2016

Megan and Arnold: A Match from the Start

Megan’s Story:

I just moved to Nashville from New Jersey and wanted to find ways to meet new people and continue hobbies, as I like being outside and I volunteered for an animal rescue group in NJ.

Before I left, a friend tagged me in an article about Tails of the Trail.

I quickly looked up the organization and knew I had to get involved! The whole idea of Tails of the Trail is so smart, and you can see a difference in the animals after you walk them.

I signed up for my first event with the group in November and went to Cheatham County Animal Shelter. We were given a really friendly, informative introduction about how to handle the dogs, and I met a lot of very nice volunteers. There is a lot of care and effort on the volunteers’ part and the event was super well organized. You could see that the dogs were having the best day ever, especially after the walk when they were given puppy popsicles – so sweet!

The second dog I walked that day, named Arnold, was an absolute sweetheart.

He was a little shy with me and had some serious skin issues that needed to be addressed. He reminded me of my family dog at home who we rescued and had similar issues.


I inquired about Arnold and ended up going back to the shelter the following Monday to hang out with the little guy. He wasn’t available for adoption until he was neutered, so I spent a little over a week walking and playing with him each day. As soon as he was neutered and cleared to go home, I adopted him!

He’s recovering from his skin infection and is still rocking a cone of shame, but he could not be happier. His personality totally blossomed and now he loves playing with toys and is a total mush. He also celebrated his first Thanksgiving with my family and our dogs, and absolutely loved it.

I definitely have to thank Tails of the Trail for not only hosting a great event, but for introducing me to little Arnold!

I look forward to doing more events with the group and I love having my new little buddy!

      

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Sammy’s Story

“I worry you’re going to come home with a dog,” my wife told me

in the days leading up to the July 23, 2016, Tails of the Trail event at the Maury County Animal Shelter in Columbia, my first time to volunteer for Tails. I did not bring a dog home that day, but I did become emotionally attached to one. Nearly three weeks later, my wife and I brought the dog home together.

After 26 years without a dog in my adult life, I had begun to be cautiously drawn to the idea of having a dog in our family.

So when I learned about a volunteering opportunity to give exercise to shelter dogs, it seemed the perfect way to be around them without owning one. I knew my daughter would be visiting from Knoxville on a July weekend when Tails was doing an event at the Maury County shelter, so I signed us both up.

Sammy was the first dog I walked that day. He is a 25-pound border collie beagle mix, with a border collie’s black and white coloring and a beagle’s body. Thirteen months old when I met him, he still looks like a puppy. When the volunteer led him to me, Sammy stood on his back legs and gently rested his speckled socks in my hand in a most endearing greeting. On our walk, he was all business. He wasn’t interested in dog treats or pupsicles, laying in the shade, or playing in the pool. He just wanted to follow his nose. He never barked, and never acknowledge any of the other dogs. But when any other human came near, he greeted them by raising up and gently placing his paws on the person’s arm or outstretched hand, standing there as in conversation. We made notes about each dog we exercised.

For Sammy, I wrote, “The perfect combination of sweetness and energy. He’ll make some family a great dog.”

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Between my daughter and I, we exercised five dogs that day, including Sammy. On the way home, I said I wasn’t sure if I had walked the dogs, or if they had walked me. All five dogs were special in some way and at dinner that night, the dogs were all we could talk about–the way each one acted, how happy they seemed to be about being able to get outside.

In the days that followed, I kept thinking about Sammy.

I watched every video YouTube showed me from a “border collie beagle” search. I researched the border collie beagle mix and learned this was an intelligent, high energy dog, requiring a lot of mental and physical exercise. This matched what I had seen in Sammy, and fit what I was looking for. Not a dog to sit on the couch with, but a dog to hike trails with.

On the second Monday after meeting Sammy, I called the shelter to check on him. They said he was there, but was quarantined. That sounded ominous, so I didn’t ask more. Yet I still couldn’t forget about him. On Friday of that same week, I called back to check on him and to get more information about the quarantine.

The shelter employee said Sammy had been adopted and returned the next day because his temperament wasn’t suited for a family with a toddler and another dog. “He doesn’t seem to get along well with other dogs,” the employee said. When I relayed all of this to my wife, she knew. She has heard the stories my mother tells of my elementary school teachers saying, “John is a good student, but he doesn’t get along with the other kids.” We agreed that if no one else claimed Sammy by the time he was out of quarantine, and if the shelter would approve us, that we would adopt him.

On the following Monday, we got the word that Sammy was released from quarantine. We filled out the paperwork
and the next day, after a frank discussion about Sammy’s hyperactivity, we were approved to adopt him.

That Thursday, 19 days after first meeting Sammy, my wife and I brought him home.

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Sammy has lived up to his billing as an intelligent, high energy dog. But he has adapted well to our family and we to him, with some adjustments on all sides.

I’m proud that he gets along with other dogs well now, to the point that dog parks are fun, and he goes to doggy daycare one day a week.

He especially likes bigger dogs who like to run. He’s 60 pounds of dog in a 25-pound body. Our step counters tell us we are three times more active than before, and I have lost 15 pounds.

I like to think all of us, Sammy included, have learned something in the two months since he joined our family.

But the main thing I have learned is that a walk is more fulfilling when it’s taken with a dog.

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John has since become a volunteer PAWtograher for Tails of the Trail.

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Celebrating Tracy! by David Battle

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My name is David and I love DOGS!   I’ve been a team member of Tails of the Trail for over a year and am also a regular volunteer at Metro Animal Care and Control.   I found my black Lab mix, Tracy, on Craigslist after many failed attempts to find the right dog.  She is the first dog I’ve had since high school.   At the time I knew nothing about rescues.  Now I am a regular volunteer and know that rescues save the lives of dogs and cats on a daily basis.   Tracy’s exact birthday is unknown but that didn’t stop me from celebrating it on the day she became a beloved member of my family, September 25, 2011, at the age of three (3).  We have been together five (5) years now and recently celebrated her 8th birthday.  Being a dedicated dog lover, I took a week off from work to celebrate her special day and we did fun activities such as visiting several dog parks and pet stores.  I even baked her a special carob (aka dog chocolate) cake, recipe below.  We ate our slices and frozen yogurt on all fours; unfortunately the video was too dark to view…you know, in the birthday candle lighting.  BUT I can assure you we had FUN!

In the minds of many this may seem like it was a bit overdone for just a dog, but Tracy came to me at a time in my life when I was coming up from a major low point.  I often believe that she has helped me to avoid going back there.  She rekindled my love of dogs that had been forgotten for many years though I do still miss my childhood dog, Dizzy.  Tracy is the reason I learned about dog parks and the need to exercise their minds and bodies to stay healthy.  I think back to the day I first visited Metro Animal Care and Control (MACC) to learn about their dog exercise program which ultimately lead me to become a volunteer member for the past 21/2 years and counting.   Coincidentally this is where I also learned about meetup.com and the Tails of the Trails nonprofit organization.   And can you believe that the first event in which I participated was held at MACC.  I love my time helping the dogs during Tails of the Trail events and at MACC.

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Now the love I have for Tracy has expanded to other dogs and animals in general to the point that I no longer eat meat.  I truly respect the lives of all animals and treasure my time with Tracy.  Whether we’re learning or practicing tricks, walking the greenways, playing in the dog parks or she is simply snuggling against me at night I know that I am blessed.  She provides many laughs and much love and I cannot imagine my life without her!

 

I strongly encourage you to volunteer at your local shelter and adopt a dog or two…you won’t regret it.

 

cake

 

Doggie Birthday cake:        

1 cup carob powder

1 cup plain yogurt

½ cup flour

½ cup honey

¾ cups peanut butter

8 oz plain cream cheese

5 large eggs

 

Mix well and bake in pyrex dish at 375 degrees

for about 35-40 minutes.

The cake comes out about 1.5 inches high.

 

Icing

16 oz cream cheese

1 cup large Frozen fruit like strawberries or ½ cup small frozen fruit like blueberries

½ cup honey

Spread onto cooled cake and enjoy.  Human and canine edible; don’t forget the candles!

 

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A Special Thank You to our Friends at Spring Station Middle School!!

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A Special thank you to our friends at Spring Station Middle School for drawing all the fantastic pictures on 100 doggy treat bags.  These treat bags will be handed out at this year’s Barktoberfest!!

Thanks to Mrs. Dugan for allowing her students to help Tails of the Trail.

You all did a fabulous job!!

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Melissa with Tails of the Trails supplied wonderful treats for the 7th and 8th graders to enjoy while working on the treat bags.

 

 

 

Thank You!

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Tails of the Trail® and Belmont University Partner Up to SERVE

WELCOME to Belmont University’s Class of 2020!

And what better way to make the students feel right at home in Nashville than to partner up with Tails of the Trail for a three (3) hour SERVE project.

Thanks to Metro Animal Care & Control, we were able to offer a service project for 21 Freshman and their 2 Student Leaders this past Monday, August 22.

The students sat in on an introduction to our 501(c)3 Tails of the Trail organization with the hopes that we will see them join our shelter dog hiking events in the near future.

Belmont SERVE

In fact, ten (10) spaces have been offered up to students via their Get Connected portal for the upcoming Metro hike on Saturday, September 10.

Next Lulu, an available shelter pup, personally greeted everyone while Sarah Hagood, Volunteer Coordinator at Metro, provided a Shelter Orientation followed by a facility tour.  Students were also able to make dog and cat enrichment toys that will be loved by the shelter pets.

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After socializing with a few cats in their adoption room several students along with six (6) happy dogs made their escape to the great outdoors for a choice of off leash playtime or a stroll around the Mars Scent Garden.

Maggie, an adoptable puppy, stood guard over the breakroom treats sponsored by Belle Springs Lemonade.  Nothing beats fresh squeezed watermelon lemonade, if you are a human; the pups preferred a few biscuits from Nature’s Select.

As students start missing their personal pets left at home, get energized to exercise off that Friday night pizza or simply want to destress from pending exams, it is our hope that they will join a Tails of the Trail event and return once more to Metro Animal Care & Control to brighten the faces of many more shelter dogs in need of a warm smile, soft hug or big kiss!

Thanks for your partnership, Belmont University!

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Tails of the Trail Saves Shelter Dogs

There have been a lot of dogs that do not have a home across the state, and lots of them have been forced to stay cooped up in a kennel. News Channel 5 visits Middle Tennessee Boxer Rescue with Tails of the Trail.

 

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Regina makes it 50!
With Chelsea's adoption of Regina today, that makes it an even 50 adoptions/fosters precipitated by Tails of the Trail! Chelsea volunteered with fellow employees from naviHealth to walk shelter dogs at Metro Nashville Animal Care & Control. naviHealth employees receive paid time off to give back to the community.

With Chelsea’s adoption of Regina today, that makes it an even 50 adoptions/fosters precipitated by Tails of the Trail! Chelsea volunteered with fellow employees from naviHealth to walk shelter dogs at Metro Nashville Animal Care & Control. naviHealth employees receive paid time off to give back to the community.

@naviHealth day of giving

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Giving back: Brookdale seniors create “pawsitive” dog treats for Nashville music event in partnership with Tails of the Trail®

In partnership with residents from Brookdale Green Hills Cumberland assisted living community, a delicious way to give back to the Nashville community was produced. The residents of the Brookdale Green Hills Cumberland reveled in getting hands deep in dough and ribbons to share the love of dogs within the Nashville community. The ambitious efforts scheduled by Brookdale Green Hills Cumberland and Tails of the Trail promote meaningful activities for the residents and awareness about deserving shelter dogs in need of affection and forever homes.

At the end of June, residents baked 500 dog treats and then hand wrapped them all into bags for Nashville’s summer concert series, Musician’s Corner. The “pawsitive” dog treat bags were then passed out to community attendees who visited Dogville with their personal pets and leisurely enjoyed the event’s live music, food trucks, artisans, and dog and kid activities. Middle Tennessee Boxer Rescue, a Tails of the Trail rescue partner, also joined in the fun by helping pass out the dog treats while showing off their adoptable Boxers. Musician’s Corner is the first Tails of the Trail event showcasing the new partnership with Brookdale Green Hills Cumberland.

Not only did the dogs visiting Musician’s Corner and the kind friends of Tails of the Trail benefit from this effort, but also the residents were likely impacted the most. Seniors within assisted living communities have given up many of the activities they once enjoyed and did with ease, which can be a challenging adjustment. The pawsitive dog treats not only provide a purposeful and meaningful activity but also offer the opportunity to socialize with others and alleviate stress. The residents enjoyed each other’s company as they mixed ingredients and tied bows while reminiscing over cherished memories. The dog treats are a true labor of love that create multiple moments of success…and opportunities that transform confusion to clarity. This aligns with the goals of Tails of the Trail which offers weekly community outreach activities, pairing hikers with shelter dogs, for much needed exercise and socialization, ultimately reducing both human and canine stress.

This newly founded partnership has created multiple moments of success for seniors and shelter dogs alike. Stay tuned for more exciting happenings!

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Summer heat can be dangerous for your dog

The summer heat, especially in the South, can take a toll not only on human health, but also on the health of our four-legged best friends.

Here are a few tips for keeping your dog safe during hot weather:

  • Shorten walking distances and avoid walks when ambient temperature is over 85 degrees
  • Limit exercise for older dogs (over seven years) and any short-nosed dogs
  • Monitor heartworm-positive dogs closely since they may be more prone to exercise intolerance or respiratory compromise due to lung inflammation
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight (especially light-skinned dogs, as they are more susceptible to sunburn)
  • Don’t allow your dog to drink from puddles (reduces chances of infectious diseases and chemicals/toxins)

There are several indicators to watch for when outdoors with your dog(s) in the heat. Warning signs of canine heat stress to watch for include:

  • Significant panting (panting more heavily than usual)
  • Increased respiratory effort
  • Hypersalivation (increased drooling)
  • Dark red or purple gums
  • Drunken gait
  • Lethargy, decreased responsiveness
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

If you think a dog has become overheated, hose them down with tepid water and place them in front of a box fan or in air conditioning.

Let’s strive to keep all pets safe this summer!

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