[Masthead] Light Rain Fog/Mist ~ 36°F  
High: 32°F ~ Low: 27°F
Friday, Feb. 10, 2012
Animals and animal control

On the loose (02/09/12)
More than a dozen cows had a sudden beef with confinement and decided to take a little stroll around Depot Street on Wednesday morning. According to Shelbyville police, the cattle emerged from behind the VFW and lingered around the area of Anthony Lane and Depot Street before checking out the TVA power station. A neighbor of the owner of the herd, who was not identified, helped guide the beasts back to greener pastures. (T-G Photo by Brian Mosely)
Joey's journey: Shelter dog goes from stray to samaritan (02/05/12)
They say that every dog has his day. For Joey, that day came in December2010 when, against all odds, he was adopted from the Bedford County Animal Shelter. Joey, a yellow lab, was brought in to the shelter as a stray. Looking back, that might have been a godsend in itself...
Monkey case, adoption wrangling among year's top stories (12/28/11)
Perhaps the most unexpected new story of the year, and the continuation of last year's top story, take the sixth and fifth places on the Times-Gazette's annual countdown of the top local news stories of 2011 as determined by a poll of the Times-Gazette staff...
Snowflake's visits warmed Unionville hearts (12/20/11)
For some Unionville-area residents, this winter won't be the same. Their special Snowflake is gone. An albino deer, known in the Unionville area as Snowflake, was found dead last week alongside Unionville-Deason Road near Unionville. "My dad saw some buzzards on Wednesday afternoon," area resident Tina Davenport said. "He went there and there was a dead albino deer in the ditch."...
Chillin' (12/14/11)
This week's cold weather may have kept most people indoors, but this fellow was out and about on Tuesday, tending to his winter food supply by raiding whatever humans left behind at H.V. Griffin Park. (T-G Photo by Brian Mosely)
A dog and pony show. Seriously. (12/09/11)
When guests visit Suzanne Wheeler's horse farm, they tease her that it looks like the colloquial 'dog and pony show' -- which seemed like the perfect name for an event featuring and honoring both. "Who do you know that loves horses, who doesn't also have dogs?" said Wheeler...
Microchips: A pet's best friend (12/02/11)
Bedford County Animal Control and the Middle Tennessee Spay and Neuter Clinic are teaming up in hopes to give your pet the ultimate Christmas present -- a sure way back hope in the event they stray too far. "Identification Station," as they're calling it, will be held Saturday, Dec. 17. From noon until 2 p.m. MTSNC will offer microchips for $25 and from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. BCAC will have identification tags for your pets for $3...
TWH groups team up to fight change (12/01/11)
A "Unity Committee" will be formed to discuss issues related to the future of the Tennessee Walking Horse in the show ring and also to discuss unification within the performance horse division. However, the group objected to any reduction of pads and action devices for walking horses, also opposing proposed mandatory penalties by the Department of Agriculture (USDA)...
Monkeys' owner faces short jail term (12/01/11)
A Bedford County man who was discovered with a number of monkeys at his home earlier this year will spend four days in jail and has been forbidden to keep any more exotic animals. Ricky Smith of Frank Martin Road was given a sentence of 11 months, 29 days probation on two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty, with four days to serve in jail, according to assistant district attorney Drew Wright. The sentences are to run concurrent to any community corrections violations Smith has...
Mooo-ving to the top: Jersey cows' wins thrill Ervin family (11/20/11)
If you live in Bedford County, chances are you've crossed paths with our local Queen of Jersey -- cows, that is. Many know Gay Ervin for the work she does with the local extension office, or with the City of Shelbyville as its solid waste coordinator. Gay takes pride in both of those jobs, but her real joy and passion in life lies with her love for Jersey cows...
Phoebe's special gift (11/18/11)
Animal shelters might have a future leader in Phoebe Jorgenson. Phoebe is celebrating her 6th birthday and instead of presents, she has asked all her friends and family members attending her party to instead bring items for cats and dogs that will be donated to Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Association...
Plan may hike deputies' holiday pay (10/20/11)
Bedford County Sheriff's Department wants to reduce the number of officers who attend court sessions and use the savings to provide holiday pay for those officers, according to discussion Tuesday night at the meeting of Bedford County Board of Commissioners' law enforcement committee...
Poisoning death of hawk may mean prison term (10/20/11)
A Wartrace farmer faces a seven-month federal prison sentence and fines after pleading guilty to misusing a pesticide that led to the death of a protected bird. On Monday, Lawrence Parawan, 57, of Wartrace, entered a guilty plea in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga, charged with the misuse of a pesticide known as carbofuran, as well as "the unlawful killing of a migratory bird" -- a Northern Harrier Hawk...
Vicious dogs, beware! (10/12/11)
Bell Buckle is considering adoption of revised animal control ordinances, with specific attention being given to the city's handling of vicious dogs within the city. Citing recent incidents in the town, The Bell Buckle Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted unanimously to revise the policy, with the first public reading to occur at next month's board meeting, where a subsequent vote will be made...
Rescue Waggin' saves dogs' lives (10/06/11)
This month, PetSmart Charities will celebrate the transport of the 50,000th dog saved through its Rescue Waggin' program, including 698 dogs and puppies saved in the past two years through Bedford County Animal Control and Shelbyville & Bedford County Humane Association...
Beloved city drug dog to take it easy (10/05/11)
One of Shelbyville's finest, and a favorite of the public, is getting long in the tooth and will soon be hanging up his badge. Remy, the city's beloved K-9 officer, is 13 years old, and if you do the calculation from human to dog years, he's still working the mean streets at the age of 91...
Dogs, critters get together for fundraiser (09/27/11)
The weather could not have been better for the Shelbyville Bedford County Humane Society's seventh fall fundraiser at the Bedford County Agriculture and Education Center. Pet Celebration fans saw dogs judged in a variety of classes, including cutest tail, color class, cutest dog and rescue class for dogs that have been adopted through the Humane Society or a shelter...
Rabies takes life of mule (09/25/11)
A mule died of rabies Wednesday at a northern Bedford County farm, according to a local equine veterinarian. "The state called today and said it had tested positive for rabies," Dr. John Bennett said Friday. "I don't know how the mule got it. Maybe it was bitten by a rabid skunk."...
Peekaboo! (09/25/11)
This little feline has found a home, or at least a great hiding place underneath the floors of the Center for Family Development on the public square on the Depot Street side. The tiny creature has been dashing underfoot all week into this little concrete cave as soon as a pedestrian strolls by. After several attempts, we were finally able to catch an image of Shelbyville's downtown scaredy cat. (T-G Photo by Brian Mosely)
County animal facility remains fully populated (09/22/11)
Bedford County Animal Control director Brenda Goodrich reported to the county commission's law enforcement committee on Tuesday that the facility is staying full -- even after the Rescue Waggin' program took some animals away, the facility quickly filled back up again...
Dogs and Darth for a good cause (09/18/11)
Want to show off your pooch, support a good cause and get your picture taken with Darth Vader's thugs? If so, Saturday will be the day for you as the Shelbyville Bedford County Humane Society will be holding their seventh fall fundraiser at the Bedford County Agricultural Center...
'Bad' dog, good news (09/06/11)
Seven years ago Ashley McDonald adopted a one and a half-year old Affenpinscher mix from a rescue organization. Since then, she's been dressing Baby Girl up in clothes and taking photos to the delight of friends and family. "I think at one time she had as many outfits as I did," said McDonald...
City urged to neuter, release feral cats (09/04/11)
Local animal activists are asking for the city to revise their ordinances so that feral cats would be neutered and set free instead of being put to sleep. However, the Shelbyville city council gave no indication how they felt about the idea. Shannon Duncan of the Middle Tennessee Spay and Neuter Clinic spoke at length, urging the council to delete the words "or cats" from the city's animal control ordinance and replace it with "domesticated cats" to differentiate them from cats with no owners, or "feral" cats.. ...
You can save a dog's life (09/04/11)
I was pulling up to a gas station a few days ago to get my usual morning necessities -- watermelon gum and coffee -- when I noticed something new to the scene. I was greeted by the cutest little dog I'd seen since I left my house early that morning...
Horse doctor has the cure (08/28/11)
When Dr. John Bennett heads out to work, it's still dark outside. Many days, by the time he gets home it's dark again. In the meantime, he will have traveled hundreds of miles, seen dozens of patients, and swapped jokes and friendly insults with grooms. trainers and owners...
Monkey owner faces charges (08/26/11)
The Bedford County man who kept five monkeys at his home is now facing multiple animal cruelty charges. Ricky Smith of Frank Martin Road has been charged with five counts of aggravated animal cruelty following an incident earlier this month when a Japanese macaque named "Yoshi," was shot and killed after it escaped and attacked two people...
Slithering surprise: Snake shocks showerer (08/25/11)
Louise Johnson just wanted a refreshing shower. The last thing she expected Tuesday afternoon was a snake falling from the ceiling into her bathtub. "I was taking a shower and this big, long thing started coming down out of the ceiling," Johnson, of Bugscuffle Road near Haley, said...
Safe haven: Monkeys sent to sanctuary in Texas (08/07/11)
Four monkeys removed from a Frank Martin Road residence are being given a new home in Texas. Primarily Primates, a non-profit group near San Antonio, said Friday it will take in the monkeys. The animal sanctuary "operates to house, protect, and rehabilitate various non-native animals," according to its website...
Monkey killed after 2 attacks (08/05/11)
Two victims of a rampaging monkey have been told they're fortunate to be alive. The monkey was shot and killed by a Bedford County deputy Thursday morning after it attacked a woman and another deputy and terrorized a Frank Martin Road neighborhood. Michelle Pyrdum, 42, said she underwent surgery for a deep gash to her calf muscle after the monkey attacked her from behind in her driveway...
4 other monkeys taken from site (08/05/11)
Four monkeys were removed Thursday night from the Frank Martin Road property where another monkey escaped and was shot to death by a deputy sheriff after attacking two people earlier in the day. Charges have not been filed but are pending, said Brenda Goodrich, director of Bedford County Animal Control...
Donation honors McDonald's memory (08/03/11)
The late Scott Hayes McDonald is remembered by many as a giving man -- one who believed in supporting his community and making a better place. McDonald, president of FirstBank's Shelbyville and Fayetteville operations and a former Shelbyville & Bedford County Chamber of Commerce executive, died in 2008 at age 63, but that generous legacy continues. ...
Shelter pets may be altered before adoption (07/28/11)
A new, grant-funded program would allow Bedford County Animal Control to have animals spayed or neutered at Middle Tennessee Spay & Neuter Clinic before giving them to their new owners, as opposed to the current system, in which owners must have the animals spayed or neutered themselves...
Closer look at Sheriff's Department policies urged (07/22/11)
Commissioner Denise Graham said Tuesday night that the county commission's law enforcement and workhouse committee needs to take a more active role in reviewing sheriff's department policies on an ongoing basis. Sheriff Randall Boyce said the department's thick policy manual is updated every two years but that he would welcome committee involvement in the process...
Purrfect day at camp (07/14/11)
Jaaziah Johnson cuddles a kitten as she learns how to take care of it and other pets from Brenda Goodrich of Bedford County Animal Control. Goodrich was one of several guest speakers teaching children about responsible pet care at the Whiskers and Paws Day Camp held Wednesday.
Day camp promotes happy, safe pets (07/10/11)
How much do you know about keeping your pet happy, healthy and safe? How much does your child know? Many times, it's the son or daughter who pleads for the puppy or kitten -- and the mom or dad who ends up taking care of it. Some education, training and incentives can change all that...
Wartrace gets museum (06/30/11)
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration announced Thursday afternoon that Wartrace, the "Cradle of the Tennessee Walking Horse," is now the home of the Tennessee Walking Horse Museum. Originally based in Shelbyville, the museum was moved to Lynchburg when a location was made available and because members of the museum board felt there would be more tourist traffic to the free venue. ...
Temporary homes, permanent love (06/21/11)
When the Bedford County Animal Shelter received word recently that the PetSmart Rescue Waggin' was going to be delayed for a few weeks, it could have been very bad news. The kennels were already full and more dogs were being brought in daily. Without the Rescue Waggin' to take them to forever homes in other states, many of the dogs would have to be euthanized because there was no room for all of them...
Clock ticks for adoptable cats (05/31/11)
Last Tuesday, there were six cats and seven kittens euthanized at the Bedford County Animal Control Shelter. On Wednesday morning, there were still 66 cats and kittens waiting -- hoping -- to be adopted before they, too, have to be destroyed. "We're still full, cats and dogs both," said Brenda Goodrich, the shelter director...
Day for the dogs -- and poets, too (05/24/11)
There were some pedigreed pooches lounging in the shade Saturday at Bell Buckle, but there were just as many mutts monopolizing the Mayberry of Moon Pies. As it should be. The inaugural celebration of Bell Buckle's "Mutts in May" was not about the best-bred dogs, but about the fastest, longest, smallest, biggest, ugliest, cutest, and the ones who resembled their owners the most...
Going to the dogs (05/19/11)
The Dog Days are here -- and it isn't even summer yet. Bell Buckle is hosting its first-ever Mutts in May celebration, a day-long event that will provide fun for families as well as their furry friends. "We thought it would be something different," said Bell Buckle Chamber of Commerce president Joe Sheetz, who gave credit for the idea to Maggi Vaughn and Annie Rooney. ...
Cicada invasion (05/12/11)
Bedford County residents are reporting plenty of the 13-year cicadas. "My yard is full!" wrote Julie Keys on the Times-Gazette's Facebook page. "I have one tree with a few hundred on it!" "My house is crawling with them," wrote T-G web site user craftin_mom, "as is the telephone pole, all trees, and there are a quite a few greasy spots in the road where they are getting run over. They haven't started making noise, yet, though."...
Drug dog's hard bite into crime (04/21/11)
County commission member and sheriff's department captain Tony Barrett defended the expenditure of up to $4,000 in dental work on the county's drug dog, Sem, telling the commission's law enforcement committee on Tuesday that the work is paid for by seizures and fines...
Spring's red robin (04/13/11)
Now that the trees are blooming and making all our cars a greenish yellow, these little fellows are getting braver and setting down close enough for someone to get a good picture. (T-G Photo by Brian Mosely)
Dogs go from the street to YouTube (04/10/11)
It sounds like a classic Hollywood story. One day, you're kicked to the gutter, and the next day you're a star. In this case, the hero of the tale wasn't kicked to the gutter -- he was almost killed by a car. The YouTube video he "stars" in is one designed to save his life...
Scout to place nesting boxes (04/07/11)
County's annual rabies clinics set (04/03/11)
Bedford County's annual rabies vaccination clinics are scheduled for successive weekends in late April and early May. Times and locations: Saturday, April 30 8-9:30 a.m. Flat Creek Church of Christ 8-10 a.m. Community High School, Unionville 8-10:30 a.m. Wheel Methodist Church...
Gospel lessons, with help from a horse (04/01/11)
Have you ever had a colt that refused to follow the rules, even though those rules were designed to make its life easier? Come to think of it -- have you ever known a person who did the same thing? That's the premise behind Wildhorse Ministries, a Louisiana-based nonprofit that combines horse whispering with lessons from the Gospel. The ministry is led by Paul Daily who will bring his message -- and his equestrian skills -- to Calsonic Arena Saturday night...
Special friends: Owl touches man's life (03/29/11)
Warning: If you can't stand to read "Old Yeller" or "Where the Red Fern Grows" because the animals die in the end, stop here. But if you're interested in an experience that was life-changing as well as life-ending, read on. Harris Abernathy loves the great outdoors. A hiker and a hunter, he'd rather spend his days and nights under the open sky than anywhere else and he's come to appreciate the beauty nature provides. He's lived and worked in New Mexico, Alaska, and right now, Colorado...
Soring trial set for May 31 (03/25/11)
A federal judge has set a trial date of May 31 for three people accused of "soring" horses. Last Friday, a four-count indictment was returned on Barney Davis, 38, of Lewisburg, Christen Altman, 25, of Shelbyville, and Jeffery Bradford, 33, of Lewisburg...
Dog ruled 'vicious' by officials (03/24/11)
The dog that attacked a Shelbyville Power meter reader has been officially declared a vicious dog by the city. The animal, described in the police report as a "carmel (sic) colored pit bull," bit Carl Brent Cooper when he intervened in the dog's attack on 3-year-old Jasmine Farrar and her father, Tony. The owner, Betty Stones of 536 Oak St., was cited and had to appear in court Monday...
Mounted patrol holds 'meet and greet' (03/22/11)
Supporting paws (03/18/11)
Paws & feet: Perfect team (03/15/11)
If you love the outdoors and love animals, then don't miss Saturday's third annual Paws for a Cause 5K Run/1 Mile Fun Walk. The event will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Celebration Pavilion. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. A pet festival is being added this year and will include vendors, food, face painting, pet photography and micro chipping...
Vicious pit bull strikes again (03/11/11)
The dog that mauled 8-year-old Ashlynn Vandergriff in October has bitten another victim -- but not the one it was apparently wanting. "He was ignoring me and going after my little girl," said Tony Farrar. According to Farrar, he and his daughter, 3-year-old Jasmine, were taking a walk down Oak Street on March 3, where Tony's grandfather lives, when they stopped to look at some kittens playing in a neighbor's yard...
Thomas told to prove claims vs. deputies (03/08/11)
The majority of a federal lawsuit against the county, sheriff and several deputies filed by a man who pleaded guilty to starving hundreds of cows has been dismissed with prejudice. However, a federal judge ruled that individual claims of malicious prosecution against three deputies can continue in federal court, but those accusations must be backed up with proof within two weeks...
Animals' new BFF: Goodrich (03/06/11)
"I'm having a pretty terrific week." Brenda Goodrich is the new director for Bedford County Animal Control and her first couple of weeks on the job have been great, she says, thanks to the community support she's received, especially from local schools...
Cuddly Alpacas fill Calsonic Arena (03/04/11)
The difference between alpacas and llamas is like the difference between cats and dogs, says Gerdi Laems. She should know -- she has several alpacas, llamas, cats and dogs in her Sims Spring Road farm. "Llamas, like dogs, will come up to you and always want attention," she said. "Alpacas are more like cats. They'll pay attention to you if they want attention, otherwise -- no."...
Middle Tennessee Spay Neuter Clinic Spay Day (02/27/11)
Drivers need to watch out for animals in harm's way (02/23/11)
Driving back and forth from Tullahoma and Shelbyville five days a week -- seven days when the 18-year-old Duke D'Anjou has weekend rehearsals for the Renaissance Faire in Triune -- is always educational. I can now identify 99.9 percent of Tennessee wildlife by the scattered bits of fur and feather left after the vehicles and vultures have had their ways with them...
Horse or not, teens invited to join riding group (02/20/11)
You don't necessarily have to have a horse to reap the benefits the animals shower upon many young folks they touch. The Wrangler Horse riding group is inviting anyone interested in horses to sign up for the upcoming show season. If you do have a horse, you must sign your horse up for Wrangler Horse group events by March 1. The next group meeting will be held at 6 p.m. March 7 at the Bedford County Agriculture and Education Center on Midland Road...
Fishing time (02/20/11)
Doggone it, man's best friend needs love -- so adopt smart (02/16/11)
Did any of you see the photo of the poodle that his Green bay Packer fan of an owner dyed and clipped to reflect his taste in football? When I did, I thought it was pretty funny, but I felt a little sorry for the dog. "How undignified," I said to my husband...
Peaches reaches for top trophy (02/11/11)
Okay -- it's not your usual Valentine story. Sandra Johnson of Waterfall Farms visited a friend's hunting plantation more than a decade ago and fell in love. Her husband Bill didn't mind, since he kind of fell hard himself. Now those who know the Johnsons and their amazing stable of walking horse superstar studs won't be surprised to find out that the object of their affections had four feet and a tail -- but they might be surprised to find out it didn't whinny. It barked...
Stray dogs becoming 'threat' in Bell Buckle (02/09/11)
Stray dogs are becoming a problem again in Bell Buckle and Mayor Dennis Webb cautions the public that the town may have to call Bedford County Animal Control in to pick the animals up. "We've been pretty lenient in the past," said Webb at Tuesday night's meeting of the board of mayor and aldermen. "But we've been getting a lot of complaints."...
Back off, purebreeds, real mutts totally rule (02/06/11)
Move over, beagles, you've got some new competition, The American Kennel Club has officially approved three new breeds to be admitted to the roster. The Entlebucher Mountain Dog, which looks a lot like the Bearnese Mountain Dog with less fur is one of them, and the Norwegian Lundehund is another. I had a dog once that looked a lot like the lundehund, but I doubt that Norwegian breed is made of up border collie, blue tick hound and rat terrier...
Nonprofits gain help from grants (01/13/11)
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has announced distribution of $8,500 in grants to three Bedford County nonprofits as part of its annual grantmaking process. "This has been an incredibly trying year for Middle Tennessee," said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, "with the devastating flood and a still-challenging economic climate. ...
UPDATED: Snow blankets Bedford; Stay home if you can (01/10/11)
"If folks can stay home, they need to stay home." That was the word this morning from Bedford County Emergency Management Agency director Scott Johnson....
Dog thieves on loose (01/07/11)
Leash law or no leash law, it's not a good idea to let your dog run loose -- especially if it's a purebred. Back in October, at least four purebred dogs -- one Chihuahua, two beagles and one Jack Russell -- were stolen from their home, all in the same small block in Wartrace...
Ritch fraud sentence ranks as 3rd biggest '10 story (12/30/10)
A gruesome case of livestock abuse and the sentencing of a developer accused of fraud are the next two entries on the Times-Gazette's annual countdown of the biggest news stories of 2010 as selected by a vote of staff members. The stories already revealed:...
Duck, duck, swan (12/28/10)
Animal carcass removal costs expected to fall (12/23/10)
County Mayor Eugene Ray told Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee Tuesday night that the cost of livestock carcass removal through Appertain Corp. would likely be reduced once a new contract is in place. However, the University of Tennessee and Middle Tennessee State University still haven't found a long-term alternative to landfill disposal...
A mom for Christmas: Pit bull 'adopts' orphaned puppies (12/19/10)
Brenda Goodrich of the Bedford County Animal Control wasn't supposed to be at work on Dec. 2 -- but she was. Good thing, because that day was the start of what would become a story about miracles ... a story about Brenda's Christmas Miracles. "A man came in Dec. 2 in the morning with a mama stray who had gotten killed on 41A," Goodrich said. "He had seen her around for a couple of days and all of a sudden she was dead in the road."...
A bite of success: Defensive dog goes to Spain (12/07/10)
When Bell Buckle's Krista Wade began training German shepherds for Schutzhund trials, she never realized how far she could go with it. Literally. In October, Wade and her dog Berlin were named alternates to the team that would represent the United States in the International Schutzhund trials in Sevilla, Spain...
Fortunate escape: car flooded as man attempts to rescue dog (12/01/10)
Bedford County wasn't under a flood warning or advisory at 9 a.m. Tuesday, but that didn't mean there wasn't flooding. The one-lane concrete bridge on Bugscuffle Road near Wartrace, almost always the first casualty to high water, was completely covered Tuesday morning, with a massive pile of driftwood creating a logjam on the upstream side...
Dogs and owners flock together like birds of a feather (11/21/10)
Every morning and afternoon, my neighborhood is invaded. These strange people actually get out and, like, you, know, walk. To nowhere. The end of the road and back. My husband says it's something called "ex-er-cise," but it's got me thinking more along the lines of "ex-cor-cist."...
A Normandy invasion (11/09/10)
Rabid skunk strikes (11/05/10)
According to the local health department's environmentalist Jeremy Williams, a rabid skunk was confirmed near Wartrace recently, and its victim, a dog that had not had its rabies booster in time, had to be destroyed. This news wouldn't surprise Phillip J. Smith, who lives in Wartrace with his wife and two young daughters. On Tuesday, some time after that previously reported incident, he got a panicked phone call from April while he has at his business, the Blockade Runner...
Planners say hands are tied (10/06/10)
For yet another month, Bedford County Planning Commission ended up spending most of its monthly meeting talking about the issue of concentrated animal feeding operations or CAFOs. Planners decided last month against trying to regulate Class 1 CAFOs in the county zoning ordinance, in large part because they've been told that the state's so-called "Right To Farm Act" prohibits local zoning from restrictions on agriculture. ...
Barks, meows and blessings (10/01/10)
That wide, flat area by the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer at 203 East Lane St. where people usually leave their cars will undergo a transformation this Sunday. Instead of a parking lot, it will be a ... "Barking lot," said Father Peter Whalen, laughing...
All creatures great and small (09/26/10)
Dogs' own day (09/23/10)
For the past several years now, humans and best buddies have gathered the last Saturday in September for a day of good old-fashioned family fun. And it's really starting to catch on. "Believe it or not, this is our sixth annual," said Mary Jo Pitts, owner of Puppy Palace, event sponsor. "It's becoming a big thing. Last year it rained and that affected our turnout a little bit. I don't think people realized we were under cover."...
Shelter programs are the cats' meow (09/12/10)
More than 500 cats were euthanized at the Bedford County animal shelter last year. "To give you an idea, we pick up twice as many dogs and puppies than we do cats and kittens," said director Michael Gregory. "But the number of dogs we put down was only marginally higher than cats."...
No action taken on poultry houses (09/08/10)
After wandering deeper and deeper into a discussion of how to respond to concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) such as four or more large poultry houses, Bedford County Planning Commission finally decided to do nothing at all. A motion to take no action whatsoever on the issue passed by a 6-2 margin Tuesday night, with three other planners abstaining, presumably because they operate poultry houses under contract to Tyson Foods...
Zoners vs. chicken houses (07/09/10)
Bedford County Planning Commission will ask Bedford County Board of Commissioners next week to adopt regulations similar to those in Rutherford County to regulate high-density corporate agriculture, in response to a proposed development of 14 chicken houses on Big Spring Road...
Farmers face dead period for disposal of carcasses (07/01/10)
An on-again, off-again six-month interim solution to the problem of livestock carcass removal is apparently on -- but it will leave a two-week period in early July during which local farmers will have to worry about livestock disposal on their own. Local and state officials met Wednesday at the University of Tennessee Extension offices on Midland Road to brief farmers on the issue. County Mayor Eugene Ray chaired the meeting...
Hot weather is hard on pets (06/16/10)
Humans aren't the only ones at risk from the heat. The Humane Society of the United States web site offers these tips for keeping your pet safe as well: n Never leave your pet in the car: During warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even if you're parked in the shade. This can mean real trouble for animals left in the car...
One lucky dog (06/13/10)
His temporary name is Gus Guss, but it ought to be Lucky. The black and tan puppy, about 3 months old, was found the Friday night of Memorial Day weekend, bleeding from bullet wounds to his chest. "We think someone tried to shoot him in the heart and missed," said Linn Ann Guss, who is fostering the pup, thought to be a German shepherd mix. "Twice."...
Animal carcass disposal firm to end service soon (05/30/10)
In 2009, in Bedford County alone, farmers had to dispose of 585 tons of dead cattle, calves, horses and hogs. A great many of those animals were picked up from farms by Kentucky-based Griffin Industries, a service for which the county paid $30,000 in the current fiscal year. Griffin Industries rendered those carcasses into byproducts like animal feed...
Painful lesson: Avoid unfamiliar dogs (05/28/10)
When Elijah Silva goes back to school next year and his teacher asks him to write an essay on "How I Spent My Summer Vacation," she may get more than she expected. So far, only a few days into it, Elijah has spent his summer vacation in the hospital. Only hours after getting out of school Wednesday, the 10-year-old boy was mauled by a dog and had to undergo surgery on his elbow and his abdomen...
County can't afford to bid on building (05/26/10)
Bedford County Financial Management Committee heard Tuesday night that the county has no money to bid on the former Cannon Chevrolet building on Lane Parkway, even if it were to be available at a bargain. Deputy Finance Director Paulette Arnold reported on behalf of Finance Director Robert Daniel...
Lawyers' schedules delay Thomas case (05/20/10)
Scheduling conflicts have delayed a possible resolution to one of Tennessee's largest animal cruelty cases until later this summer. John Darron Thomas, accused of starving over 150 cows to death in February, was initially scheduled to appear before Lincoln County Judge Andy Myrick on Friday...
Possibly-rabid animals can remain at home (05/20/10)
Bedford County Board of Commissioners' rules and legislative committee and law enforcement and workhouse committee both endorsed a rules change for Bedford County Animal Control to allow in-home quarantine for animals suspected of rabies. BCAC had, at the recommendation of the county health department, already been allowing such in-home quarantine, in spite of the fact that its rules specified that such quarantine take place at the shelter. ...
Bikers' thunder to shake Bell Buckle (05/13/10)
Considering the weather Middle Tennessee has had in the past few weeks, residents in and around Bell Buckle might feel a little concerned when they hear the rumble of thunder Saturday morning. There's nothing to worry about, though, Other than a 20 percent chance of rain in the forecast, it looks to be a beautiful day -- perfect for riding your thunder-rumbling Harleys and Hondas, BMWs, Kawasakis, Yamahas, Suzukis, and if you're really lucky, your Indians along the winding, rolling roads...
Southside students, teachers meet animals up close (05/11/10)
Thomas looks ahead to year in county jail (05/07/10)
Attorneys hope to have a resolution to one of Tennessee's largest animal cruelty cases in two weeks. Meanwhile, the man accused of starving over 100 cows to death accepted a plea deal to charges he faced in Circuit Court. John Darron Thomas will serve 362 days at the Bedford County jail for two counts of DUI, failure to appear, and two counts of theft under $500...
Spay, neuter sponsors defray adoptees' costs (04/28/10)
Not everyone who wants to help abandoned animals find a forever home can adopt one. They may not have room; they may live in a complex that forbids pets; or they may have already adopted so many that another one could lead to divorce court ... But you don't have to take a pet to your own home to save it. ...
Bats' best friend (04/25/10)
Holy Chiroptera, it's Bat Boy! No, Kyle Pyrdom isn't trying out for the next Batman movie, or even starring in the musical based on one tabloid's favorite recurring character, Bat Boy. What he's doing is learning all he can about the endangered gray bat of Tennessee -- and what he can do to help...
More rehab awaits Thomas before cases (04/18/10)
The man accused of one of the state's largest animal cruelty cases will complete a second 30-day period of drug rehabilitation before appearing again before two judges. Meanwhile, a 2011 trial date has been set in federal court in his suit against the county, the sheriff's department and three of its deputies...
Burglary suspects caught and pet gerbil goes home (04/13/10)
Three young men and a teen have confessed to a number of break-ins, with the only item returned so far being a child's pet gerbil. Arrested were: n Tyler Joseph Anderson, 19, of Parker Road, charged with three counts of vandalism, three counts of theft of property, two counts of aggravated burglary and auto burglary. He is being held on $63,000 bond...
'Paws For A Cause' runners benefit animals (03/21/10)
83 and ailing, elder Thomas misses court date (03/18/10)
Court dates for John Darron Thomas, accused of hundreds of counts of animal cruelty involving dead and starved cattle, has been reset for later next month due to his attendance at an alcohol and drug treatment center. Meanwhile, Thomas' elderly father did not show for his first court appearance on related charges, while the remaining cattle that are at the center of the cruelty case have been sold...
Singer honors 'Atticus' at Paws for a Cause (03/18/10)
Country music pro Wyatt Easterling became aware of the Middle Tennessee Spay & Neuter Clinic after friend Nikki Mitchell of Waylon Jennings Music adopted one of the dogs, the victim of a recent cruelty case, from Bedford County Animal Control. Now named Abilene, the dog and Easterling are fast friends and Abby spends much of her time on Music Row with him...
Bird request puts her in the doghouse (03/14/10)
The following is an actual reproduction of a conversation I had with my husband. Okay, maybe I tweaked it a little bit, but the essence is there .... Me: I had the best interview the other day. This lady raises Cavalier King Charles spaniels and .....
Alpacas return to Calsonic Arena (03/07/10)
Opposable thumbs for critters earns a big thumbs down (03/07/10)
Wednesday, for the 99.99 percent of you who weren't aware of it, was National What if Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs Day. This is probably my favorite of the silly "holidays" listed out there, simply because my cats don't need opposable thumbs. Brains, yes. ...
621 more animal cruelty charges filed against Thomas (03/05/10)
A member of the state's agriculture crime unit says it's the worse case of animal abuse he's ever seen. John Darron Thomas now faces an additional 621 counts of animal cruelty after investigators completed their tally of dead and starved cattle discovered last month...
Paws for a Cause returns (02/25/10)
Last year, the runners and observers at the inaugural "Paws for a Cause" 5K run had at least two things in common. They cared about the welfare of animals -- and they were freezing. The run took place on Feb. 21, to coordinate with National Spay Day, observed the following Tuesday...
Roundup continues as officials search for remaining cows (02/17/10)
Snow has hampered the search for the remains of a cattle herd authorities claim have been starved, while more live cows are being cared for. Meanwhile, the man sheriff's officials say is responsible for the dead animals is free on bonds totalling over $1 million and new autopsy results have confirmed the cause of death to be starvation...
Dog comes to defense of woman in abuse case (02/17/10)
A dog helped break up a domestic dispute at a Shelbyville home over the weekend, police said. Adam Liopaldo Bravo, 21, Earnhart Street, allegedly hit a female acquaintance in the head, leaving a knot, put his fist through walls several times and smashed furniture at a Fairway Green Drive home early Valentine's Day morning...
Winter coats (02/17/10)
Thomas faces more charges in cattle cruelty case (02/14/10)
More animal cruelty charges are expected to be filed against a Wartrace man as investigators continue to search for starved cattle. John Darron Thomas of Clyde Gleaves Road may be facing up to 300 counts of aggravated animal cruelty after members of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department said they discovered more cattle carcasses on his property. Deputies were on the land again Saturday...
Starved or shot? Officials, owner spar over cows' condition (02/11/10)
Multiple counts of aggravated animal cruelty are pending against a Wartrace man who authorities say has starved his cattle. However, the man accused claims that his cows were shot after he filed a $6 million federal lawsuit against the sheriff and three deputies...