1 Harley’s Happy Beginning. He made it home 4 the holidays … because of you. Harley was the 2014 school Virtual Adopted Pet gift recipient. Click this link to donate via paypal: www.at4p.org and click on or Visit Cumberland County Bank to donate into the A Time 4 Paws Sanctuary Fund or Mail your donation to A Time 4 Paws — PO Box 2982— Crossville, TN 38557 Harley on intake day in 2014. ...hard at work protecting mom from big bad bears. ...with Stephanie, his new mom. Harley is one of the thirteen adorable dogs rescued in the “lucky 13" hoarding case from November 2014. When our animal cruelty team confiscated the neglected dogs they were filled with parasites, fleas and mange. Upon arrival there were 30 small breed Chihuahua/terrier mixes. Despite their condition, twelve of the thirteen we confiscated were friendly and showed excitement, except Harley. He was the one dog that hid and cowered when approached. Because of volunteers and your financial help, this holiday season Harley gets to enjoy the comfort of his very own home. Thirteen months after his arrival to A Time 4 Paws he was adopted by Miss Stephanie Muck and her partner. Their patience and love and consistent visits helped Harley trust them. Another happy beginning just in time for the holidays. We are dedicated to the No Kill philosophy. We care for all animals who have come to us from abusive situations or those who are homeless. We provide a safe environment for them to live until we find their forever home. We could not continue our life saving work without the continued support of our volunteers and financial donors. Any size donation helps to save an animal's life. Your donation is tax deductible. GIVE TODAY
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Harley’s Happy Beginning. He made it home 4 the holidays …
because of you.
Harley was the 2014 school
Virtual Adopted Pet gift recipient.
Click this link to donate via paypal: www.at4p.org and click on
or
Visit Cumberland County Bank to donate into the A Time 4 Paws Sanctuary Fund
or
Mail your donation to A Time 4 Paws — PO Box 2982— Crossville, TN 38557
Harley on intake day in 2014.
...hard at work protecting
mom from big bad bears.
...with Stephanie, his new mom.
Harley is one of the thirteen adorable dogs rescued in the “lucky 13" hoarding case from November 2014. When our animal cruelty team confiscated the neglected dogs they were filled with parasites, fleas and mange. Upon arrival there were 30 small breed Chihuahua/terrier mixes. Despite their condition, twelve of the thirteen we confiscated were friendly and showed excitement, except Harley. He was the one dog that hid and cowered when approached. Because of volunteers and your financial help, this holiday season Harley gets to enjoy the comfort of his very own home. Thirteen months after his arrival to A Time 4 Paws he was adopted by Miss Stephanie Muck and her partner. Their patience and love and consistent visits helped Harley trust them. Another happy beginning just in time for the holidays.
We are dedicated to the No Kill philosophy. We care for all animals who have come to us from abusive situations or those who are homeless. We provide a safe environment for them to live until we find their forever home. We could not continue our life saving work without the continued support of our volunteers and financial donors. Any size donation helps to save an animal's life. Your donation is tax deductible. GIVE TODAY
As the year comes to an end there are so many wonderful things to be grateful for. With my very busy schedule I try to take the time to remind myself how much hourly gratitude can change my mood and the mood of others. Our organization has come so far in the past ten years with creative programs, the fundraising thrift store and pet boarding hotel, outstanding dedicated volunteers, and the continued financial support of people like yourself.
This year marked a beginning of another amazing step forward toward our long range plan. The opening of our nine acre Adoption and Education center has brought new life to the dedicated volunteers, more support of the community, and added peacefulness for the canine and feline residents. The center, with its location within city limits, has allowed more residents to stop by and enjoy spending time with the animals who are awaiting adoption.
I am so thankful for the crew who joined us during our six month preparation for opening. The weekend mass move from the old to the new center was nothing short of a miracle. Teamwork from all of our Volunteer Heroes made it a smooth transition for the animals.
Our animals come from all types of backgrounds and the change in environment can be difficult for them. Because of the long hours spent caring for them and amount of love given by the Volunteer Heroes, it seems they are doing just fine.
With great achievements also come times of sadness. This past year was a difficult one for me with my mom’s cancer diagnosis, the loss of seven furry family members including my little Beagle, Brooklin, and the dearest love of my life, my Grandmother. I couldn't have made it through these difficult times if I didn't have the love of my other fur family members and the thoughtfulness of my AT4P family of Heroes. There aren't enough words to express my gratitude. The only way I know how to say thank you is to keep working on the dream I started 10 years ago.
I look forward to an amazing 2016 and continue to say thank you to all of the people in the community and within the organization that make A Time 4 Paws successful. Every local business, every adopter, every volunteer Hero and every Thrift Store shopper all help us to save the lives of God's amazing creatures.
Keep coming back. It works if you keep coming back.
Happy Holidays to you and your furry family members.
A Note From Our Founder: ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
Mom’s initials "FIGHT LIKE A GIRL, MOM"!!!
Dixie Sue
Buddy Boy
Lucky Girl
Grammy with me
Rainbow bridge from Karen
Karen McMeekin,
Founder and President
Grammy &
Brooklin
THE RAINBOW BRIDGE
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Jason Kennedy, our volunteer in the spotlight, is an animal caretaker at our new Adoption and Education Center. He works a steady schedule each week.
He began volunteering with AT4P more than four years ago as a very eager 20-year old who was interested in helping us improve the lives of the cats and dogs in our care. He has developed into a highly motivated young man who takes his responsibilities very seriously and is always willing to lend a hand with any task. He especially enjoys grooming and exercising the dogs and cats and always manages to give special attention to those who were abused and abandoned. He wants them to feel that they are loved and safe.
He is knowledgeable about each pet's personalities and is eager to share. "The animals need me and I want to show them I care," Jason tells visitors.
Jason's life has not been easy. His mother passed away when he was a young child and he had an illness that resulted in a coma that lasted over a month. He recovered but has been left with some learning and visual challenges. He has a high school diploma and is working to obtain a drivers license. Jason enjoys video games in his spare time.
His enthusiasm for life makes him a joy to be around. He has a ready smile, a great personality, and keeps the other volunteers laughing. We are grateful to him and also his caretaker-aunt who willingly provides his transportation. Stop by the center and say hello and see for yourself what a great inspiration he is.
BE A
Visit with one of our volunteers at the Adoption Center at 594 Cook Road or the Thrift Store at 1201 West Avenue to find out how you can help.
Click this link to donate via paypal: www.at4p.org and click on or Visit Cumberland County Bank to donate into the A Time 4 Paws Sanctuary Fund or Mail your donation to A Time 4 Paws — PO Box 2982— Crossville, TN 38557
We need your support to continue saving lives. Donate now and consider
making your donation a monthly recurring gift. Donate $50 or more and
receive A Time 4 Paws logo shirt as our gift to you.
Help even more animals by sharing our website address, www.at4p.org,
and this newsletter with your friends. Encourage them to match your gift
and help save even more abused and neglected animals like Prayer who
is shown in the pictures below
It’s the season for giving.
Please donate today to give animals a better life.
Written by Veterinarian, Dr. Christianne Schelling
If you are considering declawing your cat, please read this. It will only take a moment, and it will give you
valuable information to help you in your decision.
First, you should know that declawing is pretty much an American thing, it's something people do for their own convenience without realizing what actually happens to their beloved cat. In England declawing is termed "inhumane" and "unnecessary mutilation." I agree. In many European countries it is illegal. I applaud their attitude.
Before you make the decision to declaw your cat, there are some important facts you should know. Declawing is not like a manicure. It is serious surgery. Your cat's claw is not a toenail. It is actually closely adhered to the bone. So closely adhered that to remove the claw, the last bone of your the cat's claw has to be removed. Declawing is actually an amputation of the last joint of your cat's "toes". When you envision that, it becomes clear why declawing is not a humane act. It is a painful surgery, with a painful recovery period. And remember that during the time of recuperation from the surgery your cat would still have to use its feet to walk, jump, and scratch in its litter box regardless of the pain it is experiencing. Wheelchairs and bedpans are not an option for a cat.
No cat lover would doubt that cats—whose senses are much keener than ours—suffer pain. They may, however, hide it better. Not only are they proud, they instinctively know that they are at risk when in a weakened position, and by nature will attempt to hide it. But make no mistake. This is not a surgery to be taken lightly.
Your cat's body is perfectly designed to give it the grace, agility and beauty that is unique to felines. Its claws are an important part of this design. Amputating the important part of their anatomy that contains the claws drastically alters the conformation of their feet. The cat is also deprived of its primary means of defense, leaving it prey to predators if it ever escapes to the outdoors.
I have also had people tell me that their cat's personality changed after being declawed, although the medical community does not recognize this as potential side effect.
Okay, so now you realize that declawing is too drastic a solution, but you're still concerned about keeping your household furnishings intact. Is there an acceptable solution? Happily, the answer is yes. A big, joyful, humane YES! Actually there are several. The following website "Cat Scratching Solutions" provides many solutions as well as and insight into the psychology of why cats scratch. You can teach your cat to use a scratching post (sisal posts are by far the best). You can trim the front claws. You can also employ aversion methods. One of the best solutions I've found is Soft Paws®.
Soft Paws are lightweight vinyl nail caps that you glue on the cat's front claws. They're great for households with small children and are extremely useful for people who are away from home all day and can't exercise the watchfulness necessary to train a cat to use a scratching post. Soft Paws® are easy to apply and last about four to six weeks. They come in clear or colors—which are really fun. Now that's a kitty manicure! The colored caps look spiffy on Tabby or Tom and have the added advantage of being more visible when one finally comes off.
Then you simply replace it. You can find Soft Paws® on the web by clicking here or call 1-800-989-2542.
You need to remember, though, that the caps and nail trimming should only be used on indoor cats who will not be vulnerable to the dangers of the outdoors.
Collection boxes and barrels are located at the following stores:
Kroger, Petsense, and both Food City locations.
Your donations of pet food and supplies help fill our community
In 2010, a beautiful black Labrador type dog was found lying injured beside a house where he had managed to take shelter after being run over by a car. He had the company of another dog we presume to be his litter mate who was standing over him in a protective manner. Both dogs growled when approached. A kind neighbor worked through the night to comfort the two. It was after working hours and the city animal control was closed. By the next morning the scared, shaking, and injured pup was ready to surrender to help. When the animal control officer arrived, it was a difficult scene for the neighbor to watch as he
grabbed the fragile dog by his neck with a catch pole and dragged him to the truck. He needed medical care but instead he received more pain. Once they were at the shelter, with great gentleness and kindness, one of the workers there, Abe, lifted the sweet dog out of the truck. The shelter director was able to get both dogs to the vet after the neighbor offered to pay the bill. Soon to be named Abraham, named after the shelter worker, and his sibling Abigail, named after the neighbor, began to slowly heal from their injuries. A Time 4 Paws rescued the two dogs who remained in our care for many years to follow. Abraham was skittish and sometimes acted aggressively toward newcomers. Abby was sweet and gentle and was adopted after two years with us. It was much more difficult to find a home for Abraham. It took years of patient work by Teresa Williams, a trainer and board member of A Time 4 Paws, to socialize him. After five years of love and attention, he walked into the hearts of a local rescue worker. He is one lucky guy now, a much loved member of the Webb family. His former fear of men is gone and he is often found in the arms of Mr. Webb. Mrs. Webb cherishes him and feels he is a blessing to the family.
MORE SUCCESS STORIES
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Shop the Thrift Store and help support the work of A Time 4 Paws. Your item donations
and shopping purchases support our programs and the animals in the care of AT4P. Stop
by and browse through the store where you will find furniture, household items, clothing,
kid’s items and pet supplies neatly displayed.
Our amazing volunteers and staff will welcome your visit and greet you with a smile. They
will be happy to assist you in your search for something for yourself or for a gift. Be sure to
look for the colored tag specials of the day.
Ask one of the volunteers how you can join our team. We need you and you may discover
new interests, abilities, and talents. So get involved; pick up a Volunteer Hero application
today.
Take a look at a few of our hard working Volunteer Heroes
COME JOIN OUR TEAM
Molly Graham, Store Manager
WOW, we can’t believe we just celebrated our two-year
anniversary of the opening of the Thrift Store. My, how time
flies.
Six days a week you can find AT4P volunteers sorting the
generous amounts of donated items and working hard to
prepare great sale items, arranging them in eye-catching
displays.
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A DREAM COME TRUE—OUR NEW ADOPTION CENTER
On October 17, we celebrated our 10th anniversary and the grand opening of a new adoption center. The new facility has 16 indoor dog kennels, 10 outdoor kennels, and room for upwards of 30 cats.
We embrace the 11 components of the No Kill Equation: proactive redemptions; pet retention; medical and behavior prevention and rehabilitation; foster care; trap, neuter and release programs; comprehensive adoption programs; high-volume and low-cost spay and neuter programs; partnerships among rescue organizations; volunteers; community involvement; and a compassionate, hard-working shelter director.
A Time 4 Paws not only offers animals for adoption, we also assist in fostering animals and provide a number of support and educational programs to help pet owners keep their animals. These include the pet food pantry, assistance providing fences and dog houses, and the Seniors for Seniors program, which helps match senior citizens with senior adoptable pets. We also work with law enforcement on cases of animal cruelty.
The adoption center is funded strictly with donations and staffed with volunteers, while the other pro-grams are supported by funds from the A Time 4 Paws Thrift Store located on West Ave. Our organization is a 501(c)3 organization, and donations are tax deductible.
For more information about A Time 4 Paws, or to learn about the animals available at the Center, call 456-6906 or visit the Center at 594 Cook Road, Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
These are some of the pictures from our scrapbook of the Adoption Center being transformed
by the hard work of our volunteers; more pictures on the next page.
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ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION
AT4P is a no kill non-profit animal welfare organization based in Crossville, Tennessee. Our mission is to provide and promote the education and programs necessary to eliminate the killing of homeless dogs and cats and to prevent cruelty to animals.
When founder and president Karen McMeekin moved to Tennessee in 2004, she learned the plight of the homeless pets in the area.
Because of this organization’s efforts, the number of killed, abused, and incarcerated animals has been drastically reduced in Cumberland and surrounding counties. A Time 4 Paws is currently involved with animal cruelty investigations, pet retention, long-term compassionate care, spay & neuter assistance, and humane education.
