The American Humane Association in June presented Tennessee animal rescue group Tipton Treasures/PAWS New England, Inc., with a $12,250 Animal Emergency Services grant in the wake of the Loosahatchie River flood. The flood destroyed the Tipton Treasures sanctuary in Millington, TN on May 1.
“Overnight, we literally saw almost four years of hard work wiped away and the figure to rebuild was staggering for such a small rescue,” said Kelly Parker, co-founder and vice president of Tipton Treasures/PAWS New England. “We were concerned that our rescue would have to close. American Humane literally saved our organization during these critical hours.”
Although sanctuary workers rescued all 43 dogs living in the sanctuary at the time of the flood, the water ruined the dogs’ housing. The sanctuary routinely rescues 15 to 20 dogs a week but has not been able to accept new animals since the disaster.
Tipton Treasures/PAWS New England has been a lifeline for local animal shelters in Tennessee with high euthanasia rates due to an epidemic of animal overpopulation and low number of local adoptions. At the sanctuary, dogs receive medical and behavior examinations before being transported to foster or forever homes in the New England area. Since 2006, the sanctuary has saved the lives of 3,500 dogs.
“It is our commitment to support local shelters, especially when disasters strike,” said Debrah Schnackenberg, vice president of American Humane’s Animal Programs. “We look forward to seeing the sanctuary rebuild so Tipton Treasures/PAWS New England can continue their vital work.”
Animal Emergency Services grants are made possible through donations to American Humane. Learn more about how to donate directly to American Humane’s Animal Emergency Services at AmericanHumane.org/Donate. –Valerie Lute
