Paws for a Cause returns

Fans, friends and family -- even the furry ones -- braved chilly temperatures last year for the inaugural Paws for a Cause 5K run and 1 mile Fun Walk. The event raises money for the Middle Tennessee Spay and Neuter Clinic. This year's 5K will be March 20.
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"This year, we're running a little behind because of all the bad weather," said Michael Gregory, director of Bedford County Animal Control. He was at the Chamber coffee held Tuesday morning to mark National Spay Day and to recognize the recently opened Middle Tennessee Spay and Neuter Clinic, which offers reduced costs to low-income families or those adopting animals from a shelter.

The first run was a success, raising about $4,000 for the clinic, which opened its doors for the first time last month. That success has prompted the second annual Paws for A Cause 5K Run or 1 Mile Fun, slated for March 20. The later date, and the possibly warmer weather, has already brought in new runners.

At the recent Chamber coffee honoring National Spay Day, Michael Gregory, one of the driving forces behind the creation of the low-cost Middle Tennessee Spay and Neuter Clinic, talks to Emergency Management Agency director Scott Johnson left, and Shelbyville Police Chief Austin Swing, center, about the possibility of running in this year's fundraising 5K race, Paws for a Cause. Johnson said yes, Swing said no, but Gregory wasn't giving up on him yet.
(T-G Photo by Mary Reeves)

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He got the idea of a 5K/fun walk fundraiser from the one held by the United Way.

"It looked easy," he admitted with a grin. "It's probably the easiest sort of fundraiser there is."

And also one with a very low overhead. Other than the T-shirts provided for every participant, there is very little cost to the clinic, which is in the process of getting its 501(c) 3 charitable organization designation.

"Almost everything else was donated," said Gregory. "There were some civic groups and other organizations that donated money, too."

This year, sponsors are being sought for the run. The donor categories include Leader of the Pack, $250; Bow Wow Club, $150; and Tailwaggers, $50. For details about what each package includes, call Bedford County Animal Control at 685-1130.

Spay Day

Officially the last Tuesday of February, Spay Day is an annual campaign of The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International to inspire people to save animal lives by spaying or neutering pets and feral cats. Some clinics are even able to offer free services on that day -- a possibility MTSNC president Kimberly Warren would like to see happen here.

"Maybe next year we'll be able to get a grant and be able to offer free services," she said. "Our 501(c)3 application is still being processed and you pretty much have to have it to get grants. It's a work in progress."

Although the clinic has been open for less than two months -- and usually only on Tuesdays -- 116 animals have already been spayed or neutered.

According to Julie Jacobson of Spay Tennessee, "PetSmart Charities recently released the results of a nationwide study on attitudes towards spay and neuter and pet overpopulation. Most people have no idea of the magnitude of the pet overpopulation crisis in the country and quite frankly, the national statistics on pet ownership do not reflect our Tennessee reality or consider how many people here get their pets as found stray animals.

"The study also discovered that over 50 percent of litters are accidental. People intended to spay or neuter their pets but were not aware of the appropriate time to do it, or had simply procrastinated."

The clinic is located at 738B North Main St. and interested pet owners should call 684-5353.

Get involved

Registration for run/walk participants is $20. Those who preregister by March 12 at the Animal Control shelter, 205 Lane Parkway, get a free T-shirt. On-site registration will be from 8 a.m. to 9:45 at the courthouse. The race begins at 10 a.m. March 20.