MCMINN COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Less than two weeks after rescuing more than 40 Yorkies from a puppy mill, the McMinn Regional Humane Society is now working to save six large-breed dogs by tomorrow night, and the clock is ticking.
We traveled to McMinn County to meet each of the furry friends looking for their forever home.
Staff say they are all beautiful, gentle, and among the sweetest souls you could meet.
To name just a few, there’s Rocco, a six-month-old pup who hops like a bunny when he gets excited.
Copper is calm and steady, a young lad as gentle as the seas.
And Merle is every bit as sweet as he looks — volunteers describe him as “sweeter than a cupcake.”
The shelter says each dog has already been fully vetted.
They have received check-ups, vaccines, and have been spayed or neutered.
Adoptions also include a free training session to help new families start off on the right foot.
Linda McLain, Vice President of the McMinn Regional Humane Society, says the community’s compassion is what makes their mission possible.
“Being a part of this organization has just meant so much to so many people in this community. Although we’re a small community, we all love one another, we work together like a family. And these animals are our family,” she said.
McLain says finding the right fit for each dog is essential.
“We just want to make sure that we find the right home for them — not just a home, but a home that they can thrive in. With a little guidance and persistence, they do want to please us. The majority of the time, they want to make us happy. We just like to find a home where they can learn boundaries so they can stay there forever.”
Veterinarian Dr. Ronnie DeForrest explains why there is such urgency.
“That means that they have until tomorrow night, tomorrow at 5 o’clock, to find a home. The alternative would be humane euthanasia, and the reason for that is because the shelter is full. We’ve got dogs waiting to come in, and these are our oldest residents here. We have to find them homes immediately.”
The shelter will remain open until 5 p.m. tomorrow.
Staff say if an application is submitted online before the deadline, they will gladly meet adopters after hours.
To learn more about adopting one of these dogs or to submit an application, visit mrhumane.org.
