Animal Talk/News

Todd De Haven

Often I read or hear remarks about people and organizations “rescuing” animals from the Animal Control Facility. Often these remarks are made, even if not intended, in a manner that could lead one to believe that Animal Control is nothing more than a way stop on the way to an animal being euthanized. I therefore think the time has come to address a host of popularly held misconceptions; time for folks to learn as Paul Harvey says, “The rest of the story.”

The outstanding staff at Greene County Animal Control, Eddie Key and his assistants Jeremy Southerland and Dustin Jeffers, care for animals just as much and often more, than do many pet owners. Because of their necessary mandate from the County, they must euthanize a heartbreaking number of animals. It is anathema to Eddie, Jeremy and Dustin to have to go through this heartbreaking procedure, necessitated in the opinion of many, by Greene County’s own intransigence in implementing realistic animal control laws and measures. Just because the Animal Control staff, as do all informed animal supporters, recognize the current necessity of euthanasia to at least help control the increase in the homeless domestic animal population, that in no way means the practice doesn’t bother them. It does and it does so a lot.

We of the Humane Society get really steamed that these three committed county employees, instead of receiving the universal praise of both individual animal lovers and organizations, are often referred to in derogatory or demeaning terms. Let me tell you this. Before anyone ever “rescued” an animal from Animal Control, that animal in all probability was already truly rescued, from a back county road, highway or field by Eddie, Jeremy or Dustin.

Animals rescued by animal control even if they do have to be put down, don’t have to face virtually certain death from causes far more horrendous than humane euthanization. They well may be saved a horrible death from injuries suffered after being run over by a motor vehicle. More often, they are spared a slow and agonizing death as a result of disease or starvation. And despite the fact that the rescued animal may indeed have to be eventually humanely euthanized, it is nevertheless provided warm and dry shelter, a proper diet, and yes even loving care (and let me stress LOVING CARE) untilthey must cross that rainbow bridge. Often, when responding to a “stray animal” complaint, these three professionals, all of whom we of your Humane Society consider true heroes, will occasionally find instead of a stray, a severely injured animal. While not required to do so, they will nevertheless gently pick up the animal and if it is suffering what appear to be non fatal injuries, bring the injured cat or dog up to our facility for evaluation. Most times, we will be able to nurse that animal back to health and put it up for adoption.

People dropping by Animal Control who happen to see an animal they wish to adopt, are informed by Eddie and crew that they can go next door to our Animal Adoption Center where arrangements can be made to adopt that animal through us. Conversely, those visiting our Animal Adoption Center but who for whatever reason don’t find the type or size animal they are seeking, are strongly encouraged by our staff to go down to Animal Control and see if their special treasure may be down there.

So the next time you hear about “those people at Animal Control who just kill the animals,” take time out to correct their misconception. All Greene Countians are indeed very fortunate to have Eddie Keys, Jeremy Southerland and Dustin Jeffers out there to truly rescue and to provide for many hundreds of animals, at least a shot for a true and loving home.

On the other side of us this year was Bill Tackhett of Whole House Lightning Protection. I thought I knew something about lightning suppression. Boy did I have a lot to learn. I just figured you put up a lightning rod or two on the house and ran a line from each to a couple of grounds. Wrong! I also thought that a metal roof protected you. Wrong again! If you still believe what I used to and they manage to get the fire out before everything’s gone, you can always call Bobby at Tennessee Cleaning for the smoke removal job (he’s always in the first booth). He might even bring along some of those great butter mints! Oh and speaking of fire, for those living outside of Greeneville, please, before you forget if you haven’t already done so this year, sit down and write a generous check to your volunteer fire department. If you have a pet, also please put a pet finder sticker alongside your child finder sticker on the windows. As is so often the case when it comes to the necessity of strong financial support of your volunteer fire departments, I’ll merely say….if you only knew.

Ron Jones (known to thousands of Green Countians as that famous Big Dawg), his wife Chastity and their adorable son Chris who is 10, dropped by the booth to chat. Chris told me all about his dog Shaggy (who of course came from the Humane Society’s Animal Adoption Center). I told him to next year bring by a picture of Shaggy.

David Hawk and Eddie Yokely, our two popular State Representatives and both strong supporters of your Humane Society, also were out at the Fair. I do so look forward to talking with these two great guys and getting an update not only with what’s happening on the Nashville scene but especially how the kids are doing. I couldn’t believe how much David’s daughter had grown and Eddie’s eldest son, a West Point Graduate, is now a physician soon to become a Flight Surgeon! It seems only yesterday he entered West Point. The “other” Eddie Yokely, the one that carries a badge and a gun for Greene County was of course also in attendance. I concluded just from the clan gathered around him that he was more popular than even I imagined. He told me they’re all relatives. From what I saw it wouldn’t surprise me were Eddie’s kin to fill half of Neyland stadium. Oh, and talk about having a daughter who’s growing up!!!!!

As usual, the great group from Towering Oaks Baptist Church kept circulating through the building with trays of ice cold water for all and the local church restaurant booths once again kept everyone well fed and at rock bottom prices, too.

Leaving the fair grounds Friday night wouldn’t you know I spotted the results of the Demolition Derby being carted away. Darn, it must have been a doozy! Well, I ‘reckon there’s always next year.