Viola Valley Dogs making difference
One of the great traditions of the holiday season is getting together to exchange gifts and enjoy the fellowship of family and friends. Although we generally think of our human companions this time of year, there are some other faithful friends who deserve our consideration.
In fact, they have long been called man’s best friend, and those who have enjoyed the companionship of a dog know exactly how rewarding this relationship can be. Sadly, many of these wonderful animals are abandoned and left to fend for themselves, the result of irresponsible owners who generate litter after litter of unwanted dogs because they fail to spay or neuter their pets.
Despite this grim picture, there is hope for at least some of these animals because of two very special people, Linda and Ralph Coursey, who operate a local no-kill animal shelter called Viola Valley Dogs.
Linda has been involved in dog rescue for many years and is lucky enough to have the whole-hearted support of her husband. They are a perfect example of how one dedicated couple can make a difference, and the numbers Linda reports certainly bear this out.
‘To date this year, we have taken in 605 puppies and dogs, with the majority being puppies. We have adopted out 456 and sent 129 to North Shores Rescue in New York,’ Linda said. ‘In 2006, we took in 578, adopted out 356, and sent 164 to North Shores Rescue. Also in 2006, we had 171 dogs spayed or neutered. So far in 2007, we had 25 dogs, most of them mama dogs, spayed or neutered.’
Linda and Ralph carry on this work because they love these animals and want to find them good homes, instead of having them killed. As always the shelter is looking for responsible owners to take these animals into their homes, particularly the older ones. The say Christmas is the perfect time of year to bring a wonderful new member into the family.
‘Viola Valley Dogs has some beautiful grown dogs who would really like to have a family for Christmas,’ Linda said. ‘Some of these dogs came to our shelter with puppies. Most of them were abandoned when their owners found out they were going to have puppies or after they had their puppies.’
The Courseys hope local pet owners take responsibility for their animals and have them spayed or neutered so this vicious cycle doesn’t continue.
‘The dog situation in Warren County is getting worse instead of better,’ Linda said. ‘Please plead with your commissioner and the county executive to face this serious problem. And please spay or neuter your pets.’
Those who love these wonderful examples of God’s creatures can also make a difference in another way. Linda and Ralph operate Viola Valley Dogs out of the goodness of their hearts, but obviously running this kind of operation takes money.
In 2006, expenses from dog food, vet bills, supplies, kennels and dog houses, fuel, outside labor and utilities amounted to $55,754. The shelter did take in $11,430 in adoption fees and received $31,183 in donations, but this left Linda and Ralph donating $13,141 of their own money just to cover expenses.
‘Viola Valley Dogs needs your continuing support to keep this shelter going,’ Linda said.
Those who would like to make a donation can send their check directly to Viola Valley Dogs, c/o Linda Coursey, P.O. Box 813, McMinnville, Tenn., 37111. Viola Valley Dogs can be contacted by phone at 635-2765, or visit their Web site at www.violavalleydogs.com.