Fayette County Animal Rescue

DogTime salutes Tennessee’s Fayette County Animal Rescue.

How did your organization get started?

In 1998 two women decided to make a difference in the lives of the many animals that were suffering needlessly in Fayette County. From two kennels in a garage to a shelter that houses over 100 animals in a sanctuary environment, their dedication and love of animals and the will to make a difference in their community spawned one of the largest no-kill organizations in the Mid South area.

Heartbreaking years of struggle for these two founding members have given hope and a new life to thousands of animals that would have died needlessly on the rural roads of Fayette County. Their friendship and loving bond continues today for their life long mission of making a difference for all the needy animals that come into their lives. Fayette County Animal Rescue is located in one of the largest counties in the state of Tennessee. Each month Animal Control picks up on the average 130 animals a month. All of these animals are euthanized after 72 hours. FCAR is the only No-Kill, No Cages Animal Shelter in Fayette County.

What is your mission?

To offer refuge, medical care, nourishment and an opportunity for a second chance for life to injured and abused animals.
To foster a public sentiment of humanity and gentleness toward animals and protect them from cruelty, neglect, carelessness and ignorance.
To promote responsible pet ownership through humane education.
To enhance the quality of human life with animal companionship.

How do most of your animals find their way to you?

FCAR primarily rescues animals from situations of cruelty and neglect. We have three certified animal cruelty investigators and we work with the local sheriff and police departments to investigate, educate, and if necessary, seize animals from terrible situations. We also take in stray animals with severe medical issues (i.e. hit by car, open wounds, etc.).

What happens to the animals once they are in your care?

We are a no kill shelter so all animals are lovingly treated by our veterinarians, volunteers, and staff. All animals are treated for all medical issues and are vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped and made available for adoption. We have a beautiful facility on five acres so all animals are placed in extremely large yards, with multiple dogs if they get along, so that while waiting for their new forever home they maintain a very high quality of life.

Tell us about a particularly compelling animal or inspiring rescue.

On June 15, 2011, FCAR investigated a complaint of two emaciated animals. Melody was over 20 pounds under weight and was tied up with her brother Conner at a residence in Fayette County. Once we got Melody back to our shelter she actually lost an additional 4 pounds because her body was completely incapable of digesting food.

With a lot of medicine and special canned food, Melody is up to 32.5 pounds after three weeks of treatment. Her ideal weight is probably closer to 60 lbs. She is currently in a foster home and her spirit is absolutely amazing. She loves all other dogs and people and currently spends her rehabilitation time curled up on her foster parents bed, snuggling her foster brother. Melody has about six more months of recovery before we will be able to place her up for adoption but her spirit is so amazing we just know that she will make someone a phenomenal pet.