Hickory Creek – The Little Shelter with the Big Heart
Shelters across the nation are overcrowded, crammed full with strays, with 60 percent picked up by animal control officers and 29 percent of pets being surrendered by their owners.
The most common and endlessly repeated “reasons” for surrender include moving and can’t take the pet, working more and no time for the dog or cat, having a baby, etc. Some come from pet parents who, for whatever reasons, can no longer afford the steeply rising costs of veterinary services and other maintenance issues.
Even Hickory Creek Animal Shelter is feeling the squeeze, with officers Sara Sexton and Robert Paterson scratching their heads for solutions.
“We have space for 10 dogs,” Paterson explained, “and we currently have 13. Most are strays along with some who were dumped, which are especially sad situations. We have 10 kennels with spacious runs attached. Anything over 10 means we’re forced to utilize other areas of the facility such as the quarantine room.”
The most impressive Badge of Honor an animal shelter can wear is No Kill. Having, and keeping, that badge is a goal Hickory Creek pushes the envelope to meet. Hickory Creek does not euthanize for space which, simply put, refers to euthanizing one dog to make room for another.
However, Hickory Creek’s shelter may use euthanasia as a last resort for animals who suffer an incurable injury or illness or who have dangerous behavioral issues with no chance of rehabilitation.
Current economic conditions hamstring all shelters. Most shelters are strapped for cash with private donations down, combined with many towns and cities tightening their budgets. Some have even had to close their shelters.
Hickory Creek is a prime example of drastic changes. “We handle Hickory Creek, Shady Shores, and Corinth,” Sara explained. “Each of us has a truck, and we’ve learned how to balance our schedules so that someone is always available to do what’s needed. And don’t forget, Hickory Creek has a lot of Corps of Engineer property. That means we receive calls about wildlife frequently.”
Like most other shelters, Hickory Creek posts available animals on social media, including Facebook, Petfinder, and other sites. But so does everyone else. So, a month ago, Hickory Creek flared the edges of the envelope and engaged in a new partnership to promote their adoptable pets.
Outlaw FitCamp’s has joined the Hickory Creek Animal Shelter to get more pets connected to their forever families. Jody and Jessica Roach, owners of the Hickory Creek location, and Jesse James and Tiffany Leyva, original founders of Outlaw, agreed to offer their aid.
“Our part of the deal is to offer a free, one-month membership in Outlaw FitCamp’s Hickory Creek location to anyone over 18 who adopts from the shelter,” Jody said. “We started in March. Also, the 10-year anniversary of Outlaw FitCamp’s Hickory Creek location is this summer. We’re planning a big, on-premises celebration and include a pet adoption. These animals need, and deserve, homes. We want to
do our part.”
“There’s also the fact that having a pet is like working out,” Jody continued. “Both activities can decrease stress, improve heart health and cholesterol levels, and develop cardiovascular strength. The end result is both you and the dog transition into greatly improved lifestyles.”
In an effort to make adoption more accessible, adoption fees have been waived for a limited time.
To participate, call the Hickory Creek Animal Shelter to set up a time to visit. When you pick up your new best friend, simply stop at Outlaw FitCamp (Hickory Creek location) on your way home to sign up for your free membership.
Neither you nor your new pet will ever regret the decision.
