MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – This past month, you may have noticed us spending a lot of time with our friends at the McMinn Regional Humane Society.
At the McMinn Regional Humane Society, time is of the essence.
Within the past few weeks, the society has had to issue two SOS lists to make room for more dogs.
These lists put a deadly timeline on many of our furry friends, creating an urgent call for adoptions.
News 12 spoke with volunteers about why these SOS lists keep appearing and what the community can do to help.
Many of the dogs shown in our story have only until Wednesday to find a forever home.
Each one is described as beautiful, gentle, and among the sweetest souls you will ever meet.
Linda McLain, Vice President of the McMinn Regional Humane Society, said, “Being a part of this organization has just meant so much to so many people in this community. Although we are a small community, we all love one another, we work together like a family, and these animals are our family.”
Because of the high influx of animals, the society has been forced to issue multiple SOS lists, making it a race against the clock.
Veterinarian Dr. Ronnie DeForrest explained, “The alternative would be humane euthanasia, and the reason for that is because we have dogs waiting to come in. These are our oldest residents here, so we must find them homes immediately.”
Volunteers remind the community that there are several ways to help.
Annie Morton, a volunteer, said, “The thing we need to do is stay with our pets. At the end of the day, what needs to happen is spaying and neutering. Here at the Society, we have a clinic with reduced costs for spay and neuter. There are also programs like Chattaneuter that are fabulous. There are all sorts of opportunities.”
She added that the Humane Society also offers resources for families who may feel overwhelmed.
“What we would love to do is help people out before they feel like they have to let their pets go. If life gets hard and they need help with dog food, we have a food bank. We can help with that. Give us a call before giving up.”
The staff says each adoption not only changes a pet’s life but also helps save the next one waiting in line.
Linda McLain added,
“We just try to find the right home where they can thrive and learn. We want families to set boundaries so the pets can stay there forever.”
To learn more about adoption or resources, visit mrhumane.org.
