Jan-Feb 2017 Vol.

#6
Sevier County
Humane Society
Board Members
(all volunteer positions)
PresidentMartha Gilchrist
Vice PresidentCheri Hagmeier
SecretaryBeverly Brosch
TreasurerCheryl Morgan
Valerie Vilce, Sue Taboas, E. Shane
Patterson and Brennan Garrett

Coordinators
Volunteer Coor
adoptadoggie@hughes.net
Rescue Coor
sevierhumane1@aol.com
Fundraising & Marketing Coor
shelterstaffsevier@gmail.com
Education Coor
lovesdogs45@outlook.com
Social Mediavalerie9724@att.net
Newsletter
adoptadoggie@hughes.net

Pawsome News!
The wildfires of Nov/Dec 2016 touched everyone in our community. Struggling together, we watched as the
toll on lives and livelihoods grew daily. This historical disaster, which brought sorrow and loss to so many, also
seemed to bring out the best, both in our community and across the nation. In this newsletter edition, we want
to share some of the stories of support and success experienced during this trying time.
SCHS has been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support from the very beginning,
starting with the need to evacuate the shelter at 959 Gnatty Branch Rd. With the help of
volunteers & the Humane Society of TN Valley, the staff safely evacuated all of the
animals from the shelter on the night of the wildfires. HSTV and Smoky Mountain Animal
Clinic in Seymour accepted the evacuated SCHS pets into their locations which kept those
pets available for adoption. .
Sevier County Fairgrounds Manager, Dennis Snider, stepped up quickly to allow SCHS to set up a
temporary shelter at the Fairgrounds location, 754 Old Knoxville Hwy in
Sevierville. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue of Ashville, NC, reached out to
SCHS the morning after the fire and sent resources to help set up the temporary
shelter quickly, enabling SCHS to be ready for the intake of animals by noon
that day. BWAR also provided a place for a few of SCHS adoptable dogs within
their adoption program.
Veterinarians and Vet Techs volunteered their time around the clock to treat and
care for the animals injured in the fires. University of TN Veterinary Dept offered
their assistance in treating critically injured pets needing more extensive care than
could be offered at the Fairgrounds triage area.
Firefighters & Animal control Officers, many from other areas of TN and other
states, worked around the clock, alongside our local firefighters, to battle the fires and
search for survivors. Offers to help with Search & Rescue came in from all over the
country.
Volunteers, sometimes in caravans from hours away, came to the
Fairgrounds wanting to help any way possible. Pet supplies and food
donations began arriving, sometimes by the trailer load. Volunteers
unloaded and organized donations. Some volunteers waited, ready to
transport an injured pet to or from UTCVM. Many volunteers manned
phones or checked with local businesses to fill supply needs. Soon it
was apparent tents were needed for more space. Tents were
provided and set up by All Occasion Tent Rentals to house donations, clearing
the Fairgrounds building for the triage center and animals.
Generous Donors responded almost immediately to needs expressed by SCHS.
Veterinary supplies, heaters, lights, kennels & crates, SCHS asked and kindhearted
donors responded. Snacks, food & drinks were donated by local restaurants, and
caring members of the public, for staff and volunteers. Fencing was installed to
keep animals safely in the yard while being walked by volunteers. Almost every
state was represented either by volunteers or donors, often both, all concerned
for the welfare of the displaced pets and their families.

**AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION**

JoeyJosephine, she prefers Joey, is a
timid girl who is slow to warm in a
chaotic shelter environment. She will
be a devoted companion to the patient
person who knows some good things
take time.

So many shared the disbelief and sorrow of the families who had left
pets to go to work or dinner, and just a short time later, were unable
to return home due to raging wildfires. Staff and volunteers waited
and hoped, along with the animals they cared for and the families
who searched. Hugs and support were as plentiful as tears as all of
usfriends, neighbors & strangers came together sharing hope,
disappointment and then joy as pets & families were reunited.

Sevier County Humane Society, 959 Gnatty Branch Rd, Sevierville, TN

Website: www.sevierhumane.org

E-mail: Shelterstaffsevier@gmail.com

37876

Under Construction
When SCHS will move back to the shelter at 959 Gnatty Branch is under construction. The temporary Fairgrounds location continues to handle pets displaced by the wildfires of a month ago. In addition, theres also the normal daily intake of abandoned and
unwanted pets. As the stray hold of these homeless pets expires, those unclaimed are being made available for adoption at the temporary location.
SCHS will continue to operate out of the temporary Fairgrounds location as insurance adjusters check the shelter at 959 Gnatty
Branch and any necessary repairs are made.
Volunteers & Adopters are needed. As of the publishing of this newsletter, approximately 60 animals are at the Fairgrounds under
the care of SCHS. Please consider opening your heart and home to one of the homeless pets. If you cant adopt, please consider
joining our FurVOL team. Orientations are held at least twice monthly. If you cant volunteer, please consider donating. Every dollar helps SCHS homeless pets. Donations can be made on SCHS facebook page or website sevierhumane.org.
The Wags to Riches Auction Fundraiser, SCHS largest annual fundraiser, was postponed due to the
wildfires. The good news is, if you are a business owner, supporter or artist who would like to donate
items for the auction, theres still time. If you would like to help the homeless pets of Sevier County,
have auction items you would like to donate, or would like to be a sponsor of the event, please contact us
at cherylmorgan@bellsouth.net or call the shelter for more information 865-453-7000.

Events Coming Up!

Jan 21, 28 & Feb 4, 11, 18, 25 Adoption Event at PetSense, 11a to 3p
Jan 16 Low Cost Spay Neuter SPOT call for appt..865-680-5701 or 865-453-7000
Feb 11 Adoption Event at PetSMART Sevierville 11a to 3p
Feb 11 Volunteer Orientation9:15am at PetSENSE Sevierville
Jan 14, 26 & Feb 23Volunteer Orientation5:30pm at shelter location

Welcome New Members of our FurVOL Team!

Welcome to our new official FurVols Team members upon completing orientation: Pat & Jan Armstrong,
Vicki Bentley, Aimee Biddle, Dana Bohanan, Cindy Caswell, Billie Cobb, Lisa Collins, Rick & Brenda
Fielden, Mary Hawkins, Amber Hickman, Delilah Meade, Linda Morris, Sarah & Steven Morris, Eva
Pelfrey, M. Quinn Rhyne, Leigh Rickey, Elaine Richards, Barbie Russell, Tiffany Toler, Amanda Wallace, and Kelsey Whaley.
To join our FurVol team, or schedule a volunteer day for your organization or group, let us know by e-mailing
SCHS volunteer coordinator at adoptadoggie@hughes.net.

Volunteer Spotlight!
The SCHS Board of Directors are in the Volunteer Spotlight this month. SCHS Board members are all volunteer. With no
experience in disaster relief, Board Members Martha Gilchrist, Valerie Vilce, Bev Brosch, Cheri Hagmeier & Cheryl
Morgan did what was necessary to evacuate the animals safely, get the temporary shelter up and running at the Fairgrounds, and reach out to media & businesses for assistance with essential needs.

Staff Spotlight!
This issue was chosen, not to spotlight one staff member, but every SCHS staff member . They
have stepped up during this difficult time to do what they do best care for Sevier Countys displaced, abandoned and unwanted animals.

Hometown Heroes
SCHS would like to recognize two of our partnersHumane Society of
Tennessee Valley (HSTV) and Go North Animal Transport Collaborative.
When evacuation became a necessity, one call from SCHS Board Member Cheri Hagmeier to HSTVs Exec Director Amy Buttry resulted in
HSTV staff and van immediately enroute to help evacuate SCHS animals. With their quick response, all the animals were safely evacuated
and some were taken into HSTVs program for adoption. SCHS is grateful to have HSTV as a partner
and appreciates the resources and assistance HSTV has been so willing to provide.
Go North Animal Transport Collaborative partners with SCHS to transport a few of SCHS qualified,
adoptable animals to preapproved shelters in the north. With Go Norths help, SCHS has been able to provide adoptable animals to
families in other states. which opens those kennels for incoming animals.

Stop Pet Overpopulation Today!

Through SCHS SPOT program, 152 pets were altered during Nov & Dec 2016!
78 dogs & 74 cats!
Thats 1126 altered pets so far this year preventing an estimated 4504 more unwanted births
Thank you to all caring pet lovers who helped to prevent unwanted litters!

Call (865)453-7000 or (865) 680-5701

Sevier County Humane Society SPOT gives a huge shout out to our volunteers Mary Gaut and Bonnie Ward, the best Gift Wrapping Gals in Sevier
County!!
Once again, they cut paper, tied bows and ribbons to raise funds for our
SPOT Program.
We can only wonder how many miles of tape was needed!!
For the third year in a row SPOT has been awarded a $1000 matching grant
by an anonymous charitable organization. The donor will match dollar for
dollar up to $1000 to help with the costs of spay/neuter for Sevier County
Pets.
The Christmas Gift Wrap Fundraiser matched the grant with a total of $2739 being raised. With these Funds, SCHS can
help 170 area residents fix their pets, and thats a gift that lasts a lifetime.
We are so grateful to Mary and Bonnie for the hours they put in making bows and wrapping gifts for this cause, said
Martha Gilchrist, Sevier County Humane Society President. Spay/neuter is the most basic step in caring for pets. It is
good for your pet, good for your family and good for your community.
Next year, if you would like to present perfect packages under the tree, check us out!!

The SPOT Program has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Petco Foundation.
$8,000 will be dedicated to a TNR Program on the Pigeon Forge Strip and $2,000
will help fund low-income spay/neuter of Sevier County Pets.

The Sevier County Humane Society SPOT program would

like to thank these foundations for their support as SCHS
SPOT program works to help spay/neuter Sevier County
Pets and prevent unwanted litters.

Tips & Treats

Cold Weather Tips
Know the limits: Just like people, pets cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet
based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level, and health.
Stay inside. Cats and dogs should be kept inside during cold weather.
Make some noise: A warm vehicle engine can be an appealing heat source for outdoor and feral cats, but its deadly.
Check underneath your car, bang on the hood, and honk the horn before starting the engine to encourage feline hitchhikers to abandon their roost under the hood.
Check the paws: Check your dogs paws frequently for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked paw
pads or bleeding. During a walk, a sudden lameness may be due to an injury or may be due to ice accumulation between
his/her toes. You may be able to reduce the chance of iceball accumulation by clipping the hair between your dogs toes.
Play dress-up: If your dog has a short coat or seems bothered by the cold weather, consider a sweater or dog coat.
Wipe down: During walks, your dogs feet, legs and belly may pick up deicers, antifreeze, or other chemicals that could
be toxic. When you get back inside, wipe down (or wash) your pets feet, legs and belly to remove these chemicals and
reduce the risk that your dog will be poisoned after (s)he licks them off of his/her feet or fur.
Avoid ice: When walking your dog, stay away from frozen ponds, lakes and other water. You dont know if the ice will
support your dogs weight, and if your dog breaks through the ice it could be deadly. And if this happens and you instinctively try to save your dog, both of your lives could be in jeopardy.
Be prepared: Cold weather also brings the risks of severe winter weather, blizzards and power outages. Prepare a disaster/emergency kit, and include your pet in your plans. Have enough food, water and medicine (including any prescription
medications as well as heartworm and flea/tick preventives) on hand to get through at least 5 days.

Chicken & Sweet Potato Pops

2 cups shredded, cooked chicken (If you dont have time to cook, canned chicken or
tuna is an excellent, easy alternative!)
cup plain yogurt
cup canned pumpkin (make sure youre using 100% pure pumpkin, NOT pumpkin
pie filling which could contain dangerous ingredients)
3 tbsp. coconut oil
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix until well blended and an even
consistency. Pour or spoon mixture into ice cube trays and freeze.
For parents of little dogs (or even cats!) spoon the mixture into a piping bag and pipe out mini droplet treats onto
a parchment lined cookie sheet before freezing. These tiny treats will make excellent summertime training treats
your dog will beg for!

Please Like & Share Sevier County Humane Society on

Facebook!

Happy Tails!
Enjoy looking at some of the faces of wildfire survivorssome reclaimed by their families, some adopted to new loving
families and others at the Fairgrounds waiting. Thank you for sharing your fear, sorrow, determination and joy with us.

And some still waiting...

Thank You to Our Supporters!

SCHS has been overwhelmed with the support received during and after the wildfires.
So many opened their hearts in supportso many, in fact, this newsletter is too small
to contain all your names. With your monetary donations, and donations of supplies
& services, the SCHS Fairgrounds temporary shelter provided a safe and centralized
location to help displaced pets and their families. Weve met many kind pet lovers
through this tragedy and made some new friends. SCHS is thankful to friends, both
old and new, who have believed in our mission and supported SCHS through this difficult time. Our hope is
for your continued support as we move forward together, with the same mission of caring for the animals in
need in Sevier County.
Thank you, Friends.Our hearts are full.

Thank You to Assisting Shelters/Rescues and Business Supporters!

Sevier County Humane Society has been awarded a $10,000 grant from
the Petco Foundation to support its Disaster Relief and Recovery from
the Gatlinburg wildfires.
Sevier County Humane Society is proud to be a Partner for Pets! BISSELL
and LostPetUSA.net have teamed up to help organizations like ours raise
money, and now you can help too! When you purchase pet products on
bissell.com and enter the code ADOPT at checkout, a portion of your purchase will be donated to our organization!

Glide Foundation of Davis, CA

Sevierville WalMart, Sevierville Golden Corral, Sunbelt Rentals of

Knoxville, PetSense, PetSmart, Subway, All Occasion Tent Rentals, Chipotle, Sevier County Animal Clinic, Smoky Mountain Animal Clinic of Seymour, Sevierville Staples

Monetary donations can be made by Paypal or Credit Card via the donation link on Sevier
County Humane Societys Facebook page, to our YouCaring donation link https://www.youcaring.com/
seviercountyhumanesociety-702875 , or SCHS website www.sevierhumane.org . Donations can also be mailed
to SCHS, PO Box 976, Pigeon Forge, TN 37868. If you would like to make a Tribute Donation (memorial or honorarium), please include the information with your payment or call the
shelter at 865-453-7000.