On June 4, a remarkable journey began for twenty-four dogs from The Doggie House, as they traveled from the serene landscapes of rural Tennessee to the bustling streets of New York. This initiative aims to place these deserving animals into foster homes with compassionate individuals eager to adopt them. The effort was made possible through the collaboration of The Doggie House and its partners, including Best Friends, FOLCA, and CASA, along with dedicated local volunteers Jeff Pettus and Joe Beckman, who undertook the 13-hour drive to ensure the dogs reached their new destination. Under the guidance of Shelter Director Ginger Morgan, the mission was clear: to provide these dogs with a brighter future.
Jeff Pettus, a volunteer with FOLCA and a passionate advocate for animal welfare, expressed his emotions as he witnessed the dogs boarding the van. “Seeing these dogs climb into that van, knowing they’re headed for families who will cherish them — that’s what it’s all about,” he remarked. Despite being a small shelter in a rural area, Pettus emphasized that these dogs are deserving of significant futures. The transport is part of The Doggie House’s “True North” initiative, which aims to connect dogs in Lawrence County with rescue organizations in the North, where there is a higher demand for adoptable pets.
Each dog on this transport has undergone a comprehensive evaluation and has been spayed or neutered, ensuring they are healthy and ready for adoption upon arrival in New York. Joe Beckman, who joined Pettus in driving the transport, shared his thoughts on the importance of the mission. “Every one of these dogs has a story, and we’re honored to be part of getting them on the path to their forever homes. This is what teamwork and community look like,” he stated.
Ginger Morgan, the Director of The Doggie House, expressed pride in the success of this transport but also highlighted the challenges faced by shelters. “We’re so proud of this effort, but transports like this aren’t happening as often anymore,” she noted. With shelters in the North also experiencing overwhelming numbers, Morgan emphasized the urgency of seizing opportunities like this one. However, she cautioned that transporting dogs alone cannot solve the issue of overcrowding. The community’s involvement is crucial, particularly in adopting, fostering, and ensuring pets are spayed and neutered.
In light of these needs, The Doggie House is reaching out to the community for support. They are looking for volunteer drivers for future transports, short-term fosters to care for the dogs, and shelter