as we kick into exceptionally high gear for the animals in the coming weeks. Activities and events will be scheduled up until the actual week so there is still plenty of time for you and friends to schedule a celebration to underscore the importance of animals in your community.
Please join us as Tennessee celebrates the awesome animals in communities across our great state.
Learn more about Tennessee Week for the Animals and schedule an event at 877-454-0807 or http://www.TennesseeAnimals.org
Jodi Preis
Bless the Bullys - Defending Dog - Bull Breed Alliance of Tennessee
