Five years can seem a lifetime, especially to some of the early rescues who have found loving homes via the Claiborne Animal Shelter.
It can be said that sheer determination on the part of many private individuals and some business owners who care about our four-footed friends brought about the opening in 2010 of the thriving nonprofit organization.
But, it takes many dollars to keep the doors open so that animals are rescued, so that injuries may be repaired, so that through spay and neuter clinics the local animal population remains manageable, so that pets may relocate to a loving environment in another part of the country.
From January to November of 2015, shelter volunteers drove tens of thousands of miles, using their own vehicles and fuel, to insure the rescue animals a safe transport. Over 1,400 animals, or 44 percent of the shelter intake, were transported via 300 plus separate trips to rescue operations in the north.
Out of the 3,194 animals taken in by the shelter during the 11 months time frame, 254 were adopted and 42 were returned to their owners.
The shelter is maintained with one paid employee, 15 volunteers and seven full-time jail inmate trustees.
Local veterinarian Dr. Carson Hutchison spends at least one day each week working his magic on sick animals and performing routine spay and neuter surgeries.
Hutchison has ‘fixed’ nearly 1,000 animals and has done extensive ‘pro bono’ work to save the lives of gravely injured ones.
The Claiborne Animal Shelter was the recipient in 2015 of a $2,200 Tennessee Animal Friendly grant that was used to help low-income families to spay or neuter their pets. The Walmart Foundation also donated $500 to the cause.
The shelter participates in the Kroger Community Rewards Program so that more pets can be spayed and neutered with those generated funds.
Annual operating costs are about $180,000. The shelter brings in approximately the same amount, leaving little wiggle room for any extra expenses. After five years in operation, the building is showing the affects of water damage on drywall. The fencing around the property is in need of mending to prevent small animals from escaping. And, heavily used appliances like the washer and dryer are showing signs of wear.
The shelter is planning additional long-term kennel space for those animals seized in cruelty cases. This project will need funding, as well.
The annual $100 per plate dinner and silent auction event, slated for April 9 at the Cumberland Gap Convention Center, is one way to help.
The shelter also receives donations in memory of friends who have passed away.
A one-time or recurring tax deductible donation of any size is greatly appreciated.
Of course, donations of paper products, pet foods and other day-to-day operating items are always thankfully accepted.
The shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
The Claiborne Animal Shelter is located at 674 Ritchie Lewis Drive in New Tazewell.
For more information, call 423-626-2686.
Reach Jan Runions at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @scribeCP.
