On January 8, 2008, the Blount County Humane Society (BCHS) issued an email (shown below) to numerous individuals, media and animal welfare organizations in the area and across the state. The email was issued by Humane Society President Steve Phipps in an attempt to attack and degrade Smoky Mountain Animal Care Foundation (SMACF) and their efforts to raise money and assist in the construction of a new Blount County Animal Center.

In addition to the negative comments directed at SMACF, the BCHS also attacked numerous animal welfare organizations in the area that support the efforts being made in Blount County towards this new facility. Animal Rescue and Fostering Networks (ARFNets) was one of these organizations. In this email, the BCHS accuses ARFNets of abandoning their Core Beliefs by supporting the efforts that SMACF is making in Blount County.

The Fur Ball was a Great Success!

The Bouffants put on a rocking good show that got everyone up and shaking it! We had some great donated items that brought lots of interest and helped make a lot of money for the new animal center.

Just wait til next year!

Let’s Raise the Woof

Link...

Groundbreaking has started. Concrete is soon to be poured. Now is the time to really get involved with all the things going on with Smoky Mountain Animal Care Foundation and the New Blount County Animal Shelter.

Our next meeting is Saturday, January 12, 2008, at the Blount County Library. 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Come see shelter plans. Hear what we are doing to see that the animals in Blount County have a chance at life. That they do not starve on our streets, or be hit by cars, or shot or poisoned by people who are tired of dogs running loose.

Let us know if you are interested in the Memorial bricks which will pave a garden walk at the shelter, and I will see if I can have one of them brought to the meeting.

Come and make plans to dance the night away in the Gala Fundraiser, the first annual "Fur Ball" at the Royal Oaks Country Club. Dance for the Animals!

Come see us at the next meeting!! Bring your friends! Everyone who is interested in helping or learning about the new shelter is welcome to our meetings.

Terry

Here is a artist rendering of the new Blount County Animal Center. As you can see, this will not be like the Maryville Shelter. And it is at the center of 12 acres. It has been placed on the land where it will hopefully cause the least noise nusiance to its neighbors.

This land was donated by the county for the shelter. It has been selected for its easy access as well as the large acreage. There are plans to later put in walking paths, dog parks, and other landscaping. We hope to see a center that will be a place to go. And hope it will be an approvement to the neighborhood.

Terry

Your presence is requested for the Ceremonial Ground Breaking of the NEW Blount County Animal Center—January 8, 2008 at 3pm

When: January 8, 2008 at 3pm

Where: 12-acre site located on Tyler Road located behind the

Boys and Girls Club

241 Currie Ave

Maryville, TN 37804

*The exact address has not been finalized as the road to the center is just being put in this week. Directions should be sourced based on the Boys and Girls Club address.

Who: Hosted by the Smoky Mountain Animal Care Foundation

What: The ceremony last approximately 30 minutes and will feature guest speakers (still waiting on confirmation of their attendance)

Why: Blount County is currently relying on the Loudon County Shelter to provide shelter to the homeless and abandoned animals in Blount County. The new Blount County Animal Center will feature an adoption center, over 140 kennels, medical suite and a focus on educational outreach to address the lack of spay and neutering of companion animals in the county.

Next Tuesday, Jan 8th at 3:00!