Thanks to the support of the PETCO foundation, A.A.R.F. has purchased a transport vehicle to assist in relocating animals from the full shelters in the upper cumberland to empty shelters in the north.  Thanks to Cookeville Nissan’s Jeff Lichtle for his awesome service and the GREAT DEAL we received on this van!  We will be having the van wrapped shortly!

A BIG THANKS to The PETCO Foundation for their MORE than GENEROUS $45,000 contribution to fund the beginning of our northern transort program.  Letters of recommendation written by Store Manager Kelly Darty, Assistant Store Manager Megan Arnold and staff at PETCO store 1637 – our grant request was approved, and we are in receipt of the funds for our transport vehicle. 

We expect to transport approximately 3000 animals a year out of the Upper Cumberland to Empty Shelters in the north.  If you operate a rescue or shelter in the 14 counties within the upper cumberland  and need transport assistance, please contact us at [email protected]. 

Cumberland County Animal Control, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department and the Humane Society of the United Stated led the effort yesterday to rescue 33+ dogs from a suspect hoarding case in Cumberland County.  A.A.R.F. was called late Monday asking for assistance with this case.  Jennifer Farley and Linda Randall were on the scene for most of the day yesterday, assisting with socializing dogs and rescuing 7 dogs into the A.A.R.F. program.  The worst case, “Windy”, is a white pit bull mix who is severely underweight, malnourished, covered in gashes, and has a serious bacterial skin infection. Windy was thought to be 19 years old as stated by the property owners.  Upon further investigation by Dr. Barker with Copeland Veterinary Hospital, also on the scene, it was determined that Windy is just 2 years young!   Jackie Baker with Wags and Whiskers Spay Neuter Advocates is fostering her at the present time.  Others rescued are Bucky, a male beagle hound mix; Daisy Dukes, a female chihuahua; Roxy, a female brindle feist mix; Piper, a female black and white boxer mix; Xorro, a male black and tan chihuahua; and Buck, a male deer chihuahua. 

We are in need of financial support to pay for the needed veterinary care for these animals.  Please visit www.aarf-tn.com/donate to make your tax deductible donations to assist these animals in getting the care that they need. 

Charity is a sweet 5 year young female maltese mix that found in rural white county.  She arrived at the shelter there, and Shelter Manager Ronni Connely called in a panic, asking for assistance.  Charity was transported to us immediately.  Upon evaluation, we confirmed that Charity had chewed part of her leg completely off.    She was covered in matts, had multiple flea and bug colonies living in her coat – but when our director picked her up, she cradled up against her and sighed a big, heavy sigh…as if she knew she was now safe. 

Charity went to see Dr. Parker with Best Friends Veterinary Hospital, where it was determined that the leg was severely infected and most of the leg would need to be removed.  In addition, she would need a complete dental as her teeth were in terrible shape, along with the standard spay protocol that A.A.R.F. has.  Ironically, she was already spayed as discovered by Dr. Parker prior to cutting her open! 

Charity recovered from her surgery and became best friends with the Best Friends Staff!  She is very loveable and sweet, and loves to snuggle against you and be carried around.  A.A.R.F. received our $600+ bill and began fundraising plans to save enough money to pay it. 

Shortly thereafter, the Doctor watched Charity walk for the first time since removing her leg – and her achilles tendon in her other leg is not functioning properly.  We are now trying to determine if it is in Charity’s best interest to have a surgical procedure which “freezes” the tendon in place, or if she should just live out the remainder of her life walking as she does.  The surgery is very expensive and will require a lot of after care.  In addition, she will need a wheelchair to get around (a generous donation offer made by Ann Fisher – “THANK YOU!”). 

But regardless of what is done, we must first raise the funds to pay for the original procedure of $605.00.  If you would like to contribute to Charity’s fund, please click the link below to make your tax deductible donation.  As usual, A.A.R.F. puts every penny received directly towards the animals and their care.  This is by far one of the worst cases we’ve seen, and we need your help to continue saving these lives. 

https://aarf-tn.com/donate/

OR – you can drop a donation off at PETCO in Cookeville, TN on Saturday Noon until 6PM.

OR – you can drop a donation off at the Fairfield Glade Arts & Crafts Show in FFG this Saturday and Sunday (5/26-5/27) – Look for the AARF booths!

OR – you can pay on our bill at BEST FRIENDS VETERINARY HOSPITAL in the KROGER Shopping center.

Any amount is appreciated and will help.   You can mail your donations to:

P.O. Box 4074 ~ Cookeville, TN  38502

Or email for more information [email protected]

A.A.R.F. and Charity Appreciate your support!

Central Bark, our newest grooming friend, has opened a facility in crossville at 11 Irwin Avenue!  Phone Number 931-787-1616.  They do an EXCELLENT job and have assisted A.A.R.F. and The Cumberland County Animal Shelter with many homeless animals thus far!

The ASPCA awarded AARF a grant in the amount of $2500 to save 40+ dogs from euthanasia at the Cumberland County Animal Shelter in Crossville!  Thank you ASPCA for your generosity and your committment to helping save lives!

Please consider donating to help thousands of homeless pets in the Upper Cumberland Region of Tennessee get the care that they need – and take a tax deduction before year end!  A.A.R.F. (All About Rescue and Fixin Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) charity and we are funded ONLY by your donations!  So please, make a donation to help us continue to save the thousands that need saving.  Their lives are dependent upon you.

This young dog arrived at the shelter recently, and desperately needs medical attention.  Meet Nero!  A young, male Shih Tzu mix who cannot move his back legs well.  He gets up just enough to use the potty away from his sleeping and eating area, then retreats back to his bed to rest.  He “Smiles” for you on command, appears to be housetrained, and has a very loveable and sweet personality.  Please sponsor NERO so that AARF can get him the care that he needs. 

Please click ANY of the DONATE NOW links on our site to assist with sponsorship of this wonderful, smiling boy!

Spay/Neuter (Fixin’) is good for…

     You

     Your Pet

     Your Community

What is Spay/Neuter?  It is the sterilization of animals so that they cannot make more kittens or puppies.  It is a surgical procedure, performed by licensed veterinarians while the pet is asleep and free of pain.  Depending on your pet’s age, size and health, he or she will stay at your veterinarian’s office for a few hours or maybe overnight. 

Depending upon the procedure, your pet may need stitches removed.  Your veterinarian can fully explain his/her spay and neuter procedures to you.  If you have a new puppy or kitten, don’t wait!  Pets can become parents sooner than you think.  Early age spay/neuter is safe and effective so talk with your veterinarian at your pet’s first visit.

It’s Good for You!

You can enjoy your spayed or neutered pet more; they are often more affectionate companions. 

Female pets that have been spayed do not go into heat

You won’t have the mess that comes with the female reproductive cycle or the boisterous,  noisy male suitors.

Neutered male cars are less likely to spray and mark territory; dogs are less likely to roam and fight.

Spaying and neutering also reduces the risk of some health problems, offering you more years with your beloved pet.

By making sure that your pet can’t have babies, you’ll have peace of mind that his or her offspring won’t be put down in an animal shelter.

It’s Good for Your Pet!

                Sterilized pets live longer, healthier lives.

                It reduced the chance for several diseases

                It will make your cat or dog even more affectionate

When should it be done?  Cats and dogs as young as 6 months old can become pregnant.  Cats can become pregnant again very soon after giving birth.  We recommend getting young pets spayed/neutered at or before 5 months old.  Older pets can have the operation at any time that they are not in heat, but a nursing mother should probably not have the operation until her babies are eating solid food. 

But It Costs Too Much… Actually, it’s a bargain compared to the cost of having a litter and ensuring the health of the mother and litter.  Two months of pregnancy and another two months until the litter is weaned can add up to significant veterinary bills and food costs.  Most importantly, it’s a very small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of the births of more unwanted pets.

Can Someone help me with the costs?  Wags and Whiskers Spay/Neuter Advocates can help pay the cost if you need assistance.  You will be asked to pay as much as you can afford.  Your pet will get the surgery, a rabies vaccination and cats get a feline leukemia/FIV test.  Follow the steps below:

                Call 931-788-2201 and talk to Jackie or Alan.

                Agree to a co-pay amount

                You make the appointment with our veterinarian and let us know when it is.

                We create a voucher and you pay the co-pay when you pick it up.

                You take your pet to the veterinarian on the morning of surgery between 8 and 9AM

                You give the veterinarian the voucher

                You pick your pet up per the instructions of the veterinarian

                The veterinarian will bill Wags and Whiskers

                If needed, you have the stitches removed after 14 days (no charge)

Please donate to Wags and Whiskers to keep this program going! 

Using Paypal – send money to [email protected]

Mail Checks to:  Wags and Whiskers, 121 Creek View Drive, Crossville, TN  38555

Contact Wags and Whiskers at 931-788-2201

Visit Wags and Whiskers Website at www.wawpr.org