Meet Beans, a five-year old hound with a big heart and paws full of energy. He loves to play fetch, explore trails and is always up for a new adventure. Beans loves people and has gotten along great with other dogs while at MCAS. And, just like all of our dogs, he is neutered (or spayed), microchipped and current on vaccinations. If you’re looking for a devoted and fun-loving companion, come meet Beans and the other adorable adoptables at MCAS, Maury County Animal Shelter.
Funding from PEDIGREE Foundation supports collaborative program to prevent unnecessary surrendering of dogs with free behavioral training classes
Friends of Williamson County Animal Center announced in February that it has received funding to start a program that diverts the unnecessary surrender of family dogs for behavioral reasons. The PEDIGREE Foundation Collaborative Grant award supports a collective effort between middle Tennessee animal welfare organizations to provide training classes and other resources for at-risk dogs. Until recently, services have been limited to dog owners who contact a shelter or rescue to schedule a surrender. Williamson County Animal Center (WCAC) Assistant Director, Scott Pieper reports that 96% of dogs to receive support remain at home with their family. Pieper shared a quote from one owner who had to be convinced to give the program a chance instead of immediately surrendering their dog. “I’ll be honest,” the owner said. “I was ready to give up. I was so done with this dog. But, now things are completely different.” Such success has prompted program and grant administrators to expand their target population. Anyone providing foster care for a dog with behavioral issues from WCAC, Maury County Animal Shelter (MCAS) or Cheatham County Animal Control (CCAC) are now eligible as well as those who have recently adopted from any of these shelters. Residents of a middle Tennessee county other than those served by these agencies may also qualify and should contact WCAC or MCAS to explore their opportunities.
Four-year old Valkyrie has been on multiple sleepovers with staff and volunteers and is reported to very calm in a home and completely house trained. Once settled, she has been affectionate and like to relax on the couch and have her belly rubbed. Valkyrie has done well with dogs in her time at WCAC and seems to prefers calmer four-legged friends. She walks well on leash, is spayed, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines. Stop by WCAC today and visit Valkyrie and the other pets looking for their forever home.
“Our mission is to help dogs find and stay in loving homes, and this program is a perfect example of that mission in action,” said Deb Fair, Executive Director of PEDIGREE Foundation. “It’s rewarding to see our grants fueling collaboration across organizations and delivering real, measurable change for dogs and their families. We’re thrilled to see the training resources already making a difference – keeping dogs in homes, strengthening bonds, and giving families the tools they need to succeed.”
Group classes, one-on-one sessions, phone consultations, and training tools are available at no cost to dog owners accepted into the program. MCAS Director, Kim Raffauf believes “We can’t change their past, but this program give us a chance to change the future for these dogs.”
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